10/20/10 V1I39 by South Florida Gay News

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Dallas Bathhouse Raided Page 6 Plea to Stop Gay Bullying

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October 20, 2010 • VOLUME 1 • Issue 39

SFGN Fall

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Get Equal Disrupts Obama

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Sentinel Goes Gay

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Robert Joshua of Joshua Tree

SFGN Profile: Joe Harter

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Facebook Takes a Stand

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Gay Adoptions Update

Florida Adoption Ban Will Not Be Appealed by Governor By Dana Rudolph Keen News Service

either the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) nor Governor Charlie Crist (I) will appeal a September 22 ruling that overturned the state ban on adoption by gay men or lesbians. But one question remains: Will state Attorney General Bill McCollum, who has

Celebrating in McCollum’s Shadow

Miami Herald have given the ban their thumbs down as well. But none of those entities are Bill McCollum, who has repeated his protestations against gays adopting children many times. McCollum has not always been ACLU Plans Party on Last Day completely friend or foe to gay rights but Florida Can Appeal Gay Adoption he has demonstrated a predominantly conservative view on the matter. At one time, McCollum was slammed by conservative activists as “a tool of the radical By Jarrett Terrill homosexual lobby’’ for favoring a federal hate-crime law including protection for riday, October 22 marks the last gays and lesbians. day that Florida Attorney GenA few similar activists have come eral Bill McCollum can appeal the decision to let Martin Gill remain the out to pressure to McCollum to appeal the recent ruling. Oneal Dozier, an adoptive father to his two boys, thereby African American Christian Republican making Florida’s ban on gay adoptions “unconstitutional.” On the evening of this who joined the Dove World Outreach date, Martin Gill will head to South Beach Church in protesting mosques being built earlier this year, has begun to rally a where the ACLU has planned a celebrahandful of citizens in Plantation, Florida. tory get-together at the Shore Club. He and his wife told news cameras that “If the Attorney General does not “God created Adam and Eve, not Adam appeal, we will celebrate this landmark and Steve.” Without any marks for victory and commemorate the day when originality, Dozier plans to keep lobbying Florida’s adoption ban will officially become a relic of Florida’s shameful past,” McCollum to appeal the ruling and bring the ban back to Florida. says the ACLU, “If he does appeal, we will To attend the celebration at the Shore kick off the final step to putting this law to Club, be at 1901 Collins Ave in South rest once and for all.” Beach at 6:30 PM or visit Aclufl.org for The likelihood of such an appeal is more information. “This decision is a difficult to ascertain. On one hand, many Florida politicians, including most of those major victory for Martin and his family,” says the ACLU, “and most importantly running for re-election have joined a for thousands of children waiting to be growing chorus advocating repeal of the ban. Newspapers like the Sun Sentinel and adopted in Florida.”

said he does not believe gay people should adopt, appeal on his own? DCF issued a statement October 12 saying the ban is now “unconstitutional statewide,” and the Third District Court of Appeal ruling is “binding on all trial courts.” A spokesperson for DCF, Joe Follick, confirmed that DCF worked with Governor Crist in deciding not to appeal. Immediately after the Third District ruling, Crist said he would no longer enforce the ban, but it was unclear whether he would ask that the decision be appealed to the Florida Supreme Court. The DCF said that it considered such an appeal “to achieve an ultimate certainty and finality for all parties. But the “depth, clarity and unanimity” of the Third District and circuit court decisions have “made it evident that an appeal would have a less than limited chance of a different outcome.” None of the three Third Circuit judges who ruled unanimously to overturn the ban could be accused of liberal bias. Gerald B. Cope, Jr. was appointed by Republican Governor Bob Martinez in 1988. Vance E. Salter and Frank A. Shepherd were each appointed by Governor Crist. (Crist was a Republican before switching to Independent in order to run for the U.S. Senate.) Salter was also honored by Pope John Paul II for his charitable service. And Shepherd was appointed to a position in the Environmental Protection Agency by President Reagan in 1981. He has also held senior positions in the conservative/libertarian Pacific Legal Foundation and James Madison Institute. DCF spokesman Follick told Keen News that the agency weighed the toll that an appeal would have on plaintiff Frank Martin Gill and his family. Gill was trying to adopt the two boys he and his partner have raised for almost six years. Gill had said in a statement on September 22 that “ending this case now” would be the quickest way for him to adopt the boys and remove barriers for other children to be adopted. continued on page 33

October 20, 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 39

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October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Local News

GetEqual Activists Disrupts Obama Rally in Gables By Cliff Dunn

gathering of gay rights protesters dogged President Obama as he raised money in South Florida a week ago Monday, the latest in a series of protests from GetEQUAL supporters who say the administration has failed to reverse the military’s ban on openly gay troops. That policy stands as one of the more glaring of Mr. Obama’s as-yet unfulfilled promises, and has turned into a simmering political issue heading into November’s elections. Many LGBT activists say the president hasn’t done enough, either on his own or in pushing Congress to act. While professional basketball stars such as Dwayne Wade and Magic Johnson gathered in the palatial mansion of former Heat star Alonzo Mourning, GetEQUAL advocates intruded upon the event by using air horns and vivid visual displays to try to draw attention away from what was intended to be a pleasant fundraiser. From the early spring activities of Dan Choi chaining himself to the fence at the White House, it was not the first time gay rights protesters have tried to publicly embarrass the president over his DADT policies. Over a year ago, President Obama stood at the Human Rights Campaign’s annual dinner, and promised to fulfill a campaign pledge to end the policy. Last week, Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to Mr. Obama, repeated to the HRC that the administration

would continue trying to force lawmakers to act. But as recently as last month Senate Republicans filibustered a defense policy bill that would have overturned it. Last week in Coral Gables, GetEQUAL activists would hear none of it. Their protest mobilized a strategic land, air, and sea assault on Obama’s fundraiser. Along the President’s motorcade, huge signs protesting the failure to do away with DADT intruded upon the celebration. From the bay abutting Mourning’s home, a swarm of LGBT activists arrived by boats with two 40 ft. signs and shouted via bullhorns “End the Discharges Now” and “We’ll Give When We GetEQUAL”. Then, by clockwork, more LGBT activists launched two large 8 ft weather balloons carrying 10 ft. long banners reading “GetEQUAL.org”. Those weather balloons were anchored in the water directly in front of the tent hosting the dinner reception. They were clearly visible to guests. “Regardless of the spin coming out of the White House, President Obama has the power to dramatically impact the course of civil rights history for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community,” said Robin McGehee, co-founder and director of GetEQUAL. “Unfortunately, all we have yet to see from the president, who the LGBT community overwhelmingly supported, is excuses, delays and passing the buck off to someone else. That isn’t change we can believe in, that’s just more of the same.”

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Local News

Homicide Information Sought Victim, Samuel F Delbrocco Was VA Businessman

n Saturday, September 11, 2010 Pompano Beach Samuel DelBrocco, an Alexandria, VA resident who resides part-time in Pompano Beach was discovered murdered at his home located at 1770 Bay Drive, Pompano Beach, FL. Mr. DelBrocco, 61, a very prominent communications executive, was last known to be alive after having dinner at Kelly’s Landing, a local Fort Lauderdale restaurant. Anyone with information concerning the murder of Samuel DelBrocco, is asked to contact BSO Homicide Detectives Tim Duggan or Efrain Torres at 954765-4321; or call CRIMESTOPPERS AT 954-493-8477

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Military recruiters told to accept gay applicants By ANNE FLAHERTY

Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON – A Pentagon spokeswoman says recruiters have been told that they must accept gay applicants, following a federal court decision striking down the ban on gays serving openly in the military. Spokeswoman Cynthia Smith said Tuesday that top-level guidance has been issued to recruiting commands informing them

that the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” rule has been suspended for now. Recruiters also have been told to inform potential recruits that the moratorium could be reversed at any point. Last week, a federal judge ordered the military to stop enforcing the 1993 law banning openly gay service members. The Justice Department is appealing the decision and has asked for a temporary stay.

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Tourism News

Delta Air Lines Earns Top HRC Ranking By Joey Amato

elta Air Lines today announced it has been designated as one of Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) 2011 ‘Best Places to Work’ for LGBT employee equality. For the second consecutive year, Delta earned a 100 percent rating in HRC’s annual Corporate Equality Index. “The Human Rights Campaign recognizes our commitment to and culture of inclusiveness in our workplace,” said Mike Campbell, executive vice president - Human Resources and Labor Relations. “Once again achieving a perfect score on the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index acknowledges our consistent effort in making Delta a great place to work

for our employees worldwide.” The HRC’s 2011 index rated 618 businesses, evaluating LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination policies, transgender health benefits, domestic partner benefits, respectful marketing and support of the LGBT community. Delta’s efforts in ensuring LGBT equality in each of the survey’s main criterion earned the company the perfect 100 percent score and recognition as one of HRC’s “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.” For more information on the 2010 Corporate Equality Index, visit Hrc.org/cei. Travel ideas and destination information for the LGBT community can be found at Delta.com/gaytravel.

Tourism Cares Partners with the IGLTA Staff Reporters

ourism Cares, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving natural, cultural and historical sites throughout the world, has partnered with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and has been named IGLTA’s official philanthropy. The IGLTA, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is the leading global organization dedicated to connecting businesses that participate in the LGBT tourism industry. Twenty-five founding members began IGLTA in 1983 and today the organization has more than 1,500 members of gay, lesbian, and community-friendly travel professionals spanning 65 countries. Partnering with IGLTA allows Tourism Cares to further its mission of preserving the travel experience for future generations and increasing its visibility in a new market.

In this partnership, IGLTA members will have the opportunity to support Tourism Cares when they renew their membership. “IGLTA is proud to be working with Tourism Cares. As a business association, we always strive to bring together the tourism companies that work in the LGBT market,” said John Tanzella, President and CEO of IGLTA. “Working with an organization like Tourism Cares, allows us to bring people together to give back to the community. It’s a very exciting partnership for us.” Tourism Cares is a non-profit public charity whose mission is to preserve the travel experience for future generations. It accomplishes this by mobilizing the travel and tourism industry and travelers to give back to society through grants to natural, cultural and historical sites throughout the world. For more information, please visit Iglta.org.

Report Shows Few Gays Target Straights

searched for gay men or lesbians. In addition, the research discovered that heterosexuals and homosexuals were pretty much even when it came to the median 98% of Gays Have Had Less number of sexual partners – which is six for both. They found 45 percent of lesbians than 20 Partners and gays had five or fewer partners in their lives and that Sexual Experience of Gays and Straights number is virtuStaff Reports ally identical to 98% 99% the 44 percent Cupid, Had 20 or Had 20 or 45% 44% fewer sex fewer sex of straights. a free Had 5 or Had 5 or partners partners fewer sex fewer sex 98 percent of online dating site, partners partners lesbians and gays has published findGays and Lesbians Straights had twenty or ings from its study fewer sexual partners while 99% of straights regarding the sexual habits of heterosexuhad twenty or fewer. This flies in the face als and homosexuals, and aims to show of stereotypes that lesbians and gays are that the two groups are not as different as people think when it comes to sex and re- promiscuous. OKCupid also discovered that almost a lationships. They also want to show that homosexuality is not a threat, and that lesbians quarter of the straight people that they asked have had sexual encounters with someone and gays are not interested in straights. of the same sex. One third of women asked After examining approximately four million match searches on their site, they found admitted to hooking up with another woman that 0.6 percent of gay men and 0.1 percent while 13 percent of straight men said that of lesbians have searched for straight match- they have had sex with another man in their es. They also determined that 0.13 percent life with another 5 percent admitting that they would like to at some point. of straights searched for profiles matching

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

National News

Dallas Bathhouse Raided Eleven Patrons Arrested By Richard Gary

cover officers paid their way into The Club and gathered evidence, before additional ofallas, Texas police have raided ficers came in and helped execute the arrests. Martin, meanwhile, warned that adthe city’s popular gay bathhouse, The Club Dallas, and made elev- ditional police activity at the business is en arrests, charging patrons with public possible, saying that “with all the activity lewdness and indecent exposure. The Oc- that was found there, they can probably expect more vice operatober 8 incident was tions there.” reported by the Dallas Sure enough, fire marVoice, the community’s shals inspected the club LGBT newspaper. the following evening. The police vice unit It was strikingly simiclaimed the raid was lar to two raids the initiated after anonyFort Lauderdale Police mous citizen complaints Department conducted at “made it necessary.” Johnny’s Bar in Fort LauLaurie Martin, the poAdvertisement for Club Dallas derdale last July, but lice liaison to the Dallas police department, said she believes it only four arrests were made on those ocmarked the first time since 2003 vice offi- casions. Two of those cases have already cers have gone in to the 34-year-old estab- been dismissed. The complete news story on the raid can lishment, one of nine similar clubs nationbe accessed online at www.dallasvoice.com, wide, including a South Florida location. Martin defended the police action by tell- reporting that even though it is billed as “a ing the Voice that “They [officers] were in private men’s club,” The Club Dallas may be there for a legitimate reason, and obviously considered a public place for the purposes there was illegal activity going on or that of Texas’ public lewdness statute. Still, local defense attorneys say the charges may fail many arrests wouldn’t have been made.” Club Dallas published a tight-lipped one because the exposure was consensual and sentence reply, stating that its management patrons signed waivers. “There’s real crime going on in the city, was “committed to pursuing justice for and defending the rights of each of its mem- and they don’t need to be harassing a pribers.” The Voice reported that The Club vate club,” one patron told the Voice, “I’m helped bond out arrested members from jail irritated and I’m frustrated because I feel like the police department is targeting and has offered them legal representation. According to police reports, two under- them.”

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Legal News

Supreme Court Considers Another First Amendment Exception protests at the funerals of other servicemembers – so many, in fact, that Congress passed the Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act in May 2006 to prohibit protests within 300 feet of any federal military cemetery within 60 minutes of a funeral. But outside Snyder’s funeral, the Phelps clan reportedly positioned themselves 1,000 feet from the church where the funeral service was taking place. And they broke no law. The First Amendment right Fred Phelps with one of his many homophobic signs to freedom of expression protects the right of all citizens to express their By Lisa Keen views, however objectionable those views Keen News Service – or simple remarks – may be. But the high red Phelps’ followers say their hate- court has also, over the years, identified exfilled messages that “God Hates Fags,” ceptions. For instance, a citizen cannot go “Semper Fi fags,” and “Thank God into a crowded theater and shout, “Fire.” for dead soldiers” constitute a contribution to One cannot make a false statement about anpublic discourse – or, as their attorney Margie other person that causes injury to that person. And one cannot utter “fighting words,” Phelps put it, “speech on public issues.” But, in front of the U.S. Supreme Court or words so caustic that would be expected Wednesday, October 6, attorney Sean Sum- to “incite an immediate breach of the peace.” The question the court struggled with mers argued that these messages, when conveyed outside the funeral of a fallen soldier Wednesday is whether a new exception and repeated on the Phelps’ godhatesfags should be made. Should a citizen be prohibwebsite, inflict an injury for which the ited from making “outrageous” and hostile statements in the name of public discourse group should be made liable. The case, Snyder v. Phelps, seeks to undo a outside a private funeral and then on a ruling in favor of Phelps in the conservative website that no reasonable person would 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. A three- consider true but which inflict emotional judge panel for that circuit ruled last year distress on the family of the deceased. Margie Phelps, representing her father that Phelps’ anti-gay messages – on placards and the Westboro Baptist Church, said the and a website – are protected speech. The conflict began in March 2006 when group’s actions outside the funeral of Matthe family of Matthew Snyder, a Marine thew Snyder were within the law and conkilled in Iraq, held a funeral service him stituted “people from a church delivering a in Maryland. Later that day, Matthew’s fa- religious viewpoint, commenting” on “pubther, Albert, saw news reports of the funeral lic issues” such as “dying soldiers” and “the being picketed by Phelps and his follow- morals of the nation….” ers carrying signs, saying such things as “Fag troops,” “Semper Fi fags,” “God Hates For the complete article Fags,” and “Thank God for dead soldiers.” on Snyder v. Phelps, go to: The Westboro group has staged similar SouthFloridaGayNews.com/phelps

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October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN BRIEFS NY4Marriage Videos

and suicide prevention. Transgender Golfer “The Trevor Project has been humbled by Sues LPGA Native New Yorker and musician Moby the generous outpouring of support in recent became the fourth Empire State resident to According to the Associated Press, a weeks by corporations and employee relarecord a 30 second video proclaiming his transgender woman is suing the LPGA over tions groups who seek to improve outcomes a requirement which states all competitors support of marriage equality. Other supporters include the widow of tennis player Arthur for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and ques- must be ‘’female at birth.’’ tioning young people,” said David McFarland, Ashe, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Julianne The New York Times is reporting Wednesday Moore, Kenneth Cole, and Michael Bloomberg. Chairman of the Board of The that Lana Lawless, a 57-year-old Trevor Project. “This challenge Upcoming personalities include Fran who underwent gender reasgrant by Levi Strauss & Co. will Drescher, Kyra Sedgwick, Whoppi Goldsignment surgery in 2005, filed a go a long way to raising awareberg, Joan Rivers, among others. This is lawsuit in U.S. District Court in ness about suicide prevention a response to last year’s failed marriage San Francisco claiming the policy and providing life-saving proequality bill – that lost by a mere 8 votes. violates California civil rights laws. Maybe New York City should finally succeed grams to LGBTQ youth.” Lawless won the women’s The recent, tragic headlines from the state as the city has occasionally world championship in longhave touched us as they have suggested throughout its history. drive golf in 2008, but was everyone, ” said Robert Hanson, barred from competing this You can view the videos at HRC.org/NY4marriage president, global Levi’s® brand. year because Long Drivers of Levi Strauss & Co Gives “We are proud to partner with David McFarland America – which oversees the event – had changed its policy to to The Trevor Project The Trevor Project in trying to make a difference in the lives of young people mirror that of the LPGA. Last week on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, who need a safe place to turn at critical times She is seeking to prevent the LPGA from Levi Strauss & Co. challenged viewers to in their lives.” holding events in California until the policy donate, advising the company would match To learn more about the challenge grant, visit is changed, as well as an unspecified amount up to $50,000 in donations to The Trevor Levi Strauss & Co.’s blog, Unzipped at Levisin damages from Long Drivers of America Project in order to save the lives of young trauss.com/blogs/bullying-bad-no-matter-what. and two of its title sponsors. LGBTQ people through crisis intervention

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Miami Art Museum Chairs Named Miami Art Museum’s board of trustees has named Diane and Robert Moss chairs for this year’s Miami Art Museum Ball. The black-tie event will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami in celebration of the groundbreaking of Miami Art Museum’s new 120,000-squarefoot home in downtown Miami, scheduled to open to the public in 2013. Held annually since 1983, the Miami Art Museum Ball caps off Art Basel Miami Beach, and is attended by art collectors, artists and cultural leaders both locally and internationally. Diane and Robert Moss have been longtime art collectors and patrons of the arts and arts education. The Miami Art Museum Ball is the Museum’s main annual fundraiser. Proceeds from the event sustain the museum’s exhibitions and educational programming. Miami Art Museum has the largest art program in Miami-Dade County, outside the public school system. MAM & Schools presented by Target serves thousands of participants through the

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SFGN BRIEFS expansive support network to allow women vowed to tone it down for his upcoming to thrive both professionally and personally. performance in Malaysia. ‘’I am excited to be part of an organizaThe Pan Malaysian Islamic Party has tion that promotes economic independence reportedly expressed fears that Lambert’s for disadvantaged women. Women are the show would promote “gay culture” in the predominantly Muslim country, where hoFor more information, contact the Museum’s special heart of the community and it’s a passion events department at 305.375.5935 or events@mi- of mine to see that we continue to support, mosexual activity is illegal, according to the uplift and encourage these UK’s Guardian newspaper. amiartmuseum.org. women,’’ says event co-chair As a result, the openly gay “American Idol” runner-up Dress for Success Gala Adrienne Williams. The Gala will be held on Lambert, 28, will make a few This Week Saturday, October 23, 2010. A alterations at his Kuala LumDress for Success Miami will hold its Moet cocktail reception and pur concert – but he isn’t annual benefit gala this weekend at EPIC silent auction will begin at necessarily happy about it. Hotel. The event will be hosted by fashion 7pm, and the main event will “While I don’t believe that journalist and celebrity presenter Louise start at 8pm. my glamnation tour is in any Roe, and presented by co-chairs Amaris Jones, Rosie Gordon-Wallace, Simi Diskin, To learn more about “Dress to Im- Lambert sans make-up way offensive I have agreed to make a few minor adjustSaddy Delgado and Adrienne Williams. press III”, or how you can support The “Dress to Impress III Gala” will feaDress for Success Miami, please visit Dressforsuc- ments out of respect for the Malaysian government. Looking forward to a fun show,” ture an elegant evening of fashion, live and cess.org/Miami. the flamboyant entertainer tweeted. silent auctions, entertainment, and gourmet “Does my show ‘promote the gay lifecuisine. All proceeds will support Dress for Lambert Tones It style’?” he continued. “It promotes living Success Miami’s tireless mission to promote Down for Malaysia ANY lifestyle that includes the freedom economic independence to disadvantaged He may have shocked the United States women by providing professional attire, with his same-sex kiss on last year’s Ameri- to seek love and intimacy. Gay, straight, bi, young or old. It’s all inclusive.” career and development tools, and an can Music Awards, but Adam Lambert has Museum’s free program: free buses to visit the Museum, free guided Museum tours for students and their teachers, free classroom visits, free support materials for teachers at Teacher Workshops, and more.

Plus, Lambert added, “What’s THE gay lifestyle? There isn’t just one. There are so many different kinds of gay people. We have a variety of different lifestyles. There’s not only one lifestyle lived by straight folks. Generalizing....”

Kathy Griffin Gives to The Trevor Project Among the many efforts to change the culture of hate, bullying and harassment that has led to the suicide deaths of several young LGBT and questioning people, the entertainment community has been especially supportive, including Emmy Award winning performer Kathy Griffin, who will donate her salary from her December 16 concert at the Universal Ampitheatre. Passionate and outspoken, Griffin responded swiftly to the recent tragic and unnecessary suicides of young people who were taunted and bullied. “We couldn’t be more grateful to Kathy Griffin... who has shown a remarkable outpouring of support,” said Charles Robbins, Executive Director of The Trevor Project.

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INDICATIONS ISENTRESS is an anti-HIV medicine used for the treatment of HIV. ISENTRESS must be used with other anti-HIV medicines, which may increase the likelihood of response to treatment. The safety and effectiveness of ISENTRESS in children has not been studied. It is important that you remain under your doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s care. ISENTRESS will NOT cure HIV infection or reduce your chance of passing HIV to others through sexual contact, sharing needles, or being exposed to your blood.

IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION A condition called Immune Reconstitution Syndrome can happen in some patients with advanced HIV infection (AIDS) when anti-HIV treatment is started. Signs and symptoms of inflammation from opportunistic infections may occur as the medicines work to treat the HIV infection and strengthen the immune system. Call your doctor right away if you notice any signs or symptoms of an infection after starting ISENTRESS. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness while taking ISENTRESS. This is because on rare occasions muscle problems can be serious and can lead to kidney damage. When ISENTRESS has been given with other anti-HIV drugs, side effects included nausea, headache, tiredness, weakness, trouble sleeping, stomach pain, dizziness, depression, and suicidal thoughts and actions. Rash occurred more often in patients taking ISENTRESS and darunavir together than with either drug separately, but was generally mild.

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Brendan

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Experienced less effect on LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) — Cholesterol increased an average of 7 mg/dL with ISENTRESS plus Truvada versus 21 mg/dL with Sustiva plus Truvada

Ask your doctor about ISeNTReSS. Not sure where to start? Visit isentress.com/questions

People taking ISENTRESS may still develop infections, including opportunistic infections or other conditions that occur with HIV infection. Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you have any allergies, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. ISENTRESS is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Women with HIV should not breast-feed because their babies could be infected with HIV through their breast milk. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription medicines like rifampin (a medicine used to treat infections such as tuberculosis), non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. For more information about ISENTRESS, please read the Patient Information on the following page.

Need help paying for ISENTRESS? Call 1-866-350-9232 ISENTRESS is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. Copyright © 2010 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. 21052250(36)(110)-10/10-ISN-CON Sustiva is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Truvada is a registered trademark of Gilead Sciences, Inc.

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Had a low rate of side effects — The most common side effect of moderate to severe intensity (that interfered with or kept patients from performing daily activities) was trouble sleeping — This side effect occurred more often in patients taking ISENTRESS plus Truvada (4%) versus Sustiva plus Truvada (3%)

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October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Patient Information ISENTRESS ® (eye sen tris) (raltegravir) Tablets If you fail to take ISENTRESS the way you should, here’s what to do: • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do NOT take two tablets of ISENTRESS at the same time. In other words, do NOT take a double dose. • If you take too much ISENTRESS, call your doctor or local Poison Control Center. Be sure to keep a supply of your anti-HIV medicines. • When your ISENTRESS supply starts to run low, get more from your doctor or pharmacy. • Do not wait until your medicine runs out to get more. What are the possible side effects of ISENTRESS? When ISENTRESS has been given with other anti-HIV drugs, side effects included: • nausea • headache • tiredness • weakness • trouble sleeping • stomach pain • dizziness • depression • suicidal thoughts and actions Other side effects include rash, severe skin reactions, feeling anxious, paranoia, low blood platelet count. A condition called Immune Reconstitution Syndrome can happen in some patients with advanced HIV infection (AIDS) when combination antiretroviral treatment is started. Signs and symptoms of inflammation from opportunistic infections that a person has or had may occur as the medicines work to treat the HIV infection and help to strengthen the immune system. Call your doctor right away if you notice any signs or symptoms of an infection after starting ISENTRESS with other anti-HIV medicines. Contact your doctor promptly if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness while taking ISENTRESS. This is because on rare occasions, muscle problems can be serious and can lead to kidney damage. Rash occurred more often in patients taking ISENTRESS and darunavir together than with either drug separately, but was generally mild. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects that bother you. These are not all the side effects of ISENTRESS. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. How should I store ISENTRESS? • Store ISENTRESS at room temperature (68 to 77°F). • Keep ISENTRESS and all medicines out of the reach of children. General information about the use of ISENTRESS Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. • Do not use ISENTRESS for a condition for which it was not prescribed. • Do not give ISENTRESS to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. This leaflet gives you the most important information about ISENTRESS. • If you would like to know more, talk with your doctor. • You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for additional information about ISENTRESS that is written for health professionals. • For more information go to www.ISENTRESS.com or call 1-800-622-4477. What are the ingredients in ISENTRESS? Active ingredient: Each film-coated tablet contains 400 mg of raltegravir. Inactive ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, calcium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, hypromellose 2208, poloxamer 407 (contains 0.01% butylated hydroxytoluene as antioxidant), sodium stearyl fumarate, magnesium stearate. In addition, the film coating contains the following inactive ingredients: polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol 3350, talc, red iron oxide and black iron oxide.

IMPORTANT: Take ISENTRESS exactly as your doctor prescribed and at the right times of day because if you don’t: • The amount of virus (HIV) in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short period of time. • The virus may develop resistance to ISENTRESS and become harder to treat. • Your medicines may stop working to fight HIV. • The activity of ISENTRESS may be reduced (due to resistance).

Distributed by: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, USA

Revised June 2010 9795110 U.S. Patent Nos. US 7,169,780 21052250(36)(110)-10/10-ISN-CON

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Read the patient information that comes with ISENTRESS1 before you start taking it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet is a summary of the information for patients. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you additional information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. What is ISENTRESS? • ISENTRESS is an anti-HIV (antiretroviral) medicine used for the treatment of HIV. The term HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). ISENTRESS is used along with other anti-HIV medicines. ISENTRESS will NOT cure HIV infection. • People taking ISENTRESS may still develop infections, including opportunistic infections or other conditions that happen with HIV infection. • Stay under the care of your doctor during treatment with ISENTRESS. • The safety and effectiveness of ISENTRESS in children has not been studied. ISENTRESS must be used with other anti-HIV medicines. How does ISENTRESS work? • ISENTRESS blocks an enzyme which the virus (HIV) needs in order to make more virus. The enzyme that ISENTRESS blocks is called HIV integrase. • When used with other anti-HIV medicines, ISENTRESS may do two things: 1. Reduce the amount of HIV in your blood. This is called your “viral load”. 2. Increase the number of white blood cells called CD4 (T) cells. • ISENTRESS may not have these effects in all patients. Does ISENTRESS lower the chance of passing HIV to other people? No. ISENTRESS does not reduce the chance of passing HIV to others through sexual contact, sharing needles, or being exposed to your blood. • Continue to practice safer sex. • Use latex or polyurethane condoms or other barrier methods to lower the chance of sexual contact with any body fluids. This includes semen from a man, vaginal secretions from a woman, or blood. • Never re-use or share needles. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about safer sex or how to prevent passing HIV to other people. What should I tell my doctor before and during treatment with ISENTRESS? Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. Include any of the following that applies to you: • You have any allergies. • You are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. - ISENTRESS is not recommended for use during pregnancy. ISENTRESS has not been studied in pregnant women. If you take ISENTRESS while you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about how you can be included in the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry. • You are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. - It is recommended that HIV-infected women should not breast-feed their infants. This is because their babies could be infected with HIV through their breast milk. - Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. Include the following: • prescription medicines, including rifampin (a medicine used to treat some infections such as tuberculosis) • non-prescription medicines • vitamins • herbal supplements Know the medicines you take. • Keep a list of your medicines. Show the list to your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. How should I take ISENTRESS? Take ISENTRESS exactly as your doctor has prescribed. The recommended dose is as follows: • Take only one 400-mg tablet at a time. • Take it twice a day. • Take it by mouth. • Take it with or without food. Do not change your dose or stop taking ISENTRESS or your other anti-HIV medicines without first talking with your doctor.

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Frank Schaeffer

Obama Will Triumph. So Will America.

ot since the days of the rise of fascism in Europe, the Second World War and the Depression has any president faced more adversity. Not since the Civil War has any president led a more bitterly divided country. Not since the introduction of racial integration has any president faced a more consistently shortsighted and willfully ignorant opposition – from both the right and left… As the President’s poll numbers have fallen so has his support from some on the left that were hailing him as a Messiah not long ago; all those lefty websites and commentators that were falling all over themselves on behalf of our first black president during the 2008 election. The left’s lack of faith has become a self-fulfilling “prophecy”; snipe at the President and then watch the poll numbers fall and then pretend you didn’t have anything to do with it! Here is what Obama faced when he took office; none of which was his fault: • An ideologically divided country to the point that America was really two countries • Two wars; one that was mishandled from the start, the other that was unnecessary and immoral • The worst economic crisis since the depression • America’s standing in the world at the lowest point in history • A country that had been misled into accepting the use of torture of prisoners of war • A health care system in free fall

“What did the Republicans, reduced to the religious right, libertarians and half-baked conspiracy theorists, do to “help” our new president (and our country) succeed?”

• An educational system in free fall • A global environmental crisis of historyaltering proportions (about which the Bush administration and the Republicans had done nothing) • An impasse between culture warriors from the right and left

And those were only some of the problems sitting on the President’s desk! “Help” from the Right? What did the Republicans, reduced to the religious right, libertarians and half-baked conspiracy theorists, do to “help” our new president (and our country) succeed? They claimed that he wasn’t a real American, didn’t have an American birth certificate, wasn’t born here, was a Muslim reincarnation of Hitler and wanted “death panels” to kill the elderly! They not-so-subtly called for his assassination through the use of vile signs held at their rallies and even a bumper sticker quoting Psalm 109:8. They organized “tea parties” to sound off against imagined insults and all government in general and gathered to howl at the moon. They were led by insurance industry lobbyists and deranged (but well financed) “commentators” from Glenn Beck to Rush Limbaugh.

The utterly discredited Roman Catholic bishops and evangelical leaders teamed up to denounce a president who was trying to actually do something about the poor, the environment, to diminish the number of abortions through compassionate programs and to care for the sick! And in Congress the Republican leadership only knew one word: “No!” In other words the reactionary white, rube, uneducated and crazy American far right, combined with the educated but obtuse neoconservative war mongers, shills for big business, and evangelical gay-hating flakes found one thing to briefly unite them: their desire to stop an uppity black man from succeeding at all costs! “Help” from the Left? What did the left do to help their newly elected president? Some of them excoriated the President because they disagreed with the bad choices he was being forced to make regarding a war in Afghanistan that he’d inherited from the worst president in modern history. Others stood up and bravely proclaimed that the President’s economic policies had “failed” before the President even instituted them! Others said that since all gay rights battles had not been fully won within virtually minutes of the President taking office, they’d been “betrayed”! (Never mind that Obama’s vocal support to the gay community is stronger than any other president’s has been. Never mind that he signed a new hate crimes law!) Those that had stood in transfixed legions weeping with beatific emotion on election night turned into an angry mob saying how “disappointed” they were that they’d not all immediately been translated to heaven the moment Obama stepped into the White House. Where was the “change”? Contrary to their expectations they were still mere mortals! The President’s critics left and right all had one thing in common: impatience laced with little-to-no sense of history (let alone reality) thrown in for good measure. Obama’s critics let their ideology define their reality rather than allow for reality to define their ideas. Frank Schaeffer is the author of Patience with God – Faith for People Who Don’t Like Religion (Or Atheism).

To read the rest of this editorial featuring a partial list of Obama’s major accomplishments, visit: SouthFloridaGayNews.com.

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

October 20, 2010

Guest Column

With Equality on the Line, Your Vote Is Critical By Michael Emanuel Rajner, BSW

inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), successfully repeals the military’s homophobic policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and continues to not only advance other issues of equality, but also increase efforts of equity and parity for LGBT-Americans as it relates to our nation’s healthcare systems. But in order to achieve these goals, we as a community, must make certain that our champions are elected. On the federal level, I must highlight the races for Florida’s US Senate seat and the 22nd Congressional District (Broward & Palm Beach Counties). First, let’s begin with Florida’s US Senate seat currently occupied by right-wing conservative Senator George LeMieux, who was never elected to office. LeMieux was appointed to the US Senate by Florida Governor Charlie Crist who is now campaigning like the biggest flip-flopping political whore to get elected to the US Senate. Crist’s appointee to the US Senate has continually railed up against the rights of LGBTAmericans. This is the same Charlie Crist who supported the campaign of John McCain and Sarah Palin, and Crist has continuJarrett Terrill

onservative right-wing extremists are working harder than ever to get elected and trample on the rights and hopes of the LGBT community. While many of us may be angered and frustrated with the slow progress for equality, we must not allow that anger and frustration translate into voter apathy in the November 2 General Election. Whether you vote by absentee ballot, mail, early voting, or at your designated precinct, our community and other fairminded Floridians must vote to keep our hopes and dreams not only alive but in the realm of possibility. Over the past several years, I have made many visits to Washington DC and Tallahassee to lobby for LGBT and HIV/AIDSrelated legislation. Each visit is exhaustive, yet, each time I have a greater sense of pride with our Democratic delegation who proudly take a stand to be a champion for our community. Even Blue Dog Democrats such as US Senator Bill Nelson and US Representative Allen Boyd are engaged and receptive to make certain the US Congress passes an

Kendrick Meek (L) and Charlie Crist (R) speaking to Broward County residents this year. Broward County is most affected by cutbacks to ADAP funding.

ally failed to champion efforts to advance equality for LGBT-Floridians while serving as a Florida State Senator, Commissioner of Education, Attorney General or Governor. Just last month, Crist has guaranteed that Florida will continue to teach AbstinenceOnly Sex-Education and continue to alienate LGBT-youth during a time when HIVinfection rates among gay men continue to climb. In just a matter of days after the election, Crist will authorize the termination of access to life-saving HIV-medications for thousands in Florida to the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). People living in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties are expected to incur the majority of the impact. In 2008, when our community failed in a fight to defeat the amendment banning marriage equality and civil unions, Crist was often seen grinning for a camera while campaigning to support the passage of the ballot measure. Kendrick Meek is the only US Senate Candidate who stood with our community. US Representative Kendrick Meek is working extremely hard to be our US Senator and fight for the rights of LGBT-Americans. In the US House of Representatives, Meek has continually voted to support all legislative efforts to advance the rights of LGBT-Americans and signed onto “Dear Colleague” letters and letters to President Obama calling for immediate action on issues directly impacting LGBT-Americans. I have never felt more confident that Kendrick is the man to champion equality for our community in the United States Senate.

Another critical race is the 22nd Congressional District currently held by US Representative Ron Klein. Klein, like Meek, has a solid record of support for our community. Ron’s opponent is right-wing conservative Allen West, a former US Army Colonel who was forced to retire, told me to my face, on several occasions, that he does not support the repeal of the military’s discriminatory policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” West compared our sexual identity to that of an improper hair cut. “US Representative Kendrick Meek is working extremely hard to be our US Senator and fight for the rights of LGBT-Americans”

Like Meek, Ron Klein will fight for us. But in order for that to happen, we need to make certain they are both elected. I share your anger, I share your frustration, but please vote. You have my word that if our community remains active and present during this election, without shame, I will be there with you raising all hell and holding every elected Democrat accountable to the needs of LGBT Floridians. I am with you in our Fight! Michael Emanuel Rajner is the legislative director for the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus and LGBT Representative for the Broward County Democratic Executive Committee.

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Bob Gramatges

Letters, We Got Letters Next time you walk into Wal-Mart, just take a look in the mirror.You’ll be looking directly at someone to blame for high unemployment in this country. All those wonderfully inexpensive Chinese-made items at DEAR EDITOR: Wal-Mart represent lost American jobs. “Former Gay Democrat” has a whole Health Care? What is Mr. Former’s solulaundry list of of economic reasons for turning to the Republican party. Interestingly, tion? Obama’s health plan has not even yet begun to work, and Mr. Former is already his most of his complaints are actually the result of eight years of the Bush presidency condemning it. Millions don’t have coverage in this country. Millions are uninsurable in (2001-2009) and 12 years of Republican the private markets due to pre-existing conCongressional control (1995-2007). In 20 ditions. High health months, Mr. Former care costs put our expects more than a remaining industries decade of Republican at a disadvantage economic trainin world markets. wrecks to be cleared. And, in this country Under Republican (of all places in oversight, our econthe world) people omy was repeatedly actually die because sacked and pillaged they cannot afford by a whole cast of medical treatment. overpaid banker and Foreclosures: Wall Street types. These are a product And, we will all pay the Bush era for years to come, (2003-2007) lack in debt, deficits and of oversight and unemployment. regulation of a reckBailouts? Those less, greedy financial were mostly initiated system. (Can you say by George W. Bush “AIG”?) Everyone and his Goldman was on the take in Sachs Secretary of those years, and we the Treasury, Henry are paying dearly, Paulson, in the late now.There are very summer of 2008... few foreclosures of while Obama was homebuyers who still a candidate, not the President. (Read the history of the Bush bought their homes since January 20, 2009 (the day of President Obama’s inaguration.). TARP bailouts...$700 Billion!) Mr. Former should come with some other Tax increases? Federal tax rates are the same now, as under President Bush. Federal reasons for his intellectual flight to the far right. Certainly the economic reasons put taxes have not been increased. forth in his diatribe make little sense. So Deficits? President Bush, in his outgoing much exposure (prominently featured in budget projections in late 2008, predicted a $900 Billion deficit in the first year of the two gay newspapers) for such faulty reasoning...hmmm! Get serious... Obama presidency. Even in good economic years, Bush ran annual deficits of several Fred Reissner hundred $Billion. Oakland Park, Fl Debt to China? Bush borrowed the entire $700 billion in TARP funds, (and much, much more) from our Chinese pals. We have been borrowing heavily from China ever since President Clinton left a budget surplus to incoming President George W. Bush. Unemployment? The economy went into a near depression in late 2008, under President Bush. As economists will tell you, employment is the last thing to recover in such a historic and massive downturn.When factories are closed, those jobs are often lost Please send your letters to: permanently. And that is why the bailout of Letters to the Editor, SFGN General Motors was a good and necessary 2520 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 idea. Hundreds of thousands of U.S jobs were OR EMAIL: editor@southfloridagaynews.com saved in the GM rescue.

Use your Words, New York Times

Comment on: ‘Former Gay Democrat’ (10/13)

he New York Times reported on two ‘attacks’ against gays in New York City over the past week. In one attack, nine members of the Latin King Goonies savagely beat and sodomized three men in the Bronx because they were gay. The other attack occurred when gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino spoke to a group of Orthodox Jews in Brooklyn. The article ran just two days after the Bronx beatings under the headline ‘Paladino Attacks Gays in Brooklyn Speech.’ Now, as someone who clearly remembers Paladino promising to go to Albany with a baseball bat, I was concerned. Then I read the article. Apparently, Paladino does not think that children should be ‘brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is acceptable.’ His horrible choice of words aside, he is not alone in this feeling, as almost half of the country (according to AP’s latest poll) is still against marriage equality. The Times also reported that he removed a line from his speech characterizing homosexuality as dysfunctional. The fact that those words were even in the speech to begin with could be an indictment. However, some would argue that his choice not to speak the words is a sign of good judgment. It is ultimately up to the reader to decide what they think. Or is it? Clearly, the New York Times wants their readers to accept the characterization of Paladino’s speech as an ‘attack on gays.’ But with the details of the gruesome

Bronx beating still fresh in my head, I have a hard time accepting that premise. I would even go as far as to say that using such language to describe Paladino’s remarks is irresponsible journalism and does more harm than good to the LGBT community. LGBT individuals are constantly being confronted with political issues and we need the facts to be able to defend ourselves properly. Politico ran the same story, but they used a factual headline (Paladino Disavows ‘Dysfunctional Homosexual’ Line) and cited a multitude of sources. They provided the facts to back up their claims, and their claims fell in line with those facts. The Times took an authoritarian approach to the issue in labeling Paladino’s opinion an attack. Clearly, there was a desire to stir up controversy. News organizations like the New York Times rely on provocative statements to sell papers with little emphasis on the facts. The result: the latest Gallup poll reported a record high in distrust of the mass media this year - the highest in decades. This goes to show that the caterwauling and personal attacks that have replaced rational political discourse in the current media landscape are not effective. If we characterize a difference of opinion as an attack, we shut down all dialogue and get nowhere. Everyone should be allowed to express their opinions without fear – especially those who do not agree with us. The last thing we need is for the few media outlets that are willing to cover LGBT issues to be marginalized by lack of credibility.

Write to the Editor

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

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Straight Paper Goes into Gay Guide Business By Richard Gary

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

orum Publications, a division of the Sun-Sentinel, has published a diminutive glossy ‘Best of Pride’ Guide this mmonth, claiming to distribute 20,000 copies throughout greater Fort Lauderdale. The free publication is less than 44 pages, and is smaller in size then either Hot Spots or Mark magazine. The handbook sized guide purportedly features the best of South Florida’s gay and lesbian community, according to their marketing brochure reads, “from restaurants, clubs, social venues, to ‘profiles of those making a difference.’ “ The Sun-Sentinel empanelled a commission of ‘experts’ from the community to select ‘its favorite businesses and landmarks.’ The magazine claimed that their experts chose leaders, who through their civic contributions, involvement in the business community and social activism, ‘have made South Florida a top gay destination and a great place to call home.’ SFGN has learned that the Sun-Sentinel panel consisted of five persons. They are Richard Gray, who recently returned to town as a marketing consultant for the renovated Royal Palms Hotel, and other beachfront properties; Jodi Ihme, who serves as chairwoman of the NAMES Project; Linda Jain, an ‘activist’ and customer service manager for the GLCC; Jack Rutland, the ED at the Stonewall Library; and Gary Resnick, the Mayor of Wilton Manors. The Sun-Sentinel’s Pride Guide utilized this panel to select a cross-section of ‘Best-of’ categories. The guide, seemingly without direction, made choices from Best Community Hero to Best Bowling Alley and Best Holiday Display. Winners included activists Michael Rajner and Paul Hyman, paired with Joe’s as the ‘Best Barber Shop’ and Hagen Park as the ‘Best Tennis Court.’ For the privilege of advertising in the ‘Best of Pride’ Guide, the Sun-Sentinel offered the back page for $1073, and a quarter page for $245, for a one time insertion. SFGN Publisher Norm Kent lambasted the guide, stating “Forum Publications, while honorably praising noteworthy businesses and individuals, simply used the guide as a revenue generating marketing tool for their very straight publications. Our own community has a cross section of entertainment magazines, whether it is Hotspots or Mark Magazine, that do a much better job with broader circulation and more credibility. No one needed the help of the Sun Sentinel to tell us what is best in the gay community. They should be very embarrassed.”

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Page 1

Thursday, October 28, 2010 6:00 p.m. Galanga Restaurant 2389 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, Florida

Diverse Industrial Categories •Advocacy

•Hospitality

•Entertainment

Services

•Financial

•Non-Profit

Services

Organizations

•Health

• Real Estate

Services

• Retail

Hospitality Area hosted by Chamber member IGLTA

Reserve your booth today 305-673-4440

MDGLCCTM’s 3RD ANNUAL

MDGLCCTM/TASTE OF MIAMI

EXPLORE/EXPO

VIP Fund-raiser to benefit the

Explore/EXPO is a business expo for the South Florida community, gay and allied, where companies can showcase their products and services while interacting with hundreds of fellow exhibitors. To include your business booth, call 305-673-4440.

Explore/EXPO is FREE and Open to the Public

Enjoy A Day With MDGLCC

And Its Members!

MDGLCCTM Foundation Scholarship Program supporting area youth. Featuring taste samplings from the ultra-creative MDGLCCTM member restaurants. Plus, a stylish Grey Goose Vodka Lounge.

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. RSVP to

Dan Pye

at 954-267-5683 or

Daniel.Pye@mssb.com

$45 advance / $60 at the door RSVP to 305-673-4440

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Street Garage, and at metered street parking nearby. More info: www.gogaymiamiexplore.com

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October 20, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN Profile By Joey Amato

lthough Joe Harter may be living a life in the spotlight now, that was not always the case for the self-proclaimed army brat who relocated many times during his childhood. “Some of my earliest memories are from our apartment in Würzburg, Germany,” Harter states. “We had suitcases packed by the door so that if we had to leave in the middle of the night we could do it in very little time.” The army lifestyle may sound difficult for most, but it seemed normal to Harter. “My dad eventually decided that it wasn’t how he wanted to raise his family.” The Harter’s eventually settled in a small town in Indiana. Growing up, Harter was mostly involved in music and the arts. He describes his entire high school experience as depicted on Glee. “It’s kind of like somebody made a TV show about my high school experience in the form of Lea Michele’s character,” Harter tells SFGN. “I was that kid who took the show choir and school plays embarrassingly serious, and it’s surreal to watch a TV show about it.” After relocating to South Florida, Harter realized that working in music was his true passion. “Music is my first and truest love.” Within a few months, Harter landed a gig in a community theater production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. “It was fun, and we were all performing for free because we simply loved being onstage.” That was followed by a stint with the Palm Beach Opera. His next performance will be in a play called Angel Eaters, produced by Infinite Abyss Productions at Empire Stage. “This show is much darker, a horror show being produced in honor of Halloween,” he states. Following Angel Eaters, Harter’s schedule includes spots in Cabaret and Incandenza, a solo project for which he is writing and recording an album for.

Inspired by musical influences including Smashing Pumpkins, Kate Bush,The Verve and Claude Debussy, Harter’s interests are diverse. “I think the ornamentation and florid music from the Baroque-era has been a direct influence on my own songwriting,” he proudly states. “Lately I’ve also been obsessed with experimental composer Alvin Lucier.” At only 27 years of age, Harter tells us that hard work and surrounding yourself with talented people is the key to success in the entertainment

industry. “Try to be friendly with everybody. Negative word travels much faster than positive word. Audition for everything,” he encourages, “even if you’re not sure you’re appropriate. Every audition is an opportunity to perform.” For more information on Joe Harter or his upcoming performance in Angel Eaters, Anyone can go to Empirestage.com to get information on tickets and show times.

Joe Harter

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com Presented by

An Evening with

Patti LuPone Two-time Tony Award winner and one of the greatest performers in modern musical theater.

October 23, 2010 • 8PM Evening includes a Grand Opening reception at 6:30pm.

For tickets call 954.462.0222 or visit AventuraCenter.org All programs, artists, dates and times are subject to change.

WILTON MANORS PRESENTS

Taste of the Island An evening of food and drink in the Island City

$30 Advance Sale ~ $35 At the Door Tickets Available At: Wilton Manors City Hall, 524 NE 21 Court Wilton Manors Hagen Center, 2020 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors Library, 500 NE 26th Street Barton & Miller Cleaners, 2600 N Dixie Highway For a complete list of restaurants & bars visit:

www.tasteoftheisland.org

October 25, 2010 6 to 9 pm

Dance Review

applause (and plenty of laughs, too) as the hapless percussion, providing a lighthearted Miami City Ballet balance to the grand scale of the work. Miami City Ballet will repeat this performance For the second act,Villella, one of the for audiences in Broward and Palm Beach most prominent defenders of legendary counties with performances at Fort Lauderchoreographer George Balanchine’s legacy, dale’s Broward Center from Nov. 12- 14 and staged “Bugaku,” the portrayal of a mystical West Palm Beach’s Kravis Center from Nov. Japanese marriage ritual. Again, the orches19-21. Tickets are available at MiamiCityBaltra set the tone with the violins performlet.org or through the box office at each venue. ing high-pitched glissandos to recreate the sound of exotic Asian instruments. The core of the work is an intense pas de deux between bride and groom, Haiyan Wu and Garcia-Rodriguez, who had already delivered a brilliant performance in “Fanfare.” Wu was delicate, floating across the stage like a flower petal in the wind while GarciaRodriguez was powerful, taking his wife-almost as if property--on their wedding night. The emotion was intense and forceful, By J.W. Arnold like every step the dancers took. Villella again returned to Balanchine to he Miami City Ballet opened its 25th anniversary last weekend at close the program. “Theme & Variations” Miami’s Arsht Center with a pro- was Balanchine’s ode to the Russian Impegram that not only showcased the versatility rial ballet of the 19th century, set to Peter of the company but reintroduced audiences Tchaikovsky’s orchestral “Suite No. 3.” This was classical ballet at its best, to the increasingly rare experience of dance marked by Balanchine’s complex textures accompanied by live orchestra. and accentuated by flawless performances The program began with “Fanfare,” the and musical artistry from the orchestra, Miami-premiere of Jerome Robbins’ ballet conducted by the ballet’s new principal set to British composer Benjamin Britten’s conductor, Gary Sheldon. Jeanette Delgado “A Young Person’s Guide to the Orchessparkled in her featured role, dancing with a tra.” Just as each instrument family in the sense of joy that permeated the cavernous orchestra is featured, the dancers, dressed Ziff Ballet Opera House. in colorful costumes emblazoned with the Spectacular is the only description for instruments they represent, translated the Renato Penteado, who delivered an athletic, timbre and capabilities of each instrument yet graceful performance that included into the language of ballet. many challenging double air turns. The didactic nature of the work also allowed artistic director Edward Villella to get RP JD Theme - Renato Penteado in on the act and Jeanette Delgado as the “Main Theme and Variations jor Domo,” introducing each group of musicians and their dancing counterparts from the stage. Isanusi GarciaRodriguez, Renator Penteeado and Carlos Miguel Guerra drew the most

Orchestra Provides Icing on Miami City Ballet’s Anniversary Cake

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

PHO THE TOS IN NEW S

Gallery 101: Benefit for the Trevor Project

Sidelines: Jennifer and Laurie Birthday Celebration

Photos by Jarrett Terrill

Photo by Pompano Bill

Miami Task Force Dinner a Financial Windfall By Richard Gary

ore than 35 sponsors and over 725 guests all contributed to making the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s 14th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner, presented by Wachovia, a Wells Fargo company, the most financially successful in the event’s history. Buoyed by a silent auction that raised over $110,000, this year’s recognition dinner grossed more than $420,000. “After Wachovia came on board as presenting sponsor, we set a very ambitious goal of $400,000, which was $50,000 more than we grossed in 2009,” says Christopher Russell, event co-chair. “To exceed that goal by a substantial amount – we are blown away and extremely grateful for everyone who contributed to the event’s success.” “The recognition dinner has become the biggest night of the year for the local LGBT

community,” added Liebe Gadinsky, the other event co-chair and a member of the Task Force Board of Directors. The Oct. 2 event returned to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach for a second year. Hosted by actor Wilson Cruz, the formal program segment, included a speech by National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey, a musical performance by jazz sensation Nicole Henry and a video showcasing the Task Force’s work and the unique relationship the organization has with South Florida. In a wonderfully symbolic moment, Ruth Shack presented the 2010 Humanitarian Award to Miami-Dade County Commissioner Katy Sorenson. As a Dade County Commissioner in the late1970’s, Shack successfully worked to have “sexual orientation” added to the county’s antidiscrimination laws, only to see her measure repealed after a campaign by Anita Bry-

Fort Myers businessman Graham Scott, Miami Beach City Councilman Michael Congora, guest of honor, actor Alan Cumming and Elaine Lancaster ant and the Save Our Children Coalition. Sorenson, who will retire from the county commission this year, championed the inclusion of sexual orientation to the county’s antidiscrimination laws in the late 1990’s, and defended it against repeal in 2002. Cindy Brown was honored with the 2010 Community Service Award. Brown was instrumental in the successful re-launch of Miami Beach Gay Pride last. The NGLTF National Leadership Award was presented to Tony award-winning actor Alan Cumming

for his advocacy of many civil rights and HIV/AIDS causes. The Task Force donates two-thirds of the combined net proceeds to the Miami-Dade LGBT community through the GLBT Community Projects Fund administered by the Dade Community Foundation, over $203,000 last June. Grants were then awarded to 18 organizations serving the local LGBT community. Alcohol for the event was provided by Grey Goose Vodka, one of the Task Force’s national corporate partners.

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Heard it on...

By the Night Owl Italian Singer Tiziano Ferro Comes Out Italian pop star Tiziano Ferro revealed his sexuality in the new issue of Italy’s Vanity Fair, saying he’s spent many years not feeling good about himself and hopes being open will lead to a better way of life. “For a long time I haven’t felt good about myself...and after many tough years...I’ve come to the conclusion that I want to live better,” he said. Italian tabloids had published stories in recent months linking Ferro to a mystery man. Ferro said the articles hurt, but not because he was worried about being outed. “I would get very upset because I wished I had a boyfriend, but I had no one,” he said. Ferro has released four studio albums since his debut in 2002, his latest, 2008’s Alla Mia Età, has gone 10x platinum in Italy, selling more than 500,000 copies. He has recently collaborated with Mary J. Blige, Kelly Rowland and Laura Pausini, among others. His autobiography is due in bookstores in Italy by the end of the year.

Website Extols…What Not to Eat! We hear all the time about what we are supposed to eat – vegetables, lean protein, whole grain, etc. However, we found a website highlighting recipes that blatantly go against doctor’s orders! At Thisiswhyyourefat.com feast your eyes on the “Scrapple Burger” – which if you’re from a population with the Amish nearby will ring bells…cholesterol bells; “Schnitzels and Things” – a sandwich featuring four schnitzel cutlets and bacon; “Where the

Buffalo Rome” – three layers of pizza, with layers of buffalo wings; “Bacon-Wrapped Burrito Log” – Taco Bell Double Beef Burritos stuffed inside a sausage log wrapped in bacon; and “The Double Coronary Burger,”– a burger topped with five slices of bacon, four slices of cheese, two fried eggs, mayo, between two grilled cheese sandwiches. There are a host of other dishes that will disgust or charm you! Some of the savory items make clever use of Thanksgiving leftovers, such as turkey, and mashed potatoes, rolled up in seaweed skin to look like sushi, served with a wasabigravy dip! A lot of the desserts are very well-crafted! The cake made of spaghetti icing with bon-bons covered in raspberry sauce to look like meatballs, cake lollipops dressed up as Easter bunnies might inspire you! They also have a book for sale on their website, which might make for a great holiday gift for your foodie friends!

Neil Patrick Harris to Direct Film The Advocate reports, Neil Patrick Harris will make his feature directing debut with the new romantic comedy, Aaron and Sarah. Neil Patrick Harris will make his feature directing debut with Aaron and Sarah, a romantic comedy starring Emma Roberts and Josh Hutcherson. According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Written by Chad Gomez Creasey and Dara Resnik Creasey (TV’s Pushing Daisies), the story follows a geeky guy and a popular girl who become friends as freshmen in high school and see their relationship deepen through the four years, four proms and one funeral before graduation. The spec, originally titled B.F.F., was purchased by Rogue Pictures several years ago before Fox 2000 picked it up out of turnaround.” Harris has directed projects including an episode of his CBS sitcom, How I Met Your Mother. He will star in the new films Beastly and The Smurfs in 2011. Roberts currently appears in theaters in It’s Kind of a Funny Story. Hutcherson recently starred in The Kids Are All Right.

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Rossdale Admits to Gay Affair

The claims first surfaced in Boy George’s 1995 autobiography ‘Take It Like a Man’ and last year Gavin Rossdale has Marilyn repeated them, admitted he had a gay claiming the affair went affair with a flamboyon for five years. ant pop star when he Asked why he has was 17. In a magazine waited until now to speak interview the Londonout, Rossdale, 44, said born Bush frontman he was scared of ruining confirmed the much-ruhis career. “I think at the mored relationship with outset there was a sort 1980’s New Romantic of fear—that was right at gender bender, Marilyn, the beginning of Bush, and branding it a ‘one-time I didn’t want it to be part experimentation.’ of it,” he said. “ It felt like According to U.S. reports, a cheap shot, so I was like, however, he immediately ‘I’m not getting involved.’ begged the magazine’s I’ve never wanted to apeditors not to publish his Gavin Rossdale pear closed about it.” confession, apparently Gender bender: Marilyn, real name Pebecause wife Gwen Stefani did not know. Sources said she was aware of the rumors ter Robinson was a staple on the New but her husband’s candor meant that for the Romantic’s club scene in London during first time he had to tell her they were true. the 1980s.

Sweetie, Sweetie Darling: Return of Eddie & Patsy? By A. Sebastian Fortino

f you’re a fan of 1990s British universal hit Absolutely Fabulous and feared they might not return to your living rooms…think again! Joanna Lumley is currently in New York in a Broadway production, La Bete, appropriately starring as a “hot-tempered princess.” “Next year is our 20th anniversary of the first season and there might be a special or something,” Lumley said. “We can’t let the occasion go unmarked. I’m praying that we can all get together.” The magic – and confusion – about British TV series is in order to keep them fresh they come on for a season, take a hiatus, then return. AbFab, as the series is known

by fans, followed this format and ran from 1992 to 1996 then again from 2001 to 2004. The show follow Edwina Monsoon and Patsy Stone, tragically hip socialites who drugged, smoked and boozed their way through the world. The format and characters – thanks to Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French’s witty writing – can evolve with the times. Lumley joked that as they are a fantasy, fast-forward scenes of the women at about 112 years of age hooked up to vodka IVs there is enough potential material to reunite afresh. It has yet to be decided if the reunion will be a special, a stage play, or a new series but fans all hope to see them return! Besides, in this economy of ours, a little decadent, designerclad, champagne-sipping is in order!

CORNER PUB

Book Review

identify with. He is fifteen, carries a condom with him, hoping that summer will be the first time he gets to use it. Dylan has “no By James Lecesne plan” which his father Egmont USA Doug, a widowed $16.99 landscape artist, hopes will change over that brief utopia known as By A. Sebastian Fortino summer vacation. He also spends time irgin Territory is a beautifully with his father chasing designed book –on all levels. his grandmother, an The characters, metaphors and Alzheimer’s patient in prose are beautifully designed. The setting – Jupiter, FL – is eloquently captured, which a nursing home who makes for an engrossing, vivid, moving com- frequently slips away ing of age tale that will have you laughing as from what he and his father call “the place.” well as shedding the occasional tear. This is definitely fiction aimed at youthful readers, Grandmother Marie claims she never leaves but the themes are so universal that it’s on her own. Her friend, worth reading at any age. Frankie Rey is surely a delusion. She claims The writer draws us into small town Floridian life, and perhaps more importantly he is a grave robber, a dashing South American who maybe she knew when she was a into the ennui of a teenage summer, which glamorous showgirl in her youth.Yet, Dylan we can all recall. lets Frankie live on in Marie’s occasionally “I’m walking along the sidewalk, wonlucid thoughts. Marie, at one point, escapes dering if the concrete was poured right from the place and they find her at the golf there, or if the slabs were brought into the course looking at the Virgin’s image. She neighborhood ready-made and then pieced together like a puzzle. Either way, it seems as does not see the saint, but instead sees though someone has gone through an awful Dylan’s late mother. In terms of a job, Dylan has one of those, lot of trouble to create a sidewalk in a place as a golf caddy at a sort of middle-ofwhere there isn’t that much foot traffic.” the road golf course. He spends a rather Oh, and yes, the book’s design is also unremarkable summer carrying the bags of beautiful. It shows a young man with a tatretired men who play golf. Jupiter, which for too of the Virgin Mary on his lower right Dylan does not hold the intrigue of his naarm, wearing a green tee shirt, and a pair tive New York City, seems to be metaphoriof all-American Levi’s. Honestly, one of the cally compared to the now demoted Pluto, most beautiful covers I have seen in a long a town of sidewalks and no pedestrians. time. It suggests teenage angst, sexuality, On the plastic, artificial golf course trepidation and beauty. That the book was something does happen that is surely the written by James Lecesne, who wrote and antithesis of “fake.” On the bark of a tree, won an Academy Award for the short film the Virgin Mary makes an appearance. The Trevor, which became the basis for The golf course becomes so overwhelmed Trevor Project should inform you that his with pilgrims that the masters of the green study of teenage life is a flawless journey. decide to close the course at least until the Dylan Flack is a character we can all Book: Virgin Territory

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

crowds die down. Dylan, through this supposed sighting of the Virgin, finds himself in the friendship of a Latina girl from Arizona named Angela, a cool black chick from Atlanta named Desiree, and a boy known as Crispy. Dylan is the quintessential loner, perhaps brought about by his mother’s death the night before September 11. Prior to meeting them only has one friend who is gone for the summer, to Switzerland of all places, itself the complete cool, Alpine opposite to flat, humid summer Florida. The three kids are in Jupiter because their mothers are Virgin Mary groupies, who follow her supposed sightings. The kids have a sort of club, in which membership is simple – no, it does not entail any bizarre sexual games you

CALDWELL THEATRE OFFERS HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS FREE TIX By A. Sebastian Fortino

he nation was mired in a deep recession with soaring unemployment rates. The people were increasingly disillusioned with a national government paralyzed by partisan strife and under constant attack by a small but growing political movement led by strident extremists. It is the background behind the edgy

read about in tabloids involving misguided youth.You simply have to take a risk in your life. To Dylan this means “getting with Angela,” initially but that does not work although he does eventually get something out if his membership to the club. What he does end up with is a friend. Even though Crispy leaves Jupiter with his mother towards the end of the book he is no longer alone. At the end of the book, which coincides with Marie’s death who should appear? Frankie Rey, but his father doesn’t see him, and one of the nurses at “the place” says that she heard so much about him from his late grandmother that she believes he lives inside of her as surely as she lived inside of Marie. In the end Dylan also learns that – much like the Virgin Mary, the spiritual anchor of this book, and his mother – it is not what you see, or believe, or whom you have lost, because they will always live inside you. A stunning book, as artfully designed as the cover. Entre’Acte Theatrix production of CABARET, which will run through October 24 at the Caldwell Theatre in Boca Raton. Accordingly, CABARET is offering free matinee tickets to any Holocaust survivor that is wiling to participate in a post-show discussion. All they have to do to be placed on the comp list is send an email to publicist Gary Schweikhart at gary@pr-bs.net. He will make sure that the comps will be available for pick-up at the box-office prior to the 2 p.m. matinees. Group discounts are also available for Holocaust Survivor groups.

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Texas Councilman’s Plea to Stop Bullying Goes Nationwide By David Crary

AP National Writer

city councilman in Fort Worth, Texas, has rocketed into cyberspace prominence in a video pleading with gay teens not to commit suicide and tearfully recounting his own ordeals as a bullied schoolboy. “Give yourself a chance to see how much life will get better,’’ Councilman Joel Burns says in his appeal to bullied teens, which he made during a 12-minute speech to the council on Tuesday. By Friday afternoon, the video had received more than 500,000 hits on YouTube, and Burns was being lauded on social networking sites. Burns, who is openly gay, prefaced his appeal by recounting several of the recent cases in which teens across the U.S. had

killed themselves after being targeted by anti-gay bullying. The victims included Asher Brown, 13, of Houston, who shot himself with his father’s handgun, and Tyler Clementi, Asher Brown 18, the Rutgers He then recalled his youth University freshin the Fort Worth suburb of man who jumped Crowley, describing himself as a off the George Councilman Joel Burns skinny, sensitive boy who tried Washington Bridge to be friendly to all. in New York after his roommate secretly In ninth grade, he said, older boys recorded him with another male student, roughed him up, “said I was a faggot and I then broadcast the video online. should die and go to hell where I belonged.’’ “This bullying and harassment in our “Ashamed, humiliated and confused, I schools must stop,’’ Burns said, describing it went home,’’ Burns said. ``There must be as an epidemic.

something very wrong with me, I thought.’’ After struggling to maintain his composure, Burns, now 40, then addressed himself directly to any gay teens who might see the video. “You will get out of the household that doesn’t accept you.You will get out of that high school, and you don’t ever have to deal with those jerks again,’’ he said. “Things will get easier ... Please stick around to make those happy memories for yourself.’’ When he finished the speech, most of those in the council chamber rose to applaud. “If the now-viral video ... does not move you to tears, you surely have a tough, leathery little peanut for a heart. I can’t watch it without crying,’’ wrote Dallas Morning News columnist Jacquielynn Floyd. Online: Burns’ video on YouTube: http://bit.ly/ bRTyvH

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

By Joey Amato

he adult entertainment industry has been reeling after another positive HIV test for a pornography actor occurring last week. The incident led to two of the industry’s biggest companies shutting down production and a scramble to find partners who may have been exposed by the actor. The actor, whose name has not been released, was a patient of the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation, a San Fernando Valley clinic that caters to pornographic actors. Clinic spokeswoman Jennifer Miller told the Los Angeles Times that efforts are under way to notify individuals who may have had sexual contact with the actor. Wicked Pictures and Vivid Entertainment told the Times that they stopped produc-

Miss Vicky Ailing Benefit Plans to Honor Her By Cliff Dunn

tion as a precaution when the positive test was revealed. Los Angeles County public health officials and state occupational health officials have said the widespread lack of condom use on porn sets puts performers at risk for contracting diseases. Adult film producers say viewers find them to be a turnoff. Last year, a woman tested positive for HIV immediately after making an adult film, and in 2004, an HIV outbreak affecting several actors spread panic in the industry and briefly shut down productions at several California studios. Porn actors are required by law to test negative for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases within 30 days of going to work on a film. AIDS Healthcare Foundation President Michael Weinstein said his organization has been advocating for a tightening of the

As a straight ally to the gay community, the litany of Ms.Vicky’s accomplishments over the past three decades includes not only a directorship of Pride South Florida, but being one of the founders of the county’s first AIDS agency, Center One. A member of SAGE since 1993, Ms.Vicky has also served as the Regional Director of the International Association of Lesbian and Gay Prides, founded Womynsong, and was the Musical Director of the MCC Church of Our Savior in Boca Raton. Ms.Vicky has also been involved with numerous community theatrical groups, the thespian arts very dear to her heart. Ms.Vicky is even insisting that part of the funds raised by this very benefit goes back to the Rising Action Theater. “She needs our help, and we owe her so much,” says David Goldyn, the Rising Action Theater director co-ordinating the benefit. The planned Cabaret show will include performances from local artists including David Leddick and David Muelemans

he Rising Action Theater will be hosting a an 85th birthday benefit on Tuesday, November 16, to honor and aid one of South Florida’s LGBT community’s greatest allies, the ailing Vicky Keller. At their new venue, on the campus of Sunshine Cathedral, the Rising Action Theater will host a cabaret show featuring ten artists, a door raffle, and a ‘dress and look like Miss Vicky’ contest, along with a silent auction.The cost of the event will be $49, but the funds will be used to help Ms. Keller. In the past year, she has been set back by a heart attack and medical bills that have piled up, a situation so bad she wound up surrendering her condo to the bank.Apparently also the victim of elder abuse, a once trusted friend took her for over $5,000. To buy a ticket go to www.risingactiontheatre.com.

cast in a negative light,” she said. “They rules, and the adult entertainment indusdon’t understand. They think, ‘Oh, this haptry and AIM clinic would “do everything in pens because they’re its power to in porn.’” prevent us from Porn performer knowing who Mr. Marcus, who was impacted.” has been tested Weinstein regularly for the said the latest last 16 years, agreed case is the ninth with Haven, saying HIV-positive the porn industry adult film star is an easy target for to be treated at mainstream. the AIM clinic “Mainstream since the 2004 media is blowing this outbreak. out of proportion,” Adult acMr. Marcus told tress Brooke XBIZ. “If someone Haven, who’s who is not in porn performed in is tested positive more than 400 for HIV, it doesn’t scenes and has get national media never been attention.” diagnosed But he’s also quick with an STD, Adult actress Brooke Haven to point out that this told XBIZ latest HIV case provides an opportunity for that mainstream media outlets are unfairly everyone, in porn and mainstream, to learn targeting the adult industry. more about the disease. “I think it’s unfair that our industry is © Glenn Francis, www.PacificProDigital.com

Porn Actor Tests Positive for HIV

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October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

design

The Joshua Tree:

Flying the Flag of Good Taste Photos by Jarrett Terrill

By A. Sebastian Fortino

didn’t exactly retire,” admitted Joshua. Although Joshua majored in Political Science and History design obert Joshua, owner of the has always been a passion for Joshua Tree, has been around him. He believes the key to his beautiful things for quite success is always selling a vasome time. Not only at the present riety of merchandise, to keep location of The Joshua Tree, located at 2932 N Andrews Ave in Wilton Manors a broad section of consumers but also in his native Youngstown, Ohio. coming back. Therefore, the store is a colorful mass of furThere he served as Development Director for The Butler Institute of Ameri- nishings, art, and other objects. This is definitely not an Ikea! can Art, and as Executive Director for To keep things simple for the Lawrence County Historical Society. “In 1989 I decided to go into business those coming into the store for myself and I opened the first Joshua for antiques he has a separate section, dramatically curtained Tree store in Youngstown. In 1999 I decided to move to Florida and go into off from the rest of the store, early retirement. I sold the name of the to house these pieces, which he says must be exceptional. business, auctioned off my inventory, In terms of the new goods sold my house, and 6,000 square feet he sells Joshua listens to of antiques that I had in the house. So I

clients, and watches design trends, to keep customers returning. “The key to success in business is listening to your clients, finding out what they want,” he told SFGN. “For instance a lot of people have winter homes here. Therefore tropical décor is something clients want, look for and I supply.” In addition to tropical or Floridian elements – the store boasts a large collection of prints that celebrate Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and all things beachy. Asian design is very hip right now, therefore he has a lot of pieces with an Asian theme. He is also not afraid to say why he does not stock certain items. When someone came in for a mirrored chest he explained that the mirrored panels are glued on, and do not travel, or hold up well. He also pointed out the material that adheres mirror to wood often discolors, leaving the owner with grainy, discolored glass. The companies in China that manufacture his goods – such as fun, beautiful armoires, with doors painted to look like books – listen to him, modifying models to garner an American audience. Quite an accomplishment, as he was not formally trained as a designer. A really “hot seller” for the Joshua Tree are bathroom vanities. A few doors down from the main showroom is a smaller space in which handsome, varied, bathroom vanities are stocked. In fact, a couple came into the shop during the interview to organize the shipment of a vanity to their home in New Jersey. The vanities were initially not aes-

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com thetically up to par for Joshua. “They lacked something. So, I sketched some suggestions out, sent them to the manufacturer in China, and they took notice.” The manufacturers prized his opinion, so much so that he has been flown to Hong Kong where he is given the red carpet treatment. “They provide an excellent translator, driver, and an assistant,” said Joshua. “Yet helping these companies appeal to the American market is something I do on the side, as a consultant.” However, in addition to working internationally he likes to keep things local as well. “Most of the mirrors,

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and the art prints are framed and matted in Florida,” he said proudly.“A friend of mine does really good work.” A second location in Pompano he sold, but “it was destroyed by Hurricane Wilma,” said Joshua, as he walked me through his eclectic treasure trove where there are goods for all price ranges. At the Joshua Tree you can pick up an Our Lady of Guadalupe candle for less than $5.00 or a dream vanity for over $1,000. He admitted that 20 years ago, he was afraid to go into business by himself. “That’s why I developed such an eclectic assortment of furniture, art, antiques, and gift items. It really pays to have a broad variety so people have more than just one reason to come in, Joshua’s success has enabled him to philanthropically support many AIDS charities and gay-themed community programs.” Outside the business, Joshua proudly flies the Pride flag. His clients – many of whom are straight – don’t think of it as being “gay.” “My clients tell me, that it’s the flag of good taste,” said Joshua happily. For more information please call, 954.564.8686

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October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

White Glove Antiques:

Eclectic Choices to Make a House a Home By A. Sebastian Fortino

This does not mean that pieces at White pon entering White Glove Antiques you encounter a broad, Glove Antiques are in “bad fascinating collection of interior shape.” Instead, design elements. This is not your great auntie’s antique store however, where chairs are her pieces show that they were corded off like museum pieces – although used and loved some pieces are worthy of display in a perby the original manent collection. she would hate the owners. “I buy things that make me feel as if they cold of Moscow. Rudnick belong in a home, that have a sense of harmoMonique Rudnick “Other clients want ny,” said owner Monique Rudnick of her ever- was raised in me to open stores in France, Italy, and San changing collection. “Today people don’t treat Columbia and trained in fashion design at houses like homes. People follow trends, then the University of Milan. She fell into working Tropez, but I love Wilton Manors. There is a European feel to it here, it’s very laid-back, once the trend is over they throw it away.Vin- with vintage furniture and ephemera quite and friendly.” tage and antique pieces bring a warmth into a by accident. However, her success has been So is the owner of the boutique, who anything but accidental. It is not unusual to home that new pieces just don’t have.” Some pieces might appear to have a little find designers from leading interior decora- treats her clients like “guests” and offers tion firms wandering around examining her wine for happy hour on Friday and Saturday. loving wear to them, and to Rudnick that The ten-year-old location is also a very wares. Her pieces have been shipped as far adds character and warmth. user-friendly environment on Wilton Drive. “I like everything eclectic, and prefer if peo- away as Russia. She says her experience ple don’t want pristine pieces,” she told SFGN. working with Russian buyers has been great. Rudnick does not follow clients around and chase them out if they’re merely browsing. “A client in Russia wanted me to open “In fact, I would rather work with people who “Browsing makes you want to buy a store there,” said Rudnick, who admits don’t want a piece in perfect condition.”

DESIGN TipS from Mars… Marcus Mars That Is!

for latex paint, it will smooth out and look like an oil paint. • Paint your base boards, doors / frames and crown molding the same color and blue accent color – paint By Joey Amato don’t always just think white. the walls the blue with In the Benjamin Moore color the trim being the cream. FGN recently spoke South Florida book there is a whole section interior design guru Marcus Mars and A “Faux Finish Effect” of “Off-White” colors. “Capri can add depth to a wall asked for 5 quick and easy painting Coast” is soft beige, “Misty Air” has an olive by just doing a wash of “Off White” or “Raw tips for people to utilize when renovating tint and “Cedar Key” is slightly taupe. An Umber” over a base color to add and aged their home or workspace. accent color can ad a lot of interest for the look.A soft complimentary sponging can be • To get color inspiration the first thing you may want to do is to bring in a new fab- used as an accent on one wall or inside framing. same price as white paint and dark rich colors on the woodwork will introduce some • The flatter the sheen of the paint, the ric. This can be done with a new sofa, accent much needed drama. more imperfections in the walls will not chairs, drapes, pillows, or even an area rug. • If you don’t already have crown molding For a “Designer Look” pull your colors from show. Use one sheen up from Flat such as the fabric – it can be the dominate color or Egg Shell on walls and one sheen down from I strongly recommend it in most designs. Crown does not have to be the typical traSemi-Gloss such as Pearl on wood work. If an accent color. ditional carvings; it can be a cove or threeIf the fabric is an over all creamy beige with a you add a paint extender, such as Flowtrol

sometimes,” said Rudnick as she walked me through her store. This especially makes sense for a store dealing with vintage and antique pieces, that are purchased because they catch the eye. “If someone comes in and simply falls in love with a piece I lower my price. It makes for good business. Sometimes they return to purchase more from me.” The variety of colors, styles, textures, and looks at White Glove Antiques extends from vintage clothing – that would be the envy of Endorra on TV’s Bewitched, 1970s chrome sofas recalling Boogie Nights, delicate Victorian artwork, to an oversized lamp with painted harlequins from the 1950s. Some pieces are consigned from other dealers – such as a dramatic stone and iron table formerly in the Design Center of the Americas. It is not surprising to see a customer beaming over a retro bag, while a set designer searches for a “cool” piece of vintage electronics to round out a set, and an interior decorator searches for the perfect piece to being back to an ultra-sleek South Beach penthouse. “I had two interior designers come in today,” she said with a smile while sipping Merlot. “A lot of designers come in looking for a client. Then they come back to buy for their own homes.” For more information please visit their location at 2340 Wilton Drive, or call 954.567.2340

part crown which has a more eclectic look. Think about putting decorative molding frames on the walls or the ceiling and paint inside the frames a matching color lighter or darker. Framing around a piece of art work really enlarges the art. Paint the moldings and background a color from the artwork for a Designer’s touch of detail. • Think about the architecture of the space and different areas as separate rooms. Paint smaller spaces darker colors like the entrance or a bath room to make it more dramatic. Paint the kitchen or hallway a complimentary color to make it appear to be a different room. Finally look for any columns or arches and show off the architecture. For more information on Marcus Mars Interiors, please visit MarcusMarsInteriors.com.

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Anti Gay AG Slammed by Civil Rights Group

LANSING, Mich. (AP) _ The conduct of an assistant state attorney general accused of harassing the openly gay student assembly president at the University of Michigan has been condemned in a resolution unanimously passed

by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. The commission said in a statement Wednesday that Andrew Shirvell’s “conduct should not be tolerated from anyone, let alone a public official responsible for representing all people equally.’’ Shirvell started a blog in April that regularly lambasted 21-year-old Chris Armstrong as a racist with a “radical homosexual agenda.’’ Shirvell remains on personal leave. Armstrong this month requested a personal protection against Shirvell, claiming the 30-year-old lawyer frequently harassed him over a five-month period. An Oct. 25 hearing is set.

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October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

GLAAD and Facebook Work Together

Crossword Puzzle

Site Promises to Remove Hateful Comments By Joey Amato

acebook has been aggressively deleting all hate comments related to anti-gay bullying web posts and events that have been created to honor teens who recently took their lives. One particular event page, titled “R.I.P.: In memory of the recent suicides due to gay abuse, wear purple”, calls for supporters to wear purple on October 20. As the page quickly grew in popularity, it was flooded with messages of support for the teens and condemnation of anti-gay bullying. Unfortunately, the page also became a forum for anti-LGBT hateful speech, images and violent messages. GLAAD reached out to Facebook after being alerted of violent images and hateful comments posted to the event page. Facebook responded that they would begin to monitor the pages closely for violations of their terms of service. Now, a week later, over 800,000 RSVP’s have been received. As the number of attendees on the event page grew, so did the number of incident reports sent to GLAAD regarding the hateful speech and images posted to the page. The event page calls October 20 “Spirit Day.” The event description reads: “It’s been decided we will wear purple in honor of the 6 gay boys who committed suicide in recent weeks/months due to homophobic abuse in their homes and at their schools…purple represents Spirit on the LGBTQ flag…please know that times will get better… tell your friends, family, co-workers, neigh-

bors and schools…let’s do something to change this country for once.” After this event was created, hateful comments were posted to the page included “god hates f*gs theyre b*tches i hope they all die” and “f*ggots deserve a good old lynching.” Over 1,800 emails were sent to GLAAD calling for Facebook to monitor the content or remove the Spirit Day page. Because the event page is currently functioning as a community memorial with an outpouring of support for the families of those teens as well as youth who might be facing similar anti-gay bullying, GLAAD’s digital team continued to work with Facebook and call for a solution. Facebook told GLAAD that new measures have been put in place to respond more quickly to the hateful comments. “Educating people about the lasting and damaging impacts of ignorant and hateful comments is a responsibility shared by parents, educators, organizations like GLAAD, and services like Facebook. We take our Statement of Rights and Responsibilities very seriously,” said Facebook spokesman Andrew Noyes. “We have policies that prohibit hateful content and we have built a robust reporting infrastructure and an expansive team to review reports and remove content quickly. In addition to responding to reports, we have automated systems that use a number of factors to flag content that might violate our policies, so we can review and take it down as quickly as possible and before it’s reported,” he said. Please RSVP to the event as attending and help monitor the page for antiLGBT speech. If you find words or images that violate Facebook’s terms of service, please take the following actions: Click “Flag” under the comment or photo; Click “Report” to report it as abusive; Choose “Contains hate speech or attacks an individual”, then choose “Targets based on gender or orientation”. Your reports will be sent to Facebook’s monitoring team, and they will remove violations of the terms of service– which include threats of violence and graphic photos.

Slip of the Tongue

Across 1 Murdoch with a flower? 7 Overhand strokes, for Mauresmo 14 “Cape Fear” star 15 Sultry Dietrich 16 Start of a quip 18 Halloween mo. 19 Series ender 20 French river 21 Mistake for Paul Taylor 23 Lubricates 25 Hammerhead part 26 Flies like an eagle 28 Shakespearean king 30 Hearst’s kidnappers (abbr.) 31 What you do after you drop the soap in the shower 33 Former Queens stadium name 35 More of the quip 39 Wine list datum 40 Swiss capital 41 IBM products 44 Potential partners for Adam and Steve? 46 Puccini opera 48 Jungle warning 50 Historic Stonewall event 52 Tide type 53 Rosie’s favorite dolls 55 McAn of shoewear 57 Beverage suffix 58 End of the quip 61 Gay parent, often 62 “Have a piece!” 63 Abductors’ demands 64 Sachet emanations

Down 1 Real jerk-offs 2 Agency that asks donors if they have AIDS 3 New member 4 Sex Pistols singer Vicious 5 Flying fisher 6 ___ voce (softly) 7 Most likely to exagerate stats? 8 Poet Sarton 9 Rock Hudson’s A Farewell to ___ 10 Single-master 11 Greek messenger of the gods 12 Hard stuff in your mouth 13 One-named Tejano singer 17 Travel with your first mate 22 Official substitute 24 Madras title 27 One who scatters seed 29 Odometer button 32 Liz, whose debut album was Exile in Guyville 34 Composer Copland 36 Strike settlers, sometimes 37 When fruits are ready to be eaten 38 Hedonistic 41 Like the beginning of Gone with the Wind 42 Fruity mixed drink 43 Haircut victim 45 Gay nightlife district of London 47 High points 49 Easy wins 51 Civil wrongs 54 Hernando de ___ 56 Fashion designer Jacobs 59 “The One I Love” band 60 Tough cleaner See solution on page 34

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Florida Adoption Ban

violated the principle of equal protecMcCollum’s communications director, Ryan tion—that all are equal before the law. Wiggins, said in an e-mail October 12, “We Mishael is arguing that it goes against a appreciate [DCF’s] announcement, and look state prohibition on “special laws” telling forward to a conversation with DCF about judges how to rule in adoption cases, violates the separation of what the next actions powers between governwill be.” By law, McColment branches, and is a lum has until October 22 bill of attainder—legisto appeal. lative punishment of a McCollum has been defined group without a criticized by LGBT rights judicial trial. groups and others for Judge Cope, who wrote paying clinical psycholothe opinion in the Gill gist Dr. George A. Rekers case, is one of the memmore than $120,000 to bers of the three-judge testify in the trial court panel that will decide the that children do best with Alenier case. a mother and a father. George Rekers Mishael also noted that The appeals court upheld the lower court’s finding that Rekers’ opin- McCollum did not appeal rulings that had ions “were not valid from a scientific point granted adoptions to Mishael’s client Wayne of view.” (Rekers was later found traveling LaRue Smith and to Robert Lamarche, both with a gay male escort who claimed Rekers gay men. DCF, said Follick, did not appeal those himself was gay, although Rekers has de  nied it.) The Miami Herald reported in June cases because the men were already perthat it had obtained records showing that manent guardians, and the children were McCollum hired Rekers despite repeated not being adopted directly out of state care. McCollum’s office did not respond objections from DCF. McCollum told the Florida Baptist Witness by press time as to why McCollum did not appeal on his own, in August, “I don’t however. believe in gay adop“The same anti-gay forces Equality Florida, tion”—but Orlando the state’s largest Sentinel columnist who pushed for Florida’s LGBT rights group, Mike Thomas remarriage amendment in 2008 said on its Web site ported that in May, will likely try to put a that the decision not when he had asked McCollum if he fa- return of the adoption ban.” to appeal the Gill case was a “tremenvored taking the – Equality FLorida dous victory,” but boys from Gill, Mcadded, “The same anCollum mentioned a gay campaign aide who had adopted chil- ti-gay forc e s who pushed for Florida’s marriage amendment in 2008 will likely dren and said, “Let’s leave it at that.” Despite the DCF’s decision not to ap- try to put a return of the adoption ban peal the Gill case, Follick said it has not yet up for a statewide vote [in] 2012.” For the moment, however, DCF has redetermined whether to drop its appeal in the case of Vanessa Alenier, a lesbian who vised its application forms to omit the in January was allowed to adopt the infant question about sexual orientation and incousin for whom she was a permanent structed staff not to ask about or consider guardian. The Third District court heard ar- sexual orientation in evaluating prospective parents. Instead, DCF told them in a memo guments last month. Alenier’s lawyer, Alan Mishael, said he (obtained by Equality Florida), “Focus your does not yet know how the Gill decision attention on the quality of parenting that will impact his client’s case, which has prospective adoptive parents would probeen argued on different grounds. Gill’s vide, and their commitment to and love for attorneys argued that the adoption ban our children.” continued from page 2

October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Volunteer Section BROWARD MEALS ON WHEELS Broward Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to make deliveries to its clients who reside in Davie and Dania, two areas most in need of help currently. Requirements: must own car, proof of drivers' license and insurance; 2 hour time commitment, background check will be conducted, volunteers will attend Orientation before starting delivery service. To apply, please visit: www.bmow.org -------------------------------------------------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

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Solution to Crossword Puzzle on page 32

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October 20, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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October 20, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com