09/01/10 V1I32 by South Florida Gay News

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September 1, 2010 • VOLUME 1 • Issue 32

PARTIES Highlight Holiday weekend Page 16 Photo: The Manor hosts Brazil’s Independence Day INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Gay Murder in Oakland Park

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Recession or Depression?

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Mack and Mabel Review

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SFGN Profile: Bishop MakalaniMahee

September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Observance

Jewish High Holy Days Begin September 8

By Cliff Dunn

lthough the world’s 13-million-plus Jews are divided in many ways – politically, geographically, and in the ways they observe their mutual faith – for the majority of them, an important period

of reflection, atonement and celebration begins next week. The High Holy Days, called the Yamim Noraim in Hebrew (‫ םיארונ םימי‬or “Days of Awe”), begin at sundown on September 8 with the 10-day period between Rosh Hashanah (“Jewish New Year”) and Yom Kippur (“Day of Atonement”). This is also known as the Ten Days of Repentance (“Aseret Yemei Teshuvah”). Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which this year marks the year 5771 according to the Hebrew calendar, is celebrated the first and second days of Tishri, the Jewish calendar’s seventh month. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is observed on the tenth day of Tishri, and is the most solemn day of the Jewish year. During the preceding month (Elul), a period of introspection and repentance is presecribed for observant Jews, including the recitation of special prayers. The Twenty-seventh Psalm is added

at the end of morning and evening prayers, and the symbolic ram’s horn (shofar) is blown at the end of services. It is also customary for many Jews to increase charitable giving (Tzedakah) and to ask the forgiveness of friends for wrongs. Yom Kippur (‫רופכ םוי‬, “Day of Atonement”) is the Jewish Day of Atonement. Observant Jews fast throughout the day and attend services. The High Holy Days are among the peak attendance days for synagogues and temples around the world. Since Synagogues do not pass the collection plate during services as many Christian churches do (Jews being forbidden to touch money on the Sabbath or holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), many American synagogues charge for attendance on the high holidays. Among observant Jews, many prefer the term “High Holy Days,” which emphasizes their personal, reflective, introspective aspects, while others use “Holidays” to suggest the celebrations of events in the history of the Jewish people, such as Purim or Passover. Members of South Florida’s Jewish LGBT community, along with family and friends, can experience the High Holy Days at Congregation Etz Chaim in Wilton Manors. For more information, you’re encouraged to visit www. etzchaimflorida.org.

September 1, 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 32

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

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

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

Sales Display Marketing Associates. . J ohn Fugate Brian Swinford National Sales Representative.Rivendell Media todd@rivendellmedia.com Distribution Manager. . . . . . . J ohn Fugate, JR Davis, Walter Franco Printing and Publication . . . . Miami Offset South Florida Gay News.com is published weekly on 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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September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Local News

Main Street Wants to Take Over Wilton Wicked Manors Would Become First Endeavor funding guarantees and in some cases advanced payments. “There are major new contingencies now that directly impact event planning.” according to Doug Cureton, Chairman for the proposed Wicked Weekend Street Festival 2010, which last year drew an estimated 20,000 spectators. One of the major problems for organizers in the past, and especially for Stonewall, has been the lack of experienced volunteers. If corrected, this crucial element of event planning may contribute to greater financial success in the future. Wilton Manors Main Street has therefore deEntertainers at the 2010 Stonewall Street Festival vised a new program based on a “trade show format.” WMMS said it will serve as the event orgaBy Joey Amato nizer and will arrange the permits, insurfter the highly scrutinized af- ance, city services, restrooms, entertaintermath of this year’s Stonewall ment, publicity and promotion of the event. Street Festival, an organiza- The event costs will then be divided among tion known as Wilton Manors Main Street the major event sponsors who will provide (WMMS) has stepped forward in an at- the necessary seed money to plan and prestempt to take control of all future large- ent the event, insuring fiscal responsibility scale events which take place in Wilton to the city and related support vendors. This new approach will put the local bar Manors. Their goal is to avoid the financial catastrophe witnessed during June’s festival. businesses in charge of all bar sales operaAs the city of Wilton Manors prepares for tions. Bar owners and their staffs will create its Halloween tradition, Wicked Weekend, on-street vending stations, staff, supply, and WMMS has developed an all-inclusive plan operate them, and keep all the proceeds deto manage the event, which can then be im- rived from sales. Any proceeds from the event will be manplemented towards all future street events, aged and allocated WMMS, which is comparades and festivals. This year’s Stonewall Street Festival re- prised of the city’s business and civic leaders. An announcement regarding the theme sulted in thousands of dollars of financial losses incurred by vendors and suppliers, and entertainment for the upcoming Wickincluding local police services. As a result, ed Weekend Street Festival 2010 is expectany new events being planned will require ed to be made within a few weeks.

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Attacked in Key West Couple Injured By Gang of Thugs By Joey Amato

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t is a rare occurrence that in Key West, a town known as much for its tranquility and scenery as for its parties, crime becomes the talk of the town. A few weeks ago, Chris Tanner, 26 and his boyfriend James were riding their moped towards Duval Street, the town’s entertainment hub, when three men on scooters nearly collided with the couple. The men described by Tanner to be in their early 20’s appeared to be “playing a game” of chicken. “They were trying to come as close as possible to us without crashing,” Tanner explains. After a few words were exchanged between opposing sides, both parties continued on their separate ways, as so it seemed to Tanner. As he and James turned onto Catherine Street to meet some friends at a local bar, they were attacked by the three men. “It can only be speculated that they had followed us to where we were going and when they had the opportunity, managed to get ahead of us,” Tanner recalls. According to Tanner, James was attacked first. “I threw my scooter down and went into fight mode.” Trying to draw the gang’s focus from James, Tanner confronted one of the men, when the third man attacked him from the side. After finding refuge in a bar, they called the police and made a subsequent visit to the emergency room the following morning. Sustaining a few scrapes and bruises, Tanner speculates that the three men are locals and not tourists due to the fact that they were not riding rental scooters. He also tells SFGN that crime has become an issue

Chris Tanner

in Key West in recent months. “Locals who have lived here for long periods of time are shocked and amazed at the recent happenings because it’s so out of character for this island,” says Tanner. Following the attack, Tanner posted photos of his injuries on Facebook and garnered tremendous community support. “The goal then became raising awareness and getting the right people’s attention.” After contacting local media and granting a few interviews, a NOH8 campaign was shot, depicting locals with bruised and battered faces. Look for the images to surface in the coming weeks. Originally from New York, Tanner relocated to Key West to escape the harsh northern winters. He embraced the Key West philosophy “One Human Family” and in light of the attack, gained the support from the Key West chief of police, city commissioners and heads of the LGBT business community.

September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Gay Man Murdered in Oakland Park Home BSO Describes Crime Scene as ‘Brutal’ and ‘Violent’ By Richard Gary

lfred Chadwick McMurray, a gay man with a checkered criminal past, was found murdered in an Oakland Park home on Monday evening in the 1300 block of NE 34th street. The brutal killing has been featured in all the local media for the last 72 hours. Friends told local news sources that McMurray, known as Chad to his friends, was discovered bound and on the ground in a pool of blood in the living room. Late Tuesday, Broward Sheriff’s detectives say they recovered McMurray’s Toyota Tacoma truck, which was stolen from the house. Investigators say it was abandoned at a Lauderhill apartment complex. Detectives hope

someone might have seen the person driving it or leaving it at the complex. Doug Warner owns the home and says he rents it out to two men. He says they are a nice couple and just paid their rent on Monday. But neighbor Larry Green told CBS4 that this was not the first time there’s been a problem there. “A month ago,” explained Green, “there was some kind of robbery over there. He told the police the person came through my backyard.”

5 Homicide detectives speculate that the stolen truck will provide key evidence in the case. They are now trying to determine who had the vehicle just before it was found in Lauderhill. McMurray had recently moved to Broward from North Carolina. There, according to online state offender information records, he had been arrested and convicted in 2002 of trafficking methamphetamine and was placed on probation. North Carolina authorities revoked McMurray’s probation in 2006 after he was arrested on a drug possession charge and sent him to prison for 16 months, records show. He was released from prison in September 2008. Broward sheriff’s investigators have not disclosed how he was killed or released a possible motive. Sources say that at the time of his death, McMurray had apparently been in a relationship with Shannon Pruitt, publisher of Just Us Boys, a magazine featuring popular gay porn stars. Pruitt was unavailable for comment. The Sheriff’s Office asks that anyone with information about McMurray’s death contact homicide Detective Louis Rivera at 954-321-4211 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).

September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Economic News

Is the Great Recession the Great Depression? By Joey Amato

mercial real estate is weak. Can you imagine what the economy would be like had Obama not stepped in? Taking all of that into consideration, I think it is safe to say that we are in a depression, or are about to head into one. I’ve felt this way for a while. I know holding an MBA in business management and marketing doesn’t make me the most reputable source, but after David Rosenberg, an economist with Gluskin Sheff made the same call on CNBC last week, I felt confident about my assumption. Rosenberg states the signs of an economic recovery “were unsustainable and only provided a false sense of stability.” Furthermore, he declares the country is in “a depression, and not just some garden-variety recession.” In addition, about half-dozen analysts from firms including Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan have slashed GDP projections for 2010 to the 1.5 to 2 percent range. Considering that the first and second quarters saw 3.7 and

f history is an indicator of what is about to happen to the United States Jim Cramer economy, then people need to hunker Cramer is most fearful of the job market 2.4 percent gains respectively, without doing down and start shoving money under their the math, the third and fourth quarters are and doesn’t see any sign of recovery until mattress because we are in for a bumpy ride. expected to be a lot worse in order for their Obama steps in. “All of these housing issues Some people may recall, after the stock could begin to go away if we create jobs, and predictions to be accurate. market crash of 1929, spearheading the At the same time, Chicago Federal Reserve the president needs to be the point man on economy into depression, the market ralPresident Charles Evans said the risk of a employment,” Cramer said. “If he makes a lied back and then crashed even further in double-dip recession has escalated. This has real effort to fight joblessness, then and only the early 30’s, leading the economy into a worried many investors, and over the past few then can this market have a sustainable rally.” black hole worse than feared. Ultimately, However, turbulent waters may not only weeks, we have witnessed a steep decline in WWII was the catalyst for the recovery. the broader market as well as heightened spec- be seen on this side of the Atlantic. Just last The recent stock market rally and gains ulation about the overall state of the economy. week, Standard & Poor’s downgraded Irein GDP which followed the burst of the Even market bulls like Jim Cramer have land’s sovereign debt, over concerns about housing bubble, negative GDP growth and become weary. “The markets will continue the growing cost of its bank bail-out. This drastic drop in the S&P 500 appears to be to push lower until leadership steps forward comes as concerns in Greece, Spain, Portuvery similar to what happened in the 30’s. to inspire confidence that things will get bet- gal and other European nations still persist. From 1929-33 the economy saw six quarterly When I asked some fellow peers what ter,” Cramer stated during a recent CNBC inbounces in GDP with an average gain of 8 perterview. “Until President Obama renews our they thought, I received responses ranging cent, sending the stock market to a 50 percent faith in stocks, no rally will be sustainable.” from: “the beaches and hotels are filled” and rally in early 1930. Just as everyone thought the “the theme parks were jammed worst had passed, the economy sank this weekend” to “I’ve been unfurther into the duldrums. employed for over a year” and “so After four consecutive quarters many businesses are closing in of negative GDP which occurred in Percent change, quarter vs previous quarter annualized 8.0 my town.” 2008-2009, the economy bounced 6.9 5.4 5.0 Yes, packed beaches are a good back with four consecutive quar4.1 3.6 3.5 3.7 3.2 2.9 3.5 3.1 3.0 3.2 2.9 2.6 2.4 sign but keep in mind that Florida 2.0 ters of positive GDP in the four 1.6 1.4 1.6 1.4 2.8 3.0 1.7 0.6 2.3 1.6 receives a high amount of internamost recent quarters. Sound famil2.1 2.1 0.1 0.9 -.07 tional tourism and this may not be iar…although this time the average 1.0 0.3 0.1 -0.7 -1.3 -1.1 an accurate depiction of the econpercent gain is only 3.3 percent. -4.9 -4.0 omy, especially when our state’s Since many of our readers weren’t -6.8 housing and unemployment is born at that time, it is difficult for us YEAR 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 one of the worst in the nation. to imagine such dire conditions, but 2000 I would love to speak with the also keep in mind that the United States government didn’t step in U.S. Growth in Second Quarter Is Lowered to 1.6% Pace people of Detroit, Pittsburgh or the mid-west, where tourism isn’t and provide as much, if any, stimua factor. I’m sure they would have lus back then, so it was remarkable The news follows dismal statistics this week on July conomic statistics released Friday offered the a drastically different perspective. that an average GDP gain of 8 perhome sales and factory orders. Economists are now clearest sign yet that the recovery in the United My purpose for writing this colcent was recorded. States had slowed to a crawl. The government lowered concerned that the outlook for job creation, which has Even after Obama’s tremen- its estimate of economic growth in the second quarter been spluttering all summer, could deteriorate further. umn is not to instill fear into everyone’s mind, but to awaken people dous stimulus package, unemploy- to an annual rate of 1.6 percent, down from an initial Because forecasters had expected an even worse who may not be as informed as ment is still rising, housing sales estimate of 2.4 percent issued last month. growth estimate, the markets reacted positively in the others, so they have time to prepare are falling, foreclosures are rising, first few minutes, as traders awaited a policy speech The revision is a significant slowdown from the durable goods orders are falling, annual rate of 3.7 percent in the first quarter and 5 later on Friday morning from the chairman of the Fed- for the worst, if that day comes. Like the old adage says: “It’s better consumer spending is down and percent in the last three months of 2009. eral Reserve, Ben S. Bernanke. to be safe than sorry.” consumer sentiment and com-

United States Real GDP Growth Rate

September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Media News

Gmail Goes to Voice By A. Sebastian Fortino

ant to call France for $0.08 a minute? How about Tirane, Albania for $0.12 a minute? Have a friend teaching English in South Korea? Well, you can call Seoul for between $0.02 and $0.05 a minute. If you’re friend is unfortunately kidnapped by North Koreans it does cost more to call Pyongyang, at $0.77 a minute but I don’t think Americans are allowed to call North Korea, anyway. Want to call your grandmother in New Hampshire, or your ex who ran off to Canada to get married? Well, perhaps the best

part about the Google Voice application is that calls throughout North America are free. At first I thought the service was a superfluous addition to their roster of amazingly considerate features. Then a few hours after receiving notification about Google Voice my cell phone acted funny and my wireless Internet shut down. The phone would not let me call out. Of course, like most people raised in the cell phone era, I have no landline! Yet, with the new service I was able to plug in the Ethernet cable and call Comcast to help reboot my wireless router. Admittedly, the operator complained about the connection being “echoey,” which initially made me think the new service was whack. However, I was sitting in my barely furnished apartment, on the tile floor. Gmail – which started as an experiment about four six years ago through Google – has become a service with over 176 million users annually. The ever-expanding amount of storage space is not the only must-have feature.

Village Voice Media Launches AfterDarkLA.com

he LA Weekly and parent company Village Voice Media have officially launched AfterDarkLA.com, a new sex-centric website that unabashedly dares readers to explore the sexier side of the other city that never sleeps. “AfterDarkLA.com is the go-to spot for sex stories, advice and tips, and is without a doubt the sexiest way to procrastinate online,” AfterDarkLA.com Web Editor Anne Hodder said. “Our articles revolve around topics typically tossed around with a dose of giggling, groaning and a gimlet or three – if people can muster the courage to share! AfterDarkLA.com is a place in which to both show and tell, and pick up some pointers while you’re at it.” LAWeekly’s newest city blog also lifts the sheets to expose Los Angeles’ not-soprivate parts, showing readers the local events, clubs and very special occasions they’d never have known existed. From erotic poetry slams to bondage demon-

AfterDarkLA.com party at Bardot

strations to monster sales at the best adult shops in town. “AfterDarkLA.com brings carnal news, sex advice and the sex industries’ best writers, designers, performers and entertainers together on one open-minded website,” LAWeekly Advertising Director Mat Cooperstein said. “We now can connect companies, service providers and anyone with the common goal of opening the minds of the masses.” AfterDarkLA.com also gives readers the opportunity to explore L.A. Libido, an entire column devoted to user-submitted stories of sex tales and erotic rendezvous “too good to keep inside.” Rumor has it that if the Los Angeles launch is successful, then South Florida may be their next target market.

‘Comcast On Demand’ in Demand New LGBT Programming Makes a Splash By Joey Amato

omcast South Florida recently launched a series of locally produced programs free to its subscribers on Comcast On Demand under Get Local / Gay Pride. These programs are targeted to meet the growing needs and desires of the LGBT community. “Our community is diverse and our local programming reflects that. In this series we celebrate the eclectic range of contributions the LGBT community is making to South Florida,” states Karla Nelson-Thatcher, Xfinity Local Video on Demand Content Manager. “Segments and stories include some promoting the entrepreneurial spirit of LGBT businesses, charities and leader in the South Florida area,” she states. “In addition there are stories that highlight a bit of the fun, fashion and parades that make South Florida a destination for LGBT tourism.” The segments currently include nine shows, with more to be added throughout

the year. Some standouts include: The Stonewall Library and Archives, The Manor Martini Bar, Broward County Mayor Ken Keechl breaks barriers for gays in Florida and Top designers unleash the latest in men’s swimwear. A special breast cancer awareness segment is also in the works as is a featuring highlighting the contributions of local female business owners. The programming is the latest addition to a growing list of locally produced selections geared to every segment of South’s Florida population. Comcast subscribers should go to channel 1 on demand and scroll down to the “Get Local” tab. “The popularity of Local Video on Demand has grown significantly during the past year,” said Nelson-Thatcher. “I think this is a direct response to the quality of the programming as well as the diversity of the subject matter we’re offering.” Comcast South Florida currently employs more than 2,500 people in its regional office located in Miramar.

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September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN Editorial

September 1, 2010

Saluting One Life, Censuring the Next Norm Kent, Publisher

he purpose of starting a new gay the ACLU and helped overturn the Florida and lesbian newspaper for South Bar’s rule forbidding openly gay attorneys Florida this year was to insure from being licensed in Florida. Forget that you see my friend George that our history would still be recorded, online and in print. SFGN has delivered that Castrataro in many ads on TV today. Thirty to you in a professional, newsworthy, crisp, years ago, he could have been denied the right and aesthetic fashion. We are proud of what to be a lawyer in this state because he’s gay. we achieved thus far, and we are even push- That’s right, in 1978, being gay meant you ing our way through the long hard ‘mean were ‘morally unfit’ to practice law. It took an appeal to the Supreme Court season’ of summer in South Florida. Much of our success is because so many of the State of Florida in the case of Florida gay and lesbian lawyers have helped sustain Bar applicant Robert Eimers to allow a gay our paper with their ads. We thank them. person to practice law. Take pause, and think Bear with me, and let me tell you why that about that now. Tomorrow, nearly 40 gay and lesbian lawyers will be holding their monthmatters today. One of the features we have been running is an occasional photo by ‘Pompano Bill,’ entitled ‘Reflections,’ capturing the life of someone no longer with us, who was there with us when it counted. The person we share with you today deserves more than a photo. Attorney and University of Miami law proBruce J. Winick Kenneth Mehlman fessor Bruce J. Winick deserves his own editorial. Our straight ly luncheon at the Tower Club. Hopefully, ally died of cancer last week, just days before they will toast Mr. Winick posthumously. Every gay lawyer in Florida owes Bruce his 66th birthday. Thirty years ago, as a young lawyer, work- Winick thanks, but all of us owe him aping as an ACLU attorney, he helped draft preciation for living a life that was willing to legislation protecting gays from discrimina- buck the tide and challenge the status quo. Perhaps those words can inspire our own tion in Miami-Dade County, adding sexual orientation to race and religion under pro- present day young lawyers groups, so they tections in the county’s 1977 human rights can be more than cocktail parties and busiordinance. It was unprecedented at the ness promulgators. Perhaps these lawyers time, and opened the door to the Anita Bry- will become leaders in advancing our rights, protecting our interests, and advocating our ant campaign. Bruce Winick followed up that noble cause causes; helping make a difference today so by becoming counsel of record in one of the our lives will be enriched tomorrow. One person who has not enriched our most historic cases for gay citizens in the history of the State of Florida. You see, in a lives is the hypocrite that is Kenneth MehlFlorida Supreme Court case in 1978, Winick man. The former chair of the Republican and then-wife Terry L. DeMeo represented National Committee came out as a gay man

last week, to a big brouhaha in the national press. But his secret was no secret. He was outed years ago, in many venues, including by TV host Bill Maher, whose remarks were censored by CNN at the time. While defending straight marriage and lambasting gay activism, Mehlman was going home to his Chelsea condo with a gay man. He denied it all, protecting for self-gain his stature and role in the Grand Old Party, which is more and more appearing to have been a Gay Old Party. Today, however, we are delighted that his journey has brought him to the town of Honesty and the state of Self-Awareness. Mr. Mehlman was so hostile to our cause for so long, he deserves no applause today thoughonly our pity. He could have helped so many gay lives by illuminating his own. Instead, he fought against us. Welcome to the sunlight, Mr. Mehlman. May it disinfect who you have been and allow you to become who you are.

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

Letters, We Got Letters Comment On:

PRIMARY ELECTIONS (8/25): To the Editor: Well this ‘do nothing’ community did it again. Last Tuesday we had an opportunity to elect a young man (Justin Flippen) for district 92 state rep. But like many times in this community of ours, we FAILED AGAIN. We get 20,000+ to come out for drinks and a street festival but we can’t even get 5, 000 out Justin Flippen to vote for someone who would bring our concerns to Tallahassee. The people in this community need to wake up. It would of only taken 20 minutes of your time away from the Gym, away from the Bar, but NO! You want rights but you don’t come out and do anything to bring them to the forefront. Justin, sorry this community is more concerned about their looks and a buzz-on then getting out to vote. I actually had many of my straight neighbors support you. I guess gays want Ms Owen, who doesn’t support them and is more Republican then democrat as she accepted thousands of dollars from the wing groups for her campaign. WAKE UP folks and help us get our rights! Mark J. Ft Lauderdale

September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN Profile: Michael Hendrix & The Precise Agency Group

Bringing Social Media to the Masses By Joey Amato

ave you ever had a friend on Facebook who you feel like you know, but never had the chance to meet? Michael Hendrix, Founder and CEO of The Precise Agency Group is one of those people. Headquartered just south of Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale, Hendrix leads a team of nine employees, each of whom contributes something unique to the organization. Hendrix formed The Precise Agency four years ago, when social media was first becoming a force in advertising. For the first time, traditional media such as print, radio and television was taking a back seat to digital media, and Hendrix had the insight to capitalize on the trend. “I didn’t want to work for anyone else,” Hendrix states after combing through the minimal amount of positions available in social media advertising. The Precise Agency offers a wide range of services including: digital public relations, social media advertising, ad placement and text advertising. In addition, Hendrix’s team has the ability to create applications for Apple’s iPhone, iPad and similar mobile devices. From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew I was in a fun, creative environment. The office is configured so the staff can bounce ideas off of each other with ease, or as they like to call it, R.A.V.E….Review, Assess, Visualize, Evaluate. These steps are used for every client, no matter how big or small. The Precise Agency’s roster of client’s is extensive, encompassing multiple industries including law firms, restaurants and nonprofits. One of the agency’s most interesting clients is Savor Dallas, a food and wine festival which takes place in March. “Our experience with the Precise Agency Group has been illuminating and enlightening,” states Jim White, Founder of the event. Savor Dallas is considered one of the

Michael Hendrix (center) and the Precise Agency Group staff

city’s premier events, now in its seventh year. “Michael and his team have opened our eyes - actually all of our senses - to the promise and the power of social media.” In fact, The Precise Agency maintains an office in Dallas in addition to Philadelphia and New York, with plans to open a Chicago office next year. “Our expansion happened naturally,” Hendrix tells SFGN, “we are routinely asked to speak at conventions and trade shows.” Hendrix recently hired a publicist to handle his busy speaking schedule. He is considered a foremost expert in the field of digital media and often asked to address small business owners on how to maximize profitability through the use of such media. Jeffrey Abrams, partner at Abrams & Krochak, a Toronto-based law firm, has been a client for over two years. “Michael is constantly thinking outside of the box and has boundless energy and enthusiasm for his work,” he states. In addition, Hendrix recently joined forces

with non-profit veteran Tony Beall to form Precisely Nonprofit, a separate entity developed to help new and existing organizations with a variety of needs from the grant writing to filing for tax exemption status. “We wanted to create a company which can offer a wide variety of services for a cost that is less than hiring an employee.” In these economic times, many non-profits are struggling and in desperate need of the services which Beall is able to provide. One of Precisely Nonprofit’s clients is Commit 2B Fit, a Boca Raton-based organization dedicated to combat childhood obesity and promote overall wellness. Michelle Schect, one of the charity’s co-founders is quick to recognize Beall’s work. “With Tony’s help and recommendations we have made a shift in our thinking and approach to be more organization-focused,” she states. “We are putting the key components in place to help us evolve and grow.” Despite their tremendous growth over

the past few years, The Precise Agency is not just about business. Recently, Hendrix retained the services of a personal trainer to oversee the health and fitness of his staff, which includes the preparation of daily nutritious lunches. This is only one of the many things that makes the agency a great place to work. Clayton Stults, account executive with the agency enjoys the creative, free-flowing environment that Hendrix has created. Stults oversees the budgets, deadlines and digital platforms for all of the company’s clients. Hendrix also encourages philanthropy. Last year, he and his team collected nearly 600 toys and raised over $2,000 in cash for the Children’s Diagnostic Center. He is also planning a Halloween fundraiser, which will take place at the Pride Center at Equality Park on October 23. To learn more about Hendrix and The Precise Agency Group, please visit Thepreciseagencygroup.com

September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

National News

Atlanta Black Pride Leader Shot and Killed By Staff Reporters

ccording to Advocate.com, Durand Robinson, a gay nightclub owner and organizer of the Black Gay Pride celebration in Atlanta, was found dead in a street in the southwestern part of the city early Wednesday morning. He had been shot in the chest. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, police have not determined a motive for the shooting or named any suspects, but it is believed that Robinson argued with someone before shots were fired. “According to Atlanta police dispatchers, a resident in the 1700 block of Hadlock Street called 911 about 1:30 a.m. to report that she heard a loud scream, looked outside and saw a man lying in the middle of the street,” reported the JournalConstitution. Robinson, who was 50 years old, lived in Decatur and coowned the nightclub Traxx. He

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September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com Proposed site of gay resort

Gay Resort Rises in NYC By Joey Amato

ccording to a New York Times report, the Out NYC Urban Resort, a gay hospitality mecca proposed by developer Ian Simpson Reisner is scheduled for completion early next year. Reisner has teamed up with Axel Hotels for the venture, which currently operates gay resorts in Barcelona, Buenos Aires and Berlin. The 127-room resort, which will be located at the western end of 42nd Street, will be designed by architect Paul Dominguez. The $30 million, 90,000-square-foot complex will contain a selection of restaurants and bars, a spa, reception hall, retail stores and dance club. Reisner calls the current project a “supersize” version of his original plan. The main attraction however will be the 14,000-square-foot XL Dance Bar, to be located in what was originally a 100-car

parking garage. The entertainment venue will be operated by John Blair and Beto Sutter, two industry pros who bring 25 years of promoting experience to the project as well as Tony Fornabaio and Brandon Voss, the team which organizes Club 57, a popular Saturday night event. Out NYC’s amenities will include a Nickel spa, courtyard lap pool enclosed in a glass atrium, a gym and wellness center, a cafe called Kitchen and a reception hall which will accommodate same-sex weddings and commitment ceremonies as well as corporate events. Reisner, who runs Parkview Developers with his life partner Mati Weiderpass were creators of the national chain store Watch World, which was sold to Sunglass Hut. Other projects include a condominium building called the 505, and a proposed hotel-and-condo tower near the Empire State Building.

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September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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ADAP Funding Becomes Focus at Gay Men’s Health Summit By Jarrett Terrill

he Gay Men’s Health Summit (GMHS) was held in Fort Lauderdale this week and the struggle for HIV positive persons to receive adequate medication became a major talking point for attendees who were perRep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) mitted to ask questions from Florida like Debbie Wasserman Schultz of health experts and government leaders. The GMHS is a large, diverse gathering of (D) and Senator Bill Nelson (D) have made both men and women who gather in a ma- it known that they wish to see more fundjor US city every year to discuss HIV/AIDS as ing for ADAP but Governor Charlie Crist (R) well as many other issues affecting the overall and CFO Alex Sink (D) have been silent on health and well-being of the LGBT popula- Florida’s cutbacks to HIV funding. When pressed for comment, Wasserman tion. Previous National GMH Summits have been in Boulder CO, Seattle WA, and Raleigh Schultz said that Alex Sink, who is curNC, and Salt Lake City UT. The National Sum- rently running for Governor of the state, mit comes to Florida in a time when there are would still be “comparatively” more open to resolving the funding crisis on the state waiting lists for ADAP funding in the state. Officials like Christopher H. Bates of PA- level than her opponents in the race. According to Bates, the message from CHA (The Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS) and Congresswoman Debbie the Florida Department of Health is “parWasserman Schultz were on hand to dis- tially true because the funding from the cuss the issues. Some of the biggest ques- Federal Government is not commensurate tions attendees asked related to how much with what the need is,” but he also says that the Obama administration has done to ad- “states always reserve the right to add from dress the LGBT Community when it comes their own budget moneys to the ADAP program.” This can be illustrated by the way to HIV and questions about funding. Some attendees were not even aware that that California, after a number of cutbacks a National HIV/AIDS Strategy was released contributed millions of state dollars to their while even a smaller few did not even know own ADAP. New Jersey, likewise, created about the ADAP funding shortages. How- an innovative program to cover 950 people ever, the majority were already informed on who would have been left unable to afford those two points but still had specific ques- medication because their income level was too high to meet budget standards. The tions about funding. The President recently announced a much New Jersey program took Federal Grants needed increase to ADAP funding on top of and combined them with rebates they negothe previous increase which was criticized tiated with pharmaceutical companies to afby many as insufficient. The previous in- ford just basic HIV medication to those who crease would allot 6.9 million dollars in were almost left out of the ADAP program. Christopher Bates says that “when some Federal ADAP funds to the state of Florida. It is not yet calculated how much the new states found that their revenue was making a increase would add to that but the number downward turn, they made a conscious decision not to continue to fund their HIV/AIDS will likely be similar. However, even though the increases still programs. This is a problem because the Ryan fall short of what experts say their funding White Care Act is structured in a way that is needs are – matters are further complicated meant to be a partnership and you have to have by a failure on the part of Florida State Legis- a certain level of effort going on in your state to lators to address the issue. Federal legislators help match that Federal money you get.”

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

September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Mack and Mabel

Theatre Review

By J.W. Arnold

rected by Broward Stage Door Theatre under the loving guidance and a few tweaks from director Michael Leeds, who performed erry Herman’s musicals have in the first national tour. While “Mack and become a staple of the weekly showtune nights at gay bars, where Mabel” doesn’t feature singing transvestites, dozens of men can be heard belting urbane aunties or turn-of-the-century fag hags, the show features one of Herman’s out the signature songs of “La Cage aux most tuneful scores, gaggles of sequin-clad Folles,” “Mame” and “Hello, Dolly” from Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco. And while tap dancing chorus girls and lots of fabulous costumes, all the ingredients for a hit musical. “I am what I am” and many other tunes The dashing Shane Tanner as Sennett had have become anthems, ask the openly gay composer Herman about his favorite show more than a few ladies—and a few men, and he will likely tell you, “Mack and Mabel,” too—swooning as the serious filmmaker the rarely produced show about silent film- who missed out on the love of his life, sandwich delivery turned star Normand maker Mack Sennett – creator of the Key(Maya Gabrielle) because of his penchant stone Cops - and actress Mabel Normand. for slapstick comedy. His soaring voice helps Herman’s beloved show has been resur-

him carry the production, while Gabrielle, a New York import, perfectly captures the naivete of a girl swept into the glamorous world of Hollywood’s heyday. Local favorite Ken Clement is perfectly cast as Fatty Arbuckle, the “butt” of the gags in nearly every Sennett film and he is supported by a strong comic ensemble including Stacie Johnson as skeptical pianist Ella, Kelly Cusimano as tap dancing chorus girl Lottie, and Bob Levitt as the “straight guy” producer Kleiman. And while Leeds assembled a perfect cast, it is the detail and timing in his direction that makes this production shine as a dozen cast members flawlessly transition with perfect timing through comedic scenes from Sennett’s films. Chrissi Ardito’s choreography captures

the brilliance and spectacle of the classic Busby Berkeley productions, particularly in the final tap number featuring Cusimano and the ladies of the chorus, which she contrasts with quiet elegance in several intimate scenes between Mack and Mabel. Ardean Landhuis’s austere soundstage set is cleverly and effectively transformed for each scene and effectively lit to take fullest advantage of Stage Door’s tight quarters. Stage Door’s “Mack and Mabel” is a thoroughly entertaining production and worth the trip to Coral Springs for a satisfying evening of old-fashioned musical theater. For more information, please visit Stagedoortheatre.com.

September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Labor Day Parties Highlight Holiday Weekend J.W. Arnold

ou’ve earned it: lots of ways to celebrate your labors in South Florida How do you celebrate Labor Day? The 150-year-old holiday that resulted from the labor movement during our nation’s late 19th century industrial boom is marked in many ways. In the Midwest and South, folks will fire up the barbecue for a wholesome picnic, while in the mid-Atlantic states, the holiday marks the last hurrah of summer with that final trip ‘down the shore’ to the beaches. In South Florida, there will be plenty of people flocking to the beaches and certainly a lot of backyard barbecues, but the holiday is anything but the end of the hot summer. Instead, many LGBT residents and their friends will beat the heat and celebrate their labors in the region’s trendy and popular nightspots.

And, when the sun goes down, the action will heat up from Palm Beach to South Beach. Here is a look at some of the special events planned for the holiday weekend across South Florida: AAA says more Americans are going to be hitting the road this year for Labor Day and the Rainbow Business Coalition—the local alliance of businesses primarily catering to the gay community—is offering its own version of a holiday road trip, a three day bar hop between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. on two air conditioned busses between 14 member establishments. This is great way to check out the scenery at some of the far-flung destinations off the usual Wilton Dr. strip, including Torpedo, the notorious late-night club; Johnny’s, and the Corner Pub, the popular neighborhood hangout on Andrews Ave. Participating bars

are offering a $6 drink special with an RBC “big plastic cup” and the best part is you don’t need a designated driver! In addition to the RBC bar hop, several other Fort Lauderdale bars and clubs have big events planned for the weekend: Holiday weekends always feature some of the biggest names—not only in the DJ booths, but also on stage. Labor Day weekend is no exception.The Boardwalk is bringing in Colt Studios porn star John Magnum for two lives shows each night, Friday through Sunday. Meanwhile, bad boy Brent Corrigan will be appearing at Johnny’s. This kid has an amazing story, among other things, and you can get an autographed photo or DVD on Sunday between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. In addition to Corrigan, we hear Johnny’s will be bringing in 50 additional dancers for the weekend, including Mr. Cupid’s porn star Gotti. This could be a record-breaker. Fridays are a popular night for the large South Florida bear community and this weekend, The Manor hosts Bearlesque, the Bear Nation party that features hunky muscle bears swinging from poles and sweaty studs on the dance floor of the Wilton Dr. club. DJs Pannik! and AJFTL will be in the booth all night long. On Saturday, Ramrod, the region’s extremely popular leather/Levi bar hosts the second annual Pig Dance XXV. DJ Lee Majors will be providing the musical “ambiance”—if you can call it that—and don’t miss Titan Video star Colin Steele behind the bar. Atomic Boom, the resident dance club at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors is literally planning a blast this weekend with a construction party on Saturday evening followed up with the legendary Jackhammer T-Dance and we hear the lights will be out. It sounds like somebody is going to be working up a sweat during the weekend intended to provide rest for the weary. The Manor will prove to be the place to be on Saturday as they present not one, but two fabulous events, highlighted by their overthe-top Brazilian Independence Day party. DJ’s Larry Larr and Erika Norell

will be spinning all night long in the Ivy Lounge. Simultaneously, the Manor will host a Black Fort Lauderdale fashion show with DJ Lazaro Leon on that evening in the Epic Nightclub, followed up on Sunday with Freak Show, featuring DJ Manny Lehman. Promoter Gary Santis rarely disappoints, so expect a crazy weekend. If you didn’t get enough black fashion on Saturday at The Manor, head downtown to Voo Doo Lounge on Sunday for the Black Wear Party.Voo Doo has quite a Sunday following for its tea dances, but expect the action to continue well into the morning. Miami and South Beach are always happening on a weekend, and Labor Day is no exception for our neighbors to the South. Kick off the festivities early on Wednesday, Sept. 1 with Twist’s amazing Turnabout Night, hosted by Sean Brady with popular DJ Maximum 3000.Your bartenders will engage in some unusual gender-bending behavior and display some untapped talents— and we’re not talking about pouring beer. The action continues on Thursday, Sept. 2 at the “Ho’tel Lancaster,” the birthday celebration for Miami’s favorite socialite at trendy Lincoln Rd. nightclub Score. DJ Bill Hallquist will be providing the music for this unforgettable event which undoubtedly will end up celebrating Lancaster’s mother’s labors just a few years ago.The girl is ageless, but we’re guessing it wasn’t an easy birth.There’s no cover and Lustful Lancaster Martinis are $8 all night long.“Early check-in” is 8 p.m. and you don’t have to check out until 5 a.m. Black proves to be a theme again in Miami as on Saturday at Discotekka, the official pre-party for Blackwear weekend. Vegas Dion and friends will be performing at the popular late-night club in downtown Miami. On Sunday, DJ Tracy Young headlines the Blackwear Party at Mekka. Flavio Nisti, Vegas Dion and Alan T. are your hosts for what could be the biggest bash of the weekend in Miami-Dade. So whatever kind of mood you are in this Labor Day weekend, it’s five o’clock somewhere.

September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Fashion’s Night Out Staff Reporters

ast year’s global sensation Fashion’s Night Out is back and this year it’s coming to Aventura Mall. This event was created to put the fun back in shopping and participating mall retailers will do just that. On Friday, September 10 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., join Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Anthropologie, AX Armani Exchange, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Boss Hugo Boss, Guess, Herve Leger, J.Crew, Michael Kors and Tommy Hilfiger among others, as they celebrate fashion for one night of informal modeling, cocktail receptions, trunk shows, fashions preview, gifts with purchase, styling sessions, shopping incentives, contests and more. One of the evening’s highlights will be a fashion show in Center Court featuring the latest in men’s and women’s fall fashions from J. Lindeberg at 7 pm and William Rast at 8 pm. The first 300 customers to present $100 or more in same day receipts to the Aventura Mall Concierge Center will receive the Official Aventura Mall shopping bag with a $10 Aventura Mall gift card, certificates for free valet parking and a complimentary glass of champagne at The Grill on the Alley, Grand Lux Cafe or Ocean Prime.

Visit Aventuramall.com/fashions-night-out for more information.

To Marry or Not to Marry?

Crist on and off the Fence of Gay Marriage

lorida Governor Charlie Crist seems to be a little confused about the topic of gay marriage. Here’s what he told CNN on Sunday when asked whether he is still in favor or a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage: “I feel the same way, yes, because I feel that marriage is a sacred institution, if you will. But I do believe in tolerance. I’m a live-and-letlive kind of guy, and while I feel that way about marriage, I think if partners want to have the opportunity to live together, I don’t have a problem with that. “And I think that’s where most of America is. So I think that, you know, you have to speak from the heart about these issues. They are very personal. They have a significant impact on an awful lot of people, and the less the government is telling people what to do, the better off we’re all going to be. But when it comes to

marriage, I think it is a sacred institution. I believe it is between a man and woman, but partners living together, I don’t have a problem with.” Shortly after that statement was made, Crist’s campaign issued a statement clarifying his remarks: “I was not discussing an amendment to the U.S. Constitution banning same-sex marriage, which I do not support, but rather reaffirming my position regarding Florida’s constitutional ban that I articulated while running for governor.”

September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Unlimited Vacation Time – Dream or Evolution? By A. Sebastian Fortino

s technology expands, and it is possible to be connected to the office via Blackberry or iPhone whether you are having lunch around the corner or trekking through the Alps, there is a slight but growing trend within American businesses; this year 1 percent of US businesses have begun to offer “unlimited paid vacation.” Rosemary and Ted O’Neil, owners of Seattlebased Social Strata, a small but growing social media company announced they would offer unlimited paid vacation. One factor is the inability of companies to offer other perks, bonuses, and other incentives to boost morale in the office during this recession. “When I said, ‘Unlimited paid leave, no strings attached,’ there was a moment of, ‘Are you punking us? Is this a joke?’” recounted O’Neill of employee reaction. The couple was prompted to offer such leave when a trusted employee struggled to

keep up with work while taking care of an injured husband.Ted O’Neill thought unlimited vacation was such a good idea that he insisted they offer it to all of their employees. The O’Neill’s say that no one has been abusing the privilege and one healthy aspect of their decision is that if a staff member is sick they are more likely to actually call out. Social Strata says they realize people might want to take a class, spend time with their children, or take serious bonding time off when a new baby arrives. “People have lives,” said Rosemary O’Neill. However, some critics say that in a culture of workaholics the concept of unlimited vacation might translate into no time off at all. Employees might in fact always be on the clock.Yet, others say that the traditional 9-5 workday, with two weeks paid time off, and an allotment for sick days is becoming a “relic of the industrial age.” Employers like Netflix, who have offered unlimited vacation for ten years, value em-

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ployees that can work on their own time. “We have employees who pretty much work around the clock, because that’s the way they work,” says Steve Swasey vice president for corporate communications.“We have people who never take a vacation for three years and then take a 90-day trip someplace. But they’ve earned it.”

Given that European countries employees enjoy a minimum of a month off and, by contrast, in American – and yes, we’re the only industrialized country with this sad bit of information – millions of hourly-wage earners don’t see any time off to rest and relax clearly we must come up with a happy medium.

September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Theatre Feature

Zoetic

about it. They wanted to jump on board,” Meltzer says. “So, together, the four of us became kind of this love boat of people putting together this company, with me being Captain Stubing, although I’m probably By Mary Damiano more Gopher.” Arts Editor For Zoetic Stage, McKeever and Meltzer have gathered some of the best talent aughter was the order of the evethe region has to offer, performers whose ning when more than 150 theatre names are familiar to anyone who frequents lovers gathered at the Count de South Florida theatre: Irene Adjan, Stephen Hoernle Theatre in Boca Raton last month G. Anthony, Jeffrey Bruce, Christopher to watch a performance of seven short, Demos-Brown, Nick Duckart, Lela Elam, previously produced comedies by Michael John Felix, Elena Maria Garcia, Maribeth McKeever, South Florida’s internationally Graham, Amy London, Margery Lowe, Amy known playwright. McKenna, David Perez-Ribada, Jerry Seeger, The event, titled “Brief Encounters” and sponsored by the Caldwell Theatre Compa- Kim St. Leon, Barry J. Tarallo, Laura Turnny, was the first fundraiser for Zoetic Stage, bull and Tom Wahl. These are names that a new theatre company founded by director regularly appear on the nomination and winners’ list of the Carbonell Awards, which Stuart Meltzer, along with McKeever. The honor South Florida theatre. McKeever two men, who reside in Davie, have been says they even tallied it up—there are more partners in life as well for six years. The idea to form a new theatre company than 75 nominations, 40 actual awards, and 17 Broadway credits between the members came about after Meltzer left his job as arof Zoetic Stage. tistic director at City Theatre in Miami last For Jeffrey Bruce, an actor with many year. He was thinking about what direction New York credits and national tours under he wanted his career to go. He sent his resume out across the country, but neither he his belt who has been based in Boca Raton nor McKeever wanted to conduct their life for 20 years, becoming a part of Zoetic was together in two different cities. The solution, serendipitous. Bruce did a reading of a play under Meltit seemed, was to start a theatre company here, so Meltzer could still live and work in zer’s direction, and afterward, Bruce told Meltzer about a proposal he had of being South Florida. Zoetic Stage was born. a part of a reparatory company. Meltzer “We spoke with another couple, playlaughed, and told Bruce the plans for Zowright Chris Demos-Brown and Stephanie etic. Bruce was interested, and he, Meltzer Demos-Brown, and they were excited

and McKeever discussed Zoetic over lunch. Bruce was invited to join the company. “This is something that I’ve wanted to be a part of longer than I can remember,” Bruce says. “Artistically, everyone wants to do the same thing: They want to do good work and new work. They want to bring in an audience that appreciates new work.” “It’s an opportunity to work in South Florida for a change instead of schlepping around the country,” Bruce says. “The opportunity to be in such a new thrilling creative environment with people whom I have admired over the years as an audience member I believe will be very fulfilling.” The inaugural Zoetic season has already been announced, and includes the Florida premiere of Stunning by David Adjmi, the world premiere of Wrongful Death by Christopher Demos Brown, and the southeastern premiere of Diagram of a Paper Airplane by Carlos Murillo. The company’s first full-length production will be the world premiere of McKeever’s South Beach Babylon, a comedy that explores the lives of several artists in the weeks leading up to Art Basel. The negotiations for the venue are still un-

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

derway, although it will be in Miami, during Art Basel this December. The next Zoetic fundraiser will be a reprise of last month’s event, this time around titled “Michael McKeever’s Briefs,” and will be held Monday. August 30, at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables. Admission is a $20 suggested donation. In September, Zoetic is planning a third fundraiser, a staged reading of the popular McKeever play 37 Postcards, on Monday September 20 at Caldwell’s Count de Hoernle Theatre in Boca Raton. Although Zoetic is featuring McKeever’s work in its fundraisers and producing a world premiere by the playwright, they are determined that Zoetic will not become the Michael McKeever Show. “I have no intention of not working at any of the other theatres,” says McKeever. “I will work with Zoetic as a company member, and I’m very proud to be a part of it, but I have no intention of being exclusive to Zoetic Stage. I’m a trophy wife here, that’s all.” For more information, visit ZoeticStage.com.

September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Heard it on...

Parliament House faces foreclosure

reach 12,000 her campaign manager believes she will clinch the seat in upcoming October general elections, the Guardian said. But it’s not all about strip clubs, she told the British paper. Fatal, who campaigns outside the local football stadium by dancing on

By The Night Owl

According to purestrange.wordpress.com, a female candidate for Brazil’s parliament has come up with one of the election season’s more intriguing campaign pledges – a strip club in every town, The Guardian reported Friday. Adriely Fatal, 23, a stripper and “erotic actress” from northeast Brazil, Lola Bel Aire, striptease from Miss told the paper: “My campaign is differExotic World 2008, stripping, dancer, ent to the others. I’m using sensuality stripper, exotic, erotic, burlesque to attract votes – I’m trying to attract young people and men.” Fatal is one of four adult entertainers bat- a truck, promised: “I’m going to concentrate on healthcare and on showtling it out for a place in Ceara state’s local ing people that just because I use tight assembly in hopes of forming a “sex lobby.” clothes it doesn’t mean that I can’t do a She claims she has about 10,000 proper job.” votes lined up so far and if she can

Michael Albov (aka mikegoat) / wikimedia

Brazilian Political Candidate Promises Strip Club in Every Town

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Orlando’s oldest gay entertainment club, the Parliament House, faces foreclosure and is headed into receivership, according to court filings. Houston-based Southwest Guaranty Ltd. and Compass Bank of Alabama initiated foreclosure actions against the property in July over a $7.5 million mortgage that matured at the end of 2009. Attorneys for the creditors said Monday they expect it will taken over this week by a court-appointed receiver, which would continue the club’s operations under court orders. The hotel, which opened in the 1960s as a stopover along what was then a highly traveled section of U.S. Highway 441, suffered after Interstate 4 opened in the mid1960s and became the preferred route for travelers through Central Florida. Historians say it became a gay club in the 1970s. Entrepreneur Donald Granastein and his wife purchased it in 1999 and have operated it since then. The couple have been credited with renovating and reinvigorating the somewhat-faded landmark on the western edge of downtown. Granastein said Monday he didn’t have the money to repay the note when it came due. He added that he holds the liquor

license and expects to continue operating it, even under a receiver. “Am I happy with this? That’s a big no,” he said. “But I’m stuck with whatever happens, and we will be open 100 percent.” Lenders have taken the initial steps to foreclose on the property, which is owned and controlled by Grantastein, president of Parliament Partners Inc.; Gerald Cadesky; and the Gardens LLC.

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September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Media Commentary

XY Does the Right Thing

By A. Sebastian Fortino

f you were newly out or questioning your sexuality in the late 1990s you probably nervously picked up XY Magazine from a bookstore on the other side of town, and hid it from your parents. Or…

maybe you discovered it when your brother picked up a copy at Barnes & Noble and threw it at you shouting, “Here, just come out already!” Regardless of how you found it, from 1996 until 2007, the San Francisco-based, glossy magazine was – in many ways – a hard copy blog with a great deal of readersupplied content. However, as many other magazines have had to do, they closed in 2007 due to bankruptcy. That left a big question mark in terms of selling off goods, assets and other holdings of XY. Perhaps their biggest asset is a database of more than one million names, many of which are underage subscribers. However, XY has done the right thing. Rather than auction off the names of many closeted youth the owner of the now defunct magazine will destroy the database. You were a great source for over a decade XY, thanks for helping me deal with things as a senior in prep school! SFGN hopes you will soon have another reincarnation to help another generation of “boiz” come out!”

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September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Crossword Puzzle

Not Your Average Joe

Across 1 Auntie disestablishmentarian? 5 Sweet ___ (1998 film with a boy with AIDS) 9 Haul ass 13 Aid’s partner 14 Lot measurement 15 Holiday season 16 2004 film with a gay hustler 19 Newton, who got hit on the heaed by a fruit 20 Make up 21 Double curve in a pipe 22 Ed Wood Best Supporting Actor Martin 27 Eligible for soc. sec. 28 Shirley of _Sweet Charity_ 30 2003 film with a Mormon homophobe 32 Singer Anita 34 Puts out 35 Allergic reaction 38 Baldwin and Frank 40 Brief tussle 41 Gaydar, for example 42 Beat up on 47 “Got a Rainbow” lyricist Gershwin 48 Opposite of swill 49 Marcos of the Philippines 50 “La Cage ___ Folles” 51 Joseph, who played the parts in 5, 16, and 30-Across 54 Preceder of many words? 55 Gay ___ Sutra 56 Nick’s time 58 Do-overs for Amelie Mauresmo 59 Series ender 60 Drag queen in a men’s dorm? 61 Highland dialect 62 Lairs of bears 63 Common connections

Down 1 She came between Bess and Jackie 2 Immeasurably vast hole 3 High places with flat tops 4 Jazz singer James 5 Canning container 6 Sitcom actress Meyers 7 Keanu in The Matrix 8 What 50 million Frenchmen never drink 9 Part of SSS (abbr.) 10 Dinner at Eight director George 11 Garment with a flared bottom 12 Credo 17 Fame 18 Sweaty place 23 Beginning of Hairspray 24 NY Met or LA Dodger 25 Gloomy 26 As Is subject 28 Deli jarful 29 Charlotte Bronte’s heroine 30 Stereotypical hookers’ stations 31 Post-orgy state 32 Poems of Sappho 33 Todd Oldham, for one 36 Marched cockily 37 Trick 39 Word after he and she 40 Pole, for example 43 Like many types of tasty meat 44 Caesar’s milieu 45 Cher’s ex-husband Gregg 46 A sexually enlightened society, and more 52 Pink shade 53 Peru native 54 Suffix with duct 57 Wood and more See solution on page 24

September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN Profile: BISHOP S.F. MAKALANI-MAHEE

From Bronx to Bishop By Penn Bullock

t only 4’ 8’’, Bishop S.F. MakalaniMaHee has relentless energy. For the past decade, she’s served as a local pastor and political activist, while also playing her hand as an artist and a musician. At age 38, Bishop has become a spiritual leader and mentor of the kind that she says is sorely lacking these days in the commercialized gay environs of Fort Lauderdale. As an African-American and a lesbian, the bishop faced more than her share of strife growing up in a Pentecostal household in the Bronx, that she refers to as “The Compound.” “There was never any lack of drama in that compound,” she tells SFGN. “You’d see domestic violence, fights in front of the building, or anywhere around the complex.” She recalls “the compound came under siege with a serial rapist when I was probably about 9 or 10. One of my good friends at the time had been assaulted by this man, and we found out that he was actually living on the roof of the building… literally, on the roof.” But life wasn’t entirely bleak. “I also remember days of the birth of hip-hop,” she says, smiling. “And I remember block parties and getting to hear the Sugar Hill Gang and Rapper’s Delight before anyone knew what that was.” Her escape valve from the Bronx was the subway, which she rode everyday to a theatre school in Manhattan. During the commute, she read the Bible. “That was my pastime,” she says. “It was the most engrossing, passionate, soap-opera-filled, drama-filled, miraculous piece of writing I have ever picked up.” By her late teens, the bishop’s life was divided between two worlds. At theatre school, she had come out of the closet and assimilated into a flamboyant, liberated milieu of ambitious artists. “When I saw how many queers there were, when I saw the fountain of gay men, I knew this is where I have to be,” the bishop says of the school. “Folks [were] absolutely starving and craving to spend every waking moment of their lives to focus on their craft.” Feeling ambitious, she started her first theatre company as a teenager. But at home, she lived with a single moth-

er and quaked under the Fear of God, and at Pentecostal services, which she attended almost every day of the week, homosexuality was condemned as Satanic. When she finally came out to her mother, the consequences were grim, but only at first. “Pretty much what that chapter of my life evolved into was a quest to be cured, out of this demonic lesbianism,” she says. “Although it was a very long and painful chapter, it’s probably the chapter that gives me the authority that I know that I possess.” She realized God loved her as she was, so at age 18, she married a woman with the certainty that the creator of the universe would approve. The bishop credits her mother for helping her subsequently escape from the Bronx to Atlanta. “She was finally able to make good on a promise she had made to my brothers and I” she says. “Sure enough, when I was 17, she came into some money and, rather than buy a home in New York, Atlanta had become the hotspot for African-Americans. It had become what we called chocolate city.” She lived in Atlanta for eight years, where she went through seminary, started a progressive church, became the toast of the local theatre scene, and worked for politicians, including the mayor, as a liaison on gay issues. With her second wife, the bishop moved to Miami in the late ‘90s and founded the Fellowship Tabernacle, the first church in South Florida for LGBT African-Americans. She worked with the Democratic Executive Committee, too, “pulling double-duty in politics.” Ten years ago, she helped fight off a conservative campaign to repeal an LGBT anti-discrimination law. In 2008, she was the field organizer for the struggle against Amendment 2, and led a huge rally at Fort Lauderdale’s City Hall. “What I’ve learned in 15 years of organized politics,” she says, “is that sitting down at the table and helping someone strategize about their message is a lot different than yelling at them about their message. So, luckily, I’ve been able to sit down with these politicians, and make sure that our community is represented.” A year ago, while “sitting on my butt, drinking mimosas on Sunday morning in front of

the TV,” she was asked to be a pastor at the New Hope First Community Church in Boynton. She took the position, but the church recently folded because of the recession. Today, she’s burnt out with ministering. Congregations of AfricanAmerican LGBT people, she says, are beset by overwhelming problems that are almost impossibly tricky to confront. On top of the self-hatred over their homosexuality, she says, black gays have to deal with racism, and economic challenges – “and God forbid, in addition to [all that], you are HIV positive or you have addiction issues…” Bishop says. “Because of the issues that strike this community, the trust factor is almost invisible. So the very people that are there to help are the people that are not trusted,” she says. Although the laughter in her is con-

stant, the pastor in her is also evident: When the subject turns to spirituality, she becomes somber and thoughtful, and chooses her words with the care of a public speaker. For now, the bishop is keeping occupied with speaking engagements. And she hopes to take her spiritual message to the stage. “There are folks who will go to a concert before they will ever set foot in a church,” she says.” And I understand that really what the world needs is not religion – but spirituality. It is my mission to take the stage and use it as a platform for spirituality. So whether it’s spoken work, my one-woman show, or the music, what you’re gonna get is the same message: As Marianne Williamson says, ‘We’re all here to heal and be healed.’”

September 1, 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 25. ACCOMMODATIONS PERFECT VACATION RENTALS From $69/Night & $395/Week Beautiful Studio, 1 & 2 BR Apts. with Full Kitchens. Clothing optional heated pool, laundry, parking. Close to Gay Dania & Nude Haulover Beaches. Incl. Cable, Tel. & Wi-Fi Internet. Pets Always Welcome Call (954) 927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com

CAR FOR SALE

Home Improvement Master Carpenter. Over 25 years expe rience. I do it all. Call Jay at 561-596-8651

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 ------------------------------------------------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 2005 42,500 miles vw new beetle conv. Biege 10,900 full main until 65,000 must sell make runs perfect. Full leather interior cd, new tires vw serviced daughter went to college, garaged kept- 954-288-8088

HeALTH CARE Home health Aid Full or part-time, live in or out. CNA, experienced, references, exercise, nutrition, special anti-cancer diet if interested. Call Jeff for no obligation consultation. 954.854.2420 jphflorida@hotmail.com

Help Wanted Looking for a nanny that will be taking care of a 5 year old boy and a 2 year old girl, if interested contact Robertericsson62@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------J.MARKS RESTAURANT: Servers and Front Desk Greeters. Please apply in person Monday - Thursday between 2-4PM at 1245 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 ------------------------------------------------Part Time Assistant with knowledge of Quick books, MS office, Web and more. $10/hr Wilton Manors. call 954-496-9000

Disclaimer The following advertisers listed under the category “Licensed Massage” are state licensed in Florida and provide therapeutic massage services. ------------------------------------------------Highly skilled professional massage therapist.10 yrs experience offering trigger point,myofacial, reflexology, sports,Thai, & relaxation. Serving all of South Florida. Thomas Yang (754)368-1833 Package Deals available Lic# MA33868 (Chi energy) ------------------------------------------------NCBTMB Certified, FL Lic. MA51008 Very reasonable IN Call Studio rates by mature, experienced LMT. In West Central Palm Beaches. Early/Late OK 561-254-8065 ------------------------------------------------WILLIAM HARRELSON licensed massage therapist. Offering Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage. Call today and make an appointment. 954-627-2773 MA#53595 ------------------------------------------------professional therapeutic maSsage deep tissue, swedish, stretching. mon-sun, 10am-8pm in/out call, NONSEXUAL. ft,lauderdale. call robert 954-497-2372 lic: MA 19604

Lock & Towing A.M.S. Locks and Doors no problem. located in the Wilton Manors area. A.M.S. specializes in residental locks, commerical locks, and store front doors. call 954-575-4600

Moving & Shipping GUYS and DOLLIES moving+storage+packing+crating +shipping+”A” Rated member of the BBB. regestered movers since 1976. major credit cards accepted. for free price quote call 954-566-1270

Painting PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE. 7/ days/week exterior/interior houses/condos/apartments. References available. call 954-471-2211

Personal Training If you are ready to make a healthier you a lifestyle call Christy Fritch,BS CPR certified 954-445-2540

Pressure cleaning isita pressure cleaning driveways, houses, sidewalks, rust removal, FREE ESTIMATES. Call Peter today. I spray it away” 954-654-5795

Professional Services Movers At Cousins USA Moving & Storage, we want you to smile when you think of moving day, and we want you to tell a friend how pleasant your moving experience has been. For more info on about how we can make moving day a good day. Call toll-free at 1-888-300-MOVE, ask for Carlos. ------------------------------------------------Computers In-home service by nice, reliable guy with over 30 years experience. Find computers confusing? Want your own website? Computer sluggish? Got a virus? Business database design. I can repair or upgrade your computer and provide training. A+ Certified. Call 954-295-2220 or E-Mail: ComputerGuyFTL@aol.com ------------------------------------------------Cleaning Services Years of Experience. Condos, Apts, Homes, Offices, Move Ins/Outs. Weekly or Bi-Weekly. Wilton Manors, Oakland Park, Middle River Terrace, Fort Lauderdale Area. Great References. Call BJ 954-512-3957 -------------------------------------------------High Quality Diamond Brite Resurfacing, Coping, Tile, Leak Detection, Pool Repairs and More Call All Pro Pools, Inc at 954-684-5688 www.allpropoolsinc.com Licensed and Insured Pool Contractor

BRIAN’S PUP OF THE WEEK! adopt a beautiful dalmatian or husky for free!!

ello to all. I have a beautiful Husky (male) and a sweet Dalmation (female) we are looking for a good home for them. we can not take them with us because were moving out of state. They are both potty trained. Great family dogs. They are both sweet. They know how to sit they can speak(bark). When they need to use the bathroom they will look at you and bark at the door for you

to open the door for them. They are both 100% pure breed. If anyone is interested in these dogs, or at least one of them, please call 305-763-3006. Thank you very much!

------------------------------------------------TRUSTFUL CLEANERS 4 YOU For residential,commercial,move in and move out clean up call Edson &Carlos at 954-822-3598 ------------------------------------------------EXCLUSIVE PHOTOGRAPHER for all the special events you could imagine call J.R. Davis at 954-523-0520 -------------------------------------------------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

PSYCHIC READING CHRISTINE PSYCHIC READER advice on all problems of life such as love, career, marriage, also available for parties call (954) 851-4586

REAL ESTATE FREE FORECLOSURE DEFENSE ADVICE! We offer a free consultation to discuss your particular situation. Don’t wait, you can do something about the pressure. We have answers. Call for no obligation meeting. Financial rescue, Inc 954-5661228 info@financialrescueinfo.Com -------------------------------------------------“Your profit is my priority” Sales, Short Sales, Foreclosures, Property Management services. Put my expertise,sound judgment and integrity to work for you. Call Eli Halali with Castelli Reality at 954-638-7034 -------------------------------------------------FT LAUDERDALE/LAUDER LAKES PRIMARILY GAY PARK. Hurricane Ready 1,600sf 2BR/2BA 1 Yr Old, 32’ Party Deck overlooks huge Lake. Manufactured Home. Wood Cabinets & Granite Tops, Slate & Marble floors. Immaculate. Real Show Place! Pics @ www.twitpic.com/photos/ FLParadise4Sale Cost $205K+, Sell $149,900, Call 954-817-6233

Rent/Lease 1/1 renovated apt. close to shopping, beach & I95. Lush landscaping w/fountain, paver patio, Small Pets OK. $650/ Mo. Call 954-462-7817 -------------------------------------------------Wilton Manors 1BR/1BA one block from shopsRestaurants/nightlife. A/C, ceiling fans Terrazzo floors,laundry room with washer and dryer. large screened in pool & patio. $900/mo. includes:electric cal 954-563-4442 -------------------------------------------------Wilton manors Large 2BR/1BA in 4 plex. newly renovated, CAC, polised terrazzo floor, new bathroom, fenced yard. $1150/mo F/S 954-566-8049

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.

Solution to Crossword Puzzle on page 22

September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Let Brian make you pop! Your Ad, that is.

Advertise in SFGN’s new classifieds: Brian’s Classified Ads Section. Over 30 categories to promote your business; find a job or an employee; and even find love.

Just fill out the form below and let Brian do the rest! SFGN POLICIES

• SFGN is published weekly by SouthFloridaGayNews.com. The Publisher is Norm Kent. • The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers, or any persons portrayed In SFGN should be neither inferred or implied by their publication. • All written copy, display copy, illustrations and photo-graphs are published with the understanding that the advertrisers are fully authorized and have secured proper written consent for the use of all submitted ad materials. • Advertiser warrants that SouthFloridaGayNews.com may lawfully publish said materials and advertisers agree upon submission of any materials for publication to hold the pub-lisher harmless for all expenses stemming from such publi-cation, and to assume all liability for any expense, loss or damages incurred as a result of publication. • SouthFloridaGayNews.com accepts no responsibility for ads created by outside agencies or individuals or for errors or omissions in any published ad and cannot be held liable for any loss or damages resulting from our failure to publish any ad or to print and distribute the advertised number or copies. • SFGN SouthFloridaGayNews.com reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement which the Publisher be-lieves is in poor taste, or which advertises or promotes ille-gal items or activities. • Advertisers agree prior to placing ads that if there is a publication error by our newspaper, the liability of SFGN is limited to the cost of the ad. Credit only. • SFGN list of subscribers and advertisers is conﬁdential and will not be sold or marketed to others. Reproduction in whole or part of SFGN ads or copy is impermissible without written permission of the Publisher.

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September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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

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September 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Bill’s Filling Station Hosts

Copa Reunion ‘An Event to Benefit Tiny Tina’

Photos by Pompano Bill By Cliff Dunn

‘A

Copa Reunion’ at Bill’s Filling Station last Saturday evening, August 28, featured a host of South Florida’s most renowned female impersonators as a means of raising funds to benefit Ray Fetcho, known to adoring fans as ‘Tiny Tina.’ SFGN readers became familiar with the retired drag queen earlier this year when she became a celebrity of sorts, because the 61 year old lost her state licensed nursing job, due to a 34 year old ‘lewd act’ conviction, for promoting a 1976 ‘Wet Jockey Nite’ at the Copa. SFGN’s Publisher, Norm Kent, an attorney, undertook a pro bono appeal to win Tiny’s license back, which he did. Promptly thereafter, Ray returned to work, offered new employment in the nursing field. Unfortunately, soon thereafter, Ray developed some medical problems related to diabetes, first

losing her toe, and then, sadly, her right leg to amputation. The benefit Saturday was to help her raise funds to make her home disability accessible. The performance was hosted by Nikki Adams and featured guest appearances by Rikki Lee, Jean Chandler, Elektra, Tiffany Arieagus, Cathy Craig, Miss Kitty, Miss McCall and a solo number by an ever so grateful Tiny Tina, herself. Auctioned off at the event was a Pompano Bill photograph of Tiny Tina with the late Dana Manchester, purchased by Russell, a former Copa bartender, for $300. A host of original t-shirts, once owned by the late co owner of the Copa, William Bastiansen, were also auctioned off. The shirt which went for the mostest- $325- featured a silhouette of the show ‘Let My People Come,’ originally performed at the Copa in its first year, 1976. All told, $4,000, was raised for Tiny’s rehab.