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April 11, 2012 • Volume 3 • Issue 15
POLO PASSION! Wellington Hosts Third Annual Gay Championships
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PLUS: Marlins find a magical home in miami page 39 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Meth Users More Likely to Get HIV
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Gay Firefighter Breaks Stereotypes
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How Gay Was the Titanic?
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Key West Brags:
We Have the Biggest
Winner of the 2011 Stars of the Rainbow Media Star Award
SoundBiteQ
April 11, 2012 • Volume 3 • Issue 15
New newsworthy news From the publisher’s desk
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
‘Video Vote’ Campaign Should Inspire Young Filmmakers
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he Florida Together Federation has launched a ‘2012 iVote iWin Competition’ to inspire young Floridians to register to vote and go to the polls on Election Day.
It is a viral video contest, asking creative types to create a clever and entertaining 1-2 minute video that diverse audiences will enjoy and share with their friends explaining why they registered to vote. The grand prize is $2,500, and that ought to induce a few more entries than the amateur night dance contest at the popular Johnny’s Bars on West Broward Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale and their location in downtown Miami.
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I think this video is clothing mandatory, but who knows, since J.Son of NakedBoyNews.com has been chosen as the host. His brand is known for always telling the ‘naked truth.’ “The naked truth, voting is sexy! I am very happy to take part as host of this competition,” said J.Son, a public service award winner who has appeared on MRV and CNN. “Young, potential voters don’t realize that their vote can make a difference, and in fact, in Florida their vote can have a profound impact.” Florida Together works towards achieving equality and justice for LGBT Floridians. The ‘iVote iWin’ Kick Off Party will take place this Sunday April 15 at Miami Beach Pride. J.Son will be on hand to announce the contest and the rules.
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courtesy of our fund
“This is a terrific opportunity for donors to have their contribution matched and potentially raise a million dollars – how often does that happen?” said Pittenger. “LGBT non-profit organizations are besieged with requests for critical services and many are under-funded.” “This gift can have a transformative impact on our community,” commented Anthony Timiraos, Our Fund CEO/President. “Mona’s challenge is both generous and visionary – the type of leadership that ensures the success of our community foundation.”
By Karl Hampe
Online Website Director. . . . Dennis Jozefowicz Office Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Swinford
Editor in Chief. . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Copy Desk Chief . . . . . . . . . Michael Anguille News Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gideon Grudo Arts/Entertainment Editor . . . JW Arnold jw@prdconline.com International Travel Editor. . . Joey Amato Business Editor . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Gary Senior Features Correspondents . . . . . . . . . . T ony Adams Jesse Monteagudo
Contributing Columnists. . . . Wayne Besen
ur Fund, an LGBT community foundation, announced at their recent anniversary celebration, that local philanthropist, Mona Pittenger is offering to establish the “Mona Pittenger Giving Fund,” with a gift of $500,000 if Our Fund can raise the same amount for new or increased donor advised Funds from the community.
THE REGULARS
Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chance Taffer
Correspondents. . . . . . . . . . . D onald Cavanaugh Gideon Grudo Lisa Lucas Mike Rothman Tana Velen
Half Million-Dollar Challenge Driven by Our Fund
(l-r) Tony Timiraos, CEO/President for Our Fund; Chuck Loring, Chair of the Board; Mona Pittenger, Board Member and Donor
Creative Director. . . . . . . . . . George Dauphin george.dauphin@sfgn.com
Editorial
More about the contest can be found at www.iVoteiWin.com
J.Son of NakedBoyNews.com
Pier Angelo Guidugli
Chief Executive Officer
For more information about Our Fund and donor advised Funds go to www.our-fund.org.
Susan Estrich Brian McNaught Victoria Michaels Leslie Robinson Dana Rudolph David Webb
Health Columnist. . . . . . . . . . Peter Jackson Editorial Cartoonists. . . . . . . K arl Hampe Darryl Smith
Sales
Marketing Director. . . . . . . . . John Fugate Sales Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Trottier Sales Associate . . . . . . . . . . . . Edwin Neimann National Sales Representative.Rivendell Media todd@rivendellmedia.com Distribution Manager. . . . . . . JR Davis South Florida Gay News.com is published weekly on Wednesdays. Our paper is a member of the Associated Press. The views and opinions expressed within this publication, in bylined columns, stories, and letters to the editor are those of the writers expressing them. They do not represent the opinions of South Florida Gay News.com, Inc., or the Publisher. They are included to promote free speech and diversity of thought. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations in SFGN, and it would be careless to do so. For the sake of readable newswriting, the word “gay” in SFGN should, when relevant, be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community. All of the material that appears in SFGN, both online at www. southfloridagaynews.com, and in our print edition, including articles used in conjunction with our contract with the Associated Press and our columnists, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Thus, nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher of SFGN, at his law office, Kent & Cormican, P.A., 110 Southeast 6th Street, Suite 1970, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33301. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright©2012 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
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April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
You Haven’t Seen Nothing Yet!
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Miami Beach Pride to be biggest yet By Gideon Grudo
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ast year, Miami Beach Gay Pride drew 35,000 people, making it the city’s largest single-day event. This year, organizers stretched the event out over a weekend, to accommodate the 60,000 people they expect to attend. The fourth installment of the event will last four days, from Thursday to Sunday, April 12-15. From dance parties to finger foods to fireworks, the four days are packed with things to do and see. The entertainment ranges from music to spoken word, from kids’ corners to vodka specials. And that’s the point: The Pride event is a family event, for the LGBT community and for its friends. “There’s sometimes a stigma that it’s all about shocking people — just boys in Gstrings throwing beads. But Miami Pride has really evolved in a family-oriented event,” said Chad Richter, vice president of the Miami
Beach Pride. “It’s really unveiled into a cultural event for children and families — and it’s free. We get all kind of spectators — they get excited and wide-eyed, at how classy our Pride is.” Richter is a founding member of the city’s Pride organization, and helped put the first festival together. “It was special for someone who’d grown up in Miami Beach,” Richter said about the first time he walked onto the avenue, watching people putting their floats together, awestruck by the success of almost a year of planning for the 2008 event. “It was something that was really missing from the city.” That was then. Today, the event draws tons of sponsors and thousands of attendees from around the country. On Sunday, the day of the parade, three stages will host music and lectures, in an effort to make everyone happy. Laura Veitia, secretary for the Miami Beach Pride’s executive board, is chair of the parade committee. She said that there’ll be three
distinctive highlights this year, emphasizing that all of the programming is unique and exciting otherwise. First, the parade will highlight legacy couples, or LGBT couples that have been together more than twenty years. There are 53 of them with the oldest having been together for 68 years (for a list of all legacy couples, see side bar). The couples will ride in two consecutive floats. “Without the legal right, these people have been together for many years,” Veitia said. “For some, you’re talking about couple who met in the ‘40s, and were able to stay together since then, and that’s something to really celebrate.” The second highlight is the awards ceremony. An award will be given to the best parade participant, of which there are 42, ranging from motorcycle groups to walking groups. The best entry will be creative and original with its concept, will engage the audience and will embody the Pride spirit. The parade itself will run on Sunday, from noon
Visit MiamiBeachGayPride.com for more information.
Legacy Couples – Together More than 20 Years
See the parade
Lorenzo Ruiz and Kenneth Benson 35 years Ramon Ortega and Ronald Traub 35 years Richard Burton Jr. and Oscar Davila 35 years Tim Coleman and Stan Thompson 35 years Ray Breslin & Patrick Pecoraro 34 years Arlon Anderson and Hugh Stuckey 33 years Al Husted and Donald Comras 33 years Greg Randall and Keith Ridler 33 years Peter Gavigan and Tommy Mack 33 years Paul Wilson and Greg Martin 33 years Greg Martin and Paul Wilson 32 years Sonnie Wilson and Kate Fitzgerald 32 years Michael Blank and Vincent (Vinny) Depalma 31 years Gregory Crosby and Ken Dempsey 31 years Lew Gordon and Paul Kress 30 years Tom Camerlingo and John Bariletti 30 years Pete Colon and Ken Depew 30 years Peter Freiberg and Joe Tom Easley 29 years Sherry Roberts and Alice Randolph 28 years Garland Warren and Mel Beluscak 27 years
For all four days’ schedule, go to www.miamibeachgaypride.com
These couples were together before it was safe to be proud
Peter Santangelo and George Volpe 68 years Bon Truax and Tony Fernandez 58 years Dick Dehn and Gary Payne 54 years Frank Petrole and Marc Rudic 52 years Daniel Vanetti and John Johansen 50 years Chuck Hunziker and Bob Collier 49 years Frank Fiorentio and Bill Pease 43 years Henry Penas and John Gillespie 43 years Kevin Friel and Bernie Weiser 41 years Maurice Colton and Norman King 40 years Octavio Roca and Luis Palomares 40 years Joe De Leo and Larry Levinson 37 years John Dowd and Phil Rand 37 years Dennis Wilhelm and Michael Kinerk 36 years
to 2 p.m., along Ocean Drive, from 7th street to 15th street. The city will close down the road for the parade. “We’re hoping to do these over the years, adding names to the plaque at the Visitor’s Center,” Veitia said. “The parade is a way we can highlight all of the organizations that are in our community. It brings the community together.” Another highlight for Veitia is the 1 p.m. moment of silence, she said, “to observe, to think about, people that we’ve lost through AIDS, that’ve served our country, that’ve been bullied and committed suicide.” “The parade and the festival itself really is for everyone. Besides the LGBT community, it’s really open to everyone — come out and have a great time, it’s really here for everyone,” Veitia concluded. “No matter who you are, and where you live, we are behind you and support you.”
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Dennis Edward and Mark Steinberg 27 years Mike Golin and Stan Paley 26 years Francie Peake and Bianca Proctor 26 years Chip James and Rene Delgado 25 years Doug Logan and Bob Kunst 25 years George Franceschini and Henry Rodriguez 25 years Ray Dunlop and Eddie Green 25 years Juan Ahonen-Jover and Ken Ahonen-Jover 25 years Dennis Mouyious and Raymond Franklin 24 years Richard Murry and Greg Griffin 24 years Frank Vecchio and Alex Knowlton 24 years Michah Gill and Scott Stewart 24 years Jack Coden and August Crespo 23 years Ofelia Colunga and Betty Ortega 23 years Curt Dyer and Bruce Bender 22 years Byron Daugherty and Frank Owen 22 years Ian McMinn and Glen Mitchelln 22 years Vickie Brail and Jeanne Covert 22 years
When: Sunday, April 15, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Where: Ocean Drive, between 7th street and 15th street How much: Free
parade route
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Local News
female jurist Resigns By Norm Kent
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roward Circuit Judge Susan F. Greenhawt is retiring from the bench after nine years effective June 30. The respected jurist was serving as the administrative judge of the unified family courts division of Broward County. The lesbian jurist lives in Fort Lauderdale with her domestic partner. Chief Judge Weinstein called Greenhawt’s work ethic “extraordinary.” She was a partner at Chorowski & Greenhawt when she was appointed to the bench by then-Gov. Jeb Bush. Greenhawt was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1993 and specialized in family law from the beginning. Before becoming an attorney, Greenhawt was a nurse for 18 years. The news was reported last week by the Broward Review, the county’s legal newspaper, which noted a letter sent to Judge Greenhawt by current Florida governor, Rick Scott: “As I look over your career — as a nurse, as an attorney and as a judge — it is evident that you are extremely dedicated to public service and to meeting some of the most important needs of your community.Your plans to continue such service as a family law mediator are admirable, and I trust that many families in Florida will benefit from your judgment and wisdom.”
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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Meth Users More Likely to Contract HIV Researchers find solid link between meth addiction and HIV rates By Gideon Grudo
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f a drug user smoked some meth in a room, all alone, without any possibility to see or be around anyone else, then meth would be the only problem. But that doesn’t happen, and the effects are harsh on the LGBT community, according to a new study headed by Robert Bolan, M.D. “My interests have always been driven by what the problems are that threaten our community,” said Bolan, who’s been the medical director of the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center since 1996. “For the past 5 to 10 years or so, I think that crystal methamphetamine use is a scourge in our community that is helping to fuel the HIV epidemic.” The study looked at more than 9,000 people. Those who admitted using meth in the preceding year were almost four times as likely to contract HIV, more than four times
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as likely to contract syphilis, more than twice as likely to contract gonorrhea, and almost twice as likely to contract chlamydia. They were compared with those who hadn’t used in the preceding year. Of all the diseases 60 percent of those newly infected had admitted to using meth in the preceding month. In South Florida, Bolan noted, this is especially pertinent. In a 2010 study by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) in South Florida showed an 18 percent increase in use of meth. “This is a much higher rate than is usually reported in other populations,” Bolan said. “The prevalence in our Los Angeles STD clinic is 8 percent.” So how does meth affect the spread of disease? The answer is simple: Sex. “Because crystal meth can increase sexual
“My intent is to arm gay men with real statistics that can help them make informed sexual choices.”
– Robert Bolan, M.D.
arousal while reducing inhibition and judgment,” the study read, “Its use is associated with high-risk behaviors that increase the likelihood of acquiring a new STD or HIV.” In other words, users tend to have risky sex, both in terms of the who and the how. In rats, Bolan said, amphetamines cause obsessive and prolonged sexual behaviors — it appears like it does the same thing to humans. “The effects of a given dose of [meth] last for hours and this can result in so-called sex marathons where an individual can engage in continuous or repetitive sexual activities with the same or multiple individuals,” Bolan said, adding that the drug also tends to dry out mucous membranes, like the rectum, adding potential to injury. “All of these things — prolonged intercourse, multiple
partners, dried mucous membranes — promote transmission of HIV and STIs... One effect of [meth] is that it can inhibit erections, but with erectile dysfunction drugs that side effect is no longer a limiting factor.” The researchers looked at various educational resources and found that all of them are directed at meth users, or at trying to persuade people not to start. This study attacks from a different angle. “Our message is not that ‘if you have sex with someone who uses [meth], you will become infected with something,’” Bolan said, adding that his study in no way suggests that having unprotected sex with a non-user is a definite shield against STIs. “Our message aims at a more real world way that gay men appear to be looking at sexual partner choices. We just want everyone to think about this a bit differently... My intent is to arm gay men with real statistics that can help them make informed sexual choices.” Bolan, who’s been involved with gay men’s health issues and moved had moved to L.A. in the 80s during the height of the HIV epidemic, released and presented this study at the CDC’s 2012 National STD Prevention Conference. The March conference began in 1998, according to a CDC spokesperson, “to provide an avenue... to learn, grow and share about STD prevention.” Visit www.cdc.gov/stdconference for more information.
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Lambda Legal Honors Peter Pileski
courtesy of steve tothaus
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ambda Legal recently honored Peter Pileski of Fort Lauderdale and New York by presenting him with the 2012 Broward County Leadership Award. In the early days of Lambda, Pileski assisted the organization by doing office work and filing legal briefs with the courts. He went on to serve on the board of directors and is now a member of Lambda’s National Leadership Council. He once co-chaired the annual Bonnet House reception and helped grow each year’s event to make it the most financially successful LGBT fundraiser in Broward County. Outside of Lambda Pileski also sponsors Equality Florida, The Pride Center, SunServe, SAGE, and Our Fund.
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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Community Announcement
OUR FUND LAUNCHES SOUTH FLORIDA LGBT COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT SURVEY
South Florida, one of the largest, most diverse and fastest growing LGBT communities in the country is home to Our Fund, an LGBT community foundation that is conducting a study to better understand the South Florida LGBT community’s needs. The online, anonymous survey is designed to evaluate LGBT issues such as housing, education, discrimination, health, aging and art/culture and provide information on donor preferences and trends. The results of the study will be shared by Our Fund and used by the South Florida LGBT non-profit community to address the issues raised, develop programs and to advocate for government and private sector funding. The survey is available online at www. our-fund.org/survey and will take less than 10 minutes to complete. Our Fund’s mission is to promote a culture of philanthropy by uniting donors with
Anthony Timiraos, CEO/President, OurFund
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esults will be used to address the issues raised, develop programs and advocate for funding
organizations supporting the LGBT community. Focused on expanding philanthropy in South Florida and working to develop stronger non-profit organizations, South Florida’s only LGBT community foundation has been established to help build endowments that support donor’s charitable interest and organizations providing services throughout the LGBT community. Go to www.our-fund.org or www.our-fund.org/ blog/index.html
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April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Chaz Bono: His Work, His Pot, His Breasts
P e r s o n a l I n j u ry • f r e e c o n s u ltat I o n
Transgender activist will be grand marshal of Miami Beach Pride
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Chaz
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haz Bono was telling me about his pot and his breasts. Actually, we were talking about dieting, when Chaz, who will be Miami Beach Pride Parade Grand Marshal on Sunday April 15, revealed that he is in love with his crock pot and its chicken breast contents. “At this point I am in the best shape I have ever been in. I have been taking good care of my body, working out four or five times a week,” Bono said. “I do my own cooking which really makes a difference. When you know what’s in the food you are eating, you make better choices. I am going through this crock pot phase. Chicken breasts and all kinds of fresh veggies get thrown in. I make soft tacos, stews and soups.” I admired the discipline of his workout routine and wondered about what it contained. “I always do at least an hour a day. I do weights twice a week. I do a dance class twice a week,” he said. “And I am really into my stand-up MMA class.” MMA is short for Mixed Martial Arts. The fact that Bono is happy, focused and careful about himself comes through loud and clear in conversation. When I asked him if he regretted going through his transition under such heavy scrutiny, he said, “I don’t think I had a choice in the matter. The question was ‘Do I want to tell my own story or let someone else tell it?’ I did a lot of work to feel as good as I feel today, and I believe that happiness is a choice and always requires work. I spent a lot of my life very unhappily.” I asked him if there were any surprises or unexpected lessons that came his way when he moved from the L to the T in LGBT. “People—even the Ls and the Gs—are just starting to take a serious interest in the T and are becoming more inclusive,” he said. “That is why whenever I speak at an LGBT event I
look at it as an opportunity to add to the new understanding within our own community.” When I asked Bono if he was having romance, he said, “Right now, I’m focusing on myself and trying to adjust to what it feels like to be really happy and to have a life that is so much easier than the way it was before I transitioned.” I reminded Bono of his age, 43, and asked him if, in planning for middle age, he would take a page from his age-defying mother, Cher. “I’m going to keep doing what I am doing to be healthy. I have no fear of age. I’ve got pretty good genes,” he said. “I look young for my age. Cosmetic surgery? Not really. Can’t say until I get there, but you know, here in L.A., there are a lot of men who have had some bad work done.” Chaz Bono is a man of good work. Head down to Miami Beach Pride on Sunday to cheer him on.
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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By Associated Press
US Appeals Court Hears Gay Marriage Case
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OSTON — Lawyers for a gay and lesbian advocacy group have a told a U.S. appeals court that a federal law that denies benefits to married gay couples is discriminatory. The 1996 federal Defense of Marriage Act defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and it prevents the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages. A lawyer for a bipartisan congressional group argued in Boston that Congress had a rational basis for passing the law. In 2010, a federal judge in Massachusetts declared a key section of the law unconstitutional. Gay marriage is legal in the state.
Phoenix Mayor Urges Antidiscrimination Ordinance
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ANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chile’s Congress passed an anti-discrimination law Wednesday following the killing of a gay man whose attackers beat him and carved swastikas into his body. The House of Deputies approved the law in a close 58-56 vote, seven years after it was first proposed. The Senate passed the law in November. Some passages remain to be finalized in a commission of senators and House lawmakers. President Sebastian Pinera had urged lawmakers to accelerate approval of the law after 24-year-old Daniel Zamudio died March 27. Zamudio’s death came more than three weeks after he was attacked, and his case set off a national debate about hate crimes in Chile. Four suspects have been jailed, some of whom already have criminal records for attacks on gays. Prosecutors have asked for murder charges in the case. Zamudio, a clothing store salesman, was attacked in a park in Santiago on March 3. The suspects allegedly beat him for an hour, burning him with cigarettes and carving Nazi symbols into his body. The leader of Chile’s Gay Liberation and Integration Movement, Rolando Jimenez, has said the suspects should be charged with torture as well. After Zamudio died last week, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights
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HOENIX — Staffers for Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, along with a group of attorneys, are drafting an ordinance that could outlaw discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents. The Arizona Republic (http://bit.ly/HUlJ1B ) reports aides and attorneys believe if city laws are rewritten, it would give victims of such discrimination an opportunity to file complaints with the city’s Equal Opportunity Department for Phoenix, AZ investigation. It’s an option they currently do not have. Councilman Tom Simplot says he anticicalled for Chile to pass new laws against pates some resistance from council memhate crimes and discrimination. bers who may be reluctant to even discuss Some Protestant churches had opposed the issue at a public meeting. the anti-discrimination law, saying it could Councilman Michael Nowakowski says be a first step toward gay marriage, which he would be open to discussing any antiChile forbids and which is not explicitly discrimination proposals “as long as they are included in the measure. The Roman Cathofair and respectful.’’ lic Church also expressed some concerns Councilman Sal DiCiccio says that while about the law. he doesn’t support offering protections to The law describes as illegal discrimination specific groups of people, he would back a “any distinction, exclusion or restriction broader approach. that lacks reasonable justification, commit-
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ted by agents of the state or individuals, and that causes the deprivation, disturbance or threatens the legitimate exercise of fundamental rights.”
Chicago Plans to Address Gay Health
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HICAGO — The city of Chicago says it has developed a plan for addressing the specific health needs of LGBT residents. Among the goals, it will search for ways to address higher levels of smoking among the gay community. It will also focus on HIV prevention, obesity and improving access to health care. Speaking of the program, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said recently he’s “committed to ensuring all Chicagoans have access to the care and information they need to live healthy lives.’’ The plan will promote the collection of sexual orientation data in electronic medical records and better tracking of hate crimes against transgender residents. It will also promote the inclusion of same sex couples in programs aimed at healthy pregnancies, childbirth and early childhood health.
Ohio School to Let Gay Student Wear T-shirt one day Over Shirt
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INCINNATI — A gay student who sued his public high school for prohibiting him from wearing a T-shirt designed to urge tolerance of gays will be allowed to wear the shirt for at least one day. The southwest Ohio school district agreed in a conference between attorneys and the judge to let 16-year-old Maverick Couch wear the shirt bearing the message “Jesus Is Not A Homophobe” on April 20, according to federal court records. But Couch’s lawsuit charging that Waynesville High School and the Wayne Local School District are violating his freedom of expression rights is proceeding. Officials at the southwest Ohio public school had told Couch he couldn’t wear the shirt because it was “sexual in nature,” indecent and inappropriate at school, the lawsuit says. April 20 is the Day of Silence, an annual event protesting the bullying and harassment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students. Couch had said he wanted to wear the shirt to “promote respect for all students, gay or straight.”
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SFGN BRIEFS
Chile’s Passes Antidiscrimination Law
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel
“We’re glad that Maverick is able to wear his shirt on April 20,” Couch’s attorney, Christopher Clark, said. “However, a student’s First Amendment rights are not restricted to one day of the year — we will continue to fight until Maverick is allowed to express who he is on any day he chooses.” Clark is an attorney with the civil rights group Lambda Legal, which is assisting Couch in the lawsuit against the school, located 35 miles northeast of Cincinnati. School District Superintendent Patrick Dubbs would say only that “progress was made” in the case and that numerous issues “remain to be resolved.” Another telephone conference in the case is set for May 2, according to court records. Couch said he wore the shirt, which also bears the image of a rainbow-colored fish similar to a religious symbol used by Christians, last April and was told by the high school principal to turn it inside out. He said he complied but was threatened with suspension if he tried to wear it again. Couch said that school officials on other occasions told him the shirt would be disruptive and that it was too religious. The lawsuit charges that the actions of officials in the district violate Couch’s constitutional rights, including the First Amendment right to freedom of speech and the Fourteenth Amendment right to equal protection under the law. It asks the U.S. District Court to order school officials to allow Couch to wear the shirt and to pay him unspecified “nominal” damages and attorneys’ fees.
Tenn Senate Rejects Rollback of Anti-gay Law
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ASHVILLE — A Senate panel has rejected efforts to roll back a bill barring local governments from enacting stricter anti-discrimination standards than those held by the state. The State and Local Government committee on Tuesday voted 6-2 against the bill sponsored by Democratic Senate Minority Leader Jim Kyle of Memphis. Gov. Bill Haslam last year signed into law a measure voiding a Nashville
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
ordinance that barred companies that discriminate against gays and lesbians from doing business with the city. Several large employers opposed the law, including FedEx, AT&T, Whirlpool, Comcast and Nissan. Republican Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris of Collierville said his understanding of the state constitution is that nothing prevents the Legislature from setting guidelines for local governments. Kyle responded that it wasn’t constitutional question, but one of stopping “bad policy.’’
Married Gay Couples Sue for Immigration Rights
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EW YORK — Immigration advocates have filed a lawsuit on behalf of several married gay couples, alleging a federal law violates their constitutional rights by preventing them from sponsoring their spouses for green cards. The complaint, which challenges the federal Defense of Marriage Act, was filed in federal court in Brooklyn by Immigration Equality, an advocacy group. Each of the five couples named as plaintiffs is struggling to obtain U.S. citizenship for a foreign-born spouse. The 1996 law, known as DOMA, prevents the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages and denies federal benefits to married gay couples. The federal government does not recognize lesbian and gay couples for immigration purposes, and several of the couples have been denied green cards. “The families in today’s lawsuit meet every qualification for immigration benefits, with the sole exception that they happen to be lesbian or gay,’’ Rachel Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality, said in a statement. All of the plaintiffs were married in states
that have sanctioned gay marriage. If the couples were heterosexual, the government would recognize the foreign spouse as an immediate relative of the U.S. citizen, paving the way for citizenship, advocates say. The lawsuit claims DOMA violates their constitutional right to equal protection. The lawsuit was filed last week against Attorney General Eric Holder; Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services director Alejandro Mayorkas; Robert M. Cowan, director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services National Benefits Center; and Daniel Renaud, director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Vermont Service Center.
Cleveland NAACP Head Supports Gay Marriage
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LEVELAND — The president of the Cleveland chapter of the NAACP has said he supports a Freedom to Marry campaign that seeks to change laws that prohibit same-gender marriage in Ohio. The Plain Dealer reports (http://bit.ly/HaDjD1 ) that George Forbes issued a statement saying, “Not since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has there been a more important step to achieving equality for all Americans.’’ He says religious institutions should retain the freedom to refuse to perform or recognize gay marriages. Freedom to Marry is working toward a ballot initiative that would ask voters to repeal a 2004 amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman and to replace it with one allowing gay marriage. Various chapters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People across the country have also supported same-sex unions.
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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Man in Uniform Openly gay firefighter breaks stereotypes By Tana Velen
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re you a man who thinks sports are boring, loves the color pink, or dresses like Cher at the Oscars on Saturday nights? Well then, you must be gay. Those are the rules, right? And if you can’t slide your feminine figure into those stereotypes whelp, you must be straight! Those are the kinds of cliché assumptions that drive men and women all over the world to run from who they are. Brett Dunckel is one of the men fighting back against the heavy-handed stereotypes that weighed on him, crushing him into hiding. Dunckel is an openly gay Firefighter Paramedic in Fort Lauderdale who had spent the majority of his life ambivalent about who he was. “I didn’t know anyone who was gay,” he says. “I only knew stereotypes but didn’t
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identify with any of them.” In absence of a sexual identity, Brett threw himself into service work. He did the Firefighter Explorers as a kid, and then became a lifeguard. The City of Deerfield was the first to hire him as a firefighter. He ex per ienced all the traditional ice breakers of a new job. Are you married? Do you have a girlfriend? He just kept coming up with excuses not to answer. Dunckel eventually went online to search for others like him; people who wore a badge for a living yet hid their life from it. He ended up discovering Oasis Magazine, a cross between a blog, Q&A, articles, and other writings written by gay people. “It helped me see that I wasn’t alone. I
Brett Duncket wanted to be one of those authors.” After reading through Oasis and finally addressing who he was, it clicked. “This was my identity. I finally felt whole.” He knew he had to tell his family. “I wrote a letter. I was still living at home so I left it out and went to work a 24 hour shift. I checked my phone all day but had no responses. I found it really strange.” He worried that maybe his parents hadn’t read it. Finally Dunckel’s parents explained that they were fearful of the adversity he would face, and at first there was still a lot of apprehension with his father. When he came out to the other people in his life, first his brothers and then his friends, they surprised him by not being angry that he was gay, but angry that he hid it. He had to explain what a hard decision it is to come out, that “once you say those words, you can’t take them back.” Dunckel knew the last place left to tell was his job, what he didn’t know was how that was going to come about. He was at the station eating a popsicle when a female coworker asked jokingly, “So is that how you do it?” making a fellatio innuendo. “No, do it like this,” he joked back with her. It was the beginning of how Dunckel learned to come out -- through laughter. A situation is only as deathly serious as you make it. “Just because I’m gay doesn’t mean we can’t joke around, as long as it’s without malice.” Soon word spread and coworkers approached him asking questions, he answered them all and was able to make a positive impression on them of the gay community. This idea of coming out began to fascinate him. He found a book called Coming Out From Behind the Badge and read it. Then he emailed the author, Greg Miraglia, and found
“I wanted people to reach out to me if they needed it.” – Brett Dunckel out about a second edition, American Heroes. He sat down, started typing his story, and sent it to Greg, who loved it and wanted to publish it. “I had the option to be anonymous, but I wanted to include my name, department and email address. I wanted people to reach out to me if they needed it.” Once Dunckel cleared it with his supervisors, who also congratulated him on it, he was good to go. After he became a part of the book and met some of the other authors he realized that he wanted to do something similar with a focus placed on careers. “You don’t have to be a hairdresser, there are gays in all professions.” He soon founded YouCanBeAnything.org. Dunckel didn’t just want a site of stories though, he wanted LGBT youth to be able to pursue any career they want, and aims to set up a scholarship fund. He decided to use one of his favorite quotes and the motto of his project. In the simplest way it sums up the very core of what Dunckel wants for his nonprofit. “You gotta give them hope.” – Harvey Milk If you have a story you’d like to tell to Dunckel, whether it’s through video or written out, he is currently accepting submissions. Visit YouCanBeAnything.org for more information.
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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Jesse’s Journal
The Titanic’s 100-Year Anniversary Were there gays on the ill-fated cruise?
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pril 15, 2012 marks the centennial of the most famous maritime disaster in history. On that “night to remember” the “unsinkable” passenger liner, the RMS Titanic, collided with an iceberg, killing 1517 people. Since the 1997 release of James Cameron’s top-grossing, Oscar-winning movie of the same name, the Titanic and its illfated crew have captured the interest and the imagination of people all over the world. Museums vie with one another to display artifacts from the ocean liner that sank; Titanic “experts” make a living “explaining” the disaster to appreciative audiences; and enterprising entrepreneurs strive to recreate the food, the clothes, and the music enjoyed by the first class passengers who sailed the pride of the White Star Line. The Titanic carried some of the wealthiest people in the world, such as millionaires John Jacob Astor IV, Benjamin Guggenheim and Isidor Strauss, who enjoyed the ship’s first class facilities, as well as over a thousand emigrants from Ireland, Scandinavia and elsewhere who had to make do with steerage. Surviving accounts of this cruise tell us much about the ship’s passengers and crew, except for their sexual orientations and gender identities. Were there LGBT people on the Titanic? Of course there were, even if you accept the social constructionist notion that queer people were different in 1912 than we are today. Moreover, in 1912, neither the victims nor the survivors of the disaster were likely to be “out” in the modern sense of the word. But
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homosexually-inclined men and women already existed in 1912, on the Titanic and elsewhere. Jack Fritscher, author of the gayrotic novella Titanic: The Untold Tale of Gay Passengers and Crew (Palm Drive Publishing), reckoned that “if, according to Kinsey, one out of six ordinary men is gay, 225 gay men died. If two out of six in the travel industry are gay, 450 gay men died, making Titanic an overlooked but essential chapter in gay history.” Since men were more likely to go down with the ship, the gay male casualties were undoubtedly higher than most. There were single men and women, and male and female “couples,” along with family units and heterosexual marrieds on the Titanic. Whether or not any of those “couples“ were romantic or erotic pairs is of course beyond our knowledge. But we can speculate. From actual cases on the mainland, we can argue that some of the ill-fated millionaires and their valets enjoyed a relationship that went beyond that of master and servant. Using the same reasoning, some of the “spinsters” abroad enjoyed erotic “Boston Marriages” with their female companions. Hugh Brewster, author of Gilded Lives, Fatal Voyage: The Titanic’s First-Class Passenger and Their World, (Thorndike Press), told the Advocate that two of the victims, Major Archibald Butt and artist/writer Francis Millet, might have been more than friends. According to Brewster, Major Butt, “a dandified bachelor with an intense devotion to his mother, seems a more likely gay male than Frank Millet, the decorated war correspondent and married father of three.” Even so, Millet’s surviving love letters to gay writer Charles Warren Stoddard provides clues as to Millet’s possible homosexuality.
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By Jesse Monteagudo
As in other places, male homosexual activity was more common, and more furtive, than lesbian activity on the Titanic. If the crew members resembled sailors everywhere, they might have indulged in some male-tomale sexual activity. Unlike the shipboard romance between first class passenger Rose and third-class (steerage) passenger Jack — which could not have happened in real life — class boundaries were regularly crossed by males who sought sexual pleasure from other males. Like other men in Europe and America, many “queer” men from first class were drawn to the “more masculine” men of the working class, whether they be crew or steerage, gay or trade. While many third class men indignantly rejected such advances, others went along, whether for money, sexual release, or to satisfy their own homosexual proclivities. There were many places on the Titanic where two or more men could have sex: private cabins, store rooms, assorted nooks and crannies, and even public bathrooms. (Fritscher writes about gay goings-on in the ship’s hold, a “maze of catwalks ... lined at both rails with sailors, coalmen, cooks, mechanics,
and blackamoor masseurs from the Turkish steam room.”) Among the amenities of the Titanic was a men’s sauna. If this sauna resembled other saunas in New York and London, which by 1912 were already notorious for homosexual activity, then it must have provided the ship’s crew and passengers with more than therapeutic baths. In Titanic, Jack Fritscher’s gayrotic account of the fateful voyage, Fritscher details gay sexual encounters among the passenger and crew of the Titanic. Written in 1986 and first published in Honcho magazine (1988), Fritscher calls his Titanic “gay literary erotica that delves into the psychology of the cruise and dramatizes the sexual antics based on what an ancient pal of mine who was for years a purser on the Queen Mary told me about sex on board a big ship.” In Fritscher’s Titanic, Michael Whitney (a rare male survivor) and his ill-fated partner Edward Wedding, sexually cavort with each other, other male passengers, and crew members. According to Fritscher, “in movie-newsreel footage shot three days [after the Titanic sank] on the deck of the rescue ship Carpathia immediately after it docked at Chelsea Piers in New York, a dozen of the surviving Titanic crew, mostly sailor lads in tight white pants hiding little, showing lots, can be seen in very intimate horseplay, camping around, and posing in life jackets, pretending to faint.” All this should not surprise us. After all, gay men are the world’s great sexual adventurers. Unfortunately for the historian, there is no proof that these or any other homosexual activity took place on the Titanic. Whatever gay activity there was on the ship, it must remain within the realm of the imagination. Though Fritscher’s fictional Titanic is only 54 pages long, it provides the gay reader with a wonderfully erotic account of the “unsinkable” ocean liner and its ill-fated passengers, written from a gay perspective. Titanic: The Untold Tale of Gay Passengers and Crew is available in both e-book and trade paperback from Amazon.com or from the publisher, PalmDrivePublishing.com.
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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McNaught’s Notes
Water Please, No Ice
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ay and I are on the wagon. He’s been sober for 25 years. I quit drinking a few years later. There are a lot of LGBT people who are clean and sober, but we’re invisible, and when we come to the celebrations of our friends, we are often handed a glass of champagne for a toast. Just as it is assumed that a person is straight unless he or she says otherwise, it is assumed that people drink alcohol unless they say otherwise. We live in a world that esteems booze, and questions the normalcy of those who don’t. On cruise ships, gay people gather the first night at a publicized meeting for the “Friends of Dorothy,” a reference to Dorothy Gale from the Wizard of Oz. She wasn’t gay, but she believed in a place where dreams really do come true. Recovering alcoholics and drug addicts meet as “Friends of Bill,” a reference to the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. On a straight cruise, there are a lot of gay people who have to decide which meeting to go to. It’s a lot easier to decide if you’re on a gay cruise, but most recovering alcoholics I
know avoid gay cruises, where the captain of the ship is the designated driver. I feel that people who don’t drink make most drinking people as uncomfortable as do atheists among theists. In the LGBT community, this can make life particularly difficult, especially if you are single. Those of us who are married, can stay home, eat at 6, have our ice cream at 7, and go to bed early. But if you’re a single person, the gay bars are the likeliest place to find other LGBT people, but the only people who go to those places, you assume, are probably people who drink. Gay AA meetings become the sites for possible dating. Recovered smokers, of which I am one, have a reputation for hating the smell of smoke. It can actually make us sick. If a former smoker watches a program such as Mad Men, which is set in the 1960s when everyone seemed to smoke, the lifestyle of cigarette butts and ashes is very unappealing. Today, it is a lot easier to turn down an offered cigarette than it was 50 years ago. In fact, people who smoke are often seen as a weak and sorry lot. Smoking
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By Brian McNaught
in public places is prohibited in many cities. It’s considered cool to be a former smoker. We don’t make people uncomfortable. Recovering alcoholics — we always use the “active” verb with the word “recover” to indicate the battle is never over — can be like recovered smokers. I admit that I don’t much like the smell of alcohol on someone’s breath, and Ray and I get angry at characters in movies and television programs who get drunk. Alcohol and drugs change a person’s sense of reality, and impact the comfort of those
around them, just as cigarettes do. The more the person drinks, the less attractive they become physically and emotionally. When I’m offered a drink, I ask for water without ice. That’s not a popular order in a restaurant, which counts on customers to create big bills with their orders for booze. In a friend’s home, particularly that of a new acquaintance, my request for water without ice can create moments of anxiety. “How about sparkling water, or flavored water?” they ask. “No, just tap water,” I reply, “cold if you have it.” When you don’t drink, you become increasingly aware of the importance of alcohol in the lives of some other people. The first thing asked at a party, is often, “Where’s the bar?” Invitations to parties often say, “Drinks at 6. Dinner at 8.” Wine is the customary gift to bring when invited to a person’s home for dinner. When you decline the offer of an alcoholic beverage, the responses often include, “You’re no fun,” and “I can’t drink alone.” Prohibition, the period in the United States when serving and consuming alcohol was illegal, was as stupid a solution to the problems created by over-drinking, as is today’s prohibition of the sale and use of marijuana. I don’t want to stop others from enjoying a drink, but I refuse to feel as if my not drinking is anti-social, anymore than my not smoking is anti-social, and anymore than my not being straight is anti-social. Social attitudes change. We no longer admire those who smoke cigarettes. We now understand and accept that many people are LGBT. One day, I hope we come to see that drinking alcohol for more than the simple pleasure of its taste, is not healthy or appealing, nor in the best interest of the general public. 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.
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April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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POSTCARDS FROM KEY WEST
We cry foul! Keys flag should get Guinness nod
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courtesy of key west pride blog
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ho holds bragging rights when it comes to hoisting the biggest flag? The Kiwanis Club of Little Havana in Miami made headlines last week with its Calle Ocho Festival’s Flag of Nations. Representatives from Guinness World Records arrived in Miami to document that its flag is the record-breaker for biggest flag. However, we can verify the Calle Ocho flag was a puny contender compared to the rainbow flag that was unfurled in Key West back in 2003. The original gay pride flag, created in 1978, became a highly recognized symbol internationally.Variations of it have appeared all over the world. To set the record straight for the Guinness folks, here’s a comparison of the two flag events: Key West 2003: 1.25-mile-long flag, more than 2,000 volunteers needed to hold it aloft, and a banner that stretched from the Atlantic Ocean at South Beach to the Gulf of Mexico at Key West’s western harbor.
Gilbert Backer sewing the mile and a half Sea to Sea Pride Flag in 2003
Little Havana 2012: 250 feet, more than 100 volunteers to hold up the flag, and a banner that barely stretched a 4/100ths of a mile. No comparison. Unfortunately, Key West’s 2003 rainbow flag wasn’t entered in any Guinness record competition, so that stellar achievement
awaits some future recreation. That flag has since been distributed in pieces to gay pride groups around the world, so it has spread quite literally far and wide, much further than the flag of nations on display in Little Havana last weekend. Gilbert Baker designed the first rainbow flag in 1978 and gave some of the earliest versions to his friend Harvey Milk, a San Francisco commissioner (who was murdered in November that year). The flag, widely displayed in San Francisco, then migrated to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and other urban centers. To mark the 25th anniversary of the rainbow flag, Gilbert constructed the Key West flag — the real record-holder. Gilbert said it took three months working in Key West to make it. He used about 17,600 linear yards of fabric, which weighed more than three tons. Because of the weight, three people had to work together to form each of the 25 miles of seams. The rest, as they say, is history. Now if only Guinness would make it official.
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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brings sex and dating advice to MTV D By Sandy Cohen AP Entertainment Writer
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an Savage first brought his frank and often funny brand of sex and relationship advice to Seattle’s alternative newspaper in 1991. Now he’s bringing it to MTV. The 47-year-old columnist, podcaster and pundit answers questions from college students around the country on “Savage U,’’ which premiered last week. Each 30-minute episode is set at a different university, and students determine the topics discussed. Though Savage famously feuded with Sen. Rick Santorum in 2003 and remains outspoken about issues related to sexuality and reproductive rights, politics aren’t a part of the new show. The author of the syndicated weekly column “Savage Love’’ and the co-creator of the It Gets Better project, Savage took a break to dish about his new show and Santorum’s bid for the Republican nomination.
© Christopher Staton
Dan Savage
do. ... That’s the conversation I wanted to bring to TV about sex, the conversation we’ve been having in my column for 20 years about sex: Cognizant of the risks, aware of the dangers but celebrating what’s so fun and affirming and awesome about it.
What’s happening with the It Gets Better series? We plow ahead with the video project. We’ve created this online resource, this library of advice, coping mechanisms, strategies, perspective for young LGBT people that they can access anytime. We’re trying to fill a very particular need that a lot What changes have you seen in the 20 of LGBT young people have, which is for adult role years you’ve been writing your column? models’ perspective. A young kid who’s bullied for Back a million years ago when I was writing his race, religion or class can go home to mom my column, there was no Internet, so I got a lot and dad of the same race, religion or class that of questions that I called referrals. People just they can turn to for advice and support. Too many wanted to know where Planned Parenthood was young queer people go home to nothing, or tragior where the BDSM group in their town was, and cally to parents who are also bullying them, and they couldn’t find that info because there was no we are trying to meet that particular need, and we Google. ... Now a lot of the questions these days are and we have, so we’re going to keep doing that. are sort of situational ethics: This is the circumstance, this is what I did, this is what was done to You redefined the word “Santorum’’ as a me, what’s the right thing to do? I feel more like sexual neologism online in 2003 after the an ethicist now than a sex columnist, because I senator compared gay sex to pedophilia don’t have to explain the particulars of any sex and bestiality. What do you think of his What inspired your move to TV? act usually, because that info’s out there and really chances for the Republican nomination? TV across the board has a really kind of instantly and easily accessible. No one’s more shocked than I that he’s doing schizophrenic take on sex. Crazy, impulsive, what Another difference is, I was writing the as well as he’s doing. ... This is about desperaI would regard as risk-taking sexual behaviors column for 10 years before abstinence education in the base to not support Romney, who are presented as kind of normative and not tion came along, and 10 years after. And I saw they can’t stand, and Santorum’s relevance has anything you need to worry about, but then the general average sexual IQ among the young increased as the economy has improved, and the whenever sex advice is given or sexual problems people who were writing me drop and drop GOP has reverted to attacking fallopian tubes and are discussed, the attitude is, well, any risk is too and drop and drop. And it was shocking to uteruses and vaginas again. He’s good at that. They much risk, and you should never do anything behold. ... At the same time, they were getting want to shrink the size of government until it’s that’s impulsive or risky or dangerous because abstinence education — which didn’t include small enough to put in your vagina. you will die. Sex will kill you. What Savage Love any information about sexual identity or rehas always done is found a happy medium where sponsibility or birth control — they were being Is 30 minutes long enough to tackle you mitigate for risks, you do what you can told that being curious about sex meant they topics on “Savage U’’? to minimize them, but for personal fulfillment, were bad people. I wish it was an hour. I could listen to me talk you’ve kind of got to do the things you want to all day.
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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VIEWS OF THE NEWS
Photos by Mike Trottier
(left) Mark Martin, Regional Director, AIDS Healthcare Foundation; Glen Weinzimer, founder/chair of SMART Ride at last week’s FLORIDA AIDS WALK official kick-off party.
Sidelines Hosting AIDS Walk Party
On Thursday, April 19th please join the owners and employees of Sidelines Sports Bar for their annual Team Sidelines Florida AIDS Walk charity party. The bar will be closed to the general public from 6-9PM for the festivities. Tickets for this event are $50 which includes OPEN BAR(excludes champagne) and catered hors d’ouevres from several local restaurants including Bailey’s Bistro, Danny’s Pizza, Pinche Taqueria, and Gaysha Sushi. Entertainment includes Guest MC Nicolette, Music by a local DJ, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and a special raffle for a Silversea Cruise luncheon and tour for a party of 6. For ticket sales or more information call Sidelines at 954-563-8001. Sidelines is located at 2031-A Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
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April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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By Brian Swinford
Have an event you want to list? If so send me an email at Calendar@sfgn.com. *Yanni
* denotes new listing
After an extensive World Tour, Yanni returns to the USA at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall April 17 at 8 p.m. with an all new show. Yanni as you know him best, performing his instrumental hits from the shows that have become famous around the world. Fans will witness Yanni and his world class musicians as they take the stage to perform his greatest instrumental hits made famous in his shows from the Acropolis in Greece, the Taj Mahal in India, the Forbidden City in China and Royal Albert Hall in England. Visit Kravis.org
Theater Broward County *Dangerous Liaisons
April 13-22 come to FAU - Studio One and enjoy this this tale of seduction set in France among aristocrats before the revolution, this is a classic drama for exploring decadent sexuality, morals and manipulation played as the ultimate game with tragic results. Visit BrowardCenter.org
Harvey
Palm Beach State College will present Harvey from 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
*Great Opera Moments
The Opera Atelier Presents: Great Opera Moments, an exciting program of staged opera moments from beloved Italian operas can be seen at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on April 15. Featuring both seasoned and emerging talents, this varied program is sure to please opera lovers and the general public. Experience the exhilaration of grand opera in an intimate setting, a powerhouse of vocal talent in an unforgettable program! Visit BrowardCenter.org
Miami-Dade *A Night in Rio
With 43 years of recording and touring experience behind them, Tower of Power still garners rave reviews and leaves the audiences dancing in their seats. Catch this amazing concert on April 13 at 8 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse. Melding soul, jazz, funk, and rock in a way no group ever has, the ten-piece outfit is. Visit BrowardCenter.org
South Pacific
Set on a tropical island during World War II, the musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices. At the Broward Center on April 10 to 22. Visit BrowardCenter.org
Into the Woods
Into the Woods will be at Slow Burn Theatre from April 13 to 22, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Journey into the dark side of happily ever after. Visit a twisted fairy tale land deep in the world of Sondheim’s popular musical – complete with dead giants, less-than-charming princes and one particularly ambivalent witch. Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Visit Slowburntheatre.org
The Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus Presents: “Comedy Tonight” The Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus will present their 2nd concert of their 26th season April 27 & 28, at the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 and $25. Visit TheFortLauderdaleGayMensChorus.org
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Gaston de Cardenas
*Tower of Power
International music legend Sergio Mendes brings his sizzling samba sound to Jazz Roots, filling the Knight Concert Hall on April 13 with his signature mix of bossa nova and percussion accents along with the distinctive pop instrumentation that have defined Brazilian music around the world. Visit Arshtcenter.org
Sébastien Guèze as Roméo, Jonathan Michie as Mercutio in Florida Grand Opera’s production of Roméo et Juliette at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Saturday, April 21.
Palm Beach County
*New World Symphony presents Dual Forces
*The Music Man
Founded in 1912, Paramount Pictures is America’s oldest running movie studio. In the mid-thirties Great Depression years, Paramount sustained its business with the memorable “Road To …” musicals, as series of seven films starring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour. April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Visit Kravis.org
An affectionate paean to Smalltown, U.S.A. of a bygone era, The Music Man follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he vows to organize. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen. At the Lake Worth playhouse from April 12 to 29. Visit Lakeworthplayhouse.org
*Into The Woods
Lucia Di Lammermoor
*Thanks for the Memories
A Journey into the darkside of Happily Ever After… Slow Burn Theatre invites you to a twisted fairy tale land deep in the world of Stephen Sondheim’s popular musical – complete with dead giants, less-than-charming princes and one particularly ambivalent witch. April 13 to 22, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the West Boca Performing Arts Theatre. Visit http://slowburntheatre.org/
Unable to be with the man she loves and forced to marry someone she detests, Lucia slowly becomes unhinged and is driven to murder. Culminating in opera’s most famous mad scene, this psychological thriller is not to be missed at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall. Visit Kravis.org
Under the baton of Leonard Slatkin, NWS will contemplate duality and how “time flies” in Cindy McTee’s jazzy Double Play before switching gears to Beethoven’s lively, yet classic Fourth Piano Concerto. Travel back in time to 1930s Russia for Shostakovich’s controversial Fifth Symphony that will rock the Knight Concert Hall on April 14 in this powerful series finale! For more information visit Arshtcenter.org
*Ry Cuming
Australian pop singer-songwriter and guitarist, Ry Cuming, will make his Adrienne Arsht Center debut in the intimate Carnival Studio on April 17. On the heels of his 2011 tour with Grammy Award-winning band Maroon 5, RY CUMING is set to make South Florida audiences swoon with an acoustic performance of his hits “Some Kind of Love,” and “Always Remember Me” Visit Arshtcenter.org
Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, screens films and videos in locations throughout Miami-Dade County. The 14th Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival will run Friday April 27 until Sunday May 6. Visit MLFF.com
April 11, 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.
Key West
*Man2Man Discussion Group
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
Rest Your Mind: Meditation After Work
The Look of Love: Carmen Sings Burt Bacharach
Red Barn Theatre presents: Match
This Broadway hit stars like the hysterical Tom Luna as Tobi Powell, an eccentric and endearing dancer, choreographer and teacher. A married couple arrives at Powell’s apartment to interview him about his life, but it is soon evident that their agenda is as multi-layered as Tobi’s life story. Call 305-2969911 or Email: info@redbarntheatre.com
Key West Pops presents: Kiss Me Kate The annual musical-in-concert features Cole Porter’s production starring Susan Powell and Richard White. This classic from the Golden Age of Broadway musicals is pure entertainment gold with hits songs and great dance sequences. The guest artist roster is to reflect the Pops’ usual practice of bringing together out-of-town artists and Key West favorites. Starts at 7:30 p.m. and is at the Tennessee Williams Theatre. Call 305-296-6059 or Email: info@ keywestpops.org
Community Calendar Broward County
*The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of HOPE
Man2Man Discussion Group meets at the Pride Center on Mondays from 7 until 8:30 p.m. Any subject may be discussed. Members regularly reassemble afterwards for ‘repast’ at The Courtyard, PeterPan Diner. Visit Glccsf.org On Mondays from 6-6:30 p.m. there will be Guided meditation w/ western Buddhist teacher Gui Passow. Looking for a way to rest and re-charge before starting your evening? Come in for a free guided meditation to clear your mind at the end of the day. This class is free at Drolma Buddhist Center. Call 954-537-9191 or visit meditationinfortlauderdale.org
Buddhist Meditation Classes Happiness from a Different Source: Exchanging Self with Others
All the happiness there is in the world arises from wishing others to be happy. By abandoning self-centered thoughts and replacing them with the belief that others are important, we will overcome our suffering and find true happiness inside our own hearts. $10/class or $30/series includes vegetarian food after class. Call The Drolma Buddhist Center at 954-537-9191.
Intimate Partner Abuse Group
SunServe is offering a new weekly support group for LGBT people that are experiencing abuse in their intimate relationships, or have just left an abusive intimate relationship. Abuse includes: name calling, put downs, slurs, humiliation, isolation, being kept from friends and family, economic deprivation, threats, intimidation, violence, sexual coercion, and sexual violence. Call 954-764-5150 extension 104.
Jim Bobick
Jim Bobick’s first solo art exhibition will be at Gallery 101 in Fort Lauderdale through May 4. Inspired by the work of the color field painters of the 1960’s and armed with a keen interest in the romantic landscape paintings of the 19th century, Jim’s canvases seeks to simplify the patterns of a traditional landscape in a way that transcends the physical and draws us into the spiritual. Call Jim Bobick at 212-463-7047
Lambda United’s LGBTQA Prom
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of HOPE/Oakland Park will host a Jewelry Show Fundraiser with Premier Designs featuring the latest looks at affordable prices and fashion tips from the experts. Come to the relay for life on April 16 at 4:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Hospital – Sister Innocent Conference Center. Visit Relayforlife.org/hopefl
Be encouraged to make or wear whatever kind of costume you want as long as you include a mask and we can make this the most unique masquerade dance that Lambda has ever held! There will be awards for monarchs of the prom and many festivities. Held on April 27 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Call Frank Gorritz at 954-990-3061 or email fgorritz@fau.edu.
*Women with Pride
Mack Power Lunch at The Capital Grille
The board of directors and staff of the Pride Center at Equality Park along with the Women with Pride planning committee cordially invite you to attend the kick off reception for Women with Pride a LBT South Florida Women’s Resource Initiative on April 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 954-463-9005 ext. 101
Networking is one of the most proven means of developing leads, referrals, and valuable future alliances. This is where power lunch has made an entrance for almost four years. Come to The Capital Grille on Tuesday, May 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visit Mackplanet.com
*Latin Night Bingo
Living Healthy
Latin night bingo and dinner fundraiser for Hildana Ciser at the Pride Center in the main hall, building A. The Latin inspired dinner starts at 530pm and bingo starts at 730pm. Dana will be raffling away one of her paintings. Don’t miss out on owning an original Dana work of art. There are sponsorships available for those interested. The will also be an open snack bar for all that attend. Call 954-463-9005
Fusion in Wilton Manors will be having a free workshop on healthy choices, and healthy living on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This workshop provides interactive learning, practice and mastery techniques for a healthier and more active life, and positive changes for quality of life. Call 954-630-1655
*Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered and Allies (GLBTA) Diversity Summit
The Gay & Lesbian Lawyers Network presents its inaugural fundraiser benefiting The Pride Center at Equality Park and The National Center for Lesbian Rights on April 29 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hugh’s Catering located at 4351 NE 12th Terr., in Oakland Park. Tickets $30. Space is limited. All donations go to The Pride Center and NCLR. Contact gllnboard@gmail.com.
The Florida Diversity Council is please to be sponsoring its Inaugural GLBTA Diversity Summit on Friday, June 22 at the Pride Center at Equality Park from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Registration for the half day event is $49 and the event will be held at The Pride Center in Wilton Manors, Florida. Visit Glbtsummit.com
Dream Car Classic
Every Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pre-1980s classic cars, modern classics and custom cars from 19812012 will be showcased. $10 car registration from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. (Show Car Entrance: 20th Avenue & Tyler Street). People’s Choice Award - 2 Classes; Top Ten Vehicles Award. Call 954-214-2457
Team Sidelines Takes a Stroll Down the Beach
Sidelines Sports Bar is proud to once again announce its sponsorship of the 2012 Florida AIDS Walk. Team Sidelines, a group of the popular gay sports bar’s patrons, staff, friends, family, sports team members and selected vendors will take to Fort Lauderdale Beach on May 20, to help in the fight to stamp out HIV/AIDS. This will be Sidelines’ fifth year as sponsor and participant in the annual walkathon. Visit SidelinesSports.com
Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Network Fundraiser
Community-Wide Weight Loss Challenge Set
This is a community-wide eight-week weight loss program aimed for people ages 15 to 80 to shed excess weight. The “Body Beach Challenge” will take place through June 2. Part of the proceeds will benefit the 2012 Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. Cost is a $25 registration fee. Participants will receive a body transformation guide with weight loss and healthy living guidelines as well as a spiral bound daily exercise and nutrition guidebook. The individual with the most dramatic improvement will be declared the winner. The grand prize includes a $400 personal training package at Push Fitness. Visit PushFitnessFTL.com.
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.
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To Submit Listings Email: Brian at Calendar@sfgn.com Fax: 954-530-7943. Please include a brief description, address, phone number, date, time and cost. Fort Lauderdale Garden Club Presented “America Celebrates with Song”
Sex and Love Anonymous
Designing a Nature Scape for Wildlife Presented by the Fort Lauderdale Garden Club
A Survivor Support Group
This event is a standard Flower Show, and a plant sale on April 21-22 at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Free admission to show and sale, park has entrance fee. Email FLGardenClub@ gmail.com or call the Fort Lauderdale Garden Club, Inc at 954-561-8475.
Diana Guidry Diana Guidry, Naturescape Broward Outreach Coordinator will present a program on “Designing a NatureScape for Wildlife.” Diana has been teaching environmental programs for over 11 years and is the only National Wildlife Federation host in SE Florida. Also a horticulture lesson: “Fragrant Plants in the Garden” by Ann Schandelmayer. Join the Ft. Lauderdale Garden Club on April 13 at the Fort Lauderdale Garden Club. Contact: Pam Schrimsher, publicity chair 954683-3271or Email FLGardenClub@gmail.com
The Chubs in Paradise
This event is a gay men’s gathering for chubs, chasers and bears oh my! This event will take place at the Shubert Resort, which is also the host hotel on April 12, 13, and 14. If you like them big hairy and sexy this is one event that you will not want to miss. Chubs in Paradise Nightly Room Rates are: $99 Small Room, $109 Kings Suite off Pool, $119 King Suite Pool Side. Chubsinparadise.com/index.html
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
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
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.org 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.
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.
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
Boardwalk Friday Fest
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 boardwalk. 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
*Rites of Passage - Part 1” in Festival Circuit for Palm Beach
Rites of Passage, a short documentary featuring Maya Jafer, a 42 year-old South Asian Muslim transsexual female, received the Audience Choice Award when it premiered at the L.A. Transgender Film Festival. The film will reach the Palm Beach International Film Festival on April 15, 10 p.m. Visit Mohammedtomaya.com
Safe “T”
*PFLAG
GreenMarket Pompano Beach
Victory after Party
Alternative MC Tuesday Night Eatin Meeting
Palm Beach International Film Festival
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. 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
Tuesday Night 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 is a monthly support, coming out and rap groups for families of & for Gay, Lesbian, Bi, and Transgender people. Meeting in Palm Beach County is at 6:30 on the third Wednesday of the month. Call or e-mail Carol at 561-716-9464 Pflag@ pobox.com 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 Saturday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 each and include a two-hour open bar, buffet dinner and fun. Contact: Maggie Zeller at 561-715-9262 or go to Wellingtonrotary.com Opening Night Film & Party (Muvico CityPlace, West Palm Beach, FL), Private VIP Party, Closing Night Film & “It’s A Wrap” party with filmmaker awards (at the luxurious Two City Plaza in West Palm Beach, FL) all of this and more at this year’s Palm Beach International Film Festival being held April 12-19. Visit Pbifilmfest.org/index.html
Deerfield Beach Wine & Food Festival
The 2nd Annual Deerfield Beach Wine & Food Festival is back April 27-28. Held at Quite Waters Park in Deerfield Beach. Friday night features two events, the VIP dinner under-thestars; 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. which is an intimate 4 course wine and food pairing dinner with your own personal chef and wine sommelier, and the Grand Tasting Launch Party; 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., with gourmet food tastings, wine and spirits, with live entertainment. Saturday begins with the Jazz Blues Brunch from 10 a.m. to noon, with plenty of Bloody Mary’s & mimosas and that evening, 50 chefs converge for the Grand Tasting event; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visit DeerfieldBeachWineAndFoodFestival.com
Victory After Party
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
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
SunServe Therapy Groups
New Alternatives
Fusion Wilton Manors - Connections
Sober Sisters AA
PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
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 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/
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. 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
Palm Beach County 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.
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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.
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April 11, 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
On Stage
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Chaz Leads the Way
D
submitted photo
ony Award-nominee on’t expect Chaz Michael Leeds has anBono, grand marshal other show opening of the Miami Beach in Broward County, this time, Gay Pride festival, to be bust“Last Call,” a one-woman ing any dance moves on show written by and starstage this ring Terri Girvin. The show weektakes place during a chaend. otic bar shift when the The Dancing bartender’s needy and with the Stars quirky customers fight for her attention alum still looks back fondly at the experience: “For me as she deals with a barrage it was the best professional of phone calls experience I’ve ever had. I from her had a great time doing the self-medicatshow….learned a lot about ing mother. perseverance and being As Girvin able to push myself further puts it, physically and mentally, get“It’s about ting through it.” family…. The nationally televised it’s about experience provided an boundarimportant platform for ies….it’s Chaz to advocate for the about how transgendered community. much to tip!” “Just having somebody “Last Call” out there in the public eye opens Friday, April 13 for people who are dealing Carla DelVillaggio at Empire Stage, 1140 N. with these issues is helpFlagler Ave. in Fort Lauderful. My life would have been dale, and runs through May 6. Tickets easier—I would have figured things out sooner—if there were visible transgender are $25, cash only at the door. people in the media,” Bono says. Strike up the band because there The child of musical icons Sonny Bono will be “76 Trombones” parading across and Cher, Chaz knows something about the stage when Lake Worth Playhouse growing up in the public eye, first on his presents a real classic, “The Music Man, parents’ variety shows and later in the April 12 – 29 at the company’s theater, tabloids after becoming first an activist 713 Lake Ave. in Lake Worth. The story of a slick con man trying to steal hearts for LGBT issues and then undergoing his in a small town in turn of the century transition. Iowa will have you singing along. Tickets “There haven’t been a lot of high proare $23-32 at LakeWorthPlayhouse.org. file guys out there (in the media), I think for the trans men and trans women, it We can’t get enough of Barbra, and a helps,” he adds. new show at Aventura Arts & Cultural In addition to his role leading the festiCenter on April 14 at 2 and 8 p.m. is val parade down Ocean Drive, Bono will definitely the next best thing. Carla be making several appearances while in DelVillaggio stars as the incomparable Barbra Streisand with a live band singing South Florida, including speaking engagethe hits made famous by the diva. It’s just ments at two local universities. like buttah! Tickets are $31.50-41.50 at “I think it should be a fun event,” he AventuraCenter.org. says. “It should be a nice time.”
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
The Global LGBT Summit May 3–6, 2012, in Philadelphia www.equalityforum.com
ISRAEL FEATURED NATION
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To Submit Listings Email: Brian at Calendar@sfgn.com Fax: 954-530-7943. Please include a brief description, address, phone number, date, time and cost. 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
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
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
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Sunday on the Waterfront
Women’s Empowerment Luncheon
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
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
Miami-Dade
Award Winners Show their Stuff
ArtsUnited’s award winning artists will be showing their work at the LGBT Visitor Center in Miami Beach through April 27. The show will coincide with Miami Beach Gay Pride celebrations. ArtsUnited is a gay and lesbian arts organization founded in 1999 and is based in Fort Lauderdale. Its mission is to use the arts to break down historical barriers preventing lesbians and gays from contributing fully and openly to the cultural, social and economic success of South Florida. Call Frank Crowley 954-764-6638 or email crowleyfrank@comcast.net
Business Builders Luncheon
MDGLCC presents its monthly networking program held on the last Thursday of each month. Next one is April 26. City Hall, The Restaurant, 2004 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-764-3130. Registration 11:30 a.m. with luncheon/networking from noon to 1:30 p.m. Cost: MDGLCC members ($30), Potential Members ($40, $10 applied to new MDGLCC membership). Includes seated style lunch limited to 25 persons. Please bring a friend. RSVP requested: 305-673-4440 or mdglcc@bellsouth.net.
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
Gay & Lesbian Walking Tours of South Beach
*Aqua VIP Cocktail Reception
2012 VIP Cocktail Reception on April 21 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the beautiful waterfront Miami Beach home of Larry Hyer. Visit AquaGirl.org
Aqua Girl 12
There will be 14 diverse events for everyone to choose from. There is 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 meetand-greets. From May 2 through 6 in South Beach.
Lambda Dade Clubhouse
A meeting place for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender communities and friends in recovery. Hosts Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Al-Anon, Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA), Debtors Anonymous (DA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), meetings. (305) 573-9608. 212 NE 24th Street. Miami. Visit Lambdadadeclubhouse.org
Gay & Lesbian Walking Tours of South Beach – South Beach – April 28. The MDGLCC, Greater Miami Convention Visitor Bureau (GMCVB), and the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL), present a ninety-minute guided Gay & Lesbian Walking Tour of South Florida. Tour starts at 5 p.m. and departs from the MDPL Art Deco Welcome Center at Ocean Dr. and 10th St. Miami Beach. No reservation needed. Tickets are $20, and can be purchased at MDPL’s Art Deco Welcome Center. Free to MDPL and MDGLCC members. RSVP to 305-672-2014.
MGLFF Centerpiece Women’s Film and After Party May 2 from 7:30 p.m. to midnight at the Film Screening at the Colony Theater 1040 Lincoln Lane. After-party at the Shore Club 1901 Collins Avenue Aqua Girl and the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival join forces to bring you girl trash, the soon to be released lesbian film that will be the centerpiece of the annual Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival along with a chic after-party at the chic Shore Club. Tickets include the screening, the after-party and a complimentary cocktail. $30 in advance / $40 at the door Members $25 in advance. Visit Aquagirl.org/events
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April 11, 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.
ALEXROSEPHOTOS
AFTER DARK
Lips
Wednesday April 11 f you are looking for an elegant place to spend your Wednesday night come to the Manor complex. The Manor has a very sophisticated indoor/ outdoor lounging and eating area. Don’t forget about the vast amount of drinks for everyone like their 24 draft beers, over 100 craft beers, with 30 types of tequilas, and a fully stocked bar. Also everything is 2-4-1 until 8 p.m. Visit TheManorComplex.com
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Thursday April 12 alling all bears to the Cubby Hole Bar located off Federal and the Sunrise bend. Every Thursday night at the Cubby Hole Bar is Bare Bear Chest Night with Bama Joh, and all beer is 2-41 and well drinks for bare chests from 9 p.m. until close. The Cubby Hole is the best little butch bar in Fort Lauderdale. Visit Thecubbyhole.com
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Friday April 13 un by bruthas with years of club experience who created an environment especially for the ‘bruthas’ in the South Florida area. Club Boi has some of the hottest DJ’s like DJ Gavin T & DJ Dias E dropping R&B, hip hop, reggae and house. This club has what you are looking for in club…hot guys, good drink, and plenty of room to shake that booty. Visit Clubboi.com
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Saturday April 14 ing Saturdays are at Johnny’s Miami with a $400 raffle. There will be two $200 winners each week at midnight and 2 a.m., VIP bottle service plus a dance of your choice on the house. This incredible party will be hosted by Ricardito and the Boys. The hottest male dancers can be found out Johnny’s Miami. Johnnysbarfl.com
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Sunday April 15 opular drag eatery, Lips, which first took New York by a glitter storm... Drag dinner and show,Vegas style, where men are men, and so are the girls. Shows 6 nights a week and gospel brunch every Sunday with service at 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.Visit Lipsusa.com/web-content/lips%20fl.html
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Monday April 16 candals is your country and western venue with good drink prices, dance lessons, line dancing, two step,Texas hold’em, PlayStations, darts, pool, karaoke, and DJ’s. Come see the super sexy Keith bartending Sundays and Mondays.You can also get your 3 day VIP passes at Scandals every day after 7 p.m.Visit ScandalsFLA.com
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Tuesday April 17 he Torpedo nightclub is bringing sexy back with their amateur strip contest at 3 a.m. This super hot strip contest will be featuring Jennifer Grant with awesome drink specials and great bottle specials. Torpedo is located at 2829 W. Broward Blvd.Visit Torpedobar.com
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April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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To Submit Listings Email: Brian at Calendar@sfgn.com Fax: 954-530-7943. Please include a brief description, address, phone number, date, time and cost. Galla Luncheon Networker @ Morton’s Steakhouse
Georgie’s Alibi
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
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
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
Key West
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
17th Annual Hospitality Open Golf Tournament
One of the longest running golf tournaments in the Florida Keys, the event supports scholarships for Florida Keys students in the hospitality and culinary fields of study. Just $100 per player includes greens fees at Key West Golf Club, goodie bag, food (Breakfast and Lunch), drinks, hot dog stand, Mimosas and Bloody Marys and much more! Team up with four of your friends or sign up individually. Call 305-2964959 or Email: executiveoffice@keyslodging.org
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.
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
Monkey Business
2740 North Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311, (954) 514-7819. The Monkey Business Bar is a Small Outdoor Bar Among The Shops Just off Marina Blvd. No Frills But Comfortable and a Great Place to Stop and Meet Good People. Happy Hour 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Naked Grape Wine Bar
2039 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 563-5631 A Casual, Hip, Fun Experience and if You Have a Taste for Deliciously Unique Wines, You Need to Make This Your Next Stop! Happy Hour All Night on Thursday
nightlife Broward County
New Moon
321-Slammer
Bathhouse. 321 W Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33311. Slammer sex club the best place to cruise for the hottest gay men. Thursday’s is leather night, 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
Bill’s Filling Station
2209 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 567-5978. Large bar/ nightclub, amazing drink specials in Wilton Manors! Wednesday’s after 9 p.m. $10 Miller Lite Beer Bust
Boardwalk
1721 N. Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311. (954) 4636969. 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
The Club Fort Lauderdale
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.
Clubhouse II
Bathhouse. 2650 E. Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (954) 566-6750. A Private Club for Bi/Gay men. “bear and cub” Thursday $4 Off For Bear & Cub. Tuesday leather night - $4.off wear any type of leather.
Corner Pub Bar
1915 N. Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311, (954) 564-7335. Redefining what a bar should be. Thursday’s margarita madness $4, Monday’s “UnderwearNight. 2 for 1” until 9:30 p.m.
Cubby Hole
823 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 7289001. 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
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2440 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 563-7660 Your neighborhood lesbian bar in the heart of Fort Lauderdale and just minutes from Fort. Lauderdale Beach. Wednesday All the fun, half the price 2-4-1 All Day, All Night
PJ’s Corner Pocket
924 North Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 533-0257. One of The Most Diverse Bars in Fort Lauderdale. $2 Drinks Every Wednesday, Spades Every Thursday
Ramrod
1508 NE 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 763-8219 South Florida’s Leading Levi, Leather and Uniform Bar/Club. Every night is Bear Night. Bear Happy. Hour Every Thursday. Caged Hunks Sat Night
Rosie’s Bar and Grill
2449 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 567-1320 Wilton Manor’s Best Burger in Town. Try the Fat Elvis. Happy Hour 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Scandals Country Western Bar
Oakland Park, FL 3334, (954) 567-2432. Scandals Gay and Lesbian Country Western. Dance Bar in Wilton Manors. Tuesdays Pool League, and Free Dance Lessons
Sidelines Sports Bar
2031 Wilton Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305, (954) 563-8001 Sidelines Sports Bar and Billiards is a unique, friendly, and accepting place to relax with a cold beer, great drinks and Martinis. Happy Hour M-F 4pm to 2am
Smarty Pants
3038 North Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306, (954) 561-1724. Great Local Hangout in Fort Lauderdale with Great Drink Specials. Saturday’s Free Breakfast to Order – 8 a.m.
The Stable
205 East Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park, FL 33334, (954) 565-4506 A neighborhood bar with a different theme every night, from drag shows and bingos, to bears and underwears.
Torpedo
2829 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, (954) 5872500. Your Dance Destination Till Dawn. Open Late for You To Devour The Night. Open 7 nights a week till 4 a.m.
Dudes/Fort Lauderdale
New management. More info next week.
April 11, 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.
Palm Beach County
Miami-Dade
Key West
522 Lucerne Ave, Lake Worth, Fl, 33414. (561) 586-0080 Great Service, Great Food, Full Stocked Bar, Great Professional Tea-Dance every Sunday
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.
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.
The Cottage
Fort Dix
Club Space
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.
Club Sugar
H.G. Rooster
Discotekka
823 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach Florida 33405, (561)832-9119. H.G. Roosters is West Palms oldest gay club. Sunday’s Complimentary BBQ 5pm, Hot Male Dancers 6 p.m., Karaoke 11 p.m.
The Lounge
1132 North Dixie Highway, Lake Worth FL $3 Drinks No Cover open till 5AM New location Better than Ever.
The Mad Hatter
1532 North Dixie Hwy ,Lake Worth, FL 33460. (561) 547-8860. Cheap drinks, friendly bartenders, and free pool SundayThursday. Stop by and relax at this no-attitude haunt.
Tag Bar
25 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33483 954-801-3247. Delray Beach’s only gay bar. Mon - Sun: 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. Awesome Drink Specials.
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.
2301 SW 32nd Ave, Miami, Florida, 33145, (305)443-7657. All the sweetness you’ll need in one club. Every Thursday “drag wars” with TP Lords. $5 house drinks & $4 Domestic beers all night. 950 NE 2nd Ave, Downtown Miami, Florida 33132,(305)350-9084. 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
801 Bar
The Bourbon St. Pub
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.
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.
Kwest
Swinging Richards
Pearl’s Patio Bar
17450 Biscayne Blvd, N Miami 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.
Twist
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. 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.
1057 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, Fl, 33139. (305)538-9478. Never a Cover…Always a Groove. Resident star DJ Mika spins tribal. Every Saturday TWIST is full of the hottest men in Miami. Muscle boy dancers taking it off in the Bungalow Bar.
Full Charge Bookkeeping Services
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
31
VIEWS OF THE NEWS
Photos by JR Davis
Grand opening of Mikey verdugo and L.G. Weber’s new personal training center, Bodytek, in Wilton Manors
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April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
‘Are you gay?’ -- California colleges and universities may soon start asking students about their sexual orientation
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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To place an ad, call Sales Manager
954.530.4970
or fill out form online at SouthFloridaGayNews.com/classifieds
DISCOVER SOUTH BEACH PREMIER GAY BED & BREAKFAST
Nice rooms from $99/night (shared bathroom). Private bathrooms available. Indulge in All-U-Can-Eat breakfast buffet in the tropical garden with Jacuzzi. Complimentary WiFi, coffee, pastries & fruits all day long. www.EuropeanGuestHouse.com 721 Michigan Avenue. 305-673-6665 -------------------------------------------------
ONE CALL DOES IT ALL-BY HOUSE
Serving 21 Year’s - We Clean: Carpet’s, Air Ducts, Upholstery, Tile & Grout, Terrazzo, Mexican,Leather, Strip & Wax, House Cleaning, Emergency Water Damage Service. Call: Tim (954)515-7615 -------------------------------------------------
ROOM FOR RENT
Mature stable male to share updated Wilton Manors 2/2 with owner and 2 cats. $500/mo. Inclusive + $250/security. 954-567-1448 -------------------------------------------------
P/T HELP NEEDED- VARIED DUTIES
New resort campground west of Ft Lauderdale needs part-time workers. Housekeeping, bartender, front desk help email responses to martin@bazullc.com Be a part of this exciting new venture. -------------------------------------------------
2 BEDROOM- WILTON MANORS
newly renovated, wood floors, 2 story wi $1,100/mo. Pool, bbq, good parking. 954-684-1239 / teafitz52@gmail.com -------------------------------------------------
1BD/1BA FORT LAUDERDALE
2nd Floor, 1142 NE 4th Avenue, Redone, $650/Mo. Yearly lease. Call 954-764-0212 or 954-581-2573 -------------------------------------------------
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
ACCOMMODATIONS SHARE CORAL RIDGE HOME $800/month. Share beautiful 4700sqft hom e. 1.5 mi fr beach. 1.5 mi to Wilton DrMstrBdrm w/pvtmstrbth.jacuzzi, pool.pvt yard. 954-609-9405 --------------------------------------------------------------------------PERFECT VACATION RENTALSLOW SUMMER RATES.From $69/Night & $395/Week.Beautiful Studio, 1 & 2 BR Apts.with Full Kitchens.Clothing optional heated pool, laundry, parking.Close to Gay Dania & Nude Haulover Beaches. Incl. Cable, Tel. & Wi-Fi Internet. Pets Always Welcome. Call (954) 927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com
AUTOMOTIVE
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
EMPLOYMENT WANTED 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
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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------EXPERICENCED WAITER. Italian Restaurant seeking a professional and experienced waiter.PT/FT time position available. Fort Lauderdale area. Call 505-554-7103 --------------------------------------------------------------------------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 CREDITORS CALLING? Call Us! The Law Offices of GeorgeCastrataro, PA. Serving Clients With Integrity and Compassion 954-573-1444 --------------------------------------------------------------------------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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------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
LICENSED MASSAGE BODY TREATMENTS
HELP WANTED
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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
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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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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
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REAL ESTATE KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY- Ted Adcock, Realtor Cell: 954-6094393 tedftl@aol.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------COLDWELL BANKER - In a tough market, you want a tough Realtor. In this market you need Andy Weiser. Call 954-560-9667 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 $700/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 347-9073665. 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
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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Marco!
SPORTS
Gay polo finds a community shouting back, welcoming and accepting
By Gideon Grudo
H
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and success story of the GPL. Hailed sometimes as the sport of kings, its accepting and welcoming arms stretched out to the GPL in what the organization’s founder called “powerful.” “Overall, the established polo community — a long and deep community — has been extremely encouraging to the Gay Polo League,” said Chip McKenney, founder of the GPL. “That’s a pretty wonderful thing. I wasn’t expecting their support, but they have given it.”
time he started playing polo. “It’s a sport that has all the ingredients that the gay community embraces — it has beauty, tradition, team-play,” he said. “It was just me and a couple of friends, and their friends, and their friends, and it’s grown.” The group evolved into what’s now become the nationally and internationally acclaimed GPL. McKenney said the organization operates on four principles. First, the gay community is changing. The more LGBT becomes mainstream, the more
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e was riding his pony at full gallop. The clock ticked away, nearing the end of the first chukker. Tom Landry was focused and concentrated on his training, on the moment. He swung his mallet into a neck shot, and scored a goal. It’s not really a pony, but a full-grown horse. In the game of polo, however, they’re called ponies, for alliterative purposes. Full gallop means riding at about 30 miles per hour. Each game is divided into four chukkers, like innings. Each one lasts seven-anda-half minutes. Like in other sports, the clock stops during injuries and penalties, among other things. Landry’s mallet is a bamboo shaft, topped with hardwood. Swinging it near-side is swinging to the left of the pony. Swinging the mallet off-side is swinging to the right of the pony. Making a neck shot, like Landry did, is swinging it in the middle, underneath the pony’s neck. It usually launches the hard, plastic polo ball in a 90-degree angle. That was last year, when Landry was named Most Valuable Player during the 2011 International Gay Polo Tournament. Put on by the Gay Polo League (GPL), the event is returning for its third annual installment in Wellington on Saturday, April 14. It’ll all take place at the Grand Champions Polo Club. This year will be Landry’s second time competing in GPL’s international tournament. “We’re playing in Wellington, the birthplace of polo in the U.S. It’s exciting to play there,” said Landry, who’s co-directing the endeavor. “It’s a huge opportunity, in the polo world, to play with pros on this caliber. Most pros have never even been to Wellington.” And the pros are exactly the determinant for this year’s teams. Four teams will be led by four professional players: Nic Roldan, Jason Crowder, Juan Bollini and Joey Casey. Landry will be playing under Jason Crowder, with whom he’s played for several years. He hopes, like every player SFGN talked to, that his team wins. “I love seeing new blood come into the sport,” he said about Mark Bennet, a new player on the Re/Max team. “I’m really excited to share that experience with him.” New players, and fans are the lifeblood
McKenney, who’ll be playing on the Gamma Mu team, had a horse background already deeply set in, having show-jumped for years.When he decided to retire from the exhibition sport, he wanted to increase his social network within the LGBT community. “I didn’t have many gay friends,” he said. So McKenney joined gay men’s associations focused on law and business, but found that they were mostly immersed in get-togethers centered around cocktails, which wasn’t his style. At around the same
a part of its culture disappears, he said. “When I moved into Los Angeles, there were 12 gay bars, now there are two,” he said. It shows that the gay people are allowed to go more places, which McKenney said he’s happy to see, but felt he wanted to provide an avenue for cultural preservation. The youngest player is 23 and the oldest is 66, and come from all different careers, shapes and sizes. Their common denominator is being part of the LGBT community and wanting to be active within it.
The second principle allows the GPL to play straight teams, and represent the LGBT community in an arena where the community used to have little, to no, existence. The third principle is a bit more political. Since the Wellington games started up in 2009, the city of Wellington adopted antidiscrimination policies. It later gave benefits to same-sex couples, McKenney said. “The ripple effects were larger than we initially expected,” he said. “I never thought of the GPL as a political presence.” Finally, the GPL allows people to have experiences outside of the box. People play, travel, and meet like-minded friends — all while riding horses and swinging mallets. “This year alone, we’re invited to send teams to Scotland, Argentina, France, Thailand and China,” McKenney said. “That’s just based on our presence in the larger world. Those are polo clubs reaching out to us, asking us to come and play there.” But the LGBT community is not the only one to benefit from GPL. Gina Padilla will be playing on the Cedar Crest Stables team. Born in the Philippines, she used to ride fulltime and compete there. She moved to the States in the mid-eighties, right after college, and ended up on the east coast. City-life would lead her to give up on her riding ambitions, a hobby she picked back up when she moved to California. There, where she lives with her husband these days, Padilla played at the same club where the GPL practiced and played. She’d known the players before the GPL was a fully formed club, and was planning on coming to Wellington this year to watch, before she was invited to play. Padilla explained that polo always was, and sometimes still is, a male-dominated sport. Women, she said, had a hard time getting into polo, too. “But I feel we’ve broken that barrier, and so has [the LGBT community],” she said. “It’s good to see that there’s big acceptance from the social community and from the polo community.” Accessibility to the sport, which many find intimidating and exclusive, is another side to the GPL that McKenney is trying to foster. Take Dwight Tran, for example, who’ll be playing this year on the Palm Beach Rox team. He started playing in 2010 and com-
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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Visit GayPolo.com for more information. The History
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cholars believe polo originated in China or Persia as many as 2,000 years ago, and the game was originally used for training cavalry. The first recorded polo match was played between the Turkomans and the Persians (the Turkomans won), and the game was played from Constantinople to Japan in the Middle Ages. Then, thanks to the Persians and the Monguls of India, polo spread across the eastern world by the 16th century. The modern age of polo began when the British discovered the game in Manipur on the border of India and Burma and founded the world’s first polo club at Silchar. Many other clubs followed and today the Calcutta Club, which was founded in 1862, is the world’s oldest. British soldiers and tea planters in India quickly took up the sport, prompting its spread to the West, and today the oldest clubs outside of India include The Malta Polo Club, the All Ireland Polo Club in Dublin, England’s Monmouthshire Polo Club and the Meadowbrook Polo Club on Long Island in New York. From there, the sport headed south to Argentina and around the globe to Australia, making polo the international sport that it is today.
From International Polo Club Palm Beach
Glossary
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peted in the 2011 international tournament, snagging the Most Improved Player award. “It’s freedom, it’s like flying down the field. It’s really putting it all out there,” Tran said. He played polo in his Stanford University days, but had taken a long break from the sport. “I had about 8 months to get ready. I literally played and rode six days a week. Getting that award was recognition that I put so much time and effort into this.” What all the players seem to agree on is the empowerment that the league and the tournaments have been able to provide for the LGBT community. “Chip and I really focus on creating a safe place for people to come and learn the sport, and advance their own taste in a safe and supporting environment,” Tom Landry said. “It’s wonderful to watch that metamorphosis happen. Being a gay-identified league is sometimes a little bit of a challenge. It’s fascinating to be integrated into the straight world.” McKenney agrees. “If you look at any sports team in the mainstream, you see a complete absence of gay-identified team players,” he said. “We know there are gay athletes in these sports, but they’re not visible. For us, the whole idea is: The more people that get exposure to us, the more that it legitimizes not only our group, but gay perception a whole.”
About
The Basics To get the most out of polo, it helps to understand the ins and outs of the game. The field: The polo field is 300 yards long by 160 yards wide (the area of nine football fields). The goalposts are eight yards apart.The boundaries of the field can either be “boarded” with 12-inch boards or marked with white lines. The Teams Two teams of four compete on the field. While each player plays both defense and offense throughout the game, each player’s number indicates his or her actual role or position. Number 1 is a forward player responsible for offense, Number 2 plays offense and supports Number 1 in addition to playing defense, Number 3 tries to take possession of the ball, passes and hits the ball downfield, and Number 4 defends the goal and returns the ball to teammates. The Rules Similar to soccer, the objective of polo is to drive the ball (which is made of white plastic and weighs 4.5 ounces with a 3.5-inch diameter) downfield and between the opponent’s goalposts. The game is divided into six seven-and-a-half-minute play periods called “chukkers.” The “line of the ball” is the imaginary path the ball travels on, and it represents a right-of-way for the last player striking the ball. (Crossing “the line” is the most frequent foul in the game.) When the ball is hit between the goalposts, a point is scored and the teams switch ends of the field. The Equipment Both the players and the ponies are outfitted with the tools they need to win the game. Bandages: The ponies’ legs are wrapped in order to prevent contact with the polo ball. Breeches: The rules state players’ breeches
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
(pants) must be white, and they are doubleseated to provide a cushion from rough riding. Bridle: This headgear is comprised of a collection of straps and supports that allow the player to steer the pony. Draw reins: Made of strong yet supple leather, the reins provide an effective method for controlling the pony and making fast turns and stops. Helmet: Covered in linen, the helmet protects the player from oncoming balls that can travel up to 100 mph. Some players wear helmets with metal face guards. Mallet: Made of bamboo or cane with a hardwood head, polo mallets range in length from 49 to 53 inches to accommodate the player’s swing and the size of the pony. As a rule, the mallet is always held in the player’s right hand. Martingale: This reinforced strap steadies the pony’s head. Riding gloves: Leather gloves give the player a better grip on the reins and the mallet. Saddle: The polo saddle is an English saddle with a wide, deep seat and a cantle (rear portion) designed for easy movement. Handicap Defined All players are rated on a scale of -2 to 10, with 10 being the best.This rating is based on the player’s ability and has nothing to do with the number of goals scored.There are many factors that determine a player’s handicap, including his or her horsemanship, hitting, quality of horse, team play, game sense and sportsmanship.The team handicap is the sum of the players’ handicaps. In handicap matches, the team with the lower handicap is awarded the difference in goals at the beginning of the match. • -2 to -1: Beginner • 0: Average • 1 to 3: Good • 4 to 8:Very good • 9 to 10: Elite
The Polo Glossary Brush up on the polo jargon so you’re sure not to miss a second of the action. Appealing: Players express their desire for a foul by raising their mallets overhead, with or without a helicopter motion. Overzealous appealing is frowned upon. Backshot: This backhand swing is one of the basic strokes that sends the ball in the opposite direction to change the flow of play. Bowl in: When the umpire starts or resumes play by rolling the ball down a lineup of the players. (Also known as a throw in.) Bump: When a player rides into another to disrupt his shot or remove him from play. Check and turn: To slow the pony and turn safely. Hook: When a player catches an opponent’s mallet in swing below the level of the pony’s back to turn or leave the ball for a teammate. Knock in: If a team hits the ball across their opponent’s backline, the defending team gets a free shot from the backline. Line of the ball: The imaginary path the ball travels on after it is hit. Made pony: A seasoned, well-trained polo pony. Near shot: Shot from the left side of the pony. Neckshot: Shot made by hitting the ball under the pony’s neck. Off shot: Shot from the right side of the pony. Penalty: Numbered from one to ten, a penalty awards a free shot to the fouled player from a set distance determined by the severity of the foul. Pony goal: When a pony causes the ball to go through the goal posts. Ride off: When two riders make contact and attempt to push each other off the line of the ball to prevent the opponent from striking the ball. Safety: When a defending player hits the ball across his own backline. Also known as Penalty 6. Stick and ball: Personal practice time. Sudden death: Overtime play where the first team to score a goal wins. Tack: All of the equipment used on the pony. Tailshot: Shot made by hitting the ball across the pony’s tail. if you go
When: April 14, 2012, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Grand Champions Polo Club Corner of South Shore Boulevard and Lake Worth Road How Much: $20 for general admission $175 for a tailgating space (you can watch the game from it) and 8 general admission tickets
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April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
The Marlins Park Captures the Magic of Miami By Norm Kent
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espite two world championships in less than 20 years, Miami never had a baseball team with its own soul and heart. The team that was the Florida Marlins did more than move into a new ballpark last week. They moved into a neighborhood, they settled into a community, and they found themselves a home. The Florida Marlins never had one. They were visitors in their own yard, leasing space and playing major league baseball on a football field in a cavernous stadium surrounded by a parking lot in the middle of nowhere. It was a team with no soul and no identity. No more. The Marlins have now built a spectacular and colorful ball yard, which shouts out Miami in color and design. From the downtown skyline to the pleasant pedestrian plazas surrounding the entrances, this facility captures the spirit, zest and unique exuberance of South Florida. A stadium that is environmentally green,
with spacious concourses and superb views from seats at any vantage point, baseball has finally found a home in South Florida. There won’t ever be a home game again where more fans are cheering for their old hometown teams, not with a stadium entrenched in Little Havana at the old Orange Bowl site. The new stadium has a tight footprint, but still features breadth and beauty, with cute little novelties such as the Baseball Bobble Head Museum and food with an international fare, featuring plump and juicy hot dogs, freshly made smoothies, grilled Cuban sandwiches, and even a sushi bar and kosher korner. It almost goes without saying that a retractable roof means no more sweaty nights, insects the size of watermelons, lightning bolts above your head, and rain delays you could
April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Carmen Miranda in drag. It illuminates when a Marlin hitter goes yard, something we expect from Giancarlo Stanton on a recurring basis. The sculpture is destined to become the center of a national debate between purists and publicists. No matter, it is just part of the uniqueness of our new park. They play baseball here, too, and you can enjoy it pleasantly from any seat in the house, above home plate on the third tier or from the Budweiser patio in left center. The team’s owner and president, Jeff Loria and David Sampson, have pulled off the impossible and delivered us not only a stadium, but acquired talented professional athletes like Jose Reyes and Heath Bell. It’s a long season, and you have to stay the course, endure injuries, and play competitively with a lot of luck to win, but our off-season acquisitions show management is serious. Having a power arm like Josh Johnson, a power-hitter such as Logan Morrison in the outfield and a Hanley Ramirez in the infield helps a bit too. Don’t be dismayed by early bumps in the road. Baseball is a marathon, not a sprint. Most of all for baseball fans, we now have a place we can call home. The Florida Marlins never really were. But the Miami Marlins are now forever, playing in a modern, new yard with a soul, heart, and pulse all our own. submitted photo
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not avoid. The availability of air-conditioned comfort means your journey to the yard is not governed by the temperament of the summer rains. Yes, the ride may be a bit taxing for fans in Broward and Palm Beach, but it’s worth it knowing you are going to arrive at a stadium where the game will be played. How Miami is this stadium? How about two 750-gallon fresh water fish tanks behind home plate? Or a Diamond Club where
you and a group of your friends can watch the games in lounge chairs and take a few moments out for a full-catered buffet? Or a swimming pool at your disposal if you buy game seats at the center field Clevelander? Additionally, the most outlandish of all home team home run displays in major league baseball is now centered beyond the lime green center field wall at the Marlins Park- a frightening metallic statue that appears to be
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April 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com