08/25/10 V1I31 by South Florida Gay News

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Lesbian Officer Chronicles Career

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August 25, 2010 • VOLUME 1 • Issue 31

Surfing Down Under INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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MSNBC Rejects Anti-Target Ad

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Out in: Montreal

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August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Pridelines Youth Services Announces Annual Adult Gala Boogie Nights – A Flashback to the ’70s”

August 25, 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 31

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

By Joey Amato

reak out the bellbottoms, pull out the polyester and get ready to channel Donna Summer as Pridelines Youth Services presents it fifth annual adult gala fundraiser – “Boogie Nights – A Flashback to the ’70s.” The cocktail reception, silent auction,

dinner and dance will flashback to the era of Greg and Marsha Brady on Saturday, September 11, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Treetop Ballroom of Jungle Island. “The adult gala is one of the most anticipated Pridelines events of the year,” said Victor Diaz-Herman, executive director of Pridelines. “This year, we’re returning to our roots with a prom-themed gala so Pridelines sup-

porters can re-live the prom they probably never had, with a date they probably weren’t allowed to take. And it will all take place under the disco ball, of course.” Money raised from the gala goes to support Pridelines’ mission of educating and empowering South Florida’s LGBTQ youth and their straight allies through programming, counseling, support and referral services from a safe and diverse environment. In addition to proceeds from ticket sales, an exciting silent auction will help raise funds for the organization. Among the items and experiences up for the highest bid is a seven-night stay in Buenos Aires. Underwriting for “Boogie Nights” is graciously provided by 42 Below vodka, with additional support from Mystique Flowers and Events.

For more information about Pridelines, call (305) 571-9601, or visit Pridelines.org.

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

Chief Executive Officer Vice President, Sales. . . . . . . Cliff Dunn cliff.dunn@southfloridagaynews.com Creative Director. . . . . . . . . George Dauphin george.dauphin@southfloridagaynews.com Online Website Director. . . . . Dennis Jozefowicz

Editorial Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . Joey Amato joey.amato@southfloridagaynews.com Lifestyle & Features Editor. . . A. Sebastian Fortino sebastian.fortino@southfloridagaynews.com

News Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jarrett Terrill jarrett.t@southfloridagaynews.com Contributing Editor. . . . . . . . Penn Bullock penn.bullock@southfloridagaynews.com Arts/Entertainment Editor . . . Mary Damiano marysfgn@gmail.com SFGNites Editor. . . . . . . . . . . JW Arnold Health/HIV Editor. . . . . . . . . Paul Gallotta Business Editor . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Gary Senior Feature Correspondent. . . . . . . . . . . Jesse Monteagudo Contributing Columnists. . . . Tony Adams, Wayne Besen, AJ Cross, Susan Estrich, Brian McNaught, Leslie Robinson Patricia Nell Warren

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Classifieds Manager. . . . . . . . . Brian Swinford National Sales Representative.Rivendell Media todd@rivendellmedia.com Distribution Manager. . . . . . . J ohn Fugate, JR Davis, Walter Franco Printing and Publication . . . . Miami Offset South Florida Gay News.com is published weekly on Wednesdays. Our paper is a member of the Associated Press. The views and opinions expressed within this publication, in bylined columns, stories, and letters to the editor are those of the writers expressing them. They do not represent the opinions of South Florida Gay News.com, Inc., or the Publisher. They are included to promote free speech and diversity of thought. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations in SFGN, and it would be careless to do so. For the sake of readable newswriting, the word “gay” in SFGN should, when relevant, be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community. All of the material that appears in SFGN, both online at www. southfloridagaynews.com, and in our print edition, including articles used in conjunction with our contract with the Associated Press and our columnists, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Thus, nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher of SFGN, at his law office, Kent & Cormican, P.A., 110 Southeast 6th Street, Suite 1970, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33301. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright©2010 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

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August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Canine Casting Call By A. Sebastian Fortino

which the dogs enjoy. He also recommended the pills to friends of his with retired police o you have an older pooch that suffers canines. He says – resoundingly – that the pills remedied many of their health problems. from arthritis in their joints? Do they The locally based company is currently in suffer from inflammation? Is their coat a little search of spokespups. On Saturday August 28 dull? Well…Mussel Dogs is something you might want to look into. Mussell Dogs is made from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., Mussell Dogs will from New Zealand Green Lipped Mussels.The host a model search at the Pride Center. All dogs are encouraged to apply, Hollywood, Florida-based company has prodespecially if they are a little ucts that have proven to be a miracle for dogs older and a little in need of and their owners alike. some pain relief from arthritis “I started the human product and other related conditions. a year and a half ago, I had a lot “We are looking to cast 5 of aches and pains in my knee to 10 dogs, but specifically we and hip areas,” says Sergeant are looking for dogs that have arthritic or Richard Wierzbicki of Broward County. “I inflammatory issues. We’ll also have free gifts noticed a difference in about 4 or 5 days and within 2 or 3 weeks it was almost completely for doggies who attend the event, with owner present, of course,” laughed India Ingram, an gone. I used to take aspirin for aches & pains executive assistant in the business develop– I haven’t taken one since.” ment department. After he got into the product he learned They will also have a donation jar for that they produced a product for dogs. As those who would like to contribute to The the owner of a 15 year old Beagle named Pet Project for Pets. Rummy, Wierzbicki was happy to know that the same product was available in canine form, thanks to the addition of beta carotene For more information please visit Musseldogs.com

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MSNBC Rejects Anti-Target Ad from Liberal Group Associated Press ST. PAUL, Minn. – MSNBC rejected a TV ad calling for a boycott of Target Corp. after the retail giant made a political donation in Minnesota, continuing the controversy over corporate involvement in elections. MSNBC spokeswoman Alana Russo said Thursday that the commercial submitted by the liberal advocacy group MoveOn. org violates its advertising policy by attacking an individual business directly. The ad features Target’s bullseye logo and accuses the chain of trying to buy elections. MoveOn executive director Justin Ruben said the rejection was “the height of hypocrisy” and accused MSNBC and its corporate parent, General Electric Co., of trying to protect Target from consumer anger. MoveOn spokeswoman Ilyse Hogue said the ad began running Thursday on ABC, CBS and NBC affiliates in the Twin Cities.

KSTP, the ABC affiliate, and WCCO, the CBS affiliate, confirmed that the ad had started airing, while the NBC station, KARE, didn’t respond immediately to a message. MoveOn originally planned to spend $35,000 on the ad, including national air time on MSNBC. Hogue said the group hasn’t decided what to do with the money it planned to spend on the MSNBC slots. Minneapolis-based Target triggered a national backlash by giving $150,000 last month to a business-oriented political fund supporting conservative Minnesota GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer, who opposes gay marriage and other rights for samesex couples. Gay rights groups and liberals have protested at Target’s stores and headquarters. The flap showed the risks for businesses that take advantage of new freedom to spend company money directly on political campaigns after a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Courtesy of the Advocate.com

n a story broken on Advocate.com, the Human Rights Campaign will drop both Target Corp. and Best Buy, two companies embattled over donations that aided an antigay politician’s campaign, from its annual Buying for Equality Guide. In a Friday statement, HRC vice president of communications Fred Sainz said the national organization “will not encourage people to shop at either store and believes that consumers should make their own decisions after careful consideration of all of the information available to them. “Because we understand the impact of leaving Target and Best Buy on the various products associated with the buyer’s guide, both companies will soon be removed from it,” Sainz added. The decision comes after mounting criticism of the HRC Corporate Equality Index (from which the buyer’s guide is derived) and whether it accurately reflects a company’s record on LGBT equality. Speaking on M i c h e l a n g e l o Signorile’s satellite radio show Thursday, Sainz said HRC would remain neutral in a MoveOn.org-organized boycott of Target. But HRC announced last week that it would donate $150,000 to “help elect a pro-equality governor and legislature in Minnesota” after Target declined a request from the group to do so. “We believe that it is impossible to avoid turning any further actions into a political issue and will use the benefit of time to make thoughtful, careful decisions on how best to move forward,” Target spokeswoman Jessica Carlson said. Sainz told Signorile that HRC is grappling with a sea change in the realm of corporate political donations, resulting from the January U.S. Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which struck down limits on corporate spending in elections. “Already complicated, the Citizens Unit-

ed decision has made campaign finance issues even more complex,” Sainz said in the statement. “HRC is thoughtfully studying the many ramifications of political giving by companies in this new reality.” The court’s decision allowed for an influx in campaign spending, and Target, which donated $150,000 to an organization supporting Minnesota state representative Tom Emmer’s campaign for governor, has become a cautionary tale in corporate America. The retailer’s pro-LGBT reputation has quickly eroded in recent weeks, fueled by boycotts, viral protest videos, and demonstrations at Target locations around the nation. Emmer, who won the Republican gubernatorial primary election earlier this month, has consistently opposed marriage rights for same-sex couples and authored a 2007 state constitutional amendment prohibiting gay marriage. The HRC Corporate Equality Index has primarily focused on how a company treats its gay employees — using criteria such as partner benefits, diversity training, and nondiscrimination policies — but the latest report evaluates whether an employer “exhibits responsible behavior towards the LGBT community” and “does not engage in action that would undermine LGBT equality.” Both Target and Best Buy received 100% ratings on HRC’s 2010 index, completed before the controversial donations were made. HRC has delayed the release of its 2011 Corporate Equality Index as it considers the methodology used to compile the report. Target executives did not address the growing backlash in its second-quarter earnings call Wednesday. Though the company reported a 14.3% increase in net income compared to the year-ago period, it’s yet to be seen what impact the fallout resulting from Target’s political donations will have on future earnings. News of the donation broke just days before the end of the company’s second quarter on July 31.

HRC Drops Target

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August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

National News

Lawmakers Seek to Add ‘School Safety’ to the Agenda By Jarrett Terrill

n Thursday, August 5, Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the Safe Schools Improvement Act, which would include student protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This move comes after a lot of pressure from grassroots campaigns against hate crimes, legislation introduced against bullying and many statistics showing that LGBT youth are more likely to face harassment and depression, attempt suicide, and drop out of school. “Instead of turning a blind eye to schoolyard bullying we are addressing the root of the problem. Children are taught violence, it is not innate,” says Jowhara Sanders, who heads up a group called NVEEE (National Voices for Equality, Education & Enlightenment). “Far too many students have been denied their right to equal education, while countless

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others have paid the ultimate price.” The ultimate price Sanders refers to is death for the victims of some hate crimes. In Florida, hate crimes like the one that killed 26 year-old Ryan Skipper in 2007 were preceded by years of bullying and intimidation in central Florida. Even after his death, his community maligned him with unfounded rumors of drug use and illicit sexual behavior as to imply that “he got what he deserved.” Organizations like NVEEE and Gay American Heroes in South Florida aim to combat these grim realities with education and advocacy. In some cases, bullying and violence have lead schools to become what Sanders calls a “battlefield”. She says the new legislation, although very much needed and appreciated will be too late for some parents and her heart goes out to them. A 2007 survey by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network) showed that 86.4% of LGBT students had faced harassment at school, and that 60.8% felt unsafe because of their sexual orientation. The Senate Bill introduced last week follows the House Bill and includes all kids, regardless of their gender or orientation – although LGBT students will likely benefit very much from the new legislation. “The introduction of the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA) benefits society as a whole because we are finally demanding accountability of an entire nation of educators and lawmakers,” says Sanders. “Thank you to Senator Casey and to all of the co-sponsors of this bill. NVEEE solutes you.”

August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Survey: U.S. Lacks Gender Equality LGBT Americans See Greater Evidence of Inequality By Joey Amato

These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,412 adults surveyed online between June 14 and 21, 2010 by Harris Interactive including 341 adults who selfidentified as LGBT individuals. Bob Witeck, CEO of Witeck-Combs Communications, which specializes in LGBT marketing and trends, notes that, “LGBT Americans, who most likely recognize the consequences of their own workplace and social inequities are especially sensitive to perceived discrimination in all forms. For gay Americans, these may be life lessons that mirror their own experiences – and demonstrate that the divide today between men and women remains as real as the evidence of unfair and unequal treatment still shown to women in public life.”

mong all American adults, 63% agree that the U.S. still has a long way to go to reach complete gender quality. While three-quarters of women agree with this, so do just over half of men. By comparison, when this question is posed to LGBT adults, 73% say the U.S. still has a long way to go, including 95% of lesbians, an especially notable finding when compared with 74% of heterosexual females. When querying whether things are fine Percent of sector who agree that things are fine the way they are between between men and women, the nation is split – just over half of Americans disagree 55 men and women 56 that things are fine between the genders 44 43 while 43% say things are fine. But men and women have a different take on the 32 34 32 32 situation with over half of men believing things are fine compared to just one-third 22 of women. However, when these overall findings are contrasted with the attitudes of LGBT adults, s y ts ale ale ale ale BT Ga bian ual ul only 22% of lesbians and 32% of gay men l Ad tal M Fem l LG es sex ht M Fem L l l t g o ta o er trai suggest that things are fine between genders. A T Tota To igh et S ra H

News Commentary

tivists trying 2silence”isn’t American,not fair”) Palin’s advice of “don’t retreat…reload!” is perhaps an unfortunate choice of words. Given that Dr. Laura has some very strong By A. Sebastian Fortino feelings about the First Amendment, it is interesting that she has chosen to cite it now even though she once claimed it was not a sacred t should – or should not – surprise you right, nor a “get out of jail free that Dr. Laura, who recently card” a la Monopoly. took her First Amendment “The First Amendment is rights very seriously when she not the Eleventh Commanddropped the “N-bomb” more ment. Its protection does not than 10 times on her nationextend to ALL speech.” ally syndicated radio show, has Given the fact that both received support from former Palin and Dr. Laura will both Governor Sarah “Drill-Babybe looking for a new position Drill, Pitbull-With-Lipstick” Palin. “Doctor” Laura – Dr. Laura will not renew her Soon after Dr. Laura’s regretcontract when it expires later this year, Palin table usage of the word on air Sarah Palin left the governor’s mansion in Alaska – might reached out by way of Twitter.The below is a direct quote from her Twitter account, please we suggest a reality show starring the two pardon Palin’s sense of style as she was limited women? Dr. Laura can offend whoever she wants, and Palin – who definitely has a gun to less than 150 characters. “Dr. Laura: don’t retreat...reload! (Steps aside license – can “reload” and take aim at any unwelcome persons or opinions. bc her 1st Amend.rights ceased 2exist thx 2ac-

Palin to Dr. Laura: ‘Reload; No Retreat’

August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Media Commentary

Anne Plays Judy in ‘Homocon’ Tour Performances Earning No Oscars Yet… By Jarrett Terrill

Where Business Comes to Succeed. For advertising opportunities, call John Fugate: 954-530-4970

nn Coulter once said she doesn’t “pretend to be impartial or balanced” in a 2002 interview. Well, the admittedly un-balanced Coulter has tipped the boat many times before but now she may have capsized it in her latest attempt to keep herself in the headlines… Or has she? The “non-troversy” started when Nick Wing announced for the Huffington Post that Ann Coulter would be headlining a convention called ‘HomoCon’ for gay conservatives.The event is produced by GOProud, a log-cabin-like group that describes itself as the “only national organization representing gay conservatives.” Possibly aiming to draw a line in the sand near the subject of gay rights, the number one Internet tabloid for conservative America, World Net Daily - think of a right-wing Huffington Post mixed with the National Enquirer after a three day meth binge - had decided to drop Coulter from their upcoming “Taking America Back” convention. “Ultimately, as a matter of principle,” says WND’s CEO Joseph Farah, “It would not make sense for us to have Ann speak to a conference about ‘taking America back’ when she clearly does not recognize that the ideals to be espoused [at our convention] simply do not include the radical and very ‘un-conservative’ agenda represented by GOProud.” Farah and Coulter bantered back and forth in a very public and playful way about the possibility of her pleasing both conservative gays and what she calls the “nutty birthers” in Farah’s court. But the whole thing seems to be cooked up as far as many social networking commentators on the left are concerned. While noting that WND events like their upcoming “Tea Party at Sea” cruise draw in $929 - $2500 per person and HomoCon asks a mere $250 - $2500 per head, naysayers believe the play-fight between Coulter and WND to be an attempt to score some free media publicity and work both angles simultaneously. As Wing pointed out in his Huffington Post piece, GOProud is aligned with Doug Manchester, a California businessman and hotelier who donated $125,000 to anti-gay marriage Proposition 8. Manchester’s controversial “friendship” with the group was created when Manchester paid them to call off any boycotts they had against his businesses and hotels. After all, what good is being a conservative if you don’t love money more than ideals, right? Coulter, still keeping her day-job at World Net Daily, will simply be absent from the main event this year. But she calms the preexisting paranoia of her largely heterosexual WND readers by reminding them that she will she accept money from anyone, even “Harvard University, which is the equivalent of Al Qaeda,” but that isn’t any kind of “endorsement” on her part.

August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

‘Dump DOMA,’ Says Good Times Producer By Jarrett Terrill

orman Lear is the only man in the world who has won an Emmy Award, an Academy Award, a Television Academy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Peabody Award, an award from the American Humanist Association, his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and most notably the National Medal of Arts from Bill Clinton. But none of those awards can come close to the impact he’s had as the founder of People for the American Way (PFAW). A really big fan of the Declaration of Independence, Lear founded PFAW in 1981 on the notion that we as Americans must “strengthen the common cords that connect us as humans and citizens” and to “nurture a national climate that encourages and enhances the human spirit rather than one which divides people into hostile camps.” On Wednesday Aug 11, PFAW announced with a new petition website that it is officially time to “Dump DOMA” – the Defense of Marriage Act. This was undoubt-

Norman Lear

edly moved forward as an agenda for PFAW at least in part by the recent Federal ruling that California’s similarly worded Proposition 8 was unconstitutional. The Defense of Marriage Act was written by and introduced to the House of Representatives by then-Republican Bob Barr and it was signed into law by President Bill Clinton – who had also awarded Lear his National Medal of Arts. The primary function of DOMA is to prevent gays from claiming marriage rights on any Federal level. By 2008, Bob Barr – who was running for President on a Libertarian Ticket – and Bill Clinton had both changed their minds about the Act and apologized for the bill. “It’s becoming clear that the walls excluding LGBT Americans from equality under the law are coming tumbling down,” reads PFAW’s petition site, “The Judges and state legislatures who have come down on the side of equality are doing their jobs – now Congress and the President need to do theirs. Take action now to make sure that President Obama and Congress eliminate DOMA.” President Obama has said that he would make repealing DOMA a priority during his administration. However, some news sources such as ABC News and the Huffington Post have reported Obama’s Justice Department as “defending” DOMA behind the scenes in the past. Senate Majority leader Harry Reid is addressed in the petition along with other influential majority leaders. He voted Yes on DOMA when it was passed in 1996 and has not made the issue a priority since. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, on the other hand, was one of the few House Members who initially voted against DOMA becoming law in the first place along with two colleagues from Florida; Alcee Hastings and Carrie P. Meek (mother of current Senate candidate Kendrick Meek).

August 25, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Lesbian Officer Chronicles Career Christina Rodriguez ‘Always Wanted to Be a Cop” By Tony Adams

“I

t’s all in my high school memory book where I said I wanted to become an undercover agent, a detective and a member of a SWAT team. I accomplished my goals. Now I’m 40 and things didn’t work out the way I thought, but I know who I am and I have never been happier.” Christina Rodriguez is able to say this wistfully but without anger or bitterness while describing her life as a Hollywood, Florida policewoman in a profession that some might call a deck stacked against her because she is a woman, a Latina and a lesbian. Originally from the Bronx and of Puerto Rican descent, Christina grew up in south Florida where she was a popular girl who had a passion for physical activity and for helping others. She did not realize her passion for women until she began dating one within the ranks in 2003. They kept their relationship quiet. “In my first eight or nine years on the force, 1994 to 2003, I was told not to come out and admit it because if I did, half of the Department would turn its back on me. I kept it quiet to protect both of us and to help our careers. I was used to this because, where I went to school, gay was very taboo. You could get beat up, and I was already a racial minority….” The strategy seemed to work, as Christina received many opportunities and advancements in exactly the adrenaline driven work she had always wanted. She became a VIN (Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics) undercover agent, dealing with mid-level drug and organized crime situations. She went on to the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) representing Hollywood for more than two years, working under cover. “With the DEA, I worked on the big stuff. Multi-million dollar seizures, surveillance, wiretaps. We did some huge drug busts. I remember netting a room full of Ecstasy smuggled in from Amsterdam.” Christina came out slowly to her fellow

DEA officers who did not seem to have a problem Christina Rodriguez with her sexuality. She became a close friend of fellow gay police officer Mikey Verdugo who has recently made headlines combatting mistreatment by the Hollywood Police Department. Reassigned to street level narcotics work, she focused locally on crimes related to crack cocaine and prostitution. She loved her work. “Are you kidding? I totally loved it. The more violent the criminal, the more satisfaction I got from catching my guy.” Her sexuality and her work were always a balancing act. “When I first joined the force, I got hit on a lot. When I didn’t respond to guys, the rumors started. Even after I stopped denying my sex- ors seemed to have forgotten the words they uality, guys on the job would be like “You just spoke when taking the oath of their office, never had some of this yet” and there was al- words promising service without regard to personal beliefs and prejudices. ways a lot of sarcasm I had to put up with.” Removed from the street crimes unit, she 2003 was a pivotal moment in Christina’s life. Her relationship with a woman cowork- was patrolled until 2005 when she pursued er had ended and she decided to “start be- an opportunity for SWAT (Special Weapons ing me” not with a big announcement And Tactics) training with the encouragebut by simply not denying her ment of SWAT team members. In the course personal truth when asked. of applying for this training, Christina disIn 2004, on her way covered that although she was being forced home from work, Chris- to pay for her training, the Department was tina was in a serious car ac- footing that bill for other applicants. She cident. The reaction of her superiors to successfully achieved SWAT certification this accident consisted of initiating an “in- in 2006 and is proud to carry the SWAT ternal investigation” based on unsubstanti- coin denoting her achievement. Despite her ated suspicions. Their actions at that time certification, she was denied a place on the seemed to establish a pattern in which the SWAT team by an Assistant Police Chief quality of her service was not questioned who told her “It’s not time yet.” After that, but bureaucratic technicalities that would she was consistently denied requests for a be insignificant in the appraisals of other variety of positions. Another on-the-job accident resulted in officers were highlighted against her. Christina is convinced that although her peers in serious neck injuries that required surgery. the Hollywood Police Department were ac- Although it was her goal to return to service, cepting of her as their coworker, her superi- Christina’s condition and the antagonistic

mindset of her superiors became overwhelming and she ended thirteen years of service with a disability retirement. She has not worn a police uniform since March of 2007. It is sad for her to realize that the criminals on the street were much easier to deal with than were her superiors in the Department. Christina tells the story of her police career with animation and in good spirits. She is lively, personable, optimistic and attractive, but her post-retirement life has not been without difficulty. She sought counseling and help to eliminate the pain medications prescribed for her injuries. She worked hard to achieve balance and peace of mind. She renewed her interest in physical activity albeit within the restrictions of a triple titanium plate, eight screws and two artificial cages in her neck, and she has shed a significant amount of weight. With her good looks and engaging personality, Christina could easily deliver an appealing performance as herself in a TV drama about the tough life of a lesbian cop. Her advice to any rookie gay cop is simple. “Be yourself.”

August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN Editorial

August 25, 2010

Norm Kent, Publisher

In the Heat of the Summer

s this quiet summer edition of more for ourselves by presenting our commuour newspaper goes to press on nity respectfully in local races, from judicial Tuesday evening, August 24, campaigns to city commissions. We should be the primary election results are unknown. seeking appointment on city zoning boards, By the time you are reading this, they will and illuminating our lives as entrepreneurs, be. One thing that won’t change either way businessmen and professionals. Most importantly, when we achieve a vicis that LGBT populations are going to be tory, we have to maintain our position with cheated in Florida. The Democratic gubernatorial candidate dignity and grace. When you are fighting will be Alex Sink, and while she has only for your rights, you don’t want to expose been mildly supportive of the LGBT com- yourself as doing wrong. We can do without munity, she is light years ahead of the both the directors of our pride organizations bethe Republican candidates, Rick Scott and ing criminally charged with embezzlement. You know, whether he won or lost last night Bill McCollum. McCollum is not only opposed to gays for state assembly, challenging a moneyed adopting children, he wants to eliminate incumbent, Justin Flippen did this commuthe right of gays to be foster parents. nity proud. He deserves our praise. At this point, it might Of course, this is the be appropriate to say guy who hired George that we should celeRekers, who then hired brate the lives of those a boy hooker with the who give stature to our money the state paid community, not dishim to speak out against grace it. So let’s make gays. So the state paid this clear- a recoverfor his escort? Still, ing alcoholic given a McCollum, as Attorsecond chance by Jetney General, is further Blue to be a flight atalong protecting our tendant is not a hero civil rights then his for opening up a chute opponent, Rick Scott, and sliding down into who ran, according waiting CNN cameras. to his mom, because He may become a ceGod told him to. We lebrity and get a realthought She was too Justin Flippen ity show, but what he busy, but he heard really needs is another trip back to his psyHer voice. None of the candidates running for Unit- chologist. We are better off illuminating the lives of ed States Senate has a history of being an advocate for the LGBT community, though the retired lesbian police officer from HollyGovernor Crist has spent a decade telling wood, Christina Rodriguez, profiled in this everyone he is not gay. Well, if he is, he has issue by Tony Adams. The trials and tribulahardly been our spokesperson. The bottom tions she endured as an out lesbian police line is that all the statewide candidates may officer indicate former officer Mikey Verdugive us a little lip service here and there, go’s experience did not occur in a vacuum. but none have embraced our causes or ad- The real heroes are cops who stand up to vocated our issues. Whoever gets elected, homophobia, not cater to it. Speaking of our community, the econonot much will change statewide in Florida for the LGBT community. To his credit, Mr. my is hurting right now, and in the heat of this summer, our own realtors, businesses, Meek has at least reached out to us. Rather than relying upon others, we can do restaurants and bars are feeling the pinch.

If you want to do something good for the LGBT community, then spend your money in it. Throw that birthday party in a local restaurant which hosted an AIDS charity. Find a lawyer or dentist or realtor who is advertising in your local community newspaper and use that professional over someone else. Give back to the people who give to you. Let’s help each other help ourselves. Just as we said last week to vote for the candidates who speak to your dreams, we encourage you to seek out those businesses which protect and advance your interests. As the primary races come to an end, the general elections begin. Find and support those candidates who support you unconditionally and embrace their campaigns. From these August elections, some viable LGBT voices will emerge. Help see that they get heard. The good we do can only come back to us another day. This fall, a seismic shift will occur in gay life. A court will find the ban on gay adoptions in Florida illegal. An appeals court in California will rule that the ban on gay marriages is illegal. Congress will either end DADT or embrace ENDA, and if not, national gay activists will take to the streets to protest the injustice. Maybe that ripple of activism will actually reach South Florida, and the pages of this paper will be able to cover real protest instead of circuit parties. Yes, South Florida will still have our softball leagues and swim teams, but put your life out there, get in the game, and be ahead of the curve. Make your mark by being part of the change we know is coming. The rights we fight for are our own. If not now, when? If not you, who?

Letters, We Got Letters Comment on:

Ken Keechl

To the Editor: I read with disgust the article about Ken Keechl and his allegation the Chip LaMarca was not a friend to our community. Any implication that Chip LaMarca is antigay is a bold and filthy lie. I have been an openly gay member of the Broward Republican Executive Committee for 17 years. Chip has been a consistently fair and principled man in dealing with our community. He has never shown himself by word or actions to be anything other than a person with whom we could work and be assured that under his guidance bigotry or intolerance would never be accepted. Chip’s principles are those consistent with Republican conservatism, a conservatism which has given our people most of the advances in gay civil rights in the last 20 years.The fact that our families have been better protected by Republican judges, appointed by Republican politicians is a fact that seems to have gone without notice by the gay press which blindly and shamelessly fronts for the Socialist Democratic Party. There is no reason to vote for or give financial support to a party which gives us empty words and meaningless gestures mixed in with a huge government meant only to support their patronage and corrupt fundraising.The Socialist Democrats controlled both Houses of Congress by filibuster proof majorities and the Presidency.What did we see-nothing! Enough with these “distributors of wealth. Our people need to vote for principled and honest individuals like Chip LaMarca. Only then will we see our resources be used wisely and fairly and have politicians we can once again be proud of. Charles J. LoPiccolo, M.D. Broward Republican Executive Committee Committeeman Precinct 30Q

August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Susan Estrich

Political Truths: Compromise vs. Convictions

“A

re you really a Democrat?” someone wrote to me recently, after I wrote a column criticizing the president’s decision to go on vacation in Martha’s Vineyard while so many people – especially in the touristchallenged Gulf – are suffering. What kind of Democrat would begrudge the president

“Winning may not be the only thing, but in politics, it’s the thing that makes everything else possible.”

his choice of a place for much needed respite? Do I really think it makes such a difference whether – or where – he plays golf? Since when have I gotten so superficial as to elevate style over substance? The president works wherever he goes. I know that. He needs a vacation, more than

the next person. If it’s his family members who are angling for the Vineyard, a place full of old friends, what’s wrong with a guy who cares about his family’s pleasures? In the long run, the fate of the Gulf doesn’t depend on where the president plays golf. But if you care about winning, perception matters. Politics isn’t just about substance. Whether people think you care about people like them may count for more than whether you actually do. I’ve supported many fine candidates who cared deeply, even if the people they cared about didn’t know that, and who had many excellent plans that never got put into action because they lost. Plenty of time to vacation then. Or ruminate. Or regret. The most troubling defense of the president I’ve heard lately – from Democrats, I mean, ones who would tell you they understand our president better than I do -- is that he really doesn’t care if he ends up a one-term president. Doing the right thing is more important. He doesn’t fixate on his popularity ratings because what matters are substance and accomplishment. Is that really the way he thinks? Is that the mark of a true capital-D Democrat? I hope not. Winning may not be the only thing, but

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in politics, it’s the thing that makes everything else possible. Being a one-term president is a badge of failure, not success, even if it comes by being true to your convictions. Being a one-term president means that, for the next term, someone who rejects those convictions will be making the decisions that count. How can that be a good thing? Of course, in an ideal world, you do what you believe is right, everyone applauds, and you live happily ever after in the White House for eight wonderful years. I wish that for President Obama. I really do. But so far, it isn’t working quite that way. He has the courage of his convictions; I have no doubt of that. My question is whether he has the courage to compromise on those convictions – whether it’s about matters of perception, like where to go on vacation, or matters of substance, like budgets and taxes.

The president has been truer to his word than most politicians, enacting a comprehensive stimulus package, comprehensive health care reform, comprehensive financial reform. History should be good to him on that score. I am sure that is some comfort to him and to his advisers as they look at poll numbers that can only be described as pretty lousy. If only the economy were doing well, he’d be flying high. If my grandmother had wings, she would be, too – she’d be a bird. Yes, I’m a Democrat. I’m a Democrat who can remember when we got killed on principle and when we won by compromise. Winning by compromise is definitely better. I’m a Democrat who remembers candidates who didn’t give a darn about perception and those who studied it endlessly. Give me a choice, and I know which one I’ll pick. If that makes me less of a Democrat, the opposite will certainly make the party less of a force.

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August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

S P O R T S

Gay Surfers Launch Website FLICKR.COM / TravOC

Worldwide Community Forms Online

By Dan Woog

ith its chill, let-it-all-hangout image – and its show-offthat-bodacious-body beach environment – you’d think surfing would offer a welcome haven for gay men in the larger, often homophobic sports world. Think again. When a magazine article implied that rising star Cheyne Horan was gay, he lost endorsements and friends. When a top-ranked surfer Robbins Thompson’s sexuality became known, he heard slurs in the water. On land, his car was vandalized. And when young surfing sensation Shane Dorian was asked what he’d most like to eliminate from the world, he responded, “diseases, the Devil, flat spells (and) dykes and fags.” Those incidents took place in the 1990s. The situation changed little through the past decade. Earlier this year, all that changed. Just four months after “Thomas” – a Frenchman who spent seven years in Australia, and prefers to not divulge his last name – started www.gaysurfers.net, the site had drawn over 1,500 members. Most came from the U.S., Australia and France. But it spread rapidly, and now there is solid representation from South Africa, the U.K., Spain, Italy, Indonesia, South America and India. Users love the chance to search for other gay surfers, and send private messages. They have created groups and forums. They read surfing articles, and search for movies with “gay” and “surf” in the title.

And they share a growing list of gayfriendly surf spots around the world. “I believe there is a surf culture beyond the macho young man, and there are things we want to share with other gay surfers beyond dating,” Thomas told Australia’s gay magazine DNA. “I was hoping someone out there would build this community, but it never happened.” So Thomas did it himself. His social-networking site has two goals. One is to help gay surfers meet – including those deep in the closet. The other is to change public awareness by spotlighting gay surfers and bringing the sport’s homophobia into the bright sunshine. The DNA story tried to explain surfing’s anti-gay history. One surfer called the sport “adolescent.” Teenage boys, he said, “are the least sure of their sexual orientation.” Having perhaps experimented with same-sex activity, they may “tilt toward homophobia as a means of denial.” He believes there will be little change until “some courageous, high-profile dude, basically a pro, comes out and says ‘f--- you homophobes.’” An 18-year-old commenter on Gaysurfers.net said that geography has little to do with attitudes. “Sydney is supposed to host the biggest community of surfers in the world, and the second biggest gay community after San Francisco,” he wrote. “But still no sign of gay surfers. I can’t seem to find any.” Thomas said that the U.S. “seems to be the country with the biggest number of gay

surfers.” Most, he noted, live in very openminded places like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Hawaii. Gay surfers from Hawaii are “very active on the site and supportive of the project.” Several gay European surfers said they had found little hostility on the shores of their continent. They admitted, however, that they know very few other gay surfers. Australia, by contrast, “has more rural communities of surfers that do experience homophobia,” Thomas said. One surfer from Down Under refused comment for the DNA story. Most gay surfers are still closeted, he said – “especially the older guys.” “Gay surfers are all hiding somewhere,” a 26-year-old named Alan posted on Gaysurfers.net. “I hope here (too). In my hometown there are at least five gay surfers, but they keep their sexuality for themselves. I don’t know how to tell them that I am gay. Maybe they are on here?” Gay surfers are not the only ones who read and comment on his website. It’s attracting straight people, too. They bring a variety of attitudes. “Some don’t understand why gay surfers

need their own space,” Thomas said. “Some others do get it, and think it’s a great idea.” Perhaps, he added, surfers think their culture “expects” them to be homophobic. As they read and learn about the gay surfers in their midst, they “slowly open up to it.” A heterosexual surfer named Scott wrote on the site: “I know sooo few gay surfers. It intrigues me. Surfing is for all who appreciate this world.” He offered to help “mediate with a straight’s perspective on surfing.” As with most Internet ventures – especially one dedicated to a sport that puts a premium on looking hot – the talk often turns to sex. “Quite honestly, I was hoping to see as many near-naked butt shots of guys as I see of girls in most surf magazines and website,” wrote one commenter. But, he told Thomas, “thus far, you’ve kept it classy.” Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, soccer coach, gay activist, and author of the “Jocks” series of books on gay male athletes. Visit his website at www.danwoog.com. He can be reached care of this publication or at OutField@qsyndicate.com.

August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Out In Montreal By Joey Amato

ven though I have had the luxury to visit Canada on multiple occasions, neither my partner nor I ever had the opportunity to visit Montreal, a city known for its French influence, historic buildings and delectable cuisine, until last week. Upon arrival at Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, I already began to notice the French influence. All of the signs are written in French first, then English and all announcements are broadcast in French as well.

A brief 30-minute taxi ride from the airport led us to our beautiful hotel in what locals refer to as “Old Montreal” or the “Old City”. Situated just blocks from the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, the Hotel Nelligan is a modern boutique hotel offering many amenities of a four-star resort, including spa services, luxury linens, Jacuzzi baths and a full restaurant and bar. On our first day in the city we decided to stroll down Rue St. Catherine through downtown Montreal into the East Village. This is the epicenter of LGBT activity in the city. As we entered the village, we no-

ticed the huge stage constructed especially for The 2010 Montréal Pride Celebrations, which were to begin later that evening. Both craving a taste of Montreal, we stopped for lunch at Steak Frites, a cozy chain restaurant serving up traditional French fare. The braised beef and jumbo shrimp salad were both delicious and the perfect way to begin the day. Rue St. Catherine in the East Village is reminiscent of Greenwich Village in New York City, with its small boutiques, quaint cafes, including a Café Starbucks, and of course, sex shops.

flickr.com / jsmjr

Montreal is definitely an LGBT hotspot, with dozens of gay bars, ‘family’ owned and operated restaurants, strip clubs and bathhouses located within a one-mile radius. After meeting a friend of mine for dinner, who happened to be in Montreal on business, we returned to the village to partake in the festivities of Montreal Pride. That evening consisted of a wonderful line-up of drag performers, which in essence, put ours to shame. Drag in Montreal is an art, with mostly all performances precisely choreographed with a team of no continued on page 19

August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Nightlife by J.W. Arnold

Heard Around Town

e’re not ones to gossip, but every now and then, a little talk doesn’t hurt: Alibi bartender extraordinaire Scot Newell bested several of South Florida’s most popular gay bartenders to win the Logo/gay.com CockTiny Tina tail Challenge last week. Newell, who is known for his creativity, wowed the judges with his pomegranate lemonade and BLT martini. Newell won a trip to the finals in Palm Springs this fall. We know he’ll represent South Florida well. The Depot is moving! The popular tracks-side bar is moving to Federal Highway in a few weeks and will be adding a little tropical twist to its railroad theme. We can only imagine that it will be somewhat reminiscent of the early stations Henry Flagler built in the swampy marshlands along his historic railroad route that led to the future development of South Florida as we know it today. The Rainbow Business Coalition, the business organization representing many of the gay-oriented businesses, bars and restaurants in Fort Lauderdale is planning a big Labor Day weekend for locals and visitors alike. Can you believe Labor Day is right around the corner already? Wednesday, Aug. 25

t’s been a while since downtown Fort Lauderdale was a mid-week destination. Remember China White, anyone? Iconic personality and DJ Daisy D. is hoping to change all that with Whip It Out, a new Wednesday party at VooDoo Lounge, 111 SW 2nd Ave. In addition to Daisy’s eclectic sounds, the Wheel of Dare is back. Spin and you could win the grand prize, free bottle service through the end of the year. Friday, Aug. 27

t’s hard to believe the summer is coming to an end, but it’s still plenty hot,

especially at The Manor, which hosts the fifth annual Fireball tonight. DJ Tony Moran will be in the booth, with Kitty Meow and her friends on stage for a special performance. And, if things get too hot, plenty of hunky firefighters will be on hand with their hoses, ready for action. Saturday, Aug. 28

f you’ve made the trek down Federal Highway, then you’ve passed the ruins of the infamous Copa nightclub. But, unlike Athens, Rome or Pompeii, the Copa will rise again. Stop by Bill’s Filling Station, 2209 Wilton Dr., for the Copa Reunion and support one of the club’s legendary personalities, Tiny Tina, at this benefit event. Sunday, Aug. 29

onight is your last chance to catch porn star Lukas Knowles at Johnny’s, 1116 W. Broward Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. He’ll be wrapping up a busy weekend at the club known for some of the hottest dancers in South Florida. Plan on an action-packed evening: dancers take the stage at 6 p.m., followed by karaoke at 8 p.m. and the amateur strip contest hosted by Gemini Stone at midnight. Monday, Aug. 30

he Corner Pub may seem like a quiet, little neighborhood bar, but on Mondays, it’s anything but. Tonight is underwear night and the bar will be serving up 2-4-1 drink specials, so dig out those freshly laundered Calvin Kleins! You can find the Corner Pub at 1915 N. Andrews Ave. in Wilton Manors. Tuesday, Aug. 31

retty much anywhere you go in Miami, you’re likely to encounter Latin beats. On Tuesdays, Score nightclub on South Beach’s trendy Lincoln Road, hosts Planeta Macho, the premiere Latin gay dance party in Miami-Dade.Your hostess is Teresita and DJ George Ferrero, along with Pelu Rivero, will be providing the music. Stick around for the salsa dance contest, too, with the winner taking home a $100 grand prize. Score is located at 727 Lincoln Rd.

August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Theatre Feature Play: The Comfort of Darkness Theater: Caldwell Theatre Boca Raton The Comfort of Darkness runs through September 5 at the Caldwell Theatre, located in the Count de Hoernle Theatre in Boca Raton. For more information, visit CaldwellTheatre.com.

By Mary Damiano

Caldwell World Premiere Falls Short

The Comfort of Darkness Should Not Have Seen the Light of Day

bodies watchable. It’s unfortunate that Jessalyn Maguire, who plays Maria-Theresa, does not match Dallimore’s level of ou would think that a play passion. Maguire’s delivery is flat as about Dr. Anton Mesmer, the man whose name is the cardboard, and the two have zero chemistry. root for the word mesmerize, might Jane Cortney gets some of the be, well mesmerizing. However, you play’s best lines, but the poor thing would be wrong. doesn’t have a clue as to what to do The Comfort of Darkness by Joel with them. Kenneth Kay is decent, Gross, now in its world premiere but his role is muddy—one minute production at Caldwell Theatre in he’s a jovial drunken sidekick, the Boca Raton, is based on the realnext he’s the most powerful doctor life relationship between Mesmer in the medical community. and his patient, Maria-Theresa von There are many moments when Paradis, a young musician whose blindness Mesmer tried to cure with the audience laughs appropriately, though it’s doubtful that comedy is his unique treatment. what the playwright was going for. Set in Vienna in 1777, Mesmer But the sight of a beautiful young believes he can cure Maria-Theresa woman lying blindfolded on a chaise through animal magnetism, by letting the energy in his body flow into hers. while a handsome man waves his hands over her, describing what And even though the whole animal parts of her body she should feel magnetism theory sounds like a bad his magnetism flow into hers, while pick-up line, the two become lovers. she convulses and exclaims that she But while Mesmer believes curing feels it—well, it’s not sexy, just silly. Maria-Theresa’s blindness will give It looks less like a cure for blindness the medical community indisputable and more like they’re indulging in evidence that his practices work, the tantric sex. incident leads to scandal for both Later, when Maria-Theresa refuses doctor and patient. Gross, who wrote the interminable treatment from Mesmer’s assistant, cooing that she’ll wait for the doctor Marie Antoinette: The Color of Flesh, which was also produced by Caldwell, and his “stick therapy,” the play feels overdoes it on his love-can-open-our- like a bad sex farce. But you’ve got to hand it to Mesmer. From what we see eyes theme. His heavy-handedness on stage, apparently he was capable sells his audience short. of giving his patients orgasms without As Mesmer, Stevie Ray Dallimore even touching them.That alone should carries the play by turning in a passionate, yet naturalistic performance. secure his place in history. The Caldwell’s world premiere of Dallimore possesses a strong voice The Comfort of Darkness is handsome and can keep a straight face while indeed, with Alberto Arroyo’s sumpdelivering Gross’s clunky dialogue. His charisma alone makes the ridicu- tuous costumes and Tim Bennett’s elegant set. It’s a shame the play does lous scenes when Mesmer waves his not live up to the production. hands and arms over his patients’

Arts Editor

August 25, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Out In Montreal Another common local custom is to drink continued from page 15 less than four back-up dancers. Most of the shots all night, which typically cost a mere $3. The exchange rate is almost equal to the performers serenaded the audience of a few thousand in French, but it didn’t matter, U.S., so don’t expect any bargains. To complete our tour of the city, we dethe energy in the crowd made up for the cided to spend Saturday afternoon aboard language barrier. a double-decker bus which brought us to Shortly after, we walked over to one of the sites that weren’t in walking distance of four strip bars in the area called Stock Bar. our hotel. Among them was the beautiful St. To our surprise, Montreal dancers engage in full nudity, yet tipping on stage is uncom- Joseph’s Oratory, a basilica built to honor St. Joseph, Canada’s patron saint, which is mon.You can surmise how dancers earn known for its impressive copper dome. their wages. And what Montreal vacation would be The weather on Friday morning was absolutely gorgeous, a refreshing 80 degrees. Any complete without a visit to the underground city? As a temperature lower result of the harsh than our South FloriMontreal winters, city da summer highs was planners decided to welcome. After a few construct an underhours touring the ground labyrinth of Old City, we decided shops, restaurants, to go white water train stations, and rafting in the Lachine hotels all connected Rapids, located just a underground. The en10 minute boat ride tire complex is about from the city. 19 miles in length and A 45-person boat would take days to whisks thrill-seekers travel through. away as English or After maxing out French speaking the credit cards, it tour guides provide was time for more guests with a water pride. One of the tour of the city. After highlights of this year’s passing under nuNotre Dame celebration was the merous bridges and “Queer of the Year’ contest. A group of five observing breathtaking views of Montreal, we arrived at the rapids. The brochure at the men were selected from around the globe hotel warned us about the chance of getting and flown to Montreal to compete in a variety of activities including a charity carwash wet, but we didn’t realize that we would and a drag makeover. The group was filmed be soaked up to our knees in water. The experience is definitely worth it and a great and placed on the competition website, where viewers were able to vote on their departure from the miles of walking we did favorite ‘queer.’ the day prior. On Saturday evening, the winner was Friday evening pride celebrations finally announced. Sean Horlor, a 29-yearconsisted of live music on the main stage old hottie from Vancouver, British Columbia from popular local bands. The crowd was won the ultimate title and enjoyed the substantially larger than the night before, complete Montreal VIP treatment including with a lot more women in the audience as well. After the concert, the party continued a designer shopping spree with a personal stylist, spa treatments and a gourmet dining a few blocks away at a club called Parking, experience. which was reminiscent of Twist in Miami, although it was a lot larger. For the full article “Out In Montreal,” In Montreal, drinks are inexpensive but and more on Sunday’s Pride Parade, go to weak, so most people settle on bottled SouthFloridaGayNews.com/Montreal beverages such as beer or Smirnoff Ice.

Page 23

August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Cabaret Judy and Liza Live! at the Manor Thursday, Aug. 26 – Saturday, Aug. 28, 7:30 pm The Manor, 2345 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors Tickets $29-35 at RisingActionTheatre.com

Performer Brings Liza Minelli to Wilton Manors J.W. Arnold

Rick Skye as Liza Minelli and...

hese days, when award-winner performer and writer Rick Skye takes the stage, he’s probably speaking for a lady. The veteran of stage and screen—including training with the Joffrey Ballet and a season on “All My Children”—is one of the world’s most popular impersonators of Liza Minelli. But, he never set out to become a female impersonator. “I had written a cabaret review with a song about Liza in it, but none of the cast members could do it because of costume changes, so I ended up doing it myself,” he recalls. “It ended up being a big hit.” That impromptu impersonation of Minelli more than 10 years ago was such a hit that he ended up writing a two-hour show, “It’s Liza Minelli,” that took him from Broadway to London’s West End and around the world. And while Minelli has provided the inspiration for many a drag queen over the years, Skye is quick to point out that he isn’t a female impersonator: “I just sort of plopped on a wig and some lipstick and did the number. Eventually, it became a threehour process to get ready.” Skye loves the time it takes to prepare his illusion as it gives him the all-important opportunity to connect with his iconic character. He also emphasizes that his “Liza” reflects his personal impressions of Minelli. “If I was just imitating Liza, I’d be paying her residuals,” he laughs. “As a performer, you have to add something. It’s Liza through my point of view.” South Florida audiences can expect a unique show when Skye teams up with veteran Judy Garland impersonator Tommy Femia this weekend at The Manor in a benefit performance for Fort Lauderdale’s Rising Action Theatre.

as Judy Garland Skye has performed with Femia only twice before, but he says they sing well together and get along off stage, also. They will each perform individual sets, but will also do several duets….with a twist. “It’s interesting because he’s doing a Judy who is frozen in time, because of her death,” Skye explains, “but the last time we saw them together, Liza was just a kid.” At the duo’s last appearance, Femia introduced Skye as Liza before leaving the stage and Skye then told the audience, “Is she gone? Good. There’s so much to tell her since I saw her last,” and then he sang a song called “Don’t Tell Mama.” Liza isn’t the only broad Skye speaks for. Recently, he became the stage companion of the scandalous puppet, Madame. In fact, he and Madame just completed a run at Feinstein’s in New York City, as well as a two-year international tour. And, like his “relationship” with Liza, Skye kind of fell into his role with Madame. “I had been asked to work on the Madame show and when her current handler quit, the woman who owned the puppet told me, ‘You do Liza, why wouldn’t you be able to do Madame?’ I said yes and who wouldn’t really say yes to that?” Skye says.

August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Gay.com Premieres Web Series New Series Documents the Lives of NYC’s Divas By Staff Reporters

ay.com, the world’s leading gay social networking site, has teamed up with film and television producer Larry Kennar (The L Word, Barbershop, 50 First Dates), designer and reality TV veteran Jack Mackenroth (Project Runway: Season 4), and award-winning producer/director John Rutherford (eXposed) to air the original web series The Queens of Drag: NYC. The 8-episode series, which explores the audacious New York drag scene, debuts exclusively on Gay.com on September 8. “The fascinating part is how they all lead dual lives, both of which are incredibly challenging. Most people think of drag as glamorous, fun fluff. But it’s actually an

underappreciated art form that requires an enormous amount of talents and guts. These queens are at the top of their game in the most competitive city in the world and each has a unique story to reveal underneath the wigs and makeup,” says Jack Mackenroth. Legendary drag diva Lady Bunny leads the all-star Queens of Drag: NYC cast, which includes the ageless and evergreen Hedda Lettuce, uber-glam Sherry Vine, the vivacious Bianca Del Rio, sexpot songstress Peppermint, and the classless and campy Mimi Imfurst. Breakout performers Epiphany, Logan Hardcore, Dallas DuBois, and Acid Betty join the divas for their outrageous adventures. Each Queens of Drag: NYC webisode on Gay.com focuses on an individual diva as she navigates life as a drag superstar in the world’s most amazing and unforgiving city, New York. The series shows the real grit of the drag queens’ lives – both in and out of makeup – as they struggle to conquer the New York nightlife scene. For more information about the series and to view the trailer, please visit Gay.com.

Digital Tipi Launches Gay Website Will Distribute Videos to Members By Staff Reporters

igital Tipi, Inc, the Colorado-based digital distribution company, is pleased to announce that it has launched, in partnership with L.A.-based Pacific Sun Entertainment, its first gay membership website: gaycast.tv. The site, drawing from Pacific Sun’s huge video library focusing on athletic young men, is the latest addition to Digital Tipi’s growing stable of membership VOD sites.

Characteristic of all Digital Tipi sites, the gaycast.tv movies are processed so they will play on iPhones, most smart phones, iPads, personal computers, and home TV sets. “With so much content available on the web,” said Digital Tipi president Jim Greer, “and so much of it inferior and amateur, we’re proud to work with Pacific Sun in unveiling our first ‘niche’ site, designed to make it easy for the consumer to find just the kind of action he craves.” Gaycast.tv offers unlimited video viewing for one monthly fee. Customers can watch what they want when they want with no “ticking clock.” Of course, they also have the option of paying by the minute if they so choose. However, the monthly subscription is by far the better value since viewing a couple of feature movies can cost more than the monthly subscription fee.

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August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Heard it on...

By A. Sebastian Fortino A Fresh Glimpse Into the World’s Oldest Profession Cole Porter wrote a song entitled, “Love for Sale,” way back in the 1920s, which tells the story of a woman offering her wares to urban gentlemen. In the 80 or so years since the song premiered not much has changed.There are still prostitutes, companions, and escorts that supply the lonely with amorous attention. However, the method in which we learn about their secrets has expanded from song.

Hunter Andrews, a 25 year old, California native is an escort based in Manhattan. The headshot on his blog shows an attractive young man with dark tape over his eyes. He describes the blogspot as being, “An account of intimate encounters, and the lack of my own personal intimacy.” However, whether his entries are fiction or not…they are an engaging read. Andrews recounts tales of encounters with anonymous men of means in Gotham. The stories are wittily unapologetic, and of course decadent in terms of cocktails imbibed and well-heeled shoes described. The human aspect is not something Andrews ignores, despite claiming that he has a lack of personal intimacy his blog reveals that even though sex might be for sale human emotion still comes to the fore. If you want to have a peek into the lives of a modern day courtesan, please visit Confessionsofanewyorkrentboy.blogspot.com

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

I’m not stalking him, but… Q: I connected with this really nice guy on Facebook and have been perusing his profile ever since. We’re actually going to meet for coffee—as our first date. So am I allowed to “know” as much as I do about him? I don’t want to creep him out. A: Unless your new friend has signed up for an app that reveals who’s been reading his page, ignorance is bliss. But your instincts are good: People don’t always like the idea of new friends or beaus knowing all about them. In fact, when the two of you get together, try to pretend you don’t know what you do. Don’t bring up out of the blue his entire work history (yes, that’s

creepy) and avoid comments like “So, I saw you and Mike broke up on Facebook...” But if you both love Lady Gaga or volunteer at the local LGBT center, it’s fine – and actually very helpful – to talk about what you have in common to break the ice and discover what else you may share. Online relationships are just like offline ones. Peeling back the layers of someone’s life and personality should happen in a gradual way, as you build up trust. And hearing someone describe his life in his own words is a great way to get to know someone. It’s entirely possible that your new friend would rather tell you himself about his beloved pets and what he wore for Halloween last year.

Deep Inside Hollywood By Romeo San Vicente

Old Spice commercial actor Isaiah Mustafa

Tyler Perry has a taste for Old Spice guy

history of ripping stories from the headlines, the latest Law & Order franchise, Law & Order: Los Angeles, will explore the issue in an When Tyler Perry makes a decision early episode when the series debuts this that affects your life, sometimes he doesn’t even bother to tell you about it at first. That’s fall. The big names in the regular cast are, what just happened to Old Spice commercial so far, Skeet Ulrich, Alfred Molina, Terrence Howard and Regina Hall. overnight sensation Isaiah Mustafa (the man on the horse) when Perry cast him in a Which one of their characters will be most personally affected by the plotline? Tune in small role in his upcoming adaptation of the this fall and listen for that “chunk-chunk” play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered sound to find out. Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf. The director then changed his mind and decided to upgrade Mustafa to the leading man role in Golden Girls gets new his latest man-in-drag comedy Madea’s Big life … in Spain Happy Family. No word on what sort You Golden Girls superfans probof leading man role this is, but ably already knew this, but based on past Perry films, were the rest of you it’s a safe bet that aware that other Mustafa will play countries have althe no-good, mean, ready taken the cheating husband “funny senior or the poor-butladies living tohonest Christian gether” storyline laborer who saves and run with it? In the beleaguered herothe U.K. there was ine from the no-good, Brighton Belles; in Rusmean, cheating husband. Perry, sia, Bolshie Devochki; and in as Madea, will then hit someone with a Greece, Chrysa Koritsia. Well now it’s frying pan. It’s going to be hilarious. Spain’s turn to reinterpret the Girls with Chicas de oro (literally translated: Girls of Gold). What’s sure to interest some gay fans is the Law & Order’s presence of longtime Pedro AlmodoProp. 8 slate var muse Carmen Maura as one of the It’s been settled (ish) in real life; now it’s Prop. 8’s turn to get its day in court on epi- four friends. The others are Spanish stars sodic television. As you may or may not be Concha Velasco, Lola Herrara and Alicia Hermida. Now, unless you’ve got aware, California’s Proposition 8 removed the rights of gay and lesbian citizens to mar- some kind of super-satellite TV system that broadcasts international channels directly ry, thanks to a ballot measure popular vote into your home, you’ll have to wait until and a lot of Church of Latter Day Saints the DVDs hit the Spanish market to see cash. Recently it was overturned, allowing Californians once again to live in the blissful this thing. And then need an all-region DVD state of marriage equality. And thanks to its player. But really, what devotion!

August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

News Bites

he new staff at City County Credit Union is Gary Yamnitz, Branch Manager; Michael Demars (in middle), and Jennifer Snyder. Says Lloyd Gill, CCCU’s Acting CEO “ We are a diverse organization, with many gay and lesbian employees, so doing business in Wilton Manors is a great fit for us. To celebrate our first year’s anniversary, we will

be offering a special one-year CD rate of 1.05% APY to members who open this CD with new funds. Over the next few months we plan on offering business accounts, pet health insurance and financial planning seminars. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial business relationship in the city of Wilton Manors.”

International News

on fashion, fitness, gizmos and relationships … the real life coming-out-of-the-closet kind of stories, health, relationships. It is a complete lifestyle magazine that will interest all, not just gay men, lesbians, bi’s, and transgenders.” Fun brings the number of LGBT publications in India to seven total, with rising demand because of advances such as last year’s high court ruling that decriminalized gay sex.

Indian Prince Publishes New Gay Magazine By Staff Reporters

rince Manvendra Singh Gohil, the only openly gay prince in India, has launched a magazine called Fun that aims to reach “basically anybody who loves men.” According to the Southern Voice, which cited the Indo Asian News Service, Gohil already has printed 75,000 copies of Fun, which is available by subscription and at bookstores and newsstands in India. A lifestyle title, Fun is the second publication from Gohil, whose Bombay Dost covers gay rights and HIV/AIDS issues. “The magazine also appeals to straight women, basically anybody who loves men,” said Gohil. “The other gay magazine, Bombay Dost, talks about gay empowerment and HIV-related issues. But this is a magazine which speaks of the lifestyle of gay men. We’re focusing

August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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

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Counseling 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/CouplesRelationships/Groups. www.DoctorLeight.com 954-768-8000

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Insurance & Financial Allstate Direct: personal auto,home,condominium,boat and life insurance. For a free quote call Joe Mier 305-754-7414 ------------------------------------------------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

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Want an SFGN News Rack? If you would like to show your pride for your community and your best source for “Gay News, Straight Facts” in South Florida please contact our Distribution Manager John Fugate at John.fugate@southfloridagaynews.com or call our offices at (954) 530-4970 to obtain one of these attractive, complementary racks. As an added bonus, businesses that stock SFGN attract only the most sophisticated, attractive, intelligent customers and clients. Painting PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE. 7/ days/week exterior/interior houses/condos/apartments. References available. call 954-471-2211

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ur 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!

-------------------------------------------------CUSTOM ALARM Steve Falasca specializing in: Residential, Commercial, Security Alarms, Home Audio, and Closed Circuit T.V. For an estimate call Steve 954-725-3633. Also Licensed & Insured 91-CLVD-420-X ------------------------------------------------Willie The Electrician You want it Done and Done right call Willie 954-675-0662

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SELF-DEFENSE Women on Guard. Non-lethal, self-defense and home protection products call Susan Eaton or Martha Martines at 954-532-0600 or email us at info@womenonguard.com

Volunteer Section Volunteers needed immediately. Two cat-only shelters are merging and need volunteers for daily chores,socializing cats, manning phones and/or helping with adoptions. Shelter in Pompano Beach on Atlantic Blvd. Call Sharon Fomes at 954-673-0848

Think carefully, Cancer! Saturn squaring Pluto is a long-term aspect dragging us through cathartic transformations both social and personal.While the Sun entering Virgo aspects both, take a critical look at social institutions and your own ways of confronting them. ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Getting along with colleagues can be a real challenge, but is the issue really their competency, or is it perhaps your own ego? Stepping back and slowing down a bit may be the best way to get with the program and be more productive. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Fun, games, sports are the answers to worries about your health. If they seem to be the problem, you’re just doing it wrong – either by taking the game too seriously or being in the wrong sport.A good coach or trainer could help. GEMINI (May 21- June 20): You’ve been facing some sexual challenges, perhaps needing to reassert some boundaries or to stretch some. Review early messages you picked up from your parents or otherwise in your childhood.That reflection can offer huge insight. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Raise any problems you have with your partner or family.Think carefully first; be as critical of yourself as you are of anyone else. Even if you don’t achieve resolution (and you probably won’t!) a good principled discussion can make great progress. LEO (July 23 – August 22):You may be underappreciated, but it’s up to you to make your labor more valuable and valued.Take up some new skills and check out classes that will help you take your work to a whole new level. VIRGO (August 23 – September 22):Worries about money could precipitate sudden rash moves that will prove disastrous.Yes, change is needed, but anything that important deserves a good, long analysis with someone whose opinion you know you can trust. LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): For whatever problems you may face at home it may well be that the only thing you can really change is your attitude. Reflective time alone, much more than arguments, will help you clarify your perspective and see solutions. SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Stay close to friends you can trust.You are too likely to blurt out secrets, both your own

and others’. Rather than obsessing on secrets and slips, focus on your own inner challenges and blocks to push through those for profound personal insights. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): How you handle challenges in teamwork and resources will surely be noticed and could get you a promotion. If you need help, don’t be shy about asking your boss or another expert. CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19):A new promotion – or a chance to prove yourself worthy of one – will test you severely. Standing up to authority can work in your favor, but be very careful of having your facts right and to show respect where it is due. AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Ever searching for a higher truth, you could be looking in the wrong direction.The truth is not necessarily “higher” but could be down and dirty, in the darkest recesses of your soul, hidden beneath fears and prejudice. Yes, you! Dig! PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Pursuing your erotic ideals is all well and good, but do remember there is another person involved. Or so one hopes.Your partner’s criticism on this subject may be hard to take, but it will help you to better understanding.

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

For advertising opportunities, call Cliff Dunn

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August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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August 25, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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SFGN Profile: Andres Cuellar

Working to Improve Your Health By Joey Amato

and encouraged Cuellar. “He saw my passion for fitness and told me that I would make few months ago, I had the pleasure a great trainer. I then recognized that this wasn’t just a job but a part of who I am.” of meeting Andres Cuellar, a Shortly after, Cuellar relocated to South 27-year-old fitness trainer who Florida to further his education and achieve had recently moved here from Texas. His a higher level of certification. He has quickly personality and charisma immediately atbecome one of the most sought after traintracted me to him and we quickly struck up ers in the area, quickly gaining an impressive a conversation. Born in San Mateo, California, he may not client base. “Changing a person’s life for the better is the most rewarding feeling ever,” look like your average personal trainer, but Cuellar is certified by the National Strength Cuellar proudly states. Helping someone achieve their fitness and Conditioning Association in U6 Regen TP Therapy. Cuellar is only one of only two goals is one of the biggest motivators for people certified in this area of fitness in the Cuellar. “I love going to work. I don’t know who else can say that. I get to work in a posientire state. In addition, he is certified in tive environment everyday and help people TRX - suspension/group training. live a healthier lifestyle.” Becoming a trainer wasn’t always an If there is one thing Cuellar would like obvious career choice for Cuellar. “I had just to convey in this profile, it is that trainer’s moved back to San Antonio from Austin, Texas, when I began working at a local gym. should not be viewed as a luxury or expense. “We help everyday people who are looking While I was working there I heard several customers complain that they weren’t seeing to reach their goals and improve their health. the results they expected,” states Cuellar as They want to get past their current fitness level and just need a little push.” the reason he pursued a career in fitness. Being a trainer also has its challenges. “As At the time, Cuellar’s boss recognized how sad as it sounds, my biggest challenge has he connected with customers and recommended he follow that career path. Another been overcoming how potential clients and the general public see me,” Cuellar states. trainer at the gym also realized his abilities

Andres Cuellar

“Instead of questioning my skills and certification, they quickly judge me on my physical appearance and assume that I am not a trainer.” Furthermore, Cuellar tells me that many individuals don’t give themselves the opportunity to become healthier. “They limit themselves by listening to the negativity of others.” His job is to turn pessimism into optimism. Cuellar, who has both gay and straight clients, is the child of a devout Christian family, so coming out wasn’t entirely easy. “I came out after graduating from high school and just before his18th birthday.When I told

my parents it was hard for them to accept at first. Being deeply religious, homosexuality was something they had been taught was wrong.” Today, his sister and mother are very supportive and are among his best friends. When he’s not in the gym, you can find Cuellar playing with his pet boxer. “If there is nothing to do, I just like to play hide and seek with her, wrestle, or stare into her eyes and see who blinks first.The score is 100,000 to 1 in favor of Sophie.” To schedule a consultation, please call 210-415-0051.