December 14, 2011 • Volume 2 • Issue 49
Why we choose
Hillary Rodham Clinton as the
PERSON OF THE YEAR PUBLISHER’S EDITORIAL ON PAGE 18
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
3
page
Broward House ‘Heroes’
7
page
COVERAGE OF CLINTON’S HISTORIC SPEECH IN GENEVA STARTS ON PAGE 20
Dancing Stars Make Magic
27
page
Gay Choruses
29
page
Art Frenzie
Winner of the 2011 Stars of the Rainbow Media Star Award December 14, 2011 • Volume 2 • Issue 49
SoundBiteQ
Editorial Offices 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943
submitted photo
Notes from Publisher Norm… New newsworthy news
Norm Kent Publisher norm.kent@sfgn.com
D
id you notice our back page ad last week, which featured Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois, proudly promoting its campus and community, embracing individual expression? Their ‘Enrichment Scholarships’ specifically benefit academically qualified students from minority groups. They support LGBT groups through a variety of campus organizations, and their willingness to openly reach out to credible LGBT media for their recruitment is laudable and noteworthy. We thank them as they reach out to all of us. We are also very proud to have a wealth of new advertisers join SFGN and have friends returning. First, how about those Miami Marlins, signing Jose Reyes at the Winter Meetings to play for us next summer. I have got my season ticket plan, did you? Maybe my good friend, Andy Weiser, Fort Lauderdale’s favorite realtor, who returned to our pages last week, can help find him a nice home here in South Florida. Thanks as well to Dale Russell and Jan Carpenter, offering up a beautiful waterfront property for under $300,000. See their ad on page 5. This past weekend, I stopped by the opening of Sultan Khan’s Evoo Market at 1239 East Las Olas Boulevard. If you are into foods, and who is not, this venture is a new concept based on imported and domestic Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars. The oils are high quality, certified Extra Virgin and include a variety of natural flavor infusions, as do the Balsamic Vinegars. Customers are able to taste each flavor before deciding which ones to buy. Evoo Market will also carry high quality olive oil related products such as soaps, lotions as well as a variety of spices and salts. With the holidays around the corner, these items make great gifts and can be shipped anywhere in the continental U.S. Adjacent to the popular Gran Forno bakery, you can also pick up SFGN there.
Jose Reyes
Speaking of East Las Olas, not only home of the world famous Floridian Restaurant, have any of you had a chance to have lunch in J.P.Ottino’s new place, East End Eats? It’s an Sample dish from East End Eats intimate boutique eatery with home made food that is beyond spectacular, next to the 7-11 store. Real bright of me to lock my keys in the car there, after a great lunch with Florida Together Executive Director Michael Kenny. With the campaigns for political office well under way, we thank Democratic Congressional Candidate Patrick Erin Murphy, running against incumbent Alan West, for reaching towards the LGBT community. His energy and drive has won over many LGBT leaders, and at a party held at James De Jesus and Eric Johnson’s home last week, he was surrounded by Jim Stork and Ron Ansin, Dan Pye and Peter Mangano, Mark Glickman, Bill Phillips, as well as Fred Warten and Clifford Cideko, amongst others. But in all fairness, Patrick, the star of the party was James and Eric’s son, Kai. Congratulations to incumbent Sheriff Al Lamberti. It is not just for his noble support of charities this holiday season, and because he is everywhere reaching out to the LGBT community, including a series of recruitment ads here in our paper. He has directed his homicide detectives to resurrect some unsolved cold cases where LGBT men were the victims.
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Olive oils at Evoo Market
By the way, SFGN this week purchased 25 more red outdoor plastic newspaper boxes for distribution, part of our ‘Read Red’ marketing campaign. Would you like to ad your venue as a new location? Call me personally at the SFGN office, 954-530-4970. Happy to say this week SFGN is now also available at the CVS Pharmacy at 1 North Federal Highway at the corner of East Broward. Congratulations to Howard Cohen, who has recently opened a new Counseling practice at the Wilton Executive Suites. Mr. Cohen has lived in Wilton Manors/Oakland Park since 1998 and in his prior career, was one of the first openly gay bankers in First Union/Wachovia/Wells Fargo. In fact, Howard’s client base was primarily LGBT and he served as the chairperson for the South Florida chapter of Wachovia’s Gay And Lesbian Employees association and lead the way for the first ever appearance of Wachovia at FTL Gay Pride in 2007. He has been busy, both as a volunteer therapist for Sun Serve and participant in the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. We will talk more elaborately about Mr. Cohen again, but for now let’s wish him well with his new direction, and hope he can use his maturity and background to assist you. He can be reached at 954-980-9628. I am sure we all have had partners we can send to him. Get your ads in the paper today and support your credible, conscientious, community newspaper.
Howard Cohen
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Pier Angelo Guidugli
Chief Executive Officer Creative Director. . . . . . . . . George Dauphin george.dauphin@sfgn.com Online Website Director. . . . . Dennis Jozefowicz Designer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Bistolfi Office Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Swinford
Editorial Editor in Chief. . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Arts/Entertainment Editor . . . JW Arnold jw@prdconline.com Arts Correspondent. . . . . . . . Mary Damiano Business Editor . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Gary Senior Features Correspondents . . . . . . . . . . T ony Adams Jesse Monteagudo Correspondents. . . . . . . . . . . E d Donato Donald Cavanaugh Lisa Lucas Denise Royal Michael Anguille Contributing Columnists. . . . W ayne Besen Susan Estrich Brian McNaught Victoria Michaels Leslie Robinson Dana Rudolph David Webb Health Columnist. . . . . . . . . . Peter Jackson Editorial Cartoonists. . . . . . . K arl Hampe Darryl Smith
Sales
Marketing Director. . . . . . . . . Sales Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . Miami/Dade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sales Associate . . . . . . . . . . . .
J ohn Fugate Mike Trottier Terri Esterby Edwin Neimann
National Sales Representative.Rivendell Media todd@rivendellmedia.com Distribution Manager. . . . . . . JR Davis 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©2011 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
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December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Local News
Broward House Announces ‘Hero’ Award Winners Reception Slated for January 17, 2012 By Richard Gary
submitted photo
H
undreds of people gathered at the Hotspots Annual Holiday Party at the Embassy Suites last Tuesday, at a benefit for the Pride Center at Equality Park. The annual festivities mark the inauguration of the holiday season, and many leaders of the community attend. But on this night, Peter Clark, Scott Holland and the Hot Spots family were given a pleasant surprise. Their community spirit will be acknowledged by Broward House on January 17, in a reception honoring “Hope’s Heroes.” Also being honored at the evening’s festivities will be Norm Kent, SFGN’s Publisher. The list of fellow honorees also includes Rosie’s proprietors, John Zieba and Cliff Mulcahy; Karen Carroll and Julie Slater of Chic Optique; Marc Silverstone, Drew Miller, Kevin Murdoch, and the Leather Men’s Brotherhood of South Florida, often sponsoring charitable causes. Peter Clark
SFGN will cover the details of the evening as they are revealed.
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December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
CompassPoints… biweekly column from compass in lake worth
To Volunteer or Not Volunteer? By Ana Lucia Zagazeta
Ana Lucia Zagazeta
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V
olunteering is important for many reasons but the reality is that lots of people ask themselves this question: “What is in it for me to volunteer my time and energy?” In my personal experience volunteering allowed me to be part of a group of respected, well meaning people who help the community. In my own volunteer work, I found myself surrounded with like-minded individuals who share the common idea of being part of a happier well functioning community. Personal relationships don’t just work, we have to work at having good relationships. Giving is part of making relationships and communities work. I remember my first day as a volunteer, I was intimidated at the amount of skills and abilities among the other volunteers. In just one day I met so many dedicated individuals who did such amazing work. And soon enough I realized that I too was able to utilize my skills to contribute. I had a great time volunteering. There were lots of laughs and great stories from staff and other volunteers. If you look at life, every part of it asks us to make an investment in time and often money. Where we invest determines how our life evolves. Now that I work in an organization that relies on so many volunteers to provide the services we do, I can see the value and impact that the community at large receives. Without volunteers at Compass, there would be no PrideFest of Lake Worth and the Palm Beaches in March, no Stonewall Black & White Party in June, no Board of Directors to govern the agency, no front desk to greet visitors, no attendant at the David Bohnett cyber center to sign you in the computer, no groups would be able to meet in our center, and most importantly no heart. I always refer to volunteers as the heart of Compass. Just like the one on my chest,
volunteers pump life into every single activity and program Compass provides to the community. But if you want to talk bottom line and hard numbers, the volunteer hours donated to Compass throughout all of last year, if converted to comparable salary, it’s almost $150,000. So, what you get from volunteering depends on what you give. Being a volunteer has enriched my life with new friends, new skills, and experiences. It’s a great way to stay connected with members of the community, and it gives you a sense of purpose. I cannot imagine my life without doing some type of volunteer work and giving back to the community. And although it is a little early to be talking about New Year’s resolutions, add volunteering to your 2012 list. I am pretty sure you’ll be rewarded in unimaginable ways. Ana Lucia Zagazeta is the Communications Coordinator at Compass Community Center.You can reach her at ana@compassglcc.com.
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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By Jesse Monteagudo
B
ack in 1973, the year South Florida activist Mark Silber founded the Stonewall Library, most LGBT people were in the closet. Thirty-eight years later, Silber’s “baby” is now the Stonewall National Museum & Archives and hardly a day goes by when some celebrity does not come out as part of the LGBT community. “Our Stars: Gifts from Celebrities” is Stonewall’s tribute to an ever-growing list of famous women and men whose lives inspire our own. Opened on November 14 and running through December 31, “Our Stars” displays personal items, photographs, awards and historic artifacts donated by national and local LGBT celebrities. The exhibit is dedicated to the recently-deceased, Dr. Franklin Kameny, who is also featured. According to Brian McNaught, author and Stonewall Board Member, “[Our Stars: Gifts from Celebrities] was an idea that came from the board of directors as a means of educating today and tomorrow’s youth about the lives of community members of whom they could be proud. There was no definition of
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‘Star’ created, but the understanding was that the person’s life, work or individual contribution to our movement improved or positively impacted the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. A ‘Star’ does not have to be a pop-culture celebrity, but instead someone who can be looked up to as a role model in our community.” McNaught and other Stonewall board members compiled a list of well-known LGBT people. These people were contacted and asked to donate personal photos that portray them as they would like to be remembered by, as well as personal iconic artifacts that connect them to this and future generations. “Our Stars: Gifts from Celebrities” feature contributions by over forty LGBT celebs. They include six of Dr. Kameny’s protest signs, author Gregory Maguire’s handmade and painted ceramic bowl depicting Elphaba from his award-winning novel Wicked, fashionista Carson Kressley’s pink jacket worn in Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, SFGN publisher Norm Kent’s leather vest, actor Peter Paige’s orange leather pants worn in Queer as Folk, an early drag photo of Harvey Fi-
submitted photo
LGBT Stars Shine at Stonewall Exhibit
Bryan Knicely
erstein, a tennis racquet signed by Martina Navratilova, and the gavel used by Nancy Pelosi to hammer in the end of “Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell” and later donated to Rep. Barney Frank. Other contributors to the exhibit include McNaught, Elaine Noble, Joel Burns, John J. McNeill, Leslie Jordan, Lynn Lavner, Mark LaFontaine, Patricia Nell Warren and Virginia Apuzzo. Two of the Stars represented in the exhibit were given special honor by the Stonewall board. The Stonewall Heritage Award was given to Elaine Noble of Massachusetts, who in 1974 became the first openly LGBT person to be elected to a state legislature. Since then, most states have elected at least one such individual to their legislatures. Florida is still waiting. The newly-created Stonewall Spirit of Pride Award was given to Fort Worth, Texas Council member Joel Burns, for bringing international attention to the “It Gets Better” campaign against bullying. Both Noble and Burns were honored at the first annual Our Stars Party, held November 11 at the home of McNaught and his partner, Ray Struble. In attendance were such luminaries as Kent, McNeill, Chuck Wolfe, Diane Olson and Robin Tyler. According to Bryan W. Knicely, President of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, “the Our Stars celebration of community members’ contributions for 2012 has already begun with donations of personal photos and artifacts. The Our Stars Party will be held annually on the same weekend in November. The opening of the new exhibition will take place at the same time. Meanwhile, visitors are invited by the exhibit to “reflect on the Stars’ status of your own journeys. Think about what photograph might best represent you to others and what personal artifact would personally connect us to your hero’s trek. The ‘Stars’ of our lives are not limited to the celebrities of our culture. They include every lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender person, and our heterosexual allies, whose stellar lives of actualization and wholeness make us want to know their stories within our walls and hearts.” “Our Stars: Gifts from Celebrities” is housed at the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, located at 1300 East Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Hours are Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information phone (954) 763-8565 or visit www.stonewallnationalmuseum.org.
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Dancing Stars Make Magic at Manor
Misty Eyez and her dance partner
By Jason Parsley Photos by Pompano Bill
D
espite a last minute, anonymous, weekend e-mail campaign questioning the altruistic nature of the event, ‘Dancing with the South Florida Stars’ went off without a hitch Monday night at The Manor Entertainment Complex. The event was a huge success, with an enthusiastic audience roaring with approval, each time a pair of celebrity dance couples took the stage. In the end, Bruce Bogan, the proprietor of Copy This, would win the spectacular contest with his dancing partner, the renowned drag artist, ‘Elektra.’ The first time promotion was launched to benefit the ‘Brian Neal Fitness & Health
Foundation,’ an organization, which will provide free gym memberships to people living with HIV/AIDS. The 501(c)(3) corporation was unknown to most people since it was just incorporated this year. Brian Neal’s life partner Bobby Blair, publisher of the Florida Agenda and Mark Magazine, is listed as its director and also promoted the event with full-page ads. Last weekend, under a transparently false email address ‘markmagazine1@gmail. com’- community leaders began receiving emails questioning the integrity of the proposed event, saying the project was a ruse to help out its organizers personally. However the emails offered no proof or evidence of their claims and did not respond when
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
contacted by SFGN. The emails encouraged people to boycott the event, and promised to warn the IRS about how the proceeds would be disbursed. The emails also complained that more established AIDS service organizations were more worthy of public support. If the emails were an attempt to sabotage the program, it failed. More than 400 people showed up. Whether it was watching Russian ballroom dancer Dmitri partner with Johnny’s owner Sean David, or seeing elegantly attired Reece Darham of Island City Fitness showcase his talents with Velvet, the party was unique, unprecedented, and the hit of the season. The party even included a silent auction, which saw an electric guitar used by one time Styx bass player Chuck Panozzo sold for more than $1,500. For his part, Neal graciously thanked everyone for their support, promising to use the funds to acquire gym memberships for individuals living with HIV, so they can maximize their chance of staying healthy and strong while fighting the disease. The lawyer who incorporated the charity, Dean Trantalis, and also danced in the contest, said it was “an opportunity to acquaint the community with the Brian Neal Foundation, and its charitable purposes.” Paul Hugo, co-owner of the Manor with
Elektra and Bruce
Sean David and Dimitri
Brett Tannenbaum, said so many people showed up some had to be turned away at the door. “We were proud to host the event and we are optimistic that the funds raised will be used for a worthy cause,” he said.
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VIEWS OF THE NEWS
Photos by J.R. DAVIS
WORLD AIDS DAY
MARGaRET CHO BENEFIT CONCERT
Comedienne Margaret Cho with SFGN publisher Norm Kent
World AIDS Day vigil in Hagen Park
Luis Santiago and Jeff Palmer Attending the Margaret Cho Benefit at the Parker Playhouse
Ronnie W. and Steve McAleer
AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION HIV testing event in Mombasa, Kenya. AHF Kenya commemorated World AIDS Day by testing 3,620 for HIV and 119 were identified as positive. Photo on the right shows the Presentations at Mombasa World Aids Day event.
Photo courtesy of AHF 8
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
VIEWS OF THE NEWS
GLAAD Blue Carpet Gala
Photos by Tony Adams
On Saturday December 3rd, The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) held its inaugural “Blue Carpet Gala– A Star is Born” presented by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and ROKK Vodka and hosted by John Evans and Steven Wozencraft at their Fort Lauderdale home. The Blue Carpet Gala helps raise funds for GLAAD’s work in Florida and across the nation to bring culture-changing stories that increase understanding and build support for full LGBT equality to millions of homes, schools and workplaces.
John Evans and guests
The Martin Gill family
Ben Lap, Victor Fehrenbach, Michael Kenny, Irwin Drucker and Walker Burttschell “GLAAD South Florida is here to stay. Creating fair, safe and inclusive messaging in south Florida is the only way to go. Thank you GLAAD!”
Friends surround Democratic Congressional candidate Patrick Erin Murphy, second form right.
-Cordey Lash, event co-chair
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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Local News
OUR FUND ISSUES $10,000 IN GRANTS TO STONEWALL MUSEUM & ARCHIVES
S
tonewall National Museum & Archives was the recipient of $10,000 in grants as a result of an incentive offered to new donors of Our Fund. South Florida’s only LGBT community foundation, Our Fund, offers to grant to a donor’s favorite charity 10% of the value of their newly created Fund from a separate Fund which was established by the growing number of Our Fund’s founders. The designated charity must be local or statewide and provide services to the LGBT community.
The Paul Fasana & Robert S. Graham Fund and the Jim Stepp & Peter Zimmer Fund, recently created at Our Fund, have taken advantage of this offer and designated their incentive to the Stonewall National Museum & Archives. “We are delighted with the incentive Our Fund is offering and happy to see that Stonewall’s donors are working with Our Fund to accomplish their philanthropic goals,” said Bryan W. Knicely, President of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives “Local philanthropists can leverage their charitable investments by adding an additional value to their charitable giving. A new Fund at Our Fund can provide donors with an immediate tax deduction for their gift plus 10% of the value of their gift will be granted to their favorite charity from a separate Fund created by founders of Our Fund to promote philanthropy,” explained Anthony Timiraos, CEO/President of Our Fund. “A donor’s personalized Fund at Our Fund permits them to periodically recommend public charities that will receive distributions from their Fund.” Our Fund’s mission is to promote a culture of philanthropy by uniting donors
activists from Cameroon in order to discuss how the US can help and promote LGBT rights there.
NBA PROTECTS SEXUAL ORIENTATION
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SFGN BRIEFS
Anthony Timiraos
with organizations supporting the LGBT community. Stonewall National Museum & Archives is an extraordinary publicly accessible cultural and educational resource that preserves, interprets and shares the remarkable heritage of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. National News
Hillary’s speech prompts gay rights Petition in Cameroon
A
petition campaign on Change.org demanding the Cameroon government release two men jailed for homosexual acts has now generated 30,000 signatures. The men were sentenced to five years in prison due to Cameroon’s criminalization of homosexuality, and the campaign for their release continues to gain momentum following Hillary Clinton’s landmark Gay Rights speech Tuesday. The Association for the Defense of Homosexuals (ADEFHO), a grassroots Cameroon LGBT group, began the petition on Change.org after a judge ordered the two men’s imprisonment. According to ADEFHO, the men never engaged in sexual conduct and were only walking out of a bar together when police detained them. “Franky and Jonas should never have been condemned,” said Stéphane Koche of ADEFHO. “If Cameroon had a transparent and fair judiciary system, and if the President and Minister of Justice valued the human rights of all Cameroonians, Franky and Jonas would be free men today.” The Cameroon police have detained or arrested at least ten people for being gay in the past year. Apart from her speech, Secretary Clinton also met with human rights
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T
he NBA’s board of governors has approved a new labor agreement, which includes language protecting players from discrimination based on sexual orientation. The league already has those protections in place for employees. “I am pleased to announce that we have concluded the collective bargaining process and have reached an agreement that addresses many significant issues that were challenges to our league,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern. “This collective bargaining agreement will help us move toward a better business model, a more competitive league and better alignment between compensation and performance.” “The NBA now joins leading Fortune 500 companies and the vast majority of Americans who believe that gay people should have the same opportunities to work and live freely as who they are,” said Mike Thompson, Acting President of GLAAD. “This decision shows that homophobia has no place on the court or in the game and we hope that local, college and high school teams follow this important example.” Since last year, the NBA has taken many steps to place the sport of basketball near the forefront of a changing sports landscape in terms of LGBT inclusion. These actions include significant fines following players’ use of anti-gay epithets, public partnerships with LGBT organizations, to the appearances of Grant Hill and Jared Dudley in an ad campaign for GLSEN, support of now-openly gay former Phoenix Suns CEO Rick Welts,and even Shaquille O’Neal’s participation in GLAAD’s anti-bullying “Amplify Your Voice” PSA campaign.
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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National News
Other experts are divided
By Cristian Salazar Associated Press
H
ealth officials in the nation’s largest city are recommending that any residents living with HIV be offered AIDS drugs as soon as the virus is diagnosed, an aggressive move that has been shown to prolong life and stem the spread of the disease. Standard practice has been to have patients put off the expensive pill regimen which can cost up to $15,000 a year in the United States until the immune system weakens. But New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said recent studies have shown that the benefits of early treatment, combined with education and testing, appear to be a promising strategy for countering the epidemic.
“I’m more optimistic now than I’ve ever been about this epidemic that we can drive our new rates down to zero or close to it -- eventually. I don’t know how soon. But I’m very optimistic of the direction that it’s going to take the epidemic to,” Farley said Wednesday. More than 110,000 people in New York City are infected with HIV, more than in any other U.S. city and about 75 percent of all cases in the state. San Francisco, which had more than 18,000 people living with HIV, is believed to be the only other major city to have made a similar recommendation, in 2010. City health officials said the new recommendation could initially help about 3,000 people get on medications. About 66,000 New Yorkers living with HIV that the Health Department tracks are being effectively treat-
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WALK-INS EMERGENCIES
Elena Olivo
NYC Recommends AIDS Drugs for any Person with HIV Thomas Farley
ed with AIDS drugs, they said. But they said it was difficult to estimate how many people would eventually need the medications. Some doctors agree with the Department of Health that it is time to update the guidelines for initiating AIDS drug treatment. “The New York City health department is a little bit ahead of the curve. In my opinion, the rest of the country will follow, and I think it will be pretty quick,” said Dr. Michael Saag of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and past chairman of the HIV Medicine Association. The standard measure of the CD4 count a way to measure the strength of the immune system is an outdated trigger for therapy, a relic from research on early antiretroviral drugs, Saag said. “It’s an anachronism. It’s old school. It’s yesterday,” Saag said. “I agree completely with the New York City health department.” Dr. Joel Gallant of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and vice chair of the HIV Medicine Association also agrees with the New York recommendation for offering early treatment. He recommends early treatment for his own patients. “Nobody I know who is an HIV expert feels that it’s a bad idea to treat HIV at high CD4 counts from a medical or scientific standpoint,” Gallant said. “If there are objections, they’d usually be based on cost or feasibility.” Saag said the cost questions are very important because brand-name drugs can retail for $1,200 to $1,600 per month. “For sure, they’re very expensive drugs and we should be careful about that,” he said, though he added that the medications are going generic so costs should come down. City health officials said they anticipated that the cost for expanding the use of AIDS drugs would be covered by private insurance or by the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, a $270 million program for the uninsured or underinsured that is partially funded through federal dollars. The health officials said they expect the benefits over the long term would far outweigh the initial costs because there would be fewer hospitalizations and new HIV cases.
“There will be some increasing costs over the short term,” Farley said. “But over the long term, it’s absolutely the right thing for the epidemic.” HIV experts are split about whether early therapy should be recommended or optional. Besides the high costs, the pills have side effects from nausea to liver damage. Patients unwilling to take them religiously for life could develop drug resistance. A panel that recently updated U.S. guidelines was divided evenly, with half favoring starting therapy early for everyone and half regarding an early start as elective. But there’s growing evidence that untreated HIV can lead to cancers and heart disease. What’s more, antiretroviral drugs are safer, have fewer side effects and work better than they did in the past. New research also indicates that people live better, healthier lives and their sex partners are less likely to get infected. The new research cited by the city’s Health Department in making its recommendations includes a nine-nation study whose preliminary results were announced earlier this year and showed that earlier treatment meant patients were 96 percent less likely to spread the virus to their uninfected partners. Dr. Moupali Das, the director of research at the San Francisco Department of Health HIV Prevention Section, said its surveillance data indicated that physicians were treating their HIV patients early even before the city recommended doing so. She said the average amount of time from diagnosis to having no virus in the blood went from 32 months in 2004 to eight months in 2008. “That reflects that the newer medications are more potent and efficacious, and the doctors were likely initiating them earlier,” she said. She said they are currently analyzing what has happened since the recommendations went into effect. But, anecdotally, she said that there has been a change among patients seeking treatment. “It’s changed the dialogue and empowered our patient population,” she said. Public health experts predict the guidelines for starting AIDS drugs treatment will shift toward a clear recommendation for early treatment. But New York City’s health commissioner said officials there could not wait to respond. “What we’re doing here is we’re making a really clear and unequivocal statement that we think this is good for the health of the patient, good for the health of the entire population, good for the response to the epidemic,” Farley said.
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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HRC Searches for New President, Looking for a ‘Passionate and Productive’ Leader By Tony Adams
T
hree months ago, Joe Solmonese, president of The Human Rights Campaign, announced his departure. The search for a replacement is in progress and there is heavy speculation about who will be chosen to lead the battered but venerable advocacy organization that is eager to improve itself. Do not look for HRC to admit to any failings and shortcomings in the course of its ongoing search for a new leader. Instead, the job description highlights HRC’s more than 30 years of experience as an advocate for LGBT Americans, as a supporter of grassroots efforts to improve LGBT lives in America, as a political lobbyist and as an educator about LGBT issues. The job description will contain no visible handwringing over loss of prestige and financial support that may have beset HRC in recent years. The job description contains no visible discontent with its departing president whose tenure has not been without significant controversy. The job description also contains no dirty laundry about the way the outgoing president managed the staff and operational functions of HRC, but these elements are visible between the lines. HRC has engaged Russell Reynolds Associates to conduct the search for its new president. The job description has been published. The “Position Specification” summarizes the job as “The President’s job is to develop and implement HRC’s strategic vision, its policies and programs to advance the interests of its membership and the LGBT community as a whole.” The list of 8 specific responsibilities
(quoted in part below in italics) for the new president form a good indicator that the HRC is very aware of its own organizational problems and its eroded reputation and is now seeking some strong medicine in the person of a new president. Look at some of the key phrases in that list:
?
“The President must be able to inspire, motivate, coordinate and honor these multiple constituents in ways that advance the mission of HRC and maintain the highest standards of service and integrity”. HRC’s multiple constituents include the trans community that still feels tossed under the bus by HRC during the ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act) wars in which HRC temporarily dropped the T in LGBT in order to make the proposed legislation more palatable to the opposition. It is widely expected that HRC may give extra consideration to a qualified trans candidate as a remedy for this unfortunate circumstance. “One of the hallmarks of HRC’s mission is to assure workplace equality for all LGBT employees. HRC strives to attain those goals with its own employees by fostering a workplace that welcomes and embraces diversity and encourages industry, teamwork and mutual respect. The new President must not only embrace these values, but continually lead in creating an atmosphere that
promotes teamwork, client responsiveness, diversity, accountability, professional development and succession planning and helps the organization adapt to changing and disparate needs within the community”. These words highlight the possibility that during his tenure, Solmonese may have become disconnected from the 150 employees of his own organization. In his all-consuming work with the major players within the Beltway, he may have neglected the home fires. This may be an invalid criticism and an unrealistic expectation. I asked Pam Spaulding of Pam’s House Blend, who broke the story of Solmonese’s departure, about the job search. She pointed me to her recent comments about the difficulty of finding a person who can be a star both within the organization and in the public arena. She says, “It’s all about priorities. If a board wants to hire a controllable figurehead, and a smooth operator with media or potential donors, and a great administrator/supervisor, that’s a tall order. It’s hard to get the whole package at large or high-profile orgs, you’re going to get a certain level of, um, egocentrism in a pool of candidates that flock to the idea of heading up a non-profit that may be great for fundraising and hobnobbing in places of political power and access, but they could have core incompetencies that are deadly for morale in an organization poor handling of administrative detail, poor (or no) supervisory skills that are quite apparent to those who will report to him/her.”
“It is essential that the new President be able to convey HRC’s activities (and those of the broader LGBT community) effectively and persuasively to thought leaders and the broader public through a wide variety of communication tools.” These words may highlight the probability that the HRC president could have done more to partner with LGBT activist bloggers and online writers to enlist support for his work. The HRC board will urge the new president to establish a stronger partnership with online LGBT writers who are no
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longer the weak sister to traditional media. “Attract new members, allies, strategic partners, advocates, donors and volunteers… Engage diverse constituencies.” Although HRC still claims to have more than a million members and supporters, its reputation and its reach has acquired some tarnish and shrinkage. A new president will have to the difficult task of attracting the disenchanted. In addition to appeasing the trans community, HRC must reach out to other key constituencies. The straight allies of the LGBT community and activists outside the Beltway will have to become convinced of the value of HRC if it is to be reinvigorated. Bil Browning, the founder and owner of Bilerico.com says, “The three most important qualities for a new leader of HRC are: the ability to fundraise large amounts of money; able to look good, think quickly, and speak clearly in media appearances; and a personality that inspires trust and fence-mending in the LGBT community. It’s important to remember that HRC’s targeted demographic isn’t necessarily LGBT people as much as straight allies and potential donors.” HRC’s choice for a new president is also an opportunity to kill the perception that is represents an exclusively white and wealthy client base. Activist Waymon Hudson who writes for the Chicago RedEye says, “Having a leader who fully reflects the diversity of the community would help heal old divisions as well as break down harmful stereotypes of affluence or racial homogeny.” The “Candidate Profile” section of the job description is startlingly generic and targets someone who is “charismatic, visionary, strategic, poised, confident, energetic, sophisticated, collegiate, approachable, flexible, direct and diplomatic.” Just your ordinary off-the-shelf LGBT superhero. Despite this tall order, there is no lack of suitable candidates. One name comes to mind (and Bil Browning also suggested him.) Matt Foreman, who successfully led the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) seems to have the right combination of gifts. (This article appears in the December issue of 10Thousandcouples.com.)
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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General Gayety
By Leslie Robinson
D
iplomacy suddenly got a whole lot friendlier. Leaders of nations and leaders of faiths, instead of shaking hands, are kissing each other on the lips. Global warming, indeed. All this intimacy is courtesy of Benetton, the Italian clothing company, whose new ad campaign features unlikely duos smooching. In one image, President Obama kisses Chinese leader Hu Jintao. In another, Obama busses Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Needless to say, the pictures are fakes. So it’s no use wondering whether Obama considered the Chinese or the Venezuelan a better kisser. The photos were expertly doctored. The men have their eyes closed, their lips meet meaningfully and noses stay out of the way. Above their heads is the word if it is a word ”Unhate.” Clearly by pairing the leaders of countries that have tense relations, the ad sends a message about world peace.
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Clearly by pairing heterosexual men, the ad sends a message that at Benetton they know, when it comes to shock value, it’s hard to beat a gay twist. This is their variation on “Gay is Good.” During past ad campaigns, Benetton earned a reputation for shocking. Previous images included parents grieving over a man dying of AIDS, a priest and a nun kissing and a black woman breastfeeding a white baby. In recent years, various Obama-haters have depicted him as a Muslim, a chimpanzee, a zombie and the devil. That was to sell a philosophy, not Christmas bras. It’s unknown whether this queer depiction irritates Obama any more than the others did; the White House expressed displeasure on a different score. Deputy press secretary Eric Schultz said in a statement, “The White House has a long-standing policy disapproving of the use of the president’s name and likeness for commercial purposes.”
submitted photo
KISS AND SELL: A Look at the Gay Friendly Unhate Campaign Presidents who died long ago, however, are available to sell cars in February. Obama, Hu and Chavez aren’t the only ones to get the Benetton treatment. In a momentary display of heterosexuality, French President Nicolas Sarkozy kisses German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu plants one on Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. In the image that has created the biggest uproar so far, Pope Benedict XVI locks lips with Egyptian imam Mohammed Ahmed alTayeb. The two haven’t been on the best of terms all year, but to see this “Unhate” ad is to assume one of them said, “Let’s kiss and make up.” The Guardian reported that after posters of this image went up around Italy, the Vatican responded unusually quickly, condemning such provocative advertising, and
promising legal action to stop the use of a photo “in which the Holy Father appears in a way considered to be harmful, not only to the dignity of the pope and the Catholic church, but also to the sensibility of believers.” Who don’t want to see their pit bull of homophobia kissing another fella. Benetton immediately withdrew the image from everywhere. “We reiterate that the meaning of this campaign is exclusively to combat the culture of hatred in all its forms,” said the company. “We are therefore sorry that the use of the image of the pope and the imam has so offended the sentiments of the faithful.” Naturally they’re sorry. So, so sorry. So, so, so, terribly down-to-their-socks sorry. It never occurred to them that giant posters of the pope smooching a man might offend their fellow Italian Catholics. They’re surprised that the Vatican raised a stink. It never dawned on them that the uproar would generate free worldwide publicity. And Julius Caesar founded Versace, and Sophia Loren is in line to be the next pope. Leslie Robinson would be pleased to see a Pope Sophia. Email Leslie at lesarobinson@gmail. com, and visit www.generalgayety.com for more funnies.
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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SFGN Editorial
December 14, 2011
Person of the Year – Hillary Clinton
Norm Kent, Publisher
W
e celebrate Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as SFGN’s ‘Person of the Year’ for her continued support and advocacy of LGBT rights, from her days as a young lawyer to her tenure as First Lady in the White House. Last week, on International Human Rights Day, addressing United Nations delegates meeting in Geneva, Clinton dedicated her speech to advancing internationally the rights of LGBT citizens around the globe. This historic talk was off the charts and over the top. Never in the history of the United States has such a high-ranking official made such an unbridled acceptance about the dignity of LGBT citizens around the globe. It was a bold, courageous, honorable global initiative. Decades hence, it will be recorded as such. For now, let’s appreciate that this moment was monumental. When you think of how less than a week ago, the governor of Texas, a Neanderthal, backwards thinking, right wing, regressive, frightening Rick Perry, attacked those who support LGBT rights as compromised in faith, you realize how important Hillary Clinton’s speech was and is. As a tribute to her, we do what no paper in America has done. We print the entire text on our pages. We do so because every gay man and woman should read this talk and take it to heart. In the South Florida community, where gay life is accepted, and communities celebrate gay city commissioners, gay judges, and gay life, apathy becomes rampant. It “Some have suggested that gay rights and human rights are separate and distinct; but, in fact, they are one and the same.”
– Hillary Rodham Clinton
is like the pot laws. You think everyone smokes pot, and gets away with it, but the truth is 800,000 Americans still get arrested for marijuana possession every year. You hang out in South Beach, or relax for a drink at the Alibi, and so you think gay life is routine. But there are small and rural communities in and about America, let alone Africa, where gay teens are still bullied and openly ostracized. In Uganda, of course, thanks to American evangelicals preaching a gospel of hate, gay activists are fighting legislation, which would make their homosexual conduct punishable by death. In the face of worldwide indifference to LGBT rights, Hillary Clinton has dared tread where no one of her rank or stature has ever gone. We salute, recognize and acknowledge that her awe-inspiring address is an international anthem for LGBT civil liberties. It should resonate everywhere. For Hillary Clinton’s courage and history, we salute her as SFGN’s 2011 ‘Person of the Year.’ In calling for the universal recognition of LGBT rights, Hillary Clinton pointed out that to do so is to be “on the right side of history.” Let it be said that she was. Let it be recorded that we took note. Some might say her speech was visionary, and in a sense it was, because one day, in a world none of us will be part of, others will look back, and say, “They actually fought over that? How stupid!” And how right they will be tomorrow about how wrong some people are today.
Letter to the Editor
Salvation Army Responds to SFGN Article Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your November 29th article, “Why You Shouldn’t Donate to The Salvation Army.” Let me first of all state emphatically, The Salvation Army is open and inclusive to all people. Anyone who comes through our doors will receive help based on their need and our capacity to assist. We serve around 30 million Americans in need each and every year from a variety of backgrounds – we do not pick and choose who we serve based on religion, sexual orientation or any other factor. This promise goes to the core of our beliefs as laid out in our organizational Mission Statement: “The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” Any instance of discrimination is in direct opposition to our core beliefs and is against all of our policy. Some have raised concerns about our organizational position statement on homosexuality. Because The Salvation Army is a church, we do have theological positions on a variety of topics, including homosexuality, which are intended for our church members and officers. We recognize that people of good faith may disagree with some of these positions but they are based on our reading and interpretation of the Bible. Over the years, The Salvation Army has demonstrated a consistent ability to work with and alongside individuals and organizations that may not always be in agreement with our theology. They support us with time and financial resources because of a common cause commitment to serve people in need. Like Jesus, we strive to love the unloved and be compassionate to all – even when we disagree. Frankly, to act in any other way would contradict the very reason The Salvation Army was founded more than a century ago. So, when you pass by a red kettle this Christmas, we hope you’ll consider chipping in.Your neighbors in need will thank you. Salvation Army
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December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
McNaught’s Notes
Barney Frank is Santa Claus By Brian McNaught
M
y friend Barney Frank has announced he won’t run for another term of elected office in the U.S. House of Representatives. If you’re real quiet, you can hear the sounds of ecstatic cheers and “high fives” from the people across America who thought of him not just as Barney “Fag,” but as the single strongest voice for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender liberation in American history. He is their Santa Claus this year because he’s promised that he’s going to go up the chimney, like smoke that will drift away and never be seen again. (They really shouldn’t count on the last part.) In response to news of Barney’s decision not to run again, some gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people feel comfortable complaining that Barney the Congressman, who has represented Massachusetts’s 4th congressional district since 1981, was not the fat, happy, purple dinosaur that sings, “I love you; you love me,” throughout the children’s television program. “Barney the congressman is rude and grumpy,” some say. Yes, he can be, but no more so than Harvey Milk was, or some of the current executive directors of our community’s national organizations are. When I heard that Barney had decided not to run again, I cheered along with the Right Wing anti-gay politicians and pundits, but for a very different reason. I was really happy for Barney and his spouse, Jim Ready, who can now enjoy the moment by moment awareness of the love they share. Surrendering to love is very difficult to do when you’re running from meeting to speech to fundraiser to voting session. Jim is a really nice guy, and I’ve seen how he enables Barney to relax and smile. Isn’t it terrific that a man who has sacrificed so much of his personal freedom and privacy for the sake of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people can now take time to smell the scent of his spouse in bed on a lazy Tuesday morning? Barney Frank is my Santa Claus this Christmas. He is the best example we have today of a famous, highly-respected person knowing when to let go, to leave the stage, and to accept responsibility to his own health and happiness. His role modeling in choosing to be whole is a very special gift to all of us. Barney’s footprint in the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people throughout the world is much big-
ger than that of any other person, including Harvey Milk, Del Martin, Phyllis Lyon, or Frank Kameny. His name will be remembered as the gay lion in Congress whose roar for thirty years stopped crazy Republicans and weak Democrats from impeding the progress of our movement. And now, he’ll also be remembered as the man who had the courage to put his finger to the side of his nose and say, “Goodnight” I love Barney Frank. On occasion, he’s been rude to me too, though I’m certain he was unaware of being so. Far more often he has been exceedingly kind and respectful to me and to Ray. I confess that he has always intimidated me a bit because he’s much faster on his feet than I am, and he takes no prisoners. But that’s why I loved having him in Congress. Barney has been like your high school friend who made other kids think twice about taking you on. I never worried when Barney was in a televised debate that he would embarrass me as a gay man. More often than not, I knew that he’d make me laugh, if I could understand what he was saying. Back in the late 1970s, before he was out of the closet, Barney called me in Boston and asked for my support in his probable run against Elaine Noble. “I can’t, Barney,” I said. “Elaine is a lesbian.” He was not yet able to confide in me. A few years later, when he was still not yet out publicly, Barney and I were at a private house meeting of gay Democratic big hitters, such as Bob Farmer, then treasurer of the Democratic National Committee. When it was time to leave, all the gay men hugged and kissed one another, but they shook Barney’s hand. When I gave him a hug and kiss he whispered in my ear, “Thank you.” Coming out was as difficult for Barney Frank as it was for any other person from his generation, especially those in public office. But he did so, and as a result he lost the opportunity to be Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, a position everyone in both parties assumed he one day would have. He was made fun of in elevators and at luncheons by people such as Rep. Dick Armey, Republican House Majority Leader, who publicly referred to him as “Barney Fag.” Between 1997, when Massachusetts Representative Gerry Studds left office, and 1999 when Wisconsin Representative Tammy
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Baldwin joined the U.S. House, Barney was the only openly gay person in Congress. In his thirty years in the House, Barney has not only been the target of social conservatives who hated the thought of an openly gay Congressman, as much as today they hate the idea of a black President, but he also endured near constant criticism from the far left of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community for not doing enough for us, or for voting for legislation they deemed anti-gay. Santa is regrettably
leaving the House with a lot of bruises and scars. Is it any wonder you don’t hear him say, “Ho-ho-ho”? When you look in the stocking that Santa Barney has filled, you’ll find coal if that’s what you’re looking for. For me, I find an abundance of happy and proud memories, the strength of a role model and mentor, and the message of self-respect and preservation. I love you; you love me. www.brian-mcnaught.com
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PERSON OF THE YEAR Hillary’s Historic Remarks
on International Human Rights Day
Palais des Nations Geneva, Switzerland • December 6, 2011 This weekend, we will celebrate Human Rights Day, the anniversary of one of the great accomplishments of the last century. Beginning in 1947, delegates from six continents devoted themselves to drafting a declaration that would enshrine the fundamental rights and freedoms of people everywhere. In the aftermath of World War II, many nations pressed for a statement of this kind to help ensure that we would prevent future atrocities and protect the inherent humanity and dignity of all people. And so the delegates went to work. They discussed, they wrote, they revisited, revised, rewrote, for thousands of hours. And they incorporated suggestions and revisions from governments, organizations, and individuals around the world. At three o’clock in the morning on December 10th, 1948, after nearly two years of drafting and one last long night of debate, the president of the UN General Assembly called for a vote on the final text. Forty-eight nations voted in favor; eight abstained; none dissented. And the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted. It proclaims a simple, powerful idea: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
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December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
and rights. And with the declaration, it was made clear that rights are not conferred by government; they are the birthright of all people. It does not matter what country we live in, who our leaders are, or even who we are. Because we are human, we therefore have rights. And because we have rights, governments are bound to protect them. In the 63 years since the declaration was adopted, many nations have made great progress in making human rights a human reality. Step by step, barriers that once prevented people from enjoying the full measure of liberty, the full experience of dignity, and the full benefits of humanity have fallen away. In many places, racist laws have been repealed, legal and social practices that relegated women to secondclass status have been abolished, the ability of religious minorities to practice their faith freely has been secured. In most cases, this progress was not easily won. People fought and organized and campaigned in public squares and private spaces to change not only laws, but hearts and minds. And thanks to that work of generations, for millions of individuals whose lives were once human rights at home. Now, raising this issue, I know, is narrowed by injustice, they are now able to live more freely and to participate more fully in sensitive for many people and that the political, economic, and social lives of their communities. Now, there is still, as you all know, much more to be done to secure that commitment, the obstacles standing in the way that reality, and progress for all people. Today, I want to talk about the work we have left of protecting the human rights of to do to protect one group of people whose human rights are still denied in too many parts LGBT people rest on deeply held personal, political, cultural, and religious beliefs. So I come of the world today. In many ways, they are an invisible minority. They here before you with respect, understanding, and humility. Even are arrested, beaten, terrorized, even executed. Many are treated Like being a woman, though progress on this front is not easy, we cannot delay acting. with contempt and violence by their fellow citizens while authorities So in that spirit, I want to talk about the difficult and important empowered to protect them look the other way or, too often, even join like being a racial, issues we must address together to reach a global consensus that in the abuse. They are denied opportunities to work and learn, driven recognizes the human rights of LGBT citizens everywhere. from their homes and countries, and forced to suppress or deny who religious, tribal, The first issue goes to the heart of the matter. Some have sugthey are to protect themselves from harm. gested that gay rights and human rights are separate and distinct; I am talking about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, or ethnic minority, but, in fact, they are one and the same. Now, of course, 60 years human beings born free and given bestowed equality and dignity, ago, the governments that drafted and passed the Universal Declawho have a right to claim that, which is now one of the remaining hubeing LGBT does not ration of Human Rights were not thinking about how it applied to man rights challenges of our time. I speak about this subject knowing the LGBT community. They also weren’t thinking about how it apthat my own country’s record on human rights for gay people is far make you less human. plied to indigenous people or children or people with disabilities or from perfect. other marginalized groups. Yet in the past 60 years, we have come Until 2003, it was still a crime in parts of our country. Many LGBT to recognize that members of these groups are entitled to the full Americans have endured violence and harassment in their own lives, measure of dignity and rights, because, like all people, they share a common humanity. and for some, including many young people, bullying and exclusion are daily exThis recognition did not occur all at once. It evolved over time. And as it did, we underperiences. So we, like all nations, have more work stood that we were honoring rights that people always had, rather than creating new or to do to protect special rights for them. Like being a woman, like being a racial, religious, tribal, or ethnic minority, being LGBT does not make you less human. And that is why gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights. It is violation of human rights when people are beaten or killed because of their sexual orientation, or because they do not conform to cultural norms about how men and women should look or behave. It is a violation of human rights when governments declare it illegal to be gay, or allow those who harm gay people to go unpunished. It is a violation of human rights when lesbian or transgendered women are subjected to so-called corrective rape, or forcibly subjected to hormone treatments, or when people are murdered after public calls for violence toward gays, or when they are forced to flee their nations and seek asylum in other lands to save their lives. And it is a violation of human rights when life-saving care is withheld from people because they are gay, or equal access to justice is denied to people because they are gay, or public spaces are out of bounds to people because they are gay. No continued on page 22
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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Hillary’s historic remarks, continued matter what we look like, where we come from, or who we are, we are all equally entitled to we cannot do whatever we choose, not in a world where we protect the human rights of all. Reaching understanding of these issues takes more than speech. It does take a conversaour human rights and dignity. The second issue is a question of whether homosexuality arises from a particular part of tion. In fact, it takes a constellation of conversations in places big and small. And it takes the world. Some seem to believe it is western phenomenon, and therefore people outside a willingness to see stark differences in belief as a reason to begin the conversation, not to the West have grounds to reject it. Well, in reality, gay people are born into and belong to avoid it. But progress comes from changes in laws. In many places, including my own counevery society in the world. They are all ages, all races, all faiths; they are doctors and teach- try, legal protections have preceded, not followed, broader recognition of rights. Laws have ers, farmers and bankers, soldiers and athletes; and whether we know it, or whether we a teaching effect. Laws that discriminate validate other kinds of discrimination. Laws that require equal protections reinforce the moral imperative of equality. And practically speakacknowledge it, they are our family, our friends, and our neighbors. Being gay is not a Western invention; it is a human reality. And protecting the human ing, it is often the case that laws must change before fears about change dissipate. Many in my country thought that President Truman was making a grave error when he rights of all people, gay or straight, is not something that only Western governments do. South Africa’s constitution, written in the aftermath of Apartheid, protects the equality ordered the racial desegregation of our military. They argued that it would undermine unit of all citizens, including gay people. In Colombia and Argentina, the rights of gays are also cohesion. And it wasn’t until he went ahead and did it that we saw how it strengthened our legally protected. In Nepal, the supreme court has ruled that equal rights apply to LGBT social fabric in ways even the supporters of the policy could not foresee. Likewise, some citizens. The Government of Mongolia has committed to pursue new legislation that will worried in my country that the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” would have a negative effect on our armed forces. Now, the Marine Corps Commandant, who was one of the strongest tackle anti-gay discrimination. voices against the repeal, says that his concerns were unfounded Now, some worry that protecting the human rights of the and that the Marines have embraced the change. LGBT community is a luxury that only wealthy nations can afFinally, progress comes from being willing to walk a mile in ford. But in fact, in all countries, there are costs to not protectNow, the Marine Corps someone else’s shoes. We need to ask ourselves, “How would it ing these rights, in both gay and straight lives lost to disease feel if it were a crime to love the person I love? How would it feel and violence, and the silencing of voices and views that would Commandant, who was one to be discriminated against for something about myself that I canstrengthen communities, in ideas never pursued by entrepreneurs who happen to be gay. Costs are incurred whenever any of the strongest voices against the not change?” This challenge applies to all of us as we reflect upon deeply held beliefs, as we work to embrace tolerance and respect for group is treated as lesser or the other, whether they are women, the dignity of all persons, and as we engage humbly with those with racial, or religious minorities, or the LGBT. Former President [Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell] repeal, whom we disagree in the hope of creating greater understanding. Mogae of Botswana pointed out recently that for as long as A fifth and final question is how we do our part to bring the LGBT people are kept in the shadows, there cannot be an effecsays that his concerns were world to embrace human rights for all people including LGBT tive public health program to tackle HIV and AIDS. Well, that holds true for other challenges as well. unfounded and that the Marines people. Yes, LGBT people must help lead this effort, as so many of you are. Their knowledge and experiences are invaluable and their The third, and perhaps most challenging, issue arises when courage inspirational. people cite religious or cultural values as a reason to violate or have embraced the change. We know the names of brave LGBT activists who have literally not to protect the human rights of LGBT citizens. This is not given their lives for this cause, and there are many more whose unlike the justification offered for violent practices towards women like honor killings, widow burning, or female genital mutilation. Some people still names we will never know. But often those who are denied rights are least empowered to defend those practices as part of a cultural tradition. But violence toward women isn’t cul- bring about the changes they seek. Acting alone, minorities can never achieve the majoritural; it’s criminal. Likewise with slavery, what was once justified as sanctioned by God is ties necessary for political change. So when any part of humanity is sidelined, the rest of us cannot sit on the sidelines. now properly reviled as an unconscionable violation of human rights. Every time a barrier to progress has fallen, it has taken a cooperative effort from those on In each of these cases, we came to learn that no practice or tradition trumps the human rights that belong to all of us. And this holds true for inflicting violence on LGBT people, both sides of the barrier. In the fight for women’s rights, the support of men remains crucial. criminalizing their status or behavior, expelling them from their families and communi- The fight for racial equality has relied on contributions from people of all races. Combating Islamaphobia or anti-Semitismis a task for people of all faiths. And the ties, or tacitly or explicitly accepting their killing. Of course, it bears noting that rarely are cultural and religious traditions and teachings same is true with this actually in conflict with the protection of human rights. Indeed, our religion and our culture are sources of compassion and inspiration toward our fellow human beings. It was not only those who’ve justified slavery who leaned on religion, it was also those who sought to abolish it. And let us keep in mind that our commitments to protect the freedom of religion and to defend the dignity of LGBT people emanate from a common source. For many of us, religious belief and practice is a vital source of meaning and identity, and fundamental to who we are as people. And likewise, for most of us, the bonds of love and family that we forge are also vital sources of meaning and identity. And caring for others is an expression of what it means to be fully human. It is because the human experience is universal that human rights are universal and cut across all religions and cultures. The fourth issue is what history teaches us about how we make progress towards rights for all. Progress starts with honest discussion. Now, there are some who say and believe that all gay people are pedophiles, that homosexuality is a disease that can be caught or cured, or that gays recruit others to become gay. Well, these notions are simply not true. They are also unlikely to disappear if those who promote or accept them are dismissed out of hand rather than invited to share their fears and concerns. No one has ever abandoned a belief because he was forced to do so. Universal human rights include freedom of expression and freedom of belief, even if our words or beliefs denigrate the humanity of others. Yet, while we are each free to believe whatever we choose,
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December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
struggle for equality. Conversely, when we see denials and abuses of human rights and fail to act, that sends the message to those deniers and abusers that they won’t suffer any consequences for their actions, and so they carry on. But when we do act, we send a powerful moral message. Right here in Geneva, the international community acted this year to strengthen a global consensus around the human rights of LGBT people. At the Human Rights Council in March, 85 countries from all regions supported a statement calling for an end to criminalization and violence against people because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. At the following session of the Council in June, South Africa took the lead on a resolution about violence against LGBT people. The delegation from South Africa spoke eloquently about their own experience and struggle for human equality and its indivisibility. When the measure passed, it became the first-ever UN resolution recognizing the human rights of gay people worldwide. In the Organization of American States this year, the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights created a unit on the rights of LGBT people, a step toward what we hope will be the creation of a special rapporteur. Now, we must go further and work here and in every region of the world to galvanize more support for the human rights of the LGBT community. To the leaders of those countries where people are jailed, beaten, or executed for being gay, I ask you to consider this: Leadership, by definition, means being out in front of your people when it is called for. It means standing up for the dignity of all your citizens and persuading your people to do the same. It also means ensuring that all citizens are treated as equals under your laws, because let me be clear I am not saying that gay people can’t or don’t commit crimes. They can and they do, just like straight people. And when they do, they should be held accountable, but it should never be a crime to be gay. And to people of all nations, I say supporting human rights is your responsibility too. The lives of gay people are shaped not only bylaws, but by the treatment they receive every day from their families, from their neighbors. Eleanor Roosevelt, who did so much to advance human rights worldwide, said that these rights begin in the small places close to home the streets where people live, the schools they attend, the factories, farms, and offices where they work. These places are your domain. The actions you take, the ideals that you advocate, can determine whether human rights flourish where you are.
Obama, Clinton to World:
‘Stop Gay Discrimination’ By Anne Gearan AP National Security Writer Geneva December 6, 2011 (AP)
T
he Obama administration bluntly warned the world against gay and lesbian discrimination Tuesday, declaring the U.S. will use foreign assistance as well as diplomacy to back its insistence that gay rights are fully equal to other basic human rights. In unusually strong language, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton compared the struggle for gay equality to difficult passages toward women’s rights and racial equality, and she said a country’s cultural or religious traditions are no excuse for discrimination. “Gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights,” she said. Clinton’s audience included diplomats from Arab, African and other nations where homosexuality is criminalized or where brutality and discrimination against gay people is tolerated or encouraged. She said nothing about consequences or penalties the U.S. might apply to nations it judges poor protectors of gay rights, but she spoke shortly after President Barack Obama directed the State Department and other agencies to make sure U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote gay rights. Clinton named no countries with specifically poor records on gay rights, although the U.S. has already pointed to abuses against gays by such friends as Saudi Arabia. “It should never be a crime to be gay,” Clinton declared. The Obama administration already supports the broad principles of equality Clinton articulated, but making those principles an explicit challenge to other nations is new. The White House said Tuesday’s announcement marked the first U.S. government strategy to combat human rights abuses against gays and lesbians abroad. The order also directs U.S. agencies to use foreign assistance to protect human rights and advance non-discrimination and to work with international organizations to fight discrimination against gays and lesbians. The speech in Geneva, home of the Unit-
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
ed Nations’ human rights body, is also part of the Obama administration’s outreach to gays and lesbians, a core Democratic constituency at home. Since taking office, Obama has advocated the repeal of the military’s ban on openly gay service members now accomplished and has ordered the administration to stop defending a law defining marriage as between one man and one woman. However, Obama has stopped short of backing gay marriage, saying only that his personal views on the matter are evolving. Clinton said she knows the United States has an imperfect record on gay rights, and she noted that until 2003 some states had laws on the books that made gay sex a crime. But there is no reason to suggest that gay rights are something only liberal, Western nations can or should embrace, she said. She said nothing about gay marriage. “Gay people are born into and belong to every society in the world,” Clinton said. “Being gay is not a Western invention. It is a human reality.” In her most direct challenge to nations with conservative cultural or religious mores, Clinton catalogued abuses such as targeted killings of gays, “corrective rape” of lesbians or forced hormone treatments. She likened the targeting of gays for mistreatment to “honor killings” of women, widow-burning or female genital mutilation, examples of practices the U.S. decries but has not penalized friends including Afghanistan for carrying out. “Some people still defend those practices as part of a cultural tradition,” she said. “But violence toward women isn’t cultural; it’s criminal.” She also compared the evolution of cultural attitudes toward homosexuality to the changing view of slavery. “What was once justified as sanctioned by God is now properly reviled as an unconscionable violation of human rights,” she said. The audience included lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists who applauded loudly and whooped in approval
when Clinton finished. Some of the diplomats who were invited were unaware of the topic beforehand, and Clinton introduced her subject gingerly. She said she knew it was sensitive and cut against ingrained traditions and expectations. “Leadership, by definition, means being out in front of your people when it is called for. It means standing up for the dignity of all citizens and persuading your people to do the same,” she said. In the memorandum issued in Washington, Obama directed U.S. agencies working abroad, including the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, to use foreign aid to assist gays and lesbians who are facing human rights violations. And he ordered U.S. agencies to protect vulnerable gay and lesbian refugees and asylum seekers. “The struggle to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons is a global challenge, and one that is central to the United States’ commitment to promoting human rights,” Obama said in a statement. Gay rights groups praised the order as a significant step for ensuring that gays and lesbians are treated equally around the world. “Today’s actions by President Obama make clear that the United States will not turn a blind eye when governments commit or allow abuses to the human rights of LGBT people,” said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, a gay advocacy organization. Associated Press writers Frank Jordans in Geneva and Julie Pace in Washington contributed to this story.
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December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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very self-respecting gay theater fan knows about Wicked, the Gregory Maguire book turned hit Broadway musical that provides the backstory to the Wicked Witch of the West before Dorothy ever landed in Oz. Tom Mula’s Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, which opened last weekend at Actors Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables, similarly provides the backstory to Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, told through the eyes of Ebenezer Scrooge’s ghoulish former partner. Carbonell Award-winner Ken Clement tackles the one-man show, capably portraying Marley, as well as the narrator and 16 other roles, ranging from the Bogle, his miniature guide in the spirit, to Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future. While Dickens’ story of Scrooge’s holiday transformation has inspired parodies and send-ups for decades—nearly every sitcom on TV has featured a Christmas special based on the tale, along with dozens of Lifetime movies—Maguire’s approach is fresh and reveals Marley’s own salvation in the process. Clement’s flamboyant manner leads the audience through the story as he deftly switches characters on a dime. His turns are staged on a minimalist set from Gene Seyffer, a series of rounded platforms sparsely decorated with a small desk and
antique chair, and a trunk and screen that primarily serve as storage place for all sorts of clever props. At one point, I fully expected Clement to pull his prized Carbonell from the trunk—he’s been known to do that before! Overhead, dozens of tiny lanterns twinkle like stars in the night. While the set provides an imaginative blank canvas for Director David Arisco, Patrick Tennent’s carefully considered lighting design and accompanying sound design from Alexander Herrin provide the magic, accentuating every nuance of Clement’s performance and setting the scenes at every turn. At many South Florida theaters, the technical categories are often a neglected afterthought at best, but here they are integral to the success of the production. Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol pushes both the actor and the audience through a dizzying 87 minute journey and I couldn’t help but wonder how the play could effectively be transformed into a larger musical or even a movie. For now, however, it’s a refreshing new addition to the holiday tradition, joining A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, The Messiah and even the 24-hour TV marathon of A Christmas Story.
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol Now through January 1 Actors Playhouse at Miracle Theatre 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables Tickets $35-48 at ActorsPlayhouse.org
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Alberto Romeu
By J.W. Arnold
A New Twist on a Christmas Classic at Actors Playhouse
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December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Gay Choruses Share Sounds of the Season By J.W. Arnold
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he familiar strains of popular Christmas and Chanukah songs will be heard across South Florida this weekend when local gay men’s choruses present their annual holiday concerts. In Palm Beach County,Voices of Pride will perform in the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Artistic Director Tom Pilecki, who helped found the 35-member group nine years ago, will conduct a varied program that “runs the gamut of styles,” he says, “highlighting a mixture of really good choral music and a lot of production numbers that are hilarious and campy.” In addition to traditional European and Latin carols, the group will offer unique selections, including an arrangement of Handel’s famous Messiah chorus, “Comfort Ye,” juxtaposed with John Lennon’s “Imagine” and the carol “Silent Night.” On the lighter side, the chorus will sing the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Got a Feeling,” which goes into “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Many of the Voices of Pride’s unique arrangements are by Pilecki and accompanist Paul Reekie: “We’re a very small group and so much stuff that’s out there is arranged for a much larger chorus or doesn’t fit our bill.” In its second season, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida has one of the hottest tickets in town, with three performances at Fort Lauderdale’s Sunshine Cathedral already sold out. Artistic Director Gordon Brown has grown his chorus from 43 singers to more than 115 in two years. “They’re so passionate and devoted. They’ve gone out of their way to be the best they possibly can,” he says of his singers, who often devote additional evenings to sectional and individual rehearsals. Accompanied by a 10 piece instrumental ensemble, the chorus will present touching songs from the movies Scrooge, Home Alone and The Polar Express. One highlight, Brown predicts, will be “Believe” by Josh Groban and a reading of “The Wishing Star” by ac-
claimed South Florida actress Jan McArt. “There shouldn’t be a dry eye in the house,” he says. The program will also include the “Hallelujah” Chorus from Handel’s Messiah, a lusch arrangement of “O Holy Night” and “Over the Skies of Israel,” a Chanukah piece sung in Hebrew that features several soloists from the chorus. The Miami Gay Men’s Chorus has long been known for its elaborate Christmas productions. This year, the program is entitled, “Tales from Toyland,” and will be presented at the Colony Theatre on Lincoln Road. According to Artistic Director Anthony Cabrera, the story, created by New York writer Nina Gross, focuses on Mrs. Claus, who is “pissed off because Santa’s too consumed with Christmas to pay any attention to her.” The chorus is dressed as all sorts of toys, including toy soldiers, ballerinas, teddy bears and geisha dolls, and each group gets introduced through musical numbers in the first act. The second act focuses on the many little boys and girls who Santa will be visiting on Christmas Eve. “Ultimately, we meet Virginia from Miracle on 34th Street, who’s all grown up know and all she wants for Christmas is to know that Santa exists,” explains Cabrera. “Ultimately, it’s Mrs. Santa who confirms his existence and realizes why she loves him.” The 60 members of the chorus will sing many holiday favorites, including “Santa Baby,” in a number of different arrangements, “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” and “The Davey Dinkle Song,” about the one child whose name Santa can’t remember and who tinkles in the snow to save Christmas. The group has already tested its crowdpleasing program in Key West with performances at the Instituto San Carlo on Dec. 3. The concert was originally scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., but the chorus decided to spread some additional holiday cheer and join the community Christmas parade first at 7:30 p.m., followed by the a slightly delayed concert.
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Voices of Pride
Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus
Holiday Concert Friday, Dec. 16 and Saturday, Dec. 17, 8 p.m. Rinker Playhouse, Kravis Center, West Palm Beach. Tickets $35 at Kravis.org
“The Gift Goes On” Sunday, Dec. 18, 8 p.m. First Congregational Church of Fort Lauderdale, 2501 NE 30th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306 . Click below to order your tickets ... Tickets $25-40 at TheFortLauderdaleGayMensChorus.org
South Florida Gay Men’s Chorus “Ring Them Bells” Wednesday, Dec. 14, Friday, Dec. 16, Saturday, Dec. 17. Sunshine Cathedral, Fort Lauderdale Sold Out, For more information, GayMensChorusofSouthFlorida.org
Miami Gay Men’s Chorus “Tales from Toyland” Friday, Dec. 16 and Saturday, Dec. 17, 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18, 3 p.m. Colony Theatre, Miami Beach. Tickets $25-40 at MiamiGayMensChorus.org
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By Brian Swinford
Have an event you want to list? If so send me an email at Calendar@sfgn.com.
*denotes new listing
Theatre Broward County Miracle on 34th Street
On Dec. 17 The Broward Center for Performing Arts will be playing Miracle on 34th Street. In a story faithful to the film, Kris Kringle, aka Santa Claus, goes on trial. Macy’s becomes the friendly store to shop while two lost souls find each other and a little girl discovers her childhood through her belief in miracles. Visit Browardcenter.org
*The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
Come to the Nova Southeastern University on Dec. 17 to see this play based on the book by L. Frank Baum, who also wrote The Wizard of Oz, this musical has with jokes, puppets and enchanting songs sing along with as it follows the early life of Santa Claus from his abandonment in a forest to his adoption by wood-nymphs to making and delivering the very first toys. Visit Miniacipac.org
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
From Dec. 27-Jan. 1 come to the Broward Center for Performing Arts for Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Created and directed by local resident Neil Goldberg, Cirque Dreams Holidaze is an original new musical extravaganza filled with spectacle, imagination and whimsical dreams. Ornaments come to life as costumed characters perform astonishing feats that celebrate the holiday season and showcase pageantry, ingenuity and artistry. Visit Browardcenter.org
*The Motherf**ker With The Hat
From Jan. 7-25 come to the Gable Stage at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables and see The Motherf**ker with the Hat. Was there ever any doubt that GableStage would be the first to stage last season’s Broadway drama about a former drug-dealing addict trying to kick his habit despite the “help” of friends and a troubled sponsor? Visit Gablestage.org
*Million Dollar Quartet
If your into Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash come to the Adrienne Arsht Center on Dec. 27-Jan 1. A fictionalized account of an actual jam session in 1956 at Sun Records studio with Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash performing their greatest hits (to date at that date). Visit arshtcenter.org
*Macbeth and the Monster
Come to the Mad Cat Theatre in Miami on Dec. 28-Jan 9 for a family-friendly modern re-imagining of the Shakesperean tale intended to be entertaining for all ages. Written by Los Angeles playwright Angela Berliner and directed by Paul Tei. Visit madcattheatre.org
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
Get ready for a holiday treat Dec. 7 through Jan. 1 at the Actors Playhouse. Move over Scrooge, it’s time for Jacob Marley to tell his story! Join Marley and his heroic behindthe-scenes effort to save old Scrooge’s soul - and in the process save his own, in this delightful gem of a show. Visit Actorsplayhouse.org
*32nd Annual South Florida Chanukah Festival
Key West
August: Osage County
In Key West at the Waterfront Playhouse on Dec. 20, it’s August in Oklahoma. A father is missing, a mother is in the grip of addiction, a marriage is unraveling and lies are being exposed. This raucous dark comedy transforms one family gathering into an evening filled with sex, secrets, and really inappropriate behavior. One of the most lauded plays of the decade, August: Osage County is a can’t-miss hilarious and stinging look at the American family. Visit WaterfrontPlayhouse.org
Dead Man’s Cell Phone
In a quiet cafe a cell phone rings. And rings. The stranger at the next table has had enough. She confronts the owner of the cell phone, but, well...he’s dead. She begins to answer his calls and suddenly finds herself enmeshed in his life and family. Unfortunately, the dead guy has quite a number of shady loose ends. This plays opening night is Feb. 2 at The Waterfront Playhouse at 8pm. Visit Waterfrontplayhouse.org
Wally Cardona: Tool Is Loot
On Jan. 21 come to the Colony Theatre watch this play where each choreographer solicited weeklong encounters with non-dance experts, treating their artistic positions to the constant reassessment, opinions and desires of an “outsider”, creating a new work with each expert. 8:30 p.m. Visit Tigertail.org
*The Miami Gay Men’s Chorus’ Tales from Toyland
The Miami Gay Men’s Chorus Presents Tales from Toyland! A musical journey complete with a cast of characters sure you leave you joy-filled. Join them as the stage comes alive with music, dance and the unparalleled spirit of the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus. The show is guaranteed to fill you with holiday spirit and leave you prepared to take on the season. Performances will be held on Friday, Dec.16 & Saturday, 17 at 8 p.m. with a matinee on Saturday, Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. at the Colony Theater 1040 Lincoln Rd. Miamigaychorus.org
On Dec. 26 come to Gulfstream Park for a fun-filled evening of family activities including the lighting of one of the world’s largest menorahs. Starring Benny Friedman the Prince of Jewish Music, The Amazing Hassidic Flying Acrobats from France, Hip Hop sensation Nosson Zand and Jewish Star winner Yisroel Amar. Free parking
Grief Support Group
Grief Support Group led by Heartland Hospice meets every 3rd Tuesday at American Burial & Cremation Center @ Jennings Funeral Home 1801 E. Oakland Park Blvd. from 2-4 pm. Call 954-731-4321. If you need support in your time of loss they invite you to attend.
Eating Disorder Support group
An Eating Disorder Support group is starting Nov. 4. This group will meet Friday evenings from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. At Sun Serve’s Wilton Manors location at 2123 Wilton Drive, second floor. This is a “drop-in” psychoeducational support group. No registration required, free- however donations are welcome. Call 954-764-5150 for more information
*SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch
Community Calendar Broward *2nd Annual Parkland 5 Mile Holiday Run
On Dec. 18 come to Pines Trail Park In Parkland for this 5 mile holiday run/walk. 5/2 Mile runners will be scored and timed by AccuChip using state of the art disposable timer tags. Either course can be Run or Walked. Hosted by “The Adventure Guides and Indian Princesses of the North Broward Y.” Sponsor by “Centerline Homes.”
First Sunday of every month. An ideal way to relax and enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s scenic Riverwalk. Live , outdoor concert series bringing the area’s best local jazz artists. Listen to the soulful sounds on four different stages. Everyone is welcome to attend, including well-behaved, leashed pets. There is plenty of room to set up chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to experience the fabulous entertainment. Patrons can also stroll along the historic brick-lined walkway to enjoy live music while browsing items from local merchants and enjoying food from area restaurants.
Light-Up Lauderdale
Light Up Lauderdale is a holiday centric promenade of lights in Riverwalk Park. This event connects the cultural, historical and business districts along New River. November to January 2012. Visit www.goriverwalk.com
Stage Door: Highlighting the Arts
Palm Beach
By J.W. Arnold
All My Sons by Arthur Miller
This morality play about the cost of lying and the price of truth telling, examines a troubled family and a father who placed duty to his family above the lives of others, and now must face the consequences. This play is showing at The Palm Beach DramaWorks Clematis Theater Nov. 12 through Dec. 18. Visit PalmBeachDramaWorks.org
*The Effect of Gamma Rays on Manin-the-Moon Marigolds
The Palm Beach Dramaworks will showing The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds. A rarely-revived cult play from 1970, Paul Zindel’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama depicts a mentally unbalanced woman’s effect on her two teenage daughters, and one girl’s struggle to keep her dreams alive. Will star Laura Turnbull and her real-life daughter, Ariel Hoffman. Visit Palmbeachdramaworks.org
*Happy Birthday Elvis Tribute Show
On Jan. 7 come to the Crest Theatre and enjoy a memorable night of fun and entertainment! Special appearance by R.J. Franzese with the sounds of Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and more. Be thrilled as Scott, R.J. and the band perform the greatest songs of all time! Visit Oldschool.org/performances.asp
*The Two and Only
Jan. 13-15. This 2007 Tony Award Winner for Best Theatrical Event stars Jay Johnson (best known for the TV show Soap), and a wild cast of puppet characters in one of today’s funniest and most original theatrical experiences. It’s an adult look at life, growing up, having a dream and everything in between. “A SURPRISING AND EXTREMELY FUNNY SHOW!” Visit Oldschool.org/performances.asp
Miami
*The Santaland Diaries
From Dec. 8-23 come to the Zoetic Stage at the Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts for Santaland Diaries. A blisteringly funny evocation of Christmas Hell. One man’s hysterical and often insightful look at the humilities, frustrations and joys of working as an elf at Macy’s Santaland. This holiday classic is satirist David Sedaris at his biting best. Visitzoeticstage.com
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Oh, to be a Fly on that Wall…. What if some auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together on one night in 1956 for what would be a legendary rock ‘n roll jam session? That’s the premise of Million Dollar Quartet, the latest Broadway Across America production making a stop at Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center, Dec. 27 – Jan. 1. All four singers were under the guidance of Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock and Roll,” and through high energy music and dance, the show supposes the conversations and camaraderie that resulted. Tickets start at $25 and are still available at ArshtCenter.org. Meanwhile, Broadway Across America spreads the holiday festivities in Fort Lauderdale with Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Broward Center, Dec. 27 – Jan. 1. Pompano-based Cirque Dreams is the creation of Neil Goldberg and this holiday production transforms the stage into a wonderland with a living Christmas tree manned by more than 30 international performers. Don’t miss gingerbread men
flipping mid-air, toy soldiers marching on suspended wires, spinning penguins, dancing puppets and soaring reindeer. Tickets are $29.25-69.26 at BrowardCenter.org.
Sounds of the Season Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton celebrates Chanukah with a performance by Klezmer East, under the direction of Paul Green. FAU brings together the klezmer ensemble with the Boca Symphonia for a concert of Purim-inspired music. The concert will be held in University Theatre beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at FAUEvents.com. for more informa-
tion, go to FAU.edu/music. Second Presbyterian Church, “The Sanctuary,” presents Tapestry of Light: A Celtic Christmas Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. Composed by Joseph Martin, the cantata combines familiar Celtic tunes with traditional Christmas texts, accompanied by a Celtic consort of flute, piano, violin, bass and percussion. The Sanctuary Choir, under the direction of J.W. Arnold, will sing and the service will also include congregational carols and the lighting of the Advent wreath. The church is located at 1400 N. Federal Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale.
It’s a Hit! The critics are raving about the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.With a cast of hundreds—literally—the show is packing the house in Jupiter for the tuneful story of the biblical hero who interpreted the dreams of Pharoah.This is your last chance to catch the show before it closes Dec. 18.Tickets start at $51 are still available at JupiterTheatre.org.
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
To Submit Listings Email: Brian at Calendar@sfgn.com Fax: 954-530-7943. Please include a brief description, address, phone number, date, time and cost.
ART ON THE DRIVE
Art Frenzie presents Blake Little
By Jesse Monteagudo
O
nce a month, the galleries and shops along Wilton Drive stay open late for the Island City Art Walk. Often they take the opportunity to showcase the work of an artist whom they admire and wish to promote. Such is the case of Art Frenzie, which is sponsoring a book signing by photographer Blake Little at the next Art Walk: Friday, Dec. 16, from 7 to 10 p.m. Blake’s book signing, his first in Florida, comes in conjunction with the publication of The Company of Men, Little’s second book of photos. Art Frenzie, located at 2055 Wilton Drive, is the oldest (1996) operating art gallery and custom frame shop in Wilton Manors. According to Debbi Burke, proprietor of Art Frenzie, “we started out in the Shops of Wilton Manors for five years and moved right down the street to our present location for the past ten. We have been selling world renowned artist Steve Walker’s work since 1998 which was the first time we brought him here to South Florida for a signing event and we are one of the few authorized dealers of his body of work in the country. We also carry works by August Edwards, Lena Luckey, Paul Russell, David Schluss, Don Knight, Mark Lipp, John Lennon, Andy Warhol, among many others. We also specialize in the art of Custom Framing and provide a beautiful selection of mold*Florida Renaissance Festival
February 11, 2012 - March 11, 2012 Journey back to the 16th century as you step through castle gates and into the days of yore. Explore the artisans’ village and view live demonstrations of glassblowing, steel-fighting, archery, and more. Feast on hearty food fit for a king while enjoying live performances on stage and in the lanes, including our thrice-daily jousting events. Weekends only, plus President’s Day, 2/20 Visit Broward.org/Parks/QuietW
Pancakes by The Pool - Fundraiser for Naked Cabana Boys Softball Team
On Dec 10 come help the Naked Cabana Boys Softball Team. “Sponsored by The Depot Cabana Bar & Shawn & Nick’s Courtyard Cafe Triple Play Meal: Pancakes, Eggs, Sausage or Ham, Bloody Mary or Mimosa $10 Advance Purchase Three Seatings - 10:30am, 11:30am and 12:30pm Purchase your tickets from any of the Naked Cabana Boys Team Players Join them for fun, food and friends. Visit Fortlauderdale. gaycities.com
SE Florida Chamber Expo
On Jan 28-29 come to the War Memorial Auditorium and see what your local businesses have to showcase. Come and see your local community’s businesses products and services. Free Admission. From 10am-6pm. For more information please call Gino Alessio 561-245-8985.
ings to frame your treasures,” she says. According to Little, The Company of Men “is a book of portraits of masculine men, taken all over the US and Canada from 2005 to 2010. I wanted to show a type of man that I had not seen photographed very often and to this extent, I wanted to photograph the type of man that I related to physically, emotionally and spiritually. The photographs represent a type of gay man that is outside of the stereotype of the mainstream media. I wanted to show the strength and integrity of these guys. This is my vision of male beauty.” Little’s Company of Men ($50) contains 89 full-color plates, as well as a foreword by punk rock icon and spoken word artist Henry Rollins. Blake also did a short documentary about the book, which may be seen on YouTube. “We are proud to add Blake Little to our repertoire of artists,” says Art Frenzie’s Burke. “Blake was referred to me through a client who thought his work would be a good fit for our community.” In addition to Little and his book, Art Frenzie will be serving light refreshments and have other great gifts available for purchase. For his part, Blake looks forward to the book signing, and promises “a handsome, good looking crowd” in attendance. For more information phone Art Frenzie at 954-560‑3684. For The Company of Men, visit www.companyofmenbook.com. Blake’s documentary may be seen at http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=XELVxV_Mw30. *Atlantis | Allure Caribbean Cruise
January 29 - February 5, 2012. Gay cruise, largest cruise ship ever built: Allure of the Seas, week of entertainment, parties, dance events. Nearly 5500 international gay/lesbian guests to sail from Ft. Lauderdale to Labadee, Cozumel, Costa Maya, & back. Atlantisevents.com/Allure-2012Caribbean-Cruise/11
*A Toy’s Story: A Night For Giving
Wednesday, December 14, 2011 Marc Silverstone Presents A Toy’s Story: A Night For Giving With special performances and appearances. Benefiting SunServe, Broward House, Kids in Distress and other local charities. Admission: $10 pre-sale tickets + an unwrapped toy. This event will be taking place at The Manor Complex. For more Information Visit Anightforgiving.com”
*Alternative MC Tuesday night Eaten Meeting
Tue Nite Eatin Meeting will be held at The Alternative MC Clubhouse at 4322 NE 5th Ave in Oakland park. There will be fun, food, and fellowship. There will be hambergers, hotdogs, all the fixins, cold drinks, desserts, and snacks. The meeting will begin at 8pm and end around 9pm. For more information Visit Alternativemc.com/events/florida-events
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December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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To Submit Listings Email: Brian at Calendar@sfgn.com Fax: 954-530-7943. Please include a brief description, address, phone number, date, time and cost. *Lambda South
A meeting place, primarily for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people in recovery. Hosts Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA), Compulsive Sex Addicts Anonymous (CSA), Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA), Gamblers Anonymous (GA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), & Overeaters Anonymous (OA), meetings. (954) 7619072. 1231-A East Las Olas Boulevard. Fort Lauderdale. Visit Lambdasouth.com
Yoga With Bill
This Event will take place every Saturday morning at 8 a.m. just north of Sunrise on A1A, at the tunnel entrance from Birch State park. It is open to all levels of practice and I ask for a $5.00 donation. The only equipment that is needed is a bed sheet to practice on. Yoga mats don’t work on the sand. There is also a full moon yoga on the beach the first Friday of the full moon each month at 6:30 on the beach in front of La Hermitage. For more information call Bill Rodowsky at 954.803.2716
Gay Male Empowerment Group
Topic discussions include issues and concerns about being a gay man in South Florida. Meets on Thursdays at the Pride Center from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Call 954-353-9155 or e-mail info@ sunserve.org.
Safe “T”
Safe “T” is a new support group for gender variant adults 18 plus that meets Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Sunserve’s Wilton Manors location at 2123 Wilton Drive, second floor. This is a “drop-in” psycho-educational support group. No registration required, free- however donations are welcome. Call 954-764-5150.
*Winter HEAT 2012
Feb. 16-20, 2012 Host hotel: Bahia Mar Beach Resort & Yachting Center. Events at: George’s Alibi, Torpedo Bar, Green Room, Heat Waves, Voodoo, Living Room, Winter Waterland. See website for details.Visit Winterheatflorida.com
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Gay Men’s HIV+ Long Time Survivors’ Group This is a support group that gives men who have been HIV+ for a long time (5 yrs +) the opportunity to give and receive support around topics of interest and issues for concern that are raised by the members. This group meets on 1st and 3rd Thursday at Sunserve 2312 Wilton Drive from 6:30 – 8 p.m. There is no cost, but donations are welcome.
PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
Meets on the 2nd and 4th Tues. of the month at the Sunshine Cathedral at 1480 SW 9th Avenue to support the parents of LGBTQ youth in Broward. No charge. Visit Community.pflag. org/pflagfortlauderdale for more information.
SunServe Therapy Groups
Provided for the LGBT community at SunServe on a regular basis. Groups require an intake interview. Call the Intake Coordinator at 954-764-5150 to learn which therapy groups have openings. Visit SunServe.org
Fusion Wilton Manors - Connections
Gay men’s group discussion. Different subject every week. Dr. David Fawcett, a gay therapist, who has been in private practice in Fort Lauderdale for the last ten years, leads the event. No charge with no commitment to attend every week. Starts at 7 p.m. Call Fusion Monday-Friday at 954-630-1655.
Women4Women Personal Growth Support Group
This is a safe and loving place to explore all the concerns and topics raised by group members. This open drop-in meeting is held Wednesdays at 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the New Sun Serve Building at 2312 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Call 954-764-5150
*denotes new listing
Palm Beach
Jazz on the Palm
Beach Bon Fire
The city of Lake Worth invites everyone to come out and enjoy the beach bon-fires with a different dress up theme each night. Bonfire Dates: December 9th (Winter) & 23th (Crazy Holliday shirt ), January 13th (New Year) & 27th (Favorite Movie), February 10th (Pirate) & 24th ( 70’s Night ). Visit Lakeworth.org
*Cocktails for Compass
Cocktails for Compass is the largest fundraiser which recognizes Compass’ top donors and supporters while highlighting the successes of the year’s achievements and programs. All of the proceeds continue to benefit the valuable, life-saving services Compass provides to over 25,000 visitors a year. This year’s event is Dec. 18, at Club Colette, Palm Beach. Email Events@compassglcc.com
BrothasSpeak
This group is a black gay men’s discussion group that is held at the Compass in West Palm Beach. Every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. this group will be directed toward issues for and about black men. Visit Compassglcc.com
Yoga On The Waterfront
Lake Pavilion at 101 S. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL / Yoga On The Waterfront in downtown West Palm Beach on Wednesday Evenings at 5:45 PM. Residents $40 per 8 week session, Non-Residents $50 per 8 week session, Drop-ins $10 per class. To register, please call 561-804-4902.
YOGA Among the Orchids
It’s time for Yoga Among the Orchids at the American Orchid Society, 16700 AOS Lane, Delray Beach. Relax and replenish the flower inside with an hour of breathing exercises, toning, and yoga poses under a canopy of lush orchids. This is orchid headquarters so pick up a few pointers from the pros in between sun salutations. Classes are Wed. at 9 a.m. Cost is $20 and RSVP is suggested. Call 561-404-2011. Visit OrchidWeb.org
Jazz on the Palm - Downtown West Palm Beach Waterfront - Gather with friends and family to enjoy the diverse vibrant sounds of jazz under the stars every 3rd Friday of month at the new Downtown West Palm Beach waterfront concert series. Free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visit Wpbgo. com/2010/06/jazz-on-the-palm
Sunday on the Waterfront
Sunday on the Waterfront is a free concert series, which takes place the third Sunday of most months in the beautiful downtown West Palm Beach Waterfront area. Bring blankets, chairs, and coolers or purchase treats at the concert. Free parking in all city lots and at city meters. 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. May through October. Visit OnTheWaterFront.com
Paths
Paths is a social/discussion group held at Compass in Lake Worth. This men’s group takes place every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Paths men’s group will be discussing relationships, coming –out, safer sex issues and more. Visit Compassglcc.com
Yoga
Yoga with Deborah will change your life. Bring a mat and get ready to stretch the stress away every Tuesday at The GLCC in Palm Beach from 6 to 7 p.m. This yoga experience will uplift and transform your life. $6 Entry Fee. You must bring your own mat. Visit Compassglcc.com
Living Buddhism
On the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. Compass in Lake Worth will be holding a discussion group for overcoming obstacles and obtaining happiness. This group is great for getting internal enlightenment. Release your inner stress, and become free. Visit Compassglcc.com
Good Orderly AA
These meetings take place at Compass, and geared toward recovering alcoholics. Every Tues. and Thurs. at 7 p.m. and on Sat. at 6 p.m. These meetings will help recovering alcoholics cope with the stress of everyday life without the use of alcohol.
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
To Submit Listings Email: Brian at Calendar@sfgn.com Fax: 954-530-7943. Please include a brief description, address, phone number, date, time and cost.
Miami
Miami International Art Fair
MIA features contemporary, cutting-edge art of all media including photography, painting, mixed-media, sculpture, installation and video. The fair is unique in the unparallel support it provides to the local Miami art community, integrating innovative and educational art projects, linked to important local artists, museums and other art-related organizations. This year MIA will be held aboard SeaFair. The opening night vernissage debuts January 12, 2012. Visit Mia-artfair.com
US Sailing’s 2011 Rolex Miami OCR
This event will take place Jan 22-28 and isbeing held at the US Sailing Center in Miami a mainstay on the winter circuit for sailors who are campaigning for the next Olympic and Paralympic Games. The event is part of the ISAF Sailing World Cup, a world-class annual series for Olympic sailing. Visit Rmocr.ussailing.org
*Art Deco Weekend
Jan. 13 -15, Miami Design Preservation League celebrates 35 years of Art Deco Weekend. There will be live music, an antique furniture expo, classic car show, parade, fashion show, guided walking tours, street entertainment, and more. Come celebrate the South Beach of today, a rich landscape of style, culture, and creativity. Visit Mdpl.org
52nd Annual Key West House & Garden Tours
Come tour a series of elegant and a unique part of Key West on Dec 27-28 decorticated for the holidays! Proceeds help benefit the old Island Restoration Foundation. Presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, this house and garden tour offers a rare opportunity to see inside some of Key West’s magnificent, charming and tropical residences. For more information call 305-294-9501 or via email tickets@oirf.org
Florida Keys New Year’s Eve Celebrations The Southernmost City celebrates with a conch shell drop at Sloppy Joes Bar, 201 Duval St.; a descending 6-foot red high heel shoe carrying drag queen Sushi at the Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St.; and a pirate wench descending from a tall ship mast in the island city’s Historic Seaport. For more Information call: (305) 296-2388, (305) 293-9800
Schooner Wharf Bar 21st Annual Lighted Boat Parade
On Dec. 10 enjoy lighted and decorated vessels from rowboats to tall ships proceed around Key West’s Historic Seaport and harbor areas. before the boat parade, at 6 p.m., the Gerald Adams Elementary School Steel Your Heart Band will welcome spectators with songs of the season. Holiday revelers can watch and applaud from bars, restaurants and resorts in and around the Historic Seaport. For more Information call 305-292-3302
*Soundscape Cinema Series Free Outdoor Movies
Free! The Exostage is an open, grassy viewing area faces a 7,000 square foot projection wall on the eastern front of the New World Center building, complete with a world-class audio system. Miami Beach Soundscape 400 17th Street. Schedule: Movies begin at 8pm, Wednesday, December 7th True Grit, Wednesday, December 14th Chicago, Wednesday, December 21st Some Like It Hot, Wednesday, December 28th Gremlins Miamibeachfl.gov
Homestead Championship Rodeo
This exciting event will take place Jan 27-29 at the Doc Demily Rodeo Arena in Miami. This seven-event rodeo includes bull riding, saddle-bronco riding, barebackbronco riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and women’s barrel racing. The fun also includes cowboy poetry performances, a parade, live music and dancing. Visit Homesteadrodeo.com
*Winter Party Festival
From Feb. 29 to March 5 come to party at the Winter Party. Which has grown into one of South Florida’s premier events. The Beach Party is set to be held on Sunday March 4th and attracts over 6,000 people to dance on the sands on Miami Beach every year. For more information, go to Winterparty.com
*Lambda Dade Clubhouse
A meeting place for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender communities and friends in recovery. Hosts Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Al-Anon, Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA), Debtors Anonymous (DA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), meetings. (305) 573-9608. 212 NE 24th Street. Miami. Visit Lambdadadeclubhouse.org
Key West
*Food And Wine Festival
The third annual Key West Food & Wine Festival will be January 26-29, 2012. The Festival is set to turn up the heat in Key West. Events range from extravagant walk-around tastings during our famous sunset, to educational wine and food seminars led by our local talent, to local funky events you would only expect to experience in Key West. We are celebrating the culinary arts in this community which boasts such a rich food and drink heritage. Thus, an annual Key West Food and Wine Festival to be held Thursday, January 26 through Sunday, January 29, 2012! Visit Keywestfoodandwinefestival.com
Key West ‘Bight’ Before Christmas Holiday Celebration
On Nov. 24-Dec. 31 come get you’re jiggy on with great live holiday music, games for the kids, free cookies and eggnog, holiday cheer and a chance for photos with Santa highlight this event. Created as a gift to the community, the gala is produced by the Key West Bight Preservation Association and tenants of the Key West Bight. For more information call: Tom Stroh 305-304-2633
nightlife Broward Atomic Boom
2232 Wilton Drive ,Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 630-3556 Best Sound & Light Show in Broward County. Mondays Porn Bingo with Desiree Dubois. $3 Margaritas, $1 Draft
Bill’s Filling Station
2209 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 567-5978. Large Bar/ Nightclub, Amazing. Drink Specials in Wilton Manors. Wednesday’s After 9pm $10 Miller Lite Beer Bust
Boardwalk
1721 North Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311. (954) 463-6969. A Cute Little Hangout in Fort Lauderdale Pool-Room/Game Room on One Side and a Bar-Strip Club on the other. Mondays $3 Well & Dom, after 9pm $3 U-Call-It Shots
The Club Fort Lauderdale
Bathhouse. 110 Northwest 5th Avenue,Fort Lauderdale, FL ,(954) 525-3344 Good. Clean. Fun. 1/2 price rooms...Tuesday Nights and 1/2 price Lockers. Thursdays Nights. Always busy.
321-Slammer
Bathhouse. 321 W Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33311. Slammer sex club the best place to cruise for the hottest gay men. Thursday’s is leather night, fri-sat night live dj’s. Monday & tuesday -- $9 entry fee
Clubhouse II
Bathhouse. 2650 E. Oakland Park Blvd , Fort Lauderdale, Florida (954) 566-6750. A Private Club for Bi/Gay men. Bear and Cub Thursday $4 Off For Bear & Cub. Tuesday Leather Night - $4. off wear any type of leather.
Johnny’s
1116 West Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, (954) 522-5931. Monday Dragon with TP Lords, Daisy D. and DJ Rob Sky. FRIDAY NOV 25 FT LAUD RIHANNA “Talk That Talk” Album Release Event. Celebrating the hit single “WE FOUND LOVE” with Calvin Harris. Free Giveaways. DJ TPROMIX
Cubby Hole
823 North Federal Highway ,Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 728-9001. The Cubby Hole is one of Fort Lauderdale’s Most Unique and Popular Neighborhood Bar for Men. Underwear Wednesday’s. Boxers n’ Briefs get 2 for 1 on Drinks 9 p.m. till Close
Full Charge Bookkeeping Services
The Depot Cabana Bar and Grill
2935 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 5377076. Voted the “Friendliest” Gay Bar in Fort Lauderdale. Monday’s $1.99 Drinks and $.50 Wings Open to Close
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December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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To Submit Listings Email: Brian at Calendar@sfgn.com Fax: 954-530-7943. Please include a brief description, address, phone number, date, time and cost. Georgie’s Alibi
2266 Wilton Drive ,Wilton Manors, FL 33305 ,(954) 5652526. Fort Lauderdale’s Best & Longest Happy Hour. Wednesdays $2 Domestics & $1 Schnapps after 9 p.m. Wednesdays
Corner Pub Bar
1915 North Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311, (954) 564-7335. Redefining What a Bar Should Be. Thursday’s Margarita. Madness $4, Monday’s Underwear Night. 2 for 1 until 9:30 p.m.
The Manor
2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 (954) 626 0082 - Come Dine, Dance, Drink, Mingle and of course Relax. 2-4-1 Happy Hour Tues-Friday 3-9pm. Indoor/Outdoor Dining. Dance the night away Thursday - Sunday. Live Music Weds, Fri, Sat, Sun - Visit themanorcomplex.com FOR MORE DETAILS.
Matty’s on the Drive
2426 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 (954) 564-1799. Matty’s is one of the few bars in Wilton Manors that’s just that –a bar. Wild Wednesday’s $.75 Drinks, 13 Drinks for less than $10. 5 p.m.
Mona’s
502 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 525-6662. The eclectic décor and a friendly staff makes. Mona’s a great place to have fun in Fort Lauderdale. Thursday’s College Boy’s Night 8pm Enjoy College Boy’s Choice 2 for 1
Monkey Business
2740 North Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311, (954) 514-7819. The Monkey Business Bar is a Small Outdoor Bar Among The Shops Just off Marina Blvd. No Frills But Comfortable and a Great Place to Stop and Meet Good People. Happy Hour 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Naked Grape Wine Bar
2039 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 563-5631 A Casual, Hip, Fun Experience and if You Have a Taste for Deliciously Unique Wines, You Need to Make This Your Next Stop! Happy Hour All Night on Thursday
New Moon
2440 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 563-7660 Your neighborhood lesbian bar in the heart of Fort Lauderdale and just minutes from Ft. Lauderdale Beach. Wednesday All the fun, half the price 2-4-1 All Day, All Night
*denotes new listing
PJ’s Corner Pocket
924 North Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 533-0257. One of The Most Diverse Bars in Fort Lauderdale. $2 Drinks Every Wednesday, Spades Every Thursday
Ramrod
1508 NE 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 763-8219 South Florida’s Leading Levi, Leather and Uniform Bar/Club. Every night is Bear Night. Bear Happy. Hour Every Thursday. Caged Hunks Sat Night
Rosie’s Bar and Grill
2449 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 567-1320 Wilton Manor’s Best Burger in Town. Try the Fat Elvis. Happy Hour 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Scandals Country Western Bar
Oakland Park, FL 3334, (954) 567-2432. Scandals Gay and Lesbian Country Western. Dance Bar in Wilton Manors. Tuesdays Pool League, and Free Dance Lessons
Sidelines Sports Bar
2031 Wilton Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305, (954) 563-8001 Sidelines Sports Bar and Billiards is a unique, friendly, And accepting place to relax with a cold beer, great drinks and Martinis. Happy Hour M-F 4pm to 2am
Smarty Pants
3038 North Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306, (954) 561-1724. Great Local Hangout in Fort Lauderdale with Great Drink Specials. Saturday’s Free Breakfast to Order – 8 a.m.
The Stable
205 East Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park, FL 33334, (954) 565-4506 A neighborhood bar with a different theme every night, from drag shows and bingos, to bears and underwears.
Torpedo
2829 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, (954) 587-2500. Your Dance Destination Till Dawn. Open Late for You To Devour The Night. Open 7 nights a week till 4 a.m.
The Cottage
522 Lucerne Ave, Lake Worth, Fl, 33414. (561) 586-0080 Great Service, Great Food, Full Stocked Bar, Great Professional Tea-Dance every Sunday
Fort Dix
6205 Georgia Ave, West Palm Beach, Florida 33405 Directions, (561)533-5355. Mostly local crowd looking to mingle and relax. Place rocks with a Fabulous DJ on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday T-Dance.
H.G. Rooster
823 BELVEDERE ROAD, WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA 33405, (561)-832-9119. H.G. Roosters is West Palms oldest gay club. Sunday’s Complimentary BBQ 5pm, Hot Male Dancers 6 p.m., Karaoke 11 p.m.
The Lounge
1132 North Dixie Highway, Lake Worth FL $3 Drinks No Cover open till 5AM New location Better than Ever.
The Mad Hatter
1532 North Dixie Hwy ,Lake Worth, FL 33460. (561) 547-8860. Cheap drinks, friendly bartenders, and free pool SundayThursday. Stop by and relax at this no-attitude haunt.
Tag Bar
25 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33483 954-8013247. Delray Beach’s only Gay Bar. Mon - Sun: 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. Awesome Drink Specials
Johnny’s
Miami 62 NE 14 Street Downtown Miami Florida (305)640-8749 No Cover 7 nights a week. The hottest men in the universe strip shows nightly from 6 p.m. Sexy from Wall to Wall. Saturday SEPT 3 in Miami FIRE & ICE at the SPOT…The Hottest POP, Hip Hop and Latin alongside the COLDEST Electro and House Beats. all on Miami’s Best Sound System. 727 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, Florida, 33139,(305)561-5521. Score is located in the heart of South Beach, In the thriving and infamous promenade, Lincoln Road. Bigger Saturday’s Sexy Male Dolls
Swinging Richards
17450 Biscayne Blvd, N Maimi Beach, Fl 33160 954-357-2532 Tuesdays-Saturdays from 6pm til 6am come and enjoy Fully nude guys dancing to the best music in South Floirda.
Twist
1057 Washington Ave, Miami Beach , Florida , 33139, (305)538-9478 Never a Cover…Always a Groove. Resident star DJ Mika spins tribal. Every Saturday TWIST is full of the hottest men in Miami. Muscle boy dancers taking it off in the Bungalow Bar.
Key West 801
801 Duval St. , Key West, Florida,(305)294-4737 Cabaret shows upstairs with nightly performances by famed performers Sushi, Kylie, RV Beaumont, Margo, and others. Happy Hour specials daily from 11a.m. – 8 p.m.
Club Aqua
711 Duval St.,Key West, Florida,(305)294-0555 Monday’s Dueling Bartenders. Your Bartender’s sing, shake, and stir their way through happy hour 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Kwest
705 Duval St. , Key West, Florida,(305)292-8500 Key West All-Male Strip Club. Daily Happy Hour from 3-8 p.m., And a piano sing-a-long every Wednesday night.
Miami
Club Space
34 NE 11th St ,Miami ,Florida, 33132,(305)350-1956 Space Miami Voted Best U.S Club IDMA 2011. The go-to venue for any nightlife enthusiast in the nation,The club is proudly marching on into its second decade of operation. 2301 SW 32nd Ave, Miami, Florida, 33145,(305)443-7657. All the Sweetness you’ll need in one Club. Every Thursday Drag Wars with TP Lords. $5 House Drinks & $4 Domestic Beers all night
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950 NE 2nd Ave, Downtown Miami, Florida 33132,(305)3509084 One of the Best Night Clubs In Miami. Every Saturday The Hottest DJ’s from the Top Performers. Drink Special Every Saturday
Score
Palm Beach
Club Sugar
Discotekka
Pearl’s Patio Bar
525 United Street, Key West, FL(305)293-9805 ext. 156 Pearl’s Patio is a great place to enjoy a drink and relax. Happy Hour – every weekday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday’s are Extended Happy Hour 5pm-9pm
Bourbon Street Pub
724 Duval Street, Key West. (305) 293-9800. Popular pool parties and hot dancers wearing only handkerchiefs around their thighs. Also the home of the world-famous shoe drop.
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
To Submit Listings Email: Brian at Calendar@sfgn.com Fax: 954-530-7943. Please include a brief description, address, phone number, date, time and cost. AFTER DARK
By J.W. Arnold And a Partridge in a Palm Tree….
H
ow is that holiday shopping coming along? The clock is ticking and if you haven’t picked up something special for your loved one, you’d better get a moving. Of course you can hit up the outlet malls and the shopping centers, but this season, why not hit up those little specialty stores that dot Wilton Drive, Lincoln Road and the other trendy shopping districts? The best part— after maxing out your credit card, unwind with a cocktail at one of the many bars and clubs nearby! Here’s a look at some of the highlights of the upcoming week in South Florida:
Thursday, Dec. 15 ooking for a little silly fun? On Thursdays, Mona’s Cocktail Lounge is hosting the Stack Your Package contest all month long. Simply sit your partner down and see how many of Mona’s wrapped packages you can stack on his lap.You’ve got 45 seconds and the biggest stack wins prizes. The fun starts at 9 p.m. at 502 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Thursdays are Guys’ Night Out at new strip club Swinging Richards, where the dancers let it all hang out. It’s 2-4-1 at the door and in the VIP rooms all night long from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. Swinging Richards is located at 17450 Biscayne Blvd. in North Miami Beach.
L
Friday, Dec. 16 dele fans can be found at Lincoln Road club Score tonight in Miami Beach. DJ Willy G. will be celebrating the release of the singer’s latest album “Live at the Royal Albert Hall,” and there will be special performances and giveaways, too. Don’t miss the Penny Back Boyz and more. Score is located at 727 Lincoln Rd.
A
Saturday, Dec. 17 ill’s Filling Station presents a Very Beary Christmas tonight beginning at 9 p.m. The party, a fundraiser for the Pet
B
Project, features DJ Shane Phoenix from QNation FM, as well as the band Signal 2, singer Ray Boltz and members of the South Florida Gay Men’s Chorus. Bill’s is located at 2209 Wilton Dr. in Wilton Manors. Red is the color of Christmas and The Manor is hosting the Red Party. DJ Michael Tank will be in the booth and Erika Norell will be performing. Get out that Santa hat and your favorite red wear and head down to the Epic Nightclub, 2345 Wilton Dr. in Wilton Manors. In Miami, dance palace Discotekka welcomes DJ Joe Gauthreaux for its holiday themed event—heck, every Saturday is an event at Discotekka.You’ll find the late night action at 950 NE 2nd Ave. downtown. Sunday, Dec. 18 or the ladies and “a few of the friendly gay men,” The Debot Cabana Bar & Grill hosts a poolside tea dance featuring DJ Karin Ward direct from the Hamptons. Located at 2935 N. Federal Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale, The Depot also offers light meals and you can always get a room, too! South Florida’s largest amateur strip contest can be found at Johnny’s in Fort Lauderdale. There’s no cover to watch those hot boys strut their stuff in search of the $1000 prize. Johnny’s is located at 1116 W. Broward Blvd. In Miami, Johnny’s hosts the Stripped Tea Dance, featuring hot bear pole dancers. Located in hopping downtown at 62 NE 14th St., Johnny’s Miami has really turned the town on its head. DJ Mike Mucci will be providing the music and there’s no cover.
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Monday, Dec. 19 ros Lounge, the new bar at 6201 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami, aims to help you keep a little money in your pocket. On Mondays, beers are $2 from 7 p.m. to close. Be sure to take those saving straight to Target and buy a present for your mama after enjoying the videos and company at Eros.
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December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
33
The
Fitness Guy
TRY THIS EXERCISE: Oblique Side Crunch
Photos by Toby’s Photos.
By Peter Jackson, CPT
How to calculate your sweat rate
Q: I’m training for my first marathon and find I sweat buckets compared to other runners. Is there a way to calculate my sweat rate? A: Yes, it’s very simple. You will need three facts for the formula: your pre-exercise weight (in underwear), the number of fluid ounces of water or sports drink you consume during your training (16 oz. = 1 pound), and your post exercise weight (in underwear). Here’s the calculation: Sweat Rate = [Pre-exercise weight – Post-exercise weight] + Fluids consumed / Time (hours). Remember to rehydrate with more fluid than you lost in sweat.
Q: I’m starting to lift weights. Should I be taking a protein supplement to build muscle? Is whey protein better than casein protein? A: This is a great question and probably the one I am asked most. First of all, protein doesn’t build muscle directly: strength training using heavy weights and resistance exercises are responsible for muscle growth. Consuming protein alone, in the absence of weight training, will not result in muscle growth. However, protein does play a vital role in the repair and recovery of muscle fibers that are broken down during muscle-building exercises. Proteins are made up of amino acids which our bodies need and use to build tissue and are a building block of bones, skin and blood – as well as muscles. When you engage in strenuous exercise, your muscle fibers become stressed and literally tear. Protein is needed in this process of repair and recovery, leading to bigger and thicker muscle fibers. The general recommendation for individuals who are exercising and keen to build muscle is to consume 1 gram of protein per pound of your desired body weight. So if you want to be 170 pounds, consume 170 grams of protein daily (1 gram of protein = 4 calories). Good sources of protein include chicken breast, fish (especially tuna), turkey, eggs, beans, yogurt, cheese, milk. It is possible to get an adequate supply of protein by eating well-balanced meals, but in today’s fast-paced world when many of us eat on the go, it’s a good idea (and very convenient) to use a protein supplement to make sure you are getting all of this important nutrient your body needs. Drink a protein shake at least two hours before you work out and again within an hour of finishing your session. A biological value (BV) is assigned to the absorption rate of proteins we consume; the higher the BV, the better the absorbing rate. Whey protein is digested and
34
German Seoane , fitness model and personal trainer at P ush Fitness , demonstrates the Oblique Side Crunch.
Lie on a mat on your left side with your left
arm extended on the floor for balance , your right hand behind your head, and your feet off the floor .
Simultaneously raise your head and shoulders as well as your feet. Hold for a few seconds , lower and repeat. Do 12 reps then switch to your right side .
absorbed by the bloodstream faster (great for postworkout consumption so that your muscles get fed the nutrients they crave) than other proteins and has a BV of 104. By contrast, a whole egg has a BV of 100; a glass of cow milk, 91; and casein protein (which makes up about 80 percent of the protein found in milk), has a BV 77. But both whey and casein protein are excellent sources of branch chain amino acids (BCAAs) and both play important roles in repairing muscle; the major difference is the absorption rate.
Tip of the Week Yogurt and Fruit Shake This is a terrific post-workout drink, containing 410 calories with 16g protein and 89g carbohydrate. • 1 ripe banana • 1 cup (240g) fat-free yogurt • ½ cup orange juice • 1 cup (256g) fresh or frozen fruit (berries, peaches, kiwi, pineapple, mango, cantaloupe) • Combine ingredients and blend until smooth. Peter Jackson is a certified personal trainer and the owner of Push Fitness, a private, full-service personal training gym in Oakland Park which offers a variety of fitness programs for individuals, couples and small groups. Peter welcomes your questions: e-mail peter@PushFitnessFTL.com or visit him online at www.PushFitnessFTL.com or www.PozFitness.com.
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
35
Transgender Day of Remembrance By Victoria Michaels By Victoria Michaels
O
ur community gathered together at Sunshine Cathedral for an “Exquisite” Memorial Ceremony -Saturday, November 19 for this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance. This year’s event was sponsored by Transgender Equality Rights Initiative, Pride Center at Equality Park, and T-house at The Broward Health Department. Twelve years ago, the tragic murder of transgender musician Rita Hester in Boston offered our nation a glimpse into the daily struggle and injustice suffered by transgender Americans. In honor of her memory, transgender activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith founded the first Transgender Day of Remembrance in 1998 as an occasion to remember all those who have been lost due to violence and prejudice against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.
This is our day to show the transgender community that we are not alone and a way to call for an end to violence and transphobia. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that transphobia exists. The sad reality facing transgender individuals is often a life characterized by pervasive discrimination and constant fear. Transgender people encounter discrimination in every major aspect of their day-to-day lives, negatively affecting their ability to maintain steady employment, obtain safe housing, access education, and receive appropriate health care. They are continually denied their human dignity. “We do this to say: this person matters. Their lives have value,” said Jacqui Charvet of TERI. “As each name is spoken, a candle will be lit. It’s important that we remember. We shouldn’t forget these people or the courage they built up to live their lives, and
courtesy of Pattaya times
The Transvestigator
like Canada who have approved gay marriage, and where in Thailand having a transgender person in your family is considered to be a spiritual blessing. Each year in Thailand they have a Transsexual Pageant called “Miss International Queen.” Why is it that we are so far behind other countries when it comes to The Miss International Queen Pageant: LGBT equality and us being treated with (l-r) Sahhara from Nigeria, dignity and respect? winner Sirapassorn Atthayakorn (Sammy) from Over all the event was a great sucThailand, and Margaret from Lebanon. cess and on behalf of our Transgender the difference they made by helping oth- Community I’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the people who worked feverishly ers be themselves.” Volunteers collected the names of trans- to put together such a beautiful memorial for gender people who have been murdered or the transgender people who died to provide committed suicide in the past year. So far them with the ceremony that they so desthis year there are over a hundred. Last year perately deserved. Michael Rajner, also from the worldwide total was 182, though it’s TERI, does so much for our community and presumed that many more go unreported. his work is to be admired and appreciated. I During the ceremony the list was read aloud personally look up to him as a role model and followed by an angelic gong and a candle lit have aspirations of following in his footsteps in their memory was distinguished. It was as an advocate and community activist. Ala divine memorial that was profound in though I was not specifically mentioned by so many ways because we are reminded of name, I was recognized as a “transgender how cruel, uncompassionate, and insensi- editorial columnist” in the community and tive the media can be during the deaths of “magazine covergirl” and for that I am forever grateful and touched. We had a substantransgender individuals. As American’s we most often define our- tial attendance and I hope to become more selves as being the leader of the world, yet involved next year in hopes to see every seat we fall short at keeping up with countries filled in the Sunshine Cathedral.
Club Review
By J.W. Arnold
A
ny self-respecting queen with a valid gay card in South Florida knows where Aventura Mall is, especially during the hectic holiday shopping season. But now, there’s a new destination in the neighborhood after you’ve charged up that Visa card at Macy’s, Bloomingdales and, God forbid, The Gap! Swinging Richards opened last month just a mile or so down Biscayne Boulevard from the shopping mecca. We already know South Florida gays like their scantily clad dancing boys, just look at the success of Boardwalk and Johnny’s in Fort Lauderdale and the new Johnny’s location in Miami that opened this year. But, thanks to looser city laws, the dancers at Swinging Richards can take it all off and they do. (Historical note: Cupid’s in West Palm Beach, which closed about five years ago, was the last club to offer nude dancers.) The grand opening party on Friday, Nov. 25 was a huge success with nearly 800
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people waiting in line up to two hours to get inside and get a long-anticipated peek at the goods. Oh, and they roared at the deadpan comedy delivered by actor Leslie Jordan (“Will & Grace,” “Sordid Lives”), but I doubt his appearance was the primary reason they were there. Inside, the club definitely lives up to its upscale billing, with upholstered swivel chair surrounding an island-like stage in the center of the space. One wall is flanked with private VIP rooms and the other features a raised stage with the requisite “stripper” pole, no doubt a remnant from the space’s previous life as a straight “gentlemen’s club.” On a busy night, 30 dancers may be taking their turns on the stage, working their “assets” for elusive dollar bills. The DJ reminds the audience frequently that without tips, the dancers won’t take it all off. Ironically, the dancers who did so early in their sets also garnered the most tips by far. My guess is that after forking out a $10 cover and $3 for parking, the
courtesy of swinging richards
Hanging Loose at Swinging Richards
patrons want to see it all now. In addition to their obvious attributes, the dancers at Swinging Richards also maintain colorful personas. There’s Quincy with his hi-tech glasses and sport socks, another dancer sporting a snappy fedora and boyish Peter, who just made the move to South Florida from frigid Rhode Island. They come in all shapes and sizes, and definitely don’t miss Giovanni’s distinctive gyrations.
Swinging Richards 17450 Biscayne Blvd. North Miami, FL 33160 T-Th 6 p.m. – 4 a.m., F-Sa: 6 p.m. – 6 a.m., Su: 6 p.m. – 3 a.m. Florida.SwingingRichards.com $10 Cover/$3 Secure Parking
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Thinking Out Loud
Prop 8’s Slow Crawl to the U.S. Supreme Court By Abby Dees Why it’s time to take a big risk for nationwide marriage equality
S
ometimes I wish lawsuits in real life were more like they are on TV. They’d wrap up in days rather than years, and they wouldn’t spend most of that time in the mind-numbing quagmire known as legal procedure. Such is the case with California’s Prop 8 trial, Perry v. Brown. A quick refresher: Prop 8 is unique among state same-sex marriage bans for a number of reasons, perhaps the biggest being that it was found unconstitutional in federal trial court and is now moving, very slowly, through the appeals process. It’s poised to go all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. No other LGBT marriage law has made it this far. This means that California’s 2008 law could determine the fate of same-sex mar-
riage for the whole country. On Nov. 17, we all awoke to the cacophonous news that the California Supreme Court had issued a decision that will take Prop 8 to the next critical phase. Wait, it wasn’t at the top of your newsfeed? CNN didn’t interrupt programming to tell you? OK, so maybe it was just me trawling the LGBT law-wonk websites and an email from Lambda Legal. Still, I can tell you that this is big news for us all. Perhaps the reason you might have missed it is that for the last year Perry v. Brown has been stalled on a somewhat theoretical question of legal procedure. At issue is not any of the arguments about the fairness of Prop 8’s same-sex marriage ban, but rather who should defend it during appeal. Normally, when someone challenges state law, the Governor and the Attorney
General (AG) automatically step in to defend it. But in Perry, Governor (and defendant) Jerry Brown and AG Kamala Harris have offered what I’ll call the “limp noodle” defense. In other words, they’re totally fine with Prop 8 going down in flames on their watch. I think a thank you note to both of them is in order. ProtectMarriage.com, the people who put Prop 8 on the ballot, desperately want to step in since the state won’t because if no one’s there to defend the law, the marriage ban automatically ends with Judge Vaughn Walker’s 2010 ruling that Prop 8 is unconstitutional. Same-sex marriage would resume in California. And they got their wish last week. Without going into the weird hot-potato specifics of how it came down, the gist is that ProtectMarriage.com gets to defend Prop 8 in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Same-sex marriage will remain unlawful in California at least until it all gets worked out, maybe two years or more. If I seem happy about this, there’s a reason. As a married lesbian in California I would have been thrilled to see Prop 8 off the books, and our state once again a model of equality. But then we’d have to start all over again some-
where else to tackle marriage equality nationwide, once and for all. I don’t want to wait. There’s an old lawyer adage about Supreme Court cases: good cases make good law. And Perry is definitely a good case. Defense attorneys Olson and Boies built a thorough and nuanced record of exactly why Prop 8 is morally and legally wrong, while the other side looked ignorant and petty. My God, someone even turned the trial transcript into a play, it so beautifully illuminated the ideal of justice. That perfectly crafted trial record of Perry v. Brown is what the U.S. Supreme Court would be looking at closely to make their ruling. It’s hard to imagine a better foundation for a U.S. Supreme Court victory. Yes, our High Court has never been so far to the right and there is a chance we will lose a loss that will reverberate for perhaps generations. But two things are painfully clear: First, the Court will only continue to keep moving right; and second, the traditional strategy of fighting for marriage equality in the states is failing us as voters continue to enshrine bigotry into their state constitutions. I don’t believe there will be a better time than now to make our next bold move toward equality.
marketplace
Full Charge Bookkeeping Services
Bob Darrow, Sales
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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To place an ad, call Brian Swinford
954.530.4970
or fill out form online at SouthFloridaGayNews.com/classifieds ACCOMMODATIONS SHARE CORAL RIDGE HOME $800/month. Share beautiful 4700sqft hom e. 1.5 mi fr beach. 1.5 mi to Wilton DrMstrBdrm w/pvtmstrbth.jacuzzi, pool. pvt yard. 954-609-9405 ------------------------------------------------PERFECT VACATION RENTALSLOW SUMMER RATES.From $69/Night & $395/Week.Beautiful Studio, 1 & 2 BR Apts. with Full Kitchens.Clothing optional heated pool, laundry, parking.Close to Gay Dania & Nude Haulover Beaches. Incl. Cable, Tel. & Wi-Fi Internet. Pets Always Welcome. Call (954) 927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com ------------------------------------------------STAY-CATION RENTALS from $465 per week. Studio’s, 1 BR Apartments with full kitchens. FREE parking, clothing optional pool, extended cable, FREE Wi-Fi. Located on Ft. Lauderdale Beach, close to Sebastian Street.The perfect stay in town vacation. Call 954 260 6568 or visit www.palmplazaresort.com
-----------------------------------------------NINA’S CLEANING. Exceptional Cleaning Service. If honesty, integrity and experience are of utmost importance to you, you’ve come to the right place. Your home will be treated with respect and attention to detail. 12 yrs of experience/ references (954) 601-6141 or e-mail me at jabn1999@yahoo.com
COMPUTER/TECH FAST, RELIABLE SERVICE, AT YOUR PLACE or ours! New PC’s and Laptops • Virus Removal.Hardware Repairs • Telephone Systems.PCLauderdale • 279 E Oakland Park Blvd. 954.636.3322. www. pclauderdale.com ------------------------------------------------COMPUTER/NETWORK SUPPORT FOR HOME OR OFFICE.Personable and Reliable Computer Network Support.Professional with over 15 years of Enterprise Level Experience.Affordable Rates. Contact Peter at (954) 816-4126 Or peter@netechsystems.com
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HIGHLY QUALIFIED INFORMATION technology professional and Veteran seeks IT position. 10+ years experience in help desk and desktop support. Will consider other career opportunities in South Florida. Please call Michael at 954.243.7175 ------------------------------------------------ALL FOOD HANDLING EXPERIENCE. I can prepare all seafood. Sauté, Sous Chef, Line Cook, Short order Breakfast, Baker, Prep, and also Catering.With over 23 Experience. Please contact Butch at 754-204-8463.
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BEAUTY SALON Hair Stylist. Looking for Stylist with following dependable willing to work.Small intimate Salon/Art Gallery in Wilton Manors SIGNING BONUS PAID FOR RIGHT IND. call 954-565-4562 for appointment
CLEANING SERVICES Best Cleaning Service.Short Notice Cleaning. Due to great quality work we charge a flat rate. Pet and Children Friendly. Call 954-548-9138 ------------------------------------------------CLEANING SERVICES.Years of Experience.Condos, Apts, Homes, Offices, Move Ins/Outs.Weekly or Bi-Weekly. Wilton Manors, Oakland Park, Middle River Terrace, Fort Lauderdale Area. Great References. Call BJ 954-512-3957 ------------------------------------------------ITALIANO HOME CLEANING SERVICE. Honest, Reliable, Quality cleaning for your home. Bi-Weekly or one-time available. I guarantee my work. Serving Broward Area. Call David 954-608-8913. ------------------------------------------------GET IT CLEAN NOW! JOTA.Home & Office Cleaning Excellent Professional home and/or Office cleaning in Broward County.From Simple Dust & Tidy Cleaning to Complete and thorough Deep Cleaning. Excellent References from Private & Office Customers. Call Jorge. 561-577-9285
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FOR SALE BEDROOM FURNITURE. Mattress & Bedroom sets. King $200 Queen $150 Full $130 Twin $100 Frames $39. Six piece bedroom set $479. Come in five colors. Pillowtop king $250 can Del. Call 954-465-6498.
HANDYMAN SERVICES INEXPENSIVE ELECTRICIAN. Electrician 55.00 an hour or set price. Residential,Commercial& Industrial work Fans,Outlets, Service changes Licensed and Insured, EC0001777. 954-931-5121 ------------------------------------------------LOCKSMITH & GLASS SERVICES All Pro Locks & Glass, Inc..24/7 Commercial & Residential.954-780-5188 office / www. aplag.com. Servicing Southeastern Florida
HELP WANTED HAIR DRESSER WANTED. Be Your Own Boss Rent a Salon Chair for reasonable price. Beautiful salon and very cozy. Call 561-909-9055. Delray Location Male/ or Female Hair Dresser Wanted. ------------------------------------------------SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS IS HIRING If you are retail and customer focused, computer literate and proficient, web knowledgeable, have outside or Inside sales experience…then you’re hired! Advertising Sales Representative. Call on clients, guide their advertising campaigns and make a good living. Fax your resume to 954-530-7943 or email norm. kent@sfgn.com
“Holiday Treats” photos by Susan Buzzi Selections from the “Window Shopping Series”
30% of all proceeds benefit
Knock Out Cancer 4 the Cure Foundation
ART FRENZIE
2055 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Florida (954) 560-3684 Art Walk Friday, December 16th, 2011 7-10pm ------------------------------------------------MAC EXPERT NEEDED. Looking for an expert Mac user. Come to my Ft. Lauderdaelhame and show me how to use my Apple products correctly and efficently.Please Email qualifications, hourly rates, and availability to: macxprt2011@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------LANDSCAPING/GARDENING. Position available, 3 to 4 days/week. Small, owner operated business looking for permanent helper. Call 954 563 6193, leave name & number. ------------------------------------------------STYLIST W/CLIENTELE WANTEDChair rental, Private, Professional Hair Studio setting. Must be responsible, professional and a person without any substance abuse problems. Contact Dean Allen @ 954-564-1377. www. deanallen-ahairstudio.com ------------------------------------------------EXPERICENCED WAITER. Italian Restaurant seeking a professional and experienced waiter.PT/FT time position available. Fort Lauderdale area. Call 505-554-7103 ------------------------------------------------SALES POSITION: FoodMats is now hiring strong individuals. You must be energetic, upbeat, a great closer, willing to work hard, organized, a go getter and have reliable transportation. In return make excellent money. This is a commission paid job. You will earn 40% of the profit. Email seanrmatt7@aol.com and let us know why you are the one! Please paste your resume in the email if you have one. ------------------------------------------------A BEAUTIFUL & UPSCALE NEW GAY BAR. located in the heart of Downtown Miami is opening soon- we are looking for Barbacks, Security, Bartenders, Cocktail Servers, DJ’s, MC, VIP Host, Cashier, Male Dancers. Also looking for experienced Bar Mgr. & Dance Mgr. Excellent Pay and benefits. Send Photos, Resume, Contact Info to- newmiamiclub@gmail.com
INSURANCE & FINANCIAL ALLSTATE DIRECT: PERSONAL auto, home,condominium,boat and life insurance. For a free quote call Joe Mier 305-754-7414
LEGAL SERVICES CREDITORS CALLING? Call Us! The Law Offices of GeorgeCastrataro, PA. Serving Clients With Integrity and Compassion 954-573-1444 ------------------------------------------------PROUDLY SERVING THE SOUTH FLORIDA GLBTX COMM. since 1993. Law office’s of Robin L. Bodiford, PA specializes in Bankruptcy, Probate, Wills&Trust. Call 954-630-2707
------------------------------------------------SELZER & WEISS, ATTORNEYS AT LAW Last Will & Testament, Living Will. Health Care Power of Attorney (POA) w/ HIPAA release, Durable Financial POA, for $399.00. PERSONAL INJURY: Free consult, if no recovery, no fee or cost to you. 954-567-4444.
MOVERS ALWAYSS MOVING know what you’re paying before you move! Licensed & Insured MC/ Visa/ Discover Accepted Family owned 20 years. Complete moving Services. Flat Rate& Free Estimates Call 305-650-9080
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PETS TWO ENGLISH BULLDOGS Babies for Adoption. They are AKC, home raised, vaccinated and health guarantee. Contact cbell203@gmail.com
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FREE ROOF INSPECTIONS. Free written Detailed Roof Evaluation. By State licensed Roofing Contractor. Lic # RC29027398 (954) 580-1818 Or (561) 955-0700
REAL ESTATE Palm Aire. 1BD/1.5 BA condo, all new kithen& appliances, W/D, patio facing golf course, Priced to Sell, Call 954-971-9713 ------------------------------------------------VERY PEACEFUL RESIDENCE Lakeridge house: very private, immaculate XLg 1BR, private gated entry, CAC, WD, tile flooring, walk-in closet, ample storage off street parking, fenced patio ZEN meditation/orchid gardens front/rear VERY quiet. Minutes to Publix, $985/mon. Call Joe: 954-610-6712. ------------------------------------------------KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY- Ted Adcock, Realtor Cell: 954-609-4393 tedftl@aol.com ------------------------------------------------1/1 CLOSE TO WILTON MANORS &downtown, half duplex, quiet community, private parking, water/garbage included 600/mo + one month security call 954736-7583 ------------------------------------------------DISCREET PRIVATE SECURE.FT LAUDERDALE BEACH CONDO $169,900. Building & Unit totally renovated. Ocean views from Bedroom Balcony Living Room. Intracostal Apartment elegant.Bob McGlynn Exit Realty. rebobmac@yahoo.com 954-478-6321
------------------------------------------------ANDREWS GARDENS: Oct. 1st Occupancy. 5111 NW 1st Ave., cozy, clean, happy 2/1 private home.Patio, fenced, paver drive, close to everything.985/mo. (1st + sec.). 954-629-0393. ------------------------------------------------620 NE 7TH AVE, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33304 For Sale: 250,000. 3 Bedrooms 2.5 Bath. Call John Castelliat (954) 563-9889 ------------------------------------------------TWO BEDROOM MIDDLE RIVER HOMES CONDO. Two bedroom, two bath condo in pet friendly building with wash/ dryer in unit. Close to Wilton Manors. First and second floor units available March 1. $975 f/l/s. Jimmy Cunningham licensed Real Estate Agent Castelli RE Services 954-303-7380. ------------------------------------------------THE SHAPIRO GROUP INC. Residential Property Management LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER. www.shapiroproperty. com 954-434-0175 ------------------------------------------------LUSH 2 BEDROOM HOME FOR SALE Oasis close to restaurants & highway Private & landscaped yard for relaxing Hardwood flooring in living room Call Ana Salazar @ Keyes 954-593-3089 ------------------------------------------------3321 NE 37TH ST FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA 33308 Listing # F1113917: 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms. Price: $825,000 call Jason Johnson Office Phone: (954) 563-9889 ------------------------------------------------HOLLYWOOD OCEAN FRONT CONDO FOR SALE ON PENTHOUSE LEVEL 2 Bed/2 Bath, Newly renovated. Only Motivated Buyers.2,200 sqft.$570,000. Call 954-328-7412 Ronnie ------------------------------------------------GAY ANDREWS AVENUE Large 1/1, all utilities incl, granite, d/w, private fenced tropical yard, all tile, vaulted ceiling, adt security. $750. Call 772-626-1345
RENT/LEASE Middle River &Lakeridge MOVE IN SPECIAL 1/2 OFF 1ST months rent 1 Bedroom 1 Bath 695/ Mth. 175/wk or 880/mth. or 225/week (6 or 12) month lease. Pay your deposit and you are in* for more details call 954-527-9225 ------------------------------------------------BEAUTIFUL LG. 1/1 Middle River Terr. French doors lead to your own private patio/ garden, tile throughout. Small quiet mostly gay bldg. Pets Ok, coin W/D 795./mo 954-791-4195 ------------------------------------------------HUGE 3/1- HALF DUPLEX New Kitchen, Tile Floor throughout, Huge Fenced yard, washer/ dryer, pets ok, pet owner, $1100. / mo 954-791-4195 ------------------------------------------------1/1 FRENCH DOORS/PRIVATE PATIO Middle River Terr, lg. 1/1, tile floors, walkin closet, your own fenced patio/ garden, pets OK, coin W/D, quiet mostly gay bldg, $795./mo. 954-791-4195 ------------------------------------------------MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE Large 1 Bedroom, Tile Floors, On-site Laundry, Parking, Close to Wilton Drive, Dog Friendly. $750/month 954-815-2550 ------------------------------------------------SOUTH MIDDLE RIVER /FT.LAUDERDALE. Large 2 BD, 1 Bath Tile Floors, Parking, Lots of Closets. Half a Duplex, $850/ month, Large 2BD/1 BA, Central A/C, Tile Floors, Washer/Dryer Large Updated Kitchen, lots of closets, Fenced Yard, Dog Friendly, Call: 954-815-2550.
------------------------------------------------1/1 CLOSE TO WILTON MANORS & downtown, half duplex, quiet community, private parking, water/garbage included 600/mo + one month security call 954736-7583 ------------------------------------------------SPACIOUS OFFICE FOR RENT. Office suite in great building available approx 2500 sf set up as offices with conference room in two adjoining suites. Located at 1220 ne 4th ave just south of wilton manors. 954-763-4214 To see. Rent $ 2500 with annual lease ------------------------------------------------ANDREWS GARDENS: Oct. 1st Occupancy. 5111 NW 1st Ave., cozy, clean, happy 2/1 private home.Patio, fenced, paver drive, close to everything.985/mo. (1st + sec.). 954-629-0393. ------------------------------------------------2/2 WILTON MANORS. Quiet area, w/ pool, laundry, small pets accepted. First and 1 month deposit. Call Astrid: 954-806-7607. ------------------------------------------------WEST HOLLYWOOD 2/2 Large Unique Duplex, Small office in unit, open kitchen w/ dishwasher, W/D, wood deck patio + privacy fence all around, we are extremely pet friendly, call Rita 954-549-9228 ------------------------------------------------1BED - 2ND FLOOR 1142 NE 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 954-764-0212 or 954-5812573 $700/Mo. yearly
ROOMMATES GAY/GAY FRIENDLY ROOMMATE WANTED IN BOCA. Located in Boca Raton, right off Military Trail (north of Palmetto Park).Available now. 1 Unfurnished bedroom/ 1 Full Bathroom for rent in townhouse. Neighborhood is family friendly, safe and gated. Community has its own pool and tennis court. Very close to shopping, restaurants, I-95 and schools. Looking for a mature, easy going, gay/gay friendly individual. Non / outdoor smoker preferred. $650.00/ month with a 6 to 12 month lease. Water + Trash included. Call Jeff 561-315-0746 ------------------------------------------------ROOM 4 RENT IN 2 BED/1 BATH. Clean! $500 mo. includes utilities. North of Sunrise/East of Andrews.Walk to Wilton Manors.Must be gay friendly male/ female. Call 954-297-9270 ------------------------------------------------ROOMMATE WANTED TO SHARE TOWNHOUSE IN S. POMPANO. $450 a month. Everything included. Male or female. Call Margie at 954-829-3933. ------------------------------------------------VICTORIA PARK LARGE TOWNHOUSE Lge. Pvt. Bedroom w/full use of home Key West Style Street with view.References with happy stable life.$625 plus 1/2 utilities. cbado@Live.com or 954.709.0505 ------------------------------------------------FTL-CORAL RIDGE POOL HOME Male to share remodeled 4BD/4BA home w/2 males. Unfurn, W/D, chef’s kitchen, wi-fi, lgpvt backyard w/dive-in pool,1.5 mi to beach. $800/mo. 954-609-9405. ------------------------------------------------ROOM FOR RENT in immaculate 2 bedroom 1 bath single family home. Fully fenced backyard, new granite/cherry kitchen. Close to public transport and Wilton Manors. Pets welcome. $500 includes utilities. 201-696-8752
Dating New FREE Dating Website SameSexConnections.com
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Profiles in Professionalism
Ronnie Dunayer
courtesy of BLASt
Golf instructor, sports psychologist, local activist and gay philanthropist
By Donald Cavanaugh
R
onnie Dunayer is an intense woman of indeterminate age, unlimited enthusiasm and indomitable energy. She’s a dynamo on and off the golf course and she’s on a mission to make the world a better place for everyone. When asked what she considered her greatest achievement so far, without hesitation she said, “raising money for a black church that had been destroyed by Katrina.” Ronnie and her partner, Charlotte Dilks, a local contractor, wanted to help the victims of that storm and found a woman whose food kitchen was destroyed when the church building she used was wiped out. “We raised over $25,000 in 60 days,” she added. “We reached out to people all over the country and the response was incredible.” Dunayer was born in Flushing, NY and grew up in Miami Beach. She was a tomboy from early on and her concerned parents hoped to channel some of her masculine energy into a feminine sport so they pushed her toward tennis. She excelled at the game and went professional as a young adult. She was married for a time and became involved with horses, which subsequently led to a serious accident resulting in a broken back, ending her career as professional tennis player. During her rehabilitation she met a woman who rode horses in Florida in the winter and took stock back to New York off season. She hitched a ride north one spring and decided to stay. She opened two tennis clubs on Long Island where she taught tennis while becom-
ing more involved with golf on the side. She burned out running the clubs and decided to go back to school for a master’s degree in psychology. When she graduated she worked with several athletes and developed a practice in sports psychology at the same time becoming a golf instructor. “So much of your success in sports is in your head,” Dunayer said. “Some of our best athletes work closely with therapists on all sorts of aspects of their games.” Dunayer and Dilks have been partners for over 12 years although they’ve known each other and have been friends for 22. “We met in Cherry Grove on Fire Island where we both volunteered on the fire department,” Dunayer said. “We became good friends and the rest is history.” Dunayer has more history in her life since her early days in New York when she was first coming out as a lesbian. “I met some women friends of my ex-husbands and they figured me out even before I did,” she said. “They took me to wonderful places like the famous lesbian restaurant, Mother Courage (the first feminist restaurant in the country) where I met and got involved with amazing women like Bella Abzug and her daughter, Liz, and Liz Holtzman and others who mentored me as a feminist and activist.” Dunayer spent several years as a radical feminist and lesbian separatist marching in Times Square, harassing men who abused their wives, and more. “Separating back then served its purpose and drew attention to the issues,” Dunayer said. “Today we need to include as many people as possible. That’s what we’re fighting for, inclusion and equality.” “That’s why I’m interested in fundraising for all these different causes,” she added. “Like the church in New Orleans, we have to bring people together to help one another and I want to do my part.” Dunayer has focused her fundraising on a number of areas. Breast cancer and anti-gay bullying are but two causes in her sights and she raises money by offering people a good time with other like-minded folk. “It’s important to give people an extra reason to come out and help,” Dunayer said. “We always try to make it a fun event for people who join us. It’s good for everyone.”
December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Advertorial
Please join us at Kalis-McIntee Funeral & Cremation Center in welcoming BryAn L. WAggoner, Licensed Funeral Director, to our professional Family! Bryan has 25 years of local experience and has worked for only one other funeral home since joining Kalis-McIntee. “We are thrilled to have a funeral director of his caliber join our team. Bryan is a consummate professional and known for expertise and compassion”, states Bernie McIntee. Many of you may recognize him, so if you see him around Wilton Manors, please stop and say hello or stop by the funeral home to meet him. For more information:
Kalis-McIntee Funeral & Cremation Center
Freddy PFaFFenzeller
Jim Caudill
Bernie & marCia mCintee
2505 North Dixie Highway, Ft. Lauderdale/ Wilton Manors, FL 954-566-7621 www.kalismcintee.com
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December 14, 2011 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com