03/07/12 V3I10 by South Florida Gay News

Look for Special Edition of SFGN at PrideFest this weekend

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S T R A I G H T

F A C

March 7, 2012 • Volume 3 • Issue 10

Pride 2012 Page 20

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Testing for STIs Just Got Easier

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Ponzi Scheme Unfolds

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Billy Elliot Dances

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Publisher Pontificates on Pride

Winner of the 2011 Stars of the Rainbow Media Star Award March 7, 2012 • Volume 3 • Issue 10

South Beach AIDS Project Opens New Location

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

Norm Kent Publisher norm.kent@sfgn.com

It just got a little easier to get tested for a full array of STIs

Pier Angelo Guidugli

By Gideon Grudo

THE REGULARS

By Karl Hampe

Charles Martin

submitted photo

hen Manh Nguyen joined the South Beach Aids Project (SoBAP), the ability to stretch his research muscles and help the community was a “big selling point.” Now, a year later, Nguyen is the lead researcher at SoBAP’s research site in Miami. With a background in biomedical research, Nguyen works on finding ways behavior can be modified to improve sexual health. SoBAP has been around for a few decades, said CEO Charles Martin, and is still growing. “In the early 90s, some guys got together and decided they wanted to do something for the community,” he said about finding terminal victims of HIV/AIDS in South Florida and “being a friend to them as they left this world.” As the geography and communities evolved, SoBAP has come to cover South Beach, and Dade and Broward counties. It aims to be a resource of education, prevention and tests. It focuses on “underserved and minority gay communities,” according to the site. And on March 2, it got a little bigger. SoBAP opened its second testing center, taking over an old site that had been run by the Department of Health. The organization, said Martin, approached the DoH and said they could offer a full-range of STI tests to the community, free-of-charge. “They were happy about it,” Martin said, citing budget cuts that many programs are facing these days. “It was something they couldn’t do, and a niche we could fill.”

While SoBAP is an LGBT organization, Martin emphasized that the services it offers are open to anyone in the community. “Our main focus is gay black and Latino males,” he said. “We are a gay agency, but no one is ever denied service from SoBAP. We make sure everyone gets served.” And the approach to service is a holistic one, which led SoBAP to integrate HIV/AIDS with gay men’s overall health, rather than focusing on what Martin called the “pigeonhole” of HIV. Through research of the like that Nguyen leads, programs like “Many Men, Many Voices” are born. The program consists of sessions in which people are encouraged to join

and discuss the various issues that may affect gay men of color. The idea is that everything is “open and honest across the board,” Martin said, allowing the guys to talk about “anything that the guys want to talk about.” Nguyen said that the new PET (prevention education and training) center would allow an even fuller array of STI testing than can be offered at the older Wellness Center on Lincoln Road. Other than these tests, Nguyen said that SoBAP also works to better the community by traveling to advocate on behalf of the community. “It’s a very empowering position,” he said. Charles Martin said that while HIV/AIDS is not as dangerous as it used to be, it must still be taken seriously. “A lot of people think that HIV/AIDS is not at the epidemic level it was at one time — because it’s not on the front page anymore,” he said. “But it still ravages many communities — it’s something that we as a community must still take note of.”

Chief Executive Officer Creative Director. . . . . . . . . . George Dauphin george.dauphin@sfgn.com Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chance Taffer Online Website Director. . . . Dennis Jozefowicz Office Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Swinford

Editorial Editor in Chief. . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Copy Desk Chief . . . . . . . . . Michael Anguille Arts/Entertainment Editor . . . JW Arnold jw@prdconline.com Business Editor . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Gary Senior Features Correspondents . . . . . . . . . . T ony Adams Jesse Monteagudo Correspondents. . . . . . . . . . . D onald Cavanaugh Gideon Grudo Lisa Lucas Mike Rothman Denise Royal Tana Velen

Contributing Columnists. . . . Wayne Besen

Susan Estrich Brian McNaught Victoria Michaels Leslie Robinson Dana Rudolph David Webb

To learn more, go to www.sobeaids.org

Get tested, get educated, get heard

Health Columnist. . . . . . . . . . Peter Jackson

SoBAP has two locations now: What: SoBAP Wellness Center Where: 3 06 Lincoln Road (inside CVS Pharmacy), Miami Beach, FL 33139 When: Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. What: SoBAP PET Center Where: 6 15 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 When: Monday and Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday: CLOSED

Sales

Editorial Cartoonists. . . . . . . K arl Hampe Darryl Smith Marketing Director. . . . . . . . . John Fugate Sales Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Trottier Sales Associate . . . . . . . . . . . . Terri Esterby Sales Associate . . . . . . . . . . . . Edwin Neimann Sales Associate . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Tisdale 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©2012 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

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March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

March 7, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Despite Gay Marriage Advances DOMA Still Presents Problem When Filing Taxes By Donna Gehrke-White Sun Sentinel

ach tax season long-time partners David Bloom and Damian McNamara come face-to-face with a double standard. Even though they’ve been together 23 years, have two kids and a house, they can’t file a joint tax return like married heterosexual couples. McNamara has to pay taxes on his employer’s contributions to Bloom’s health insurance. Because federal laws don’t recognize same-sex unions, McNamara and Bloom and other couples are at a disadvantage to their married heterosexual peers. They also face economic disadvantages when it comes to health insurance, Social Security benefits, estate taxes and retirement funds. Even if Bloom and McNamara were legally married in another state, their union would not be recognized under the federal Defense of Marriage Act or Florida’s Amendment 2 McNamara pays about $1,600 a year in federal taxes for Bloom’s health insurance.

Their kids are covered by McNamara’s health insurance as any other parent’s would be. Each year, the couple must figure out how to divvy up deductions on their federal taxes, such as for their children and interest on their mortgage. “You learn how to adjust and how to deal with it,” said Bloom, who owns a PhysicalAdvertisingWorks.com, a promotions company that operates in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. In Lake Worth, Robert Telford, who works for the city of West Palm Beach, said about $200 is withheld every month from his paychecks for taxes to pay for a portion of his partner’s health insurance. “I am feeling the bite out of my wallet every month,” said Telford, a broadcast coordinator, who has been with his partner, Jim Schramm, for 17 years. “I could not imagine those who make around $30,000 and want to provide this supposed benefit to their partner. They couldn’t.” Telford said he struggles as he hasn’t had a raise in four years and has to take five fur-

lough days without pay this year to help with the city’s budget woes. Heterosexual couples who aren’t married face the same challenges, but they have the option of marrying and getting the tax benefits afforded U.S. married couples who file one combined tax return. Same-sex couples are not allowed to file jointly. As a result, they can face thousands of dollars more in taxes each year, said Gil Charney, a tax analyst with H&R Block Inc.’s Tax Institute, the tax-prep company’s independent research and analysis division. Take a married gay couple with two children. If they claim two dependents, have combined salaries of $100,000 and one of them files as a head of household and has the partner on an employer-supplied health-insurance plan at a cost of $5,000, the couple’s tax liability will total $15,199, Charney said. But a married heterosexual couple with two children, the same income and benefits would have to pay only $10,656 on a joint tax return, Charney said. “The whole tax code doesn’t take into account the families created by gays and lesbians,” said Rand Hoch, president of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council. The benefits enjoyed by married heterosexual couples extend even into death. Assets left behind by a husband or wife who dies are absorbed by the surviving spouse tax-free, said Charney. But when one of two same-sex partners dies, the surviving partner must pay taxes on the assets above a certain exempt amount. Now the federal estate-tax exemption covers the first $5.1 million of a person’s estate. Next year the exemption is scheduled to drop to $1 million, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Retirement funds also are problematic, Charney said. In the case of a heterosexual marriage, the individual retirement account of a deceased partner automatically becomes the property of the surviving spouse, who has the option of deferring payments from the account until the survivor reaches 701/2 years old. But in a same-sex partnership, the non-spouse beneficiary must start withdrawals immediately, missing out on interest that could have accumulated if the account had remained untouched. Charney said that ultimately means smaller retirement funds for surviving partners.

They also do not get Social Security benefits if their partners die. “That’s a huge vulnerability,” said Stratton Pollitzer who lives in North Miami and is deputy director of Equality Florida, the state’s largest civil rights group for the LGBT community. Some same-sex couples are choosing to check the “married” box on federal income tax returns and file jointly instead of reporting their status as single on separate returns, said Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida. “The government should not be in the position to make people lie about their marital status,” Smith said. “This is money that could go toward educating our children, buying homes, starting a business.” Tax analyst Charney warned that a samesex couple filing a single federal return as a married couple could be liable for additional taxes, penalties and interest — and could be subject to further scrutiny from the IRS. Filing separate returns is no guarantee that same-sex couples won’t draw attention from the IRS. Lesley A. Northrup, dean of The Honors College at Florida International University, had always split tax deductions and dividends on joint investments with her partner. “Oddly enough, after 15 years of filing that way, the IRS for the first time last year questioned the splitting of our mortgage deduction,” Northrup said in an e-mail. It was “quickly resolved with a copy of the statement listing us as joint owners, but [it was] still weird,” she said. The Sun Sentinel and SFGN are media partners.

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

March 7, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

www.egrifta.com

Actual patient living with HIV since 1996

March 7, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

You’VE woRkED To ConTRoL YouR HIV. now, TImE To woRk on YouR

HIV-RELATED EXCESS BELLY FAT. In two separate clinical trials of HIV-infected people with lipodystrophy, each lasting 6 months, EGRIFTA® (tesamorelin for injection) reduced HIV-related excess belly fat by an average of 18% in the first trial, and 14% in the second trial. This reduction in excess belly fat resulted in an approximate 1-inch reduction in waist size. Individual results may vary. On average, patients on EGRIFTA® did not lose weight.

Like HIV, HIV-related excess belly fat is a chronic condition. In clinical studies: • People who used EGRIFTA® continuously for 1 year maintained their results over this time period • People who stopped taking EGRIFTA® after 6 months had their HIV-related excess belly fat come back EGRIFTA® is believed to work with your own body to produce natural growth hormone to reduce your excess belly fat. Indication: EGRIFTA® is a daily injectable prescription medicine to reduce the excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. Limitations of use: • The impact and safety of EGRIFTA® on cardiovascular health has not been studied • EGRIFTA® is not indicated for weight-loss management • It’s not known whether taking EGRIFTA® helps improve compliance with antiretroviral medications • EGRIFTA® is not recommended to be used in children Important Risk Information Do not use EGRIFTA® if you: • Have pituitary gland tumor, pituitary gland surgery, or other problems related to your pituitary gland • Have active cancer (either newly diagnosed or recurrent) or are receiving treatment for cancer • Are allergic to tesamorelin or any of the ingredients in EGRIFTA®, including mannitol or sterile water • Are pregnant or become pregnant Before using EGRIFTA,® tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had cancer • Have diabetes • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed • Have kidney or liver problems • Have any other medical condition • Take prescription or non-prescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements EGRIFTA® may cause serious side effects, including: • Serious allergic reaction. Stop using EGRIFTA® and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: rash over your body, hives, swelling of your face or throat, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, feeling of faintness or fainting • Swelling (fluid retention). EGRIFTA® can cause swelling in some parts of your body. Call your healthcare provider if you have an increase in joint pain, or pain or numbness in your hands or wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome) • Increase in glucose (blood sugar) intolerance and diabetes • Injection-site reactions, such as redness, itching, pain, irritation, bleeding, rash, and swelling. Change (rotate) your injection site to help lower your risk for injection-site reactions

The most common side effects of EGRIFTA® include: • joint pain • numbness and pricking • pain in legs and arms • nausea • swelling in your legs • vomiting • muscle soreness • rash • tingling • itching EGRIFTA® will NOT cure HIV or lower your chance of passing HIV to others. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see Consumer Brief Summary of EGRIFTA® on following page.

Ask your healthcare provider if EGRIFTA®, the first and only FDA-approved medicine for HIV-related excess belly fat, may be right for you. For more information, visit www.egrifta.com or call the AXIS Center at 1-877-714-AXIS (2947).

120127-102148 2/12

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Consumer Brief Summary for EGRIFTA® (tesamorelin for injection) EGRIFTA® (eh-GRIF-tuh) (tesamorelin for injection) for subcutaneous use Read the Patient Information that comes with EGRIFTA® before you start to take it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment. What is EGRIFTA®? • EGRIFTA® is an injectable prescription medicine to reduce the excess in abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. EGRIFTA® contains a growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) • The impact and safety of EGRIFTA® on cardiovascular health has not been studied • EGRIFTA® is not indicated for weight-loss management • It is not known whether taking EGRIFTA® helps improve compliance with antiretroviral medications • It is not known if EGRIFTA® is safe and effective in children. EGRIFTA® is not recommended to be used in children Who should not use EGRIFTA®? Do not use EGRIFTA® if you: • have pituitary gland tumor, pituitary gland surgery, or other problems related to your pituitary gland • have active cancer (either newly diagnosed or recurrent) or are receiving treatment for cancer • are allergic to tesamorelin or any of the ingredients in EGRIFTA®. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in EGRIFTA® • are pregnant or become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop using EGRIFTA® and talk with your healthcare provider. See “What should I tell my healthcare provider before using EGRIFTA®?” What should I tell my healthcare provider before using EGRIFTA®? Before using EGRIFTA®, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have or have had cancer • have diabetes • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if EGRIFTA® passes into your breast milk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that HIV-infected mothers not breastfeed to avoid the risk of passing HIV infection to your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you are taking EGRIFTA® • have kidney or liver problems • have any other medical condition Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. EGRIFTA® may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how EGRIFTA® works. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list with you to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. How should I use EGRIFTA®? • Read the detailed “Instructions for Use” that comes with EGRIFTA® before you start using EGRIFTA®. Your healthcare provider will show you how to inject EGRIFTA® • Use EGRIFTA® exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider • Inject EGRIFTA® under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach area (abdomen) • Change (rotate) the injection site on your stomach area (abdomen) with each dose. Do not inject EGRIFTA® into scar tissue, bruises, or your navel • Do not share needles or syringes with other people. Sharing of needles can result in the transmission of infectious diseases, such as HIV What are the possible side effects of EGRIFTA®? EGRIFTA® may cause serious side effects including: • Serious allergic reaction. Some people taking EGRIFTA® may have an allergic reaction. Stop using EGRIFTA® and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: – a rash over your body – hives – swelling of your face or throat – shortness of breath or trouble breathing – fast heartbeat – feeling of faintness or fainting

• Swelling (fluid retention). EGRIFTA® can cause swelling in some parts of your body. Call your healthcare provider if you have an increase in joint pain, or pain or numbness in your hands or wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome) • Increase in glucose (blood sugar) intolerance and diabetes. Your healthcare provider will measure your blood sugar periodically • Injection-site reactions. Change (rotate) your injection site to help lower your risk for injection-site reactions. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice if you have the following symptoms around the area of the injection site: – bleeding – redness – rash – itching – swelling – pain – irritation The most common side effects of EGRIFTA® include: – joint pain – nausea – pain in legs and arms – vomiting – rash – swelling in your legs – itching – muscle soreness – tingling, numbness, and pricking Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of EGRIFTA®. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects, contact EMD Serono toll-free at 1-800-283-8088, ext. 5563. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Keep EGRIFTA® and all medicines out of the reach of children. General information about the safe and effective use of EGRIFTA®: Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use EGRIFTA® for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give EGRIFTA® to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. Do not share your EGRIFTA® syringe with another person, even if the needle is changed. Do not share your EGRIFTA® needles with another person. This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about EGRIFTA®. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about EGRIFTA® that is written for healthcare professionals. For more information about EGRIFTA®, go to www.EGRIFTA.com or contact the AXIS Center toll-free at 1-877-714-2947. What are the ingredients in EGRIFTA®? Active ingredient: tesamorelin Inactive ingredients: mannitol and Sterile Water for Injection

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Group Issues HIV Policy Priorities for 2012 By Sean McShee

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n mid-February of 2012, the HIV Health Care Access Working Group issued its 2012 Policy Priorities: Among their goals: protect, fund and support effective implementation of the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Health Care Reform; support the vital role of the Ryan White Care program in addressing the HIV public heath crisis; and maintain the federal commitment to Medicaid and Medicare Policy is inherently “small p” political, as policy involves expending public funds to achieve particular goals that benefit specific people and groups. Florida has endured the major HIV policy failure of its ADAP Wait List for seventeen months. On the “HIV prevention front” Florida has also experienced major problems, leading all other states in the number of new HIV infections and exceeding the total number of new infections in the twenty-five states with the lowest numbers of new infections. With policy failures like these, Florida voters should pay close attention to policy issues in election years. Health care reform would significantly impact HIV treatment. It changes Medicaid eligibility from a diagnosis of disability to an income level of less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level: $14,484 per year, for a single person, or $19,564 per year for a couple. This change in Medicaid eligibility should prevent the progression to the prior eligibility requirement – disability. Poor health and disability tends to lower income, eventually turning a revenue producing worker into a

dependent. Increasing access to health care can reduce government spending by slowing the progression to disability. Today, people without access to employer based group-health insurance can only purchase more expensive private insurance but under health care reform, group plans would be available for purchase under health care exchanges. People purchasing health insurance under these exchanges would be eligible for subsidies if their income was between 133 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level ($14,484 to $43,560 for single person, or $19,564 to $58,840 for a couple). Florida ranks third among states in the percent of people without health insurance, 21.26 percent and has a median household income of is $47,661. Health care reform would greatly benefit Florida. Health care reform establishes preexisting condition insurance plans (PCIPs)

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

for people with serious pre-existing conditions, like HIV. Some states have already begun to implement these PCIPs and have reduced the average monthly cost for ADAP patients from $949 to $529. The plans have enrolled relatively few people, and have not fully developed their programs, but they appear to be able to cut costs. Health care reform will not eliminate the need for Ryan White Care programs. Agencies currently providing services under Ryan White Care, have gained an enormous amount of expertise in delivering HIV services in the local context. People with HIV know these agencies and are familiar with how they work. This will be invaluable to prepare for the health care reform’s full implementation in 2014. Health care reform will not cover all people, all

procedures, services such as dental care or social support or provided needed financial help with co-pays, deductibles, and fees. More importantly, people will need case management to manage this transition in health care. Ryan White Care agencies are ideally suited to this task. Currently, Medicaid serves about 200,000 HIV positive people (17 percent of all HIV positive people). Medicaid, a major portion of state budgets, has become a tempting target of deficit “hawks.” Cuts to Medicaid would force HIV positive people out of care, threatening not only their own health but increasing their chances of infecting others. These policy goals educate people about non-HIV specific policy could affect HIV prevention and care. The group has launched a website (www.hivhealthreform. org) to publicize and discuss these policy priorities. Please visit that site for more information.

Wilton Station Ponzi Scheme Uncovers New Victim More sources come forward with stories of loss, woe

current resident and an ex-resident of Wilton Station have confirmed the details in last week’s expose — and have a few details of their own to share. In its last issue, the SFGN cover story reported the stories of alleged victims of a Ponzi scheme by George Elia. The victims claimed local resident Jim Ellis introduced them to Elia – the con artist who swindled them. No criminal charges have been filed against Elia or Ellis, but sources claim Elia is under investigation by the FBI. SFGN’s sources stated that Ellis furthered the scheme. The sources claimed he would meet up with the alleged victims at parties hosted by Ellis’s own daughter, Janet, who manages the property at Wilton Station, where many of the victims live. Promising hefty returns on their investments, the parties would serve as “ice-breakers” and be held in Janet’s home, or at nearby bars in Wilton Manors. Since the story was published last Wednesday, more alleged victims have spoken out. Sandra Rich, 80, has been a resident of Wilton Station since 2008. That’s how she came

5 to 8 percent, it’s someto know Janet, and later thing you can expect to her father, Jim Ellis, and get from a good investor.” then Elia. She did some research “I didn’t know that and talked to fellow resiJanet was Jim’s daughdents, who confirmed ter,” she said. “She was that they were getting very pleasant with me statements showing they — wanted to go lunch were making money. often. We didn’t have a Jim Ellis and George Elia Over a burger and a negative relationship.” Around New Year’s Eve 2010, Ellis intro- grey-goose-on-the-rocks-with-a-splash-ofduced Rich to Elia, and to people who he soda at the Capitol Grille, Rich said she handclaimed had made money by investing with ed Jim Ellis a check for $20,000, made out to Elia. Rich had reason to trust Ellis. She had George Elia. At the table were Ellis, Elia, Rich business associations with him dating back and her life partner. She would also later sell to the 1990’s, when he had worked at a car some jewelry, in order to invest an additional dealership, where she attempted to purchase $9,000. Around the summer of 2011, she sold a Cadillac. They reconnected in 2008 after off the rest of her jewelry and invested a final $10,000, for a total investment of $39,000. she moved into Wilton Station. It worked like a charm, Rich told SFGN. Her Ellis approached her about his new investment partner. “‘All of these people are mak- statements showed strong returns. She even ing money, except you,’” Rich said Ellis told asked for small returns three times, and in her, adding that this new project paid so each instance, Elia obliged with electronic payments, between one thousand and fifteen much more than the bank. Rich recalls Ellis commenting that “The bank hundred dollars. “You had no reason to think that anything was giving so little, so when someone’s offering submitted photo

By Gideon Grudo

was wrong,” she said. “Elia’s a really nice man.” She even remembers the same sentiment coming from Janet, whom she once asked about Elia. “She said ‘Oh, he’s fabulous, you have nothing to worry about,’” Rich said. Janet Ellis has still not remarked to SFGN, but within days of the story, the Board of Directors of the Homeowners Association at Wilton Station came to her defense. They sent out a letter to “members and residents” on Feb. 29 in response to the newspaper’s article about Ellis and his daughter. “The Board is not aware of any pending criminal investigation involving Ms. Ellis and Ms. Ellis has also vehemently denied any involvement in such a scheme,” the letter reads. “The current Board of your Association has complete faith in the capability and integrity of Ms. Ellis and has found that the allegations against her do not impact her ability to continue to do an astounding job for your association.” The letter went on to claim that SFGN’s article was based on the claims of a single “resident,” failing to note that by the time of its publication, SFGN had confirmed the authenticity of the story with interviews from six different sources. The letter also noted that Continental Group, whom Janet Ellis works for, is “one of their better property managers and the Continental Group strongly supports Ms. Ellis’ position at Wilton Station.” Because of that, the board has decided to not take any independent action against Janet. A receptionist at Wilton Station refused to connect SFGN to anyone who might be able to comment on the situation. Meanwhile, toward the end of 2011, Rich wanted to know how much was left in her accounts. “My partner was very sick at the time,” she said. “I was more concerned with my personal problems than with these accounts.” During this time though, a fellow resident informed her of some “terrible news,” reiterating the same story, that “Ellis-works-withElia-and-it’s-all-a-scam.” “I called George up and said, ‘there’s a house I can get, but I need to put down a deposit,’” asking for a return of some of her funds. Elia, according to Rich, changed the subject and said he was in the hospital, and needed ten days. Rich said she sympathized with Elia, but still insisted on getting back at least five thousand dollars. Elia refused, sending her back weeks later only $1,000 in cash of her $39,000 investment.

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

“I called [Ellis] and said, ‘Jim, what kind of crap is this?’” Rich said. She reminded him that he promised her he’d take care of her if anything happened. At this point, Ellis told her he couldn’t do anything, and that he too had been duped, adding that he’d be losing his house and cars. It even got to the point where Rich approached Janet, who she said accused her of lying and that Rich had indeed gotten all of her money back. “I just don’t understand how someone can steal from someone,” Rich said. “I want my money. I live from check-to-check, I have maybe $800 in the bank. You can’t even trust your friends — it’s unfortunate we live in that kind of a world.” With 12 others, Rich has hired the law firm Becker and Poliakoff, the same firm that represented victims of Ponzi schemer Bernie Madoff. Daniel DeSouza, the local attorney for the firm, said that he’s still gathering information and testimony in preparation for an eventual lawsuit. SFGN attempted to again reach Jim Ellis for comment, but he has not replied. Previously, before abruptly ending the conversation by hanging up on SFGN, Ellis asserted he too is a victim of Elia. However, Ellis has previously shown a willingness to speak up when his character has come into question. Six months ago, a resident of Wilton Station sent an email to his

daughter, the property manager. The email accused Ellis of having sex with a male prostitute in the parking lot of the condo complex. In response, Ellis sued the resident in Broward County Court for defamation and libel. The claim is now pending. Bob Battersby had moved into Wilton Station in January 2010, but within three months he put his condo back on the market, he said. Battersby, who has since moved out, also confirmed to SFGN the details of Janet’s parties and her father’s appearance at the functions. Battersby, who never did invest, added that he had been solicited himself. “They tried to woo me,” he said. “Because I didn’t get involved, I was ostracized a little bit.” “I knew it wasn’t a healthy situation…they tried to cozy up — to be buddy-buddy,” he said. “I had already been warned that there was a Ponzi scheme. It involved a lot of happy hour crap — alcohol and the such — that’s not my style.” With a touch of irony, having not invested a penny or lost a dime, Battersby concluded he was grateful he had never joined Wilton Station’s unofficial “investment club.” As SFGN will continue to reveal in the coming weeks, many other people were not so lucky. If you have been approached by Jim Ellis, Janet Ellis and/or George Elia and want to share your story with SFGN, contact Gideon Grudo at 918.991.8481 or email him at ggrudo@gmail.com.

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN BRIEFS St. Petersburg calls for ban on gay ‘propaganda’

T. PETERSBURG, Russia – The legislature in Russia’s second-largest city has passed a bill outlawing promotion of homosexuality to minors, a move decried by gay rights activists. The bill, passed Wednesday by the city, calls for fines of up to 500,000 rubles ($16,500) for spreading homosexual propaganda and up to 1 million rubles ($33,000) for material promoting pedophilia. The measure gives only vague guidelines on what would be considered propaganda. Igor Kochetkov, a prominent gay activist in the city, said the bill “contains elements of neo-Nazi ideology (and) follows the logic of any totalitarian regime.” The mayor has 10 days to decide whether to sign the measure into law. Homosexual activity among adults was decriminalized in post-Soviet Russia, but anti-gay sentiments remain strong.

jezebel.com / russia

International News

Protest in Russia National News

Clementi roommate was ‘uncomfortable’

EW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey -- Jurors in the trial of a U.S. student accused of using a webcam to spy on his roommate kissing another man can hear about an email passage in which the roommate said he was “extremely uncomfortable sharing a room with someone who would act in this manner,’’ a judge decided Wednesday. Tyler Clementi killed himself shortly afterward.

The trial has drawn national attention to the societal challenges facing young gays and lesbians. The Indian-born Dharun Ravi, 20, faces charges including invasion of privacy and bias intimidation over allegations that he secretly watched Clementi’s encounter with another man in their dorm room in September 2010. Raahi Grover, a resident assistant in their university dormitory, said Wednesday he had received the email from Clementi. In other testimony, student Lokesh Ohja said he helped Ravi adjust the webcam to get a better view of Clementi’s bed on a night when Clementi had asked to have the

dorm room to himself. Authorities say that attempt to spy was thwarted when Ravi’s computer was unplugged. Clementi killed himself the next day. The man seen kissing Clementi, who has been identified only as M.B., could testify as early as Thursday.When he does, it could mark the highest-profile testimony in the case. In earlier testimony, former Rutgers University student Molly Wei said Ravi showed her a live web stream of Clementi, 18, kissing a man in the dorm room the young men shared. She said she saw about two seconds of Clementi and an older man kissing. University police were called a few days later about a Twitter message Ravi posted

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

on Sept. 21, when Clementi requested privacy in the room again. “Anyone with iChat,” Ravi posted, “I dare you to videochat me between the hours of 9:30 and 12.Yes, it’s happening again.’’

NYC opens nation’s first LGBT senior center

EW YORK – New York City is opening the nation’s first center for seniors who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. City officials say the new LGBT facility will be specifically geared to the needs of this community, whose members sometimes feel isolated from other seniors. The center in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood is to open in January. Mayor Michael Bloomberg says it’s time to change the “one-size-fits-all” approach that has traditionally shaped senior centers. The new facility will serve LGBT seniors in the city’s five boroughs, helping them with everything from health and wellness to meals and technology. Department for the Aging spokesman Christopher Miller says many LGBT seniors have encountered discrimination at general senior centers. Details of the project are to be announced at a Thursday news conference.

Mo. teacher planning same-sex wedding is fired

ORMANDY, Mo. -- An openly gay music teacher at a Catholic school in suburban St. Louis has been fired after church officials learned he was planning to marry his partner of 20 years. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (http://bit.ly/ zzbfBp) reported that Al Fischer’s Feb. 17 firing from St. Ann Catholic School follows a Jan. 11 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that religious employees of a church cannot sue for employment discrimination. Fisher, who had worked at the north St. Louis County school for four years, declined to discuss the firing other than to confirm it. He referred to a letter emailed to parents in which he encouraged parents to talk to their children “about whether or not justice was served.” The letter continued: “I do not want the lesson from this for the kids to be, ‘Keep your mouth shut, hide who you are or what you think if it will get you in trouble.’” Fischer’s partner, Charlie Robin, executive director of Washington University’s Edison Theatre, told the Post-Dispatch that the couple’s relationship was in no way a secret at St. Ann. He said he attended staff parties and showed up at school concerts. But Robin said that shortly after a representative of the St. Louis Archdiocese overheard Fischer talking to co-workers about his wedding plans, Fischer was told he

would be fired March 9. That’s the couple’s 20th anniversary and the day of their planned nuptials in New York, where samesex marriage is legal. Robin said the timing of the firing was moved up after he wrote about it on Facebook on Feb. 16. The Rev. Bill Kempf, St. Ann’s pastor, said in an emailed statement that the parish was “recently informed by one of its teachers of his plan to unite in marriage with an individual of the same sex. With full respect of this individual’s basic human dignity, this same-sex union opposes Roman Catholic teaching as it cannot realize the full potential a marital relationship is meant to express.” The St. Louis Archdiocese said in statement that it supports the school’s action “as it is in full compliance with the Christian Witness Statement signed by every educator in the Catholic school system.’’ Among other things, the statement requires that educators “not take a public position contrary to the Catholic Church” and “demonstrate a public life consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.” Although the Roman Catholic Church does not condemn homosexuals who remain “chaste,’’ it opposes same-sex marriage and homosexual acts. Robin, who is a practicing Catholic, said he hopes to see the church change how it treats gays. “Everyone involved in this process I know is committed to good,’’ he said. “The problem is blindly following the doctrine isn’t committed to good.” Information from: St. Louis Post-Dispatch,

http://www.stltoday.com

Poll: 6 in 10 Calif. voters backs gay marriage

AN FRANCISCO (AP) – A new poll finds that six out of every 10 voters in California now support allowing same-sex couples to get married, a significant increase since the state voted to ban same-sex marriage a little more than two years ago. The Field Poll published Wednesday found that of the 515 registered voters surveyed, 59 percent said they favored extending regular marriage rights to same-sex couples. When the state’s gay marriage ban, known as Proposition 8, passed in November 2008, the figure stood at 49 percent. According to the poll, support for legalizing same-sex marriages extends across many demographic groups and to every region of the state. Republicans, voters who described themselves as politically conservative or Protestant, and those ages 65 and over were the only segments that did not have at least half of the respondents backing gay marriage.

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

submitted photo

CompassPoints… biweekly column from compass in lake worth

My Deciding Moment By Marsharee Chronicle

Health Services Director at Compass

hat is your deciding moment? Each year on March 10 we observe National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD) to bring awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS on our mothers, daughters, aunts, grandmothers, wives, cousins, sisters, and friends. This year’s theme invites us to ponder the question, “What’s Your Deciding Moment?” Deciding moments are defined as those moments where you decide to take action because you realize that you are greater than HIV/AIDS. These actions can include taking an HIV test, educating someone about the disease, or using protection before having sex. The first time I considered this question was at the 2010 United States Conference on AIDS (USCA) in Orlando. A colleague and I stopped by a booth where they were

promoting the “Greater than AIDS” campaign. We were asked to write our deciding moments on a piece of poster board and then have our pictures taken for inclusion in the campaign. My colleague quickly wrote his reason for doing the work that he does and then stepped up confidently to the photo booth to have his likeness captured. I, on the other hand, was a little slower to formulate my answer. Finally, under the pressure of the moment, I scribbled, “When I learned that my friends were infected,” and smiled for the camera. Although I smiled widely for that picture, the words I wrote did not resonate with my spirit and I have been pondering the answer to that question ever since. This past November, at the 2011 USCA, I again stopped at the “Greater than AIDS booth and this time when asked to take my picture with a deciding moment placard, I promised the gentleman manning the booth that I would return after lunch--I never

went back. I still had not worked out what was the driving force for a lesbian like me to work in this field. I never believed that I had that one story to tell about the specific day or time that impacted my life so profoundly and led me to dedicate my twenties and now my thirties to working in the field of HIV/AIDS. As a black woman, statistics say that I am at high risk for HIV infection. However, as a lesbian, statistics also say that my risk of contracting HIV through sex with another woman is low. When I first started seeing my current partner, her number one requirement before sleeping with her was getting an HIV test. Although I had been working in the field for over 10 years, I was a little taken aback that a lesbian would be primarily concerned about HIV above other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Nonetheless, we both took our tests and moved forward from there. As I contemplate the question further, I realize that what I wrote in 2010 was not

far from the truth. Because of my job, I became a source of information for my friends and family when it came to HIV/AIDS. About two years ago, I received a private message on Facebook from a friend I had not seen or lived in the same country with for over 20 years. In this message, my friend told me that she knew a young lady who was HIV positive and she wanted to know how she could help connect her to resources. This friend reached out to me because she had seen my online profile and information about what I did at work. Of course, I immediately helped her find the information she needed to help her friend. As NWGHAAD comes and goes this year, I now realize that I have had many of those moments. There have been more than a few times over the last 10 years when friends have come to me for information and resources about HIV/AIDS because of the work I do. I now see that my deciding moment is not the result of any one particular event. My deciding moment happens every day when I offer help and support to people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS-some of whom I consider my friends. Marsharee Chronicle is the Health Services Director at Compass Gay & Lesbian Community Center. You can contact her at marsharee@compassglcc.com

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

March 7, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

McNaught’s Notes

Sick of Stereotypes By Brian McNaught

ratefully, all of the award programs are over. Our American royalty has gone back to their very private homes. Many of them are secure in their status as stars. They are the beautiful people whose money and notoriety give them privileges equal to those of the Old World’s former royal families. Like the commoners of days long past, some of us today line the streets to see our royalty arrive at, and depart from, their exclusive gatherings, and we hope they will stop for a moment to talk to us. I would not have been a good commoner in the Old World where others were considered gods. While I admit that I would get excited if a movie or television personality sat next to me on an airplane, I’m not comfortable with my interest in a person whose notoriety is more important than his or her values. I’m reading the series of books, A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, perhaps better known to television viewers as A Game of Thrones. The series of books is not based on fact, but the descriptions of life in a kingdom remind us that the celebrities of the past were very different from our American royalty. The nobility of the Old World were often homely, fat, physically and morally weak, had physical disabilities, and weren’t the brightest lights in the chandelier. There is no diversity among the celebrities of the present. Leading men and women are generally white, assumed to be straight, and physically attractive by today’s standards. In the past, actors were often pelted with rotten tomatoes. The lineage of a person was far more important than the hump on his back. And having a lord with such a deformity might help spare ridicule of the common child with a hump. Role models were different. As is true in the world of television, today films don’t generally star people with Down syndrome, little people, LGBT, black, Asian, Native American, or Latino/a people, those with disabilities, or people who aren’t perfectly muscled, and beautiful by today’s standards. Some of us can come up with exceptions to the rule, but they are exceptions. Personally, I’m tired of watching films and television programs in which gay men are included as the funny sidekick with no love life. When Ray goes through the list of options of films to download, or television programs to watch, my criteria includes “Does it have a leading man who is gay?” Is it too much to want to see a superstar who

is gay, and who kisses another man passionately on a program? Torchwood is the only television series I’ve seen that offered such a gay hero. But most straight men won’t watch such programming, so the networks and producers know there’s no money to be made. Instead, we gay people see ourselves portrayed with increasing frequency as best friends to the beautiful, straight star because straight men and women find gay, sexless sidekicks acceptable. If I were black, I would be sick to death of seeing myself portrayed in film and on television as an angry, jiving man, or a head-bobbing, sassy woman. As a white man, I’m sick of those black stereotypes, and I have to keep reminding myself that they are stereotypes. I see Latino men portrayed as having tattoos, living in the barrio, and running drugs. I see lesbians as tough, single cops. Little people are supposed to be funny or cute elves. Peter Dinklage in A Game of Thrones is the clever, sexually-charged exception. Native Americans are portrayed as drunk and beyond the reach of the law on their reservations. Chinese people are either criminals or dry cleaners. Transsexuals are usually in awful outfits standing on street corners waiting for a trick. When will Matt Bomer, the handsome gay star of the television series White Collar, walk down the Red Carpet with his husband and kids, and be asked about his nomination for best actor in the film about the two gay American soldiers who make love after saving their platoon from death? The media is the major educator of the day. We believe what we are taught by television and motion pictures. If we want to think of each other as equally beautiful expressions of nature, we need to be more accurately portrayed on television and in film. I’m sick of the stereotypes. They increase bullying among young people, and depression among adults. I want every person who is gay, little, black, Latino/a, Native American, Asian, transgender, or was born with Down syndrome to see themselves as royalty, as stars who deserve to be admired and appreciated. Brian McNaught was named “the godfather of gay diversity training” by The New York Times. He works with corporate executives globally, is the author of six books, and is featured in seven educational DVDs. He and his spouse Ray Struble divide their year between Fort Lauderdale and Provincetown. Visit Brian-McNaught.com for more information.

Letter to the Editor

Spirituality is Alive in the GLBTQ Community I agree with Brian McNaught’s Feb. 21 column in South Florida Gay News titled “Scripture in Paprika is No Surprise.” As a gay man and priest people assume I am ready to convert people to my faith. Maybe it makes me a bad priest, or a bad sales-priest that I just want spirituality to be recognized as our community’s blessing. Yes, finding Scripture in Paprika, or if it were in Cracker Jack, is “tasteless” marketing! Lol. The GLBTQ community I do believe has a spiritual core that needs to be recognized/ proclaimed. And GLBTQs need to claim it! Perhaps due to the persecution that the GLBTQ community has gone through, and continues to, in large measure, due to “religion,” we rightly turn away from it. However, GLBTQs do then look beyond religion and find the spirituality that is at the core of our existence, and where religion failed. We do this because it is reflexively “hard-wired” in us to be creative. Look at GLBTQs throughout the centuries who in their lives, personalities, and talents taught us to look deeper and these are too many to list.You have to look at the GLBTQ list on wiki: (http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_gay,_lesbian_ or_bisexual_people).Yes, I am convinced The Creative Presence is revealed and perceived uniquely by/in the GLBTQ community. I want it to be affirmed in the GLBTQ community the Spirit is uniquely and sublimely manifested in the way we live our lives. This is not what we normally hear about the GLBTQ community, actually though the media and religious folk we too often hear just the opposite. Somehow it’s thought we can’t be trusted in marriage, in relationships, speaking authoritatively about God, or in

doing God’s work here on earth. I’ve got a newsflash for those who think this way, and something that most GLBTS already know: we are joy-filled, creative, and in us is a reality that is wonderfully and continually revealed to and in us, our spirituality, and it is even expressed in those of us who are atheists and have no believe in a God whatsoever! Remember the terrible AIDS epidemic of the 1980’s where so many of our gay brothers died of AIDS. Our response was from our God that called us to love our sick brothers until death do us part. We didn’t need a legal license to love our brothers, although it would have been phenomenal if we did. We witnessed, and continue to do so from what is at the heart of our existence, the reality that brings meaning to our lives, and what some GLBTS call he/she/it God, or no God at all. The actions of the GLBTQ community to the AIDS epidemic would probably have changed the perception of Ghandi who said of Christianity: “if it weren’t for Christians, I’d be one”. My point: GLBTQs, individuals and wholly are part of a wonderful and purposeful creation – and it is unfolding as it is meant to. Our spirits reflect what is revealed to us as unique and loving in who we are, in the way we are with ourselves and with/for others. I won’t hit you over the head with my spirituality, but just for all to know: I love my GLBTQ community since we reveal our creative abundance to each other. We are joy. We are life. We are imbued with love. And we are willing to share who we are. We hope no religion misses the beauty of being who one is called/created to be, since that experience brings joy to the heart! Kevin P. Hanaway, MA MBA MDiv RN is a regular priest presider at the Dignity-Fort Lauderdale.

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Get to Know South Florida’s Only Official Gay Veterans Club

submitted photo

From World War II to Afghanistan, club members are looking for more members, societal changes

he repeal of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ was a full step forward for LGBT soldiers across the country, but there’s much still to do, according to the vice president of the only official gay veterans club in South Florida. It’s called American Veterans for Equal Rights — Florida Gold Coast Chapter (AVERFGC), and was started in June 2005. Currently there are 34 members — none of them active duty military members as of now. They meet on the second Tuesday of every month. They come from all over and have served in several wars including World War II and Afghanistan. Many display purple hearts. The older age of this chapter reflects in the segment of the veteran community that’s having a rough time accepting gay soldiers as equal, Marshall Belmaine, the president of AVER-FGC, said. “In general, the gay veterans are still not accepted by the larger community of heterosexual veterans,” he said. “They need to have a base to come to with a common [goal] — which we’re working toward: to prove to the rest of the veterans that we are equal in every way.” In the “old school,” as Belmaine put it, things were much worse. “My first year in the marine corps was a nightmare — some of my fellows decided that I was gay and were constantly deriding me,” he reminisced of soldiers calling him ‘girl,’ ‘sissy,’ and ‘lady.’ “It’s definitely a different world today than when I was in the military.” But Belmaine emphasized that a “different world” is not enough — and still unaccept-

able. He hopes that organizations like Volunteers Assisting Veterans (VAV) and Order of the Purple Heart will accept soldiers equally and “grow up” with legislation and policy to that effect. “They need to show us the respect that we deserve,” he said, adding that AVER-FGC is working on this kind of integration. “Gay blood is just as red as heterosexual blood — it’s not pink.” The chapter’s secretary, Angel Contreras, said that the organization’s main aim is broadening its reach. “We’re basically just trying to get people to realize — hey, we’re here,” he said. “What we’re going through as gay veterans is uncalled for — we defended our country just like anyone else.” Reaching out, for now, is all AVER-FGC can do until it grows some in numbers, which isn’t always easy, according to Charley Egan. Its focus will align with the gay veterans’ next hump to overcome: spousal benefits for gay veterans. “Getting new blood into it is sometimes difficult,” he said. “It’s a difficult thing to get people to participate in today.” The chapter will be participating in the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Las Olas on March 10. Visit www.aver-fgc.org to join or for more information, or contact President Marshall Belmaine at marshallbelmaine@aol.com or Vice President Charles Egan at broak1205@aim.com.

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

This Year’s PrideFest Meshes Music, Food and Comedy

hen Beverly McClellan was 15-years-old, her father gave her away, one of the many conflicts she’s had with her sexual identity through the years. In the face of adversity, she persevered, eventually becoming a star. But to her, performing at this year’s PrideFest will be more than just another show. “It’s not easy, but you have to believe in yourself,” she said. “So it’s important to have this PrideFest — It’s like our Christmas,” she says. The festival, which spans the weekend of March 10 at the Holiday Park and War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, is put on by Pride South Florida. And this year, along with taking on a relatively new board of directors, the festival itself has taken on numerous changes. “It’s not your normal PrideFest,” said Marc Hansen, president of Pride South Florida and a co-chair of the festival. “We try to make it about the entire community — we want everybody to know it’s about everybody.” The theme this year is ‘Beyond the rainbow,’ in preparation for next year’s theme: ‘The future is ours.’ Citing social and political progress in the arenas of adoption, marriage and the rights within the military, Hansen says that, “we have reached a point in our community where we’re getting past what had held us back.” He adds that “we need everyone to work together — let there not be a label at all,” adding that in the Declaration of Independence “it doesn’t say pursuit of happiness only for straight people — that’s what this is about.” In charge of the fun at the event as its entertainment chair, Marc Scharphorn said that this year, Pride South Florida is stepping its efforts up “with performers who are a little more timely.” “We’re getting out of that 80s-diva feel that’s been done in the past,” he says.“We tried to do find a headline each night that makes people want to come out and sit in the park.”

Among the celebrities entertaining this year will be Beverly McClellan, who made it to the final round of the The Voice last year, in an appearance that Scharphorn calls a “homecoming” of sorts. McClellan grew up in South Florida and has worked the Fort Lauderdale music scene for years. After a short move to Los Angeles, McClellan said she came back here because she loves the area, calling it home. “PrideFest is a celebration so I get to go out and do my gift and sing for people of all denominations,” she said. “It’s not a gay event, it’s a gay celebration.” Indeed, she’s celebrating her success in the music industry, with her new album Fear Nothing, released last year. She said fellow musicians often congratulate her, calling her success a “big deal” in the heterosexual world. Two weeks after Pride Fest, McClellan will find out if she’s won a Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Award, for which she was nominated. “It doesn’t matter what age you start dreaming — I’m still that little girl who sang into my hairbrush,” she says of herself. “God does not make mistakes — he made me. And he made everybody to sleep under the same moon.” Also appearing at PrideFest will be Taylor Dayne who reached the peak of her fame in the 80s and 90s. She’s had 18 songs hit the Billboard’s top ten, with her most recent hit being “Floor on Fire.” Recently she appeared on a Food Network cooking challenge, making it to the second-to-last episode. For her last dish, she made a South Florida favorite: matzo ball soup. “It’s a tremendous honor to be part of the growing awareness of the community itself,” she says. “It’s always a lot of fun, too, when I do these concerts and everyone comes out.” Asked what songs she plans on playing from her 24 years of making music, she assures fans that they’ll get to “hear some hits — that’s for sure.” For more info on PrideFest, go to www.pridesouthflorida.org

Beverly McClellan will perform at this year’s PrideFest.

submitted photo

By Gideon Grudo

Taste the Rainbow, and Beyond When: Saturday and Sunday, March 10 and 11; noon to 7 p.m. Where: H oliday Park and War Memorial Auditorium 800 NE 8th St., Fort Lauderdale How much: $10 a day at the door $15 for the whole weekend if you buy online at www.pridesouthflorida.org

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

March 7, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

By Brian Swinford

Have an event you want to list? If so send me an email at Calendar@sfgn.com.

Theater Broward County

*Rigoletto - Opera International

Rigoletto is an opera in 3 Acts by Giuseppe Verdi and will be at the Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium on March 7. It’s every parent’s nightmare...the child you adore falls victim to an alluring predator who isn’t what he claims to be. Verdi’s powerful tragedy explores the dark side within us all through one of his most compelling characters, the court jester whose rage inspires cold-blooded revenge...and one of the most chilling final scenes in all opera. Visit BrowardCenter.org

*Arts Ballet Theatre - Fairy Doll

Fairy Doll, originally Die Puppenfee by composer Josef Bayer and first performed in 1888, was one of the most successful productions in the late 19 century, and is now at the Broward Center on March 10 and 11. Issaev’s recreation and revival was a gift to the audiences of South Florida in 2009. “Bayer’s music is so inspiring and beautiful, I could not let his opportunity pass by”, says Vladimir Issaev. Visit BrowardCenter.org

*Klezmer East Purim Concert

Traditional energetic Klezmer and powerful Jewish Art Music come together in an extraordinary afternoon celebrating Purim. The world-class Boca Raton Symphonia, an orchestra of “Fervor and Refinement” according to the Miami Herald, is paired with FAU’s thrilling Klezmer ensemble, Klezmer East! Hear music never before performed in South Florida, including works by Ofer Ben-Amots and Erich Korngold. You can hear these two amazing ensembles at the FAU University Theatre for one ticket price on March 11 at 3 p.m. Visit BrowardCenter.org

Forbidden Hollywood

*Marriage: One Size Does Not Fit All

Forbidden Hollywood comes hot on the heels of its longrunning predecessor, Forbidden Broadway, with guns blazing and smokin’ with attitude on March 11 at the Parker Playhouse. Fast paced and furious. Forbidden Hollywood cuts through Tinseltown’s bombast and star power with surgical precision. Recent classics like Titanic, Star Wars, Harry Potter and Austin Powers all receive the comic once-over from Forbidden Hollywood’s cast. Visit BrowardCenter.org

Kravis Center Board Member Lee Wolf, a dynamic speaker and lecturer who chairs the popular ArtSmart Lunch & Learn lecture series and founded the Theatre Club of Florida Stage in Manalapan, introduces a new literary lecture series – Kravis Under Cover. The first three lectures, themed Marriage: OneSize Does Not Fit All will take place Friday, March 9 at 1 p.m. in the Picower Foundation Arts Education Center in the Cohen Pavilion. Visit Kravis.org

Billy Elliot

This musical will be showing at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts until March 11. This show is about one boy’s journey to make his dreams come true. The story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising passion that inspires his family and his whole community. Visit Browardcenter.org

*Program III: Giselle

The quintessential 19th century romantic ballet, Giselle tells the story of a young peasant girl who is betrayed by her disguised aristocratic lover, dies of grief and madness, yet comes back from the grave to rescue him from the implacable revenge of the fearsome Wilis on March 11 at 1 p.m. at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall. Visit Kravis.org

Palm Beach County *Harvey

Palm Beach State College will present Harvey on March 29 through 31 and April 12 through 14 at 8 p.m. at Stage West, located at the college’s Lake Worth campus. Elwood P. Dowd is an affable man who claims to have an unseen (and presumably imaginary) friend Harvey. His sister, Veta, finds his eccentric behavior embarrassing and decides to have him committed to a sanitarium to spare her daughter Myrtle Mae from embarrassment. Tickets are $12 and $5 for students with ID. Call 561-868-3309, or visit https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/ pr/897225

*Jazz with Wynton Marsalis

Under Wynton Marsalis’ direction, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performs repertoire across the full jazz spectrum - from the music’s New Orleans roots to bebop to modern Jazz on March 7 at 8 p.m. at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall. Visit Kravis.org

An Evening with Kate Clinton

Stonewall National Museum & Archives presents legendary comedian Kate Clinton on March 17 at The Parker Playhouse. Kate Clinton is a faith-based, tax-paying, America-loving political humorist and family entertainer. Visit ParkerPlayhouse.com

South Florida Symphony Orchestra submitted photo

*denotes new listing

Kate Clinton

The 55-piece orchestra, under the music direction of Sebrina Maria Alfonso, will perform Shostakovich: Festive Overture; Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, featuring pianist Jeffrey Chappell; and Ellen Taafe Zwilich: Symphony No. 5. Come see this 55-piece orchestra set on March 11 at 2 p.m. Visit Oldshool.org

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March 7, 2012 • 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. Stage Door: Highlighting the Arts

By J.W. Arnold

South Florida theater lovers got another bit of bad news last week when Deborah Sherman, co-founder and producing artistic director of The Promethean Theatre, announced her spunky company would shutter after its next production, The Unseen, which opens on March 9. While the company pays little to nothing for its space, the black box theater on Nova Southeastern University’s campus, its donors have tightened their purse strings in the bad economy and Sherman decided the time was right before Promethean went into the red. Promethean isn’t the only company to fall on hard times in the past year: the venerable Florida Stage shocked the community by suddenly declaring Chapter 11 bankruptcy; the Women’s Theatre Project ceased activities this winter when it lost its downtown Fort Lauderdale space; and Boca Raton’s Caldwell Theatre Company is teetering on financial ruin, its landmark facility now in foreclosure. While we’ll miss Promethean’s campy summer zombie romps -- we learned the hard way not to sit in the “splash zone” -- it’s not too late to catch the always top notch work from Sherman and resident director Margaret Ledford. “The Unseen” runs March 9 through 25 in the Black Box Theatre at Nova Southeastern University’s Don Taft University Center,

3301 College Ave. in Davie.Tickets are $1530 at 786-317-7580 or go to ThePrometheanTheatre.org.

The Art of Making Art Members of the Broward Art Guild will head to the beach this weekend for a quick draw competition around Beach Place and the nearby beach. Each artist will have two hours to create a piece of art and then all the pieces will be placed on display and sold. In addition to drawings and painting, multimedia and 3-D works are also allowed and you will have the opportunity to see the works come to life. Dale Madison will serve as the master of ceremonies. Check-in begins at 1 p.m. with the competition beginning at 2 p.m. Judging will take place at 5 p.m. followed by the auction. The winner will receive a one-man show at Gallery 101. For more information, go to BrowardArtGuild.org.

Dance the Night Away As so frequently happens, the best of Broadway is making multiple stops in South Florida, this time the Twyla Tharp ode to Frank Sinatra, Come Fly Away. The crowd-pleaser comes to West Palm Beach’s Kravis Center, March 13 through 18, before arriving at Miami’s Arsht Center, March 20 through 25. For performance times and tickets, go to Kravis.org or ArshtCenter.org.

Twyla Tharp’s ode to Frank Sinatra at the Kravis Center

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

submitted photo

Another One Bites the Dust

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-Dade

Key West

Get ready to celebrate the centennial of America’s oldest and longest-running movie studio, Paramount Pictures, and the beautiful music that they brought to the life on March 7 through 11 at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. From Thanks for the Memories, Silver Bells, and Swinging on a Star to Staying Alive and Flashdance, the music of Paramount Pictures mirrors the soundtrack of our lives. Visit BrowardCenter.org

Carmen Rodriguez, Key West’s own conch diva (along with guest stars Bobby Nesbitt and Danny Weathers) will deliver music from the legendary composer/lyricist, Burt Bacharach. Saturday, April 21 at the San Carlos Institute. Visit Waterfrontplayhouse.org

*The Melodies and Memories Series

*Come Fly Away

Come Fly Away is the new Broadway musical valentine to the legend that is Frank Sinatra, fusing his unforgettable voice, with a sensational live band and the creative vision of Tony Award-winner TWYLA THARP (Movin’ Out) into a musical spectacle that will make you believe “Ol’Blue Eyes” is right on stage, mike in hand. March 20 through 25 at the Ziff Ballet Opera House.

*Midori-Minnesota Orchestra

Midori is widely known for her dazzling performances and the scope of her astonishing career, which blossomed shortly after conductor Zubin Mehta invited the young violinist at the age of 11 to be a surprise guest soloist with the New York Philharmonic and now will be performing at the Knight Concert Hall on March 10. Visit Kravis.org

Pilobolus

On Friday March 2 at 8 p.m. come to The Adrienne Arsht Center for Pilobolus. Celebrating 40 years of defying gravity, this incomparable dance company has delighted, dazzled and amazed audiences across the planet with their superhuman flexibility and fascinating forms that challenge the limits of the human body. Visit Arshtcenter.org

Eating Disorder Support group

Meets Friday evenings from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. At Sun Serve’s Wilton Manors location at 2123 Wilton Drive, second floor. A “drop-in” psycho-educational support group. Free. No registration required. Donations welcome. Call 954-764-5150

The Look of Love: Carmen Sings Burt Bacharach

SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch

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. Well-behaved, leashed pets welcome. Plenty of room for chairs, blankets and picnic baskets.

Florida Renaissance Festival

Community Calendar Broward County

Journey back to the 16th century, until March 11, as you step through castle gates and into the days of yore. Explore the artisans’ village and view live demonstrations of glassblowing, steel-fighting, and archery. Weekends only. Visit Broward. org/Parks/QuietW

Young Adult GLBT

A social group open to all LGBT people ages 18-35. Meets Fridays at the Pride Center in Wilton Manors from 7:15-9 p.m. Meeting starts with a discussion on current events followed by introductions and then a group activity. Visit PrideCenterFlorida.org/contact-us

*Opening the Heart

We want to love others, but how can we do this when they have so many faults? By learning to distinguish between people and their faults, we can love people without condoning or enabling inappropriate behavior. $10/class or $30/series includes vegetarian food after class March 8 -- “Letting Go of Blame: Recognizing Our Faults with Dharma,” March 15 -- “We Need Others: Viewing Living Beings as Supreme,” -March 22 -- “People and their Delusions: Living Beings have No Faults,” March 29 -- “Learning from Everyone: Developing Humility.” Visit MeditationInFortLauderdale.org

*Life Coaching program

Latinos Salud’s Life Coaching program is for Latino gay/bi guys ages 18-44. Come by Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for free one-on-one life coaching with certified CRCS coaches. Set your goals, and meet action steps to make them come true. Stop in for more info at 2330 Wilton Drive or call 954-765-6239. Visit Latinossalud.org

Boardwalk Friday Fest *JUNTOS program

Latinos Salud’s “Popular Opinion Leader” group is for Latino gay/bi guys ages 25-44. Join our free “Boot Camp” at Holiday Park from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday March 17 and 31. Call ahead. Also, join the JUNTOS gay networking dinners on Friday, March 9 and 23 at 8 p.m. Develop your community leadership skills over free dinner, and also play a role in keeping the safer sex message strong with your friends. Stop in for more info at 2330 Wilton Drive or call 954-765-6239. Visit Latinossalud.org.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival

On Saturday, March 10, downtown Fort Lauderdale will transform into a sea of green for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority and the City of Fort Lauderdale. The parade will begin at 2 p.m. along East Las Olas Boulevard and end at Huizenga Plaza. Visit GoRiverwalk.com

*SOMOS program

Latinos Salud’s SOMOS program is for Latino gay/bi guys ages 18 to 30. Join our next SOMOS Group for a Pride themed BBQ and chat, March 15 at 6 p.m. FREE dinner plus incentive is provided. Also every Monday night at 7 p.m. join the Core Group, and help plan alternative activities throughout the week. Stop in for more info at 2330 Wilton Drive or call (954) 533-8681. Visit Latinossalud.org.

Sex and Love Anonymous

S.L.A.A. believes that sex and love addiction is a progressive illness which cannot be cured but which, like many illnesses, can be arrested. It may take several forms -- including, but not limited to, a compulsive need for sex, extreme dependency on one or many people, or a chronic pre-occupation with romance, intrigue, or fantasy. Meets at The Pride Center at Equality Park in Bldg A, Room 200 Fridays 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visit Slaafws.orgs

Exhibit of Nudes and Nature Studios

Mangum Gallery will host the first South Florida exhibit of critically acclaimed New York photographer Kelly Grider, involving 30 original works of romantic nudes and nature studios. The exhibition runs Feb. 17 to March 15. Grider’s work is a mix of the romantic and ethereal. “Grider blends sensuality, eroticism, awe and power.” Call Greg Mangum at 954-514-7149. Visit MangumGallery.com

A Survivor Support Group

A Survivor Support Group is being held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at the 211 Community Center, 250 NE 33rd Street, in Oakland Park. The Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention (FISP) is sponsoring this free support group and is open to all family members and friends of those who have died by suicide. Call 954-384-0344 to register. Meets from 7-8:30 p.m. Visit Fisponline.org.

Grief Support Group

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.

Come out to Hollywood Beach Theatre East of A1A at Johnson St and the ocean. Admission: Free every Friday of every month. Live jazz, blues, pop and everything in between along Hollywood’s signature 2.5 mile Broadwalk. Charming oceanfront cafes and restaurants serve up delicious innovative cuisine while you enjoy the best array of live music and tropical ocean breezes. Visit Hollywoodfl.org or call 954-924-2980

Toastmasters

Most Toastmasters meetings are comprised of about 20 people who meet weekly for an hour or so. Participants practice and learn skills by filling a meeting role, ranging from giving a prepared speech or an impromptu one to serving as timer, evaluator or grammarian. Toastmasters meet at the GLCC/Pride Center Monday at 7:15 p.m. Call Ted Verdone at 954-599-7916 or email: Tedverdone@comcast.net

Safe “T”

Safe “T” is a support group for gender variant adults. Meets Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Sunserve’s Wilton Manors location at 2312 Wilton Drive, second floor. A “dropin” psycho-educational support group. Free. No registration required. Donations welcome. Call 954-764-5150.

GreenMarket Pompano Beach

At the corner of Dixie Highway and Atlantic Blvd. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Includes the freshest fruits and vegetables, juices, baked goods, seafood, gourmet teas and coffees, as well as orchids, plants, and health-related products and services. Held every Saturday through April 28. Also features art shows, antique automobile shows, and environmental exhibits. Visit GreenMarketPompano.com

Alternative MC Tuesday Night Eatin Meeting

Tue Nite Eatin Meeting will be held at The Alternative MC Clubhouse at 4322 NE 5th Ave in Oakland park. Fun, food, and fellowship. There will be hamburgers, hotdogs, all the fixins, cold drinks, desserts, and snacks. Meeting begins at 8 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. Visit Alternativemc.com/events/florida-events

Gay Men’s HIV+ Long Time Survivors’ Group

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. Meets on 1st and 3rd Thursday at Sunserve 2312 Wilton Drive from 6:30 – 8 p.m. No cost. Donations welcome.

Gay Male Empowerment Group

Topic discussions include issues and concerns about being a gay man in South Florida. Meets Thursdays at the Pride Center from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Call 954-353-9155 or email info@ sunserve.org

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

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March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

A CELEBRATION OF FRIENDS K BOOW O N UR JUNE 21-24, 2012 ON O TE! I WEBS

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

HOST HOTEL: HILTON FORT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT

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. 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. Starts at 7 p.m. Call 954-630-1655.

Women4Women Personal Growth Support Group

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

Man2Man Discussion Group

Man-2-Man talk is an informal discussion group of gay men, with all age ranges and backgrounds welcomed. Bldg A, Room 206. Visit Glccsf.org/calendar/

Palm Beach County *Mack Mixer

Boca/Delray’s Gay & Straight Friendly Professional Cocktail Social will be held at Breathe restaurant and ultra-lounge on March 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Entry is $10 and includees one complimentary Grey Goose Vodka cocktail. Visit Mackplanet.com

New Alternatives

Social group with regular outings and social mixers for LGBTQ ages 18 to 30. This meeting will take place at The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Palm Beach County. Email matthew@compassglcc.com or Visit Compassglcc.com.

Gay Polo Tournament

The Third Annual Gay Polo Tournament will be held April 14 at the Grand Champions Polo Club located at the corner of Lake Worth Road and South Shore Boulevard in Wellington from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature top polo players from the Gay Polo League (GPL). Visit GayPoloTournament.blog.com/ tickets/ or call 561-753-3389. Cost: $20 General Admission. Please provide own chairs. $175 Tailgate space – Includes eight general admission tickets & one tailgate parking space.

Victory After Party

Dinner and dancing, featuring renowned DJ, Adam West, at the Victory After Party to celebrate the International Gay Polo Tournament sponsored by The Rotary Club of Wellington at Graffito at 3410 Equestrian Club Road, Wellington, FL. on Sat. April 14 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 each and include twohour open bar, buffet dinner and fun. Contact: Maggie Zeller at 561 715- 9262. Visit Wellingtonrotary.com

Pride South Florida

Are you ready to celebrate Pride this March 10-11? Pride is an incredible opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate our strength, our diversity, and (of course) our pride. It’s also our best chance to build the grassroots power to win equality in 2012. Join Equality Florida members from across South Florida at Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale as we all celebrate Pride South Florida 2012.

Palm Beach State College’s Drama Club Palm Beach State College’s drama club, the Palm Beach State Players Club, will be hosting a night of play readings on March 2nd and March 3rd at 8 p.m. at the Lake Worth Campus in the Humanities Building in the HU114 Black Box Theatre. The plays are originals works from students and alumni. The proceeds will benefit the drama club. Tickets are $5 cash only! e-mail Melissa Betterly at Betterlm@ palmbeachstate.edu

Sober Sisters AA

Support group is dedicated for lesbians who are recovering from alcoholism. Meeting happens every Monday at 7 p.m. at Lambda North Clubhouse. Visit LambdaNorth.net

PBC Gender Support Group

All ages support group dedicated for transgender individuals. This meeting happens the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm. These meeting will take place at The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Palm Beach County. Visit Compassglcc.com

Good Orderly AA

These meetings now take place at Lambda North at 18 S J Street, and geared toward recovering alcoholics. Every Tues. and Thurs. at 7 p.m. and on Sat. at 5:30 p.m. These meetings will help recovering alcoholics cope with the stress of everyday life without the use of alcohol. Email tcamie@aol.com

Seniors vs. Crime

Seniors vs. Crime is a free service that provides help to seniors who have been victimized by businesses or service providers and need assistance. This event will take place at Mae Volen Senior Center at 1515 W. Palmetto Park Road. By appointment only so call 561-736-3820 or 561-395-8920.

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. Classes are Wed. at 9 a.m. Cost is $20 and RSVP is suggested. Call 561404-2011. Visit OrchidWeb.org

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

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

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

Jazz on the Palm

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

Miami-Dade

*Discussion on Intimate Partner Violence

MDGLCC invites its members over 50 to attend a free luncheon to discuss Intimate Partner Violence among older same sex couples. Thurs. March 8 @ 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Michael Aller Community Conference Room. Facilitator: Angela Diaz-Vidaillet, CEO, The Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter. Space is limited. Visit mdglcc@bellsouth.net

* Women’s Empowerment Luncheon

MDGLCC’s popular Women’s Empowerment Luncheon series continues at the Sanctum Room of the Epic Hotel (270 Biscayne Boulevard Way), with special guest speaker Cristina Serralta, CEO of Amazon Services Inc. speaking on “Small Business Ownership from the LGBT Perspective”. 11:30 a.m. Registration; Noon - 1:30 p.m. Lunch at Epic Hotel. Cost: MDGLCC Members ($35), Potential Members ($45, $10 applied to new MDGLCC membership). A full sit-down luncheon with a Q&A to follow. Co-Sponsored by Aqua Foundation & NCLR. Visit mdglcc@bellsouth.net

*Galla Luncheon Networker @ Morton’s Steakhouse

MDGLCC/GALLA presents its monthly networking program tailored for attorneys, judges and legal professionals held on Wednesdays. New location: Morton’s Steakhouse, 1200 Brickell Avenue, Miami. Networking from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with networking and a full sit-down lunch. Cost: MDGLCC members ($35), Potential members ($50, $10 applied to new MDGLCC membership). Visit mdglcc@bellsouth.net

Celebrate the ‘Month of Love’ with Wine Appreciation Class

For true passion and a long-lasting love, why not treat yourself, or someone you love, to a six-week wine appreciation course? Join other sympathetic souls every Monday until March 26 from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. $275.00 per person. Limited to 16 people. Call 305-442-4408

Business Builders Luncheon

MDGLCC presents its monthly networking program held on the last Thursday of each month. This month it will be at City Hall the Restaurant. Registration at 11:30 am with luncheon/ networking from noon to 1 p.m. Includes seated style lunch limited to 25 people. Please bring a friend. RSVP requested: 305-673-4440 or mdglcc@bellsouth.net

Aqua Girl 12

There will be 14 diverse events for everyone to choose from. Aqua Girl is more than a party…it’s a week for a cause. Something for everyone including dance parties, a comedy show, live music, pool parties, a bowl-a-thon, a jazz brunch, a dine-out event, a VIP reception, and celebrity meet-andgreets. From May 2 through 6 in South Beach.

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March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

March 7, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 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 Beach International Fashion Week

March 21 through 24, Miami Beach Convention Center at 9 p.m. Emerging Designers Prelude & Miami Style Showcase featuring Florida’s Fashion Stars. Prelude Designers: Lisu Vega, Zula Studio, Crystal 4 U, By Misha, K. Hendrik, Erin Healy. Miami Style Designers: Viviana G. for Petit Pois, Kayce Armstrong for Art of Shade, Ema Savahl Couture. Visit Miamifashionweek.com

Miami City Ballet Anniversary Gala

Okwuchi Duru-Jones (OJ)www.colladj.com

Three of the world’s biggest artistic sensations come together for one spectacular evening when Miami City Ballet, Florida’s Internationally Acclaimed Company. The performance and gala take place Thursday, March 1 at 7 p.m. at the Adrienne Arsht Center. Call 305-929-7010

Lambda Dade Clubhouse

Miami International Fashion Week

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

Bill’s Filling Station

Key West Pride

On June 6 - 10, come show your pride in our tropical paradise, and you’ll find yourself in the midst of a celebration unlike any other. From the opening party to the closing parade, you’ll discover quickly that the best place to show your pride is on an island whose official motto is “one human Family.” The welcoming island invites you to join us at Key West Pride! Visit Gaykeywestfl.com

Key West House & Garden Tours

The Club Fort Lauderdale

Clubhouse II

nightlife Broward County

Cubby Hole

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, Friday and Saturday night live DJs. Monday & Tuesday -- $9 entry fee

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

823 N. 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 drinks 9 p.m. to close

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

Georgie’s Alibi

2266 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 565-2526. Fort Lauderdale’s best & longest happy hour. Wednesdays $2 Domestics & $1 Schnapps after 9 p.m.

Johnny’s

submitted photo

some of the hottest DJ’s around like DJ JPS in the main room and DJ Daisy D in the hip-hop room. There will be live performances by TP Lords & Alandra Mathews, and Estephaina St. Lords.Visit Themanorcomplex.com

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. 1915 N. 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.

321-Slammer

Bathhouse. 110 NW 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL, (954) 5253344 Good. Clean. Fun. 1/2 price rooms...Tuesday Nights and 1/2 price Lockers. Thursdays Nights. Always busy.

Corner Pub Bar

the Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. Johnny’s FTL is now serving gourmet food and has $99 Stoli VIP bottle Service.Visit Johnnysbarfl.com

Monday March 12 RuPaul’s drag race official viewing party at Bill’s filling station on Monday’s Saturday March 10 RuPaul at 9 p.m. Come watch the on’t miss the official Tranni Palace star Latrice Thursday March 8 PrideFest 2012 after Royale on her race to very Thursday at EROS lounge Latin party at the Depot Cabana poolside at 7 victory! There will be great drag giveaways, Fuego hosted by Teresita La Caliente. p.m. There is going to be a poolside swimprizes & drink specials. Also on Monday Show Starts at 11 p.m. with $6 infusion Lebwear fashion show and an auction! Along there is Jennifer McClain’s Cast Party at lon Caipirihnas all night. Happy Hour is every with a special by performance Melissa 10:30 p.m.Visit BillsFillingStation.com Monday thru Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p m. Puller, with a special meet and greet with This superhot nightclub is located on Biscayne The Voice finalist Beverly McClellan. Also Tuesday March 13 Blvd in Miami.Visit Erosloungemiami.com scheduled to appear – LOGO TV Star ow in its 23rd year, the Palace is the Jonathan D. Lovitz.Visit Thedepotbar.com first and only gay restaurant/bar on Friday March 9 Ocean Drive. Located at 1200 Ocean Drive his Friday is The Manor’s Gay Pride Sunday March 11 in the heart of the Art Deco District, Palace Pajama Party -- wear your colors ohnny’s Fort Lauderdale has the hottest has entertained countless men and women proud. Different color pajamas mean difopen- mike karaoke night around every for decades. Don’t miss The Palace’s great ferent things like if you’re wearing white it Sunday. There are more than 500,000 songs drink special every night and the great means you’re looking for love, or a threeto choose from at South Florida’s biggest ocean view.Visit Palacesouthbeach.com some – both are good. This party will have library of sexy hits. There is no cover and

1721 N. 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 9 p.m. $3 U-Call-It Shots

Tour five elegant and unique homes of Key West on March 17-18. 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. Call 305-294-9501 or email tickets@oirf.org

By Brian Swinford

Boardwalk

*Annual

AFTER DARK

Wednesday March 7 t’s time to Dream at Dream nightclub every Wednesday night. Dream Miami is the hottest night club, and offers a sultry, intimate scene for the social elite. Located in the heart of South Beach, Dream features a combination of vintage style and cosmopolitan sophistication. Upon parting the velvet ropes, you will quickly discover why you love Miami.Visit Nightcure.com/ Miami/clubs/103/Dream/Dream.html

2209 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 567-5978. Large bar/ nightclub, amazing drink specials in Wilton Manors! Wednesday’s after 9 p.m. $10 Miller Lite Beer Bust

1116 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, (954) 522-5931. Monday Dragon with TP Lords, Daisy D. and DJ Rob Sky Some of the hottest guys around with great happy hour drink specials. Bring all your friends to this sexy Bar.

The Manor

2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 (954) 626 0082 - Come Dine, Dance, Drink, Mingle and of course Relax. 2 for 1 happy hour Tues-Friday 3-9pm. Indoor/Outdoor Dining. Dance the night away Thursday through 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.

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

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.

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.

Mona’s

502 E. Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 5256662. 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

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

March 7, 2012 • 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. Tag Bar

25 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33483 954-801-3247. Delray Beach’s only gay bar. Mon - Sun: 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. Awesome Drink Specials.

submitted photo

Miami-Dade Club Space

Ramrod

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.

Club Sugar

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

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

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

2301 SW 32nd Ave, Miami, Florida, 33145, (305)4437657. All the sweetness you’ll need in one club. Every Thursday “drag wars” with TP Lords. $5 house drinks & $4 Domestic beers all night.

Discotekka

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

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.

Score

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.

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.

Swinging Richards

The Stable

Twist

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.

17450 Biscayne Blvd, N Maimi Beach, Fl 33160 954-357-2532 Tuesdays-Saturdays from 6p.m. to 6 a.m. Come and enjoy fully nude guys dancing to the best music in South Florida. 1057 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, Fl, 33139. (305)5389478. 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 Bourbon Bar

Palm Beach County

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.

522 Lucerne Ave, Lake Worth, Fl, 33414. (561) 586-0080 Great Service, Great Food, Full Stocked Bar, Great Professional Tea-Dance every Sunday

*The Bourbon St. Pub

The Cottage

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.

*The Bar Lake Worth

2211 North Dixie Highway Lake Worth. (561) 370-3954 Thebarlakeworth.com. Men and women share this mostlylocals space as a calm and friendly watering hole. The bar often features live music which can be a nice break from thumping bass.

724 Duval St. (305)296-1992. Key West’s premier video bar with LIVE DJ’S nightly. A taste of N’Awlins in the heart of Old Town – Enjoy Key West’s hottest music videos on the large screen while the boys entertain on the bar. No Cover.

*La Te Da

1125 Duval St. 305-296-6706 Fun Gay-Friendly atmosphere. Cabaret entertainment during season including Randy Roberts and Chris Peterson. Enjoy great live music Tuesday thru Sunday with Lenore Troia. Cover charge may apply. Great outside bar if you just want to enjoy a cocktail and chat while people watching on Duval Street.

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.

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 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Theatre Review

’m pretty sure I’m not the only gay man who found himself in dance lessons at an early age. It wasn’t easy being the only boy in ballet, tap and jazz classes in a small, redneck Midwestern town where jocks hurled jeers on a daily basis. Years before Glee, Smash, and even Dancing with the Stars would change attitudes towards dance, the movie, Billy Elliott (2000), delivered the touching tale of another young boy growing up in a working class British village, who yearned to dance ballet -- all set against the backdrop of the politically charged 1984 miners’ workers strike. Five years later, screenwriter Lee Hall, director Stephen Daldry and singer Elton John would pen a musical version that would win the West End’s Olivier Award and 10 Tony Awards on Broadway. Last week, the touring production of Billy Elliott the Musical finally arrived at Fort Lauderdale’s Broward Center as part of Broadway Across America’s 2011-12 season. J.P.Viernes, one of four young actors shar-

ing the role on this extended tour, starred as Billy on press night. The 15-year-old soared throughout the three-hour show, tapping, spinning, and jumping from one end of the stage to the other, mastering a role that would challenge any seasoned actor. He displayed boundless energy in “Angry J.P. Viernes (Billy), Dance,” which was accentuLeah Hocking ated with spotlights that cast (Mrs. Wilkinson) and Samantha Blaire Cutler his huge dancing shadows on the back wall of the stage, and (Debbie) in “Billy Elliot the Musical.” poise and grace in “Electricity,” a beautiful pas de deux with his presumptively gay -- best friend. Their taps older self (Maximilien A. Baud) that would moved a mile a minute in “Expressing Yoursend him spinning into the air with thrilling self,” a splendid production number featuraerobatics more akin to a Cirque du Soleil ing dancing dresses topped by handbags. production. Outstanding performances also come Cameron Clifford elicited laughs from from Leah Hocking as the hardened dance the audience and came close to stealing teacher, Mrs. Wilkinson, who recognizes and the show with his portrayal of the cheeky nurtures Billy’s talent; Samantha Blaire CutMichael, Billy’s young cross dressing -- and ler as Wilkinson’s daughter, Debbie; and the

Kyle Froman

Dance, Billy, Dance!

gaggle of young ballerinas in the dance class. Many of the most dramatic moments in the show occur during confrontations between the minors and the “bobbies,” with the children drawn into the middle of the complex, emotional choreography. Elton John’s score is dramatic, if not especially tuneful, evoking the rousing rallying cries of the miners, the dazzling production numbers and the elegance of the ballet. Likewise, Ian MacNeil’s touring set design is extremely flexible, converting in an instant into a dozen different locations from the union hall and Billy’s house to the stage of the Royal Ballet School. Be forewarned: Broward Center audiences are notorious for darting out the doors before the final curtain and, if you do, you may miss the rush at the valet, but you will also miss the most entertaining moments of the production.This show isn’t over until it’s over and the curtain call provides a joyous and unexpected finale.You’ll be glad you stayed.

“Billy Elliot the Musical” Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale 8 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m., through March 11 Tickets $29.25 - $81.25 at BrowardCenter.org or 954-462-0222

Full Charge Bookkeeping Services

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

The Confessing and Romping of Dermot Meagher By Tony Adams Photo by Renato Cellucci

reader into the dusty nooks of old Venetian churches, hen scruffy, burly into hotel rooms containing author/artist and dismembered teddy bears, retired Boston and below the belt of a judge Dermot Meagher talks, particularly horny redhead the stern resonance of an old in a moonlit Dublin alley, it school Irish Catholic monsignor would be wrong to assume who might not have been so that this is an autobiography. kind in the confessional when Dermot is a man who guards guilty boys admitted to “impure his privacy, and he is more an actions” is intimidating, but Derobserver than a performer. mot’s voice is misleading. Behind Retirement has not been a Dermot Meagher it is a humorous, mischievous, slow time for Dermot. Since humble, and beguiling gay man SFGN covered an exhibit of who recently published his second book, his artwork and his successful first book, a mystery, Lyons And Tigers And Bears. Over Judge Sentences, two years ago, he has lunch in Fort Lauderdale where Dermot and completed two gay mystery novels about Renato, his partner of eleven years—they the adventures of a gay Irish-American met on Valentine’s Day—spend the winter, judge, Joe Lyons, who just happens to share he discussed his attraction to Italians and Dermot’s admiration for dark chest hair his Irish Catholic upbringing, both of which and Italian men. He explains the impetus for feature prominently in the new book. writing these gay mysteries. “I had a doctor’s Dermot says, “Italians were the ‘other’ appointment and while I was in the waitwhere I grew up in a middle class neighboring room I picked up a beautifully laid out hood in Worchester, Massachusetts. I recall detective story with gorgeous images but the Irish and the Italians as allies, with both poor writing. The thought came to mind composed of traditional Catholic clans that I could easily produce something better, who taught their children a lot about sin. so I just went home and started writing. I When I was twelve, my best friend came didn’t have an outline or a plot. All I had was back from summer camp and said ‘Guess a sense of the characters and the locations. what I learned?’ As soon as he showed me, I I would get Joe Lyons into some preposterheaded straight to Confession, even though ous situations and then I’d have to figure out I figured it wasn’t much of a sin if I just lay how to get him out of them. I didn’t know there on my bed while he did to me what where it would go. It’s a romp, and writing it he had learned. was a romp.” “I remember in high school developing Although his next offering in the Judge Joe an attraction to Italians at CYO [Catholic Lyons series, Lyons At The Gate, is completed, Youth Organization] dances. I thought they its release date is not yet set. Dermot diswere beautiful men. I confessed this to my closes that a fascinating character in the first priest who told me to see a shrink. The novel, the sexy and mysterious “Dino” reapshrink asked me if I had ever had sex with pears in the sequel that also involves the a woman. When I said yes, he said, ‘There is battle for marriage equality. Given Dermot’s hope for you.’ I think he wanted to get me wry skewering in Lyons and Tigers and Bears into one of those brain-washing reparative of monsignors and bishops with Vatican aspray-away-the-gay therapy programs. I’m pirations, the sequel promises to be another glad I was spared that.” colorful romp. Dermot tells the story of his own life as Check out the SFGN review of his art and first if he were perpetually surprised by what book, http://www.southfloridagaynews.com/ happened to him. As if he were turning the sfgn-columnists/columnists/tony-adamspages of a delicious mystery in which he column/763-dermot-meagher.html discovers his sexuality, discovers the man of To purchase his new book for KINDLE his dreams, discovers his talent as an artist http://www.amazon.com/Lyons-Tigers-Bearsand writer, and, along the way, discovers the ebook/dp/B0075KOZO0/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=digitalkeys to enjoying each new day and all the text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328592081&sr=1-1-spell amusing quirky people that walk through his And at AMAZON day. Even though his painter’s eye for color http://www.amazon.com/dp/0615559115 and detail infuse his writing, and zoom the

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Makin’ It at the Maltz

Brown. “They work hard and deliver a professional product. We think this play is particularly important for the youth to help create awareness of other people’s lives.”

One for the money; two for the shows; three to be honored; and four let’s go! By Donald Cavanaugh

These speakers were followed by Milton Maltz, chairman of the board of the theatre, who took to the mic like the self-proclaimed ham that he is. He spoke briefly of the value of the theatre to the community and how proud he and his wife, Tamar, are that the theatre is on track to raise $2.5 million by June 30, 2012 and receive the Maltz Family Foundation’s matching grant of $2.5 million. He went on to say that if this first match is accomplished, he and his wife are prepared to match that $5 million with another $5 million, “a total of $10 million to give the theater a solid basis to continue producing quality entertainment and education in the community.”

Elson Alexanfre

he curtain is down and the Cabaret is shuttered and dark after a tremendously successful January run at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Now this northerly beacon of the arts is painting the town red with John Logan’s Tony Award winning study of the life of Mark Rothko, Red (Feb. 12 to 26) and it’s getting good coverage and strong reviews. “Cabaret was a real sellout,” said Director of Public Relations Linnea Brown. “It’s one of the most successful pieces we’ve produced and we’re looking forward to the new calendar, our 10th season, to keep pace.” Brown was sharing information during a reception on Feb. 6 with many local dignitaries, some terrific performers and a lot of theater-goers. There was a tour of the back stage locations like wardrobes and rehearsal rooms. Strategically placed along the tour was a wide range of comestibles provided by local purveyors: Guanabanas, Kilwin’s of Jupiter, Rancho Chico, Spiro’s Taverna, Tabica Grill, and TooJay’s of Jupiter all offered up treats with Opici Wines offering libations. The press was there in force. But first, the money… At the end of the tour and nibbles, guests were invited into the theater where local dignitaries, starting with the theatre’s managing director, Tricia Trimble, praised the fact

Tamar & Milton Maltz that the Maltz Jupiter Theatre is a vital part of the community in northern Palm Beach County. Other speakers included Karen Colonka, Jupiter’s mayor; Ed Chase, president and CEO of the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, and Jorge Pesquera, president and CEO of the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. All echoed Trimble’s sentiments that “good theater makes good neighbors.”

And second the shows… Part of the cause célèbre on the 6th was the announcement of the Theatre’s 10th anniversary (2011-2012) season, which kicks off in October with Amadeus. In November it’s The Music Man and January brings Singing in the Rain. February features Doubt and in March anything goes with Thoroughly Modern Millie which will coincide with the theatre’s annual Pride Night, the details of which are yet to be announced. The season was introduced by the artistic director, Andrew Kato, who MC’d a selection of performances from the upcoming shows including selections by students from the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Paul and Sandra Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts, an organization that will also benefit from the $10 million gift, according to Kato. And speaking of students… A special event of particular interest to the gay community is the Sept. 8 production of The Laramie Project presented by local high school students as part of the Theatre’s Youth Artists Chair Program. This is a onenight-only opportunity to see the Tectonic Theatre Project’s play based on actual interviews with residents of Laramie, Wyoming whose lives were touched by the torture and death of Matthew Shepard in 1998. “Our students are wonderful,” said

Third to be honored… On Feb. 9, three key players from the Maltz Jupiter Theatre were honored recipients of the Palm Beach County Cultural Council Annual Muse Awards. Milton and Tamar Maltz were given the Outstanding Civic Leader Muse Awards. Milton was rewarded for playing a critical role in the development of several cultural and entertainment projects across the country including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the International Spy Museum in Washington, in addition to the work he’s done for his namesake theater. Tamar Maltz was recognized for serving on the Board of Directors for the Montefiore Home and the Friends of the Library at Siegal College. She is also founder of the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. Andrew Kato, celebrating his sixth anniversary as artistic director at the Theatre, took home the Council’s Choice Award. Kato has produced more than 30 major stage shows at the Maltz and, for the past seven years he has been a creative consultant and coordinating producer of the annual Tony Awards. He has been executive producer of the Cultural Council’s last five Muse Award presentations, and much more. The awards were announced in Dec. 2010 at a cocktail reception at the Gavlak Gallery and presented on Feb. 9 at a dinner and show at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. The theme for the event was Behind the Scenes. “The Muse Awards not only celebrate the many wonderful contributions these recipients are making to Palm Beach County residents and visitors,” said Rena Blades, CEO of the Cultural Council. “But they also spotlight the intrinsic ways, both obvious and subtle, that our cultural community continues to positively impact both the local economy and our overall quality of life.” Four let’s go… “We’re celebrating our tenth season of success with the best Broadway-caliber productions and events that we’ve ever assembled,” said Kato. “Our season is filled with classic musicals, family entertainment and captivating plays, including four Tony Award winning productions and an MGM spectacle. Our audiences will be completely dazzled.” The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is located at 1001 Indiantown Road, due east from I-95 exit 87A. Visit Jupitertheatre.org or call (561)575-2223 for more information on tickets and upcoming productions.

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

March 7, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

ChamberChat Monthly Column From the Miami Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Friendly Networking By Jorge Richa

Marketing & Programming Director MDGLCC

he official definition in Webster’s Dictionary of the word “networking” is “Interchanging information or services, among a group; of persons or organizations.” If you think about it, we are constantly in networking mode, no matter where we are. When we visit our favorite coffee shop, or are waiting in line and starting a conversation with the person next to us we are networking. When we blog on a topic of interest and engage in a virtual dialogue with others we are networking. When we are at a social gathering and everyone is asking each other for their name, where they are from, and what they do for a living we are networking. No matter where we go, an opportunity to network is always available. That’s why we should be prepared and carry with us a

good stack of our infamous business cards at all times! Now, while there is no right or wrong way to network, the experts at Dale Carnegie Training, a corporate partner of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC), agree that the key to good networking has a lot to do with winning friends and influencing people. To accomplish this they share the following principles that we should all follow in our dialogue with others. 1) Don’t criticize, condemn or complain 2) Give honest, sincere appreciation 3) Arouse in the other person an eager want 4) Become genuinely interested in other people 5) Smile 6) Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language

The Global LGBT Summit May 3–6, 2012, in Philadelphia www.equalityforum.com

7) Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves. 8) Talk in terms of the other person’s interest 9) Make the other person feel important – and do it sincerely.

limited to 50 persons. Admission is free. Women’s Empowerment LuncheonBrickell - March 20 - MDGLCC’s popular Women’s Empowerment Luncheon series continues at the Sanctum Room of the Epic Hotel, 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way. With special guest speaker Cristina Serralta, CEO Following the above principles will for of Amazon Services Inc., speaking on “Small sure help you become a friendlier person Business Ownership” the program runs and are great at networking. I invite you to from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Cost: MDGput these tactics into LCC members ($35), practice by attending potential members ($45, any of the upcoming $10 applied to new networking events MDGLCC memberlisted below. To RSVP ship). Program includes or for inquiries contact a full sit-down luncheon 305-673-4440 or mdgwith a Q&A to follow. lcc@bellsouth.net. Co-Sponsored by Aqua GALLA (Gay & LesbiFoundation & NCLR. an Lawyer’s Association) Upper Eastsiders at Luncheon – DownThe Station Networking town Miami – March Event - Biscayne Boule14 - MDGLCC/GALLA vard - March 22 - MDGpresents its monthly LCC presents its NEW networking program networking program tailored for attorneys, held once month in the judges, and legal profesUpper East Side. This sionals held on the middle Wednesday of month’s location is News Lounge located each month at Morton’s Steakhouse at at 55th Street Station, 5556 NE 4th Ct., 1200 Brickell Avenue from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 Miami. Cocktail networking event and busip.m. Cost: MDGLCC members ($35), poness card exchange with drawing for prizes. tential Members ($50, $10 applied to new Cash bar and free hors d’oeuvres - limited MDGLCC membership). Includes seated to 50 persons. Program runs from 5 p.m. style lunch limited to to 7 p.m. and admis20 persons. sion is free. Sandpipers NetBusiness Builders No matter where we go, an working Event- Beach Luncheon – Downopportunity to network is Location - March 14 town – March 29, always available. - MDGLCC presents 2012 - MDGLCC its monthly networkpresents its monthly ing program held on networking program the middle Wednesday of each month. This held on the last Thursday of each month. month’s location is Hudson Chiropractic & City Hall, The Restaurant, 2004 Biscayne Lincoln Road Dermatology, 1111 Lincoln Blvd., Miami. 11:30am - 1:30pm. Cost: Road, #310 & #375, Miami Beach. The proMDGLCC members ($30), Potential Memgram features a cocktail networking event bers ($40, $10 applied to new MDGLCC and business card exchange with drawing membership). Includes seated style lunch for prizes from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with comlimited to 25 persons. Sponsored by “Complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres and cast Business”.

ISRAEL FEATUR E D N A T I O N

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

March 7, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

March 7, 2012

SFGN Editorial

A Short Primer on Pride Norm Kent, Publisher

ust a few personal words from your local neighborhood publisher today. It has been a busy week here at the paper. This is one of two issues we are publishing. On Saturday and Sunday at the Holiday Park War Memorial Auditorium, SFGN will be distributing a second issue, devoted to PrideFest. So it is crazy here as we write this. The fact is that if you combine today’s 40-page issue with PrideFest’s special edition, at 88 pages, on this week in March of 2012, we will be the largest gay paper in the United States of America. That is testimony to the strength and vitality of this community, and hopefully, an expression of your faith in us. For my CEO and myself, it is an acknowledgement of how far we have come in such a short time. However, each week a new deadline shortens our smile and forges our determination to buck a rough economy and rising tide, which has adversely impacted print media nationwide. Still, there is much to be proud of, and much to look forward to. Our headlines at www. sfgn.com and at www.nationalgaynews.com reflect that the LGBT community is growing nationwide, and not just in South Florida alone. Our magazine, The Mirror, has been received with enthusiasm, from San Francisco to St. Petersburg. At 52 pages, it is actually

4 pages larger than this month’s Advocate. The American LGBT community is more than just emerging as a niche culture. Except for Rick Santorum and a small cabal of 18th century preachers, we are part of the America that once excluded us. Once, we were a threat to society. Once, we were a moral disorder. Once, we threatened the family. Now, we are partners in tomorrow, and those who fight our rights are not only on the wrong side of history, they will be laughed at long after we are all gone. Here is what I found out about being gay- the more I am, the less it matters. I could care less who knows or what they say. Whether it is my friends in the legal profession or on the baseball fields I play on, it is just not a factor in my life. I am who I am and it is my life to live. I don’t have to please anyone else, anytime, anywhere. I don’t have to explain who I love or what I want physically to anyone at anytime, and neither should you, whether you are 20 or 75. My advice to you as we enter a PrideFest Weekend in greater Fort Lauderdale is to be who you are and who you want to be. Be yourself and you will be free. To quote Shakespeare, in the poster that sits above my desk in our newspaper office, “To thine ownself be true, and it must follow, as the night, the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

March 7, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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EMPLOYMENT WANTED

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

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. ------------------------------------------------LOOKING FOR HONEST WORK 5+ years experience in fencing, tile, shingle roofing, drywall, concrete, RV detail, food service, paint prep. Call Christopher 954-839-5473 ------------------------------------------------EXPERIENCED ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL Familiar with all office duties, Including personal assistant and organization. Computer literate. Billing, invoicing and collections. Call Jim 954-303-5355 ------------------------------------------------COOK POSITION WANTED Cook with 27 years experiencee. All foods such as organic, Italian, Mexican, Jamaican, Spanish and all types of BBQ and pizza maker. I am willing to work anytime and can start ASAP. Call William 754-204-8463 ------------------------------------------------CONSCIENTIOUS, RESPONSIBLE, EDUCATED NICE GUY SEEKS P/T: Here through Mar. 31st, Seeking (almost!) anything P/T: 16-20 hrs wk. Tony: 607 727 3894 tvtenor@aol.com Tony Villecco tvtenor@aol.com ------------------------------------------------REGISTERED NURSE - PRIVATE DUTY 15 years experience in medical care, seeking assignments hourly or daily, call John for more information 954-918-5410

BODY TREATMENTS MALE MASSAGE & MORE, Massage, bodyscrubs,bdygrooming, haircuts, Facials, companions, housecleaning, and Just about “everything’’ you might need Ph 954-522-0849/954-522-0849 info 11am ?

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 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------NUDE CLEANING Nudecleaning123@ yahoo.com Honest, Reliable, Quality cleaning for your home. Attractive, personable, guy. Email for pic and price. Very Reasonable rates. Serving Broward Area.

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

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 EXPERICENCED WAITER. Italian Restaurant seeking a professional and experienced waiter.PT/FT time position available. Fort Lauderdale area. Call 505-554-7103

1BD/1BA FORT LAUDERDALE

2nd Floor, 1142 NE 4th Avenue, Redone, $700/Mo. Yearly lease. Call 954-764-0212 or 954-581-2573 -------------------------------------------------

LAKE RIDGE NICE QUIET 1/1

Close to Wilton Manors, Beach and Downtown. Everything included. Call 954-593-6833 -------------------------------------------------

FOR SALE – 2 TIX ATLANTIS SO CARIB CRUISE

2 tickets to sold-out Atlantis South Carrib Cruise March 17-24. Large C2 room with patio. $1819 each plus $150 change fee. Call Jim at 619-992-9973 -------------------------------------------------

BARTENDERS WANTED

TWIST, the popular gay bar and club in South Beach seeks bartenders to join our team. We look for bartenders with experience working in high volume situations that are fun, friendly and outgoing people with a positive attitude. Candidates should be responsible, accurate and honest, team players that can work late nights and weekends. Interested persons can send or email resume or apply in person Mon–Fri from 2pm to 6pm. TWIST,1057 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139 / www.twistsobe.com / valentino@twistsobe.com

------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------COMPANION FOR ELDERLY GENTLEMAN with dementia; full/part time, experienced, clean background check, mature, good natured, in good health. Submit resume, including references and pay requirement to: PO Box 2213, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33303 ------------------------------------------------HOUSEKEEPING POSITION AVAIL. Cheston House accepting applications/ resumes, must have resort exp./friendly/ reliable/responsible Apply in person at 520 N. Birch Road or send resume to chestonhouse@bellsouth.net ------------------------------------------------SALON MANANGER & STYLISTS NOW Hiring Talented, Strong Leaders for our Miami locations. Must have a FL Cos. Lic. and Management Experience. Unlimited income potential, Benefits, REDKEN Partnership FREE Advanced Education, & MORE! Call Melissa at 754-484-4885 or apply today www.careersbyhaircuttery.com EOE

INSURANCE & FINANCIAL ALLSTATE DIRECT: PERSONAL auto, home,condominium,boat and life insurance. For a free quote call Joe Mier 305-754-7414 ------------------------------------------------FIVE STEPS TO FINANCIAL SUCCESS: 1. Prove to us that you have the personality to talk to people on the phone and keep their interest. 2. Do this successfully for one month at $10 per hour. 3. We will sponsor you to take the 215 Florida Insurance License course. 4. We will sponsor your fingerprints to be sent to the insurance department. 5. We will sponsor you to take the state insurance license test pass and you will begin earning up to $100,000 per year selling health and life insurance over the phone as a licensed insurance professional. Are you up to the challenge??? Call Brian at 954-200-0140 to get started today! ------------------------------------------------HEALTH INSURANCE Major Medical, Hospital-Surgical, Rx’s, also guaranteed issue. Reasonable rates. Call DSR Associates 954-922-278

LEGAL SERVICES 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 ------------------------------------------------KENT & CORMICAN, PA Sometimes the road of life brings trouble…We are here for when that happens. Criminal & Constitutional Law. Call 954-763-1900 www.NormKent.com ------------------------------------------------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. ------------------------------------------------DAVID L. JACOVITZ - ATTORNEY AT LAW Revocable Living Trusts, Last Will & Testament, Durable Financial & Medical Powers of Attorney, Cohabitation Agreements, Living Wills. Advising the South Florida LGBT Community for 19 years. Call 954-630-8847 ------------------------------------------------RAY & KOLNER LAW Immigration, Deportation, Family Petitions, Asylum, Sexual Orientation, Divorces, Adoptions, Criminal, Sex Offenses. Call 305-377-9000 www.RayAndKolnerLaw.com

------------------------------------------------SHAWN C. NEWMAN, PA Helping you protect what matters to you. Estate Planning, Domestic Agreements, Wills & Trusts, Estate Administration, Probate Administration, Wealth Preservation, Powers of Attorney. Free initial consultation. Available weekends and evenings by appointment. Call 954-563-9160 710 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 www.ShawnNewman.com ------------------------------------------------CREDITORS CALLING? Call Us! The Law Offices of GeorgeCastrataro, PA. Serving Clients With Integrity and Compassion 954-573-1444 ------------------------------------------------GREGORY W. KABEL, ESQ. We can’t marry, but many of the rights of marriage may be achieved through contract. Let me help. Wills & Trusts, Estate Planning, Probate, Domestic Agreements, Business Formation & Transactions, Real Estate. 2312 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Call 954-761-7770 gwkesq@bellsouth.net

LICENSED MASSAGE AFFORDABLE, AWESOME MASSAGE BY JIM Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and Lomi Lomi Massage; All in a very comfortable, relaxed and Private Massage Studio conveniently located on the SE corner of Oakland Park Blvd and Federal Highway. Nationally Certified & Licensed. Call Jim Libonati at 954-600-5843. info@massagebyjim. com #MM22293 SPECIAL: First Time Client Rates ------------------------------------------------THE BRITISH POUND John Maroussas LMT Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Trigger Point, Swedish, Salt or Sugar Scrubs. Private Studio w/ Shower. Wilton Manors Location near Bill’s Lic#MA51123 954-999-2240 ------------------------------------------------CHAIYA - TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE & MORE… ThaiMassageFlorida.com The Luxury You Deserve! 954-732-1473 MA56806

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

PERSONAL TRAINING IF YOU ARE READY TO MAKE A HEALTHIER you a lifestyle call Christy Fritch,BS CPR certified 954-445-2540

REAL ESTATE KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY- Ted Adcock, Realtor Cell: 954-609-4393 tedftl@aol.com ------------------------------------------------COLDWELL BANKER - In a tough market, you want a tough Realtor. In this market you need Andy Weiser. Call 954560-9667 AndyWeiser@aol.com www. AndyWeiser.com ------------------------------------------------RAINBOW REALTY Wondering what your home is worth? I offer a FREE online market analysis and more at www. SunnyHomesForSale.com Call Keith Blackburn 305-798-5455 KeithSellsFlorida@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------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

------------------------------------------------LAKE HOME FOR SALE 2 bd, 1 ba, mod. kit w/grnte, den, open floor plan good for parties, gay neigh., mins. to Wilton Manors, Priced to sell @$86,000. Won’t last!!! 954-448-9446

RENT/LEASE MIDDLE RIVER &LAKERIDGE 1BD/1BA $680/Mth. $175/week w/ a 12 month lease. Pay your deposit and you are in* for more details call 954-527-9225 ------------------------------------------------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, walk-in closet, your own fenced patio/ garden, pets OK, coin W/D, quiet mostly gay bldg, $795./mo. 954-791-4195 ------------------------------------------------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/mo. Call Joe: 954-610-6712. ------------------------------------------------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. ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------BEAUTIFUL 2/2 HOME FOR RENT Beautiful and totally renovated large 2 bedroom 2 bath private home with parking and large yard. New appliances, Jacuzzi tub in master bathroom, stone flooring, crown moldings, tall kitchen cabinets, impact windows, alarm, etc. Located near Wilton Manors; $1,200/month. Contact Ilan @ 561-330-0688 ------------------------------------------------RIVERLAND CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN Duplex 2BD/1BA or 4BD/2BA also available efficiencies and 1BDs. Large pool, new A/C units, 1 or 2 kitchen, large living room/family room/screened in porch, private back yard. Call Butch 954-632-6639. ------------------------------------------------FOR RENT Studio $700, 1BD $800 (all utilities included & pool) in Oakland Park. Call 786-546-0533 ------------------------------------------------SENIOR COMPLEX – WYNMOOR VILLAGE 2BD/2BA, 3 golf courses, 20 tennis courts, 17 pools, $850/Mo. Yr. Larry 347-907-3665. Avail April 1st.

ROOMMATES 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 ------------------------------------------------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

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Transgenders at Frontlines of LGBT Marriage Debate

By Victoria Michaels

hile many in the LGBT community question the participation of transgender and transsexual individuals in the gay marriage debate, reality has them at the forefront. There are many legal marriages involving transgender people and transsexuals that can be perceived by the rest of society as gay marriages. As such, these marriages can give strength to the argument that gay marriages have no impact on heterosexual marriages. When a married man or woman transitions without divorcing, the result is an apparent gay marriage. As perceived by the public, the trans-person and their spouse – dressed similarly – appear as a same-sex couple.  When a trans-person wishes to marry, the situation becomes more complicated. If their birth state refuses to change the sex designation on their birth certificate (the case in Idaho, Tennessee, and Ohio), they are free to marry a person of the opposite birth sex – no matter how they present themselves, and no matter

whether or not they have had sexual reassignment surgery. The result is a legal marriage that appears and is usually perceived as same-sex. Meanwhile, those who can get their birth sex changed on their birth certificate can marry someone of the opposite birth sex (except in Kansas, Ohio, and Texas) – even though they were both born the same sex. Many transsexuals either cannot afford complete sexual reassignment surgery or opt not to have complete surgery. For example, many female to male transsexuals have top surgery (mastectomy) and a complete hysterectomy, but make no attempt to have phalloplasty. Their chromosomes and their exterior genitalia still identify them as female. They can legally marry a male – establishing another marriage that meets the criteria (appearance) of a gay marriage. Similarly, male to female transsexuals may never have complete genital surgery, so they can legally marry a woman, again establishing a marriage that is publicly perceived as same-sex.

marketplace

March 7, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Of course, when chromosome testing gets involved, the situation gets even murkier. As the Intersex Society of North America (www.isna.org, FAQ) has pointed out, about one in 1667 people have neither XX nor XY chromosomes. Whatever chromosomes are present may not react at all to the hormones that control the development of male and female features. They may First gay-transgender wedding in Cuba react inappropriately, resulting in other than “normal” genitalia. There is no stantly fight to define “marriage” as a sacred solution to this quandary in the Bible - if Eve institution between one man and one womwas made from Adam’s rib, then her chromo- an. We don’t live in the 60s and 70s anymore so when are these people going to get it? somes would have been the same as his.    In Florida we put gay marriage to vote in When a married man or woman transitions without divorcing, the result is an ap- 2008 and although it was voted down, the parent gay marriage. As perceived by the ballot was very confusing because if you were public, the trans-person and their spouse – for gay marriage you voted “no,” and if you dressed similarly – appear as a same-sex cou- were against gay marriage you voted “yes.” ple and their marriage is considered legal by If some people didn’t read the ballot carefulthe law because they were married before the ly they may have voted against gay marriage when indeed they wished to vote for it. sex change or gender transition. Hopefully great organizations like “FloriIt all seems very complicated, confusing, and unfair if you examine it closely under a da Equality” can rally our politicians in Talmicroscope. We live in the greatest country lahassee to get them to put civil unions up for in the world and often pride ourselves on a vote in the near future. After all: we as the LGBT Community are not being leaders of the world with liberty and justice for all. The U.S. Constitution clearly asking for special rights when it comes to marstates that we are a country that separates riage, we just want the same benefits afforded religion from state, yet the politicians con- to our fellow neighbors and citizens. submitted photo

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March 7, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com