12/22/10 V1I48 by South Florida Gay News

Neil Rogers

A Tribute by Norm Kent Page 12

SENATE REPEALS DADT INSIDE THIS ISSUE

4 10

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Latino Salud Expands

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Brock Launches Equality Matters

Special Section starts on Page 17

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Annie Lennox

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Danielle Staub Interview

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Local News

Rbc to Welcome Iglta Delegates to Fort Lauderdale Newly formed LGBT Business League Hosts “March of Nations” Event

December 22, 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 48

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

By Staff Reporters

global convention, set for May 10 – 15, 2011. The convention will focus on the increasing popularity and effectiveness of social media, internet marketing, and new travel technology for future business development of tourism companies. The RBC, along with the city’s public and private sector entities, recognizes this as an important opportunity to showcase Fort Lauderdale in a positive manner and to create a fun, festive and memorable experience for all the visiting delegates. As part of the Fort IGLTA is the leading global organization Lauderdale event, the RBC will hold a dedicated to connecting businesses in the “March of Nations” parade along Wilton LGBT tourism industry. Fort Lauderdale, Drive on Friday, May 13, 2011. The parade will feature the convenFla., was selected as the host city for “Untion delegates carrying their country’s leashed,” the organization’s 28th annual

he Rainbow Business Coalition of Greater Fort Lauderdale (RBC) recently announced its plans to host a celebration event for the over 800 international delegates attending the upcoming IGLTA convention in May 2011.

flags in a show of pride and unity and will conclude with a concert with entertainment for all the delegates and the local LGBT community to enjoy. Several after-parties will be held at some of Fort Lauderdale’s popular bars & nightclubs. “We are delighted to be working with the RBC in welcoming our delegates to Fort Lauderdale,” said IGLTA President/ CEO John Tanzella. “In addition to the excellent networking and educational opportunities our convention provides, we want our attendees to experience the LGBT-affirming social environment the destination offers.” For more information visit RainbowBusinessCoalition.com or Igltaconvention.org.

Chief Executive Officer 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 SFGNites Editor. . . . . . . . . . . JW Arnold Business Editor . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Gary Senior Feature Correspondent. . . . . . . . . . . Jesse Monteagudo Correspondents. . . . . . . . . . . P enn Bullock Alex Escobar Steve Fritz Jason Shutts Adams Contributing Columnists. . . . Tony Wayne Besen AJ Cross Susan Estrich Brian McNaught Leslie Robinson Editorial Cartoonists. . . . . . . S teve Sack Darryl Smith Calendar Editor. . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Clark

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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.

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December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Pride Center Announces 2011 Stars SFGN Receives Media Star of the Year Recognition

tive light, and have supported the efforts of the Pride Center. This year’s honorees are: Board Member Star of the Year

• Pastor Leslie Tipton Community Stars of the Year

•N ikki Adams, Broward House • Donna Markland, Broward County Health Department Non-Profit Star of the Year

• Trevor Project Media Star of the Year

• S outh Florida Gay News Norm Kent, Publisher Pastor Leslie Tipton

By Joey Amato

ast week, The Pride Center announced their 2011 Stars of the Rainbow honorees, which will be showcased during next year’s annual Stars of the Rainbow fundraising event. Among the honorees include Pastor Leslie Tipton, Nikki Adams and Will Spencer. The gala will be held on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. 2011 Stars of the Rainbow Honorees represent individuals, businesses and organizations that exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and/or activism. Honorees have represented the LGBT community in a posi-

Leather Masked Ball Raises $20,000

n November 26, the Leather Men’s Brotherhood held the fifth annual Leather Masked Ball at the Sea Monster. The event raised $20,000 for two local non-profit organizations. The proceeds were distributed evenly and presented at a Volunteer Appreciate Party held at Mojo Restaurant on December 15. Half the funds went to YGMFree, a pioneering program at the Pride Center

Public Official Stars of the Year

• Congresswoman Ileana Ross-Lehtinen • C ongresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz Tyler Healis Sustainability Award

• Arthur Smith Volunteer Star of the Year

• PALS Project Volunteers Alan Schubert Humanitarian Award

• Will Spencer Additional information about the Pride Center can be obtained by visiting PrideCenterFlorida.org.

which is modeled on their widely recognized programs to prevent the spread of HIV. This new program is intended to prevent the spread of crystal meth addiction among young gay men. The other half will fund a wide ranging media digitization project at the Leather Archive & Museum in Chicago to preserve documentary video of events that would otherwise deteriorate over time. The Leather Masked Ball has always supported LA&M’s work preserving the history and culture of the Leather Community. Since its inception, the Leather Masked Ball has raised over $90,000 for local charities included Tuesday’s Angels, Care Resource, Stonewall Library & Archives and Equality Florida.

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December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Latinos Salud: Expands Location on Wilton Drive By Staff Reporters

atinos Salud is pleased to announce the opening of its new facilities at 2330 Wilton Drive, in the former Petals Penache building. The new location will serve as the agency’s administrative offices, as well as the location for the agency’s new CDC-funded “Juntos” programs. Latinos Salud’s Executive Director, Stephen Fallon, spoke to SFGN about their expanded location and programs. “One of the new Juntos programs has begun recruiting leaders from Broward’s Latino gay community to create a dialogue with their peers that can ultimately change community attitudes about HIV and safer sex,” said Fallon, who was featured in an earlier article in this newspaper. “The new Juntos program has opened its doors to provide a safe space for Latino guys to talk confidentially about any issues or challenges that make it hard for them to curb ongoing risky

behaviors, such as unprotected sex with partners of unknown HIV status.” While the new offices are already open to clients, Latinos Salud will host its official Grand Opening with a reception on Saturday January 22, 2011. Rafaelé Narváez, Latinos Salud’s Director of Health Programs, also gave commentary about their new location. “Our ‘Somos’ program still has its clubhouse at our original location, 2051 Wilton Drive, Suite B, just down the path from Mark’s Haircuts. Our younger community members can use this safe space to hang out, make friends, and get information about how to make dating safer. Sometime next year, we will bring the Somos program under the same roof as our new main offices.” For more information please visit LatinosSalud.org

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December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Environmental Advocacy Grows Stronger for LGBT Americans Poll shows Wider Gap in “Green Attitudes” Joey Amato

s all Americans consider their environmental attitudes, a national survey released today by Harris Interactive shows that LGBT adults, especially, are accelerating their personal commitment to pro-environmental issues. A majority of all LGBT adults, when asked if they “personally care a great deal about the current state and future of the environment,” say this statement describes themselves completely or very well – a description that characterizes just one-third of heterosexual American adults. When all are asked if they “encourage others to be more environmentally friendly,” four out of ten LGBT adults say that statement also describes them completely or very well, while only twenty-four percent of heterosexual adults concur. The new nationwide survey of 2,352 U.S. adults of whom 347 self-identified as LGBT, was conducted online between November 8 and November 15, 2010, by Harris Interactive, a global market research and consulting firm, in conjunction with WiteckCombs Communications, Inc., a strategic public relations and marketing communications firm with special expertise in the LGBT market. In a year-over-year contrast, nearly half of LGBT adults, when asked about their environmental attitudes today, say that being “environmentally conscious” either describe themselves completely or very well. That new benchmark shows a marked increase from a 2009 poll that found just 38 percent of LGBT adults felt this described them completely or very well. In contrast, in this year’s survey, 28 percent of heterosexual adults say that being “environmentally conscious” describes themselves completely or very well. As more Americans take steps to understand and protect the environment, there now appear to be widening gaps in attitudes between LGBT Americans and their heterosexual counterparts. For instance, one in three LGBT adults state that the selflabel of “environmentalist” describes their identities completely or very well, when

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contrasted with just 15 percent of heterosexuals who believe this self-label fits themselves that same way. When asked specifically about voting, purchase decisions, and workplace attitudes, these gaps become more evident. 45 percent of LGBT adults say it is “very to extremely important” to consider environmental issues when voting for a candidate, compared to 27 percent of non-LGBT adults. Nearly one in two LGBT adults also say it is “very to extremely important” to consider environmental issues when buying and using products or services, compared to 25 percent of heterosexuals. One in four LGBT adults report that it is also “very to extremely important” to consider environmental issues in choosing the company you work for or apply for a job, compared with just 17% of heterosexual adults who agree. Bob Witeck, CEO of Witeck-Combs Communications, noted that environmentalism seems to be growing more deeply ingrained among LGBT adults: “Trends we’ve witnessed over the past few years consistently highlight the awareness and commitment that LGBT people tend to show environmental practices. Across-the-board, the community gravitates towards the concept of stewardship and commitment to a “green” future for all Americans.”

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December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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AHF, AIDS Advocates Rally in Miami on ADAP

n Monday, December 20 at 6:00 PM, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) hosted a town hall and public form at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center calling on U.S. Senator Bill Nelson to immediately address Florida’s AIDS drug crisis which has left nearly 2,400 patients without access to lifesaving AIDS medications. Town hall attendees included AIDS advocates, patients, healthcare professionals, community leaders and concerned citizens. At the event, AHF previewed its latest television ad, “Save my life,” which had its debut in Miami/Ft Lauderdale beginning on Monday, December 20, including during “Oprah.” The ad, on SFGN’s back page today, featured the story of 30-year-old Steven Dimmick of Jacksonville, Florida. Mr. Dimmick has been on Florida’s ADAP waiting list since it began in June 2010. “Though AHF commended Senator Nelson for sending a letter in August asking his Democratic colleagues in the Senate to address the ADAP funding crisis, nearly 1,400 people have been added to Florida’s waiting list since then – and still, no action has been taken,” said Michael Weinstein, President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. “This is a national crisis—but Florida has quickly become the state in the most dire need. Presently there are more than, 4,500 people in nine states on ADAP waiting lists—over half of whom are in Florida. Florida currently has the largest ADAP patient waiting list in

the country, as well as the highest rate of new HIV infections Weinstein in the nation. Lives like Steven Dimmick’s are on the line. Senator Nelson must do more to solve this growing life-threatening, public health crisis.” In response to severe budget shortfalls, the state’s federally funded, state run AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) that pays for lifesaving AIDS drugs for low-income Americans instituted a waiting list on June 1st of this year. That list has grown at a rate of 400 per month and now nearly 2,400 Floridians have been placed on the state’s list awaiting access to potentially lifesaving antiretroviral AIDS medications. In the TV ad, patient Steven Dimmick – who has been on Florida’s AIDS drug wait list since June of this year - says: “I was diagnosed HIV positive seven and a half years ago. The day that I found out I was on a wait list I felt like I was told I had AIDS, you know? I felt like I was told all over again that I’m possibly going to die from something. Not ‘There’s hope.’” Nationwide, ADAPs serve more than 165,000 people, accounting for one third of people on AIDS treatment in the U.S. “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.

SFGN

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Jimmy Carter Sees a Gay President in Our Future

WIkimedia / Bubba 76

n 2008, Barack Obama made history when he was elected as the first black president of the United States. Now, former President Jimmy Carter says he believes the nation is ready to elect a homosexual leader. In a recent interview with Big Think, Carter said: “I don’t know about the next election, but I think in the near future. Because, step-by-step, we have realized that this issue of homosexuality has the same adverse and progressive elements as when we dealt with the race issue 50 years ago, or 40 years ago. So I would say that the country is getting acclimated to a president who might be female, who might, obviously, now, be black, and who might be as well a gay person.” On The ‘Situation Room’ on CNN, Republican strategist Rich Galen responded, “I have spent much of my adult life not paying attention to any theory Jimmy Carter has...I think at some point it’s not unlikely, sure.”

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December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN BRIEFS Neo-Nazi Gets Life for Murder John Ditullio, a Florida neo-Nazi, was sentenced to life in prison for the stabbing death of gay teen Kristofer King four years ago. According to WTSP-TV, the swastika-tattooed Ditullio was found guilty of first-degree murder and attempted murder in the attack that killed King and wounded Patricia Wells. “Prosecutors say he broke into a mobile home in New Port Richey of 2006 and fatally stabbed Kristofer King, 17, because he was gay, and injured Patricia Wells because she was friends with a black man,” reports WTSP-TV. Attorneys for Ditullio plan to appeal the verdict.

Israeli Soldiers Brawl Over Antigay Taunt An Israeli reservist was knocked unconscious this month during a near-fatal brawl with soldiers in mandatory service who mocked the reservists as “homosexuals” for serving alongside women. Ynet reports that the reservist was hit on

intent to injure, and one of the reservists with unlawful possession of a weapon,” Ynet reports. Gay people have been allowed to serve openly in the Israeli military since 1993.

SAG Nods for Gay Characters The Kids Are All Right, the hit comedy-drama about a lesbian couple in crisis, continues Israeli soldiers its reign as an awards season the head and lost consciousness in the fight front-runner, nabbing three nominations that followed the antigay taunt. for the 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild “According to eye witnesses, the soldiers Awards, which recognizes the best acting held sticks, stones and a chair,” reports Ynet. performances of the year. “One of them attacked a reservist with a The film’s Annette Bening received a nod stick while others hurled stones and the (female actor in a leading role), as did Mark chair at him and his friend.” Ruffalo (male actor in a supporting role) and Eventually, the reservist’s friend introthe entire cast (outstanding performance by duced a rifle into the chaos, but another a cast in a motion picture). soldier managed to push it away and possibly Fox’s musical sitcom Glee also made a avoid a deadly outcome. strong showing, scoring nominations for out “The Military Prosecution decided to indict actors Jane Lynch (female actor in a comedy one of the regular soldiers with assault with series), Chris Colfer (male actor in a com-

edy series), and the entire cast (outstanding performance by a cast in a comedy series). Other series featuring LGBT characters also made the short list for best cast performance, including Modern Family, The Good Wife, and The Office. The Screen Actors Guild Awards are the only accolades selected solely by actors’ peers. The ceremony will be simulcast live nationally on TNT and TBS on Sunday, January 30, from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center.

FIFA President Apologizes for Gay Warning Sepp Blatter, president of the International Federation of Association Football, apologized Friday for saying that gay football fans should “refrain from sexual activities” if they attend the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Gay groups reacted angrily to the warning, which Blatter based on the fact that homosexual activity is illegal in Qatar. According to Reuters, the head of the world soccer governing body said, “I will not enter into such a discussion but I will just say

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December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN BRIEFS

friends who are still in school are bullying the freshman student for speaking up about the encounter in July. Hill was captain of the team and was up for several college scholarships. He is now being home-schooled and taking additional classes at Center for Advanced Research and Technology in Clovis. In 2007, South Dakota wrestler Jerome Hunt, then 17, was found guilty and sentenced to probation after being charged with rape for performing the same move on at least six other wrestlers.

here if I hurt a group of people in the world by making those comments then I regret it. “It was not my intention and it will never be my intention to go into any discrimination because this is exactly what we (FIFA) are against, so therefore if somebody feels they have been hurt, then I regret and I present apologies for that,” he said.

H.S. Wrestler on Trial for “Butt Drag” Preston Hill and his mother Kirsten Hill A 17-year-old high school wrestler has been expelled from school and charged with sexual battery for using a controversial wrestling move that has been deemed legal for decades. Preston Hill, a Buchanan High School student from Clovis, Calif., was punished for his use of the “butt drag,” in which a wrestler grabs his opponent’s butt cheeks and places his finger in the opponent’s anus for leverage, according to the Fresno Bee. Hill’s trial before the Fresno County Superior Court begins Thursday. Hill’s father said coaches taught his son

Preston Hill

the “butt drag” when he was in middle school and that it was a common move. The Clovis police, however, said Hill went too far when he inserted his fingers deeply into a freshman teammate at a July 15 practice session. The unidentified freshman’s father said Hill targeted his son because the 14-yearold stood up to Hill for bullying. Now Hill’s

Rural California Opens Trans Clinic A health center in Humboldt, Calif., Tuesday launched a monthly clinic designed with the needs of transgender people in mind. Project HEALTH, or Project Harnessing Education Advocacy and Leadership for Transgender Health, provides much-needed health resources for transgender clients. Project HEALTH coordinator Kara Desiderio told The Times Standard there are few transgender clinics in California and that

access to health services like the Humboldt Open Door Clinic remains a barrier for transgender people. “I think it’s excellent that Humboldt being such a rural area is stepping up to address this issue,” Desiderio said. The clinic will dedicate its services specifically to transgender clients the first Tuesday of the month from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

San Diego Newspaper Publisher Dies Michael Portantino, the longtime publisher of San Diego’s Gay & Lesbian Times, was found dead last Wednesday night from an apparent suicide. He was 52 years old. The Los Angeles Times said that Portantino appeared to have jumped from a seven-story hotel near Balboa Park. A colleague said he had been depressed since his newspaper closed two months ago because of financial problems. “He was tenacious, a fighter, but it just got to be too much for him,” said Nicole Murray-Ramirez, a longtime columnist for the newspaper, according to the Times. He is survived by a daughter.

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Brock Launches Equality Matters Socarides, Eleveld Join Initiative Staff Reporters

edia Matters for America founder and CEO David Brock today announced the launch of Equality Matters, a new media and communications initiative in support of LGBT equality. Joining Equality Matters as president is Richard Socarides. A leading gay rights advocate for over two decades, Socarides previously served as White House special assistant and principal adviser to President Bill Clinton on gay civil rights issues. Award winning journalist Kerry Eleveld will serve as editor of EqualityMatters.org, which will include news, opinion, and messaging about the ongoing fight for equality. Eleveld is currently Washington Correspondent for The Advocate and will begin her new duties on January 15, 2011. “Despite huge progress in gay rights in recent years, exemplified by the historic vote this weekend finally striking down the ban on gay men and women from serving in the military, we are now living through a period of ferocious fundamentalism in the Republican Party and the conservative movement,” states Brock. In a prepared statement, Brock explained: “Traditional conservatives and the Tea Party movement are united only in their contempt for equal rights for all Americans and a desire to return America to a 19th century idyll. Equality Matters will not allow these latter-day ‘clerics’ to gain serious recognition by the media nor influence the policies

David Brock

that affect the lives of every American.” Furthermore, “Despite our best efforts over the years to stiffen the spines of progressives in the face of unrelenting smears from the Republican attack machine, fearful progressives continue to cede the political field to right-wingers who are waging war against core American values. We need to do more,” he states. “Our new communications war room for gay equality will expose right-wing bigotry and homophobia wherever we find it, show that the real political vulnerability on these issues belongs to the GOP, provide a desperately needed ballast in the media, and trigger progressive passion – so that our political leaders act on their convictions and fight for them.” Socarides adds, “Our culture is changing rapidly. Most Americans believe that gays and lesbians are entitled to the same rights and responsibilities as their fellow citizens, including now over 50% who believe in marriage equality,” he states. “Yet in Washington during these last two years, even with the historic passage of “don’t ask, don’t tell” repeal, we were unable to fully transform favorable public opinion into the powerful and undeniable force for change that it should have been.” For more information, visit EqualityMatters.org.

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December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN Editorial

December 22, 2010

Neil Rogers in his prime

Neil Rogers: The Gay Activist Who Wasn’t Norm Kent, Publisher

y friend Neil Rogers is still alive. But I cannot lie to you. He is dying. Sadly, at only the age of 68, Neil is losing his battle for life to a combination of irreversible heart attacks and strokes. The matter is complicated by multiple arterial blockages making his situation inoperable, worsened by the diabetes that has plagued him for years. It hurts. I have been Neil’s attorney and friend for years, negotiating his contracts and representing him in numerous legal battles that have been on the front pages of the news. Together, we have challenged homophobes and the FCC, employers and interlopers, all of whom had a hard time dealing with a gay man that dominated the local airwaves. No one and nothing was sacred when Neil Rogers had a microphone in his hands, not me, ‘Norma Cant’ – the lawyer with the “fag” newspaper who negotiated a million dollar contract which made him rich, or the Pope, whose heralded visit to South Florida ‘worthlessly blocked traffic.’ Whether it was a pompous mayor in Hallandale or a cop on the road, Neil simply had no mercy for those who infringed on individual rights or free expression. Neil was equally brutal on dumb callers and smart CEO’s, treating them all as imposters,

one and the same. He outed closeted leaders who tiptoed around homosexuality, relentlessly humiliating them on the air, whether they were Matt Drudge or Bryan Norcross. Neil hated gay activism, could not stand gay activists, and did not hang out with gay people. Actually, he did not hang out with many people. He pushed most people away from him. He had few intimate relationships. But he is the most well known, open, out, heroic gay man in South Florida, and he inspired thousands of listeners for over 30 years, gay or straight. Dare to berate him on the air for being gay, and he would eat you up and spit you out. Hecklers were hopeless against Neil’s stunning retorts. He did more than control the dump button. He controlled the dialogue with lightning quips, measured rants, and biting sarcasm. Ultimately, Neil is the consummate individualist. In 1976, when gay homophobia in South Florida was running rampant with the Orange Juice Queen, Anita Bryant, Neil came out on the air. His career still flourished, and he proved you could be out and proud while being out and loud. Two years after his retirement, I see that Talkers Magazine just listed him in their top 50 talk show hosts ever. Two weeks ago, when I owned up to the

“He who laughs at himself will never cease to be amused”

fact that Neil’s time is limited, the story still made page 1 of the Sun-Sentinel. Neil has thousands of fans that he influenced over decades. Hundreds of fans and colleagues are still posting tributes to Neil online at Tom Jicha’s TV Plus page. Being gay, so what? Neil is, after all, every workingman’s hero, whose voice spoke volumes for the average person railing against mediocrity, apathy, or stupidity. No one cared about whether he was gay or straight. Everyone was just glad to have their voice heard on the airwaves. Yes, it was just a radio show, but what a show it was, making fun of ‘Julio’s,’ old Jews, ‘Schvartzes,’ Ebonics, and everyone from Janet Reno to Nelson Mandela. You see, Neil taught us all we had a lot more in common than we do apart. “Guess what,” he would say, “Even the Pope gets hemorrhoids.” Stated one AM host, “Oh, I hated when he mentioned my name, but I hated it more

Neil Rogers at WQAM Studio

when he did not.” Everyone sought to be noticed even if it meant being the target of a notorious attack. Everyone respected Neil’s astounding incisiveness, his remarkable recall, and marvelous wit. He is an irreverent iconoclast whose quips would cut you like a sharp razor. Neil considers himself agnostic, but the true message of his life is really Biblical: none of us is above sin. Not Neil, who once got caught by a cop, allegedly jerking off in a Miami Beach adult theater, or Bill Clinton, who was suposedly getting oral sex in the Oval Office. On the air though, Neil had no tolerance for ineptitude. He was a consummate professional who imposed on those who worked with him the same demands he put on himself, which was a call for excellence over expedience, achievement over apathy. It’s hard to believe only four weeks ago he was calling me from the ER, declaring how useless hospitals were, and insisting I come ‘get him the hell out of here.’ It did not matter that it was a Sunday night at 10 p.m. He called 40 times till he found me. Neil was used to getting his way. When I visit him now in the hospice, I usually play some of his old radio bits over my iPad, logging onto them at www. neilrogers.com. “The best,” he says, about them. Candidly, he cannot say much more, and I can’t say he has lots of time left. What I can say is that the Elvis of the airways is leaving the building, departing with a legacy of enduring laughter and spectacular AM radio performances, the likes of which we will never hear on the air again. Neil Rogers would hate me for saying this, but he is a gay man who has become a straight hero.

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Brian McNaught

Christmas without Christ, but Still Goosebumps in the Stable

s Ray and I sat in the darkened All Saints Episcopal Church in Ft. Lauderdale, listening to Seraphic Fire sing Silent Night, I had Goosebumps. With my eyes closed, I was transported back to my adolescence in Birmingham, Michigan, and felt the same excitement about Christmas as I did then. At that time, I was a very holy kid who took the Nativity story quite seriously. I used to read St. Luke’s Gospel on my own, and I would remind my siblings of the importance of the upcoming birth of Our Lord. How, I wondered, as I read the Christmas story, did the inn keeper feel when he later learned that the people who he turned away, and sent to the stable, were the Mother of God, and the Savior of the World? When I opened my eyes at the end of Silent Night, I was quickly aware that I was not at home, but in a Christian church in which I didn’t feel completely comfortable, despite the large number of gay congregants, and

the liberal theology of both the local and national Episcopal leadership. Many years ago, I had come to feel as if I didn’t belong in the Christian faith. I felt as if I had been told by management that there was no room in the inn for me. I subsequently created my own world, and my own faith in the stable, as have many other gay and lesbian people. I no longer believe, for instance, that Jesus was born on December 25 among shepherds and angels, that Mary was the Mother of God, or that her baby was the only Son of God. Those beliefs don’t resonate with my experiences in the stable. And I can’t be coaxed back to the inn because management says they now have room for me. I don’t say that with bitterness but rather with gratitude. Had I not been forced away, I never would have found my own truth and comfort. So, why do I still get Goosebumps at the sound of Silent Night? Because, for me, Christmas is, as they say, still the most

Susan Estrich

Birthdays

y the time you read this, it won’t be my birthday anymore. Thankfully. But it is right now, and birthdays don’t get easier as you get older. I’m not talking about mortality, although that is certainly a piece of it. I am five years older than my father was when he died. And I’m not talking about wrinkles and sore joints, although there are mornings when I wake up and ask myself what hurts before even thinking about what I have to do that day. No, it is the sense of loss that makes birthdays harder as you get older, or at least it is for me. I remember that my mother used to always call me every year on my birthday around the time of her labor pains. Each year, as

if I couldn’t remember from one year to the next, she would recount for me the circumstances of my birth – the big snowstorm, the substitute obstetrician, my grandfather’s disappointment that I wasn’t a boy. It has been four years since I got such a call. I remember, even after my parents divorced and my father had married a woman who resented everything about me, that my father always found a way to take me to lunch on my birthday. Just the two of us. Our last lunch was on December 16, 1976 – a very long time ago. But the truth is that even when I was younger, even when my parents were still alive, birthdays were always hard days for me. I would be so excited and, inevitably, disappointed.

wonderful time of the year. I actually have more fun now listening to, and singing, traditional carols, decorating the house, buying and wrapping presents, and cooking good food for wonderful friends than I did when Christ was in my Christmas. It is still a most spiritual time for me, when my daily routine is interrupted by the holiday reminder to think of my kinship with other human beings around the world. Christmas is when I take comfort in knowing that the word “peace” is on the lips of more people than at any other time of the year. And peace is not a Christian concept. Christians, in fact, have a deplorably horrible record when it comes to creating peace in the world, and in people’s lives. Today, when I see a tree on top of someone’s car, or a wreath on a neighbor’s door, I don’t assume the person is thinking about the birth of Jesus. I assume that they want to participate in this wonderful festival of lights, and of good will. When soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan send back recorded messages to loved ones in the United States at Christmas time, I don’t hear them say, “I wish I were there to go to midnight Mass

with you.” They say, “I wish I could be with you to unwrap presents.” They miss the eggnog, not the reading of Luke’s Gospel. That’s not to say they don’t identify themselves as Christians. It just says to me that I’m not the only one who is celebrating Christmas without thinking about Christ. The artistic director of Seraphic Fire, Patrick Dupre Quigley, explained to us before the extraordinary choir began its program of international Christmas carols, that unlike today, when Christmas begins two weeks before Thanksgiving, the celebration did not historically begin until just after midnight on December 25. If that remained true today, I wouldn’t spend so much time, money, and energy decorating the stable. We generally start taking down the Santas, elves, angels, snowflakes, and multiple snow-covered trees the day after Christmas. It needs to begin early for me to have the time to create the holiday wonderland. It makes me happy and grateful that many Christians still keep Christ in Christmas. It’s religiously meaningful to them, and if their beliefs make them better people, we all

When I had children of my own, I went overboard on their birthdays. We would celebrate for days – Disneyland, ponies, SpiderMan, laser tag, you name it. I never got to have a friend sleep over when I was a kid, so for my daughter, I moved the dining room table into the backyard so there would be room in my little house for all her friends. I was one of those mothers who always invited everybody in the class so no one would be slighted, as I so often was as a kid. Even so, I fretted. Did my children have a good enough time? Did the other kids? And what about the cake? One year, I went nuts about the cake. I wanted everything to be perfect. In a way, I needed those parties more than my kids did, to wipe away, once and for all, my own painful memories. But it doesn’t work that way. There is no such thing as perfect. You can’t change the endings of your childhood. The most you can do is leave them in your childhood and

move on as an adult. Most days, that’s what I do or at least try to do. But birthdays catch me. Birthdays overwhelm me with memories, many of them so painful that I have trouble leaving my childhood behind. I fight all day to hold on to the adult me. Writing this column is part of that fight. I tell the little girl still inside me that it will all be OK. I am grateful to be working too hard, when so many are unable to find work at all. I am grateful for the blessings of my children, and for the love of my sister and brother and friends. What more could I ask for? Only this. What I want – and this is the adult me – is for my family and friends to be healthy and well, to find joy and satisfaction, to be strong and safe. I want what I didn’t have as a child, the gifts you can’t find in a store and can’t wrap but in the end are all that matters. Happy holidays.

continued on page 14

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Catching My Breath

A Christmas Tree for Christmas By A. Sebastian Fortino ‘Catching My Breath’ is a personal reflections column about gay life. If you want to ‘catch your breath,’ submit your stories to editor@southfloridagaynews.com’

By A. Sebastian Fortino

was not an only child, but my sisters were adults by the time I came along. Some people put golf clubs into the luxury car they treat themselves to at retirement. My father instead put in a baby seat. Therefore my Christmases were always filled with ephemera of Christmases long past. Daddy proudly recounted where he had bought that particular ornament just before my kindergarten fingers dropped it onto terracotta tile. Since my parents were older our Christmas traditions were older. In the early 1980s families began decorating for Christmas as early as Black Friday. This didn’t bode well with Daddy, although every day, following the last Thursday in November, I asked if we

could “start.” “Start,” meant of course open those magical boxes in which were kept glittering balls, yards and yards of plastic holly, plastic choir boys that guarded the lawn, and the clear plastic bells into which colored lights were screwed. If you are missing something, namely where was mother during the decoration, typically a maternal exercise, she had a sacred role during Daddy’s work. “Mad, Mad,” he would call out. My mother’s name is Madeline, but when abbreviated to “Mad” it meant he was. “Have you seen the hammer,” or a host of other lost things, he would ask. No matter where poor mother found them father insisted she found them only because she had “hidden them.” Some things, he intended not to loose.

Our nativity figures, to prevent them wandering off in search of another star, he fixed with superglue. He didn’t glue the baby Jesus into the creche, as it was a tradition to not put the infant in until Christmas Eve or Day. Instead, he banged a nail up, through the plastic creche, and impaled the Christ child onto it. My father prefigured the crucifixion at the nativity as did many an Old Master. The collected mishmash of midcentury – even by then, vintage – decorations held up from their purchase roughly until I was five. The tree however, was another story. It was six feet tall, the center pole was made of wood. Slots ran up and down it to hold plastic boughs, bearing a collection of tinsel from Eisenhower through Regan. The years of exposure and storage rendered it a forlorn grey-green. My father began shopping for a new tree, but didn’t like any he found, price wise. He waited until after Christmas, but the nice ones were all gone. I petitioned for a real tree on a nearly daily basis early on in my sixth autumn. “No,” daddy said resoundingly. “Too much trouble.” I would suggest later that the pine tree by my window was too tall. “We can cut it down.” “No,” daddy said. “What does no Christmas tree plus no Christmas tree equal?” The equation meant, “No Christmas tree if you don’t stop whining.” We put the sad tree up on December 23, trimmed it, had dinner, then set out to my cub scouts’ meeting where we were supposed to decorate a real tree, and sing carols. I was – of course – enchanted by the

real tree. It was the first one I decorated, but the ornaments made of macaroni, glue and glitter did not captivate me as much as the smell, and the life, the tree gave the room. After goodbyes were said Daddy, one of the den leaders, was in a cluster with the other fathers, and he called me over. “Daddy has to finish some things up. Go into the van,” which he replaced the Cadillac with early-on in my toddler days.” My mother always has a book with her and was in the front seat reading. I sat in the backseat, the smell and sap of the glorious Christmas tree still on my hands. I was a very loved child, if not a trifle spoiled, so gifts didn’t matter to me. More than toys, I wanted a real tree. Then, a few minutes later, the back doors of the van came flying open. “I heard someone wanted something extra special for Christmas,” Daddy said. There was the Christmas tree from the cub scouts! The ornaments had been removed, and the evergreen was hastily wrapped up in plastic sheets. My father, never made me happier that Christmas than he did with that tree. It turns out the “stupid people today,” meaning the other scout fathers, were going to throw the tree away rather than take it home. Once at home we stripped the ornaments off of the plastic one, then carefully put the ornaments on the real one. Later, staring at the tree and listening to a Frank Sinatra Christmas album I fell asleep on the sofa curled up with Daddy. I still can’t pass a live Christmas tree to this day without thinking about him, and not without a little part of me wishing I was still six, or he was still here with us.

McNaught: Christmas without Christ continued from page 13

profit. In addition, if they didn’t take it so seriously, they might not put so much effort into making it special. All Saints Episcopal Church, for instance, might not host Seraphic Fire, and we would have missed a most meaningful and mesmerizing experience. Midnight services in the right church can be a work of art, as personally rewarding as attending a good opera, ballet, symphony, or play. That is true for me, until management starts preaching, and expecting me to say words in prayers I don’t believe. The latter is what keeps Ray and me away. But we bought one of Seraphic Fire’s holiday CDs,

and we have tickets to go back to All Saints next Sunday afternoon to hear the chorus sing The Messiah. Despite it being based upon a story I no longer believe, The Messiah is extraordinary music, and an essential element of our Christmas celebrations. Merry Christmas to those who accept Jesus as their God, and to those of us who don’t. May we have a wonderful holiday celebration that gives us all Goosebumps, regardless of whether we’re in the inn or in the stable. And, may peace guide the steps of our life journeys, creating for us awareness that there should always be room in our inns.

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

S P O R T S

Biking north to south for awareness By Dan Woog

ost cross-country bike riders go west to east. Some take the more challenging route, into the wind. Danielle Girdano bicycled north to south. Gay people always seem to do things differently. But the former marketing director-turnedcycling activist and advocate did not devise her itinerary randomly. Ride the Arc – this summer’s 1,300 mile, six-week journey from Minneapolis to Dallas – covered that route for a reason. Girdano wanted to publicize the need for equal rights for LGBT people, and raise awareness about the high suicide rate for gay youth. To do that, she went to the place she thought needed it the most: America’s heartland. “If I rode coast to coast, I wouldn’t spend all my time in places that had to hear this message,” Girdano said. “This

way, I was always there.” The first documented ride by a female athlete to cross the country from north to south, Girdano’s ride paid tribute to a pioneer of social justice for another oppressed group. “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice,” Rev. Martin Luther King Jr said. That explains Ride the Arc’s name. The route and ride “mirror our struggle as a people,” Girdano explained. “It’s uphill, hard, long and requires a tremendous amount of preparation. It’s not a race; it’s a journey of endurance.” Girdano is no stranger to activism – or action. A former marketing director, in 2004 she spearheaded a $140,000 project: a weekend honoring Marine veterans of Iwo Jima. Ride the Arc was less about money than education. Along the way she gave countless newspaper, television and radio interviews.

Wherever she stopped – for food and water, a bathroom break or the night – she engaged strang- Danielle Girdano ers in conversation. Girdano is no stranger to small towns. Growing up in rural western Pennsylvania, she said she was “molded to fit into a role. Men hunted and drove pickups. Women cooked and had babies.” Women were not lesbians. She had no role models. When she finally realized it was OK to be “who I was” – after high school – she moved to gayyou don’t look like…” friendly Atlanta. “It’s an awakening,” Girdano said. Though some family members have never accepted Girdano’s sexuality, her father has. “Awareness leads to dialogue. Even if peoAn 84-year-old Iwo Jima Marine – “Republi- ple don’t agree, it’s good to talk.” Hundreds of supportive e-mails poured can and conservative through and through” – he went so far as to join his daughter’s in. A Facebook page enabled supporters across the country to talk with each other – bike ride in Tulsa. “He can get through to people who would and raised awareness even further. Then there are the LGBT people themnever listen to me,” Girdano acknowledged. She’s done a pretty good job of getting selves. A woman in her 50s told Girdano that through herself. She received major TV cov- she’d just come out to her boss that day – beerage in Minneapolis, Des Moines, Topeka cause of the ride. “She was so intimidated and Wichita. But Girdano is prouder that a and fearful she’d lose her job,” Girdano said. dozen newspapers and radio stations that “And she’d been with the company for 30 had never done a story on an LGBT person years. That was very empowering for her.” A girl who had recently tried to commit covered her ride. The teen and young adult suicide joined a group ride for the final 10 angle particularly intrigued those outlets. There were setbacks. Some stations sound- miles into Dallas with Girdano. “Stories like ed excited on the phone, but after receiving that are the reason I did this,” she noted. “If we can save one kid, or give hope to her press kit – and realizing what “LGBT” stood for – they backed off. “This wouldn’t one person, every mile would be worth it.” The cross-country rider added: “Martin fit our readers,” one person said bluntly. A radio station in Missouri edited every Luther King went where he was not wel“LGBT,” “gay community” and “hate crimes” come. I’m not comparing myself to him, but reference out of her interview before it aired. I wanted to go where I wasn’t welcome too. “It sounded like I rode across the U.S. for I have a right to ride anywhere, and to bring my message there. teen suicide in general only,” she said. “I rode, I waved. I wished you a good day. If But the positive personal encounters overwhelmed the negative ones. “Whether it’s a you don’t want one, that’s your problem.” small town of 150 people, or one of 10,000, it’s still significant to say, ‘I’m here,’” Girdano said. For more information, click on www.ridethearc. One woman – who apparently did not org. Donations may be sent to Kompetition Serknow what “LGBT” meant – made a “those vices, c/o Ride the Arc, 4503 W. University Blvd., people” comment. When Girdano personal- Dallas, TX 75209. All money after expenses goes ized the issue, the woman stammered, “But to LGBT organizations.

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010 President Barack Obama makes Congressional calls from the Oval Office before Saturday’s final Senate vote repealing the ban on gay men and women serving openly in the military, Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) President Obama will sign the repeal of DADT into law in a White House ceremony this morning, December 22, at 9 a.m.

President Obama’s Statement on DADT

ours ago, the Senate voted to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” When that bill reaches my desk, I will sign it, and this discriminatory law will be repealed. Gay and lesbian service members – brave Americans who enable our freedoms -- will no longer have to hide who they are. The fight for civil rights, a struggle that continues, will no longer include this one. This victory belongs to you. Without your commitment, the promise I made as a candidate would have remained just that. Instead, you helped prove again that no one should underestimate this movement. Every phone call to a senator on the fence, every letter to the editor in a local paper, and every message in a congressional inbox

makes it clear to those who would stand in the way of justice: We will not quit. This victory also belongs to Senator Harry Reid, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and our many allies in Congress who refused to let politics get in the way of what was right. Like you, they never gave up, and I want them to know how grateful we are for that commitment. Will you join me in thanking them by adding your name to Organizing for America’s letter? I will make sure these messages are delivered – you can also add a comment about what the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” means to you. As Commander in Chief, I fought to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” because it weak-

ens our national security and military readiness. It violates the fundamental American principles of equality and fairness. But this victory is also personal. I will never know what it feels like to be discriminated against because of my sexual orientation. But I know my story would not be possible without the sacrifice and struggle of those who came before me – many I will never meet, and can never thank. I know this repeal is a crucial step for civil rights, and that it strengthens our military and national security. I know it is the right thing to do. But the rightness of our cause does not guarantee success, and today, celebration of this historic step forward is tempered by the defeat

of another – the DREAM Act. I am incredibly disappointed that a minority of senators refused to move forward on this important, commonsense reform that most Americans understand is the right thing for our country. On this issue, our work must continue. Today, I’m proud that we took these fights on. Please join me in thanking those in Congress who helped make “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal possible: http://my.barackobama.com/Repealed Thank you,

Barack Obama

President of the United States

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Exclusive to SFGN

Dan Choi: On the Repeal of DADT, His Well-Being & His Future By Bryan Moore, dot429

an Choi, one of the nation’s most well-known gay ex-Army soldiers and West Point graduates, tells dot429 about his reaction to the repeal of DADT, “the new age” of gay activism, his recent hospitalization and his future. Choi’s face and name have become nearly synonymous with the fight against DADT (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell). Choi emphasizes that the repeal of DADT is not simply a triumph for the LGBT community, but for civil rights,

saying, “there are few people who get to put in all this effort and see the benefit from the rewards of their labor. We know that it’s a civil rights historic event, not only for gay civil rights, but for overall civil rights. Our work is not just for us, but as we take down the wall of our oppression, it really lowers the walls of other people’s as well.” While Choi admits that he will not be invited to the White House bill signing and has never been asked by SLDN (Servicemembers Legal Defense Network) to speak

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at a press conference, he explains, “I prefer not to be there at this point. It is not out of bitterness, it is really out of my soldier’s instinct. To seek recognition and fame is counter to the ideals of service.” There are many opinions surrounding Dan Choi’s role in the repeal of DADT. As a grassroots advocate, Choi believes his role is integral to the cause. “My role has changed a lot and it has confused a lot of people… my activism has turned into something of being a lightning rod for the attention to DADT nationally and internationally. I saw myself and my role as a media whore.” That is not far from what Choi aspires his legacy to be, telling dot429, “I would like to be seen as somebody who made enough trouble and agitated enough that people could not ignore the situation anymore. That would be the feather in my cap.” Despite being a central public figure in gay activism, Choi, who came out of the closet two years ago, suffers from the same issues that plague many people when they come out. “I’m not fully part of the gay community. I am very new to the gay community. As a military person, it was very difficult for me to embrace the diversity of our entire movement, but I quickly had to because they were embracing me. At the same time, I am not fully there as far as feeling as if I am a solid part of the community. I feel like I am a solid part of the movement, but not the community.” While the repeal is great news, Choi believes there is still a lot more work that needs to be done. He says, “If this certifi-

cation drags, I have no problem starting a Supreme Court case. I intend to go on the Federal level and augment the other cases. We cannot let up on the pressure.” Last Friday morning, Choi was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with Combat PTSD. He says, “I was suicidal and I finally dealt with it. I finally said that it got to be too much.” Choi believes his suicidal thoughts are a composite of coming out to his family and the world, not having people he can trust, and not seeking therapy when he returned from the military. “I am medicated,” Choi says, “I am on a medication to help me sleep and to deal with my anxiety attacks.” He further explains, “ I have a recurring nightmare of Iraqi men with no hands and no heads asking me to help them out.” As the movement propels forward and the LGBT community continues to push towards equality on all levels, Dan is trying to “learn to balance [his] fervor with [his] human needs.” “I found a truth throughout this year that I might not have seen when I first started- action and sacrifice speaks much more loudly than the best crafted, eloquent speech.” With that said, Choi offhandedly mentions, “ the Libertarian party has asked me to run for Senate, because I am old enough in 2012.” While there is no confirmation that he will run, Choi reiterates his dedication to equal rights, stating, “success for me would be to deeply fall in love again, have a family, and really become something of a professor without portfolio for equal rights.”

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Gays Celebrate Repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Received by Newsfinder from AP By Verena Dobnik Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) – Word that the world’s largest military power will allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military brought strong and swift reaction Saturday, with supporters declaring a civil rights milestone and detractors insisting it would weaken and divide the armed forces. In New York, home to one of the nation’s largest gay communities and a gay pride parade whose grand marshal this year was an openly gay, discharged serviceman, 28-yearold Cassandra Melnikow glanced at a news ticker in Times Square announcing the repeal and said: “Excellent! It’s about time.’’ “I don’t see what difference (sexual orientation) makes in the fighting military,’’ said Melnikow, a public health researcher. “What’s the big deal?’’ President Barack Obama had made repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell’’ a campaign promise in 2008, and rounding up a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate was a historic victory for him. By the time President Bill Clinton proposed allowing gays to serve in the military in 1993, they had been explicitly barred from military service since Wor ld War I. Foes of lifting the ban argued that the military shouldn’t be used to expand the rights of gays and that allowing them to serve openly would hurt troop morale and a unit’s ability to fight – the same arguments used against women and blacks. In the end, Congress agreed to let gays serve only if their sexual orientation remained secret. Repeal means that for the first time in U.S. history, gays will be openly accepted by the military and can acknowledge their sexual orientation without fear of being discharged. More than 13,500 service members have been dismissed under the 1993 law. The change wouldn’t take immediate effect, however. The legislation says the president and his top military advisers must certify that lifting the ban won’t hurt troops’

fighting ability. After that, there’s a 60-day waiting period for the military. Conservative organizations said the vote didn’t reflect the sentiments of rank-and-file military members and should not have taken place so close to the end of the current session of Congress. “The issue that really disturbs me more than anything else is that legislation that’s controversial tends to be done in lame-duck sessions when a number of the elected representatives are no longer accountable to the people,’’ said Len Deo, president of the New Jersey Family Policy Council. The Massachusetts Family Institute said Republican senators who voted for the measure broke a promise they had made not to vote on the repeal until the federal budget was resolved. “In doing so, they not only have put special interests above fiscal interests but also have put our troops at risk during wartime,’’ said Kris Mineau, the group’s president. Some supporters of the repeal traveled to Washington to witness the vote, including Sue Fulton, a former Army captain and company commander who is spokeswoman for Knights Out, a group of 92 gay and lesbian West Point graduates who are out and no longer serving Driving back home to North Plainfield, N.J., the 51-year-old Fortune 500 executive told The Associated Press that she thinks the repeal will have an effect on the civil rights of gays in America. “As more people realize that gay and lesbian citizens are risking their lives to defend this country, perhaps they’ll be more willing to ac-

knowledge gays and lesbians as full citizens in other ways,’’ she said. Others monitored the vote from afar. Several gay service veterans and others supporting the repeal stood around a small computer screen to watch C-SPAN coverage of the vote at San Francisco’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center. They erupted in cheers as the final tally was read. Zoe Dunning, a retired U.S. Navy commander who continued to serve after declaring she was gay, cried and hugged other supporters. “I’m living proof that the mere presence of an openly gay person in your unit does not harm either cohesion or morale,’’ she said. “After 18 years working on this, I witnessed the end to this destructive policy, and these are tears of joy... I’m so happy to be present for this day that I’d always dreamed of.’’ Warren Arbury of Savannah, Ga., served in the Army for seven years, including three combat tours, before being kicked out two years ago under “don’t ask, don’t tell.’’ But he said he planned to re-enlist once the policy is officially abolished. “As soon as they give me the go, I’m going to march into the recruiter’s office,’’ he said. “And I want retroactive pay and rank.’’ Arbury said a fight for other social changes – such as allowing gays to marry and

easing obstacles they face in adopting and raising children – still lies ahead, however. “I think it’s one step in a very long process of becoming an equal rights citizen,’’ he said. “Even though this is really huge, I look at it as a chink in a very, very long chain.’’ In Brazil, where soldiers have been kicked out of the military for publicly commenting on being gay, gay rights advocacy groups said the Senate’s vote would help advance their cause worldwide. “The vote was an extremely important step forward for the United States and a major event for the world,’’ said Toni Reis, president of the Brazilian Association for the Rights of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transvestites and Transsexuals. “I just hope that Brazil and other countries follow the American example.’’ Aaron Belkin, director of the Californiabased Palm Center – a think tank on the issue – said the vote “ushers in a new era in which the largest employer in the United States treats gays and lesbians like human beings.’’ For thousands of years, he said, one of the key markers for first-class citizenship in any nation is the right to serve in the military, and Saturday’s vote ``is a historic step toward that.’’ Associated Press writers Russ Bynum in Savannah, Ga., Jay Lindsay in Boston, Geoff Mulvihill in Trenton, N.J., Sudhin Thanawala in San Francisco, and Stan Lehman in Sao Paulo contributed to this report.

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Ending Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

IMPLEMENTING THE NEW LAW

Secretary of Defense

how we got here, but for me, the key part of the By Brian Bond story that I will Deputy Director of the White House never forget is oday, I had one of those “once in a that commitlifetime” moments. As I sat in the ment from Senate Gallery with my bosses, the President. White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, Nor will I ever Deputy Chief of Staff Jim Messina and DirecBrian Bond forget the tor of the Office of Public Engagement Tina brave men and women who have served Tchen, I saw history being made as the US Senate voted 65 to 31 to pass the Don’t Ask, with distinction who also happen to be gay Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010. I am proud of or lesbian. Throughout the course of this effort, I have been privileged to meet some the many leaders in Congress and all those amazing heroes who just wanted to serve who have worked to put an end to DADT. their country. I will carry their stories with And I’m proud of the President for his me for the rest of my life. leadership on this issue. It has been a long time getting here and it has been a struggle – but as the President has said many times, “Change isn’t easy.” But today we took a huge step forward to set right a wrong. Last December about this time, I was at a small event in the Roosevelt Room. The President was just getting ready to leave for the Christmas Holiday. He walked over to me and without missing a beat, put his hand on my shoulder, and I will never forget what he said to me – unsolicited -- “We are going to end Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. We have a little bit of work to do still, but we are going to get it done.” A month later, in his first State of the Union Address, the President said, “This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are. It’s the right thing to do.” Now I am sure that there will be many stories written about what happened and

By Robert Gates

“I

welcome today’s vote by the Senate clearing the way for a legislative repeal of the ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ law. “Once this legislation is signed into law by the President, the Department of Defense will immediately proceed with the planning necessary to carry out this change carefully and methodically, but purposefully. This effort will be led by Dr. Clifford Stanley, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and himself a retired Marine Corps major general and infantry officer.

Robert Gates

“The legislation provides that repeal will take effect once the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff certify that implementation of the new policies and regulations written by the Department is consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention of the Armed Forces. As I have stated before, I will approach this process deliberately and will make such certification only after careful consultation with the military service chiefs and our combatant commanders and when I am satisfied that those conditions have been met for all the Services, commands and units. “It is therefore important that our men and women in uniform understand that while today’s historic vote means that this policy will change, the implementation and certification process will take an additional period of time. In the meantime, the current law and policy will remain in effect. “Successful implementation will depend upon strong leadership, a clear message and proactive education throughout the force. With a continued and sustained commitment to core values of leadership, professionalism and respect for all, I am convinced that the U.S. military can successfully accommodate and implement this change, as it has others in history.”

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Annie Lennox Speaks Out Gay icon releases new Christmas album – and opens up about AIDS pandemic, Perez Hilton’s ‘vicious diatribes’ and her own sweet dreams for the world By Chris Azzopardi

For the complete article on Cher, go to: sfgn.com/lennox

Mike Owen

egendary status, earned through over three decades in the music business, hasn’t changed Annie Lennox. Despite being a global superstar, first making an impression as part of the Eurythmics in the ’80s before going solo, she’s genuinely concerned about the human condition, as her tireless work toward promoting HIV/AIDS awareness – with her SING campaign, established in 2007 – demonstrates. She’s inspired the world through dialogue and travel and music, a platform Lennox uses to fervently convey her feelings on society with her sterling voice. “Universal Child,” which Lennox originally performed on Idol Gives Back earlier this year wearing a shirt that said “HIVPositive” (even though she isn’t), is yet another passionate plea – this time, to help heal the world. It takes on new life as it rounds out Lennox’s new, first-ever holiday album, A Christmas Cornucopia, which also includes traditional songs and unconventional carols. Its heart, however, is still intact. On the phone, as Lennox speaks to us from her Scotland home about the long-gestating collection, she’s completely grounded, initiating the conversation by mocking how much time her people have given us: “This is your 15 minutes with Annie Lennox,” she opens with a laugh. And so it is, as Lennox gets heated over issues dear to her heart: her opinion on the current state of HIV/AIDS, feelings about the bullying-prompted suicides, and why sexuality labels shouldn’t exist.

Right: The new album by Annie Lennox, A Christmas Cornucopia. For a selection of Christmas albums by various recording artists, see page 32.

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Nightlife by J.W. Arnold

’Tis the Season

ast year, you swore you would get a jump on all the holiday madness and not put the preparations off until the last minute.We know we won’t be seeing you in the mile-long line around the Honey Baked Ham store or at Michael’s fighting off middle-aged housewives for that last festive holiday garland for your tree or glued to the computer trying to snag a great cyberdeal on a Flipcam (even though we all know better….wink, wink). Instead, you’re out on the town, taking in the festivities at South Florida’s numerous nightspots and reveling in the Christmas spirit.Wait, you didn’t get all those last minute errands done, you say? Well, don’t let that stop you because there’s plenty to do out there that’s lots more fun. Here’s a look at some of the holiday happenings: Wednesday, Dec. 22

orsche is no ordinary drag queen (not that many of South Florida’s most popular performers are) and she brings her talents to Bill’s Filling Station, 2209 Wilton Dr., tonight for two special holiday performances at 9 and 10:30 p.m. Enjoy $3 Finlandia cocktails after 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23

iami favorite Adora celebrates her birthday tonight with a special holiday show at Twist, 1057 Washington Ave.This outrageous gal will have your Christmas balls dancing on the tree with her take on the holidays.There’s never a cover at Twist. Friday, Dec. 24

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et’s be honest, you’re really not planning on attending midnight mass this Christmas Eve, but we’re betting Santa has a package for you tonight at Edison Farrow’s Hype Friday at Bar 721, 721 Lincoln Ln. in Miami Beach. DJ Smeejay will be in the booth and vodka drinks are free from 10 to 11 p.m. Looks like you’re going to get your stocking stuffed after all! Saturday, Dec. 25

fter a day with the family, you’re either going to need a nap or a serious cocktail. Show off your presents to the boys 12/21/10 3:25 PM

and girls at MOVA Lounge, 1625 Michigan Ave. in Miami Beach, while sipping on some of the swanky bar’s sophisticated martinis. VJ Barry Browder will provide plenty of sights and sounds if you can peel your envious eyes off those fabulous gifts. Sunday, Dec. 26

f you like true blues and intimate piano lounges, there are few venues that have become more instantly appealing than the Ivy Room at the Manor on Sunday evenings, populated by the remarkable stylings of Emilie and Rick, with guest performances by talented singers who have helped create an amazingly sensual evening. Starting with sets at 8 p.m., there is just no better way to cap off your weekend with someone special. Monday, Dec. 27

ustralia is not exactly a winter wonderland at Christmas time, being strategically located in the southern hemisphere and all, but that doesn’t stop Florida’s own Dame Edna from spreading a little Aussie holiday cheer. She performs three shows tonight at Georgie’s Alibi in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. Tuesday, Dec. 28

s we eagerly await the new year this weekend, turn back the clock a year or two—or thirty—and head over to Dudes for Retro Backtrack. DJ Jay will be playing the best music and videos of the ‘70s,‘80s and ‘90s. Dudes is located at 3270 NE 33rd St. in Ft. Lauderdale, near the intersection of Oakland Park Blvd. and A1A.

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Bad Boy Jake Lyons Facing Garnishment By Matt Clark

nyone reading Hotspots last week had to be impressed with the full page ad that Jake Lyons took out featuring his porn star background. He had been having a rough year. As reported in SFGN, the 20 year old Wilton Manors based skin star had been sued by a major studio, Corbin Fisher, for copyright infringement, exploiting the studio’s name without permission. When the young man defaulted on the case, the court entered a judgment of over $50,000 against him, an amount they have over 20 years to collect. So you can imagine when they saw him renew his career and start boasting about new films, their lawyers were not smiling. They are out to make a point about responsibility, and they sure have- filing a motion to garnish Lyons’ future wages from just about any studio in the United

States has hired him. Representing Corbin Fisher, San Diego lawyer Marco Randazza has asked for the courts to garnish any monies Lyons may earn from here to eternity, listing over 20 studios he may one day work for, from locals like Chi Chi La Rue’s Channel 1 Releasing, to other major names like Falcon Studios, Titan Media and Next Door Entertainment. “[Lyons] continues to publicly brag about how much money he is making, and that he has no intention of making any payment whatsoever voluntarily,” Randazza told X-Biz.. “Unfortunately, this is the way we need to hold him accountable for his actions.When Corbin Fisher gets a judgment against someone, they hold the individual accountable.” A judge in San Diego will decide the issue on January 18. Lyons, whose legal name is Justin Krueger, may want to put some of the money he is earning away to hire a lawyer.

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December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Heard it on...

By Karl Hampe

THE REGULARS

responded to the questioning. Yet, Spacey claimed he would love to take part in an “It Gets Better” video or PSA, and blames the bullying which so many kids suffer on the fact that bullies are influenced by the media which often makes it okay to use “sexuality as a weapon against people.” He went on to say that if the media stops doing that, “maybe everyone will eventually get cool with it.” In the wake of former President Carter stating that someday we will have a gay presiKevin Spacey Reveals dent, and that someday the LGBT community He’s Gay… will be granted full civil Well, Not Really rights Spacey’s words are poignant and truthful. By A. Sebastian Fortino Furthermore, Spacey Kevin Spacey, one of America’s is not living a lie by greatest actors, is like many celebrinot revealing one way ties in that he wishes to keep his or another if he is gay private life, just that – private.The or not. rumors about his sexuality have “You have to underattracted media buzz for many years, stand that people who however. He has never married, and choose not to discuss at one time took his mother to Holtheir personal lives are lywood events. Kevin Spacey not living a lie. That is a Recently, he sat down with an presumption that people jump to. Look, at openly gay reporter from The Daily Beast. the end of the day people have to respect Rather than dance around the subject the people’s differences. I am different than some reporter asked about Spacey’s sexuality people would like me to be. I just don’t buy immediately. into that the personal can be political… No “We gay men have always proudly one’s personal life is in the public interest. claimed you as a member of our tribe, and It’s gossip, bottom line. End of story.” yet you don’t proudly claim us back,” the For now though, since he is not confirminterviewer told Spacey. “Why?” The 51-year-old actor was, understandably, ing anything one way or another we will simply have to let him now our arms are shocked by the directness of the question. open and waiting should he really wish to “People have different reasons for the end the gossip. way they live their lives.You cannot put everyone’s reasons in the same box. It’s just For the full story please visit, Tinyurl. a line I’ve never crossed and never will,” he com/25xl3gc

Christian Media Company Says Univision Should be reported to FCC for Interviewing Ricky Martin By Jarrett Terrill

Miami area Christian media company, which owns radio station WBIY (88.3FM) has decided to protest the Univision Spanish Language television network because they believe that an interview with recently-out pop star Ricky Martin is “pornographic”. Oscar Aguero Ministry says that the show is too accessible to children at around 7 or 8 PM and that the content is not child ‘Pornographic’ Ricky Martin appropriate. his twin sons and at a separate point in the Oscar Aguero Ministry is threatening production, the singer discusses his earliest to report Univision to the FCC for supsexual encounters and the first time he fell posed violations. “Univision’s complicity in transmitting this message deserves, on our in love with a man. The Advocate Magazine notes that the side, our complaints before the FCC,” says church also says Martin has long promoted Oscar Aguero, “which says that any pornothe “homosexual agenda” at concerts by graphic, indecent or obscene content can urging people to live “la vida loca.” be reported as a complaint.” Without Secrets comes at the heels of The interview, titled Ricky Martin – WithMartin’s new autobiography “Me”. out Secrets features footage of Martin and

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Movie Review Movie:

I Love You, Phillip Morris Directed by John Requa and Glenn Ficarra

J.W. Arnold

t first, comedian Jim Carrey seemed an odd choice for the romantic lead in a gay prison love story. Just a decade ago, he was earning millions a pop to lend his zany antics to sophomoric box office hits like “The Mask,” “Ace Ventura,” “Liar Liar” and “Bruce Almighty.” But, like many character actors, his signature style eventually Would he be able to tone it down enough to convincingly play a flamboyantly gay man? Fortunately, “I Love You, Phillip Morris,” the screen adaptation of an “improbable but true story” of a gay con man provides just the vehicle for Carrey to mature as an actor. Based on a book by former Houston Chronicle investigative reporter Steve McVicker, “I Love You, Phillip Morris” tells the story of notorious real-life convict Steven Russell, who is serving a 144-year sentence don’t expect any prison action a la “OZ” — in Texas. and they set up a fabulous home (complete Directors John Requa and Glenn Ficarra with matching his-and-his convertibles) infuse the tale with wry, dry humor as we after Russell works his way into a corner follow Russell through tumultuous events office with a health care billing corporation in his life—the admission he was adopted, and immediately begins embezzling funds. his hum-drum, model life as a father, police As expected, Russell winds up in prison deputy and church organist, the rejection by again, where he engineers his ultimate scam his birth mother—all seemingly told from in an effort to again escape and win back Russell’s death bed. Phillip. Without spoiling the twist, let’s just Following a serious automobile accisay he successfully cheats death. dent, Russell makes another life-changing “I Love You, Phillip Mordecision to accept his ris” is not an action pic homosexuality, leave and at times is blatantly his family and take predictable, at least up residence with a “... the film is most successful as a until Russell’s next hot Latino boy toy farcical commentary, questioning the unbelievable scheme (Rodrigo Santoro) in blind justice of the law, societal hatches. And there is South Beach, leading conventions of love and marriage ...” little romantic chemisthe glitzy high life by try between Carrey and committing insurance McGregor, although the fraud and credit card Scotsman is charming as the naïve, Southschemes, until the law catches up. ern boy who finds tender love in the most During his first stint in prison he meets unlikely place. But, the film is most successthe titular character, Phillip Morris (Ewan ful as a farcical commentary, questioning the McGregor), and immediately becomes smitten, putting his skills to work to secure blind justice of the law, societal conventions of love and marriage, the excesses of ’90s their eventual release, going so far to imgay culture and even AIDS, all issues raised personate Phillip’s attorney in court. by the likeable sociopath Russell. Theirs is a conventional gay romance—

“I Love You, Phillip Morris” opens Saturday, Dec. 25 at the Gateway 4 in Fort Lauderdale, Regal South Beach 18 in Miami Beach and Regal Shadowood 16 in Boca Raton.

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

VIEWS OF THE NEWS LOCAL ARTISTS RECOGNIZED DURING HIV/AIDS INSPIRED ART EXHIBITION Staff Reporters

ix local artists were recently recognized during Miami Beach Community Health Center’s “Through the Eyes of Love,” a juried art exhibition held in honor of World AIDS Day at Miami International University of Art & Design. The recognized artists were: • Best in Show - Barry Gross (Boca Raton) - “Aegis” • 1st place - Ali (Aventura) - “Panel of Taboos” • 2nd place - Jonathan Brooks (Miami) - “AIDS Trio 2010” • 3rd place - Carla Fache (Miami Beach) - “Awakening” • Best in Photography - Neal Fox (Coconut Creek) - “Life Sucks” • Best in Fashion - Sydney Strauss (Miami) - red evening gown The exhibition also showcased unique works of art by San Francisco-based artist Daniel Goldstein, who was the featured artist at the 2010 International AIDS Confer-

ence in Vienna, Austria, where his sculptures made up of everyday HIV-related objects were highlighted. Goldstein and more than 35 other participating artists showed their artwork, symbolizing the depth of their feelings and thoughts as it relates to HIV/AIDS. This project was supported in part by new and returning sponsors including Miami International University of Art & Design, Coast 97.3 FM, Hotspots Magazine, South Florida Gay News, Bitner Goodman and Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Originally established as a federally funded community health center, Miami Beach Community Health Center is a fully integrated health care network providing quality, affordable medical and support services. Board certified specialties include family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, dental, geriatrics and behavioral health. Presently, MBCHC serves over 25,000 residents a year. Miami Beach Community Health Center provides Miami-Dade residents with free HIV testing and ongoing HIV/AIDS medical care, plus is an enrollment site for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) that provides free medication for patients living with HIV/AIDS.

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December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Danielle Staub Gets Social Former Jersey Housewife Talks about New Endeavors By Joey Amato

ver the past few years, Danielle Staub has become sort of a household name in the gay community. As one of the original New Jersey housewives, Staub has surely been the topic of conversation among fans of the show. As the rest of the Jersey cast prepare for season three of the series, which is the most successful in the entire Bravo franchise, Staub has other plans. Although the exact reason for her departure has remained a secret, Staub was eager to speak with SFGN about three projects she is currently working on, including two new shows and an album. “Right now, I am just relaxing after taking a break from filming my new show Social,” a Lifestyles of the Rich & Famousstyle show which Staub will be hosting and will air on Wealth TV in early 2011. “I began filming the show featuring the lives of personal friends of mine, but it became a huge success, so we incorporated many more celebrities.” Staub mentions Twister Sister front man Dee Snider, the Radio Chick: Leslie Gold and Prince Malik are some of the celebrities which will make appearances on the show. “We are in the process of shooting 26 episodes of the show,” Staub tells us. In addition to Social, Staub will begin filming a yet to be named reality show next year which will depict her life, struggles and victories. “People love to hate me,” says Staub. “People are going to watch the show to see the real me.” Staub says she will work ‘really hard’ to give people what they want to see. If filming two shows wasn’t enough,

Staub plans to hit the studio and record an album next year as well. “Just the other day, I was sitting with the CEO of Atlantic Records. I feel so blessed to be given such a wonderful opportunity.” Staub and her team, which now includes a management deal with music executive Screwface, which she calls the “missing link”, don’t have a release date yet for the record but fans can look for it to surface in the near future. “I’d love to collaborate with Ne-Yo on the record,” which Staub would like to be a pop record with an underlying classic rock sound. “Working with artists including Usher, Kanye West and 50 Cent would be such a great gift. I am really passionate about music and am looking forward to creating a memorable record.” Staub’s daughters Christine and Jillian are also busy at work. “Christine has a successful modeling career and Jillian is working on a pop-rock record.” An advocate of the gay community, Staub admits to currently dating and playing the field. “I know what I want right now and I’m having a good time right now.” And although she didn’t name drop on people she is dating, she happily let us know who some of her closest “boyfriends” include. “I just got done talking with Johnny Weir,” she states. “He’s such an amazing person. And he wears a Louis Vuitton better than I can.” Staub insists that she is a true supporter of the gay community and didn’t just put on a façade for television. For more information on Danielle, visit her website Danielle-Staub.com or follow her on Twitter at Twitter.com/daniellestaub.

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Scott Herman, ‘If I Have to Swing My Shield - I Will’

obviously I’m making some kind of a difference, and there’s a lot of out there people making a difference. My point is I’m a strong person, very political, diplomatic and smart, but at the end of the day if I have to Straight LGBT Activist Offers swing my shield I will.” Inspiration To All the Worlds Underdogs Bullying, of all the issues is the issue closest to home for him. It is hard to believe that this confident, ambitious and sympathetic reJason Shutts odel, Fitness Guru, LGBT activ- ality star was less than 100-pounds in Middle ist and ally Scott Herman, from School, making him subject to frequent bullying. “When I was getting bullied a lot, getting season 21 of MTV’s The Real the s**t kicked out of me, my brothers and World is continuing to find ways that he can support the underdogs of society, the LGBT friends even they turned a blind eye.” These experiences instigated Herman, community, those who are bullied and those now 25, to start working-out at 12, paving who need motivation, inspiration and confithe path to uncover his true potential. By dence. As Herman said “What’s the point of the time he reached High School he was living if you’re not making a difference in the able to do what others were unable to world, what’s the point of having a commudo for him, defend the defenseless. Rather nity behind you who support you and love than take the path of least resistance Heryou if you aren’t doing anything?” man would step in, “to be a shield to those Certainly Herman is doing his best to make an impact on the hearts and minds of who cannot protect themselves.” “Those experiences,” he said, “finally the public– from GLAAD public service angave me purpose.” While working at the nouncements, speaking events his involvegym, eventually Herman was quickly proment with the Trevor Project, as well as many others. “I’m not some kind of a hero, moted. His dedication to work, school, and

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

fitness paid off. Later, he became the first of his family to graduate college. As a dedicated entrepreneur Herman has used his talents and knowledge to branch into modeling, music, personal training and fitness. The personal training and fitness videos Herman offers via Facebook,YouTube and his SHF website for free. Herman does this diligently by building the “Hermanation” and spending “six to eight hours a day, because I love to communicate [with] and encourage my fans.” He now has over 100,000 “Hermanites” between the various outlets. This popularity has grown to an extent that his training videos have received over 13 million views. “I like to share my hints with people, because it helps you set your goals. Once you can achieve your goals, that will help build that confidence,” said Herman, who in turn hopes that confidence will inspire the abused as much as inspire people to defend others. To follow Herman’s fitness advice, track his various community activities and other ventures visit him at www.scotthermanfitness.com.

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Sidelines Releases 2011 Sports Calendar

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“Model Search” held during the month of September at Sidelines Sports Bar. Each model, clad in their chosen sports attire, is a loyal customer of Sidelines Sports Bar. The owners did not want to employ professional talent for this project, but wished to show the diversity and attractiveness already here in gay South Florida. To purchase your calendar, visit Sidelines Sports Bar, Island City Health & Fitness and some of Wilton Manor’s nearby retailers. Quantities are limited. Sidelines Sports Bar, going smoke free in January, features 16 flat-screen TVs, 3 pool tables, 3 dartboards, Wi-Fi access, as well as other video games, provides a fun, friendly and “Cheers” like environment for gay men and women who enjoy all kinds of sports. There will be some New Year’s renovations. Read next week’s SFGN for an update. Sidelines Sports Bar is located at 2031-A Wilton Drive,Wilton Manors, Florida, 33305. Their telephone number is (954) 5638001 or you can also visit them online at www.sidelinessports.com

T hi h

ot off the presses, Sidelines Sports Bar’s new 2011 Sports Calendar featuring some of South Florida’s local cuties as sports models, is now available for sale. This fun and adorable look at some of our community’s talented sports-minded athletes was a cooperative effort by Sidelines, Island City Health & Fitness, and the benevolent donations of two of our area’s professional photographers, Michael Murphy and Jorge Rondon. The proceeds from the sale of the calendar, priced at only $10, will be donated to Broward House and the Cooperative Feeding Program of Broward County. The 2011 Sports Calendar not only makes for the perfect holiday gift, but your dollars will help to improve the lives of individuals living with or at risk for HIV and other health issues and will feed hungry bodies, minds and souls by providing nutritious food, information and referral, with compassion and caring. Each month’s calendar photo features one of the winners from the recent

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December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

The Short Term Queer Memory of Chris Finlay By Tony Adams

outh Florida is a treasury of queer memory. Many who live here can recall the secret codes of cruising in the 50s and 60s, the post-Stonewall eruptions and euphoria of the 70s and the grim arrival of AIDS in the 80s. But what of those among us who are much younger and whose queer lives are contained only in the short term? The 33 year old Chris Finlay is that kind of queer, and he is busy completing the text of an exhibit about the gay 1990s for the Stonewall Library and Archives because that is the extent of his own queer memory. He has much to say about that decade. Chris Finlay is a Canadian who received a fellowship to attend UPENN for a PhD. Conveniently, his partner also went to

Philadelphia for an MA, and eventually took a job in Fort Lauderdale. Chris followed him here and is now writing his doctoral dissertation entitled: “The Olympics as a Form of Public Diplomacy and International Communication”. Needing a regular mind-clearing break from that subject, he began volunteering at Stonewall where he realized he had a young perspective that might be worth expressing. The library, always eager to attract younger members, supported his idea for an exhibit about the gay 1990s. “In this overview of the decade, I’m incorporating the perspective of young people and how they came out in mainstream culture. It was an unprecedented environment to come out in. For me, this was the decade when I was 13-23, so the show will be somewhat autobiographical.” What are the recollections of someone who was 13 years old in 1990? “I came out in 1997 when I was 20. That was the year of the “Ellen episode” on TV. For me it was a fairly boring process. My parents were sort of waiting around for me to get there. I announced ‘I’m bringing someone home and it’s a guy.’ No drama. For me, the 90s were all about AIDS. My father was the director of The Federal Center for AIDS in Canada, so he was already very involved. I was in a condom commercial when I was a kid. Coming out, I was petrified of sex and kept tying homosexuality to AIDS. The people I knew who were dying were family friends and mentors. “Looking back at 1990, the beginning of the decade, you see half of all AIDS deaths happening in that year alone. By 1996-97, the meds had people shrugging it off. For me, condoms were never optional. I am part of the first post-AIDS generation. Now, even on World AIDS Day, you don’t hear so much. By the end of the 90s, the highest rate of new infections was in men under 25. Because of complacency? Response to the meds? Not having

seen the ravages of AIDS close up? The invisibility of the disease? These are all probable reasons.” Chris Finlay frames his gay experience in terms of television. In November of 1989, Thirty Something aired the controversial episode in which two men are in bed together after having sex. The producers would not allow the men to touch each other in that scene, and five of the show’s sponsors bowed out. Chris notes that women comedians led the charge as queer television struggled tenaciously through Rosie, Roseanne and Ellen. It was a time when regular series such as Designing Women began to have “special gay episodes”. Suddenly there were gay-themed movies-of-the-week. By the end of the decade, television had come of age with the introduction of Will and Grace in September of 1998. Although we now take it for granted, that was the decade in which television news programs began open coverage of LGBT issues. “One of the themes I take up is that the kids of the 90s are between Gen X and the Echo Boomers and Millennials of Gen-Y. For

them, the internet was the center of their life. For me, the chat rooms were ‘Wow’. The funny thing is that now, 15 years later, I check into some of those rooms and find the same guys there, but they’re all 15 years older!” Chris has charted the extraordinary evolution of the decade. “First, it was all about AIDS. Then came “Queer Nation” who wanted to manipulate media on their own terms and totally the opposite of the compliant 50s approach. In 1990, you have people like Randy Shilts raging ‘We’re going to do this on our own terms.’ The most dramatic change was that by the end of the decade we were all about assimilation. Politicians were saying ‘We don’t understand these radical types.’ and the nature of Pride Parades went from anger to open celebration. In the 1990s, visibility was key. ‘Gay’ became the center of the culture wars. This is still controversial with writers like Ed White labeling our visibility as a problem. What I try to do in this exhibit is look at the movement from the outside through the eyes of a young gay spectator. I divide everything I saw into three categories: politics, pop culture and peers.” Chris, who is here on a student visa, was advised not to get married because that might make it difficult for him to gain entry into the USA. He and his partner like living here. “Gay Fort Lauderdale has a young side to it. We’d like to see young professionals come to this exhibit. So much of what we do at Stonewall is geared to coming out in the 60s and 70s. This is entirely different.” Chris, with Charles Ross who is designing the visual art of the exhibition, is still open to receiving memorabilia and ephemera of the gay 90s for inclusion in the exhibit which runs from January 5 – February 26, 2011. For more information, www.stonewall-library.org

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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pening Reception: Wednesday January 5, 6:30-8:30 Gay Americans are born in every corner of every state in the nation. Very few have direct access to gay mentors, networks and neighborhoods. Instead, they rely on the evolving images and ideas of homosexuality that permeate our country’s popular imagination to find answers as they question and confront their sexuality. In the 1990s, a wealth of information— positive and negative—about

queer sexualities became widely available. In politics, gay rights issues took center stage in culture wars. In pop culture, gay stories and celebrities asked America to accept this suddenly very visible minority. And, the advent of the Internet enabled gay youths to interact and to explore the meaning of their sexualities together, even if they were thousands of miles apart. Opening January 5, The Other Gay 90s: Coming Out with America surveys the national LGBT landscape of the decade from the perspective of gay and questioning youth. Stonewall Library Museum Archive 1300 East Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale FL 33304 954-763-8565 www-stonewall-library.org

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He also criticised the Youth Parliament for failing to protect him and said he was Scandal Rocks Young UK Politico worried that the publicity could damage his chances of getting into a university. Mr Mcdonnell was particularly conBy Matt Clark young politician suspended for al- cerned at the statement put out by the legedly posting pictures of himself Youth Parliament, implying he was a danger to children. He said that on a “pornographic” was untrue. website claims he was set up. Mcdonnell said that while Speaking to the Pink News Serhe may have posted topless vice of Europe, Reace Mcdonnell photos of himself on a gay netsaid he believed someone was working site, he was not aware trying to damage his reputation. of any explicit images of himself. The openly gay 19-year-old, He said he believed that a deputy member of the Youth someone had maliciously Parliament, was suspended after posted images of him online a newspaper reported that and then contacted the Herthere were images of him on ald pretending to be a concerned parent. porn websites. “All my positive work has been pushed In removing him, the Youth Parliament down on Google and this is now at the top. chief executive cited “the safety of all the I’m really upset,” Mcdonnell lamented. young people we work with”. He said that there was “definitely a hoHowever, the Mcdonnell, an A student, says he has not seen the photos in question mophobic undertone” to the incident. “I don’t think that if I had been straight, it and believes he has been set up by somewould have been in the paper,” he said. one out to damage his reputation.

December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

New Music Out for Christmas By Chris Azzopardi Mariah Carey Merry Christmas II You equels usually suck, but Mariah Carey’s not going down with that sleigh on her cleverly titled offshoot to her Merry Christmas behemoth. That 16-yearold album spawned “All I Want for Christmas is You,” a modern-day classic whose new “Extra Festive” version is, well, extra-noisy or something. More obviously, the diva’s “Auld Lang Syne” sounds ready to ring in the New Year on a gay

disco ball, as its slow preface surges into an arms-up thumper. Beats percolate on first single “Oh Santa!” too, with its oldschool bounce and school-yard chant, but this wouldn’t be a Mariah album without big, goopy ballads – and Merry Christmas II You is padded with them: “One Child,” one of two new tracks produced by Hairspray composer Marc Shaiman, builds to a belting climax; there’s also opera-singer mom, Patricia Carey, on “O Come All Ye Faithful” and a live, chillpropelling “O Holy Night.” But part two’s no classic, especially with the awkward Michael Jackson-borrowed “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane).” The spirit’s there, though – and that goes a long way. Grade: B-

Indigo Girls Holly Happy Days hat the Indigo Girls recorded their first holiday album in Nashville is only appropriate – they’ve never sounded this downright country. “I Feel the Christmas Spirit,” a bluegrass sing-along, is a toetappin’ good time. What follows is similar in style but stripped to their much-adored acoustic sound: “It Really Is (A Wonderful Life),” written by Chely Wright, adds a jazz twist, while “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is simple and understated, intertwining Emily Saliers and Amy Ray’s voices like holiday magic (Janis Ian, Brandi Carlile and Mary Gauthier add harmonies to the album, too). But what’s really special about the refreshing Holly Happy Days (besides the cool packaging with lyrics of the three new tunes written on ornament cut-outs) has more to do with the duo’s rarely recorded song selection. One of those, Beth Nielsen Chapman’s “There’s Still My Joy,” is stunningly bittersweet – just how we like our Girls. Grade: B+

Glee: The Music The Christmas Album efore Glee conquers the world (because it will), it’s conquering Christmas – the gay way, with a dude duo doing “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” together (aw, cute!). On the holiday-themed release from the cast of TV’s biggest, queerest drug, Kurt (Chris Colfer) and possible-new-loverboy Blaine (Darren Criss) charm in a refreshingly gay take on the classic. Otherwise, Glee plugs carols into the show’s formula for frothy bouncers and over-the-top ballads: a jazzy, dance-made “Jingle Bells”; pop fave “Last Christmas” and a soaring “O Holy Night,” sung by pipe queen Lea Michele (duh). Even the show’s knack for mash-ups gets play on this disc with “Deck the Rooftop,” a groovy romp. “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” is an odd fit, especially since Glee is known for, you know, singing, but it’s the only real coal in this collection – one sure to make the yuletide gayer. ofGrade: tHe original uncut pizza” B

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December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Also Out The Superions Destination... Christmas! omething weird’s to be expected from B-52s’ Fred Schneider, whose side project with two other musicians – known collectively as the Superions – is one strange, creepy, horny, electro-fused spin. The perverted “Santa Je T’aime” answers the question, “Why did Ol’ Saint Nick favor Rudolph?” And other novelty songs are just as whacky. If Christmas got punk’d, this would be it.

The Puppini Sisters Christmas with the Puppini Sisters hat’d Christmas sound like in the ’40s? Like the Puppini Sisters third disc, with 10 tracks as fresh as new snow. The British trio (who aren’t really sisters) rework them with a retro twist, jazzing up “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” and putting the breaks on 1980s Wham! hit “Last Christmas.” Even Mariah’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” is revived – in boogie-woogie style.

Katharine McPhee Christmas Is the Time… (To Say I Love You) ack to basics, and out from the trendy trench, is where the American Idol loser lands on her simple 10-tracker. The songs on her third album, mostly made of classic carols, are structured to conjure pre-fad-following McPhee, who sings her little heart out and, with sole original “It’s Not Christmas Without You,” pulls at ours.

Wilson Phillips, Christmas in Harmony f you held on for one more day, then pay-off’s finally here: Wilson Phillips, the all-girl group who ruled the early ’90s, are getting into the spirit with their first holiday LP. The title couldn’t be truer – harmonies are their thing, especially on songs like opener “I Wish It Could be Christmas Every Day” – but the album’s as safe as giving a gift card.

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December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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December 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com