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Page 15 December 8, 2010 • VOLUME 1 • Issue 46

GARY BITNER

Up to His Neck in Beach Balls Page 24

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

2

page

Stonewall Pride Goes Under

page

9

George Bush on AIDS

21

page

Girls Will Be Girls

32

page

Smart Ride7 Photos

2

Local News

Stonewall Pride Ceases Operations

PHOTO COURTESY OF FAST PRINTZ

December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

December 8, 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 46

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

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

Chief Executive Officer

By Joey Amato

O

n December 2, the Board of Directors of Stonewall Pride, LLC (d.b.a. Pride of Greater Fort Lauderdale) voted to cease operations as of the end of this year. This comes on the heels of the organization losing over $30,000 during last June’s Stonewall Street Festival & Parade.

The organization was unable to pay off debts, which included over $7,500 owed to law enforcement, EMS, and fire personnel who worked details during the event as well as Sunshine Tents, whom demanded nearly $18,000 for the booths at the festival. Despite the estimated 20,000 people that attended the festivities, Stonewall Pride

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

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

Political Affairs Editor . . . . . . Jarrett Terrill jarrett.t@southfloridagaynews.com Arts/Entertainment Editor . . . Mary Damiano marysfgn@gmail.com

was a financial disaster.

Six months later, nearly a third of the money owed has been paid to creditors, but some entities received payment immediately. Bob Kecskemety, who chaired this year’s board confided that local media salespersons had to be paid commis-

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sions to sell booths to local businesses for the festival. It was reported that Mark Magazine salespersons Brad Casey and Rob Kohl received $1,421 and $250 in commissions, respectively.

Jennifer Holliday, the festivals headliner didn’t do too badly either. Aside from her limousines to and from the airport and the event, she received luxurious accommodations at Royal Palm Villas and a fee in excess of $10,000 for her show.

“The public perception was that the event was a huge success,” said co-chair Bob Kecskemety in an exclusive SFGN interview after the festival, “but the bottom line consists of significant red ink.”

Former board chair, Marc Hansen didn’t hold back from attacking the organization. “That is ridiculous, and moronic. If they had a volunteer working board, the booths should have been sold by them with ease. We never paid commissions to sell booths. That is unheard of.”

Despite paying off a sizeable chunk of their debt, the board has determined there no longer appears to be a way of raising money. The remaining physical assets (soda, plastic cups, bar equipment, festival equipment) are being donated to the Pride Center at Equality Park as is the registered trademark “Wicked Manors”, which was also owned by Stonewall Pride.

For more information, please visit our website SouthFloridaGayNews.com.

SFGNites Editor. . . . . . . . . . . JW Arnold Business Editor . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Gary Senior Feature Correspondent. . . . . . . . . . . Jesse Monteagudo Adams Contributing Columnists. . . . Tony

Wayne Besen Penn Bullock AJ Cross Susan Estrich Brian McNaught Leslie Robinson Patricia Nell Warren Editorial Cartoonists. . . . . . . D arryl Smith Steve Sack Calendar Editor. . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Clark

Sales Display Marketing Associates. . J ohn Fugate Brian Swinford Michael Vitureira National Sales Representative.Rivendell Media todd@rivendellmedia.com Distribution Manager. . . . . . . J ohn Fugate, JR Davis, Walter Franco Printing and Publication . . . . Miami Offset South Florida Gay News.com is published weekly on Wednesdays. Our paper is a member of the Associated Press.

The views and opinions expressed within this publication, in bylined columns, stories, and letters to the editor are those of the writers expressing them. They do not represent the opinions of South Florida Gay News.com, Inc., or the Publisher. They are included to promote free speech and diversity of thought.

You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations in SFGN, and it would be careless to do so. For the sake of readable newswriting, the word “gay” in SFGN should, when relevant, be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community.

All of the material that appears in SFGN, both online at www. southfloridagaynews.com, and in our print edition, including articles used in conjunction with our contract with the Associated Press and our columnists, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Thus, nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher of SFGN, at his law office, Kent & Cormican, P.A., 110 Southeast 6th Street, Suite 1970, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33301.

SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.

Copyright©2010 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

Associated Press

Florida Press Association National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Miami Chorus Holiday Show This Weekend!

T

his weekend the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus will present two evening performances at 8 pm on Friday and Saturday nights at the Lincoln Theatre on Miami Beach. There will not be a matinee performance on Sunday.

The show is called “Destination Holiday” and takes place on a flight to “somewhere.”

However, audience members only find out at the end of the concert. The show is premised on two gay dads and their adopted daughter, a lesbian couple about to give birth to their firstborn, an endearing former drag queen from Cuba, a child genius, and a single man with a secret, all of whom are passengers on this fanciful flight.

The Chorus makes up the largest non-rev section in airline history and the audience will be seated in coach (only with a lot more leg room).

Join the chorus on Friday or Saturday but order your tickets online today to be sure you get the seats you want. For an extra holiday treat, the chorus welcomes its

Sharon Gless

special guest, multiple Emmy and Golden Globe-winner Sharon Gless.

If you can’t make it this weekend, the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus will be taking their show on the road, to Key West on the following Sat, Dec 18th at the Instituto San Carlos Theater at 516 Duval Street.

That show starts at 7:00PM and the cost is $20.00.

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

AHF Leads Protest Against ADAP Cutbacks

By Norm Kent

F

orcefully making their voice heard against government cutbacks of lifesaving drugs for HIV patients, the AIDS Health Care Foundation’s Florida offices launched yet another protest at the steps of the Federal Building in Fort Lauderdale last Tuesday, the day before World AIDS Day rallies.

Scores of protestors quietly marched up and down East Broward Boulevard, protesting budget shortfalls speakers termed as “unac-

ceptable” and “unconscionable.” The stunning visual accompanying this story was taken when the crowd gathered to hold all their signs up in unison. Presently there are more than, 4,100 people in nine states on ADAP waiting lists—over half of whom are in Florida.

This month alone, at least 350 more current Florida recipients of ADAP benefits could also be removed from the rolls of Florida’s program. The Florida AIDS Drug Assistance Program, commonly referred to as ADAP, is

AIDS Rally Draws Many

By Jason Shutts

O

n December 1, the third annual World AIDS Day “Our Memories Burn Bright” candlelight vigil procession was held in Wilton Manors, starting in Hagen Park and ending in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors.

As expected, it was quite a success.

Nearly 1,000 residents, family and friends came together to remember lost friends and loved ones while showing support for the thousands of people in Broward County who are infected with HIV/AIDS. The event was indeed profound, as Daddy Dab said, “Everyone gathered with the light of their candles

uniting as one. It was a very moving sight.”

Broward House, The Pride Factory, Walgreens, The Broward County Health Department, and various pharmaceutical companies, charities and local businesses sponsored this year’s vigil. Many well known names and faces of Wilton Manors were proudly in attendance, including Mayor Gary Resnick and its city commissioners, attorney Dean Trantalis, Broward House CEO Angelo Castillo and SFGN Publisher Norm Kent.

The vigil was more than a way to remember those who we have lost, but also as a display of support for those living with HIV/ AIDS: and more importantly how each and

$16 million short of being able to serve all of its current clients until April 1, 2011, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Nationwide, ADAPs serve over 165,000 people, accounting for one third of people on AIDS treatment in the U.S. Unfortunately, the need for these programs expands every year, as more and more people become infected and diagnosed with HIV/AIDS; each year thousands of newly diagnosed HIV patients turn to ADAPs because they cannot

everyone of us can help.

As Kent highlighted in his talk, no matter our station in life, there is something that each and every one of us can do to help.

“You don’t need to make headlines,” he stated, “You just need to make headway.”

Kent’s moving address also outlined ways we can all make a difference: “We can be the students delivering meals on wheels, we can be the readers in hospital rooms for patients who are too ill to see, we can be the nightclubs sponsoring one more party, yet another fund raiser for HIV facilities.”

The vigil raised awareness of the multiple issues that are impacting the HIV/AIDS community, such as the ongoing ADAP crisis.

Also as noted by participant Frank Gorritz noted, “the issue of transgender people who are diagnosed with HIV and AIDS and can’t

afford their medicines.

“Although some money is being funneled Florida’s way, ADAP will still require millions of dollars more to accommodate its patient load,” said Michael Kahane, Southern Bureau Chief for AIDS Healthcare Foundation. “We urge people in Florida to join us in Ft. Lauderdale at our rally to save ADAP as well as ask them to contact their elected representatives urging them to act now to save ADAP.”

be properly treated without stigmatization from the medical field also needs to be addressed, because the transgender movement in general is not really talked about.”

LGBT activist, Rodrigo Labbe, of Youth Equality Expansion Project (YEEP) said, “A common misunderstanding is causing lives to end. AIDS and HIV are often seen as an issue for the LGBT and African-American communities, yet this virus is able to be transmitted to anyone.” This crucial dialogue, which may indeed save lives, is only part of what World AIDS Day brings into the community conversation nationally.

When Jesus Polanco was asked about what concerned him about the HIV/AIDS pandemic, his response was “I never met anyone who was positive, or if I did, I did not know because most people don’t talk about it.”

December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Hey, have you heard the news?

For eligible patients, Merck covers up to $400 on out-of-pocket costs, for each of up to 12 prescriptions.

Introducing the Savings Coupona for ISENTRESS. Eligibility restrictions, terms, and conditions apply.a To find out more, call 1-866-350-9232 or visit isentress.com.

effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. a For

eligible privately insured patients. Not valid for residents of Massachusetts. Restrictions apply.

Please see full Terms and Conditions on isentress.com.

Copyright Š 2010 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. 21052655(15)-11/10-ISN-CON

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You are encouraged to report negative side

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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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 doctor’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.

December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Brendan

You are special, unique, and different from anyone else.

And so is your path to managing HIV. When you’re ready to start HIV therapy, talk to your doctor about a medication that may fit your needs and lifestyle.

In clinical studies lasting 96 weeks, patients being treated with HIV medication for the first time who took ISENTRESS plus Truvada:

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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December 8, 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

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.

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.

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

U2’s Bono Says Economy Woes Are Hurting AIDS Fight Staff Reporters

F

inancial tough times in developed economies are undercutting efforts to stop the global spread of AIDS, U2 lead singer Bono said on Tuesday.

“Times are hard in the Western world,” the Irish rock star and campaigner told Reuters after launching World Aids Day, marked around the world on December 1, at Sydney’s Opera House.

Bono said agencies established to arrest acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) “were fighting hard for funding” nearly three decades after the disease was

first diagnosed.

He added that more money was needed to meet a target set by the Global Fund to eliminate the transmission of HIV from pregnant mothers to their unborn children by 2015.

According to the United Nations children’s fund UNICEF, over a thousand babies are born each day in Africa with HIV and about half of the HIV-positive women in Africa do not get the drugs they need to prevent transmission of the virus to their babies.

“In recessionary times, people have to tell their politicians this is important to them,” Bono said.

An estimated 33.3 million people worldwide had the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS in 2009, according to the latest figures issued by UNAIDS. There were 26.2 million in 1999.

There is no cure and no commercially available vaccine but combinations of drugs called antiretrovirals can keep patients healthy. However, the virus stays in the body forever and can reactivate if people stop taking the drugs.

“Some people think that the pandemic is on its way out and it’s job done,” Bono said.

“It is really not so.”

Bono

America’s Global Fight Against AIDS

By George W. Bush

D

uring a presidency often forced to focus on issues of national security, the fight against global disease was sometimes viewed as an anomaly or exception. It wasn’t and isn’t. America has a direct stake in the progress and hope of other nations.

Many of the world’s problems - terrorist networks, criminal gangs, drug syndicates, pandemic diseases - are no more than a half-day plane ride from the United States. These challenges tend to take root in hopeless, poorly controlled areas. This does not mean that promoting health and development is a substitute for confronting immediate threats. It does mean that no national security strategy is complete in the long run without promoting global health, political freedom and economic progress.

Early in my first term, it became clear that much of sub-Saharan Africa was on the verge of catastrophe. In some nations perhaps a quarter of the population was infected with HIV. The disease was prevalent among teachers, nurses, factory workers, farmers, civil servants - the very people who make a society run. Drugs to treat the disease existed and were falling in price, but they could hardly be found in Africa.

Whole countries were living in the shadow of death, making it difficult for them to

us expected. Early in 2003, there were perplan or prepare for the future.

Our response began with an effort to re- haps 50,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa duce mother-to-child transmission of the on AIDS treatment. Today, thanks to Amerivirus - the saddest, most preventable aspect ca, other donor nations and the tireless work of the crisis. In 2002, America helped found of Africans themselves, nearly 4 million are. the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculo- Fragile nations have been stabilized, making progress possible in other sis and Malaria to encourareas of development. age the concerted action of But the most vivid rewealthy nations. In 2003, I sults, for me, had a more announced the President’s human scale. On World Emergency Plan for AIDS AIDS Day in 2005, two Relief (PEPFAR), an ambiyoung children from tious bilateral program to South Africa, Emily and confront the worst of the Lewis, came for a White pandemic with speed and House visit. They chased urgency. Members of Conaround the Oval Office begress from both parties, fore Emily did what many leaders of African nations others no doubt wanted to and outside advocates Former President George W. Bush do - she fell asleep in her such as Bono became partners with my administration in a tremen- mother’s lap during my speech. Both young children were HIV-positive but had begun dous undertaking.

In all of these efforts, my concern was re- treatment. I could not even imagine all that sults. I was frankly skeptical of some past curiosity and energy still and silent.

I firmly believe it has served American foreign assistance programs. In this crisis, we needed not only more resources but also interests to help prevent the collapse of to use them differently. So we put in place portions of the African continent. But this a unified command structure; set clear, am- effort has done something more: It has bitious, measurable goals; insisted on ac- demonstrated American character and becountability; and made sure that host gov- liefs. America is a certain kind of country, ernments took leadership and responsibility. dedicated to the inherent and equal dignity The results came more quickly than many of of human lives. It is this ideal - rooted in

faith and our founding - that gives purpose to our power. When we have a chance to do the right thing, we take it.

On this World AIDS Day, considerable progress has been made. The United Nations recently reported that the world has begun to halt and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS. However, considerable need remains. Every human life is precious, and far too many people around the world continue to suffer from the disease.

We still hope for an AIDS vaccine. In the meantime, there are millions on treatment who cannot be abandoned. And the progress in many African nations depends on the realistic hope of new patients gaining access to treatment. Why get tested if AIDS drugs are restricted to current patients? On AIDS, to stand still is to lose ground.

I am happily out of the political business. But I can offer some friendly advice to members of Congress, new and old. A thousand pressing issues come with each day. But there are only a few that you will want to talk about in retirement with your children. The continuing fight against global AIDS is something for which America will be remembered. And you will never regret the part you take.

The writer was the 43rd president of the United States. This article originally appeared in the Washington Post on World AIDS Day, 2010.

10

December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN BRIEFS Kenyan Gays Panicked

by Remarks

Kenya’s National AIDS Control Council has recently moved to include gay and lesbian outreach in its fight against AIDS. In January, the prime minister attended and helped launch the group’s 2010 Strategic Plan – the first that promised to work with homosexuals and other high-risk groups.”

The prime minister’s office has said the remarks were “off the cuff” and did not indicate a shift in government policy.

old Algerian, had attacked him and tried to steal his Rolex watch. The two met outside the G.A.Y. bar and went to Bedford Square A recent call for the arrest of all gay and for sex one evening this past March. lesbian people by Kenyan Prime Minister According to the Press Association, Raila Odinga has confused and worried the Foley, who had recently got engaged to his LGBT community of the African country. girlfriend, had been Odinga spoke Sunday at a rally in Kibera partying at a lap dance and told listeners that all gay men and lesbivenue prior to meeting ans would be subject to laws in the new conBouchareb. He told the stitution that criminalize homosexuality. The jury that he had never new bill of rights in Kenya prohibits discrimihad a gay sexual experination on any grounds, according to Voice of ence before.

America, and the remarks have vexed and “He strangled Mr. worried activists like Nguru Karugu of the Bouchareb with his own Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya. black scarf and left him “Karugu said the Coalition is asking for Gay Tryst for dead in the square clarification of the statements made by the Strangler – where his body was prime minister, which he described as ‘out of Sentenced United Kingdom prison found the next morning left field.’ Gay and Lesbian issues have been James Foley was – before returning to the lap dancing club and a relatively untouched subject in Kenyan sentenced to three and a half years for the group he had been there with,” reports politics during the tenure of President Mwai strangling Fathi Bouchareb to death after the UKPA. Kibaki,” reports VOA. they met for a secret gay tryst in London “The Prime Minister has similarly had earlier this year. relatively little involvement in the issue, The UK Press Association reports that Guilty Pleas in NYC but the coalition said his comments were a jury cleared Foley, 21, of murder and Hate Crime detrimental to the country’s fight against convicted him of manslaughter after the Two men have pleaded guilty in the brutal HIV and AIDS. defendant argued that Bouchareb, a 26-year- antigay hate crime that left Jack Price of

Queens, New York, hospitalized for three weeks last year.

The Associated Press reports on the men who pleaded guilty to robbery as a hate crime.

“Queens District Attorney Richard Brown says 21-year-old Daniel Rodriguez pleaded guilty Tuesday,” according to the AP. “Daniel Aleman, who’s 27, pleaded guilty last week.

They both face eight years in prison.”

Rodriguez and Aleman attacked Price and yelled antigay slurs in October 2009 as he left a 24-hour deli near his home in College Point. He suffered a fractured jaw and ribs, two collapsed lungs and a lacerated spleen.

PROP 8 ON TV NEAR YOU The legal fight over California’s same-sex marriage ban went before a federal appeals court Monday in a televised hearing that reached a nationwide TV audience anxious for a final decision on whether the measure violates the U.S. Constitution.

The hearing before a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals also focused on whether supporters of voterapproved Proposition 8 have legal standing to challenge a lower court ruling that the

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

New Study Finds Gay & Bisexual Teens Singled Out for Punishment

By A. Sebastian Fortino

A

new study appearing in the journal Pediatrics confirms that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) students are 40 percent more likely than their heterosexual peers to be disciplined by school authorities and the criminal justice system.

The study, entitled Criminal-Justice and School Sanctions Against Nonheterosexual Youth: A National Longitudinal Study was supervised by Dr. Hannah Brückner, a Yale sociologist and nationally recognized expert on adolescent sexuality and initiated by Kathryn Himmelstein while still an undergraduate at Yale. Currently Himmelstein teaches in the New York City public school system.

From the outset of the study it was fairly common knowledge that “nonheterosexual” youth are more vulnerable to many risks than their straight-identifying peers,

such as substance abuse, homelessness, high-risk sexual behavior, and other areas detrimental to young minds.

Data collected from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) informed the study, which the researchers believe is the first study investigating whether nonheterosxual youth receive more sanctions due to behavior and other issues. Of the three waves of study 15,170 participated in the last study in 2002.

These “waves” began in 1994 when the

students were in grades seven through 12 and ended in 2002 when they were aged 18 to 26 years of age. An attempt was made to contact those surveyed initially who were incarcerated at the time of waves two and three of the survey, but the survey admits that incarcerated youth were undersampled.

The survey did not identify transgender students, because this survey was more about sexual orientation than gender identity. It was found that students who admitted to same sex attraction or orientation were more like-

ly to face expulsion from school, stops by police, juvenile arrest and conviction, adult arrest and adult conviction. There are several explanations for their findings. For instance teachers and authorities often overlook harassment of nonheterosexual youth “The painful, even lethal bullying that LGB youth suffer at the hands of their peers has been highlighted by recent tragic episodes. Our numbers indicate that school officials, police and judges, who should be protecting LGB young people, are instead contributing to their victimization,” said Kathryn Himmelstein, the study’s lead author. “…LGB teens can’t thrive if adults single them out for punishment because of their sexual orientation.”

For more information please visit the American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP.org

December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN Editorial

December 8, 2010

An Open Letter to the Hollywood City Commission Norm Kent, Publisher

A

fter 35 years of practicing law, since graduating Hofstra University School of Law in 1975, I have learned that some causes are worth fighting for. I have made a reputation for myself undertaking them.

That’s why, in August of 1987, when Elvy Mussika, a 60 year old grandmother in Hollywood, California was busted for growing marijuana in her backyard, I told her to fight it. You see, even though pot was against the law, and she did possess it, I argued that she had a medical necessity defense. I told her that the ameliorative effects of fighting her glaucoma with smoking marijuana trumped the state’s right to say she could not possess it. The defense was unprecedented, but we prevailed.

20 years later, 20 states allow you to smoke pot medically. When you tear down the iron curtain, barriers fall.

I think it was around 1994 when a couple of dozen gay men were arrested for soliciting and committing lewd acts on Deerfield Beach. The cops had heard that the area was becoming a haven for turning tricks, so for good measure anything and everyone gay was virtually getting rounded up. But the cops played dirty, as they were the ones who approached, solicited and induced everyone they thought was gay. So if you expressed interest in the undercover officer, even if you simply offered to go back to your apartment with him, you were the one who went to jail. I stood up and said hell, no.

I charged the cops with creating the crime, and the gay men with doing no wrong. Court after court agreed, and every case was thrown out based on illegal entrapment.

Sometimes, as a lawyer, you have to pave the way with unique arguments. That is what Mikey Verdugo has done all year. He was a gay cop fired from Hollywood for purportedly failing to disclose on his employment application in 2001 that he did a paid gay porno one weekend in 1996. For seven years, he served the department as a great

gay cop, earning accolades for his undercover work which garnered a small fortune for the department in forfeited drug monies.

Mikey, however, was openly gay, and had filed some complaints against his superiors for sexual discrimination. They were sustained, but the department wanted to get even. They got their pound of flesh when they found an out to deep six him for failing to disclose the porn shoot on his nine year old employment application. If he had done a Shakespearean play, no one would have cared. But it was porno, gay porno.

And we can’t have a cop like that, said the very department that has been disgraced by corruption, mismanagement and federal in-

Mikey Verdugo

dictments, the laughingstock of the entire county. So they fired Mikey, but the State would not buy into this crap. Last summer, they sustained his right to be a cop anywhere in the state. They would not fire him, but the joke that is Hollyweird did.

Mikey decided to fight the ruling an arbitrator made, which stated that his termination was legal. After coming to our paper to tell his story, Mikey recruited George

Castrataro to undertake and advocate his battle in the courts. Castrataro forcefully argued last week that invidious and silent discrimination corrupted the arbitration process with bias. It was a courageous argument, as significant for the gay rights movement as the invidious discrimination that was once argued in court for Negro Americans denied an equal right to an education, which led to cases changing the face of White America to a pluralistic, diverse society. That is how important the argument Mikey made was last week.

Yes, it is a unique and novel argument, just as Elvy saying she had a right to grow pot; just as gays rousted on public beaches rightly argued they were wronged. Mikey was laying claim to a new day. You see, it’s always been the same old story. From the moment, we could talk, gays were ordered to listen. Don’t rock the boat. Live in the closet. Be discreet. But it’s a different day, and we are seeking a newer world. Mikey Verdugo’s cause is your cause.

Last week, a judge regretfully chose the status quo, lacking the insight to grasp or understand that Mikey never should have been fired and the arbitrator’s affirmation of that unjust decision countenances further injustice. He took his lumps, and lost the battle. But Hollywood wants to continue the war. Its counsel, Joel Cantor, now wants to go to court and argue that Mikey should pay the city’s attorneys fee. Well, first of all, these guys are paid salaried employees, and they should not be unjustly rewarded for doing the job taxes pay them to do. But they should be censured for still asking for a pound of flesh from a guy fighting for his

civil rights, aided by an attorney helping him for free.

So here is the deal, ladies and gentlemen of the city commission of Hollywood. Do not become this year’s Jim Naugle. Call off your dogs, because they are rabid and their cause is unjust. You won your battle and exposed your recently disgraced police department as homophobic and vengeful.

You won your battle and have landed on the wrong side of history. But now you have one small, iota of a chance to redeem yourself. Direct your city attorney, the belligerent Joel Cantor, to close the file on this case.

You prevailed, to your disgrace. You won, to your shame. That history will stain you forever ought to be enough. Do not humiliate yourself further. Pass a resolution telling him to cease and desist, and directing him to withdraw his petition for legal fees, or face the wrath of the largest gay demonstration in the history of South Florida on your commission steps.

Please do not consider this a threat. This is a promise. This is simply a statement of fact of what we will do back to you if you allow this to be done to us. Mikey Verdugo should tell you something. Gays do not roll over and play dead anymore. We fight back and remind everyone we are very much alive.

It seems to me that a department riddled with the corruption of officers falsifying police reports, filing false crash reports, trafficking in heroin, and the target of an FBI sting that landed senior brass in jail has other things to worry about. I mean, how many other departments earned a website terrorisminblue.com? Enough said, move on; let Mikey go.

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

The Night When More than the Music Died

By Pier Angelo Guidugli Gathering at the Imagine Peace Tower memorial to John Lennon in Viðey Island, Iceland.

I’m sick and tired of hearing things from uptight, short-sighted, narrow-minded hypocritics. I’ve had enough of reading things by neurotic, psychotic, pig-headed politicians. All I want is the truth, Just gimme some truth.

– John Lennon

T

his month marks the 30th anniversary of John Lennon’s death.

He was gunned down on December 8th, 1980. Alas, according to the current media coverage, the world has not forgotten him. In fact, it looks as if we still can’t get enough of him.

Even though they paved the way for the sexual revolution of the 60’s & 70’s, The Beatles never had the chance to let us know where they really stood on gay issues. By the time Stonewall happened, they had split up.

We know where John Lennon stood on politics, war, peace, religion, greed, art, women’s lib, racism but what about homosexuality?

As a group they recorded approximately 219 songs. Only one has a passing reference to something that could be interpreted as sexually ambiguous: “Sweet Loretta Martin thought she was a woman but she was another man” (from Get Back).

However, as much as American pop music has its roots in black culture, British

pop music has always had its roots in gay culture. In England, pop was not just about catchy tunes, it was about sexuality, which, more often than not, meant gay sexuality.

Forty five years ago, that was part of the Beatles’ allure too. They had a gay manager.

That man, Brian Epstein, was the backbone of the Beatles. He was ever present wherever they went- a gay man who was a part of the most visible phenomenon the world has ever experienced. Back then, just being gay was illegal, but it didn’t seem to matter too much anymore. Very quickly, on the heels of such stratospheric popularity, Her Majesty’s government moved forward on legalizing homosexuality. Unintentionally perhaps, that could have been one of The Beatles’ greatest contributions and gifts to modern society.

By1966, the music business had acquired a very strong gay presence.

The Beatles, The Who, and The Yardbirds had openly gay managers, and The Rolling Stones had one that seemed to be rolling both ways. In addition, Billy Preston often performed with them. Pop had become populated by gays. There were gay songwriters, producers, directors, and especially managers: Robert Stigwood with the Bee

Gees, Vic Billings with the “Soul Diva”’, and gay icon, Dusty Springfield, to name a few.

Still, the closet’s door was not completely removed. Gay musicians continued to dodge the subject of bedroom preferences. It wasn’t so much about hiding it as it was keeping it under an ambiguous facade. We had to wait for “Glam Rock”, David Bowie, Marc Bolan, and Freddie Mercury to see the veil and illusion starting to lift. Finally, in 1978, Tom Robinson’s single “Glad To Be Gay” became the first openly gay song to obtain commercial success. What would have happened 45 years ago if one of the Beatles had turned out to be gay? Probably even their gay manager would have fought hard to cover it up. Today, an artist or performer’s sexuality hardly raises a well groomed eyebrow.

It is well known now that John Lennon and Brian Epstein shared more than a kiss.

They actually tried and experimented on a weekend together in Spain. If it had come out back then it would have meant the death of the group. America, for example, went predictably ballistic when Lennon said that “the Beatles were more popular than Jesus Christ”. Of course the statement was largely taken out of context. At that moment in time, there was no doubt, that worldwide, The Beatles were more popular than Jesus Christ.

After they split up John Lennon released 11 albums of his own, containing some of the most poignant and achingly personal lyrics ever heard in popular music. Primal screams about his mother, his estranged father, drug addiction, desperation, isolation, love, Utopia, God, and the search for truth.

“Growing up was scary because there was nobody to relate to”, John Lennon once said.

Reading or listening to the words of “Working Class Hero” we realize they could have been written

today about the alienation and disconnect of gay teens who see suicide as the only way out of pain: As soon as you are born they make you feel small ..’til the pain is so big you feel nothing at all.. ..they hurt you at home, they hit you at school ..’til you’re so fucking crazy you can’t follow their rules..

John Lennon’s death marked the last time popular music really mattered. He was continued on page 36

Flickr / Bob Gruen

Off the Wall

16

December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Hate Crimes

Reported Hate Crimes in Florida Reach Record Low in 2009

A

ttorney General Bill McCollum this week released the 2009 Florida Hate Crimes Report, which indicates that reported hate crimes in Florida are at their lowest level since 1990. During the 2009 calendar year, 148 hate crimes were reported by law enforcement agencies, well below the annual average of 262 reported hate crime incidents since reporting began in 1990.

“Floridians must continue working to ensure that everyone is free of intolerance and hate,” said Attorney General McCollum.

“Even one hate crime is one too many.”

Data in the 2009 Hate Crimes Report was submitted by local law enforcement agencies to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Audit & Data Collection Unit of the Criminal Justice Information Services Program through the Uniform Crime Reporting

percent and ethnicity/national ori(UCR) information system. Curgin at 9.5 percent. No hate crimes rently, 401 agencies participate in were reported under the categothe UCR system. ries of mental disability, physical There are two categories of hate disability or advanced age. crime offenses: crimes against perThe Attorney General’s Office of sons and crimes against property.

Civil Rights, which compiles the Crimes against persons accounted report, also conducts hate crimes for 71.6 percent of all incidents training for law enforcement reported in 2009, up slightly from Bill McCollum throughout Florida and has devel65.9 percent in 2008, while crimes against property accounted for the remain- oped programs for elementary, middle and ing 28.4 percent, down slightly from 34.1 high school students to teach them how to recognize hate crimes, how the law protects percent in 2008.

The report shows not only the number victims of hate crimes, and how such crimes of hate crimes committed, but also the na- affect Florida communities. ture of the factors motivating the offenses.

During 2009, hate crimes motivated by the A copy of the 2009 Florida Hate Crimes victim’s race represented 54 percent of all report is available online at: http://myreported hate crimes, followed by religion floridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/MRAYat 14.2 percent; sexual orientation at 22.3 8BSKQK/$file/2009HateCrimesReport.pdf

Hate Crimes Reported

by Year

Total Reported

Change from

Year Hate Crimes Prev. Year

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

306 309 395 313 283 183 212 160 203 307 269 335 306 275 334 260 259 193 182 148

— + 1.0% +27.8% -20.8% -9.6% -35.3% +15.8% -24.5% +26.9% +51.2% -12.4% +24.5% -8.7% -10.1% +21.5% -22.2% -0.3% -25.5% -5.7% -18.7%

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Brian McNaught

and Nigeria. Seventy-five countries prescribe imprisonment. The ILGA, (www.ilga.org), which is located in Brussels, Belgium, monitors cultural conditions, and works through its members to eliminate such discrimination.

In their report, Anchoring Equality: How U.S. Corporations Can Build Equal and Inclusive Global Workforces, the Council for Global Equality, (www.globalequality.org), wo years ago, two lesbian tour- countries? I’m working with clients in Af- says that there are twenty-four countries ists in Dubai were imprisoned rica, Middle East, and Asia where we know that provide their citizens the right to bring for one month for showing affec- that both legal and social norms vary dra- their same-sex partner into their country tion on a beach. Dubai is part of the United matically. I’m just wondering whether there legally, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, IsArab Emirates (UAE), rael, and France, but a country governed by the United States and Islamic Sharia law. Pun167 other countries ishment for same-sex do not. The Council love-making is impriswas founded in 2008, onment for UAE citiand seeks to ensure zens, and deportation that the United States for foreigners. uses diplomatic, poAbu Dhabi, another litical, and economic member of the UAE, leverage to end dishas recently announced crimination against plans to build three gay, lesbian, bisexual, large, expensive museand transgender peoums, one an extension of ple internationally. the Louvre, and another The International of the Guggenheim. The Business Equality Inproject is requiring index, issued in July put and services from 2009 by the Internathousands of people Gay muslims taking part in pride parade in Oslo: we’re everywhere. tional Gay and Lesfrom across the globe, most of whom excel in the arts. A short dis- is any organization keeping an up-to-date bian Chamber of Commerce, revealed that only 27% of the multinational corporations tance away from the museum sites, New York picture of what the mosaic looks like?”

There are four organizations I recom- surveyed offered partner benefits to their University is establishing a campus. Luxury hotels are being built to accommodate the mended: The International Lesbian, Gay, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender emBisexual, Trans and Intersex Association ployees in all countries of operation. The large number of expected tourists.

Five years ago, twenty-six young men were (ILGA), the Council for Global Equality, Human Rights Campaign (www.hrc.org) arrested at an Abu Dhabi hotel for cross- the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), and stated that of the 590 companies which dressing and/or having gay sex. They were all Out and Equal Workplace Advocates. Each replied to their Corporate Equality Index, given a five-year prison sentence. The Min- of these groups has focused its attention on 60% have employees working abroad. Yet, ister of Justice was quoted as saying, “There the issues facing gay, lesbian, bisexual, and most don’t have global human rights policies per se, but rather country-specific poliwill be no room for homosexual and queer transgender employees across the globe. cies. That means the corporation may alacts in the UAE. Our society does not accept low gay employees to form an Employee queer behavior, either in word or in action.”

Resource Group in Japan, but not in Saudi There are several Western-owned global “According to the ILGA, as Arabia or the UAE. corporations that have offices in Dubai and of May 2010, there are five The fourth group I recommended, Out Abu Dhabi, and throughout the Middle East. countries, out of the 192 in and Equal Workplace Advocates, (www.outThe vast majority of them have policies that the world, that impose the andequal.org), attracts two thousand gay, guarantee their gay and transgender emstraight, and transgender employees from death penalty for gay sex.” ployees a workplace in which they feel safe around the world to their annual Workplace and valued. How do these companies naviSummit. At that gathering, companies that gate the mine-filled cultural waters of reliAccording to the ILGA, as of May 2010, have addressed the challenges of assigning giously conservative Muslim countries?

A couple of days ago, I received this e- there are five countries, out of the 192 in gay and transgender employees to religiousmail inquiry: “Do you have any favorite the world, that impose the death penalty for ly conservative Muslim countries share their sources of information relating to current gay sex – Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, insights and best practices. Cisco, for inrealities of life for GLBT people in different and Mauritania, as well as parts of Somalia stance, allows their gay employees to refuse

Working and Visiting Where You Might Not Feel Safe

T

17 to travel to a country in which they would be put in danger. Shell allows employees one week at home for every three weeks they are away from their partners.

Despite the possible penalties of imprisonment or deportation, gay and lesbian employees from Western countries sometimes fall in love with foreign nationals they meet on assignment, and then want to return home with their mate. An organization that can help deal specifically with the issue of bringing a same-sex partner from another country into the United States is Immigration Equality, (www.immigrationequality.org), headquartered in New York. Their primary focus is the passage of the Uniting American Families Act, which would allow U.S. citizens to sponsor their foreignnational partners for legal residency, such as a same-sex partner met in the UAE by an American sent to work there.

I would love to work in the UAE, and bring Ray with me to see the art museums being built there, but I would want to feel safe speaking as an openly gay man in the corporate auditorium on gay and transgender issues, and Ray and I would want to feel safe as a gay couple walking on the streets, and staying in the hotels of Abu Dhabi.

18

December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

5 Tips to Work Off the Holiday Pounds

By Joey Amato

W

“We gotta

e all know that the holidays are the worst time to be on a diet. The endless selection of delectable food is sometimes too much to resist. SFGN spoke with local trainer and owner of Push Fitness, Peter Jackson to get his advice on how to make those extra holiday pounds go away.

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Make Appointments With Yourself: Schedule time for fitness just as you would for attending important meetings. Block out your time for fitness in your daily planner first so that you make the time. Schedule exercise in at a time that makes sense and build your day around it.

at the other end of the parking lot when going shopping, and when you get home, bring in your shopping bags one at a time.

If you have your own office, you can even incorporate exercise equipment into your routine. Try sitting on an exercise ball, which will strengthen your abs and back while you work, or lifting dumbbells while you’re on the phone. If you work in a cubicle and don’t want to be seen with your exercise equipment, keep a couple of bottles of water in a drawer and use them as dumbbells when you can.

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Hire a Certified Fitness Trainer: The guidance and support of a seasoned personal trainer is unbeatable as a prioritization strategy for fitness. A personal trainer will help you in innumerable ways by making exercise more enjoyable, more doable, providing ongoing information and support, structuring a fitness program tailor-made for you, and being a general source of motivation.

The small investment is well worth the price.

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Don’t Diet – Make a Lifestyle Change: When you lose weight by following a calorie-restricted diet, you are not making a lifestyle change -- you are simply dieting. This makes it very difficult to keep lost weight off, because as soon as you start eating again the weight will return.

The ideal healthy diet is really not a diet but part of a fitness plan which includes exercise. When you eat right – that is, a diet comprised of a healthy balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables which will help your body work better – you’ll be surprised to see how much more you can eat following a healthy diet than one that is made up of fast food or lots of junk food.

5

Stay Positive: It’s easy to lose your enthusiasm for working out shortly after you’ve begun.You may not see changes in your body soon after starting an exercise program and this can be very disheartening. While it’s true that you might not see changes right away, you are making great strides in ensuring that your healthy lifestyle will have a positive impact on your health and your self confidence. Try keeping track of your progress and you’ll see that, while Incorporate Exercise into Daily Routines: you may not see changes overnight, the small changes will soon add up.

There are dozens of ways that you can squeeze in a short workout throughout the day. Some examples include using the stairs For more information on Peter Jackson and Push instead of the elevator or escalator, parking Fitness, please visit PushFitnessFTL.com.

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Girls Will Be Girls Again in 2012!

Gay Cult Classic Sequel in the Works

By A. Sebastian Fortino

T

he gay community loves our “cult movies,” we elevate both the films and the stars to icon status.

Richard Day’s 2003 hit “Girls Will Be Girls,” about the lives of three actresses – Evie, Coco, and Varla – sharing a home in Los Angeles is one such movie.

Well, if you know every line from the movie, have seen the three “webisodes” they broadcast during the writer’s strike, and are thirsting for more, we have good news for you! Writer and director Richard Day is currently working on a script for a second feature length installment of the girl’s lives. As these are tough economic times, even for Hollywood, the production team has begun a Kickstarter account to gather funds for the project.

“We started the Kickstarter account and within a matter of days we raised over $20,000,” said Coco Peru, from her home in Los Angeles, who plays Coco in the film.

“That’s just from fans of the movie putting in a few bucks. It’s great because I love working with the cast, we all do our own things yet respect each other’s talents. Since our schedules never allow us to perform together this will be lots of fun!”

She is very excited about the project, as are the other cast members. “Richard Day didn’t have any hopes for doing a GWBG2 although

we have been dropping hints all the time about doing a sequel. As performers we were aware as to just how much the film is appreciated by audiences,” said Peru. “Richard as a writer is more behind the scenes, and well, no one really pays much attention to the writer.”

(Which, as a writer I can appreciate, ahem.)

While Coco could not reveal what’s afoot for the three actresses she did share a few things. For instance, the quasi-1960s-1970s1980s home they shared in the first film is a real home – the residence of Richard Day. Also, Coco will still be Evie’s roommate.

“I can’t get away from her,” said Peru of Evie. “But as Richard is still developing the script I can’t really tell you more, because I don’t really know what he has in store.”

In addition to Kickstarter fans of the movie are putting events in motion to benefit Day and the cast.

“There’s even a restaurant in Massachusetts that’s putting together a benefit for the movie. So if anybody else wants to do a little benefit for us and the film do it, maybe we can appear,” Peru said ecstatically. “I love my work. How can you not get excited about making people laugh?”

For more information, & an hysterical promotion for the movie please visit, tinyurl. com/2d7723r

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Nightlife by J.W. Arnold

He’s Checking His List….Twice!

I

t’s hard to believe, but Christmas is really right around the corner, even though Wal-Mart and CVS would have had us believe otherwise with pre-Halloween decorations and promotions. Most importantly, Santa is making up his list of naughty and nice boys.

We’ve been naughty in a nice way this year, so Santa should be pretty generous at our house. In the meantime, we’re going to get into the holiday spirit this weekend at the famous Christmas Boat Parade along the Intracoastal Waterway on Saturday weekend.

This is one of those weekends when it’s good to have friends who live on choice real estate, for sure!

Whether you catch the parade or not, there are plenty of opportunities this week to get into the holiday spirit. Here are a few highlights:

of giveaways, but you’ll be a winner anyway because there’s no cover all night long.

Sunday, Dec. 12

A

fter a naughty Saturday evening, even the best of us need a little Sunday mornin’ religion.Well, you’ll find that at Lips, 1421 E. Oakland Park Blvd. The Sisters of Sequins will have you on your knees repenting your sins starting at 11 a.m.And, for $16.50, you not only get brunch, but also unlimited champagne or mimosa.

Monday, Dec. 13

F

ootball fans may stop in for the game, but we’ll be at Sidelines Sport Bar to take advantage of the December drink special: 2-4-1 on all Southern Comfort drinks from open to close. If SoCo isn’t your drink of choice, Ultimat vodka specials start at 9 p.m., just when the action is getting started on the grid iron. Sidelines is located at 2031A Wilton Dr. in Wilton Manors.

Tuesday, Dec. 14

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e love to chill by the pool and that’s why we love the Depot Cabana ombre, Oakland Park’s destination for Bar and Grill’s new location! On Tuesday butch men launches a new Wednesday evenings, the Depot welcomes recording party, Beef Stew, tonight. Ed is your host, artists Heather Lynn Craig and Cary and plan to arrive early for the free hot buffet Scope from 7-9 p.m. for an evening of live from 5-9 p.m. Hombre is located at 2500 W. music. Stop by 2935 N. Federal Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale and check it out!

Oakland Park Blvd.

Wednesday, Dec. 8

H

Friday, Dec. 10

M

iami nightspot Club Sugar is in the holiday spirit, hosting its annual toy drive. Bring an unopened toy for a chance to win a VIP gift bag, including tickets to Margaret Cho’s show on Dec. 11. DJ Jarell will be in the main room and T.P. Lords and Sasha Sky will be performing on stage. Bring your presents to 2301 SW 32nd Ave. in Miami.

Saturday, Dec. 11

G

et ready for a big night at The Manor. International DJ sensation Kidd Madonny will be on the premises from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., offering up a visual and musical journey bar none.Also, celebrate the movie release of “I Love You, Phillip Morris,” the unbelievable new film about gay love behind bars and featuring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor.There will be lots

Margaret Cho

December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Gary Bitner Is GLAADly Up to His Neck in Beach Balls

By Tony Adams

T

he pleasure of attending a great party is exceeded by only the satisfaction of throwing a great party, and that is what Gary Bitner, president of Bitner Goodman, did on Saturday night as the planner for “The Beach Ball”, the dazzling second annual south Florida fundraiser for GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) held at the fabulous Fort Lauderdale home of GLAAD supporters John Evans and Steve Wozencraft who explained the work of GLAAD. “In the world of social justice, GLAAD is important. I have been watching the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell battle on C-SPAN where it is clear that, for the LGBT community, perception is a strong reality. GLAAD is all about changing hearts and minds.”

GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios chimed in. “Politicians follow public opinion. Debate

about our rights is everywhere in the media. To win our rights takes two things. First, we need to come out. Second, we need to build media impact. GLAAD tells our story to middle America. GLAAD has trained many of the LGBT members of our military to tell their story effectively. Events like this offer visibility for LGBT people in cities and towns across America. GLAAD’s work can only happen thanks to the generosity of our south Florida allies.”

SFGN sat down with Gary to learn more about his secrets as a superb party-giver, more about GLAAD and to learn more about the man behind the 30 year success of Bitner Goodman, an advertising/public relations/marketing firm headquartered in Fort Lauderdale.

“The reality of supporting organizations like GLAAD is that you have to have fun parties. I am a big believer that a fun party

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starts with a fun invitation. I thought the beach ball theme might work and I was surprised to find no suitable clip-art of beach balls, so we got a bunch of real ones, blew them up and threw them in my pool to get the photo on the invite. We tucked a beach ball into each invite and carefully calculated the postage so they all didn’t bounce back.”

(SFGN politely ignored this pun.)

Gary is one of two Floridians on GLAAD’s national board. “GLAAD is the communications arm of the ‘movement’, promoting the positives and fighting defamation. GLAAD is the only group that does this. My business partner, Michael Goodman, who is also gay and out, is fully supportive of our work with GLAAD.“ When Gary started his company in 1980, LGBT issues were less visible. “You have to marvel about the progress made by our LGBT community. We are now in the media mainstream in word and image. GLAAD focuses on the top 25 USA markets, including Tampa, Orlando and south Florida where the significant influence of Latin America is particularly strong. For the issue of gay adoption rights in Florida, GLAAD did a lot of work providing media training to improve our ability to speak with friends, neighbors and the media about why the ban should be lifted. This helped build public support among Floridians.”

Gary has been a Floridian since the age of 5 when his family moved to Fort Lauderdale . He attended Stranahan Public High School and graduated from the University of Florida

in 1975, having majored in journalism and public relations. He worked as a reporter at The Fort Lauderdale News before it became part of what is now The Sun Sentinel.

Gary moved to Washington DC, taking a corporate PR position with Marriott. “I hated the weather, so I bailed and returned home in 1980. I had done PR, corporate and newspaper. There was no particular agency I wanted to work for, so at the age of 26, I started my own company with no clients. At that age, when you do that sort of thing, you don’t even realize the risks you are taking.

It’s nothing. When you get older, you can’t imagine doing that. The first assignment for my company was to handle the opening of the Galleria mall in 1980. Now we have 20 employees with an office here in Fort Lauderdale and another in Orlando.

In February, Gary will have been doing business in south Florida for 31 years.

Would he do it all again? “Sure. My family and my roots are here. I love this work. I’m 57 years old and I never plan to retire. The key is to establish trust and solid relationships. Then you have to be willing to work long hours. This would be a good time to thank my life partner, Jim LaBrie, for putting up with my difficult schedule.”

Gary and Jim have been a couple for two and one half years. They met online. SFGN’s press for details was met with a laugh. “No, thank you, but I will say that we were both instantly amazed that we had never met, given how much we have in common.”

Gary summed up the night. “Great place, great people, great cause. Last year, we raised $60 thousand for GLAAD that relies 100% on private giving. We will keep on doing this work.”

At the party, SFGN met handsome actor Wilson Cruz, a GLAAD board member, a New York lunch with whom was one of the silent auction prizes. “This is a fun party, but let’s remember that we need to support our watchdog GLAAD. They keep the media honest about all of us.”

For more info about GLAAD: www.glaad.org

December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Forgotten Photos Chronicle Early Years of Gay Pop Artists Art Full Circle: Before They Were Famous Wednesdays – Sundays, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. through Jan. 15 Kiwi Gallery, 1680 Michigan Ave., Miami Beach For information, go to KiwiArtsGroup.com

By J.W. Arnold

P

William John Kennedy

hotographer William John Kennedy nearly threw away long-forgotten, four decade old negatives, but through a lucky coincidence, the images of iconic gay artists Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana taken early in their careers are now on display in an important new exhibition in Miami Beach.

According to Jeff Wilkinson, Director of Operations at Kiwi Gallery, the photos, collected into the exhibition, “Full Circle: Before They Were Famous,” captured the artists at an important point in their

Robert Indiana

careers, at the genesis of the pop art movement in the early 1960s.

“This is a special exhibit for so many reasons, especially because it almost didn’t become an exhibit. The images were taken in the ’60s and they just sat in (Kennedy’s) studio and later, his home in Miami Beach before they were rediscovered by the photographer and his wife,” explains Wilkinson. “They were so close to being almost thrown out. That’s what makes it very special, because the images are so significant from an art history perspective because of the subjects Warhol and Indiana.”

While Warhol’s work is well known and identified with its artist, most Americans are familiar with Indiana’s iconic work such as the “LOVE,” statue but not the artist. Indiana is still living and two years ago, created a new work “Hope” with all proceeds going to Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.

According to Wilkinson, photographer Kennedy first became acquainted with Indiana and engaged in a number of studio shoots with the artist.

Warhol became interested later in the shoots and asked Kennedy to photograph him.

“Kennedy captured these gentlemen at an important point in their careers,” Wilkinson points out. One of the surprises Wilkinson notes is that Warhol had not quite acquired the public persona he maintained so famously after his first breakout works.

He describes one notable photograph, “There is an image of the two gentlemen together in an early exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art that only Indiana was included in.What I find so touching and surprising, captured before he was famous, was that Warhol seemed so much more accessible than later, when he was famous and had to put up that veneer. It was a nice surprise.

William John Kennedy

December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

He seemed to revel in Indiana’s success.”

In addition to the exhibition, a companion 45-minute documentary was produced, chronicling the rediscovery of the negatives and the development of the exhibit. The film premiered at Miami Beach’s Colony Theater last weekend to a full house. The film will continue to be offered in private screenings at the gallery.

Wilkinson describes the film as “a fun, upbeat, happy art film that really embraces the flavor of what makes this a special collection.”

Andy Warhol While the popular Art Basel festival has brought plenty of art enthusiasts to the gallery for the exhibition, plans are already underway to take the exhibit and documentary to other audiences, including New York City, Dallas, Houston and London.

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Artist Fazzino Depicts Lauderdale’s Centennial

By A. Sebastian Fortino

T

o celebrate 100 years of Fort Lauderdale history Charles Fazzino will unveil new work this week at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale. The main piece is a visual timeline with the three-dimensional flourishes for which Fazzino is famous.Your eye begins with the Native American in his canoe, then journeys upwards, meandering along paths Fazzino has placed through Fort Lauderdale’s history.

“My work is whimsical and fun, even if some people say it’s campy,” said Fazzino from his studio in New York. “I don’t care – it’s what I do. I just hope it’s well received.”

Like many New Yorkers, Fazzino has a personal connection with South Florida. “In the 80s and 90s I adopted Fort Lauderdale as my second home. I used to come down for the wintertime art shows.”

He was commissioned in 2006 to create

work for the boat parade. Then asked if he would create something for the centennial.

Fazzino was delighted at the request. He began creating the main piece and accompanying exhibit, “Faces of Fort Lauderdale” about six months ago.

“Faces of Fort Lauderdale” consists of 10 visionographs – dioramas – in which Fazzino has created a unique character to epitomize a particular decade of our history.

“I worked with the Dillard Museum. I based everything about these people on historical facts,” said Fazzino. “I hope I captured the cultural roots of the city, and why the people who came here did in fact come here.”

The exhibit will be on display until January 5, 2011.

For more information, please visit MoAflnsu.org and Fazzino.com

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Miami Art Museum Breaks Ground Herzog & de Meuron-Designed Museum to Open in 2013

By Joey Amato

F

ollowing years of planning and anticipation, Miami Art Museum has broken ground for its new Herzog & de Meuron-designed facility in Downtown Miami’s Museum Park and next to the future home of the Miami Science Museum. The groundbreaking ceremony was held this morning at the new site overlooking Biscayne Bay. The new Miami Art Museum is scheduled to open to the public in 2013.

“Today’s groundbreaking is a giant step forward in Miami’s emergence as one of the world’s great cultural cities,” said Aaron Podhurst, chairman of Miami Art Museum’s board of trustees. “The launch of this construction process signals that the public and private sectors are committed to enhancing Miami’s profile as a global arts destination and we are proud that Miami

Art Museum factors prominently into that reputation. Our new building will fill many roles – as a repository for our city’s greatest works, a resource for learning, an economic engine in our urban core, a gathering place for Miami residents and visitors, and as an architectural icon of our city.”

The new Miami Art Museum will comprise 200,000 square feet of programmable space, including 120,000 square feet of interior space – more than three times the size of the Museum’s current facility – and 80,000 square feet of exterior space ideal for the display of works of art, educational activities, relaxation and dining.The building will house an educational complex with a library, auditorium, classrooms and workshop space, as well as a café and museum store.

“Launching our construction timeline is certainly an exciting moment in the history of Miami Art Museum and Miami, but

I’m most looking forward to the expanded possibilities that the new facility will unlock on the programming side,” said MAM Director, Thom Collins. “From large-scale touring exhibitions that will expose Miami to the world’s finest art works, to meaningful educational programs for students

young and old, the new Miami Art Museum will be a showcase for the power of the visual arts.”

For more information about Miami Art Museum, visit miamiartmuseum.org or call 305.375.3000.

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

The Commercialization of Art

Theatre Review Play: South Beach Babylon

South Beach Babylon Takes On the Business of Art Arts Editor

A

rt and commercialism collide in the plastic, fairy tale world of South Beach in Michael McKeever’s South Beach Babylon, now making its world premiere at the Carnival Studio Theatre at the Arsht Center in downtown Miami.

McKeever, who is also a successful artist, has explored the art world before in his plays, most recently his 2006 drama The Impressionists. In that play, the focus was on artists, including Renoir and Monet, who challenged the established art community with their impressionistic paintings, which were considered radical at the time.

In South Beach Babylon, McKeever focuses on art as big business as opposed to art for art’s sake.

South Beach Babylon follows several artists in the weeks leading up to Art Basel Miami Beach, which has become, in just a few short years, one of the largest art events in the world. There’s Tony (Stephen G. Anthony) a level-headed photographer who wants to do more commercial, profitable

work; his best friend Simon, (McKeever) a radical choreographer whose refusal to give in to the establishment keeps him living hand to mouth; and Chillie (Erik Fabragat) an egotistical a painter whose simplistic images are merchandised to the hilt. Then there’s Lennox (Amy McKenna) a vapid model who aspires to reality stardom; and Semira (Elena Maria Garcia) a promoter with the power to make or break an artist. Into this world wanders Jonas (Andrew Rosenberg) an optimistic young painter eager to experience from the South Beach mystique.

The performances in South Beach Babylon

South Beach Babylon runs through Dec. 12 at the Carnival Studio Theater in the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami.

For tickets and more information, call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org or ZoeticStage.com.

George Schiavone

By Mary Damiano

Theater: Carnival Studio Theatre

are top notch. Anthony is understated and charismatic, never resorting to stereotype.

McKeever is funny and earnest. McKenna

embodies the image of empty-headed elitism. Octavio Campos and Rosie Herrera dance a provocative performance piece which serves as a statement on the commercialism of art.

But Garcia steals the show. Her Semira is a shark other sharks would fear, a pretentious, tactless snob who fancies herself queen of taste and trends in South Beach.

Semira is monstrous, but in Garcia’s hands, this evil whirlwind in a red dress is nothing short of delicious.

South Beach Babylon is the inaugural production from Zoetic Stage, the theatre company McKeever formed with his partner, director Stuart Meltzer. As with most world premieres, the play would benefit from some judicious editing and a brisker pace.

Nonetheless, South Beach Babylon is an entertaining play, marked by McKeever’s trademark wit and insight.

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys a New Show on Sundance

W

ill had Grace, and Jack had Karen – we leave it up to you to decide who was luckier. Although let’s face it, Karen was more fun! Regardless, the relationships forged between gay men and their best girlfriends often rivals romance. Why, Liza Minnelli even married one of her best gay friends!

Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys premiered on December 7th. The show follows four New York City “couples” who from the outset seem to share as many straining moments as they do a love of shoes. Rosebud thinks Sahil needs to learn to love and accept himself. Sara Rose loves her best friend, writer Joel Derfner, but

the look on her face when she learns he’s getting married is priceless. Crystal doesn’t really think Nathan is ready to be a single parent, and he doesn’t seem thrilled to not have a front row seat at a fashion show while she does. So far, the most calm of the couples seem to be Elisa and David, although she is going through a divorce.

However, he just celebrated 18 months of sobriety so therein might lay the struggle.

However, the distinctive personalities and charm of the relationships featured make this a fun watch.

Episodes air back-to-back on the Sundance channel on Tuesdays at 10 p.m.

For more information, please visit SundanceChannel.com

IDRIS & TONY

By A. Sebastian Fortino

Sahil and Rosebud in the Sundance Channel original series Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys

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Smart Ride7

THE REGULARS

Photos by Michael Glinter

December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com On Thursday November 18th, 269 Riders and 186 Crew Members gathered to register for SMART Ride 7. On Friday November 19th, they departed Miami with enthusiasm and incredible energy. Saturday November 20th, they completed their 165 mile journey as they rode into beautiful Key West.

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

VIEWS OF THE NEWS

Concerned community members ask questions at an AHF Town Hall Meeting in Hagen Park.

The staff of AIDS Healthcare Foundation at a townhall meeting.

Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus

Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus

Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus

Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus

FORT LAUDERDALE GAY MEN’S CHORUS PHOTOS COURTESY OF jarrett terrill

Will Bedwell and Al Cicotte at White Party Vizcaya

Vizcaya white party PHOTOS by Wayne Tepley

Muscle Beach

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Concert Review Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus The Parker Playhouse

After Setbacks, Gay Men’s Chorus Shines Brighter

By Jarrett Terrill

T

he Parker Playhouse is a perfect venue for the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus. It’s spacious and sturdy enough to warrant wearing your trendiest collar for a visit but there is also just enough tarnish on the handrails to make you feel at home. On Friday night, the playhouse came to life with an outstanding performance by the chorus.

The idea that this year’s “Home Is Where the Heart Is” could have been the FTLGMC’s best holiday concert in a long time had not even occurred to most of us who are familiar with the trials and shakeups

that the chorus has endured recently. I must say that I was deeply moved by the loyalty and excitement of so many patrons who came out to be a part of an institution which has seen Fort Lauderdale’s gay community through sunshine and storms.

To be honest, I was a little bit worried for the FTLGMC’s annual holiday show.

I suspected that the pressure of losing their familiar venue at the Sunshine Cathedral, losing many of their fine singers in a subsequent mutiny and losing access to even their own website would present too many challenges and this might be the end of an era.

My suspicions were unfounded. This winter concert looked great and sounded even better. The acoustics of the Parker Playhouse are brilliant. In just a few short weeks, the rusty but sincere “I Am That Man” went from being another Johnnycome-lately addition to the “It Gets Better Project” to a robust declaration of compassion and loyalty to the next generation.

“There were a lot more funerals thirty and

Now, should a patron be deaf to the twenty years ago,” says Brian Garrett, President crisp new sound of the chorus, the Speakof the FTLGMC.“What people did was they ing Hands Ministries lent themselves to formed choruses to sing at someone’s funeral the visual excitement this year by taking who had maybe died of AIDS and what we’ve center stage in a Gospel “Hallelujah To The now found is that some people just continue to enjoy singing, even when it’s not at a funeral. New Born King” that brought the audience to their feet and put hands in the air. The So these people stayed and found a way to Speaking Hands are already familiar to chocreate a community.” rus patrons but it was this year, it seemed, “And that’s really what it’s all about,” he that the Gospel was felt, in a moment, like a says, “…a sense of comchord struck within the heart. munity, people coming out “That’s all part of the vision of the chorus,” to support each other and getting their message out. It’s says Garrett, “yes, we are gay men and we are proud to represent our humanity but we’re the universal language.” also members of a much larger community as Debra Hampton, who did a naughty and nice turn sing- well. It’s what we all want to do – reach out with our music.” He notes the cooperation ing “Santa Baby”, is rumored and support of the South Florida Pride Wind to have become connected Ensemble and the Women’s Chorus. with the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s ChoOn their 25th Anniversary, the Fort Laurus when her mother was ill. “I think it may derdale Gay Men’s Chorus reminded us of have been an inspiration for her,” says David Littlefield, “because I remember really meeting why we need to survive… not just because her when we were performing at that nursing it gets better, but because it’s sometimes already better than we know. With a wink and home around four years ago.” Hampton’s bump of the hips, the Fort Lauderdale Gay much hooted about and whistled-at perforMen’s Chorus takes its place in the front mance was described by more than one per“Homerow of of tHe pizza” thisoriginal little city weuncut call home. son as “Marilyn Monroe meets Bette Midler”.

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December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

MDGLCC Honors ‘Mr. Miami Beach’

Conference Room Dedicated to Michael Aller Staff Reporters

Benefits for City of Miami Beach Employn Monday, November 29, the Mi- ees (2001). He was there for the passing ami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Cham- of Transgender Protection in the City of Miami Beach (2004). He was there for the ber of Commerce (MDGLCC) Domestic Partner Registry in the City of honored Michael Aller, “Mr. Miami Beach,” Miami Beach (2004). He was there when with a grand celebration and dedication of the City of Miami Beach passed the Equal the Michael Aller “Mr. Miami Beach” ComBenefits Ordinance (2006). He was there munity Conference Room, located in the new LGBT Visitor Center, 1130 Washington when the City of Miami Beach strengthened the Human Rights Ordinance (2010).

Avenue, in the heart of South Beach.

A gathering of more than 80 of Aller’s The MDGLCC dedicated the Conference Room to Aller because of his 20-year closest and dearest friends, including Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower, Miami Beach history of crusading for equality for all. He was there when the Miami Beach Commis- Commissioners Jorge Exposito and Jerry sion adopted an ordinance barring discrimi- Libbin, and Aventura Mayor Susan Gottlieb, nation based on sexual orientation (1992). celebrated the occasion with personal He was there for the passing of the Human stories and a toast to his good health.

Long-time Aller friend Sonja ZuckerRights Ordinance (1998). He was there man spoke of Aller’s mother and father for the passing of the Domestic Partner

O

Michael Aller (center) and the staff of MDGLCC

and their early days in Detroit, Debra Goodstone spoke of his days at Burdines, former Miami Beach Mayor Neisen Kasdin spoke of his being part of his family and many others spoke of their friendship and love for Aller.

The Michael Aller “Mr. Miami Beach” Community Conference Room is filled with his many awards, newspaper articles, a large portrait by Miami Beach artist

Romero Britto and just a hint of his favorite cartoon character, Mickey Mouse.

The Conference Room is located at 1130 Washington Avenue, in Historic Old City Hall, Miami Beach, and is available to members and non-members of the MDGLCC for meetings, board retreats, and conferences. For booking information, please contact Michael Vita at 305-673-4440.

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36

December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Apple Pulls Anti-Gay App from App Store

L

ast week, Apple pulled the “Manhattan Declaration” app, which condemns same-sex unions, from its App Store after receiving petitions with more than 7,730 signatures asking that the app be yanked.

Now, the group behind the app – called the Manhattan Declaration and co-founded by evangelist Chuck Colson – wants it back in. The group describes itself as “prominent Christian clergy, ministry leaders, and scholars” and released a 4,700-word declaration in the “defense of the sanctity of life, traditional marriage and religious liberty” in November 2009. The app itself asks four yes/no questions: 1. Do you believe in the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman?

2. Do you believe in protecting life from the moment of conception?

3. Do you support same-sex relationships?

4. Do you support the right of choice regarding abortion?

Answers of “yes” to the first two lead you to signing the “declaration” supporting those values. “The impulse to redefine marriage in order to recognize same-sex and multiple partner relationships is a symptom, rather than the cause, of the erosion of the marriage culture,” the declaration states in part.

“There’s no name calling, no offensive rhetoric,” Michelle Farmer, of the Manhattan Declaration, told reporters. The app “restates firmly, without any kind of animosity toward anybody, the central moral teachings of the Catholic, Orthodox and Evangelical traditions.”

But another activist group, Change.org, saw it much differently, and mobilized

Ex-Con Chuck Colson of Manhattan Declaration and Watergate Scandal; with Apple logo

opponents with an online petition campaign, with the protests going to Apple CEO Steve Jobs. The online form letter said, in part: “Apple has always been among the most progressive companies and earned a 100 percent rating from the Human Rights

Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, and yet, the company has approved an application that is offensive to Americans who support equality and free choice,” the petition said.

“The Manhattan Declaration application exists to collect signatures on a website which espouses hateful and divisive language, the very kind of language I hope the iTunes Store will not want to help disseminate. Despite the store rating the application 4+ (‘no objectionable material’), I can assure you that the application does in fact contain lots of objectionable material.”

Apple said in a recent statement that it removed the Manhattan Declaration from the App Store “because it violates our developer guidelines by being offensive to large groups of people.”

No word on whether that decision is final, and whether another large group of people, those behind the Manhattan Declaration, will prevail in efforts to get its app back in the App Store. The group says more than a half-million people have now signed the declaration.

Off the Wall: Lennon and Gay Rights continued from page 15

the last musician that made us care, gave us hope in something better, and allowed us to dream. It doesn’t even matter that his hopeful messages, like the Summer of Love, never became reality. He made us feel connected and united, as part of something special and exciting, more meaningful and empowering than today’s flimsy, superficial, social networks.

John Lennon’s musical and humanitarian legacies are still speaking to us through others.

Daniel Levitin, professor of psychology and music, says that through a lifetime of listening we have learned the statistical probabilities of what chord is likely to follow what and how melodies are formed.

Composers play with these expectations, meeting and violating them in interesting ways. Levitin has discovered with lab studies that a familiar song activates the same part of the brain as sex or opiates do. John Lennon and The Beatles were the supreme masters of timeless intricate melodies that slowly reveal themselves across hundreds of thousands of listenings.

Their music creates subtle and rewarding schematic violations of popular music forms that keep ‘getting better all the time and are guaranteed to raise a smile.’

At the same time Lennon’s commitment and dedication to the poor, the underprivileged and the oppressed is carried on, through multiple charities, by the tireless work of his wife, Yoko Ono Lennon. From the “Imagine” Specialty License plate that fights to end hunger in our state,( the proceeds go to the Florida Association of Food Banks and the Florida Hurricane Relief Fund), to the Monterey Aids Project and Habitat for Humanity, the list goes on to include the Desert Aids Project, Children’s Surgery International, Make a Wish, Adopt-A-Classroom and many more, too numerous to mention, spanning the globe, from North America to South America, from Africa to Asia.

The gunshot that killed him might have silenced his voice but every night, from the Reykjavik’s Imagine Peace Tower, a beam of light shoots 13,000 ft into the North Pole’s sky telling us that we should hold on to the dream and imagine what it could have been.

37

December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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38

December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Air Force Major Dismissed Under ‘DADT’ Looks to Rejoin Military

Responds to Government Action Appealing Court Ruling that Air Force Must Reinstate Her Staff Reporters

S

eattle – Maj. Margaret Witt, a decorated flight nurse who was dismissed under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, spoke recently about her eagerness to rejoin the U.S. Air Force. When reinstated, Maj. Witt will become the first openly gay person to serve in the military due to a court order under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” As Congress prepares to hold hearings on the policy, Maj. Witt spoke at a press conference at the office of the ACLU of Washington, which has represented her in a fouryear-long lawsuit seeking her reinstatement.

“I’m ready to return to my unit, and I am very much looking forward to flying with them again. I served my country honorably for more than 18 years, and then suddenly I was considered unacceptable because of whom I love. That made no sense to me,” said Maj. Witt.

“I’ve made valuable contributions to the Air Force throughout my career and I still have skills to offer. All I’ve ever wanted to do was help our troops when they need it

and work with my fellow medics. There are tens of thousands of good people serving in the military today who are forced to lie about who they are – and to feel shame about lying – because of this policy. I hope the day comes soon when everyone can serve openly and honorably, and no one will be treated like a second-class citizen.”

In 2008, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Air Force must prove that discharging Maj. Witt is necessary for purposes of military readiness. Although the ruling left in place the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, it sent the case back to the trial court saying that before discharging a soldier under the policy, the military must prove that the individual’s conduct actually hurts morale and unit cohesion. This requirement is now known as the “Witt Standard.”

In September 2010, the U.S. District Court for Western Washington ordered the Air Force to reinstate Maj. Witt. After six days of trial, the court found that Maj. Witt’s sexual orientation does not negatively impact unit moral or cohesion. Last week the government filed a motion to appeal that ruling but did not seek a stay in the order to reinstate Maj. Witt, and it is unlikely they will do so.

“We are working for the day to come soon when all members of our military can serve our country without invidious discrimination. To discharge Maj. Witt simply because of her sexual orientation was entirely unfair to her and unwise for the military, which needs her significant skills,” said ACLU of Washington Executive Director Kathleen Taylor.

During her career in the Air Force, Maj. Witt has served in the Persian Gulf, received many medals and commendations, and always had superb evaluations from her superiors. In 1993, she was selected to be the “poster child” for the Air Force Nurse Corps recruitment flyer. Maj. Witt served in Oman during Operation Enduring Freedom and received a medal from President Bush, who noted that she had delivered “outstanding medical care” to injured service members and that her “outstanding aerial accomplishments…reflect great credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.” In 2003, Maj. Witt received another medal for saving the life of a Defense Department employee who collapsed aboard a government chartered flight from Bahrain.

From 1997 to 2003, Maj. Witt was in a committed relationship with a civilian woman. In 2004, Maj. Witt was notified that the Air Force had begun an investigation into an allegation that she had engaged in homosexual conduct. She was placed on unpaid leave and told she could no longer participate in any military duties, pending formal separation proceedings.

She was administratively discharged on grounds of homosexual conduct in 2006.

The military provided no evidence that her sexual orientation or conduct has caused a problem in the performance of her military duties. To the contrary, the ACLU had several of Maj. Witt’s military colleagues testify that her forced absence has been harmful to her unit’s morale.

Representing Maj. Witt are ACLU-WA Legal Director Sarah Dunne and Sher Kung, a Perkins Coie Fellow, and ACLU-WA cooperating attorneys James Lobsenz of Carney Badley Spellman and Aaron Caplan of Loyola Law School.

39

December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Still Don’t Know on ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ Hearings

By Lisa Keen

Keen News Service

Sen. Scott Brown (R)

wikimedia

T

he second and final day of the Senate hearing on repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell has adjourned and the battle lines are still very much where they were at the beginning, with one exception.

Massachusetts’ Republican Senator Scott Brown said he would vote for repeal, once it reaches the floor. He did not say whether he’d be willing to rebuff Republican Party leaders in order to help bring the measure to the floor.

And there’s the rub. Unless 60 votes can be mustered for call the Defense Authorization bill to the Senate floor, Brown’s profession of support of repeal of minimal consequence.

Thursday and Friday’s hearing made clear that the military leadership concedes –if not agrees-- that the current ban on gays in the military should be repealed. The service chiefs of all four branches of the armed forces, plus the Coast Guard, believe repeal can be implemented without sacrificing readiness and unit cohesion. They believe the Pentagon report released November 30 provides a solid plan for implementation.

But not everyone agrees on timing, and discussion during the hearings went a long way to muddle exactly which timing everyone does not agree with: Timing for implementation, timing for full implementation, and timing for a Congressional vote on repeal.

This much is clear concerning implementation: Army General George Casey said “not now,” Air Force General Norton Schwartz said “not until 2012,” and Marine General James Amos said it should begin “when our singular focus is no longer on combat operations or preparing units for combat.”

“At that point,” said Amos, “then I’d be comfortable with implementing repeal.”

Other military leaders would be comfortable beginning the process now. That includes Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen, Joint Chief Vice Chairman General James Cartwright, Navy Admiral Gary Roughead, and Coast Guard Admiral Robert Papp. It includes at least 56 senators, 234 members of the House, and 50 to 70 percent of Americans (depending on which recent

poll you look at). And, according to the Pentagon study, at least 70 percent of servicemembers say repeal would have a “positive, mixed, or no effect” on task cohesion.

The sticking point for senators is the timing of the Senate’s vote on whether to repeal. Republicans, led by Arizona Senator John McCain, are steadfastly against allowing a vote and have vowed to prevent the underlying Defense Authorization bill to the floor. They say it’s because the nation has more urgent matters –taxes, job creation— that the Congress should concern itself with in the waning days of the 111th Congress. Others say it’s because they want to stall issues they oppose –such as DADT repeal-- from reaching the floor until next year, when they take control of the House and have a stronger posture in the Senate.

Most military leaders expressed concern during the hearings that Congress should take a vote now and they expressed enormous and unanimous confidence that Secretary Gates and Chairman Mullen would not sign the necessary papers for repeal implementation to begin until they were certain the service chiefs agreed the military’s readiness would not suffer. Their urgency was driven by concern that lawsuits are making their way through the federal court system now that have the potential to force the military to accept openly gay people immediately. Such a sudden demand, they said, would be seriously detrimental to military readiness.

The focus now shifts back to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority

Leader Mitch McConnell, and whether they will be able to come to an agreement that will allow the defense authorization bill to the floor. Prior to December 1, such an agreement seemed to pivot on whether Reid would allow Republicans to proffer numerous amendments to the bill, including one to strip DADT repeal from the measure. But on December 1, McConnell and all 41 other Republicans in the Senate signed onto a letter to Reid, saying they would not vote to proceed on consideration of “any legislative item until the Senate has acted to fund the government and we have prevented the tax increase....”

Rep. Barney Frank says the annual defense authorization bill is not one of those bills that fund the government and that the letter is aimed at killing DADT repeal.

Other Democrats and the White House have tried to downplay the significance of the letter, saying it was nothing new and they weren’t going to get hung up on it.

But supporters of repeal have taken the letter seriously.

“If the 42 GOP senators -- including several who support repeal of ‘Don’t Ask’ -stand with their party on process and procedure, their vote will be an endorsement of the discrimination that has cost 14,000 men and women their jobs and put our country’s national security at risk,” said Aubrey Sarvis, head of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.

“A clear majority of the service chiefs support repeal this year,” said Sarvis. “Now, it’s up to the Senate. The National Defense Authorization Act, which includes the repeal provisions, must be called up in the Senate early next week under a reasonable approach that insures senators on both sides of the aisle a fair shot at amendments and debate.

No debate on the merits of the bill will happen unless a handful of Republicans break off and support funding our troops.”

Pentagon Study Dismisses Risk of Openly Gay Troops

By ANNE FLAHERTY Associated Press

WASHINGTON – The Pentagon’s study on gays in the military has determined that overturning the “don’t ask, don’t tell” ban on serving openly might cause some disruption at first but would not create widespread or long-lasting problems.

The study provides ammunition to congressional Democrats struggling to overturn the law. But even with the release of Tuesday’s report, there is no indication they can overcome fierce Republican objections with just a few weeks left in this year’s postelection congressional session.

Still, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, said Congress should act quickly because of a recent effort by a federal judge to overturn the law.

Gates said the military needs time to prepare for such an adjustment, even though he said he didn’t envision any changes to housing or other personnel

policies. He said a sudden, court-issued mandate would significantly increase the risk of disruption.

“Given the present circumstances, those that choose not to act legislatively are rolling the dice that this policy will not be abruptly overturned by the courts,” Gates told reporters.

The co-chairs of the study, Pentagon General Counsel Jeh Johnson and Army Gen. Carter Ham, wrote, “We are both convinced that our military can do this, even during this time of war.”

Overall, the survey found that some two-thirds of troops don’t care if the ban is lifted. Of the 30 percent who objected, most were members of combat units.

In fact, at least 40 percent of combat troops said the acceptance of gays serving openly would be a bad idea. That number climbs to 58 percent among Marines servFor the complete article, go to: SFGN/pentagon

40

December 8, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com