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In this issue...Introducing S

Pull-Out Section July 11, 2012 • Volume 3 • Issue 28

Another Anti-Gay Attack at McDonald’s page 4 Stormy days ahead for Gay weatherman PAGE 11 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Barney Frank Gets Taken Off the Market

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SFGN Profile:

The Fabulous Mark Haines

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page

What? More About Anderson Cooper? YES!

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page

The Donkey Show at Arsht Center

SoundBiteQ

New newsworthy news • From the publisher’s desk

By Norm Kent

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ound Bite Q is that little piece I try to run every few weeks to share with our readers news and notes about people and businesses that are coming into our town, moving into shops, starting up, and partnering with SFGN to promote their ventures.

4. Keddo Homemaker Companion Serving Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami Dade County, Keddo Homemaker Companion offers assistance in-home or at a Temporary Accommodation Setting. Your companion will be available to provide light housekeeping services, prepare light meals, run errands, grocery shop, and assist with other activities of daily living as needed. All companions have an approved FDLE background Check and the company is a Florida State Licensed Company (Lic# 231463).

But the ‘Q’ has been delayed while we published the last issue of The Mirror, inaugurated SFGN’s ‘Guide to the Drive,’ and moved my law office to the Legacy Bank Building on SE 7th Street, renaming it the ‘Criminal Defense Law Center of South Florida,’ with my law partner, Russell Cormican.

But enough about me, and your next DUI. Here’s some A G u i d e t o S h o p p i nG, d i n i nG, i m b i b i nG, p l A y i nG, G r o o m i n G news and notes about you.

1. American Pain Experts Let’s talk about Doctors Neel Amin and Tom Macek, our new friends in worldclass pain therapy, at American Pain Experts. Both are double board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology. Their goal is to provide the latest in pain therapies with a focus on interventional treatment options, as sophisticated as spinal cord stimulation. Utilizing modern technology as well as alternative therapies enables American Pain Experts to dramatically improve O THE DRIVE the quality of life for patients suffering from pain.

E D I U G E V I R D TO THE

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2. Oral Facial Reconstruction and Implant Center Four Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons offer a variety of cosmetic and corrective procedures including cheek and chin implants, dental implants, temporomandibular joint surgery (TMJ), craniofacial surgery, surgical orthodontics, and other facial cosmetic procedures. The doctors operate out of five different South Florida locations (Plantation, Coral Springs, Aventura, Miami Beach, Pembroke Pines), and their first ad ran in our paper last week.

3. Royal Men’s Medical Center Royal Men’s Medical Center is dedicated to meeting the needs of the aging male. Dr. DJ Rodriguez, founder of Royal Men’s Medical Center, is committed to providing affordable hormone therapy to the general public. RMMC provides an individualized doctor and laboratory-monitored program that is cost effective and works with your busy schedule. Their goal is to provide testosterone replacement therapy or TRT in the safest and most affordable format possible.

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5. Green Dog Services

July 11, 2012 • Volume 3 • Issue 28

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 Pier Angelo Guidugli

Chief Executive Officer Creative Director. . . . . . . . . George Dauphin george.dauphin@sfgn.com Staff Photographer. . . . . . . . Dani Justice Online Website Director. . . . Dennis Jozefowicz Online News Director . . . . . Sergio N. Candido

Editorial

Worried about being at work and not providing proper care for your pet, lingering at home?

Worry no more! Do what I do! Sign up with the Green Dog, providing dog walking, grooming, transportation and even house sitting services for your real lovers, serving Broward County/Fort Lauderdale area. Always comforting to know there is somebody there for the ones you care for.

6. South Beach Tanning Company How could you not see their back page ad a couple of weeks ago? Well, indulge yourself in their services, and look even greater this summer.

They offer exclusive High Pressure Beds and state of the art UV Free VersaSpa with salons featuring the South Beach Miami art deco look and feel.

Editor in Chief. . . . . . . . . . . Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Managing 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 Correspondents. . . . . . . . . . Donald Cavanaugh Andrea Dulanto

Contributing Columnists. . . Wayne Besen

Brian McNaught Victoria Michaels Leslie Robinson Dana Rudolph David Webb

Health Columnist. . . . . . . . . Peter Jackson Calendar Editor. . . . . . . . . . Brian Swinford Editorial Cartoonists. . . . . . . K arl Hampe Darryl Smith

Sales

Marketing Director. . . . . . . . J ohn Fugate Sales Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Trottier Sales Associates . . . . . . . . . . . Edwin Neimann Justin Wyse

National Sales Representative.Rivendell Media todd@rivendellmedia.com Distribution Manager. . . . . . .JR Davis

7. Best Buy’s Best Deals This is a business partnership ever so special to me, because I am not only a regular shopper, but we also shared our PrideFest Booth with Best Buy, whose devoted staff helped us raise over $250 for the Trevor Project. It’s not only the newest best electronics store in the Fort Lauderdale area on North Federal Highway; they have dishwashers and high tech appliances too. Even got my satellite radio and Xbox from them.

8. Holy Angels Catholic Community We are a full service community here at SFGN, and everyone is welcome, whether they believe in the Almighty, are atheistic, or agnostic. Our spirit is universal. There is room for everyone and everyone’s beliefs within the circle. So we also welcome the Holy Angels Catholic Community, which continues the reformed true Catholic Tradition in the spirit of Vatican Council II. It is Love without Judgment, where all are welcome.

So too are you.

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.

Associated Press

Florida Press Association National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

VIEWS OF THE NEWS

MEN’S NIGHT OUT Photo by Edwin Neimann

On Saturday July 7th from 1PM to 9PM, Men’s Night Out held a charity event for SunServe at Nuts About Yogurt on Wilton Drive.

20% of all sales were donated to SunServe. In Picture: Michael Papandrea, Michael Faerber, Julian Cavazos and Chad Thilborger.

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Hate Crime?

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The Counts

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Employee calls gay man a ‘cocksucker’ and ‘faggot,’ punches him in face

By Gideon Grudo

yan Synder and his friends were on their way back to West Palm Beach from Disney, and decided to stop for a bite to eat at McDonald’s. Snyder ordered a medium coke. His little brother ordered a few chicken sandwiches. Snyder’s boyfriend, and the lesbian couple sitting upfront, ordered burgers and sodas.

The bill was $14.80.

Minutes after leaving the window, McDonald’s employee Kristy Perez was reaching into their now-parked car through the driver’s window, trying to grab the food back, yelling out LGBT-specific expletives at them all, Snyder said.

Minutes after that, Snyder, now inside of the store, turned around just in time for Perez to punch him.

This all happened a few days before Christmas 2010, and everyone got more than they bargained for. In fact, this is just one of a half dozen incidents that McDonald’s saw in the past few years regarding LGBT people getting attacked (for a breakdown of these others instances, see this story online).

Perez was sentenced by the state of Florida on June 26, evading the hate crime charge and jail time. Instead she received 100 community hours and three years of probation, and will be required to attend anger management classes. The state charged her with battery and burglary.

This punishment just wasn’t enough, Snyder said, who’s been pursuing Perez through civil court (for a breakdown of his lawsuit, see the sidebar).

“I had a black eye for Christmas,” Snyder told SFGN. “It was very frustrating to feel like she was getting away with it. I felt that it just wasn’t right.”

Here’s how it went down: It was about 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010. Danielle Smith was driving the car, her wife Heidi sat next to her. In the back were Ryan Snyder and his boyfriend Shawn Violante. Snyder’s little brother, then 17-years-old, was also in the backseat.

At the first window, Danielle paid the man who took their order. He disappeared, without giving her change back or a receipt. After Danielle got the food from Perez at the second window, she told Perez the cashier hadn’t given her a receipt or her change back.

“That stupid faggot doesn’t know how to do his job,” Perez told Smith. “He just

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came out of the closet.”

Danielle told the woman that she, along with others in the car, were gay and took offense to that language.

Snyder said the woman then said she wanted the food back, because there was no receipt. The two went back and forth for a few moments and then Danielle decided to leave.

Perez made her way out of the restaurant and chased the car, so Danielle stopped. Perez proceeded to bang on the window, which Danielle drew down. This was when Perez lunged into the car, reaching into Heidi’s lap, where the bag of food was sitting.

“We all went into hysterics, not knowing what to do,” Snyder said. Danielle found a way to push Perez out of the car and drove off, when Perez kicked the car and Danielle stopped again.

“She came to the car and tried to grab the food out of my hand.

Everything was happening so fast — I just couldn’t believe it,” Heidi told SFGN. “I was freaking out.”

So Snyder decided he had had enough and went to speak to the manager. But as soon as he got out of the car, Perez started shouting at him, calling him ‘a cocksucker,’ and the group ‘faggots,’ among other things.

He ignored her and continued to the store, while Perez followed him. When Synder approached the counter he turned around to see if Perez was still behind him. She was.

A moment later she punched him in the chin.

“The second hit was to the eye. I just kept trying to get away from her. I tried to block the hit and used self-defense in throwing my coke at her. I was hoping the coke would deflect everything,” Snyder said, adding that Perez hit him a third time in the neck. “I kept backing up and fell into a fetal position by the trash can, where she kept hitting me. Two workers showed up and held me down, and one of her managers told her to clock out and leave.”

And Perez left. She completely disappeared.

No one knew where she was. Months later, when Snyder was working on suing her, she wasn’t even around to be served — which changed when she was arrested for speeding in 2011. Had she not been in a hurry, the lawsuit might have been stunted and the incident buried.

“Her conduct was extreme and outrageous

beyond the bounds of decency,” said one of Snyder’s lawyers, Robert Strick.

As the attack unfolded, Kathy Gayer was standing in line and waiting to order. She was visiting from Kansas, her family sitting at a nearby table. Gayer has experienced in managing franchise restaurants, and was more disturbed with the management than anyone else in the atttack.

“What bothered me is that when [Snyder] came in screaming for help, no one helped him. I didn’t think that was fair. Then those three guys came up and grabbed him, and the manager sent [Perez] home, even asking someone to escort her,” Gayer said. “I was appalled that a manager would treat a customer like that, when he should be helping.”

Driver Danielle Smith told SFGN that, without a doubt, Perez’s actions were a result of hate.

“She was definitely after us because of that. You could hear it in her voice. It’s just the way she was acting. I definitely feel it was a hate crime,” she said. “I think that there should have been some kind of apology.”

After Perez was sentenced in June, Snyder decided to take the security camera video of the attack and post it on YouTube. The video can be found at http://bit.ly/LlHz07, and has just under 10,000 hits as of press time.

“I debated whether to do it or not. I just don’t want to get picked on anymore,” said Snyder, who at first kept the incident to himself mostly because it was embarrassing for him to be seen getting hit. “If I don’t say anything, it could happen again. I would just like to think that by me saying something, it’d help in the long run.”

Snyder’s an active member of the LGBT community, and hopes not only that things like this don’t happen again, but that potential victims will react accordingly.

“I don’t think that violence in any way, shape or form, can help. No matter if it’s because I’m gay or we exchanged bad words, we shouldn’t have fought,” Snyder said. “Whoever this happens to next should not wait after this happens to them to do something about.”

To read about other incidents of LGBT attacks at McDonald’s restaurants, check out this story online at ­w ww.sfgn.com.

he 13-page civil lawsuit, filed on May 6, 2011, claims eight charges. It has been docked for trial and will happen within two weeks of June 10, 2013. Snyder’s lawyers were ordered to mediate the case before May 7, 2013. As many lawsuits might settle during mediation, attorney Julia Young said that the suit may not even go to trial.

Negligent hiring

McDonald’s “owed a duty” to customers like Snyder to hire “competent, qualified and safe employees.” The lawsuit alleges that McDonald’s didn’t fulfill its duty by “hiring employees who were, and are, incompetent, unfit for employment in the food service or any industry, and dangerous.”

Negligent supervision

The lawsuit alleged that McDonald’s also failed in its capacity of supervision over its employees, and should have known that employees like Perez “posed a danger to [their] customers and public-at-large.” This supervisory negligence led to Snyder’s damages, including bodily injury, pain and suffering, mental anguish, humiliation, anxiety, fear, loss of enjoyment of life, and medical expenses, according to the lawsuit.

Negligent retention

On top of poor judgment, lack of managerial skills, hostility, violent tendencies, unpredictability, and unfitness for the job, the lawsuit alleged that McDonald’s should have known of Perez’s homophobic nature.

Battery

The lawsuit alleged that Perez intended to and succeeded in attacking Snyder and, as a result, inflicted “harmful and offensive contact” with him.

Intentional infliction of emotional distress

The defendant’s actions, the lawsuit alleged, were “beyond all bounds of decency” and is “tantamount to an anti-gay hate crime.”

False imprisonment

Restraining Snyder was “unreasonable and unwarranted and without legal authority,” the lawsuit alleged.

Assault

The lawsuit alleged that the defendants “intentionally and unlawfully exerted force upon, and threatened the use of force against, the plaintiff.” This would create for Snyder a “reasonable fear of imminent peril and bodily injury.”

Violation of Fla. Statute 775.085

The lawsuit alleged that the defendants knew that Snyder was homosexual and physically attacked, intimidated and threatened him partly based on that knowledge.

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Web Bites

By Sergio N. Candido

The most talked about stories on SFGN.com

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Dick Cheney’s Lesbian Daughter Mary Cheney Donates to Romney Campaign ust like LGBT conservative organization GOProud, Mary Cheney, the lesbian daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, is sticking with Republican nominee Mitt Romney despite his anti-gay stance.

The Petrelis Files blog reports that on Jan. 7, she donated $2,500 to the Romney campaign.

The donation is listed in the Federal Election Commission files at OpenSecrets.org, the Political MoneyLine and the FEC.gov sites. Late last June, Cheney married her longtime partner Heather Poe in Washington, D.C., according to the Washington Post.

Severed Head Found Linked to Canadian Gay Porn ‘Cannibal Killer’

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anadian police said a severed head found in a Montreal park is that of the Chinese student that gay porn actor Luka Magnotta is accused of chopping up and cannibalizing. The Toronto Sun reports that police were called to the shore of a lake in Angrignon park, a few miles south of Magnotta’s apartment in Montreal, this past Sunday, July 1. Magnotta, 29, is charged with the killing of 33-year-old Jun Lin, Magnotta’s one-time lover.

Body parts had been mailed to political parties and Lin’s torso was found behind the apartment where the gay porn actor lived. The Mary Cheney porn actor left for Europe and was later caught by authorities on June 4, at an internet cafe in Berlin.

New York Times Reports Gay Men Like Magic Mike, Really?

NFL Player Comes Out … in Support of Gay Marriage

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he New York Times continues its tradition of groundbreaking journalism: they’ve just discovered that gay men like watching a movie that shows other men with bodies sculpted like Roman statues taking their clothes off. On July 4, the Times published a story saying that “interviews around the country indicated that gay men have been flocking to ‘Magic Mike’ in numbers not seen since the release of ‘Brokeback Mountain’ in 2005.”

According to the database BoxOfficeMojo.com, 73 percent of the audience for “Magic Mike” was female. The question here is: Whatever your gender, if you like men, why would it be surprising to go watch a film full of hot men? New York Times, get some gay reporters in that office.

Cher Praises Pastor Joel Osteen on Twitter, Fans Blast Her

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o it seems last night Cher caught one of those late night re-runs of Joel Osteen’s stadium-packed sermons, and she loved it. She took to Twitter to praise the megapastor. “I love Joel Osteen, he’s an example of Christian,” she tweeted.

Cher wrote Osteen was “cool,” “funny,” and “not preachy.”Then she was reminded by her fans that Osteen isn’t very fond of the LGBT community. And Cher soon tweeted, “He’s pretty uncool about gays,” which sparked a back-and-forth between the singer and her fans, ending with the singer threatening to leave Twitter.

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innesota Vikings’ Chris Kluwe wrote a long letter asking people to vote against a state ballot initiative that would change the law to define marriage only as the union between a man and a woman, much like DOMA. “Gay people are not monsters. They’re everyday people just like you and I, with all that entails …

Sadly, gay people are still forbidden the basic civil and relationship rights of marriage that heterosexuals enjoy, and this amendment would carve that into stone for perpetuity,” Kluwe writes.

Google Goes Gay

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he most popular search engine in the world has launched a new campaign supporting LGBT rights worldwide. According to website Dot 429, the initiative, called “Legalize Love” will operate in every city in which Google has offices, but will focus on changing homophobic culture in places like Poland and Singapore, where anti-gay laws still exist. “We want our employees who are gay or lesbian or transgender to have the same experience outside the office as they do in the office,” Google executive Mark Palmer-Edgecumbe told Dot 429. “It is obviously a very ambitious piece of work.” This is not the first time Google has shown to be LGBT-friendly. Back in 2008, the company published a blog post opposing a California amendment that would ban same-sex marriage On Valentine’s Day of this year, they ran a gay-marriage themed Google Doodle.

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Gay Congressman Barney Frank Gets Married

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emocratic Representative Barney Frank tied the knot this month, becoming the first sitting congressman to enter into a same-sex marriage. Frank, 72, met his partner and now husband Jim Ready at a political fundraiser back in 2005. The ceremony took place in Newton, Massachusetts, the New York Times reported. Among the guests were Representative Nancy Pelosi, the House minority leader, as well as Senator John Kerry. “The kids that are going to see us, and feel strong enough to be able to come out and be who they are.That gives me more encouragement that I’m doing the right thing,” Frank said.The congressman has recently announced plans to retire after over 30 years in office.

Anti-Gay Italian Facebook Page Asks Mothers ‘to Abort a Gay’

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borting a gay is an act of faith’ read in Italian the name of a Facebook group that got shut down after being online for a week, according to the Gay Star News. The Facebook page provided guidelines for mothers on how to abort a fetus if they believed it to be gay, and described LGBT people as ‘ill’, ‘an offence to God’, ‘a problem’ and ‘a virus.’ In the time it was online, it received more than 2,000 comments. Most of them were against the page, but there were also words of support. According to Gay Star News, Italian LGBT associations are considering whether to sue the anonymous creator.

Chuck Norris: ‘Is Obama Creating a Pro-Gay Boy Scouts of America?’

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he Walker Texas Ranger character Chuck Norris played in the 90’s had a deep impact on the actor, so deep in fact, it seems traces of the cop-detective mindset role stuck on him, and he’s got a suspicious theory on President Obama: The action hero and right wing activist believes Obama and the White House are colluding to lift the Boy Scouts’ ban on gay leaders. In a story for Ammo Land, Norris writes that Obama’s close relationship with James Turley, a pro-gay board member at Boy Scouts of America, will help overturn the BSA policy that bans gay Scouts and leaders.

The New York TImess

Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) Ready in a small ceremony in Newton, Mass. on the banks of the Charles River. married Jim

Anti-Gay Fried Chicken

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ext time you bite into a piece of Chickfil-A fried chicken think about this: the owners of this company have paid nearly $2 million to stop you from gaining equal rights.

According to LGBT organization Equality Matters, a newly-released analysis of the fast food chain found they donated the aforementioned amount to antigay groups like the Marriage & Family Foundation, Orlando-based Exodus International, and the Family Research Council. It gets worse. The New Civil Rights Movement reports that the company donated a jaw-dropping $5 million to anti-gay organizations and hate groups between 2003 and 2010. Still hungry?

Brad Pitt’s Mother Writes Anti-Gay Letter

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olitics is probably not a topic of discussion when the entire Pitt family gather for the holidays. Actor Brad Pitt has long supported the LGBT community. At one time he publicly said that he and Angelina Jolie wouldn’t get married because they’re “still hoping for marriage equality in the States.” His mother, however, seems to think otherwise about gay marriage. In a letter to the Springfield News-Leader, Jane Pitt wrote she’s backing Romney because Obama is a “liberal who supports the killing of unborn babies and same-sex marriage.”

Adele’s Ex-Boyfriend Dumped Her For Gay Best Friend

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n unauthorized biography claims that some of Adele’s poignant songs are the result her bisexual boyfriend dumping her for her gay friend. According to the Daily Mail, biographer Mac Shapiro said the incident took place on Adele’s 18th birthday. “Adele had professed her love and he did the same, she had known he was bisexual but, in the rush of romance, felt they could make it work. Four hours after laying their emotional cards on the table, the boy ran off with one of Adele’s gay friends!” he writes.

Don’t be left out of the conversation next time.

Read our daily stories at SFGN.com. You can also find us on Facebook: /SouthFloridaGayNews.com and Twitter: @soflagaynews

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Fabulous & Fun Mark’s List

By Donald Cavanaugh

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imply put,” said Mark Haines, “Mark’s List is a fabulous and fun, curated online travel and local entertainment site. We offer handpicked diversions of interest to the LGBT community.”

“That’s our new mantra here at Mark’s List,” Haines said. “It pretty much expresses the purpose behind everything we’re doing. Our senior editor, Troy Mailis, has taken on the task of making Mark’s list truly fabulous in content and design.”

Fabulous not just in Wilton Manors where Mark’s List is based, nor even just in South Florida, but in 14 cities around the U.S. and an uncounted number of cities and countries around the globe.

“We have city guides for 14 locations,” Haines explained. “But we get articles, photos and fabulous information through all sorts of channels. You never know when you’ll run into a piece on some exotic getaway while surfing the site for things to do.”

Mark’s List is a privately held company so their financials are not available but Haines demurred when asked about revenue and income. He said, “Let’s just say that we put everything back into the company in order to keep enhancing the experience and providing fabulous news, columns and information.”

He also pointed out that Mark’s List is one of the larger contributors to local organizations and events, and the company is a big supporter of Pride Festivals both in underwriting and participating. They will have a tent at the Stonewall Summer Pride at the end of June.

Haines was born in Michigan where he lived until junior high school. Then he moved with his family to Brussels where his father had taken a position with a multi-national company. He attended the American School in Brussels and took advantage of being on the continent to explore a range of countries and see what they offered in the way of entertainments.

“I think this is where I caught the bug for exploring fun and interesting places,” said Haines. “I traveled all over Europe. One of my favorite memories is sneaking into a night club in Russia when I was only 14 years old.”

Haines moved to Florida and in 2003 and was working for the Nielson rating company gathering statistics on newspapers, radio and television. Although he managed information for some larger cities he was bored with the work so he started to dabble with the Internet looking for interesting places to go and things to do and perhaps some people to meet.

Mark Haines From this he created Mark’s List and at first he offered information for free. By 2006, however, Mark’s List was starting to make enough money that Mark could entertain the idea of leaving Nielson.

“I’ve got great people working for me,” Haines said. “And I’ve found a development firm in Romania that is really making great improvements to the website with databases behind the user interfaces.”

According to Haines the new designs have already dramatically increased the speed with which Mark’s List can update articles and transfer photographs from the point the picture is taken to the screen where it’s displayed.

Some of the editorial talent Haines has found includes Paul Rubio, travel editor and prize-winning columnist (Amazing Gay Travel) as well as author of 300 Gay Friendly Destinations to See Before You Die. Troy Maillis who has been with Mark’s List since 2009 has assumed complete editorial responsibility for Mark’s List online and print media, and Stephen R. Lang, creator of the all-time favorite destination on the site, The Mad Papparazi which contains over a quarter million photos.

“If we had time cards with employees’ numbers, Stephen’s would be number 1,” said Haines. “He’s been with us from the start.”

These talents, plus Haines himself are the curators of the “fabulous and fun… travel and local entertainment site [that] offers hand picked diversions of interest to the LGBT community” – in South Florida and the world.

For more information visit the site at www. jumponmarkslist.com.

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Stormy Days Ahead for Gay Former Weatherman

By Jason Parsley

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obert Lopicola, the former openly gay weatherman at WPTV-Channel 5 in West Palm Beach and current manager at Boardwalk, a gay strip club in Fort Lauderdale, was arrested Monday by U.S. Marshals for allegedly having sex with two underage teens, and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail.

The charges: One count of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors, one count of lewd and lascivious battery, one count of computer pornography and child exploitation.

“He was our show and dance manager and a good employee. I can’t speak about his private life. I hope he’s vindicated,” said Victor Zepka, owner of Boardwalk.

One case involves a then-15-year-old now living in Michigan, the other one a then-17year-old teen from West Palm Beach. Both incidents date back to 2010. Both met Lopicola through Craigslist’s personals section.

Florida Statute 794.05(1) indicates that “a person 24 years of age or older who engages in sexual activity with a person 16 or 17 years of age commits a felony of the second degree.” As used in this section, “sexual activity” means oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another.

Lopicola abruptly left the television station under mysterious circumstances in 2006.

He told SFGN two weeks ago that nude photos had surfaced and he was forced to resign.

However, some rumors say the station was concerned with his interest in young men and that was the reason of his sudden departure.

SFGN is waiting for a comment from WPTV. At the time Lopicola said he was leaving the station to “pursue other opportunities.”

Since then, his successes have been uneven. He lost his home to foreclosure and then in 2009, according to Gossip Extra’s Jose Lambiet he “was busted by his former colleagues at the NBC affiliate as one of the

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Courtesy of bodybyrj.com

Rob Lopicola was once a superstar in South Florida; now accused of sexual relations with two teenage boys

SFGN about writing a health and fitness column. Lopicola also runs the website BodyByRJ. com where he markets himself as a personal trainer.

“I’d like to do a weekly article ‘overcoming adversity and retuning to mental and physical wellness,’” he said. “It would make me so happy to give back a little. I love to write and fitness is my second passion.” He later stated that weather is still his first passion.

Lopicola isn’t the first openly gay weathWeatherman star and personal trainer Robert Lopicola erman in South Florprincipals in a marketing company against ida to be arrested for this behavior either. which consumer complain[t]s are a dime a Before Lopicola there was Bill Kamal who dozen. According to Cake’s report, the com- was the star of Miami’s WSVN-Channel 7. pany promises to connect folks trying to un- He was arrested in 2004 for attempting load a timeshare with folks who want to buy to meet what he thought was a 14-yeara timeshare. For a fee, of course: $1,900. The old boy. Instead it was a sting operation. number of unhappy customers, however, Kamal served five years in prison and is seems high as the Better Business Bureau has on probation for the rest of his life. given Premier an F-rating.”

Within the last year Lopicola started work- Sergio Candido contributed to this report. Read ing at Boardwalk and he recently approached www.sfgn.com for more information.

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July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

George dauphin

Congregation Etz Chaim Moves to Conservative Synagogue in Tamarac

By Jesse Monteagudo

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n its 37-year history, Congregation Etz Chaim has had many homes. Since 1974, CEC has moved its operations from a Lutheran Church on Biscayne Boulevard to the YWCA in downtown Miami (1976); an art studio in North Miami Beach (1977); and a storefront in Aventura (1978) before it finally crossed the border into Broward in 1995. Etz Chaim then settled down at the UnitarianUniversalist Church in Oakland Park for a decade before it moved (2005) to “a home of its own” in Wilton Manors. On June 1, this “spiritual home for LGBT Jews and their friends” moved west, to the campus of Temple Beth Torah, a Conservative shul located at 5700 N.W. 94 Avenue, in Tamarac. “[We have a] history of relocating to better serve our community. The recent economy has affected us, as it has most religious institutions, in that we have had a reduction in membership and a reduction in the amount members were able to give,” said Rabbi Noah Kitty, Executive Director of Congregation Etz Chaim. “In our commitment to be fiscally responsible, we knew we had to create a different

model for ourselves than we had been practicing for the past seven years in Wilton Manors.”

Located in Wilton Manors, Congregation Etz Chaim was at the center of South Florida’s LGBT community. However, as Rabbi Kitty says, “community does not stop at the border of a city and the same is true with our Congregation. It is also true that LGBT folk live in many surrounding areas, and we understand our move as less away from the center, than a move towards an underserved area. As pioneers and advocates, by moving to TBT we can help bridge the gap between gay and straight that still exists in society.

Kitty continued: “In the Jewish world, our move is breaking new ground; this is the first time in history that a primarily LGBT synagogue has been welcomed under the roof of a mainstream Conservative synagogue. We like to think of it as one more step towards equality in our LGBT lives.”

For the complete article, go to: sfgn.com/etzchaim

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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The Transvestigator

can cover anything from individual needs to what to expect when transitioning genders.”

In addition, Ihme goes on to say, “An area we are also looking at is developing a comfortable ‘safe space location’ to be able to discuss anything, which also includes sharing information imperative to safety and well-being.”

During the past two years, they have spent a great deal of time building a comprehensive referral and directory, designed to afford service providers, as well as the community, the availability to access transgender specific care. We welcome any information from transgender individuals on service providers that they have had experience with to submit their contact information to us to include in this booklet. It is an ongoing process, and one that requires continued community dedication to keep it current.

One of the many projects in progress is an exclusive T-Guide for the transgender community, which will have a listing of trans-friendly doctors, surgeons, dentists, businesses, and so much more. Anyone who would like to contribute to this booklet/guide would be much appreciated.

“T-HOUSE PROJECT” for the Trans Community

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he T-House Project, originally created in 2007, introduced an entirely new, re-invented 2012 online organization for the transgender community and is inviting all new and existing members to take an inside peak at the latest features available and get registered to become part of the newest “online power house” for the TCommunity.

T-House is a non-profit organization funded by the Community Foundation of Broward County and implemented by the Broward Health Department. The website features national and local transgender linkage and care, health and medical resources for the T-Community, national and local news updates, listing of events and groups, and a special section for Trans-youth.

Additionally, the website provides easy access to important information on HIV/ STD testing, an events calendar, special topics and nationwide articles to keep you in the know while addressing the growing needs of the transgender community in-

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cluding determining those eligible for Ryan White funded services.

One of the many events planned for 2013 is the third annual Transgender Medical Symposium.

Recently T-House introduced their THIA program “Transgender Health in Action” a local initiative serving as an offspring under the guidelines of the nationwide CATCH assessment developed by the Center of Excellence for Transgender Health at the UCSF, The goal of THIA is to provide mentorship to newcomers, a sense of well-being and self-worth while addressing safety issues, prevention, and stigma within the local transgender community.

Jodi Ihme, coordinator of the program expressed, “The T-House project and THIA don’t just work to cover matters concerning healthcare. They are all inclusive programs working to create a community camaraderie through a support and informational system that transgender individuals can call their own. One of our goals is to create a newsletter, supported

J.R. Davis

By Victoria Michaels

Jodi Ihme by news worthy articles related to Trans-topics,” she said. “We have always looked at this program as all inclusive, reaching out to all aspects of the transgender-gender and questioning community, a support system that

Jodi Ihme can be reached at 954-467-4700 (ext 5604) or judith_ihme@doh.state.fl.us and of course we seek your support and promotion by requesting you to “like us” on facebook where you are welcome to add your comments at http:// www.facebook.com/THouseonlinecom

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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July 11, 2012

SFGN Editorial

Anderson, We Need You Norm Kent, Publisher “The fact is, I’m gay,” – Anderson Cooper

ith those words last week, Anderson Cooper confirmed what everyone already knew. Last year, this newspaper prepared a cover story entitled “Why Won’t Anderson Cooper Come Out of the Closet?” I wrote the story. I killed it too. We simply had no new facts that revealed anything new.

In putting the Kabosh on what arguably might have been a compelling piece, I concluded that this is a story only he can break at his own time and in his own place. I would not be shocking the world by saying I went to a party at his boyfriend’s gay Manhattan bar and he was there with Kathy Griffin anymore than if I wrote Malcolm Forbes once had me on his yacht in Fort Lauderdale.

It is not like the world did not know Anderson Cooper was gay. His family did. His friends did. His colleagues did. Whether it was at the opening of his partner’s bar, or premier events, Anderson and A-List guests, gay and straight, were always there. So it was not like South Florida Gay News was sitting on breaking news.

The reason we almost ran the piece, detailing the parties and people Anderson associated with, was because I was being selfish. I wanted Anderson to come out. We need him on our team.

Last year, we did a feature on the increas-

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ing number of gay stars who have revealed their sexual orientation. From Ricky Martin to Wanda Sykes, what really matters is how the light they shed on their own lives illuminates others. If their honesty can open the door so as to allow another person to emerge from the shadows, their statement has meaning.

I was tired of hearing how Cooper was protecting his status as an independent journalist, not interested in listening how it would protect the ‘integrity’ of his stories. I wanted his gayness to be known so the world could see one more legitimate professional whose gayness did not matter. Anderson, we need you.

Outside of the new head of Apple, Tim Cook, Anderson has arguably been one of the most prominent gay men in America. His fame has been won by his years as a journalist, not his nights under the sheets. I, too, would like to think that when my own story is written, I will be remembered not for who I bedded personally, but what I bettered professionally.

The world is gay. The world is straight. And there are lots of in-betweens. We know this, especially when we march in our parades and gather on our Pride floats. There are many colors and pastels in our universal rainbow.

America is and has always been a melting pot of diversity, but one where for too long, gays and lesbians have not always been welcome to the party. Nevertheless, Americans, over time, have inevitably supported an elastic democracy, seeking to find ways to ex-

aspects of his life while keeping his homosexuality a secret. He asked, “Is our society so overwhelmingly repressive that even individuals as all-powerful as the late Malcolm Forbes feel they absolutely cannot come out of the closet?”

If Anderson Cooper, one of the most powerful media figures in the world cannot comfortably genuflect about his passion for guys, how is he going to tell some bullied high school kid to not worry about it either?

So I wanted to do a stoPublished in the very first issue of SFGN, January, 2010: ry about why he should A photo of Anderson Cooper with his boyfriend, Ben Maisani, come out and how that we obtained from Mrs. Beasley. could help others. I felt it pand the circle rather than restrict it. As was inevitable, but it had to come from him.

With more and more stars quietly ‘outing’ individuals, we embrace freedoms, we do not limit them. The traditions of yesterday yield themselves, it became a little bit of a running joke with Anderson, reducing his presto the truths of today.

Along the way, we have lost our way, be- tige and position, almost intimating that cause of prostituting preachers and nutty he was ashamed of who he was. Each day it nationalists whose sanctimonious screams was becoming a bigger story than it needed have tried to put boundaries on our shores to be, because in fact, Anderson Cooper is and build fences in our states. The line of very comfortable in being who he is and how repression extends to legislators who want he lives. He needed to burst the bubble of to barricade our borders and limit our laws, misperception.

It is great that he has joined the party, restricting the right of people to be free. For these pontificating perverts, the Statue of but please don’t expect him to be the grand Liberty is not a torch which illuminates, but marshal at the next New York City gay pride a light that blinds. Call them idiots. It is okay. parade. Yes, you may see him overlooking Times Square on New Year’s Eve, but this guy They are.

In March 1990, soon after Malcolm Forbes’s is still a journalist who may work a war zone death, Michelangelo Signorile ran an article ti- in a country where homosexuals are subject tled “The Secret Gay Life of Malcolm Forbes,” to a death penalty. And he did not get there in OutWeek Magazine. Signorile was critical via Fire Island beach parties, even though of the media for helping Forbes publicize many you may see him at one.

Letters to the Editor

Goodbye to the Heat and Rain of Summer?

To the Editor: Isn’t it finally time to move the Stonewall Street festival to a better time on the calendar? Over the past ten years, this event has often been hampered, degraded, and even ruined by the very predictable rains, lightning and heat of June. And, this hasn’t been only once in a while. Actually, most of the Festival days over the last decade have been either oppressively hot, or drenched with heavy (even torrential) rains.

It would be so much better to stage the event in early January, with cooler, dryer days, and with many out of town visitors to add to the crowd. It could be billed as the first gay pride event of the

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year, and surely would draw international publicity.

The decision makers have stay far too long with June, and that decision, year after year, has been a huge dissservice to the community...depriving it of a really successful and fun event. And, it is a huge disservice to the volunteers who must set up in the middle of the night...often in miserable, even dangerous conditions of rain and lightning. And, of course, staying with the June dates has been a huge disservice to the sponsoring booths...who pay heavy front end fees, and often get little exposure.

How many more reasons are needed to get this Festival moved to a better time on the calendar?

Fred Reissner

Highlight of Stonewall Summer Pride?

The weather: the heat, the rain and a little bit of snow.

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Stonewall Pride PHOTO Goes Viral, Taints Festival

By Sergio N. Candido

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rom the drag queens and kings, and DJ’s and performers, almost everything went great at this year’s Stonewall Summer Pride fest in Wilton Manors. Almost.

A photo posted on Twitter and Facebook by SFGN’s sales associate Ryan Dixon made its way around the blogosphere and social media networks possibly tainting the celebration and leaving the LGBT community looking like druggies.

The photo shows two guys on a float, one in a black shirt and jeans, the other one sporting a black Speedo and orange shades. The shirtless guy is busy waving a flag, so the other guy wants to help him out--he uses a finger from his left hand to block one of the guy’s nostrils and with the other hand it looks like he’s giving him something to snort.

Cocaine? Perhaps. Afrin for a nasal congestion? That’s also an option.

The float the two men are standing on has been identified on the web as the Swiss Navy Lube float and the guy possibly giving his friend a little blow as gay porn star Dallas Reeves.

Dixon received over 90 Facebook comments, mostly condemning the picture. “... this sad picture of insanity does not represent our neighborhood or us but for to long the rest of us overlooked it instead of speaking up koodos to everyone that posted and commented on this picture I think each of us should share it and talk out against the behavior,” wrote Facebook user Kimber White.

According to the Stonewall Summer Pride organizers, it was all just a prank.

However, they also said on their Facebook page that joke or not, “the actions of these two people are despicable and have brought shame on the community and event.” They added that Stonewall Summer Pride Chair Reece Darham met with the Wilton Manors

Police Department yesterday and they’ll be conducting an investigation into the matter.

Facebook user Justin Newman wrote on the social network that he has contacted Swiss Navy Lube. Here’s what the company told him: Dear Justin, We could not agree with you more. These boys were from a studio and are NOT employees of Swiss Navy. We are taking precautions to make sure this does NOT ever happen again.

They were simply asked to pass out out product. I am sorry. We do several 100 events a year and this is a first for us. Again, they were not employees of Swiss Navy, MD Science, New Moon, Matty’s or Roise’s.

Puerto Rican gay porn actor Antonio Biaggi has expressed his discontent with the photo, and how it portrays gays and porn actors.

“I’m sorry but this photo got me angry, I have my two best friends that use cocaine all the time, even in front of me, but we are in the house or in the car or they go to the bathroom, but to use cocaine in a float at the Gay Pride, that’s not okay,” he writes on his blog.

“All the straight people must be thinking: ‘how fucked up are all these fagots.’ Do we have to show this kind of shit to the world?

That does not speak well of the rest of us.”

And he goes on: “I don’t care like I said if you do it in your house, but not at Pride where the world is looking at us and most people won’t agree with us. That is not okay, and the people that organize the parade are guilty about allowing this … I’m so ashamed that that piece of shit did that in front of a multitude. [It] does not only speak bad of the gays, but of the porn actors.”

The Wilton Manors police department confirmed there is an active investigation, but could not release any details because it’s ongoing.

Letters to the Editor In response to the photo from Stonewall Summer Pride that showed a man allegedly giving another man a ‘bump’ of cocaine [see photo at bottom of page 16] Re: Drugs, Dick and Decency — What’s the difference?

Today when I was having lunch at the Pink Submarine on Wilton Drive, I heard about the photos of people using drugs on one of the floats during the town’s annual gay pride parade. Being in my 50’s, I’m a bit from the past, born in a time before AIDS made being gay a death sentence for the second time. So, Wilton Manors to me is right up there with a man walking on the moon, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and an African-American President: things I

never thought I’d see in my lifetime. What happened on that float during the parade had nothing to do with gay pride. Rather, instead of showing people how far we’ve come, it showed the rest of the world how far we have yet to go. Since the LGBT community - our community - has so much to offer to itself and others, let’s not repeat this mistake again. To that end, I would offer this one word of advice. If you wouldn’t do it while wa king down the sidewalk along Wilton Drive in the middle of the day with a police car parked across the street from you, don’t do it during our parade, or any other time publicly in our, or any other community. There really is such a thing as gay pride, and there really is such a thing as common decency, and we have too much to still accomplish as individuals and a community to be wasting our time on such foolish behavior.

Robert Ben Mitchell, Fort Lauderdale, FL

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

CompassPoints… biweekly column from compass in lake worth

The Importance of Getting Tested

By Bruce Steinberg

submitted photo

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his year, and every year, we conduct our largest outreach and testing event at PrideFest of the Palm Beaches.

It’s an incredible opportunity for us to reach out to the community and make HIV testing available fast, free and super convenient to a large numbers of gays and lesbians.

This was perhaps our largest testing year with more than 200 HIV tests conducted during the two-day event. But there was one test that I would never forget.

When was the last time you were tested for HIV? The question alone can be anxiety provoking. No matter how safe you are,

or how often you get tested, the universal reaction to getting an HIV test is fear. This past June 27 was National HIV Testing Day. It served as an important reminder for why its so crucial to get tested and be involved in HIV prevention every single day. It’s about more than simply protecting yourself.

I moved to Palm Beach County from New York City last year and wanted to get involved in the community. I discovered Compass and quickly fell in love with the organization, its environment, people and the dedication of the volunteers and staff. So I started as a volunteer answering phones and helping the public navigate the many offerings and groups at the community center. Soon I trained to become an HIV Testing Counselor and by the fall of 2011 I was conducting HIV tests as well as pre- and post-test counseling. There was a lot of meaning in my life as I really felt that I was truly helping other people in a way

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

that was vital and immediate. I was hired by the HIV Prevention Department in October, 2011 and was now doing HIV testing and prevention for a living.

A friend of mine (I’ll call him Joe) came into our tent to get tested at the height of the rush on Saturday. Whenever my friends get tested it makes me happy because it means that we are caring for and about each other. Joe and I had become friends a few months earlier. We had a lot in common and hung out regularly. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw his test result.

Joe’s test was “reactive,” meaning that he was probably infected with HIV. We would have to collect another sample and wait for a confirmatory result in 2 weeks. But for now, I had to tell him. I now had my first “reactive” result and it was a friend.

No amount of training could prepare me for this.

Initially he didn’t react. Looking at me wide eyed, he listened to me speak awkwardly about what the next steps were and how the confirmatory test worked. We then had a quiet moment, looked into each other’s eyes, and I saw his tears begin to roll down his cheeks. Somehow in that moment we both experienced a new understanding of our lives. For Joe, he knew his life had changed forever and would require a new focus on his health and wellbeing. For me, I had found a new calling, one that gave my

For me, I had found a new calling, one that gave my life real purpose… saving lives. life real purpose… saving lives.

Joe was confirmed positive and subsequently had his blood tests. The news was shocking, his immune system was in fairly bad shape. Thank God Joe had not waited any longer to test than he did. Thankfully Compass was at PrideFest to make testing widely available and extremely convenient.

On that day, we may have saved Joe’s life, and perhaps others as well. Why do we get tested? We care about each other.

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Photography Exhibit Reaches Diverse Audience at Girls’ Club

By Andrea Dulanto

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aribbean-American lesbian poet Audre Lorde once wrote that poetry is not a luxury. Art is also not a luxury.

We need art that speaks to our sense of self, art that challenges us—intellectually and emotionally.

The Girls’ Club art collection in Fort Lauderdale offers this challenge with “Re-framing the Feminine,” a photography exhibit on view until September 30.

Artists and collectors Francie Bishop Good and David Horvitz founded Girls’ Club in 2006 as a place “to educate the public, nurture the careers of female artists, and to serve as a resource for art students and scholars, curators, and practicing artists” (girlsclubcol-

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lection.org). Art exhibitions, events, workshops, artist talks and film screenings support this mission.

When asked about the current state of women in the arts, Creative Director Michelle Weinberg replied: “Women have made great strides, not only as artists, but as critics, dealers, curators and collectors. However… men outnumber women in major gallery shows, exhibitions and collections.” She added that “Girls’ Club is the only private collection of contemporary art by women open to the public—in the entire world.”

LBT women are encouraged to become involved with Girls’ Club as artists, program participants and gallery visitors.

Gallery Director Sarah Michelle Rupert confirmed that the art workshops are a “safe place [for all women, particu-

larly LBT women] to share and work out artistic ideas.”

Although the collection is committed to supporting women, Rupert noted that male artists have a place at Girls’ Club: “The next exhibit will be a drawing show that includes both genders… [our exhibits] pull the focus towards women artists, but we are in no way exclusionary.”

“Re-framing the Feminine” features 45 artists including revered photographers such as Diane Arbus, Cindy Sherman and Francesca Woodman as well as local and emerging artists.Yet the subject matters of the photographs explore various themes that relate not only to gender, but race, class and/or culture.

LaToya Ruby Frazier’s Momme Portrait Series (floral comforter) (2008) is a portrait of the artist and her mother. Frazier grew up in the steel-mill town of Braddock, Pennsylvania,

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

which was abandoned by the government in the early 80s.

Her work speaks to this context. Dressed in sleepwear— white tank tops, pajama pants—mother and daughter stand against a floral backdrop, shoulder to shoulder.The mother’s eyes half-closed, her stare is distant. Frazier looks out at her viewers but stays emotionless.The photo conveys a profound enervation; yet also expresses the strong will to survive what has been devastated.

Brenda Ann Kenneally’s Upstate Girls: Dana at 21 (2008) portrays a young woman who has just given birth at a hospital. Pale, she sits upright in bed, her hospital gown falling off one shoulder as she nurses her infant. She gazes at the camera, stunned—uncertain about her transition into motherhood.

In contrast, Kenneally’s Upstate Girls: Melting Pot (2008) is a loving portrait of a multiracial family of five, entwined in bed, sleeping. Here, motherhood is about connection.

Diane Arbus’ Woman with her Baby Monkey (1971) takes a humorous turn. Gallery Director Rupert shared that at first some viewers don’t notice that the woman is holding a monkey. They notice the woman who sits on a gaudy couch in a wood paneled living room. She is content, that’s all that matters.

Another portrayal of contentment—the drag queens in Nan Goldin’s Jimmy Paulette and Tabboo! Undressing, NYC (1991). One performer is in the background, reflected in a mirror—his head down, searching through a bag on the floor. The other is directly in front of the camera with lipstick, eye make-up, and a sheer cut-off shirt. He beams— half-dressed, emotionally complete.

Cuban-born artist Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons’ De las Dos Aguas (2007) studies the connection between cultures and countries. Two women stand in an oceanic blueness, facing the viewer, holding between them a wooden boat with four passengers. Dreadlocks cover their faces, extending over and under the boat—all simultaneously rooted and dis-

placed from home.

“Re-framing the Feminine” surveys the middle-class suburbia of Julie Blackmon’s Patio (2010); the working-class porch of Jo Ann Walters’ Untitled, from the series “Vanity and Consolation;” the European crisis of Maria Michelogianni’s Barbie in Athens (2009).

But not all of the photos deal with somber subjects.

Delia Brown’s Some of My Clothes (2002) is pure whimsy as the artist creates almost one-hundred self-portraits.

Clothes create personality, and Brown strikes a pose in mini-skirts, blazers, T-shirts, evening dresses. Seductive, self-conscious, professional, casual, confident, immature—her clothes show every side.

“The current exhibition… truly demonstrates how women have taken complete charge of the…medium of photography and made the most intimate and radical contributions to contemporary art,” Weinberg said.

Somber or whimsical, politically conscious or simply joyous—”Re-framing the Feminine” is a collection of photographs that awakens the worlds within and outside of our selves, and proves art is not a luxury.

Girls’ Club Re-framing the feminine: Photography from the collection of Francie Bishop Good & David Horvitz On view until September 30, 2012 Free and Open to the Public Wednesday- Friday, 1-5pm or by appointment 117 NE 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-828-9151 girlsclubcollection.org

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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STAGE DOOR

By Jason Parsley

By Brian Swinford

Hairspray: A Must See Production

Have an event you want to list?

If so send me an email at Calendar@sfgn.com.

*denotes new listing

Theater Broward County

*Love’s Labor’s Lost by William Shakespeare

This play can be seen at Studio One through July 21. This play is about The King of Navarre and his three companions swear an oath to renounce all thought of women for a period of three years for the sake of study. Their resolve is immediately challenged by the arrival of the Princess of France and her three lovely companions. Of course, its love at first sight for all concerned awkwardly masked by the gentlemen’s highly entertaining but clumsy efforts to disguise their true feelings. Visit BrowardCenter.org

*Show tune by Jerry Herman

Put on your Sunday clothes” and enjoy this toe-tapping revue celebrating the work of Jerry Herman through July21 at the University Theater. Incorporating hit song after hit song, Showtune is sure to please audiences young and old alike with witty lyrics set to iconic tunes from shows including Hello Dolly!, Mame and La Cage Aux Folles. Visit BrowardCenter.org

*Baby Girl

Baby GirL centers on Ashley, described as a spirited daydreamer, who is alienated by her adoptive family when she comes out as a lesbian. Ashley then embarks on a journey to find love and a place to call home. Baby GirL runs July 13 through August 5, at Empire Stage, 1140 North Flagler Dr. Fort Lauderdale. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. Call 954-678-1496. For tickets, visit: www. smarttix.com or www.empirestage.com

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Palm Beach County Jesus Christ Superstar

The dynamic rock musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice is a musical interpretation of the final days of Jesus Christ that is not so much a story about religion as it is about the emergence of a charismatic rebel who surfaces among an oppressed people to pacifistically challenge the moral state of existing affairs. At the former Caldwell Theatre in Boca Raton through July 15. Tickets are $25, $15 for groups and children under 12, and $10 for student at the door on day of show. Visit EntrActeTheatrix.org

Hairspray

Hairspray sweeps you away to 1960’s Baltimore where the 50’s are out and change is in the air. Loveable plus-size heroine, Tracy, has a passion for dancing, and wins a spot on the local TV dance program. Overnight she finds herself transformed from an outsider to teen celebrity. Through July 29. Tickets are $23 to $35. Visit LakeWorthPlayhouse.org

Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

The Exorcist

This 1979 Tony award winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler will awe you with its stunning music, dazzling images, and wickedly intriguing script. July 26-29 at FAU’s Studio One Theatre in Boca Raton. Tickets $20. Visit www.fausweeney.com or phone 800-564-9539

The most chilling test of faith comes to life on stage at the Gil Cates Theater through August 12. The Exorcist transforms the unsettling battles of good versus evil, faith versus fact and ego versus ethos into a uniquely theatrical experience as sophisticated as it is suspenseful. For more Information visit Geffenplayhouse.com/index.php

*Peter Pan Starring Cathy Rigby

Proof

Tony Award nominee Cathy Rigby takes flight in an all-new production of Peter Pan. Discover the Magic all over again of this two-time EmmyAward-winning and two-time TonyAward-nominated production of Peter Pan starting August 1 at 7 p.m. at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall. Visit Kravis.org

This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning drama Proof will be at the Palm Beach Dramaworks located at 201 Clematis Street. This play is about a daughter of a brilliant but mentally disturbed mathematician tries to come to grips with her possible inheritance: his insanity. Visit Palmbeachdramaworks. org/index.php

The Fantasticks

The Fantasticks is the world’s longest running musical and is about captivating love story about a boy, a girl, two fathers and a wall, the narrator, El Gallo, creates a world of moonlight and magic, then pain and disillusionment, until the boy and girl find their way back to each other. The score, which includes “Try to Remember,” is as timeless as the story itself! July 13 through August 5. Visit Palmbeachdramaworks.org/index.php

Miami-Dade *Short Eyes

Short Eyes play can be seen at the Carnival Studio Theatre on Thursday, July 12 at 830pm and is about a term prisoners use to brand a child molester, reveals the racial, sexual and dangerously seditious personal politics wielded by an explosive group of inmates at an unnamed house of detention in New York City.

Their petty ploys and communal rebellions are unexpectedly disturbed when they are joined by a middle-class white man accused of raping a young girl. Visit Arshtcenter.org

The Donkey Show

In the spirit of Studio 54, that epic shrine to disco, the celebrated smash hit The Donkey Show now takes Miami by storm as the city’s dreamiest pop-up club! Disco is back and better than ever with this play. The Donkey Show will be at the Ziff Ballet Opera House on July 13 to Aug. 12. It’s the ultimate night fever - a crazy fun house of disco mirror balls and feathered divas, of roller skaters and hustle queens, enchanted by an ever-so-light sprinkling of Shakespearean magic. Visit Arshtcenter.org

Broadway in Miami 2012-13

This season Ziff Ballet Opera House on Oct. 9 to May 12 will hold the Broadway In Miami spectacle. Experience the return of the world’s greatest musical spectacle - Les Misérables - in its lavish new 25th anniversary production, along with the Miami premieres of Broadway’s biggest fun-filled hits - including the high-stepping Mary Poppins, the outlandishly colorful Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the awesomely cool Rock of Ages, and - the 2010 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical - Memphis, a triumph of explosive dancing and powerhouse songs. Visit Arshtcenter.org

continued on page 22

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ust when I thought last year’s production of Chicago at the Lake Worth Playhouse was the best I’d ever see at the community theater, they raised the bar this summer with Hairspray. It’s hard to believe this is a community theater.

The show follows the story of plump Tracy Turnblad in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland. Her dream is to dance on a local TV dance program,The Corny Collins Show. After winning a role on the show Tracy becomes an overnight celebrity. She then launches a campaign to integrate the show. Even though integration is no longer an issue, the show serves an important history lesson showcasing the ridiculousness of racial segregation.

Putting the serious themes of the show aside the musical comedy is lighthearted and fun. From the moment it starts, the energy is high, and never lets up. The cast was flawless. And while all of them did an excellent job it was the women that stole the show. From Kelsey West (Tracy Turnblad) whose vocals and dancing were top notch to Nikki Bradley (Motormouth) who’s solo I Know Where I’ve Been, brought the house down. Bradley’s rendition was spectacular. Her vocals soared and the song rightfully ended in thunderous applause from the audience.

Another highlight and pleasant surprise included the trio group Dynamite played by Cerina Anderson, Cassandra Kroon and Fednike Nazistene. Their presence was felt throughout the show and rather than blending into the background they stood out like stars.

Alexandria Lowery (Little Inez) was a firecracker on stage. She may be one of the younger cast members, but you couldn’t tell that from her performance.

John Costanzo (Tracy’s mother Edna) isn’t a woman, but he did play one on stage. Costanzo is a regular at the Playhouse, but this may be his most memorable role yet. His makeup and costumes was spot on and his performance stayed true to the original.

This is one of those shows you may want see again…and again.

Hairspray runs through July 29. Tickets are $23 to $35. Visit LakeWorthPlayhouse.org for more information.

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Disco Fantasy Takes Over Miami’s Arsht Center

By J.W. Arnold

Photo by justin namon Courtesy of The Arsht Center

A

udiences expecting the mellow harmonies of a symphony orchestra, the dulcet tones of an operatic soprano or the synchronized steps of a prima ballerina, be forewarned, the Arsht Center is being transformed into a fantastic discotheque this summer.

Loosely based on William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and set in a pulsing ‘70s dance club, a la Studio 54, The Donkey Show is a dramatic departure from the Arsht Center’s usual programming.

Created by Diane Paulus and Randy Weiner, the Broadway creative team responsible for many Tony-winning productions, the interactive show was further adapted for Miami audiences by Allegra Libonati and features a cast of 20 local singers, dancers and acrobats.

Explains Stephanie Chisholm, a Miamibased circus performer who stars as Tytania, “The basic outline of the story is taken from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and our whole world is inside this awesome disco club, Club Oberon.You have your fairies, star-crossed lovers and the king and queen of the club.”

But what makes the show unique is the level of audience involvement, she points

performance.

“That’s the excitement of it because, for us, every night will be different,” Chisholm says.

“We’ve been prepping ourselves so everyone knows what needs to happen in case the audience changes the story.

We have each others’ backs.”

Dancer Jimmy Alexander Arguello, one of the fairies, is too (l-r) Jose Rivero, Anton Boyarkin, young to rememStephanie Chisholm Luke Stockton, Joel Brumant ber the disco era—he’s 26—but out. The audience can move to the orcheshe says the energy is infectious. tra pit area that serves as the club’s dance “The music just takes me to a world I floor and interact with the characters durwould have loved to have grown up in,” ing the story. While the actors work from he says, “with the funky colors, afros and a script, much of the action is dependent wild clothes. I’m living it right now, so on the audience and will change at each it’s fascinating.”

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Arguello was born and raised in Miami and later was a standout on the TV competition So You Think You Can Dance. He went on to serve as assistant choreographer for the film Rock of Ages filmed here last year and just released in theaters.

“It’s just a big fantasy,” he says enthusiastically. “Audiences will love the music and costumes. The choreography is fun and quirky. There is a big reveal toward the end.

They’re going to want to get up on stage and dance.”

Like Chisholm, Arguello says the biggest challenge will be to adapt to the audience at each show, especially because his character is mute: “For me, the dancing was easy, but the acting has been more of a challenge because I need to create a character and body language.”

And the talented duo agrees the show will definitely push the envelope for the actors and the audiences alike.

“There’s nothing quite like this show,” Chisholm says with a knowing chuckle. “Miami has never seen anything like it.”

The Donkey Show Ziff Ballet Opera House Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami Wednesdays – Sundays, July 13 – August 12 Tickets $45-70 at ArshtCenter.org

23

ARTS

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.

*GLBX Business Advantage Referral Group

GLBX Business Advantage Referral Group will be held at the chamber offices on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 8 to 9 a.m. The leads group is looking for additional members. If you are interested joining, please contact Ken Stollar at Kenneth.Stolar@sci-us.com to see if your category is open and to attend as a guest. Visit Ftlchamber.com/index. php?src=gendocs&ref=GLBX_home&category=GLBX

*The Sexy Eyes of BINGO

Join the whole community with celebrity callers Fluffy and Mark Hansen on July 15 at the Pride Center at Equality Park at 2pm. Balls will fly, eyes will flutter and everyone has a chance to win! It’s another afternoon of fun, shenanigans, laughter and fundraising for The SMART Ride. Visit Thesmartride.org

Tundra Gay Night

Tundra restaurant will be holding a gay mixer night every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come for the great food, drinks, and people. When you come to Tundra for the gay night try a great martini from there dozens of specialty drinks. Visit Tundralasolas.com

Corporate Challenge of Florida

Opening ceremony begins August 2012. Corporate Challenge of Florida is bringing the spirit of the Olympics to Broward County. Offering many different sporting events throughout Broward. The largest sporting event in South Florida will have the opportunity to show unity, sportsmanship and camaraderie. Each company’s registration fees will support the American Heart Association, breast cancer research, Make a Wish Foundation and more local charitable South Florida organizations. Visit Ccoffl.org/thanks.php

“954 GLOW” Presents: “My Best Day”

The Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (FLGLFF) is continuing its monthly movie series “GLOW” (Gays & Lesbians on Wednesdays) by presenting “My Best Day,” written and directed by Erin Greenwell at the Gateway Theatre on July 18 at 8 p.m. The FLGLFF “GLOW” series consists of a monthly program filled with feature films and documentaries produced with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in mind. The films chosen are produced and directed by prominent independent filmmakers from across the globe. Visit Flglff.com

Wild Inspirational Gatherings

WIG is a new and exciting weekly event that will inspire and empower you to celebrate life. Imagine a gay revival mixing spirituality, disco meditation, drag divas, WIG’s Gayngster Choir and a fabulous message from Rev. Jamie! WIG seeks to empower gay youth, adults and our allies with positive energy, a fun environment and a gay spirit. Doors open at 7:30, curtain up at 8. Tickets: $10 suggested donation, VIP booth seating $30. 754-444-1WIG (1944)

Queer Youth Nights

LGBTQ & allied youth 13-21 are welcome any time after 6 p.m. at the SunServe building on Wilton Drive for a great place to meet new friends, play board games and a Queer Themed Movie at 7 p.m. Email Afrosch@sunServe.org

Latinos Salud’s programs

Multiple programs and groups for bi/gay Latino guys.

Latinos Salud’s SOMOS program is for guys 18 to 30. All proceeds will benefit Latinos Salud in our efforts to educate on HIV Prevention and testing. Every Thursday night at 7 p.m. join the Core Group, and help plan alternative activities. Also offers Popular Opinion Leader group for guys ages 25 to 44 and a Life Coaching program for guys ages 18 to 44. Come by Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for free one-on-one life coaching with certified CRCS coaches.

Located at 2330 Wilton Drive. Call 954-533-8681 or visit Latinossalud.org

Stephan Sorokoff

Community Calendar Broward County

By J.W. Arnold

Nicolas King

Young Singer Wows at Colony

N

icolas King may only be 20 years old, but has he got a voice. The cabaret singer, who opened for Liza Minnelli to raving reviews, made his debut last weekend at Palm Beach’s swanky Royal Room in the Colony Hotel. And, the good news is he’s back for another weekend, offering up his smooth vocals, Friday, July 13 and Saturday, July 14.

King began performing at the tender age of 4 and was starring on Broadway by 13. He’s been featured on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The View and opened for Minnelli’s 2006 national concert tour.

At 19, he recorded his debut album, aptly titled, Nineteen.

A three-course prix fixed dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. in the Royal Room prior to the performance for $90 per person. For more information and reservations, call 561-659-8100.

LGBT Cinema Featured in Fort Lauderdale

Tickets are $9-11 in advance and $11-13 at the box office. Festival members should use the code 954glow to received the discounted rate at FLGLFF.com.

GableStage Tackles Race

G

ableStage producing artistic director Joe Adler has never shied away from controversial topics and this time he takes on Race, David Mamet’s incendiary play that had audiences and critics buzzing on Broadway last year. The drama examines the consequences at a law firm when the partners take on the high profile case of a white, billionaire playboy who is accused of raping a black woman. The cast includes Carbonell Award-winner Gregg Weiner and Ethan Henry. Race runs through August 5 at GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables in the Biltmore Hotel. Tickets are $37.50-50 at GableStage or 305-445-1119.

Miami Spotlights Hispanic Theatre

T

he International Hispanic Theatre Festival returns to Miami’s Arsht he Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Center, July 12 -29. The festival, organized Film Festival (FLGLFF) continues

by Teatro Avante, celebrates its 27th year with 11 plays from five countries. The its monthly “GLOW” (Gays and Lesbians program includes plays in English, Spanish on Wednesdays) on Wednesday, July 18 with English subtitles and both languages, at 8 p.m. with My Best Day, written and as well as non-verbal theater. Tickets are directed by Erin Greenwell. The film will be screened at the Gateway Theatre, 1820 $30 and a four-show package is offered at 20 percent discount. For a full schedule E. Sunrise Blvd., and is described as “just a typical day for a typically dysfunctional fam- and tickets, go to TeatroAvante.com or ily in typically bizarre small town America.” call 305-445-8877.

T

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July 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.

Saturday Nite Alive

The free event will showcase the best of Fort Lauderdale Beach for 11 fun filled Saturday nights: through August 11 (7 p.m. – 11 p.m.). The entertainment lineup includes more than 20 high-energy entertainment acts i.e. Billy Bones, Taiko Drummers, Swahili, House of Flying Cards, Rafael & Ligia and the Bahamian Junkanoo Revue. Each Saturday night, entertainers will perform on the sidewalks along the west side of AIA on Fort Lauderdale Beach from Hall of Fame Drive to Castillo Street. Visit Wizard-Entertainment.com

Latin Night Bingo

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 530 p.m. and bingo starts at 730 p.m. 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

Man2Man Discussion

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

Meditation After Work

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

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.

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

Living Healthy

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

Life Coaching

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

Sex & Love Anonymous

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

Visit Slaafws.org

Survivor Support

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.

Eating Disorder Support

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

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 954-566-2074 or email: Tedverdone@comc​ast.net

Safe “T”

Safe “T” is a support group for gender variant adults. Meets Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Sunserve’s Wilton Manors location at 2312 Wilton Drive, second floor.

A “drop-in” psycho-educational support group. Free. No registration required. Donations welcome. Call 954-764-5150.

Tuesday Night Eatin Meeting

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

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

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

SunServe Therapy Groups

Provided for the LGBT community at SunServe on a regular basis. Groups require an intake interview. Call the Intake Coordinator at 954-764-5150 to learn which therapy groups have openings. Visit SunServe.org

Fusion Wilton Manors - Connections

Gay men’s group discussion. Different subject every week.

Dr. David Fawcett, a gay therapist, who has been in private practice in Fort Lauderdale for the last ten years, leads the event. No charge. Starts at 7 p.m. Call 954-630-1655.

Women4Women Support

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

continued on page 24

July 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.

Man2Man Discussion

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/

Good Orderly AA

Yoga

The Lake Worth bike night is fun, and it’s for a cause. Join loads of people in downtown Lake Worth every Thursday from 7 p.m.-10 p.m.. The event is free and open to bikers and non-bikers. For more information visit Lakeworthbikenight.com

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.

PFLAG

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

Yoga On The Waterfront

Sunday on the Waterfront

Palm Beach County Lake Worth Bike Night

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 email Carol at 561-716-9464 Pflag@pobox.com

New Alternatives

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

PBC Gender Support

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

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 p.m. 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.

Sober Sisters AA

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

YOGA Among the Orchids

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

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

Motivation Man Triathlons

Jazz on the Palm

Choose your distance and choose your race! Ready to prove you can do it solo or did you want relay participation with friends? Either way, it’s your way to swim, bike and run through picturesque streetscapes and historic neighborhoods of The Palm Beaches. This event is free to spectators and will take place in beautiful Downtown West Palm Beach.

For more information Visit Motivationman.com

Jazz on the Palm - Downtown West Palm Beach Waterfront - Gather with friends and family to enjoy the diverse vibrant sounds of jazz under the stars every 3rd Friday of month at the new Downtown West Palm Beach waterfront concert series. Free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visit Wpbgo.com/2010/06/jazz-on-the-palm

Sunday on the Waterfront is a free concert series, which takes place the third Sunday of most months in the beautiful downtown West Palm Beach waterfront area. Bring blankets, chairs, and coolers or purchase treats at the concert.

Free parking in all city lots and at city meters. 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. May through October. Visit OnTheWaterFront.com

BrothasSpeak

This group is a black gay men’s discussion group that is held at the Compass in West Palm Beach. Every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. this group will be directed toward issues for and about black men. Visit Compassglcc.com

Miami-Dade

AIDS Quilt Panel Workshops

Miami Beach Community Health Center’s “Making Memories” will assist those interested in creating an AIDS Quilt panel as a way to pay tribute to a life lost to AIDS. Workshops are held the fourth Saturday of every month through October. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Workshops are free. Visit Miamibeachhealth.org or 305-538-8835 or 1-800-393-1290

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

*Cold Sweat Miami 2012

Cold Sweat Miami will take place on July 19-22 in South Beach. This will be the first ever Cold Sweat Party that is going to be for men and women. Come feel the Cold Sweat premium event for sexy,powerful, strong men and women. The host hotel will be the Courtyard Marriott Miami Downtown. Rooms are going for 116.00 per night.

For more information visit blackiceworld.com or call 305-374-3000.

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

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

nightlife Broward County 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

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) 463-6969. A Cute Little Hangout in Fort Lauderdale.

Pool-room/game room on one side and a bar/strip club on the other. Mondays $3 Well & Dom, after 9 p.m. $3 U-Call-It Shots

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 “Underwear Night. 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

Dudes Bar

3270 NE 33rd St Fort Lauderdale FL 954-568-7777. Sexy hot men starting to shake the booty daily from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Sundays enjoy karaoke with Peter Petrucci. Great drink specials every Monday with $1 well drinks from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The Manor

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

Dance the night away Thursday through Sunday. Live music Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun. Visit themanorcomplex.com

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July 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.

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.

Georgie’s Alibi

Mona’s

502 E. Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 525-6662. The eclectic décor and a friendly staff makes. Mona’s a great place to have fun in Fort Lauderdale. Thursday’s College Boy’s Night 8 p.m. Enjoy College Boy’s Choice 2 for 1

New Moon

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.

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

Atomic Boom

PJ’s Corner Pocket

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

Johnny’s

1116 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, (954) 5225931. 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.

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.

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 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Smarty Pants

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

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.

Ramrod

The Stable

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.

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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 underwear.

Torpedo

2829 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, (954) 587-2500. Your Dance Destination Till Dawn.

Open Late for You To Devour The Night. Open 7 nights a week till 4 a.m.

Palm Beach County

The Cottage (Tea-Dance Sundays)

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

Fort Dix

6205 Georgia Ave, West Palm Beach, Florida 33405 Directions, (561) 533-5355. Mostly local crowd looking to mingle and relax. Place rocks with a Fabulous DJ on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday T-Dance.

H.G. Rooster

823 BELVEDERE ROAD, WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA 33405, (561)-832-9119. H.G. Roosters is West Palms oldest gay club.

Sunday’s Complimentary BBQ 5 p.m., Hot Male Dancers 6 p.m., Karaoke 11 p.m.

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.

continued on page 27

27

THE REGULARS

28

By Karl Hampe

July 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.

The Mad Hatter

1532 North Dixie Hwy ,Lake Worth, FL 33460. (561) 547-8860. Cheap drinks, friendly bartenders, and free pool Sunday-Thursday. Stop by and relax at this no-attitude haunt.

Mara (Thurs-Sat)

1132 North Dixie Highway, Lake Worth FL $3 Drinks. No Cover. Open till 5 a.m. Ladies night on Thursdays and Karaoke on Fridays.

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.

Miami-Dade Club Space

34 NE 11th St ,Miami ,Florida, 33132,(305) 350-1956 Space Miami Voted Best U.S Club IDMA 2011. The go-to venue for any nightlife enthusiast in the nation, the club is proudly marching on into its second decade of operation.

Monroe County Commission.

Tag Bar

Club Sugar

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.

Discotekka

950 NE 2nd Ave, Downtown Miami, Florida 33132,(305) 3509084. One of the best night clubs In Miami. Every Saturday the hottest DJ’s from the top performers. Drink Special Every Saturday

Johnny’s

Miami 62 NE 14 Street Downtown Miami Florida (305) 640-8749.

Open Wed. through Sun. The hottest men in the universe strip shows nightly from 6 p.m. sexy from wall to wall. Free entrance. Free parking. Free VIP rooms. Featuring the Hottest Male Dancers and The Best VIP ROOMS and always $5 Drinks. Full Lineup at ed at http://www.Facebook.com/JohnnysMiami

Score

727 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, Florida, 33139. (305) 561-5521.

Score is located in the heart of South Beach in the thriving and infamous promenade, Lincoln Road. Bigger Saturday’s sexy male dolls.

Swinging Richards

17450 Biscayne Blvd, N Miami Beach, Fl 33160 954-357-2532 Tuesdays-Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Come and enjoy fully nude guys dancing to the best music in South Florida.

Twist

1057 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, Fl, 33139. (305) 5389478. Never a Cover…Always a Groove. Resident star DJ Mika spins tribal. Every Saturday TWIST is full of the hottest men in Miami. Muscle boy dancers taking it off in the Bungalow Bar.

Key West Bars

Key West 801 Bar

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 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.

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.

Kwest

705 Duval St. , Key West, Florida,(305) 292-8500. Key West All-Male Strip Club. Daily Happy Hour from 3-8 p.m. And a piano sing-a-long every Wednesday night.

Pearl’s Patio Bar

525 United Street, Key West, FL(305) 293-9805 ext. 156.

Pearl’s Patio is a great place to enjoy a drink and relax.

Happy Hour – every weekday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday’s are Extended Happy Hour 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

29

30

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Music

Local Duo Tickle the Ivories for AIDS Healthcare Foundation

strongly about the work that (AHF has) been doing. A number of our friends have been helped by them. They offer cutting edge education, advocacy and services.”

And, The Sanctuary, with its architecturally distinctive mid-century design and amazing acoustics, will provide a perfect venue for the performance. Thanks to the wonders of the Wersi, they literally plan to “strike up the band!”

Dunlap and Pennington Sunday, July 15, 4 p.m.

The Sanctuary Church (Second Presbyterian) 1400 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale Tickets $15 at DunlapAndPennington.com or door For more information, call 954-957-4140

courtesy of Dunlap and Pennington

While many artists rely on pre-recorded tracks, pyrotechnics and gimmicks, the duo’s musical performance is only enhanced with multimedia designed by an Emmy Awardwinning videographer utilizing four cameras trained on the two keyboards, a “footcam” on Dunlap’s feet and a wide angle camera on the stage.

“The projections give the audience a whole new perspective to the performance,” Dunlap promises.

Dunlap and Pennington will return to the place they met, The Sanctuary Church, 1400 N. Federal Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale, for a special concert on Sunday, July 15 at 4 p.m. and benefiting the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).

Explains Pennington, “We feel very

By J.W. Arnold

“I

f you close your eyes, it is like listening to an orchestra,” exclaimed an enthusiastic fan as the lush melodies of Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and Gershwin filled the air of the concert hall. But, instead of a full symphony orchestra, there were just two musicians on stage making beautiful music—David Dunlap and Wesley Pennington.

The duo, performing as Dunlap and Pennington, have been touring the country for three years amazing audiences with their performances, Pennington at the grand piano and Dunlap performing a custom-built organ manufactured in Germany by the Wersi Company.

The friends, both concert artists in their own rights with long lists of credits and glowing reviews, first met in Fort Lauderdale 21 years ago at Second Presbyterian Church (“The Sanctuary Church”), where Dunlap served as organist and choirmaster and Pennington directed the contemporary Praise Singers.

“We occasionally would play piano and organ duets during the service,” recalls Dunlap. “They were literally thrown together at the last minute, but they went over so

well that the congregation kept asking us to do more. We wondered what would happen if we really practiced. We’d be dangerous!”

After Dunlap left the church three years ago and commissioned his new instrument, Pennington suggested they seriously pursue a performing career as a duo.

Nine months passed until Dunlap took delivery of his organ and there was a bit of a learning curve as he learned to harness the virtual orchestra at his fingertips, but soon they were playing the classics of the repertoire at performing arts centers, universities, churches and the “condo circuit.”

“Anyone can purchase an instrument. The difference is there are very few people who have the technical skills—the chops—and the musicality that Mr. Dunlap has to reproduce what 80 people would be playing,” Pennington notes.

Audiences expecting a stuffy, high-brow concert might be surprised, warns Pennington.

“We’re very versatile. If you don’t like one piece, stick around because it’s going to change drastically,” he explains.

The duo has augmented its repertoire over the years with jazz standards, Dixieland, gospel and medleys from popular Broadway shows, like Phantom of the Opera.

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

31

THEATER

Baby GirL: A New Play at Empire Stage F

By Mary Damiano

a spirited daydreamer, who is alienated by her adoptive family when she comes out as a lesbian. Ashley then embarks on a journey to find love and a place to call home.

While Ehly is careful not to give away too much, she says coming out to her family was “a challenging situation.”

Baby GirL is based on her experiences, with one caveat.

“Nothing is truly autobiographical because it’s my perception of reality,” says Ehly, who is also directing her play, but decided against being part of the cast. “I lived most of it

already,” she says. “I don’t want to be in it.”

Ehly has a healthy attitude about overcoming the lack of objectivity typical when one person is both the playwright and also the director.

“Sometimes I’ll say, ‘Oh good, the writer gave us a gift in this part,’ and then in another part I’ll say, ‘What was this f***ing writer thinking?’”

Ehly originally envisioned Baby GirL as a screenplay, and began working on it after September 11, 2001. She had a staged reading of the screenplay a few years ago at The Women’s Theatre Project in Fort Lauderdale, where many in the audience encouraged her to make it a play.

For Ehly, a 28-year theater veteran, that was right up her alley, and she began converting her screenplay into a play. A staged reading of BabyGirL was presented at New Theatre in Coral Gables.

“I was overwhelmed by the response to the reading,” Ehly says.

Ehly has been on a two-year hiatus from acting to get her master’s degree in psychotherapy from Florida Atlantic University, an aspiration she’s had since high school. She’s set to graduate in May 2013.

Ehly sees a marriage between her theater career and psychotherapy.

“I think they work well together,” she says. submitted photo

amily, the one we’re given and the one we create, is at the center of Baby GirL, a new play which makes its world premiere at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale Friday, July 13.

The play is the first from actor, director and now playwright Kim Ehly, a South Florida resident who has appeared in productions at many local theaters, often at the now-defunct Sol Theatre, which formerly occupied the intimate Empire Stage space.

Baby GirL centers on Ashley, described as

32

“I’d like to do psychodrama. I’d like to apply some of the things into my therapy practice that can be translated from theatre. Believe it or not, there are a lot of skills from acting that translate into being a therapist.”

In producing Baby GirL, Ehly formed her own theater company, Kutumba Theatre Project, with a mission to focus on works and the development of works that give a voice to the LGBT community, women’s interests, and other underserved communities. That mission is in line with the meaning of the word Kutumba – to leap, to strut proudly, a unique bond amongst community members, family or kin. Her goal is to produce another show next season and then produce a few shows each year.

Ehly believes that although Baby GirL is semiautobiographical, the essence of it will resonate with audiences.

“We choose our own family,” says Ehly.

“Relationships are what life boils down to.

For me, theater is a metaphor for life. It’s all a process and you don’t get ahead of that process. And if you’re living your life in the moment, that’s the best thing you can do.”

Baby GirL Runs July 13 through August 5, at Empire Stage, 1140 North Flagler Dr. Fort Lauderdale.

Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. For more information call 954-678-1496. For tickets, visit: www.smarttix.com or www.empirestage.com.

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

33

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July 11, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

35

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

Jeffrey Seth Selzer, eSQ. • Scott A. WeiSS, eSQ. Island CIty Center aCross from stork’s 2550 Northeast 15th aveNue • WiltoN MaNors, Florida 33305

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