01/05/11 V2I1 by South Florida Gay News

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Life in the Circus

Page 19

January 5, 2011 • Volume 2 • Issue 1

Charles Perez Confessions of a Gay Anchorman in ‘Exile’

Page 30

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Double Murder Update

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Andy Weiser on the Market

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J.Mark’s Dining Review

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Island House Profile

January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Surveys

eQuality Giving Host Poll on Obama Presidency

January 5, 2011 • Volume 2 • Issue 1

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

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ow much has Congress and the President done to meet your expectations? Juan Ahonen-Jover, Ph.D. and Ken Ahonen-Jover, M.D., the founders of eQuality Giving, an online donor community for LGBT views, would like to know your opinion. A new poll they have started is designed to gauge your response. Over the past year, those who have cast their vote have indicated that 72% responded they thought that Congress and the President had done less or much less than they expected. “Of course, no internet poll can be considered a scientific measure,” said Juan Ahonen-Jover, who with his partner lives on Miami Beach. Some of what has been accomplished at the federal level by Congress and the President includes the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Act and policy changes extending benefits to LGBT employees, along with more rights for LGBT victims of discrimination. Still, eQuality Giving would like to see more done a the federal level, seeking the repeal of DOMA and the enactment of ENDA. The website has a cross-section of initiatives designed to promote those goals, including updates on officeholders responsible for fulfilling the promise of equal rights. eQualityGiving is fully funded by its founders as their contribution to the LGBT community. None of the services costs anything to donors, organizations, politicians, or anyone. Furthermore, to ensure objectivity and independence, eQualityGiving.org does not accept money or advertisements from anyone What do you think? How much has Congress and the President accomplished so far compared to your expectations?

You can vote on the poll and see the results on the spot at http:// www.equalitygiving.org

Pier Angelo Guidugli

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

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January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Ambiente Launches Online

mbiente Magazine is the first and only bi-monthly LGBT publication available online in three languages: English, Spanish and Portuguese. Ambiente is offered free of charge, and distributed digitally around the globe. To read the publication, visit Ambiente.us.

Orlando’s Gay Church Aging Rapidly

w o n iS S e ! n i e l e e R d i F S e

K ok! o o l SM new l!

rlando’s Joy Metropolitan Community Church, which caters to gay and lesbian worshippers, is having trouble attracting young people to its pews, reports the Orlando Sentinel. Opened in 1979, the church is now finding it difficult to woo congregants — only one quarter of people aged 18-29 regularly attend church. Compounding attendance issues for Joy Metropolitan is that some other

churches have become increasingly welcoming to gay people and their families. “Joy MCC is going to have to change and adapt or they are not going to be around,” said Randy Stephens, executive director of Orlando’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center of Central Florida. For the rest of the story in the Orlando Sentinel, go to this link at http:/sfgn.com/church

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January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Feldblum Confirmed

he U.S. Senate has given final approval to lesbian law professor Chai Feldblum as President Obama’s nominee to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Feldblum has been serving on the five-member Commission since April, when President Obama put her onto the commission using a procedure that enables him to circumvent a Senate confirmation vote temporarily –called a recess appointment because it can be done while the Senate is on recess. But appointees who take their positions via the recess appointment still have to go through the confirmation vote in the Senate. That vote, for Feldblum and three other nominees to the EEOC, has been held up for months by an unidentified Republican senator –or senators—using the Senate rules that enable any senator to put a hold on an appointee’s confirmation vote.

Numerous right-wing groups voiced opposition to Feldblum shortly after she was nominated last fall. The Traditional Values Coalition called her a “radical,” saying she would “use her power to strip nearly all First Amendment rights of freedom of expression/free exercise of religion from businesses.” Concerned Women for America said she “represents one of the most serious threats to religious freedom we have seen in a long time.” Feldblum is probably best known for her work on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which passed in 1990, prohibiting discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and other areas against people with disabilities. The law also covered people with HIV infection. She is best known to the LGBT community as a key counsel on the drafting and negotiations over the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). She also served for a time as legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union in Washington, D.C. Her current appointment term will continue through July 2013.

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January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN BRIEFS Coal Miner Sues Energy Company A gay coal miner in West Virginia is suing his employer, a subsidiary of Massey Energy Co., for on-the-job anti-gay harassment. Here’s what Sam Hall (not the miner pictured) claims he was subjected to: After Hall went horseback riding with a co-worker, the mine’s superintendent, Scott Lansenese, allegedly said that Hall had a “Brokeback Mountain” moment, a reference to the Academy Award-winning 2005 film about the relationship between two gay cowboys. The alleged harassment continued at Spartan’s No. 130 Mine, where Hall began working in June 2007, according to the suit. Mark Delung, a chief electrician, used homophobic slurs and wrote them on Hall’s dinner bucket and then mine’s power center, Hall alleges. When he complained, and management told Delung to stop, the harassment escalated, including vandalism of Hall’s car, where co-workers attached a sign that read, “I like little boys,” according to the suit. When Hall went to work at No. 2 Gas Mine, he was again submitted to abuse, according to the suit. Co-workers allegedly

Massey Energy Co. mining site

shook their penises at Hall underground, and when they were told to stop or be fired, the situation escalated, with slurs being written on his locker. For three months in early 2009, Hall worked at No. 5 Block Mine, where the superintendent knew him from the Winifrede mine and would laugh at the abuse directed at Hall, the suit maintains. Hall became worried when the slurs escalated to violent threats, including “I would like to see all [expletive] die.” Hall claims management was negligent in its response to his complaints about the

harassment. The energy company’s president Shane Harvey responded, “They are serious allegations, and we take them seriously. We are going to investigate it, and if any of them are true, we are going to take action swiftly to remedy the situation. However, at this stage, they are just allegations, and we are going into the investigation with an open mind.” The suit seeks “unspecified damages for lost wages and emotional distress.”

Gay People Are “Sexual Predators” An antigay commissioner in North Carolina’s Mecklenburg County called gay people “sexual predators” in an e-mail response to a letter from a fellow commissioner asking her colleagues to sign a thank-you note

to the state’s officials who voted to repeal “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Mecklenburg County commissioner Jennifer Roberts circulated the letter earlier this month, prompting an angry response from Bill James. “Homosexuals are sexual predators,” James wrote in response to the e-mail from Roberts. “Allowing homosexuals to serve in the U.S. military with the endorsement of the Mecklenburg County Commission ignores a host of serious problems related to maintaining U.S. military readiness and effectiveness not the least of which is the current Democrat plan to allow homosexuals (male and female) to share showers with those they are attracted to.” In 2009, James made headlines for mumbling the word “homo” after a colleague spoke of her son dying of AIDS. A few years earlier, he was quoted as saying people of color “live in a moral sewer.” Change.org is urging people to sign a petition to the Mecklenburg County board urging members to censure James “for repeatedly using his work e-mail to bash LGBT folks.” James was just reelected to his seat.

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January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN BRIEFS Hayley Hasselhoff Supports Gay Marriage

FLICKR / Steve Rhodes

political candidates after the company apologized Actress Hayley Hasselhoff, the daughter of for it during an uproar actor David Hasselhoff and Pamela Bach, has this summer. The Awl reports on joined the NOH8 Campaign against Proposidocuments filed with tion 8, California’s gay marriage ban. The 18-year-old Hasselhoff appeared with the Federal Election Commission in Octoher father and sister, Taylor Ann, earlier this year in cabler A&E’s short-lived reality series ber, two months after The Hasselhoffs. She currently plays self-dep- Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel apologized recating Amber in the ABC Family original and said his company series Huge. The NOH8 Campaign, which is helmed by would take a leadership role in the future. photographer-activist Adam Bouska and his “According to docupartner Jeff Parshley, raises funds and awarements filed with the FEC in October 2010, ness to defeat Proposition 8. Target continued donating to a bevy of Celebrities and everyday folks are photoanti-gay politicians even after Steinhafel graphed with their mouths duct taped and the campaign’s familiar “NOH8” slogan often apologized and committed to reforming the review process for future political donawritten on one cheek. tions,” reports The Awl. “These donations Hayley Hasselhoff posed topless for her photo with her hands cupped over her breasts. even included some of the same anti-gay politicians the company had already been criticized for supporting.” Target Continued Target’s PAC showed $41,200 in federal Antigay Donations election activity, according to The Awl, of Federal campaign filings show that Target which $31,200 went to antigay politicians or continued to make contributions to antigay

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Chris Hughes Gives $50K to GLAD Social networking entrepreneur Chris Hughes and his partner, Sean Eldridge, the political director for Freedom to Marry, donated $50,000 as part of a matching donation campaign to raise Chris Hughes funds for the legal group Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders. The organization, known by the acronym GLAD, is currently waging a challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act, which prevents the federal government from establishing or recognizing unions or marriages of same-sex couples. Hughes, who helped found Facebook and recently established Jumo, volunteered for GLAD while attending Harvard. The donation was one of many the couple plan to make this month – last month they announced they are matching donations until

the end of the year to gay rights causes Freedom to Marry, Empire State Pride Agenda and Equality Maryland. For more on the matching donation effort, visit GLAD.org.

British Chancellor CALLED ‘HOMOPHOBIC’ George Osborne, the British treasury chief, has been accused of homophobia for saying that a gay Labour MP is a “pantomime dame.” According to 24dash.com, “In the last Treasury questions before Christmas former minister Chris Bryant had accused the Chancellor of taking delight in playing the role of ‘Baron Hardup.’ “Mr. Osborne told Mr. Bryant: ‘At least I’m not the pantomime dame.’” Bryant, the MP for Rhondda, called the remark “homophobic” and said that he believed it was motivated by his sexual orientation. His Labour party called on Osborne to withdraw the remark. Aides to Osborne said that he was just making a “Christman joke” based on the pantomime theme that Bryant introduced, according to 24dash.com.

January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Accused Killer’s Friends Shocked by Arrest Sources Indicate Gay Couple Had Been Shot By Norm Kent

Willis added that Avsenew was very open e Had Promised to turn his life about his probationary sentence for grand theft out of Monroe County, and that he was around,” ex-girlfriend says. The family and friends of “working on getting his act together, and suspected murderer Peter Serge Avsenew meeting with his probation officer regularly.” Violating that probation, however, is the are having a hard time accepting the fact preliminary basis for his new arrest and no that their loved one may be a killer. Accused of killing a gay couple in their bond hold. Formal charges in the double Wilton Manors home on December 26, homicide of Kevin Mark Powell and Steven 2010, Avsenew, the 26-year-old Flanagan Duane Adams are pending. One thing is High School graduate, from Hollywood, clear to homicide detectives, though. “It was not a random act or a break in,” says Florida, is being held without bond on a Wilton Manors police Sergeant Chuck Howprobation violation. But says Richard McClendon of Davie, ard, “The victims knew the accused assailant.” “Peter was like a brother to me man...I Sources confide that detectives are exploring could never imagine him doing anything “how and where the men met.” Additionally, like that and I surely don’t think he did it.” police are not saying they have a confession Even more shocked is his ex-girlfriend, in hand, though it appears Avsenew may have Farrah Willis, 33, who spent 7 months with Avsenew as a couple back in 2007, when they worked together at the popular T-Bones Steakhouse in Haines City, Florida. “He was cool with all the employees, and many gay ones,” she said. “He was not anti-gay in any way. He was a really nice guy who had been doing good; a genuine person who liked to party a little.” She added that her relationship with him was intimate and sexual, volunteering that he had a “neat Two views of Prince Albert,” a common male geniPeter Serge Avsenew: tal piercing, popular in the gay com- Internet profile shot (above) munity since the early 1970’s in West and close up shot. Hollywood, California.

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Kevin Powell

made admissions to third parties. The arrest also surprised Avsenew’s 21-yearold niece, Erica Howard, from Sarasota, who could only describe her uncle in glowing terms: “He was and is an amazing uncle and he was always there for me. And he never let anything bad happen to me, he was more like an older brother. I love him with all my heart and I could never imagine him doing anything like this.” But most of those reached had not seen Avsenew lately, and were unaware that he had done jail time at least twice this year, getting out once in June. His own posting June 24 on Facebook read that he was excited to be free, announcing that “this was the first day of the rest of his life and he was going to make the most of it.” About the same time, Avsenew remarked that he could not wait to be home in order to raise his child: “I love my son and want the best for him which includes being with me.” While it is unknown who he fathered the child with, it was at Avsenew’s mother’s home in Dundee, Florida, where he was apprehended without incident last Tuesday. That is also where the victims’ stolen car was recovered. Informed sources have emerged which indicate the victims were shot to death. However, law enforcement authorities have not

yet released a formal statement on how the deaths occurred, or whether a weapon has been recovered. They may indeed still be looking for a second suspect. The profile picture Avsenew posted of himself on Facebook last June depicts a robust body, strong chest and clean-shaven face. Said Willis, his former girlfriend, “He was a fairly attractive young college kid who helped people out; the kind of person who worked hard.” Though police are so far still silent about it, Avsenew’s booking photo from Tuesday’s arrest depicts an ashen withdrawn face, intimating drug use. Across the state, Avsenew has been taken into custody more than a dozen times since 2003, state records show. He has been convicted of vehicle theft, rob-

“He was a fairly attractive young college kid who helped people out; the kind of person who worked hard.”

– Avsenew’s Former Girlfriend bery, grand theft and engaging in fraud through bounced checks. He also has pled no contest to marijuana possession, loitering, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal mischief and resisting an officer without violence. According to the Florida Department of Corrections Avsenew has relied on about eight different aliases, including the name Peter Avsenen. Under any name, Avsenew will apparently not fulfill the promises he made to himself and his infant son. Given the aggravating circumstances attendant to a double homicide, it appears the only place he is headed may be to Starke, Florida, where Death Row inmates are housed.

January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Home Prices Continue Decline Local Realtor Reacts to Market Conditions By Joey Amato

ast week, Standard & Poor’s released their much anticipated Case-Shiller composite index, which compiles home prices in 20 of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. The report showed a decline of 1.0 percent in October from September on a seasonally adjusted basis, a much steeper drop than the 0.6 percent fall expected by economists. Although this is bad news for homeowners, the drop does present a buying opportunity for many investors who are looking to snatch up distressed properties. “Demand for these properties will always remain strong,” states Andy Weiser of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate. “For primary users, the choice of available property is phenomenal. For investors, there has rarely been a better time to bulk up their portfolios.” The housing market has been struggling since home buyer tax credits expired earlier

this year. To take advantage of the tax credits, buyers had to sign purchase contracts by April 30. “In areas of the U.S., it was a very strong deciding factor in the strong uptick in the market. Once the tax credit expired, activity leveled quickly.” In the Greater Fort Lauderdale metro area the impact was not as great, Weiser tells SFGN. “At the end of the day, pricing is the key issue on buyer’s minds.” Another disturbing fact in the report shows home prices in the Miami metro area continue to decline. Miami was one of six markets to hit their lowest levels since home prices began dropping in 2006 and 2007. “The double-dip is almost here, as six cities set new lows for the period since the 2006 peaks. There is no good news in October’s report. Home prices across the country continue to fall,” said David M. Blitzer, chairman of Standard & Poor’s In-

Andy Weiser

dex Committee, in a news release. The leading measure of U.S. home prices reported year-to-year increased in only four cities – Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Washington D.C. “On a year-over-year basis, sales are down more than 25 percent and the months’ supply of unsold homes is about 50 percent above where it was during the same months of last year,” Blitzer said. Those deep discounts are what helped sell homes in Miami, according to a new report from CondoVultures.com. Weiser is quick to offer a reaction to the double-dip projection: “The economists may have called for it, but the people actually buying homes don’t seem to be listening to them. In the end, it’s the buyers and sellers who actually determine where prices will go, not economists or Realtors.” The real estate market has gone through many cycles over the past 50 years, but Weiser mentions what makes the current cycle different from those of the past is there was a larger amount of investor speculating based on loosened restrictions on borrowing. “Investors believed their own hype,” he added To further add fuel to the housing fire, Thomson Reuters reports U.S. home foreclosures jumped in the third quarter and banks’ efforts to keep borrowers in their homes dropped as the housing market continues to struggle. Regulators said one reason for the increase in foreclosures is that banks have “exhausted” options for keeping many delinquent borrowers in

their homes through programs such as loan modifications. Newly initiated foreclosures increased to 382,000 in the third quarter, a 31.2 percent jump over the previous quarter and a 3.7 percent rise from a year ago, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Office of Thrift Supervision said in their quarterly mortgage report. The number of foreclosures in process increased to 1.2 million, a 4.5 percent increase from the second quarter and a 10.1 percent increase from a year ago. Weiser considers this a buying opportunity. “Considering the number of primary home buyers and investors who we are writing contracts for – please note I didn’t say ‘offers’ – I would have to say this is a very good time to buy.” He also tells us lending has loosened up a bit and there is buying potential in every market, although to discover the best opportunities, a person must be “totally immersed” in that particular market or work with a Realtor who is. For home buyers, Weiser recommends looking into FHA mortgage programs, where rates could be as low as 3.5 percent. “Even better than that, as long as a property qualifies, there is a specific FHA Rehab loan. This means that if the property you are considering qualifies for an FHA loan but needs

“Considering the number of primary home buyers and investors who we are writing contracts for – please note I didn’t say ‘offers’ – I would have to say this is a very good time to buy.”

substantial renovation, FHA will appraise the property as if the work has already been done and loan you the rehab costs.” However, it is easier to purchase a singlefamily home over a condo or multi-family unit. “There is still mortgage money available with a 5% down payment for a non attached, single family primary residence. Of course there will be PMI on this loan. For attached properties, the average minimum is 20% for a primary residence. Investment property requires a higher down payment.” For more information, please visit AndyWeiser.com.

January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

AHF to Supply Free AIDS Drugs Florida ADAP Patients Find New Hope By Richard Gary

AHF Pharmacy will dispense the drugs to patients at its pharmacy locations. In addiatients waiting for life saving AIDS drugs in Florida got a shot in the tion, AHF Pharmacy will provide free shiparm yesterday when the AIDS ping and delivery services for patients who Healthcare Foundation announced that they need it. The AIDS Drug Assistance Program will supply up to $1 million in free AIDS drugs to those disenrolled and wait-listed by is a Federal/State program that pays for life-saving AIDS drugs for low-income state cutbacks to the ADAP program. AHF, through its AHF Pharmacy, will Americans. Nationwide, ADAPs serve over 165,000 people, accountsupply listed HIV/AIDS paing for one third of peotients on medication therple on AIDS treatment in apy as those patients wait the U.S. Unfortunately, for their medications to be the need for these prodelivered from private pagrams expands every year, tient assistance programs. as more and more people This will avoid any interrupbecome infected and diagtion in lifesaving medication nosed with HIV/AIDS; each therapy while patients tranyear thousands of newly sition onto patient assistance diagnosed HIV patients programs. turn to ADAPs because Said Michael Weinstein, the they cannot afford their President of AIDS Healthcare lifesaving medicines. Foundation “We hope to help AHF has proposed othease the state’s AIDS drug Michael Weinstein er initiatives to streamcrisis and get vulnerable Florida AIDS patients back on to lifesaving line the drug donation process by centralantiretroviral treatment,” said Michael Wein- izing the availability of free treatment for stein. The initial plan will offer five-day sup- patients at the pharmacy level. While some plies of medications to patients, allowing pri- state officials expressed interest in the AHF vate drug companies ample time to confirm concept, all major pharmaceutical compapatient eligibility for their respective patient nies rejected the idea. Meanwhile, Florida assistance programs. Weinstein’s goal is ulti- has become the twelfth state to institute a mately to spur greater efficiency among those waiting list for patients to receive lifesavdrug companies whose enrollment protocols ing AIDS drugs. As of December 10th, there were 2,396 Floridians on the state’s ADAP may be unnecessarily cumbersome. “The program AHF Pharmacy is cur- waiting list out of a total of 4,543 people on rently proposing will be implemented at no waiting lists in nine states. In a World AIDS Day Speech to South cost to patients, the State of Florida, and the pharmaceutical companies,” said Michael Florida, SFGN Publisher Norm Kent deKahane, Southern Bureau Chief for AIDS cried the situation as “unconscionable, and Healthcare Foundation. “AHF’s proposed an affront to the LGBT community. Conprogram is only for patients on Florida’s gratulations to AHF for standing up to legwaiting list and for those 350 who will be islative apathy. Were only our elected leaders to do so as well.” disenrolled due to the funding crisis.”

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Film Showcases Jewish Humor and Acceptance By A. Sebastian Fortino

he making of Oy Vey! My Son is Gay! was a long journey of 8 years of hard work, which finally resulted in a heartwarming and inspirational family comedy with an amazing and accomplished cast. Russian-born, Israeli-

raised director Evgeny Afineevksy brings the heartwarming story of one Long Island mother’s search for the “perfect girl” for her single son. The mother is played by Golden Globe, Emmy and Tony Award nominee Lainie Kazan, who took a turn in 2002 as a Greek Mother in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Saul Rubinek, Carmen Electra, Vincent Pastore, Tony Award winner John Lloyd Young, and Emmy Award winner Jai Rodriguez also star in the film. A number of other talented individuals were involved in the making of the film, such as Emmy Award winning comedian and writer Bruce Vilanch and, Grammy Award winning composer Desmond Child. British legend Lulu performs a song in the film written by Childs. Screenings of the film in North Miami, Miami Beach, Boca Raton and Delray Beach begin on Friday, January 7. Oy Vey! My Son is Gay! delivers a very powerful message through the language of humor, and successfully combines the elements of fun, love, respect, tolerance and the value of relationships. For more information and local show times, please visit OyVeyMySonIsGay.com and check under screenings.

Father Cutie Details Scandal in New Book (AP) A Miami priest who left the Catholic Church after photos surfaced of him kissing his girlfriend criticizes church leaders in his new book. Alberto Cutie – dubbed “Father Oprah’’ by the English-language media for his relationship advice – left the Roman Catholic Church in 2009 to become an Episcopal priest. The 41-year-old later married Ruhama Buni Canellis and the two have a daughter. Cutie details his secret relationship in his new book, “A Priest’s Struggle with Faith and Love.’’ Cutie writes he became disillusioned with “bishops too concerned with their own images’’ during child sex-abuse crises. He says church leaders secretly accept homosexual and heterosexual relationships among priests but disapproved of his because it became public.

LATE BREAKING NEWS ONLINE AT SouthFloridaGayNews.com/navy

Navy officer suspended for lewd video.

January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Off the Wall

Gaga Over WikiLeaks By Pier Angelo Guidugli documents made public by WikiLeaks so far. The reactions are predictable and full of senseless sound bites for the benefit of the masses. oliticians and Governments hate Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Democracy, even those who have preparing for his presidential run, said that risen to power through a demo- WikiLeaks informants should be executed. The contents of the secret cables, nothing cratic process. Since they are constitutionally incapable of being honest, they resent Top Secret yet, deal with the usual suspects, to be held accountable or questioned over giving us more confirmations of things we their actions. Once they are in office they already knew than anything else: • Iran’s nuclear ambitions scare all its neighspend most of their time making sure the same people who voted them into power bors and the decision is to be made on who are kept in the dark and under close con- will move in first. • Pfizer, the pharmaceutical giant, together trol, preferably through fear. The biggest break western democracies with the US Embassy in Nigeria, bribed the attorney general of the African could hope for came nation to avoid paying damcompliments of Osama ages for the experimental usBin Laden on 9/11. Deage of a drug that has killed livered on a bloody silver thousands of children. plate. The witch-hunts •The pressure put upon of the past resumed in the poorest countries by earnest thanks to The the US to obtain their vote Patriot Act and all the on the conference for cliconsequences that folmate change and maintain lowed. The once proud the status quo on high levAmerican people gave els of pollution emission. up their freedom and •That Brazil has borprivacy without batting Julian Assange rowed the warfare tactics of an eyelash. There is very little difference between to- the US in Iraq and Afghanistan to clean up day’s Homeland Security and the KGB of old. its slums. And so on and so forth. We have also The KGB infiltrated organizations, business and social groups, reporting anything that learned that Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Bank was considered anti-communist. Homeland of America, Amazon, and many others, will Security labels anything that it doesn’t like, bend over backwards to provide the Govor wants to crush, as “terrorism” without ernment with their data banks of informadistinction. It’s the password that allows tion plus refusing service to any entity or them to smash open any door, the Constitu- person labeled non grata by the hysterical tion be damned. The rest is accomplished “global powers” on the verge of losing the through all kinds of electronic surveillance little facades and respect they may have left. WikiLeaks is a step forward in our need and the gratuitous contribution of millions of Internet subscribers who blissfully, mind- and craving for freedom of information. On lessly and cheerfully post their lives and the other hand the backlash, not surprisingly, is not far behind. It is already in the making movements on social networks. That’s why I’m gaga over Julian Assange, a new wave of imperial laws aimed at labelthe avatar of our cyber society. He has turned ing as “terrorists” the digital Robin Hoods. It is interesting to see that Assange allied the tables, even if only for “fifteen minutes”. There is a high degree of pleasure in seeing himself with the “old media”, newspapers, Governments squirm, scramble, scream, lie to push forward his agenda. It is fundaand run for cover over the half a million plus mentally important that the credible pub-

“Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead” – Benjamin Franklin

wkimedia / New Media Days

lications now involved perform what they are supposed to and good at: verify, investigate and confirm the information released by WikiLeaks. The new and the old tools of communications must come together to dissect, stimulate, analyze, expose and organize the debate more than ever before in our history. They must consolidate their position as watchdog for the public interest. It is suspicious and disturbing, for example, that among the cornucopia of information released one Government in particular stands out for its low profile. Israel. How come there are no documents regarding the atrocities committed against the Palestinian people? The US is well represented by the 2007 video of the American military helicopter shooting down school children, innocent civilians and reporters with a couple of “Good shooting...– Thank You” voiceovers. Could it be that Assange has made a deal with the Israelis? Do we need an alternate and more transparent WikiLeaks already? Assange, the new anti-hero, is however slightly naive. Governments and Secret Services use one of two fool proof methods to get at someone who has become an embarrassment or in need to be discredited: taxes or sex. And so within a few months, as if according to script, he was framed into a sexual scandal. He should have cast the first stone and opened the Pandora’s Box of world sex. Perhaps by hiring Ken Starr as a consultant. Politics and sex make for a wonderful and explosive mix and match cocktail. Instead, nor the proclivities or sexual preferences of world leaders are featured in the cables released. It is hard to believe that with the amount of documents available

WikiLeaks has nothing of a sexual nature on anybody in power. I was looking forward to finally understand why Tony Blair, one of the most intelligent Prime Ministers ever, went along and acted as George W. Bush’s poodle on the Iraq War. It never made any sense. I was convinced, and still am, that his closet is a chock full of interesting skeletons. As the drama unfolds over the fate of Assange we can only sit back and hope for more documents to be released applauding his words: “Leaking is inherently an antiauthoritarian act. It is inherently an anarchist act... We get information in the mail ...vet it like a regular news organization... release it to the public, and then defend ourselves against the inevitable legal and political attacks”. Those who think Assange is just a hacker “threatening” our security should pay close attention to the words of Benjamin Franklin: “Those Who Sacrifice Liberty For Security Deserve Neither”. Only the truth, no matter how unpleasant or inconvenient, will set us free.

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

January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Leslie Robinson’s General Gayety

Gay Elf Says End ‘Discriminatory’ Policy By Sven Laplander

t’s always quiet at Santa’s Workshop in the first half of January. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are in Hawaii, and the elves are sleeping. But not one elf. Smizzle, the lead choochoo train builder, kept his eyes open long enough to call for an end to Shut Up, Make Toys (SUMT), Santa’s long-standing policy on gay and lesbian employees. Under the policy, Santa can’t ask if an elf is gay, elves can’t say they’re gay, and jolliness shall reign. SUMT has been in place since 1854, when Santa and a committee of homosexual elves hammered out the compromise over cocoa and sugar cookies. “I didn’t like it then, and I don’t like it now,” Smizzle said, as he sat in the elf cafeteria. “I refuse to hide who I am anymore. It’s unnatural. And it makes me so cranky I

hardly ever whistle while I work.” Smizzle emphasized that, in his view, this is an issue of fundamental fairness. “I do the same high-quality work as everyone else. I work dawn to dusk like everyone else. I wear the same curly felt shoes as everyone else. “I just happen to be gay. And that’s not something I should have to hide,” said the elf between yawns. He added, “Bottom line, I’ve had it up to my jingle bells with this discriminatory SUMT.” Smizzle admitted his call to end SUMT was inspired by the decision of the United States of America to end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT), its well-known policy concerning gays and lesbians in the military. “Look, if they can finally stop discriminating, then surely we can,” said Smizzle.

Susan Estrich

The Death Penalty Debacle

alifornia has more prisoners on death row than any other state. Last year, according to the Los Angeles Times, it added 28 more, for a total of 717, contrary to trends elsewhere. Meanwhile, there hasn’t been an execution in five years because they can’t get the right combination of the three drugs necessary for a safe and effective execution. I kid you not. Some deterrent. You have a much better chance of getting away with murder than you do of being executed for it. If you tried to design the worst possible system, the most inefficient in accomplishing anything and most ineffective in serving its own stated goals, you couldn’t do better than this. The issue is no longer whether you’re for or against the death penalty on moral grounds; it’s how you fix a punish-

ment system that is rotting from the head. If you’re for the death penalty, you should be mad because we don’t actually have it. It’s not a real deterrent if it takes decades (literally) to even get close, and so long as the criminal justice system is as flawed as it is, it’s simply not OK to shortcut review when death is the punishment. I have always thought that death penalty proponents should be leading the charge to support and improve the criminal justice system so that it won’t make the sort of mistakes that justify the lengthy and expensive review. In all of these respects, California’s issues are only an exaggerated version of many states, a great headline for a much bigger problem. If you’re against the death penalty, you should be mad because 717 people are now waiting in line for that injection, and one of these days, the state will find the magic sup-

Shut Up, Make Toys. But a veteran doll-maker, Duzzle, struggled out of his deep sleep to express the view that SUMT should stay. Duzzle said, “If I know the person hand-

ing me doll clothes is gay, it might cause me to lose my focus. I might put a dirndl on a GI Joe, and then where would we be?” Smizzle said he’s talked with some of the reindeer, and they’re supportive. “Really, all they care about is reindeer games,” he said. Reached by phone at his vacation condo on Maui, Santa said he would deal with SUMT when he got home, “and not a moment before. You’ve already made me miss my stand-up paddling lesson.” Mrs. Claus sent a subsequent e-mail, explaining that SUMT was established in a different era, that the world has changed, and she personally believes the policy should be abandoned. But protocol must be observed, she insisted, and any talks between concerned parties must take place over coffee and fruitcake. If SUMT remains in place, Smizzle said he’ll leave Santa’s Workshop. “It’s the last thing I want to do. This has been the only world I’ve ever known. I love my work, and being part of something big. But I gotta be me.” Then Smizzle fell asleep on the table, the elf’s pointy ears almost touching his tea and gingerbread.

ply. In truth, the delay has had very little to do with the suffering of the prisoner facing death, and everything to do with opposition to the death penalty and concerns about the fairness of sentencing. The injection string is about to run out, however, and it’s not at all clear to me that the new governor and attorney general, both known to personally oppose the death penalty, are going to want to take the lead in telling the majority of Californians (albeit a smaller majority than a few years ago) that they’re wrong about the death penalty, particularly when both campaigned on the promise not to do just that. However much success opponents have enjoyed, when the drugs finally arrive, nothing is blocking the door. Meanwhile, the homicide rate in Los Angeles continues to decrease. Hooray, the death penalty deters murder. Hooray, we don’t need the death penalty to deter murder. Hooray, at least this debate has nothing to

do with crime policy. Ever since Willie Horton, if not before, the politics of crime have been dominated by debates over the death penalty and detention (one strike, three strikes, mandatory minimum, life for this and that) that have left prosecutors (who make the charging decisions) with the power that should belong to judges, have left prisons overcrowded with a mish mash of defendants, a few of whom will predictably get out too soon and commit heinous crimes, leading to more “automatic” sentencing law designed to ferret out such criminals – which have exactly the opposite impact. And so it goes. So politician after politician has, if not embraced the death penalty, affirmed their responsibility to carry it out. But it doesn’t get carried out, nor do the fundamental underlying issues ever get addressed, even as the lawyers go back and forth to court, decade after decade. You’d think we’d all be mad enough to at least talk honestly. We’ll see.

“I mean, that’s a country where a quarter of the people think their president was born in another country. We’re behind them? It’s mortifying.” A survey has never been conducted, so it’s hard to know how other elves feel about

January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

International News

sexuality with death penalty provisions was introduced in Parliament, a newspaper published a list of prominent gay professionals, including names and addresses, with a call to “Hang Them.” Back in November, when a U.N. committee voted on the extrajudicial resolution, a majority of nations tant functions,” said voted to delete the referTodd Fernandez, a ence to sexual orientahuman rights lawyer tion, yielding to pressure and activist based in from some Arab and AfNew York City. “U.N. rican member states to leadership against antiremove it. The vote was LGBT discrimination 79 to 70, with 17 counis now setting the tone tries abstaining and 26 for the world.” nations not voting. Fernandez said that Removing that refervarious international ence “felt like a stab in human rights treaties Ambassador Susan Rice the back of homosexwere written to include ual people in countries race, religion, and sex On December 10, where those killings do explicitly, but relegated Ambassador Rice said that take place,” said Boris sexual orientation to she was “incensed” over O. Dittrich, acting dibe implied under “other status.” the earlier vote to remove rector of the Lesbian, “Gradually, we are sexual orientation from a Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Program of the filling in this archaic human rights resolution... Human Rights Watch, gap in global consciousbased in New York City. ness and the Obama adReinserting sexual orientation, he said, ministration deserves credit for this,” said “could help put an end to the hateful killing Fernandez. Since 1999, the U.N. General Assembly of people based on their sexual orientation has approved a bi-annual resolution on ex- or gender identity.” Following the U.N. reversal vote last trajudicial executions, urging nation states “to investigate promptly and thoroughly week, the White House issued a statement all killings,” including those “committed applauding the outcome: “Today’s vote in the United Nations marks for any discriminatory reason,” including “sexual orientation.” The resolution is the an important moment in the struggle for only U.N. resolution explicitly mentioning civil and human rights. The time has come “sexual orientation.” Although General As- for all nations to redouble our efforts to end sembly resolutions are not legally binding, discrimination and violence against lesbian, they do establish an international standard gay, bisexual and transgender people.” “No one should be killed for who they for a majority of the world’s nations. In 2005, two teenage boys believed to be are,” said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in gay were hanged by Iran. Under Iran’s Is- a press release. “Sadly, many people around lamic Penal Code of 1991, homosexual rela- the world continue to be targeted and killed tionships are illegal, and sodomy is a crime because of their sexual orientation. These punishable by death, according to the Inter- heinous crimes must be condemned and innational Gay and Lesbian Association. The vestigated wherever they occur.”   Former U.S. Ambassador to Romania hangings were reported by BBC and Human Michael Guest, now a senior adviser to the Rights Watch. As of May 2010, six other countries have Global Equality Council, called the U.S. laws allowing the execution of persons con- diplomatic effort “remarkable,” adding in a victed of homosexual conduct, including statement, “The United States took a very Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, principled position, and our diplomats Somalia, and Nigeria, according to recent- worked very hard at the U.N. and in capitals ly released publication of Human Rights around the world to explain to other counWatch. And last fall, in Uganda, where a tries why this is an important human rights bill to broaden the criminalization homo- cause.”

UN Votes to Protect Sexual Orientation Status By Chuck Colbert Keen News Service

n an important win for LGBT people and U.S. international diplomacy, the General Assembly of the United Nations voted to restore a reference to “sexual orientation” in a resolution against the killing of vulnerable minority groups –a reference that had been removed only a month earlier. The vote to restore explicit mention of sexual orientation came on December 21, with 93 member nations favoring restoration, 55 countries voting against, 27 nations abstaining, and 17 countries absent. The United States sponsored the measure. On the same day, the General Assembly then approved the amended resolution, with 122 countries voting in favor, no nation voting against, and 59 abstentions, according to the Associated Press.  LGBT civil rights groups and human rights activists welcomed the vote, praising

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice for her forceful advocacy. On December 10, International Human Rights Day, Ambassador Rice said, in a U.N. speech, that she was “incensed” over the earlier vote to remove sexual orientation from a human rights resolution on extrajudicial, summary, and arbitrary executions. She vowed a U.S.-led push for its reinsertion. “[We] applaud the principled leadership of the United States and other like-minded countries in restoring the language and staking out a clear claim for gay men and lesbians at the United Nations,” said Mark Bromley, chair of the Washington, D.C.based Council for Global Equality, in a press release. The council advocates for American foreign policy inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity, according to its mission statement. “Protecting minorities from persecution is one of the United Nations’ most impor-

January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Guest Column

The Modern Male By Michael Weinstein

he modern male lives in a brave new world. A lot of the rules about how a man is supposed to act, look, and take care of himself have changed forever. Men don’t have a set of clear rules passed down from his father or anybody else to guide them. And, the distinction between a gay man and a straight one is not as clear as it used to be. Looking back, with or without gaydar, it was a lot easier to know who was gay in the past. Earrings were a dead giveaway or just caring a lot about your appearance in general, was a good indication. A worked-out body was almost conclusive. Not to mention that “real men” didn’t express emotions in the so-called “good old days”. Our very conceptions about what it means to be masculine have gone through a transformation. Whether by hormones or conditioning, men were supposed to be on the prowl a lot of the time. However, women were more concerned about finding a reliable mate. That paradigm is also going through a metamorphosis. Women are much more likely to want to play the field then they used to and people mate and marry much later. Men have opportunities to hook-up that they never had before. Whether it is websites like Manhunt or applications like Grinder, the man of the moment is no further away than your smart phone. There is a beauty in the ease with which men can meet and satisfy their immediate needs or meet the man of their dreams. Either way there are dangers out there that must be navigated. It is highly unlikely, that any man who

hooks up frequently, over a long period of time, is not going to be exposed to or come down with sexually transmitted diseases. This is a fact of modern day life. You are just playing the odds and I think you know it. Most men are not going to put the genie back in the bottle and stop taking advantage of the opportunities that our time affords for an active sex life. So, certain precautions must be taken. I won’t bore you or lecture you once again, with what you already know, about the importance of condom use to prevent STDs. Just for the record, condoms are the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself during penetration. However, since almost no one uses condoms for oral sex, you will not be without risk. Most STDs can be transmitted by oral sex, although the transmission of HIV orally is highly unlikely. The next best defense for you and your partner is a regular check-up every six months. AHF has made the whole process painless so you have no excuse. We are all afraid to find out that we have something. It will take us out of circulation while being treated and we will have to tell our boyfriend, husband, or playmates, which is just plain icky. Unfortunately, this is a price you have to pay for being a modern man. Departing cyberspace to encounter the joys of real life mucous membranes has its risks as well as its rewards. Michael Weinstein is the President of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. His column originally appeared in Frontiers Magazine in Los Angeles.

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January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Brian McNaught

Big Stuff, Small Stuff – Which Is Which?

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t was clear by the look on his face that Ray needed to eat right away. His pain medications, taken on an empty stomach, were making him sick, and I needed to find a place to have breakfast immediately. We were unfamiliar with the locale, and the restaurants were seemingly a half mile apart on the road, so I quickly turned into a grocery store lot, and parked the car in front of an ice cream parlor that advertized “Breakfast” on its window. Our scrambled eggs were powdered and microwaved, along with the thin bacon strips. The Cuban female cook behind the counter spoke very little English so we had to order our meal by pointing at the number on the menu. The coffee was weak, and the green tea was sweetened, contrary to my request. It was one of the worst meals of our lives. “It’s food,” I said as I looked at Ray’s defeated face. “All that it needs to do is fill your stomach so that you’re not sick.” “I’m okay,” he said. “It’s you I’m worried about,” knowing my sensibilities, and my perpetual quest for the perfect place to eat. “I’m fine. It didn’t need to be gourmet. It served its purpose,” I replied, reminding myself that there were children in the world eating bugs and worms to stay alive who would have found those powdered eggs to be a king’s feast. As we left the parking lot, and continued on our daytrip down the Florida Keys, we spotted a Waffle House restaurant a half mile away. The meal there would have been much, much better. But that wasn’t the point. Sometimes you make do with what you’ve got because you have to. And it would have been a silly waste of time to spend even a minute regretting that we hadn’t driven further. There are big things in life that demand our attention, and there are small things that don’t merit much thought. Wisdom is knowing the difference between the two. When we make a big deal out of everything, we exhaust ourselves emotionally,

and we forfeit the experience of serenity. The “big things” in my life are those matters which draw my attention, keep me awake at night, and command all of my resources. Big things in my life include other people’s wellbeing, and other people’s feelings. Ray is at the top of my list of the “other people” who I watch out for. His health and happiness are big deals for me. My concern extends from him to the close friends of my life, and equally to the safety and security of all gay and transgender people, and others who struggle to feel safe and valued. I sincerely care about any person, regardless of who or what they are, whose life is being unfairly impacted because of their status. I guess the “big” things in my life involve the “little” guy or gal. The little things in my life that beg for attention but aren’t worth getting upset about include the driver who just cut unsafely in front of me while talking on a cell phone, and without using a turn signal. My inclination is to want to honk, pass their car, cut in front of them, and flip the bird. But I then try to remind myself that it isn’t important. There are people elsewhere losing loved ones. I need to save my strength for the big stuff. The small stuff in my life also includes a surly waiter, pulling the last Kleenex from the box, an empty roll of toilet paper, a movie that doesn’t start on time, the snub of a relative, the nearby drunken person in the restaurant, the crying baby on the plane, the late arriving newspaper, the evil YouTube messages of the Fundamentalist Christian who hates gay people, rain on a picnic, losing the Super Bowl, rap music blasting from the car stopped next to me, getting lost, having a flight canceled, missing the start of a taped television program, a gossipy neighbor, a burned out light, weeds, spam, a traffic ticket, a grumpy flight attendant, a hotel bed that continued on page 28

January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

National Lgbt Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force and Grants Announced By Dana Rudolph Keen News Service

he federally supported National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (NAASP) on December 30 officially announced a task force dedicated to suicide prevention among LGBT youth. Pamela Hyde, the openly gay head of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) revealed plans in November to form such a task force. And, on the same day as the Alliance officially announced the task force, SAMHSA separately announced the availability of up to $5.5 million for campus suicide prevention programs that meet the needs of youth the Alliance has identified as being at particular risk, including LGBT youth. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are from 1.5 to seven times more likely to report having attempted suicide than their non-LGBT peers, according to the Alliance. Transgender youth, although less well studied, are believed to have higher rates of suicidal behavior as well. The task force will be led by Charles Robbins, head of The Trevor Project, which operates an LGBT youth suicide prevention program nationwide, and Kevin Jennings, the Department of Education’s Assistant Deputy Secretary for the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. Jennings, an openly gay appointee, founded the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN).

The Alliance, launched by Secretary of Health Kathleen Sebelius and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in September, is a public-private partnership supported by SAMHSA, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is designed to advance and update the 2001 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. Robbins said in an interview that he believes the task force will be able to inform government agencies as well as private non-profits about “appropriate, evidencebased suicide prevention programming that works for this community.” He noted that many different government agencies—including the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Defense—are involved in suicide prevention, and the task force will be able to “provide some linkages” among the efforts. He also hopes the task force will be able to share with and learn from the other Alliance task forces addressing high-risk populations, including American Indians/Alaska Natives and military service members and veterans. He said he and Jennings are still in the process of naming members to the task force and would be convening in January to identify specific goals for the group. For the complete article, go to: sfgn.com/suicide

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January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Under the Big Top

Life in the Circus By J.W. Arnold

or Billy Murray, joining the circus seemed natural. “My parents took me and my brother to the circus every year,” the 24-year-old clown recalls. “The circus was always magical to me, and of course, the clowns were my favorite.” As a boy, Murray would make up his own clown face using his mother’s lipstick and put on his own circus acts. He later took gymnastics lessons from a graduate of the now closed Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College who encouraged him to pursue his love of clowning. He eventually completed a course in clowning but then enrolled at the Art Institute in Philadelphia to become a graphic designer. continued on page 26

January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Nightlife by J.W. Arnold

Did You Make New Year’s Resolutions?

nation with an exotic Bloody Mary bar second to none.

early all of us engage in that annual ritual: making promises in the New Year to lose weight, exercise more, eat better, read more books…..the list goes on and on and, in most cases, these resolutions prove to be fleeting at best, most abandoned within days. Laurie Whittaker and Marty Kildea, owners of SideLines Sports Bar in Wilton Manors, made their own resolution for 2011 and it’s one of the toughest to keep. The popular destination is becoming smoke-free and closed for two days earlier this week to spruce up the place. Sports fans will still enjoy plenty of games on the flat screen TVs, take in a game of pool or darts, or just hang out, but they’ll be enjoying a breath of fresh air at the same time. Congrats to everyone at SideLines for providing another smokefree option in South Florida. Neighborhood bars like SideLines are located all over Fort Lauderdale.You’ll find a different scene, laid back and friendly, at these hangouts. Most don’t have dance floors and few bring in celebrity DJs or big name porn stars, but that doesn’t matter for their dedicated patrons. We thought we’d spotlight some of our favorite neighborhood gay bars in Fort Lauderdale this week:

atty’s on the Drive, 2426 Wilton Dr., offers a friendly non-smoking environment, as well as a full service deli.You’re likely to run into friends playing Wii in the afternoon and then hanging around for a sandwich later.

everal fun destinations can be found on Andrews Ave, including Shannon & Anthony’s Corner Pub, tucked away in a little strip mall at 1913 N. Andrews Ave. Since Shannon and Anthony bought the bar several months ago, they have made the bar a Sunday afternoon desti-

ust up the street at 2740 N. Andrews is the most uniquely decorated bar, Monkey Business.You’ll go bananas over this place, which is decorated with monkeys of all sizes, shapes and colors. The bar also hosts popular weekend drag shows that really pack the boys—and girls—into the tight space.

nd just around the corner on Oakland Park Blvd. is the Stable. As its name implies, country is king at this bar where men are men and fillies get ridden. Stop by on a Wednesday night for DRAGO, a hilarious take on drag BINGO.

n Federal Highway, there’s something for everybody. The Depot recently moved to the 2900 block and opened a cabana bar. In addition to the smoke-free bar, you can sip cocktails poolside and soak in South Florida’s warming rays. Best of all, the new location has plenty of parking. No jockeying in the old residential neighborhood for a spot to park.

rive towards downtown to the Cubby Hole, 823 N. Federal Hwy. Called the “best little butch bar in Fort Lauderdale,” Cubby Hole is especially popular with the bear crowd and features a tasty menu, too, of food. On Sundays, pick up a free Sloppy Joe after 8 p.m.

f you take a slight detour onto Sunrise Blvd., you’ll find Mona’s Cocktail Lounge. Mona’s kind of looks like a Ruby Tuesday or Applebee’s with lots of memorabilia strewn across the walls, but don’t let that throw you because it’s a fun place to hang out. Here’s a resolution you can keep in 2011:Visit some of the area’s unique neighborhood bars.You’ll be glad you did!

January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Heard it on...

Annie Lennox Honored By Queen

By Karl Hampe

THE REGULARS

Sweet dreams are made of this for Annie Lennox, honored by Queen Elizabeth II in the monarch’s New Year list of awards. The statuesque Scottish singer, who came to fame in 1980s duo Eurythmics, was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, or OBE, for her work with charities fighting AIDS and poverty in Africa. She is an ambassador for development group Oxfam and founded the SING campaign to help

women and children with HIV. Lennox said she was “getting my fake leopard pillbox hat dusted and ready” for the Buckingham Palace investiture ceremony. “As somewhat of a renegade, it either means I’ve done something terribly right - or they’ve done something terribly wrong,” she said. Lennox, 56, is among several 1980s icons honored in Friday’s list. Fashion designer Katharine Hamnett, creator of that decade’s oversized “Choose Life” slogan T-shirts, and Grammywinning music producer Trevor Horn, who honed the futuristic sound of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, were both named Commanders of the Order of the British Empire, or CBE. Britain’s honors are bestowed twice a year by the monarch - at New Year’s and on her official birthday in June – but recipients are selected by committees of civil servants from nominations made by the government and the public. In descending order, the honors are knighthoods, CBE, OBE and MBE – Member of the Order of the British Empire. Knights are addressed as “sir” or “dame.” Recipients of the other honors have no title but can put the letters after their names.

January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

VIEWS OF THE NEWS Kwanzaa at Pride Center On the evening of December 30th, The Pride Center teamed up with Bishop S.F. Mahee and Gillead Pharmaceuticals to host a Kwanzaa Celebration. About 120 attendees enjoyed food, music and displays on gay African American history provided by the Stonewall Library.You can learn more about Kwanzaa at OfficialKwanzaaWebsite.org

PHOTOS BY Jarrett Terrill

(Above) The first-ever LGBT HoliGay Celebration & Toy Drive, hosted by The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) – LGBT community partners donated 400 toys to the Miami Beach Police Department’s Children’s Holiday Relief Fund effort. It was a resounding success, according to Steve Adkins, president of the MDGLCC, and made the holidays of many children brighter.

January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Dining OUT

J. Mark’s Restaurant 954-390-0770 1245 N. Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale Fl. 33304

Although I have eaten there many times, tonight I had the opportunity to sample a few new dishes which were recently added to their eclectic menu, beginning with what By Joey Amato ne of the newest restaurants on turned out to be my favorite selection of the evening, the Ahi Tuna Sliders. the Fort Lauderdale dining cirThis unique item is made with sushicuit is J. Mark’s Restaurant. Just grade ahi tuna, which is Cajun crusted, a few months ago, the restaurant opened its second location on Federal Highway, just seared rare and placed on fresh mini buns topped with spicy remoulade, red onnorth of Sunrise Boulevard. Despite the ions, and crispy wontons. My guest and I beauty of the restaurant’s interior, I prefer thoroughly enjoyed this dish, and actually dining alfresco on J. Mark’s huge patio. decided to come back later in the week for Our gracious server began the meal with two of J. Mark’s signature cocktails, a margarita seconds. The sliders are served with wasabi and ginger soy for dipping. and a mojito.The mojito was my favorite, Next up were J. Mark’s signature Prime served with Bacardi Silver, Malibu coconut rum, a sweet lime and mint syrup in a raw sug- Rib Sliders, thinly sliced slow-roasted prime ar-lined martini glass.Their enormous covered rib on fresh mini buns accompanied by patio is a great asset to the establishment and creamy horseradish and basil pesto, served with a cup of au jus. We were impressed is my favorite place to sit when I visit.

at how tender and juicy the meat was and how well the horseradish complimented the dish, however, the prime rib was the star in this appetizer. One of the restaurants most popular new items is their Bam Bam Rock Shrimp, lightly battered rock shrimp tossed in sweet & spicy Szechuan sauce served on a bed of fresh julienned red cabbage, topped with chopped peanuts, diced green onions, and red peppers. This Asian-inspired dish is a real delight. Initially, the sweetness overpowers the dish, but it is later supplemented by a hint of spice. Our final starter was the Bruschetta, topped with balsamic-marinated Roma tomatoes, fresh basil and minced garlic with homemade pesto and finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The balsamic dressing really brings out the freshness and flavor of the tomatoes. I am never one to say no to a Filet Mignon and J. Mark’s, although not necessarily thought of as a steakhouse, prepared a very good filet. Grilled to a perfect medium rare, the hand-seasoned beef tenderloin was served with a loaded Idaho baked potato. J. Mark’s also features a large selection of salads and pastas to accompany

your meal, but other entrees that looked appealing included Caribbean Pork Tenderloin, moist pork medallions marinated in a Caribbean spice blend served with basmati rice & black beans, garnished with sweet plantains and fresh mango salsa as well Chicken Fierro, sautéed chicken breast topped with sliced prosciutto, smoked mozzarella cheese and served in a Dijon white wine cream sauce. To end our wonderful meal, my guest decided to try the Key Lime Pie, which left him absolutely speechless. It was probably one of the best I’ve had. In a previous visit, I tried the carrot cake, which was delicious and large enough to feed a party of four. J. Mark’s is a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner and will surely become a staple in the South Florida community. For location and dining information, visit Jmarksrestaurant.com. Please join SFGN as we present our One Year Anniversary: Reader Appreciation Celebration hosted by J. Mark’s Restaurant and benefitting Tuesday’s Angels on Wednesday, January 19 from 6-8 p.m. To RSVP for this event, please call the newspaper office at 954-530-4970.

January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN to Host Anniversary Party You’re Invited to Reader Appreciation Celebration By A. Sebastian Fortino

Tamanini, General Manager,The Manor Complex. n January 19 “It is not often South Florida Gay that life gives you News will celebrate the opportunity to our first anniversary, start something, at J. Mark’s Restaurant, grow it and have a located at 1245 N. SFGN Staff great success with Federal Highway, from it. Norm Kent had that gift with The Express between 6 and 8 p.m.This event is open to and is now in the process of doing it again any and all of our readers – we just ask that in an improved way with SFGN, which is an you RSVP emailing us at sebastian.fortino@ SouthFloridaGayNews.com or by calling 954- important and vital force in our community. Continued success and good luck,” Daniel 530-4970 by January 17! We also wanted to share with you some M. Pye, Vice President, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. testimonials from friends and allies who “SFGN is a great source for news, yet has have been with us since Volume 1, Issue 1! a longer shelf life than a periodical – it’s “South Florida Gay News has given the sort of like a localized, weekly, coffee table LGBT community of South Florida a lebook,” John Castelli, Castelli Realty. gitimate, respected vehicle to communicate There is $10 suggested donation to atissues and concerns as well as celebrate milestones throughout 2010.We look forward to tend this event. All proceeds will go directly to Tuesday’s Angels. new developments throughout 2011,” Jason

Steve Adkins Declared ‘Person of the Year’

Wire Magazine Honors MDGLCC President with Prestigious Award By Joey Amato

ast week, Wire Magazine declared Steve Adkins, President and CEO of the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce ‘Person of the Year’. Publishers Rafa Carvajal and Thomas Barker surprised Adkins with the declaration. “It is an honor to be included among such an esteemed group of successful business leaders,” Adkins states. “These past 18 months will hold a very special place among many fine memories. With the opening of the LGBT Visitor Center, my greatest satisfaction will be knowing that Michael Aller will have a lasting legacy in Miami Beach and the Miami-

Dade LGBT community has a place to call home.” In a recent issue of Wire, Barker praises Adkins. “We have been so impressed by the incredible work and accomplishment of Steve Adkins in supporting the community, we decided to name him Wire Magazine’s Person of the Year,” he states. Adkins does not accept full credit for the achievement. “This was a team effort for which I recognize Michael Vita, Jorge Richa and George Neary among many others. Especially, I want to thank Rafa and Thomas at Wire Magazine for recognizing our Chamber accomplishments for 2010,” he tells SFGN.

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January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Life in the Circus continued on page 19

“(Graphic design) just wasn’t satisfying because I knew at heart I was a performer,” Murray says. After going on auditions and a stint at Universal Studios, in 2009, the aspiring clown got his big break and won a position with the famed Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey circus, which rolls into Miami this week for a 10-day run at American Airlines Arena. Nearly two years later, his character, a musical clown with a real drum in his hat, enters the arena—circuses rarely perform in tents anymore—to unleash his antics on the audiences. “With clowning, you get to wear your insecurities on the outside,” he says. “I’m not a big guy, only 5’2”, but I can really play with that. Somebody who is 6’4” can look pretty still next to somebody who is small.” While Murray dishes out zany stunts, keyboardist Ryan States provides the music for the acts, setting the scene for crazy clowns and death-defying stunts alike. Unlike his colleague, however, States never dreamed he’d be performing for the circus. A 36-year-old singer-songwriter, he saw a job posting while studying at the University of North Texas. He inquired about the job and eventually spoke to the band leader. Soon he had joined the circus. “I went from doing musical theater or accompanying a singer to providing music for circus acts. While it’s similar, the challenge is that I want to watch the show,” States

laughs. “I have to remember to keep my eye on the conductor.” He admits favorite acts are the contortionists and the teeter totter, in which clowns try to balance each other in the most unusual ways. Behind the scenes, Matthew Variell brings a different kind of magic to the performance, running the series of 10 jumbotron screens that hang around the arena. “The video is a nice part of the show,” Variell says. “Our show, from a technical standpoint, competes with the Broadway style shows. We’re making circus history.” He hopes one day to rise to stage management, choreographing the show each day from behind the scenes, orchestrating the talent as they take the stage. Variell ended up with the circus in a unique way: his brother was already touring as the lead show electrician and recruited

Matthew, first to handle spotlights and later, the elaborate video support. “Mom makes the joke that both her boys ran off and joined the circus,” he chuckles, but after 16 months on the road, he’s glad he did. While Murray, States and Variell each play vastly different parts in the production, they have one thing in common—they are all openly gay. Each confirmed the company is very supportive of all its employees—nearly 350 people travel from city to city, many from

far flung countries in Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa—and their sexual orientation is rarely an issue thanks to the company’s blunt non-discrimination policy. “It’s been a marvelous opportunity,” says Variell, who counts among his closest friends a group of Russian performers he met on the road. And each agrees that life on the road can be challenging. The performers travel from city to city on a mile-long train that also serves as their accommodations, with each person occupying a small room, 10 to a car. States says it’s hard to date when he’s travelling to different cities each week and the small company (350) means there is a relatively small dating pool among his colleagues, even though he managed a five-year relationship once. “We’re here one day and gone the next,” Murray sighs. They each manage to take advantage of their new surroundings to explore the local gay life. Pumped up on adrenaline after the last show, they often will check out clubs or go dancing, as long as tomorrow’s show isn’t too early,Variell points out. Life in the circus isn’t for everyone, Murray says, and even he would like to settle down one day. But for now, all three are happy to be part of the “Greatest Show on Earth.” Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus American Airlines Arena, Miami Jan. 7 – 17, performance times vary Tickets $32 - $122 at Ticketmaster.com

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January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Wilton Manors Exposed! Emmy-Winning Documentarians Get Personal in Our Gayborhood

iSlAnd city center • 2550 northeASt 15th Avenue • Wilton MAnorS, floridA 33305

Jeffrey Seth Selzer, eSQ. • Scott A. WeiSS, eSQ.

By Jarrett Terrill

ne Square Mile is a documentary series that explores society within the microcosm of a single mile. The square miles range from the urban setting of New York City with 66,880 people living and working in a single square mile – to rural Texas with 275 people living in a sawmill community. This week, an episode on Wilton Manors, Florida is available to view online. The filmmakers, Carl & Elizabeth Crum (a young husband and wife team) decided to place special focus on the gay community in Wilton Manors. Some familiar faces from our little gay mecca make special appearances and talk about their perceptions of the Wilton Manors lifestyle. The couple interviewed everyone from gay bar managers, to catholic priests… to a little old lady who burnt her bra for

feminism. Who knew we lived in such a fun little town? Check out the video, now playing at: www.onesquaremile.tv Make sure to notice that they have a little donation box in the upper left hand corner of the site and it looks like it could use some love… Traveling all over the country to film documentaries just isn’t as cheap as you might think! You can even purchase a DVD copy of the video to watch when it’s no longer available online. To get directly to all the good stuff, here’s the extended link: www.onesquaremile.tv/1sqMile/Wilton_Manors_2.html

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January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Catching My Breath

Bad Things Happen When I Visit Florida By Paul Hagen Paul Hagen is our guest columnist for Catching My Breath. He is also the editor-in-chief of MetroSource.com, as well as an award winning playwright. A graduate of Fordham University, Lincoln Center, he makes his home in Brooklyn.

hen I first visited, about five years ago, I happily arrived at the home of friends with whom I was staying – Dot and George – and was greeted by an odor so rancid it could curl nose hair. Dot’s best guess was that something got caught in the pipes, because the smell was the strongest in the kitchen. We decided to get some rest and hope the smell would disappear by morning. Instead, I was shaken awake a few hours short of morning by Dot. There was smoke pouring out of the kitchen. The Fire Department was on its way. We stumbled out into the night and — after a flurry of activity — a fireman explained to us why the kitchen had been on fire and why the house smelled

so wretched. Apparently, a feral cat climbed into the wall and met its end becoming entangled with the wires above the circuit breaker box. Its body then landed on top of the box and proceeded to decompose, until several days later when a surge of electricity attempted to cremate the cat. Did you know that if a cat catches on fire in your wall, the fire department will not necessarily take it away? Oh sure, they’ll cut the wall open and put out the fire, but that pile of burnt, rotten cat is not the fire department’s responsibility. You may be left sitting there, waiting for your landlord to send a someone to do something about it. That’s the position Dot and I found ourselves in the day after the fire. George was

Father Harvey, Founder of Courage for Celibate Homosexuals, Dies at 92

blate Father John F. Harvey, who founded an organization for celibate Catholic homosexuals that now has more than 100 chapters worldwide, died Dec. 27 at Union Hospital in Elkton, Maryland. He was 92. An Oblate of St. Francis de Sales for 73 years, Father Harvey founded Courage, a spiritual support group for homosexual men and women, in 1980 at the request of Cardinal Terence Cooke of New York and served as its national director until his death. Today, Courage has chapters in the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Poland, Mexico, Slovakia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Philippines and New Zealand. “Father Harvey’s commitment to pastoral care in the church was tireless,” said Oblate Father James J. Greenfield, provincial of the Oblates’ Wilmington-Philadelphia province, in a statement. Father Harvey was instrumental in the founding of the De Sales Hall School of

Theology in Washington, where he taught moral theology from 1949 to 1987 and was president from 1965 to 1977. The school closed in 1996. Born in Philadelphia in 1918, Father Harvey entered the Oblate novitiate after high school and made his first profession of vows on Sept. 8, 1937. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1944, at the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. After earning his bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1941 from The Catholic University of America in Washington, Father Harvey continued his studies, earning graduate degrees in psychology and theology, and completing a doctorate in moral theology there 10 years later. He also was a professor of medical and sexual ethics at De Sales University in Center Valley, Pa., 1987-2009. Father Harvey had written more than 45 articles in professional theological and psychological journals on questions of human sexuality and counseling.

at work, so Dot and I waited in the stench for the handyman. We decided to make the best of it by stocking up on champagne and OJ and watching a Project Runway marathon, a little glamour, we hoped, would perfume the stench. By the time the handyman showed up late that evening, we were both a bit nauseas. Whether it was from the dead cat or too many mimosas, I guess we’ll never know. So when it came time for my return trip to Florida — this time for Dot and George’s engagement party — much ado was made over what new plague I would bring upon their house. Any time something went wrong, it became popular to blame it on their favorite bad luck charm – me. Upon my arrival they learned their apartment was infested by some fiery little insects and would need to be tented and fumigated. I imagine this process bears a great resemblance to Kirstie Alley getting ready for a night out on the town, but that’s another column. The plague of insects was

then blamed on me, as if I were a harbinger of bad tidings of biblical proportions. Later, during that trip, when Dot’s family friend with a learning disability went missing and we had to hunt for her up and down Hollywood Beach, this was also blamed on me. Although we all were drinking mimosas! When I learned a few months later that Dot and George’s wedding was cancelled, I couldn’t help but wonder if my “curse” had a little something to do with that, too. I’m not a superstitious person by nature. In general, my attitude runs more along the lines of, what you see is what you get! However, considering that my presence here has coincided with animals dying in the walls, insect infestations and the brief loss of a sibling with special needs, I can’t help but wonder — now that I’m back in Florida for my third visit— if I will once again bring chaos and calamity to those around me. So I say to my dear friend and host, Features Editor A. Sebastian Fortino, good luck!

Brian McNaught: Small Stuff continued on page 16

sags, a hole in a sock, increased postage, a canceled speaking engagement, not being thanked or acknowledged, and powdered scrambled eggs, among a long list of other irritants. I have found that the best response to these situations is to breathe, smile, and laugh. The big stuff in my life has included coming out, getting sober, quitting smoking, love, personal relationships, the death of my best friend in an automobile accident, the civil rights movement of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, fighting racism, sexism, and the other “isms” that demean people who have less power, the Vietnam War, the assassination of my personal heroes, the takeover and destruction of the Catholic Church by right wing fundamentalists, AIDS, becom-

ing aware, and learning to let go. When something bad happens to me, I can always think of something worse that is happening to someone else. That’s the small stuff. When something bad happens to others, I can’t think of anything worse that has happened to me. That’s the big stuff. It’s always possible that there’s a Waffle House restaurant just down the road that will provide me with a better experience than I got at the ice cream parlor in the mall, but hoping and waiting for what might be better, and resenting the experience that was less than anticipated, is making the small stuff into big stuff. Eating powdered and microwaved scrambled eggs for me is a less important life experience, requiring less emphasis and concern, than watching someone I love suffer for any reason.

January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Jon Allen and Island House – Almost Perfect. Never Normal. By Tony Adams

ou would think that the owner of Island House, the deluxe Key West clothing-optional gay guest house for men, would be interviewed in little more than a deep tan and one of the thin sarongs furnished in each of its well appointed rooms, but Jon Allen, a reserved and soft-spoken gentleman, arrived in sensible garb that might be featured in the Duval Street windows of Banana Republic. His appearance belies the careful management style that has made Island House the premier destination for sybaritic gay men in Key West since 1999. Anyone who has spent time at a gay resort will fessup to the fleeting romantic speculation about swapping the life back home for the excitement of inn-keeping, convinced that we each know the secret formula for success at what is actually an extremely demanding business. Jon Allen and his partner Martin Kay are among the few who did exactly that, when Jon left behind a career as product director at Payless Shoes, and Martin sold his chain of florist shops in London. Jon achieved his goal of making a major life change by the age of 55 when they acquired Island House eleven years ago. “We both had strong experience in retailing. We wanted to live in Key West, and we needed an income stream, but we didn’t want to own a store. We had a particular concept that we were pretty sure would work. Right down to the fresh flowers in the lavatories. We had been guests in many gay inns and some of them were truly horrible. We had also spent time at the Hawaii Four Seasons and thought why not use that as a business mod-

el? A place that really caters to its guests. I like the idea you never have to leave our property to get everything you want during your Key West stay. This property was available, but we couldn’t negotiate it. A year later, however, we worked out a deal and purchased it. When asked to define his product, Jon was swift and clear. “We are selling experiences for gay men. We have more in common with Disney than Marriott. We try to create an environment where anyone of any age, ethnicity and disposition will be comfortable.” Island House is an assemblage of several buildings, the oldest of which was constructed in 1895. They were conjoined as a guest house in 1976. “Renovating the property turned out to be much more expensive and challenging than we imagined. You see the fine appointments and the pool and spa facilities, but we see old buildings that need constant work, and last year we put on a new roof, and new flat screen TVs, and improved WiFi because guys used to just check email, but now they want strong internet service that can handle their Netflix and more. We just renovated our most elegant suite, adding twin vessel crystal sinks. It never ends.” The superb aesthetics of the facility is only one half of the success of Island House. The adroit management style of the couple is the other. Together for 20 years, they were married in 2004 in British Columbia. Jon feels that when long-time couples get married, there are some significant changes in the relationship. “Before we were married, our families really didn’t understand a ‘gay union’. They can’t really knowing if gay couples are just

good friends, fuck-buddies, lovers, joint account holders or what. Once we got married, we were more clearly defined for them and it deepened our relationship with them. “I think it is important for us to have separate roles in the business so we won’t step on each other’s toes. I do the business side, and Martin does the art, design and entertaining side. We are both owners who are hands-on managers of our business. When the owners are not managers, the result can be terrible for the guests. “The English have a concept they call ‘Leading from the front’. I tell an employee that I respect the customer and he should do the same. I empower all my employees to handle problems, no matter what their position is. I have a staff of 35. It is a bless-

ing for me to come in here every day and be surrounded by happy people. Martin has a more Eueopean, perhaps formal, sense of service. We had to make so many decisions in our early years. Should the staff wear uniforms [They wear matching tee shirts.] Where should sex be allowed on the premises? [Where not is the shorter answer.] Should the staff be allowed to have sex with the guests? [Happily for all, they are.] Jon was glad for the opportunity to talk about the economic climate and tourism in Key West. He resents the “phenomenally irresponsible” coverage of the Gulf oil spill that happened 1000 miles away and never really reached Key West. Island House has had a record year and gets an unheard of 40% return on survey forms given to guests when they check out. Even those who complain about minor inconveniences swear they will return. “They beg us not to change anything. Despite all the excellent restaurants in Key West, some of them report that they had our burger three days in a row. “ Although he updates the menu frequently, Jon promises to retain the Mile High Carrot Cake and the Mango Cheesecake. As a test of his premise of meticulous management, I asked Jon if the paint on the walls of the video lounge and maze is Benjamin Moore’s “vermillion”. “You are right about the fact that it is a Benjamin Moore paint, but the color is ‘Heritage Red’.” And yes, the devil is in the details. Key West’s latest marketing slogan “Almost perfect – never normal” perfectly describes Island House and its owners.

harles Perez returns to the South Florida public forum with a book titled Confessions of a Gay Anchorman, which is due out on February 1st. The word “exile” is mine. Perez is too positive and upbeat to ever use such a word to describe what happened to him, even though, from his point of view, he was forced out of a successful career in order to have the freedom to live his life as he wishes. The word “exile” seems appropriate. In addition, we are talking about the bigoted Florida laws which prohibited Perez from marrying another man and adopting a child—the laws that forced him to temporarily move to another state to continue living his life in freedom. I remember watching The Charles Perez Show, a nationally syndicated talk show about 15 years ago in New York. Of course, his good looks got my attention. But beyond that, he had a combination of charm, intelligence and insouciance that immediately made you feel at ease and engaged in the topic. Little did I know at the time that this was a gay man with the same issues of equality that many other gay men have had to struggle with. He was my local news anchorman on WABC’s Eyewitness News. If he wasn’t on, I’d switch to Sue Simmons. Up until last year, he could be seen anchoring the evening news at Miami’s WPLG, getting recognition for some serious documentaries, including one on Hugo Chavez. He parted with WPLG, amid accusations of discrimination on the part of the station. The Peruvian American journalist and graduate of Florida State University is now a writer and has contributed to The Huffington Post, The Advocate, The Daily Beast and numerous other publications. In the following interview, Charles Perez talks to SFGN about his past, present, and future. SFGN: First, we want to get your name right. You have stated that you intend to take the name of your husband, Rinehard. Should we call you Mr. Rinehard or are you keeping the Perez name professionally? CP: Actually, I did take his name. We want our family to be the Rinehard family so that

Charles Perez Confessions

January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

we all use and identify under the same last name. For me, it’s also been an act of love to take his name. Professionally, I will continue to use Perez but it is no longer my legal name.

SFGN: You have stated, “Kids are killing themselves because someone taught them that being gay is so bad, so shameful, that death is a preferable alternative. That has to end.” As you know, teen suicides have to do with self esteem and the importance our society places on appearance, especially in the gay community. What advice would you give to a gay teen who doesn’t look like Charles Perez and is beginning to understand what a disadvantage this is going to be in his life? CP: I don’t think not looking like Charles Perez is a disadvantage. Frankly, I’m not always sure I want to look like Charles Perez! That said, I think the issue here is shame, and imposing shame on kids because they’re gay, regardless of what they look like. When you go to church and the preacher tells you that homosexuality is a sin or your dad goes-off at the dinner table about the homos down the block, our inner self begins to take on that shame and we begin to hide who we are. It’s not fair. No one would ever say, “Being blue eyed is a sin!” It just doesn’t happen. We need to make anti-gay rhetoric just as unacceptable and ridiculous sounding. There is no shame in being gay.

SFGN: But Perez is not your birth name. What compelled you to change your name when you started your career as a broadcaster? CP: Perez is my mother’s maiden name. Growing up, my sister and I used both my mother and father’s surname with our latin family or when in latin America, as it is common to do. When I launched my on-air career I wanted to do the same, and go by Charles Dabney Perez. However, The Tribune Company (which owned The Charles Perez Show) disagreed. They said, “The world already has Sally Jessy Rafael. We don’t need another three name talk show host.” So, they asked me to choose. Wanting to reflect both my Hispanic and Anglo heritage I went with Perez. I was named after my mother’s father, Carlos Perez, so it wasn’t much of a stretch.

SFGN: I know it’s difficult for you to comment on your lawsuit against WPLG. But since it involves another gay man in management who (allegedly) acted against you, do you feel, as I often do, that gays discriminate against other gays more so than straights discriminate against gays? Is this something we should all be talking about more, and what can we do about it? CP: I think the broader point you’re getting at is really about how we treat each other and about how shame manifests itself in the community and in the workplace. When we deny we’re gay or even allow people to continue to believe that we’re straight (especially when you’re a public person) we’re perpetuating the shame associated with being gay. Basically, we’re letting our own issues get on everyone else. Some straights may have issues with gay people but it is rarely as personal as it is for a gay person who is still in the closet. That person may often act out of fear. Often, that fear can be damaging, not only to him/her self, but to others. Bottom line, we need to get to the

of a Gay Anchorman in ‘Exile’ By R.E. Frederique

point where there is no fear and no shame attached to being gay. As for WPLG, all I can say is I have satisfactorily resolved all my differences with the company. SFGN: How do you answer the charge that you and your husband considered leaving Florida and that it would have been better to stay and fight for gay rights in the state? CP: We got married in Westport, Connecticut in September 2009 and were planning on moving there at the time. Then there was a death in my family and a lot of drama that seemed to dictate that we stay in Florida, at least for the time being. So, we stayed. We were just so disillusioned with the lack of employment rights in the state of Florida and frustrated with the anti-gay adoption statute that we really wanted to go somewhere where we’d be embraced. As it turned out, we went around Florida’s anti-gay adoption law and adopted our beautiful daughter in Kansas in July 2010. It meant jumping over a lot of hurdles, but we made it happen. The way it played out also felt so “meant-to-be.” She’s definitely a part of us. Thankfully, Florida has finally come along on this issue and, hopefully, will never go backward. There are too many wonderful kids in this state who need good homes. SFGN: Do you both intend to stay and live in Florida eventually? CP: We don’t know where we’ll end up. For now – today – we’re here. Give me a call in a year! SFGN: Does the recent court decision on the Martin Gill case–and the Florida Attorney General’s policy of not appealing that decision–make you regret you left the state in order to adopt? CP: No. We did what we had to do at the time. We didn’t know when – or if – the appellate court would render a decision and which way they would decide. So, we went to a New Jersey attorney who’d walked down this road with other Florida couples and he told us, “Stay away from Florida. If you adopt, even in another state and take the child back to Florida, the Department of Children and Families will come take the child away from you.” It scared us. So, we decided to adopt and remain out of state until the adoption was finalized. Then, we came back to Florida and couldn’t get health insurcontinued on page 32

January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Charles Perez continued from page 30

ance for her because gay adoption was against Florida statute. We eventually found our way around that restriction as well. At the time, we just didn’t know when or if the law would change and we weren’t willing to wait to find out. Today, I’m glad we didn’t. Not only do we have the perfect daughter, but I can only hope we were part of a chorus of people who helped push Florida into the future. SFGN: Did you ever consider doing what Ricky Martin did, use a surrogate? It seems to have worked for him and he remains a resident of Florida. But, as you pointed out

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in your article on gay adoption in The Huffington Post, there are thousands of unwanted children who age out of the adoption process, never finding parents. Was that an important factor for you in your decision to adopt as opposed to surrogacy? CP: We looked into surrogacy, but came to the conclusion that we really wanted to give a home to a child who needed a home. Who knows? We may entertain surrogacy down the road or choose to adopt another child. SFGN: You have a book coming out, called “Confessions of a Gay Anchorman.” Why the word “confessions?” Can you give us a preview? What juicy confessions to you have to tell us about? CP: The book was an amazingly cathartic

experience for me. From the day I went on the air in 1994 through my last day on the anchor desk at Channel 10 in Miami, I was always trying to balance the “gay” me with the professional me. I don’t think straight people on camera have to do that. This is that story, and a call to end what I call the double standard that goes along with being gay on TV. Meaning, you can be gay if you’re the side-kick, the clown, the stereotype, the design guru. But, if you’re the main guy –the serious guy - the nonstereotypical guy – the anchorman... it’s a different story. The book is filled with cameos from Anderson Cooper to Sam Champion to Ricki Lake. Hopefully it’s not only a good read, but will open up a conversation that’ll push us a bit more into the future. I hope so.

SFGN: After your book comes out, where do you see yourself going professionally? Will you continue in broadcasting? CP: I don’t see myself working as a regular reporter or as an anchor. I think those days are behind me. I can see myself as a commentator and primarily as a writer. This was my first book, but I’ve got a few more in me! Additionally, I’m launching a campaign called the NoShame Project. It’s purpose is to inspire young gay men and women to stand up against shame where it begins - at home, at work, at school or at church. It’s no longer acceptable to shame kids about being gay and I want to be apart of erasing that shame. To find out more about Charles Perez and to order his book, Confessions of a Gay Anchorman, go to www.charles-perez.com.

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S P O R T S

Gay Polo Returning to Wellington By Matt Clark

he sport of polo will take on a new field of players on April 2, 2011, when the world’s only Gay Polo League (GPL) will host their second international Gay Polo Tournament. Held at the Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, FL, the tournament will kick off with opening ceremonies and conclude with an awards presentation about 5:00pm, followed by an after-party! The GPL is a United States Polo Association (USPA) official club and consists of all levels of polo players, from beginners to professionals. The USPA rates polo players based upon athletic abilities, playing skills, and tournament play time. Members of all different levels are seen throughout the GPL, as the only skill required for club members is to have a passion for the sport of polo. The tournament will be comprised of twelve GPL players, and four world-class professional players.

GPL Founder and President, Chip McKenney, (COO of Troika Design Group) says, “Last year, GPL arrived in Wellington charged with excitement about playing polo at Grand Champions. And while we anticipated having a wonderful time, we were overwhelmed by the community turn-out and support we received. It was incredible! We cannot wait to play there again and reconnect with our new friends - polo and non-polo.” Said Ramrod business owner, Steve Whitney, not a typical sports enthusiast, “It’s the most fun I had all last year!” Joining the GPL can be done on one of three levels: Patron Membership – $500 per year; Full Membership – $250 per year and International/ Social Membership – $50 per year Admission to the April 2 tourney is as little as $20, though tailgate space and VIP tables are available. For more details, follow the coverage in SFGN or visit their website at www.GayPolo.com

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January 5, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com