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January 25, 2012 • Volume 3 • Issue 4
THE RIGHT AND GAY RIGHTS
Where Republican candidates stand. page 30
Fred Who? History-Making Candidate Gets Little Press page 34
Plus: SFGN Publisher Launches Citizens Against False Arrests INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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page
Dept. of Health Screws Up
16
page
Gay Polo League Looking for New Recruits
20
page
Review:
Albert Nobbs
37
page
Who’s Googling Gay Sex?
Page 3
Winner of the 2011 Stars of the Rainbow Media Star Award
SoundBiteQ Mayors for Marriage Six Florida mayors stand up for marriage equality By Gideon Grudo
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national slew of mayors agree: Samesex marriage is good for cities, good for their communities, and good for their economies. From around the country, more than a hundred mayors have signed the ‘Mayors for the Freedom to Marry’ statement, a bipartisan effort to get mayoral support for the cause. Signers included mayors of Boston, San Diego and New York City. Six of those mayors hail from Florida — and most of them from South Florida.The statement is part of Freedom to Marry — self-described as the “campaign to win marriage nationwide.” It launched on Jan. 20, the final day of the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Winter Meeting. Jackie Yodashkin, a spokesperson for Freedom to Marry, said her crew has to confirm all signatures before adding them to the list which means there
Passages
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erald James Johnston passed away suddenly Jan. 17 surrounded by family and friends. Jerry was born July 2, 1964 to Leslie Wiggins Johnston Jr of Pensacola, FL and Naomi S. Johnston of Annapolis, MD. He graduated from Susquehanna Valley High School in 1982. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from SUNY Binghamton and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University He spent his entire career at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory where he was a Principal Staff Engineer and worked on a variety of projects in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and NATO. Notably examples of his exemplary work include his contribution on the NATO SeaSparrow Consortium, the NATO Anti-Air Warfare System, the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile, and Aegis Combat System Modernization. Jerry also served for seven years providing valuable contributions to the Laboratory’s Pension Committee.
THE REGULARS
By Karl Hampe
January 25, 2012 • Volume 3 • Issue 4
New newsworthy news
might be more Florida mayors joining in soon, though so far none from Miami-Dade. “We’ve been getting an overwhelming response,” she said. “It’s good politics to boot.” The statement is both broad and specific. While those who signed it agree to advocate on behalf of same-sex couple in a general sense, they were also encouraged to combat specific legislation, like the Defense of Marriage Act. Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank Ortis, who signed the statement, said he couldn’t think of a reason not to do so. “If people want to get married, they should — simple as that,” he said.“Whatever people want to do — I’m okay with.” While Ortis doesn’t know same-sex couples personally in his own municipality, he said he knows many in Broward County. The other Florida signatories are mayors Craig Cates from Key West, Joy Cooper from Hallandale Beach, Craig Lowe from Gainesville (the lone north Floridian thus far), Lori Moseley from Miramar, and
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Jeri Muoio from West Palm Beach. The statement cites economic well-being as one of its aims, based in part on a December 2011 study from the William Institute at the University of California that showed tourism and wedding arrangements bringing in an additional $12 to $13 million to states like Iowa. Key West’s mayor Craig Cates agreed that economy is invariably a benefit of same-sex marriage, especially in his tourist destination city where people commiserate for weddings and celebrations, but that it wasn’t his biggest reason to get on the wagon. “We don’t look at it as gay or straight — to support this is natural,” he said. “The Key West philosophy is ‘one human family.’” Freedom to Marry will continue to run through names and confirm signatures this week. To learn more, or pitch the statement to your own mayor, go to freedomtomarry.org
Jerry had a passion for science and technology and loved to read. He was fluent in French and enjoyed traveling abroad. He was loved by many for his engaging personality and quick wit. Jerry is survived by his partner Michael Fowler of West Palm Beach, FL; his sisters Marguerite Stevens of Annapolis, MD, Ruth Williams of Martinsburg, WV and his brother Leslie Johnston of Alton, MO and extended family in Maryland, Arizona, California, Missouri and New York. There will be a memorial service to celebrate Jerry’s life on Jan. 28 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cape Saint Claire Community Center in Annapolis Maryland. Donations may be made in his name at the Point Foundation http://www.pointfoundation. org/ Jerry and his partner Michael Fowler were featured on the cover of SFGN’s “A Day in Gay South Florida” last month.The photo on the left, submitted by Michael for the project, shows (l-r) Jerry and Pete enjoying a sunny day in West Palm Beach.
Norm Kent Publisher norm.kent@sfgn.com Pier Angelo Guidugli
Chief Executive Officer Creative Director. . . . . . . . . . George Dauphin george.dauphin@sfgn.com Online Website Director. . . . Dennis Jozefowicz Office Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Swinford
Editorial Editor in Chief. . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Arts/Entertainment Editor . . . JW Arnold jw@prdconline.com Arts Correspondent. . . . . . . . Mary Damiano Business Editor . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Gary Senior Features Correspondents . . . . . . . . . . T ony Adams Jesse Monteagudo Michael Anguille Correspondents. . . . . . . . . . . D onald Cavanaugh Gideon Grudo Lisa Lucas Mike Rothman Denise Royal Tana Velen
Contributing Columnists. . . . Wayne Besen
Susan Estrich Brian McNaught Victoria Michaels Leslie Robinson Dana Rudolph David Webb
Health Columnist. . . . . . . . . . Peter Jackson Editorial Cartoonists. . . . . . . K arl Hampe Darryl Smith
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Marketing Director. . . . . . . . . John Fugate Sales Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Trottier Sales Associate . . . . . . . . . . . . Terri Esterby Sales Associate . . . . . . . . . . . . Edwin Neimann Sales Associate . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Tisdale National Sales Representative.Rivendell Media todd@rivendellmedia.com Distribution Manager. . . . . . . JR Davis South Florida Gay News.com is published weekly on Wednesdays. Our paper is a member of the Associated Press. The views and opinions expressed within this publication, in bylined columns, stories, and letters to the editor are those of the writers expressing them. They do not represent the opinions of South Florida Gay News.com, Inc., or the Publisher. They are included to promote free speech and diversity of thought. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations in SFGN, and it would be careless to do so. For the sake of readable newswriting, the word “gay” in SFGN should, when relevant, be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community. All of the material that appears in SFGN, both online at www. southfloridagaynews.com, and in our print edition, including articles used in conjunction with our contract with the Associated Press and our columnists, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Thus, nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher of SFGN, at his law office, Kent & Cormican, P.A., 110 Southeast 6th Street, Suite 1970, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33301. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright©2012 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
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January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
SFGN Publisher Launches Citizens Against False Arrests
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fter seeing the amount of abuse that took place within the five-year undercover operation targeting gay men in parks that SFGN exposed earlier this month Publisher Norm Kent decided to launch Citizens Against False Arrests to help people who believe they’ve been falsely arrested. The expose SFGN detailed involved two cops with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office over a five year period arresting hundreds of men purportedly looking for sex in public parks. Out of the more than 300 police reports SFGN investigated, only 4 of them involved two men having sex. The rest involved the cops starting a sexually charged conversation with another man in the attempt to get him to expose himself so an arrest could be made. They would say things like “I like to suck” or ask “what are you into?” and “do you like to be sucked?” They’d also use tactics like squatting down in order to entice the man to expose himself. This isn’t the first time Kent has seen this behavior from a police department. He’s defended hundreds of men in the last 30 years. Nor is it the first time as a publisher of a newspaper that his publication has exposed this behavior. “As a criminal defense lawyer, those instances where people were illegally entrapped and wrongfully induced to commit an act they otherwise never would have committed are the most egregious examples of false arrests,” Kent said. As has happened in the past when this behavior has come to light he’s been disappointed with the community’s reaction and lack of coverage from the mainstream media. So this time he decided to take his message directly to the people via CAFA, which can be found at FalseArrests.org. “Americans need a central clearing house to capture the breadth of false arrest cases across this county from the smallest village to the largest municipality,” he said. “We pay reverence and homage to police officers because obviously they do a risky job, but sometimes that makes us look the other way about the abuses which occur so often in every city.” Resources on the website include legal articles and news articles about false arrests and other useful websites. Kent hopes people will
visit the website to share their own stories of false arrest. As for donations he said he’ll accept them, but isn’t actively seeking them. Eventually he wants to create a database of lawyers from across the country that specialize in false arrests and list them for free. “The purpose of CAFA is to crystalize and encapsulate for citizens those elements of an encounter with a law enforcement officer that reflect an illegal and unjust false arrest,” he said. So far Kent has found two local people to join the board. Nicole Sandler, host of the Nicole Sandler show at RadioOrNot.com, didn’t hesitate when asked. “I’m glad this organization is starting,” she said. “We’re seeing a lot of citizens arrested for reasons I can’t figure out, especially in the wake of the Occupy Movement. All they’re doing is exercising their first amendment rights. Last time I checked that’s what this county is about, not something to be arrested for. In every city we’re seeing people arrested falsely and they need to have someone where to go.” And Sandler knows something about false arrests. She believes herself to be a victim of it last year, when her nightmare included staying overnight in jail and sprayed with pepper spray, all for trying to ask a question to Congressman Allen West at a town hall where he was speaking. The charges against her were eventually dropped. “I keep saying I was arrested for democracy,” she said. “I plan on suing the City of Fort Lauderdale.” Neil D. Kolner, an immigration and criminal defense attorney in Miami, also did not hesitate to join the board. “I was thrilled to be asked to be a part of this organization,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for people who have been falsely arrested and make the public at large aware what a serious problem this is.” Kolner said in the past he’s defended clients who were wrongly arrested and once settled a case of false arrest out of court with the City of Miami. In the last three years alone Kent has successfully sued the City of Fort Lauderdale, State of Florida and Broward County in three separate false arrest cases. flickr / grendelkahn
By Jason Parsley
Visit falsearrests.org for more information.
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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The
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Patient model. Pill shown is not actual size.
INDICATION ® COMPLERA COMPLERA® (emtricitabine 200 mg/rilp virine 25 ( mg/tenof mtricitabine vir disoprox 200 mg/rl lp fuma virine ate 300 mg) is a prescription HIV medicine 300 that mg) contains is a prescr3 medicines, ption HIV EMTRIVA edicine th® ® ™ (em and (emtricitabine), EDURANT™ (rilpivirine), icit VIREAD bine), EDURANT (tenofovir rilpivir disop oxil ne fumarate) , and V RE combined in one pill. COMPLERA is used com asn ad complete in one pi lsing COMPLERA e-tablet is regimen used astoatreat om HIV-1 infection in adults (age 18 andHIV-1 older)infec who ion have in neve adultstaken (age HIV 18 and medic older) neswho before. ha
COMPLERA does not cure HIV and COMPLERA has not been does shown not to c re prevent HIV and passing has not HIVb to others. It is important to always to practice other safer It i sex important use latex to always o polyurethane practice condoms to lower the chance of sexual condoms c ntact to with lowe any thebody chance fluids, of sexu and to l conta never re-use or share needles. Do not stopr taking use o COMPLERA share needles. unless Do not directed stop taking by yourC healthcare provider. See your heahealthcare thca e provider prov der regularly. See
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION IMPORTA Contact your healthcare provider Contact right away yourif you hea get thcare th provider following side i ht away effects if or conditions while taking COMPLERA: or c • Nausea, vomiting, unusual muscle • Na pain, s and/or a, vom weakness. ting, unus al These muscle may be ai signs of a buildup of acid in the blood signs(lactic of a bui acidosis), dup of acid which in isthea serious blood ( medical condition • Light-colored stools, dark-colored • Light-co ur ne, and/or ored iftoo your s, dark-colored skin or the whites urine,ofand/o your eyes turn yellow. These may be signs eyesoftur serious yel ow. liverhese problems may be (hepatotoxicity), signs of serio with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly), with ver andenl fat in rgement the liver(hepatomeg (steatosis) • If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B•virus f yo (HBV), have your HIV- liver and disease hepatit smay B irus s ddenly (HBV get worse if you stop taking COMPLERA get w Do rsenot if stop ou stop taking tak COMPLERA ng C MPLERA. without Do n first talking to your healthcare provider fi st talking Your healthcare to your he provider lthcare will rov monit der. Your your condition COMPLERA may affect the way other COMPLERA medicines maywork, affect and theother way medicin other meds may cine affect how COMPLERA works, andaffect may cause how COMPLERA serious side works, effects an
Do not take COMPLERA if you are Do taking not take he follow COMPL ng RA medicines: if you a • other HIV medicines (COMPLERA provides • ther HIV a complete medicin treatment s (COMPLERA for HIV pr infection.) vides a co fov dis oxil u ar te • the anti-seizure medicines carbamazepine • the ant -seizure (Ca batrol me®, Equ icinestroc®, bamazepi Tegretol®, e EMT ® ® ® Tegretol-XR Tegretol-XR , Teril®, Epitol®), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal Teril®,), phenobarbita pitol®) oxcarbazep (Luminal ne (Tri ), of r d s (Dilantin prox l fum®, Dilantin-125 rate) ® ® phenytoin , henytoin Phenytek(D ) gle tab et egi en o re t ® • the anti-tuberculosis medicines rifabutin • the anti-tuberculo (Myc butin), irifampin med ci (Rifater es rifabu , tak n H V ®me ici es ef ® e. ® ® ® ® Rifamate , Rimactane , Rifadin ) Rifamate and ifapentine Rimactane (Priftin ,) proton tpump cer ainpump stomacnh or b tor intestinal medic ne problems, or cert toapreve pass inhibitor ng H V medicine •fora proton including esomeprazole includ ®ng), esomeprazole (Nexium®®,), lansop azole (Prevacid latex o poly rethane (Nexium®, Vimovo ® ® omeprazole (Prilosec omeprazo e (Pri os ®), )rabeprazole pantoprazole sodium ), pantoprazole sodium (Protonix (Aciphex ) dy fluids and to never • more directed • more dexamethasone than 1 ose of the steroid medicine han 1 dose f theorstero d xamethaso d medic ne unless by your sodium la ly phosphate • St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) • St. ® • other medicines that contain tenofovi • other (VIREAD medici®, es TRUVADA that con®, ain ATRIPLA tenofov ) ® • other medicines that contain emtrici • other abine med or lamivudine cines that contain (EMTRIVA emt®, icitabine Combiviror , ® ® ® ® Epivir Epi ir ) or Epivir-HBV Epzicom , Triziv the fol owing s de eff , cts • rilpivirine (Edurant™) •ess adefovir The (HEPSERA e may be ®) )In which is s r ous addition, also tell your healthcare In addition pr vider also if y utell take: yo • an antacid medicine that contains aluminum, an antacid magnesium medicine that hydroxide, containsora calcium uminum
s i eTake w antacids tes y ur carbonate. at least 2carbonate hours before Take or at antacids least 4 at hours lea after t 2 hours you ro l ms (hepat take COMPLERA i ehistamine-2 (stea sis)blocker medicine, including ® •a • a histamine-2 famotidine blocker (Pepcid medici ), cimetidine e, includin r(Tagamet d sease ®m), nizatidine s dde y(Axid®), or ranitidine ® (Tagamethydrochl ), nizatidine ride (Zantac Axid®) ®o). ranitidine Take theseh ing COM LERleast w t12 hours ut before or medic nes at med at cines least 4athours least after 12 hours you take before COMPLERA or t leas rov der medicines ill moni o clarithromycin ® ® •are • the antib the antibiotic (Biaxin otic ),medicines ery hromy clarit in (E-Mycin romycin , Eryc (Biax®, ® ® ® Ery-Tab®, PCE®, Pediazole®, IlosoneEry Tab®troleandomycin ), and PCE®, Pediazole (TAO , Ilo) ® •an an antifungal by mouth,•including an antifungal fluconazole medic (Difl ne byucan mout ), ,itinc aconazole uding fl other me medicine icines may
® ® (Sporanox ), ketoconazole (Nizoral®(Sporanox ), posaconazol ), ke oc (Noxafi nazole l®), voriconazole N zoral ) posaconazo (Vfend®) de effects. ® • methadone (Dolophine )
This list of medicines is not complete. This Discuss l st of medic with your nes shealthcare not comp prov ete. Discuss der all prescription and nonprescription medi prescripti ines, nvitamins, and o or prescript herbal suppleme on medicinets you ,vt are taking or plan to take.
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January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
COMPLERA is a prescription medicine used as a complete single-tablet regimen to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV medicines before. COMPLERA does not cure HIV or AIDS or help prevent passing HIV to others.
New COMPLERA A complete HIV treatment in only 1 pill a day. Ask your healthcare provider if it’s the one for you.
Before taking COMPLERA, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection • have kidney problems • have ever had a mental health problem • have bone problems • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if COMPLERA can harm your unborn child • are breastfeeding; women with HIV should not breast-feed because they can pass HIV through their milk to the baby Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following serious or common side effects: Serious side effects associated with COMPLERA: • New or worse kidney problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. If you have had kidney problems in the past or take other medicines that can cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider may need to do blood tests to check your kidneys during your treatment with COMPLERA • Depression or mood changes can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms: feeling sad or hopeless, feeling anxious or restless, or if you have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself • Bone problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Bone problems include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do additional tests to check your bones • Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the main part of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The cause and long-term health effect of these conditions are not known • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider if you start having new symptoms after starting your HIV medicine
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Common side effects associated with COMPLERA: • trouble sleeping (insomnia), abnormal dreams, headache, dizziness, diarrhea,
nausea, rash, tiredness, and depression Other side effects associated with COMPLERA: • vomiting, stomach pain or discomfort, skin discoloration (small spots or freckles),
and pain Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of COMPLERA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Take COMPLERA exactly e as your healthcare provider tells you to take it • Always take COMPLERA with a meal. Taking COMPLERA with a meal is important to
help get the right amount of medicine in your body. A protein drink does not replace a meal • Stay under the care of your healthcare provider during treatment with COMPLERA and see your healthcare provider regularly
Please see Patient Informationn for COMPLERA on the following pages.
Learn more at www.COMPLERA.com
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FDA-Approved Patient Labeling Patient Information COMPLERA® (kom-PLEH-rah) (emtricitabine, rilpivirine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) Tablets
COMPLERA may help: • Reduce the amount of HIV in your blood. This is called your “viral load”. • Increase the number of white blood cells called CD4+ (T) cells that help fight off other infections.
Important: Ask your doctor or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with COMPLERA. For more information, see the section “What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking COMPLERA?”
Reducing the amount of HIV and increasing the CD4+ (T) cell count may improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections).
Read this Patient Information before you start taking COMPLERA and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. What is the most important information I should know about COMPLERA?
COMPLERA does not cure HIV infections or AIDS. • Always practice safer sex. • Use latex or polyurethane condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with any body fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. • Never re-use or share needles.
Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to prevent passing COMPLERA can cause serious side effects, including: 1. Build-up of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can happen in HIV to other people. some people who take COMPLERA or similar (nucleoside analogs) medicines. Lactic Who should not take COMPLERA? acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. • Do not take COMPLERA if your HIV infection has been previously treated with Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like HIV medicines. symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you • Do not take COMPLERA if you are taking certain other medicines. For more get any of the following symptoms which could be signs of lactic acidosis: information about medicines that must not be taken with COMPLERA, see “What • feeling very weak or tired should I tell my healthcare provider before taking COMPLERA?” • have unusual (not normal) muscle pain • have trouble breathing What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking COMPLERA? • have stomach pain with Before you take COMPLERA, tell your healthcare provider if you: - nausea (feel sick to your stomach) • have liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection - vomiting • have kidney problems • feel cold, especially in your arms and legs • have ever had a mental health problem • feel dizzy or lightheaded • have bone problems • have a fast or irregular heartbeat • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if COMPLERA can harm your unborn child Pregnancy Registry. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiviral medicines during pregnancy. Its purpose is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms • are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. The Centers for Disease Control and of liver problems: Prevention recommends that mothers with HIV not breastfeed because they can pass • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice). the HIV through their milk to the baby. It is not known if COMPLERA can pass through • dark “tea-colored” urine your breast milk and harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best • light-colored bowel movements (stools) way to feed your baby. • loss of appetite for several days or longer Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription • nausea and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. • stomach pain 2. Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems can happen in people who take COMPLERA or similar medicines. In some cases these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your liver (steatosis) when you take COMPLERA.
You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are COMPLERA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking COMPLERA or a similar affect how COMPLERA works, and may cause serious side effects. If you take certain medicines with COMPLERA, the amount of COMPLERA in your body may be too low and medicine containing nucleoside analogs for a long time. it may not work to help control your HIV infection. The HIV virus in your body may become 3. Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. If you also have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection resistant to COMPLERA or other HIV medicines that are like it. and you stop taking COMPLERA, your HBV infection may become worse (flare-up). A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Do not take COMPLERA if you also take these medicines: COMPLERA is not approved for the treatment of HBV, so you must discuss your HBV • COMPLERA provides a complete treatment for HIV infection. Do not take other HIV medicines with COMPLERA. therapy with your healthcare provider. • the anti-seizure medicines carbamazepine (CARBATROL®, EQUETRO®, TEGRETOL®, • Do not let your COMPLERA run out. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare TEGRETOL-XR®, TERIL®, EPITOL®), oxcarbazepine (TRILEPTAL®), phenobarbital provider before your COMPLERA is all gone. (LUMINAL®), phenytoin (DILANTIN®, DILANTIN-125®, PHENYTEK®) • Do not stop taking COMPLERA without first talking to your healthcare provider. ® ® • If you stop taking COMPLERA, your healthcare provider will need to check your health • the anti-tuberculosis medicines rifabutin (MYCOBUTIN ), rifampin (RIFATER , RIFAMATE®, RIMACTANE®, RIFADIN®) and rifapentine (PRIFTIN®) often and do regular blood tests to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking • a proton pump inhibitor medicine for certain stomach or intestinal problems, including esomeprazole (NEXIUM®, VIMOVO®), lansoprazole (PREVACID®), omeprazole COMPLERA. (PRILOSEC®), pantoprazole sodium (PROTONIX®), rabeprazole (ACIPHEX®) • more than 1 dose of the steroid medicine dexamethasone or dexamethasone sodium What is COMPLERA? COMPLERA is a prescription HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) medicine that: phosphate • is used to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV medicines before. HIV is the • St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). If you are taking COMPLERA, you should not take: • contains 3 medicines, (rilpivirine, emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) • other medicines that contain tenofovir (VIREAD®, TRUVADA®, ATRIPLA®) combined in one tablet. EMTRIVA and VIREAD are HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency • other medicines that contain emtricitabine or lamivudine (EMTRIVA®, COMBIVIR®, virus) nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and EDURANT is an EPIVIR® or EPIVIR-HBV®, EPZICOM®, TRIZIVIR®) HIV-1 non-nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). • rilpivirine (EDURANT™) It is not known if COMPLERA is safe and effective in children under the age of 18 years. • adefovir (HEPSERA®)
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January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Also tell your healthcare provider if you take: The most common side effects of COMPLERA include: • an antacid medicine that contains aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or calcium • trouble sleeping (insomnia) carbonate. Take antacids at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after you take • abnormal dreams COMPLERA. • headache • a histamine-2 blocker medicine, including famotidine (PEPCID®), cimetidine • dizziness (TAGAMET®), nizatidine (AXID®), or ranitidine hydrochloride (ZANTAC®). Take these • diarrhea medicines at least 12 hours before or at least 4 hours after you take COMPLERA. • nausea • the antibiotic medicines clarithromycin (BIAXIN®), erythromycin (E-MYCIN®, ERYC®, • rash ERY-TAB®, PCE®, PEDIAZOLE®, ILOSONE®), and troleandomycin (TAO®) • tiredness • an antifungal medicine by mouth, including fluconazole (DIFLUCAN®), itraconazole (SPORANOX®), ketoconazole (NIZORAL®), posaconazole (NOXAFIL®), voriconazole • depression (VFEND®) Additional common side effects include: • methadone (DOLOPHINE®) • vomiting Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if your medicine is • stomach pain or discomfort • skin discoloration (small spots or freckles) one that is listed above. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your • pain healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. Your healthcare provider and your pharmacist can tell you if you can take these medicines with COMPLERA. Do not start any new medicines while you are taking COMPLERA without first talking with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that can interact with COMPLERA. How should I take COMPLERA? • Stay under the care of your healthcare provider during treatment with COMPLERA. • Take COMPLERA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. • Always take COMPLERA with a meal. Taking COMPLERA with a meal is important to help get the right amount of medicine in your body. A protein drink does not replace a meal. • Do not change your dose or stop taking COMPLERA without first talking with your healthcare provider. See your healthcare provider regularly while taking COMPLERA. • If you miss a dose of COMPLERA within 12 hours of the time you usually take it, take your dose of COMPLERA with a meal as soon as possible. Then, take your next dose of COMPLERA at the regularly scheduled time. If you miss a dose of COMPLERA by more than 12 hours of the time you usually take it, wait and then take the next dose of COMPLERA at the regularly scheduled time. • Do not take more than your prescribed dose to make up for a missed dose. • When your COMPLERA supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. It is very important not to run out of COMPLERA. The amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. • If you take too much COMPLERA, contact your local poison control center or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. What are the possible side effects of COMPLERA? COMPLERA may cause the following serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about COMPLERA?” • New or worse kidney problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. If you have had kidney problems in the past or take other medicines that can cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider may need to do blood tests to check your kidneys during your treatment with COMPLERA. • Depression or mood changes. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms: - feeling sad or hopeless - feeling anxious or restless - have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself • Bone problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Bone problems include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do additional tests to check your bones. • Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the main part of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The cause and long term health effect of these conditions are not known. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider if you start having new symptoms after starting your HIV medicine.
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of COMPLERA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088). How do I store COMPLERA? • Store COMPLERA at room temperature 77 °F (25 °C). • Keep COMPLERA in its original container and keep the container tightly closed. • Do not use COMPLERA if the seal over the bottle opening is broken or missing. Keep COMPLERA and all other medicines out of reach of children. General information about COMPLERA: Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use COMPLERA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give COMPLERA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. This leaflet summarizes the most important information about COMPLERA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about COMPLERA that is written for health professionals. For more information, call (1-800-445-3235) or go to www.COMPLERA.com. What are the ingredients of COMPLERA? Active ingredients: emtricitabine, rilpivirine hydrochloride, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate Inactive ingredients: pregelatinized starch, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, povidone, polysorbate 20. The tablet film coating contains polyethylene glycol, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, triacetin, titanium dioxide, iron oxide red, FD&C Blue #2 aluminum lake, FD&C Yellow #6 aluminum lake. This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Manufactured and distributed by: Gilead Sciences, Inc. Foster City, CA 94404 Issued: August 2011 COMPLERA, the COMPLERA Logo, EMTRIVA, HEPSERA, TRUVADA, VIREAD, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. or its related companies. ATRIPLA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2011 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. 202123-GS-000 02AUG2011 CON11250 11/11
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HIV News
HIV and the Value of Gay Men By Alex Garner, Editor-at-Large of Positive Frontiers
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re the majority of the people living with HIV in this country heterosexual or gay/bisexual men? Why should it matter? Last month, the Florida Department of Health released an online campaign entitled, “The Faces of HIV.” It’s a great campaign that will do well to reduce stigma and expand the perception of who is living with HIV. The campaign is fresh, dynamic and friendly but it also came with a major “Oops moment” for the Florida Department of Health. In the campaign video, one of the participants said, “The majority of people, in this country, living with HIV are heterosexual.” That statement is factually incorrect. It’s factually incorrect and yet in all the reviews and post-production, that glaring mistake still got by everyone in the Florida Health Department. How did that happen? Here is the most accurate information from the Centers for Disease Control.
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At the end of 2006, more than half (53%) of all people living with HIV in the United States were MSM (men who have sex with men) or MSM-IDU (IV drug users). Since the beginning of the US epidemic, MSM have consistently represented the largest percentage of persons diagnosed with AIDS and persons with an AIDS diagnosis who have died. Now, to their credit, the Florida Department of Health took swift action when this inaccuracy was brought to their attention. Their efforts to address the issue and reedit the video are commendable. The old video is no longer online and the new reedit is up and running and can be seen below. It’s always worth noting when a department of public health realizes they made a mistake and takes steps to rectify the situation. I applaud the efforts of the Florida Department of Health and in no way do I want to take away from the value of this wonderful campaign. But the question still remains. How did this get by a department of health and why does it matter that it did?
CDC Stats on Gay Men
of the guilty ones who should be lucky to get any help at all. Not enough people were willing to say gay men are dying, and that should be enough. Gay men who are of value and who are husbands, sons, brothers, fathers, friends or just that nice guy from the coffee shop. A valuable culture and a community were devastated and that alone should have been enough for and HIV the entire country to be up in arms. But it wasn’t. Our community was the most severely impacted and often we but had to go it alone or account with grossly inadequate for 53% support. All of this, the good and the bad, it’s of the epidemic. our legacy and when we disown HIV from our legacy, not only do we do a disservice to who we are, but we do direct harm to our community’s present and future. HIV is not a gay disease physiologically but it is a gay disease culturally. We are allowed to admit that. I remember how a firestorm of controversy was created when the LA Gay and Lesbian Center launched a campaign that said “HIV Is A Gay Disease.” They urged the community to own it and end it but many could only react with outrage. HIV is an intrinsic part of our experience as gay men. It’s there every time we turn the lights out or take our pants off. It’s there when on dates or online and in most major US cities, 1 in 5 gay men have HIV. It creates fear, anxiety, guilt and shame and these are profound issues for gay men. When talking about HIV it’s crucial to understand how various communities are being impacted. The “Faces Of HIV” campaign effectively expands the idea of who is living with this disease. Anyone can contract it. We understand the science. But we can’t fully understand this epidemic unless we understand how it’s impacting various communities- people of color, women, young gay men of color, transgender people, poor people, just to name a few. And then, of course, there are gay men: 2% of the population but 53% of the epidemic. HIV is something we deal with everyday, individually and collectively. It’s our past and it’s our present. It’s who we are. There is no shaming in owning it. The majority of people living with HIV in the US are gay men. Gay men from all ethnicities, religions and cultures. Ours are stories of death and loss, struggle and defiance, survival and triumph. This is our experience. This is our legacy.
53%
2% Gay men make up 2% of the U.S. population . . . Jessica Hammonds, the Press Secretary for the Florida Department of Health, referred to the mistake as a “slip up” which they have now corrected. But I can’t help wonder what if this had never been brought to their attention? I understand that no department of health wants to dwell on its mistakes but I believe this is a perfect opportunity for a teachable moment. Why does it matter if the majority of people living with HIV in the US are gay and bisexual / Men who have sex with men (MSM)? Firstly, the facts matter. Understanding the facts around HIV is vital to treating and preventing this epidemic. If the government and trusted organizations put out misinformation it can be dangerous to the community at large and it degrades the integrity of such institutions. According to the CDC, gay men are 2% of the population yet we are the only group in which “new infections have increased steadily” since the early 90s. We are the majority of people living with HIV and we are the majority of the deaths from AIDS. This is why the CDC refers to us as the most “severely affected” population. All of this matters because the lives of gay, bisexual and transgender people have value. In the early days of the epidemic it seems as if, out of desperation, despair and homophobia, some people in our community decided it would be an effective strategy to distance gay from HIV. They understood that our government didn’t value the lives of LGBT people so they had to find a way to get resources and attention to a community that was being blamed for the disease. Instead of standing firm and declaring that the lives of gay men matter, many people found it strategically expedient to call attention to the perceived “innocents” of the disease. This, in turn, created the perception
This article was reprinted with permission from Positive Frontiers. Visit PositiveFrontiers.com for more information.
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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SFGN BRIEFS ‘Homophobic’ Nurse Removed From Hospital
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he Dallas VA Medical Center recently announced the removal of a nurse practitioner accused of harassing a lesbian Marine veteran after nearly 20,000 people joined a campaign on Change.org, the world’s fastest-growing platform for social change. Esther Garatie, a former Marine Lance Corporal who was wounded and honorably discharged, was seeking treatment for severe depression and possible posttraumatic stress disorder when nurse practitioner Lincy Pandithurai allegedly told her the reason she was depressed and contemplating suicide was because she is a lesbian. “She sat down and looked at me, and her first question was, ‘Are you a lesbian?’” Garatie said in a personal statement written one day after the incident and published by the Dallas Voice. “Her second question to me was, ‘Have you asked God into your heart? Have you been saved by Jesus Christ?’” Garatie sought the advice of her friend Jessica Gerson, a social work graduate student at Tulane University, who launched a campaign on Change.org to support the veteran. Within a few weeks, thousands of people had joined the campaign, which received coverage from the Dallas Morning News, Dallas Observer, Dallas Voice, and other major news outlets. Monica Smith, a spokeswoman for the VA Medical Center, confirmed to Change.org in an email that the Dallas VA has terminated the employment of nurse practitioner Lincy Pandithurai. “The board was able to substantiate material portions of the veteran’s claims,” Smith said. “VA North Texas Health Care System will continue to provide an environment where veterans can receive the physical and emotional healing that they desire and deserve.
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All-Star Cast Announced for West Coast Premiere of “8”
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he American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) and Broadway Impact announced an all-star cast for the West Coast premiere of “8,” a play chronicling the historic trial in the federal constitutional challenge to California’s Proposition 8, written by Academy Awardwinning screenwriter and AFER Founding Board Member Dustin Lance Black and directed by acclaimed actor and director and AFER Founding Board Member Rob Reiner. “8” is an detailed account of the Federal District Court trial in Perry v. Schwarzenegger (now Perry v. Brown), the case filed by AFER to overturn Proposition 8, which stripped gay and lesbian Californians of the freedom to marry.
George Clooney
Black, who penned the Academy Awardwinning feature film Milk and the new critically-acclaimed film J. Edgar, based “8” on the actual words of the trial transcripts, first-hand observations of the courtroom drama and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families. “8” is set to have its West Coast premiere at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre on Saturday, March 3, 2012, in Los Angeles, for an exclusive, one-night-only fundraiser to benefit AFER.
“This play will continue to show Americans—one by one—that prejudice and fear cannot stand up to truth and justice,” said AFER Board President Chad Griffin. The cast will include George Clooney, Martin Sheen, Christine Lahti, Jamie Lee Curtis, Matthew Morrison, Matt Bomer, Jane Lynch, and Rob Reiner. Learn more about the play at www.8theplay.com and AFER.org for more info about the American Foundation for Equal Rights.
Sexual Stress Impacts Mental Health of Older Gay Men
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exual minority stress, along with aging-related stress, jeopardizes the mental health of midlife and older gay men, according to a new study published by the American Journal of Public Health. In the study, sexual minority stress included the men’s perceptions that they needed to conceal their sexual orientation or that others were uncomfortable with or avoided them because of their sexual orientation. The study also found that legal marriage for same-sex couples may confer a unique protective effect against poor mental health. Having a same-sex domestic partner or same-sex spouse boosted the emotional health of the studied men, but having a same-sex legal spouse appeared to be the most beneficial relationship arrangement. Said lead author Richard G. Wight, MPH, PhD, Associate Researcher at the Department of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, and Visiting Scholar of Public Policy at the Williams Institute at UCLA: “This study shines a light on the mental health of a generation of gay men who survived the early years of the AIDS crisis and came of age on the heels of the gay rights movement. Whether legal marriage benefits mental health within same-sex couples in the way it has been proven to benefit different-sex couples deserves much more empirical attention, particularly given that same-sex marriage is not available in most states and was only briefly available in California in 2008.”
Advocacy Awards Won by Welts and Parker
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ut & Equal Workplace Advocates has selected Rick Welts, President and Chief of Operations of the Golden State Warriors, and Houston Mayor Annise Parker with 2012 Out & Equal Advocacy Awards. The awards will be presented to Welts and Parker at the Out & Equal Leadership Celebration on Wednesday, March 14 at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco. Rick Welts is the first openly gay executive of a professional sports team. He publicly came out in an interview with the New York Times in 2011. “Mr. Welts showed incredible courage by coming out in the world of professional sports,” said Selisse Berry, Founding Executive Director of Out & Equal. “He was at the top of his game, decided to take a gamble, and won.” Annise Parker is the first openly lesbian mayor of any major U.S. city. “Mayor Parker showed an immense amount of integrity in running for mayor in Houston as an open lesbian. Her election shows the amazing progress that has taken place across the United States. Out & Equal wants to honor Parker’s important impact by being out and a leader,” said Berry.
Teens of Lesbian Parents Just as Happy
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he quality of life of 17-year-olds reared in lesbian-parent families did not differ from that of a matched group of adolescents who grew up in heterosexual-parent families, according to a new study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. “Consistently, over the past three decades, researchers have found that the daughters and sons of same-sex parents are psychologically well-adjusted. And now our new data demonstrate that 17-year-olds raised from birth by lesbian mothers are as happy as their peers,” said lead author Loes van Gelderen, MSc, University of Amsterdam. The study also found, among teens with lesbian mothers, no difference in quality of life based on donor status (whether they had been conceived by known or unknown donors), experienced stigmatization (whether or not they had experienced discrimination), or maternal relationship continuity (whether their mothers were still together or had separated). For more information about the NLLFS, visit www.nllfs.org
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Chicago Beating Prompts Online AntiBullying Campaign
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ore than 15,000 people have joined a campaign on Change. org calling on Chicago Public Schools to improve their anti-bullying policy after video of a teenager being beaten by his peers went viral online. Timothy Hwang, who runs a youth advocacy organization called the National Youth Association, launched the campaign on Change. org after video footage showing the violent attack went viral on the internet earlier this month.The video was taken down by YouTube but has been viewed more than 800,000 times on the World Star Hip Hop site. “This video shows an extreme example of a young person being senselessly attacked,” said Timothy Hwang. “Actions needs to be taken to ensure that incidents
Local News
Second Annual Summit for HIV/AIDS Research
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he Florida Consortium for HIV/ AIDS Research (FCHAR) conducted its second annual summit in Orlando on Jan. 9. Sixty prominent researchers from around the state gathered to advance a collaborative HIV/AIDS research agenda. Seventeen expert presenters participated in four audience-interactive panels covering ethics and three types of HIV/AIDS studies; clinical trials, epidemiological/behavioral investigations and basic science research. “We are in the process of demonstrating that through collaboration, rather than self-interest, greater HIV/AIDS research resources may be attracted to the state,” said Spencer Lieb, MPH, HIV/AIDS Research Coordinator for The AIDS Institute, “The aim is to discover new evidence-based interventions for HIV prevention and treatment, and to approach the discovery of cures and a vaccine that work, through collaborations that cross traditional boundaries.” Jeffrey Beal, MD, co-founder of FCHAR and Clinical Director of the Florida/Caribbean AIDS Education and Training Center added, “These are ambitious but achievable goals, given enough talent and will, which are clearly in abundance in this group.” FCHAR is the scientific arm of The AIDS Institute, a nonprofit organization founded in Florida, with a focus on policy, research, advocacy and education. The Consortium
like this don’t happen again. Young people who engage in this type of bullying and violence need to learn about the impact their actions have on others.” Hwang’s petition asks Chicago Public Schools to involve students in developing anti-bullying policies in order to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. John Lechuga, the Chicago Director for the National Youth Association, says the petition will raise awareness of the need for youth to be involved in discussions around bullying policies. “This is a petition about maintaining safe communities in Chicago and beyond,” Lechuga said. “Chicago schools have an opportunity here to bring young people to the table and set an example for other cities to follow when it comes to ending bullying in schools.” Visit http://chn.ge/wQI28z to sign the petition.
currently comprises 116 members who account for more than 400 recent and ongoing HIV-related studies. The researchers represent seven universities and 12 other research entities across the state, which include researchers from the private sector. Florida HIV-related researchers interested in joining FCHAR, and those wanting more information about the group can contact Spencer Lieb, MPH, at SLieb@TheAIDSInstitute.orgor 850-408-4512.Visit the FCHAR website at www.FCHAR.org, and The AIDS Institute website at www.TheAIDSInstitute.org.
Delray Beach Extends Benefits to Same-Sex Couples
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he Delray Beach City Commission voted unanimously to amend the City’s Family and Medical Leave Policy to allow city employees to use family and medical leave to care for their domestic partners in the same manner married employees may use it to care for their spouses. “With this action, the City of Delray Beach now offers employees with domestic partners virtually all of the same family benefits it provides to married employees,” said Palm Beach County Human Rights Council President Rand Hoch, “The pro-family domestic partnership policies in Delray Beach are among the most progressive in the State of Florida.” More public employers in Palm Beach County provide domestic partnership benefits than in any of Florida’s other sixty-six counties.
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
6 Closeted Gay Cities Inside The Advocate’s Selections
By Tana Velen
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re you a gay city and not ready to admit it? Maybe you have more gay couples living in you than you’re willing to concede (also known as the Grace Adler syndrome)? Or maybe you’re a gay city that passes for a straight one because you don’t use hair products and have anti-gay legislation? Well it’s time to let go of old fashioned ideals and the fear of being different. Let’s show the world that you are a gay city and Proud! Below are a few of the more surprising cities that the Advocate wrote about in their Gayest Cities of 2012 article. Although you might not suspect these cities as being friends of Dorothy, they have made a name for themselves in the gay community by being open and tolerant of various lifestyles. Such accepting locations deserve acknowledgement. Long Beach, California. They don’t call it Long Beach for nothing. While it doesn’t go around wearing ruby slippers or flashing rainbow-colored neon signs of fabulousness like some other gay cities in California coughSanFranciscocough that doesn’t mean Long
Beach is lacking in gay bars and pride fests. In fact, it has one of the largest pride celebrations anywhere. They even have a haunted ship named, of all things, the Queen Mary. Portland, Oregon. Portland might be better known for its hipster culture and indie music scene but who do you think first rocked the skinny jean and deep neon-colored V-neck? Certainly no straight guy would be that fashion forward thinking. It might not have a gay-designated district, but Portland makes up for that by its fantastic art scene and a gay club called the Silverado open 365 days a year. Because Christmas just isn’t Christmas without cowboy junk swaying rhythmically in your face. Little Rock, Arkansas. Little Rock is more than a little gay. Although they have all the regular requirements for a gay city: a predominately gay district called The River Mar-
ket and plenty of bars, it offers one additional feature for those who think of Mary as a religious figure and not (1) a bloody delicious morning cocktail or (2) gay slang. Many of the churches in Little Rock are so gay friendly they even actively advertise themselves that way. Hallelujah!
Come out, come out, Fort Lauderdale! Knoxville, Tennessee. You’d never know it by their government or absurd legislature (the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill comes to mind that forbids the use of the word “gay” or addressing “gay” culture in elementary and middle schools) but there are places in Tennessee where being gay isn’t looked down upon. In fact, Knoxville has a host of gay bars and gay-
friendly churches. It just goes to show you that where there are haters, there are subcultures to counter-balance those haters and create a welcoming environment for all. Atlanta, Georgia. Gettin’ down in the ATL ain’t just for breeders anymore! Called the “gay capitol of the South” Atlanta has such places as Swinging Richards, an all-male all-nude strip club. Hotlanta even incorporates school pride by having a gay sports bar called Woofs (in tribute to the University of Georgia Bulldogs). It’s not all about the men, though. There is an online community called Labrys Atlanta which focuses on culture from the lesbian point of view. Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This should come as a surprise to no one who resides in Fort Lauderdale, especially those living around Wilton Manors, but it’s nice to see our city get some national recognition for the prospering gay community it fosters. Fort Lauderdale offers everything from gay clubs to gay restaurants, churches, and organizations. Although Key West is certainly known for being the flashier of gay cities in Florida, Fort Lauderdale offers a year-round neighborhood catered to gays.
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January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
WALK-INS EMERGENCIES
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SPORTS
South Florida Chapter of Gay Polo League ‘Wants You!’ By Michael Anguille
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o need for a horse, gear or even to be formally trained: if you’re LGBT, there’s a spot for you. Not at some activists gathering or a march for rights, but on the back of a horse – playing polo. That’s right, The South Florida chapter of the Gay Polo League is searching for members. The South Florida team practices in Wellington and Palm Beach. Each team consists of 5 players and a single alternate. All of the players range in age from their twenties to over 60. South Florida happens to be a great place for recruitment. “Not only do the players have access to some of the best facilities in the World in South Florida – between having both indoor and outdoor
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practice fields in Wellington and Boca – but no participant is turned away and it doesn’t matter your level of experience. You can play,” says GPL founder Chip McKinney, 54. The GPL has been around for 5 years and is entering its sixth season of play – its season runs from the end of January to the beginning of November. It continues to grow not just nationwide, but worldwide as well – especially in terms of recognition without boundaries. “We are the only gay polo league that sends teams to compete in non gay tournaments – and are recognized like that of any other team – throughout the world.” The South Florida chapter is one of four regional teams in the GPL. The other locales
include Los Angeles, Sa n Fra ncisco, a nd New York. “There are currently 40 active members between all of the teams coming from the US, Canada, Argentina, Australia and even Shanghai. We’re gaining tremendous momentum as we go in to our sixth season,” McKinney says. Indeed, t hat momentum is especially relevant to the South F lor ida chapter as Phil Tremo, one of the leagues players and spokesmen, states. “We have access to the best of the best in terms of horse facilities here in South Florida. Wellington is amazing, Boca Raton is fantastic, and they’re all horse oriented in terms of the space they have to offer and willing to let us play. They really haven’t put restrictions on us,” he says. In addition to playing in two league specific tournaments – one which takes place in February in Indio, CA and the other in April in Wellington, – members have the opportunity to train with professionals from around the world and participate in tournaments which are equally far reaching. As McKenney adds, recognition of the GPL has spread far beyond the states. “We’ve now been invited to compete in tournaments as far away as Thailand and Scotland – and with no emphasis on us being a ‘gay’ polo league.” “We’ve helped build a name for this prestigious sport and it’s also a worldwide sport and the rest of the countries have taken notice based on our recruitment of players from other countries and, now, these coveted initiations,” he adds. Besides becoming a world traveler, a learned polo professional and a member of a team, Tremo adds this reason for joining:
“Because we’re breaking down the boundaries. We’re the only gay polo league I know of in the world and we’re recognized. Indeed they are. And just not for being gay. For being a team – like any other team – they are recognized for ability and as McKinney is quick to add, “Gay, straight, nobody asks questions because everyone loves the sport. And the sport is what makes the opportunity so golden. Not everyone plays it, and perhaps some are dissuaded because it’s not as popular as it could be in the states, but we’re growing and we encourage anyone to come on out and just have a good time without being judged here or on the tournament stage.” Members of the GPL pay a fee of $250-$500/ year and are all trained equally and offered the same participation and membership benefits of all other players. Visit GayPolo.com for more information. Michael Anguille is a correspondent for the SFGN and encourages all feedback on his stories. He can be reached via E-mail at Manguill@gmail.com or on his cell phone at (561)573-8499.
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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January 25, 2012
Republican Presidential Candidates Offer Chaos
Norm Kent, Publisher
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ewt Gingrich has decided to launch in his generation were protesting the Vietnam a campaign for the presidency by War, Romney was an activist defending it? Of campaigning against CNN and the course not, and no he did not serve. He beliberal media. Booted out of the House Re- came a missionary instead. He still is, but his publican leadership a decade ago not by Wolf mission is to take hold of a White House that Blitzer, but by his own party and colleagues, will never embrace LGBT rights. The best you he now wants to make it seem like his dishon- can say about Romney is that while he does not hate gays, he hates all the judges who have esty yesterday does not matter today. No one cares that Newt may have had 19 judicially secured rights for us. The viable Republican candidates are uniwives and a harem in his Washington, D.C. apartment. But this is the same guy that want- formly opposed to advancing LGBT causes, ed Bill Clinton out of his office for his sexual and some are actually running against us. infidelity. He says the media is biased? May- Meanwhile, Gingrich likes marriage so much be, but not the way he thinks. Has he seen Fox he has tried it three times. Santorum comes to South Florida to talk News lately? and his biggest supporter Whining conservative greeting him turns out to crybabies keep on forgetbe our loving friend, the ting that it is the rightformer Fort Lauderdale wing Rush Limbaughs mayor, Jim Naugle. who control syndicated Fred Karger, an anonAM talk radio show airymous gay Republican waves. On local stations candidate, is profiled on as well, there are a wealth our front page. It is marof right wing hosts infectvelous that a gay man has ing day parts with Allen tried to claim the Oval OfWest sycophants and the fice for a living room, but Dr. Lauras of the world. Newt Gingrich having spent his life in Every major network focused their news coverage on Houston when the closet defending values inconsistent with 150 Evangelicals gathered there two weeks ago LGBT causes, he might have better begun his to endorse Rick Santorum. You would think political career as a candidate for City Comthe Earth was shaken by their testimonials. mission rather than President of the United Every August in Seattle 150,000 kids get to- States. Let us at least applaud his courage and gether to ask for the decriminalization of mar- drive in advancing nationally an agenda conijuana in their annual hempfest, and it barely siderate of LGBT causes. If only the powers gets a footnote in the national press. Appar- that be had let him into some of the debates, ently, even the ‘liberal’ media prefers Hous- we might have heard a diverse opinion. Unfortunately, from the exclusion of Gary ton and evangelicals to pot. Actually, as these candidates gather to discuss the right of the Johnson to the exorcism of Jon Huntsman, states to regulate marriage and their own af- the Republicans are not embracing diversifairs, it would be nice to hear what each person ty. They are demanding allegiance to an outthought of the federal raids on state licensed dated provincialism, which is oblivious to the melting pot America has now become. From medical marijuana dispensaries. Listening to this choir of would be GOP attacking immigrants to occupiers, they want presidential candidates; it is hard to believe a return to the past, not a door to the future. An example was when Gingrich was asked this is 2012. When you hear them talk about LGBT rights, it is as if they are dissecting a to comment on the incredible social dynamfrog they don’t want their fingers to touch; ics of the ground swelling ‘Occupy’ movelike it has nothing to do with them. You might ment in America. Instead of addressing the as well be listening to Southern white poli- seeds of national discontent that have left ticians in the 1950’s telling you where they people on city streets in tents, all Gingrich thought Negroes fit into society. You just don’t could say is that ‘they need a bath.’ It was an see any of these guys standing up to white attractive sound bite for the evening news, only water fountains, and as for Ron Paul, he but that type of bias and bitterness does not would simply say the government has no busi- belong in the White House. Neither does ness spending any money on water fountains. any of the Republican candidates who have Is it surprising to learn that while most kids emerged thus far.
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Queer Speak
21st Century Quotes on Gay Rights Reporter: “You’ve been very vocal lately about gay rights, and I was just curious,What’s your opinion of Mitt Romney since he appears to be the frontrunner for the Republicans and he’s been pretty anti-gay.” George Clooney: “Well, I’m not much concerned until there’s an actual nominee… but I think it’s the wrong side of history. I think everyone sort of understands it might be the last leg of the civil rights movement. I do believe that. So I think that at some point, It’s certainly not the wedge issue it was in 2004, so that’s a good sign. So those are important things to me, I think.”
Nicolas Genin
SFGN Editorial
Letter to the Editor
Reactions on the Web to SFGN’s “Cops Accused of Entrapping Gay Men”
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ust read about this on the Sun Sentinel web site. I played softball in some of those parks for years and no gay people ever bothered us. Matter of fact one gay guy saved the life of one of our players with CPR one afternoon. If there were cops there, they did nothing. This is just a crock, how they can do this is unreal. tylerlee
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s someone who lives and works in Palm Beach and an individual who goes to the parks for recreation, relaxation, running, and enjoying nature, and has done so for 20 years, I have never once encountered lewd or offensive conduct by other gay men, and nor have I ever seen people accosted. This cop sting is discrimination at its worst. Greg G
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o, the taxpayers of Palm Beach are paying the salary of an undercover cop whose sole job is to dress scantily in tank tops and shorts, and then squat in front of men’s crotches and says “I like to suck.” Is his official title “County Cocktease”? Detective Lazar’s mother must be very proud of him. Ed
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hen I lived in Sidney there was such a lot of entrapment going on that the teacher’s union in Me bourne warned their male members not to use public toilets as the police were using the old practice of standing at the urinal playing with themselves and when the man alongside wondering what was going on looked over he was hauled in for lewd behavior and as far as I can remember this haul included mostly straight men. It all came to a head when the son of a barrister was arrested the night before his wedding while using a toilet and the judge said that if he had any more of these cases brought before him he would see that the policeman was charged also! My friend Richard used to sit outside a notorious public toilet in Sidney and warn gays that there was a policeman inside! This is all from memory but reading the article brought it all back to me! Apart from anything else one should ask why the police don’t leave the banks open to catch thieves or dress policewomen up as sluts and tell them to lie around in the park trying to get raped. John
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his is a very significnat article, but it didn’t go far enough? There is a social behavoiral dysfunction of the two officers and anyone that desires to “hang out” in order to harasss and perpetuate mental violence against another person(s). It’s a bullying syndrome. Too bad SFGN was not able to dwell into that realm, maybe next time. You also were too kind reffering to double standard and homphobia of law enforcement that doesn’t imperil heterosexuals with the same abuse of law enforcement, and waste of tax dollars! daviddavid
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
McNaught’s Notes
Tonto and the Lone Ranger in the Men’s Room
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y friends waited outside the movie theater for me as I finished washing my hands in the men’s restroom. As I was leaving, I watched an older man back up from the urinal and turn toward the sink. His knees didn’t work well and he was struggling for balance. I was going to step in and offer to help until I noted another older man standing by watching his friend with loving concern. I lingered and watched them stand side by said in front of the mirror. “Now that’s a wonderful look of love I see,” I said to them, and to the other men in the restroom. “It reflects 56 years of being together,” the more physically able of the two responded with a big grin. “Good for you,” I replied. “Ray and I are just babies at 35 years.” “Oh, no,” he said. “You understand.” I held the door from them as they exited the theater, and announced to Ray and my friends, Tom and Susan, that these two men had been together for fifty-six years. We all made a big fuss over them, which undoubtedly brought smiles as they talked together about the experience on the ride home. Next year will be the 80th anniversary of The Lone Ranger, a radio program that was launched on January 30, 1933 at WXYZ in Detroit. In the eleventh episode, the writer, Fran Striker, added the Native American character, Tonto, “so that the Lone Ranger would have someone to talk to,” he told his son. Almost everyone my age is intimately familiar with the story of the masked man and “his faithful Indian companion,” who rode the Wild West “searching for justice and truth.” Younger people will be introduced to the story in 2013 when the film is released, starring Johnny Depp as Tonto. Hopefully, they will then hear the term “ke-mo sah-bee,” often uttered by Tonto to the Lone Ranger, which translated means, “trusted friend.” The two gay life-partners in the restroom were in each other’s lives as trusted friends so that they would have someone to talk to. It was the need for companionship that brought them together, just as it was Ray’s and my need for companionship that brought us together. At one time, we called ourselves lovers. I think a better description is “ke-mo sah-bee.” Yesterday, at the Stonewall Museum, I met with three gay men who have cancer. They were members of Gilda’s Club, a national organization started by actor Gene Wilder, in memory of his wife, the actress Gilda Rad-
ner, to provide support for people whose lives have been impacted by the disease. My three new friends each were dealing with different forms of cancer. One man, in a body brace, had breast cancer that was eating away at the bones in his spine. Another of the men had lung cancer. The third man had prostate cancer that had moved into other areas of his body. They met with me to get a personal tour of our gifts from LGBT celebrities. None of the gay men had life partners with whom they could talk, but they had each other. They joined as gay members of Gilda’s Club for companionship. In it, they found trusted friends who would talk, cry, and laugh with them on a regular basis about the challenges each faced because of the word that was once as unmentionable as homosexuality. None of them were allowing themselves to be lone rangers. Not everyone is interested in committing themselves to long-term, constant companionship, such as the Lone Ranger and Tonto. Some people like to live alone. But I’ve never
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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By Brian McNaught
met anyone who didn’t want a trusted friend. Everyone I know wants, and has found, someone to talk to, even if it’s their florist or the check-our person at the grocery store. Sometimes, during Ray’s afternoon nap, I will look at him lying still, and imagine him looking the same way in a casket. When I do so, my entire body feels dread. I try to imagine who I will ever want to talk to as I want to talk with him every day. During these moments, loneliness hovers over me like the death eaters in the Harry Potter series. Despite how awful it feels, I allow myself to imagine Ray’s not being in my life, because it reminds me how lucky I am to have him,
and of how important it is to say to Ray as often as I can, “I love you. You’re my best friend.” The Pope and Rick Santorum have both made headlines in the past week about how destructive “gay marriage” is to humankind. Both of them would permanently prohibit gay and lesbian people everywhere in the world from enjoying marriage equality. I wish both Pope Benedict XVI and Republican presidential-hopeful, Rick Santorum, had been washing their hands in the Gateway movie theater restroom the other day, watching with me as the Lone Ranger and Tonto, who had ridden the range together for 56 years, looked at each other in the mirror with knowing smiles that only longtime companions understand. Brian McNaught was named “the godfather of gay diversity training” by The New York Times. He works with corporate executives globally, is the author of six books, and is featured in seven educational DVDs. He and his spouse Ray Struble divide their year between Ft. Lauderdale and Provincetown. Visit Brian-McNaught.com for more information.
Full Charge Bookkeeping Services
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MOVIE REVIEW
Albert Nobbs A Complex Portrait of Gender Identity in Victorian Dublin By J.W. Arnold
Photography by Patrick Redmond
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istory is peppered with stories of women who masqueraded as men: the fabled “Pope Joan,” who supposedly rose to the throne of the church in the dark ages; Margaret Ann Bulkley, who lived as James Bulkey, and became surgeon in the British Army who served in India and South Africa; and Billy Tipton, born Dorothy, who was a popular jazz musician and bandleader in the United States. These women were probably not “transgender” in the sense we understand today, but likely carried out these elaborate charades to obtain education and advance in careers limited to men. In her new film, Albert Nobbs, opening in South Florida theaters this weekend, Glenn Close portrays a woman, passing as a man in 19th century Dublin, in a performance that will raise much more complicated questions about gender identity than mere survival in a male-dominated world. This is no Victor/Victoria or Tootsie, however. The diminutive, asexual Nobbs is a butler at a posh Dublin hotel. Trained—and perfectly content—to disappear into his surroundings, except when a bell summons him to his well-to-do guests (aristocratic
playboy Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and sympathetic physician Brendan Gleeson). All the while, Mrs. Baker (Pauline Collins) maintains a tight reign on her fiefdom, somewhat oblivious to some of the upstairsdownstairs shenanigans going on under her nose. Albert’s routine is suddenly disrupted by the arrival of the cocky Hubert Paige (Janet McTeer), temporarily hired to paint the hotel and assigned to share Nobbs’s room. When Albert’s secret is accidentally revealed, Paige makes a shocking revelation of his own that sets Albert’s very notion of existence on end. It seems he too is a “she,” having taken his act one step further and taken a wife (Bronagh Gallagher), living as a married couple. This is where Albert’s character becomes much more complicated. We learn he was assaulted as a young girl and took a job as a waiter at 14, completely compartmentalizing the pain he felt as a girl. He has accepted his new life so completely that he yearns to take a wife, just as his new friend has done. The object of his desire is the cheeky young chamber maid Helen (Mia Wasikowska), who would rather sleep with the hotel’s handsome young boilerman, Joe (Aaron Johnson). continued on page 22
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January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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Albert Nobbs
But it’s Close’s performance that is unsettling from the start. The actress originated The Victorian world in which all exist is the role in an off-Broadway play nearly three stiff, but one of the lightest moments of the decades ago, and collaborated with writers film occurs as Nobbs ponders when the Gabriella Prekop and John Banville on the most appropriate time to reveal his “condiscreenplay. Every move she makes on screen tion” – before the wedding or after. is premeditated and deliberate, but, at every Director Rodrigo Garcia creates a busturn, it is also still hard to see Albert Nobbs tling, realistic period picture of Dublin, with beyond Glenn Close. It’s always Glenn Close excruciating attention to the details of the on screen. She is a caricature of herself, even hotel and its shops, further accentuated by as she so wholeheartedly tackles this intrigupainstakingly researched costumes by Pierre- ing, if murky character. Yves Gayraud that perfectly delineate the In any case, the film, with its universal social divides between the aristocratic guests themes of love and acceptance, is certain to and their common servants. fuel deep thought about gender identity both McTeer, Wasikowska and Johnson and in history and in contemporary society. the supporting cast are all spot on, as they struggle to survive and deal with misfortunes Albert Nobbs ranging from an outbreak of yellow fever, Opening Jan. 27 at The Gateway Theatre in Fort abuse and Helen’s unplanned pregnancy Lauderdale, that threatens to dash Joe’s dream of a new Coral Gables Art Cinema in Coral Gables and beginning for the couple in America. other theaters. Check local listings for show times.
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January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Theater Review
Come to the Cabaret at Maltz Theatre in Jupiter By Donald Cavanaugh
unknown materials from France to Germany. At utside it is winter; the same time, Fraulein but inside the Kit Schneider and Jewish fruit Kat club (at the seller, Herr Schultz (John Maltz Jupiter Theatre) it is Felix) fall in love, and hold so hot…! sings the androgyan engagement party where nous Cabaret Emcee (Chrisit’s revealed Schultz is a Jew topher Sloan) suggesting and Ludwig is a Nazi. that if the audience stays Readers must come to long enough the girls “might the Cabaret to learn the take off all their clothes.” rest of the story and what And so might the boys. happens as the Nazi’s conThere are no small roles tinue to take control. But in Cabaret. There are only that’s not the only reason big roles, and bigger roles. Kate Shindle as Sally Bowles to come. The perforand Christopher Sloan as mances of all the cast were Every character, starting the Emcee in Cabaret with the twice-appearing wonderful. Their voices German customs official, were amazing and solos, is integral to the story, and director B.T. duets, and chorus numbers kept audience McNicholl, found the right talent to fill each members tapping their feet and nodding of the roles he had to cast for this spellfamiliarity with the score. binding drama with music. Christopher Sloan as Emcce easily tossed There is not an ounce of superfluity off three plus octaves. His rendition of “I in the entire production. As it was tightly Don’t Care Much” sung on the upper level cast, it was tightly directed, choreographed in a slinky black dress with pendant bauble (Jennifer Werner), orchestrated and sung earrings was exquisite. (Alexander Rovang), staged (Court Watson) Kate Shindle’s performance of the title and lighted (Richard Latta). song made it her own, obliterating any Many theater-goers are familiar with the recollection of Liza Minnelli’s style or sound Cabaret story: the Berlin-based, seedy, anymade famous by past recordings. Radosh thing goes Kit Kat club is celebrating New and Felix made beautiful music together and Year’s at the dawn of Adolph Hitler’s rise Linser’s clear high tenor was beautiful in to power in Germany. Sally Bowles (Kate both the early duet with Sally and the finale Shindle) is an English songstress and star of with Emcee and company. Finally, Aaron the show. Clifford Bradshaw (Bruce Linser) Bowers as Fraulein Fritzie Kost and Rose as is an American novelist wannabe who has Ludwig took vocal command of “Tomorrow moved to Berlin for inspiration. Belongs to Me.” On the train to Berlin, Bradshaw meets Cabaret is based on a book by Joe MasErnst Ludwig (Fred Rose) who helps him teroff, a play by John Van Druten and stories find lodging at Fraulein Schneider’s (Angie by Christopher Isherwood. Most have Radosh) rooming house. heard the score from the 1972 film version Bradshaw meets Bowles at the Kit Kat starring Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey but the Club and shortly thereafter they become Maltz is presenting the 1998 revival version roommates after Bowles is fired by cabaret that ran for 2377 performances in New York owner, Max (Michael Murnoch who also and for which director McNicholl is one of plays the customs inspector). the few people licensed to direct the show. It appears that Bradshaw is gay but unable So come to the Cabaret at 1001 N Indito escape his closet even in this most liberal antown Road in Jupiter as soon as you can. of cities. Sally puts his mind at ease and The production runs until Jan. 29. Matinee moves in, sharing his small bed and apparand evening performances are available, with ently having sex as they later discuss the group discounts for 20 or more.Visit JupiterTheatre.org or call 561-575-2223 for paternity of an unplanned pregnancy. more information. Ludwig hires Bradshaw to smuggle photo by Alicia Donelan
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January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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By Brian Swinford
Have an event you want to list? If so send me an email at Calendar@sfgn.com.
*denotes new listing
Theatre Broward County
*Opera International - La Boheme
Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium will be showing Opera International - La Boheme on Jan 25. This is the quintessential portrait of romance, high-spirited friendship, and the idealistic pursuit of love and art. Puccini’s La Boheme recounts the joys and sorrows of four impoverished artists on the Left Bank of Paris in the early nineteenth century. Visit BrowardCenter.org
*The Hip Hop Symphony
On Jan. 29 come to the Broward Center for a look Into The Hip Hop Symphony. This innovative musical production blends urban, hip hop dance and music with traditional, classical dance and music. The symphony will take the audience on a cultural excursion that will awaken the senses for a phenomenal experience. Visit BrowardCenter.org
*Monticello Memories
Freddie Roman’s Monticello Memories lights up the stage at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on Jan. 25-29. This will be a night of hilarity and entertainment from the star of the celebrated and critically acclaimed Catskills on Broadway. Visit BrowardCenter.org
The Four Tops & The Temptations
When it comes to Motown legends, it doesn’t get any bigger or any better than multi-platinum selling artists The Four Tops & The Temptations! On Feb. 1 enjoy this awesome concert at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Hitting the stage with their high energy pop and funk from the 70’s and 80’s, these musical greats perform classic Motown hits from their repertoire. Visit BrowardCenter.org
*Billy Elliot
This musical will be showing at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Feb. 29- Mar 11. This show is about one boy’s journey to make his dreams come true. The story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising passion that inspires his family and his whole community. Visit Browardcenter.org
Soul Doctor, The Shlomo Carlebach Musical
The Soul Dr. is at the Parker Play House Jan. 11-29. The show is about the journey of a Rockstar-Rabbi. Larry King raved “The crowd roars with laughter and song all night long, the most exuberant new musical, destined to become a hit on Broadway for many years to come!” Browardcenter.org/ souldoctor_parker
Jersey Boys
The Jersey Boys are back at the Broward Center on Jan. 11-29. This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. Visit BrowardCenter.org
Willie Nelson & Family
*Soweto Gospel Choir
Soweto Gospel Choir’s will be at The Parker Playhouse on Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. with an inimitable performance style has become a worldwide phenomenon since its foundation in 2002. Performing to sell-out crowds in the world’s greatest concert halls, the Choir has played alongside superstars including Bono, Queen, Celine Dion, John Legend, Peter Gabriel, Josh Groban, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. Visit Sowetogospelchoir.com
*Get The Led Out “The American Led Zeppelin”
Get the led out at the Parker Playhouse on Feb. 18 with this tribute to Led Zeppelin. From the bombastic to the epic and mystical, “Get The Led Out” has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the big concert stage. Visit Gtlorocks.com
*An Evening with Kate Clinton
Stonewall National Museum & Archives presents legendary comedian Kate Clinton on March 17 at The Parker Playhouse. Kate Clinton is a faith-based, tax-paying, America-loving political humorist and family entertainer. Visit ParkerPlayhouse.com
On Tuesday Feb. 7 come see American country music icon Willie Nelson at The Broward Center at 8 p.m. For over 30 years, this “outlaw” singer-songwriter has recorded more than 200 albums and achieved both cult status and mainstream acclaimed. In his career, he blazed a trail through the music business. Visit BrowardCenter.org
The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-inthe-Moon Marigolds
Palm Beach County
Chris Brubeck’s Triple Play
*The Irish Comedy Tour
On Saturday Feb. 4 come to the Atlantic Theatre for this hilarious one night event. The past years have been sellout and standing room only and this season should be no exception. Don’t miss three hilarious Irish American comedians as they tear apart as well as validate all of the Irish myths and stereotypes. Visit Theatlantictheater.com
This Pulitzer Prize winning play depicts a mentally unbalanced woman’s far reaching effects on the lives of her two daughters, and a young girl’s struggle to keep her focus and dreams alive. Showings will start Jan. 6-29. Visit Palmbeachdramaworks.org/season.php On Feb 2 at 8 p.m. come enjoy this distinguished jazz musician at the Crest Theater. Triple Play is his acoustic blues/ jazz/folk trio, with vocals that includes guitarist Joel Brown and harmonica virtuoso Peter Madcat Ruth. Chris and Madcat have been playing together since their rock’n roll days together in the band. Call 561-243-7922
Brigadoon
The Tony Award winning classic musical featuring Lerner & Lowe’s sweeping romantic score about a mysterious village that rises out of the mist every 100 years for one day. Exquisite costumes and scenery, great dance and memorable tunes such as “Almost Like Being in Love” and “The Heather on the Hill,” bring the Scottish Highlands to life. On Feb. 3-5 come to the Crest Theatre at 8 p.m. for this tony award winning play. Visit Oldschool.org.
South Florida Symphony Orchestra
The 55-piece orchestra, under the music direction of Sebrina Maria Alfonso, will perform Shostakovich: Festive Overture; Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, featuring pianist Jeffrey Chappell; and Ellen Taafe Zwilich: Symphony No. 5. Come see this 55 piece orchestra set on Mar 11 at 2 p.m. Visit Oldshool.org
Miami-Dade
Giselle (Coralli and Perrot/Adam) The quintessential 19th-Century romantic ballet will be at the Arsht Center from Feb. 17-19, Giselle tells the story of a young peasant girl who is betrayed by her disguised aristocratic lover, dies of grief and madness, yet comes back from the grave to rescue him from the implacable revenge of the fearsome Wilis. Visit ArshtCenter.org
Key West
Dead Man’s Cell Phone
In a quiet cafe a cell phone rings. And rings. The stranger at the next table has had enough. She confronts the owner of the cell phone, but, well...he’s dead. She begins to answer his calls and suddenly finds herself enmeshed in his life and family. Unfortunately, the dead guy has quite a number of shady loose ends. This plays opening night is Feb 2 at The Waterfront Playhouse at 8pm. Visit Waterfrontplayhouse.org
*Red
This is a special eleven-performance run of the acclaimed 2010 Tony Award-winning play at The Red Barn Theatre on Jan. 28. Red is a searing portrait of the master abstract expressionist Mark Rothko and his young assistant. Ambition and vulnerability go hand in hand as Rothko tries to create his crowning achievement that could also become his undoing. Visit Redbarntheatre.com
Community Calendar Broward County
Broward County Sheriff’s Office AnitBullying Initiative
On Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. come to the Coral Springs Center for the Performing Arts for this life changing Film. Bullied chronicles the powerful story of Jamie Nabozny, a student from Ashland, Wisconsin, who stood up to his anti-gay torments with a federal Lawsuit. Call Shelly Solomon Heller at 954-557-776
*The Ultimate Jack Daniels Tailgate Party
Join Sidelines Sports Bar for “The Ultimate Jack Daniels Tailgate Party” on Sunday, February 5th at 1:00 PM, then at Sidelines for the Super Bowl which will be televised with sound on all our flat screen TVs. Don’t forget those crazy commercials and the special halftime appearance by Madonna! For more information visit Sidelinessports.com.
*The 14th Annual Medical Marijuana Benefit
*Tyler Perry’s The Haves and The Have Not’s
Opening night for this very funny and touching play will be at The Miami Theatre on Feb 2. Tyler Perry presents the funny, but equally poignant play “The Haves and Have Nots”, a play following the life of a wealthy family who have everything. Visit http://www.miami-theater.com
The 14th Annual Medical Marijuana Benefit is to be held this year at Revolution Live on Feb 19th. Come to the meeting and purchase a pack of tickets to re-sell and earn your own admission for free. Pick up flyers to distribute and get energized to help to make this the best Benefit yet. For more information email NORMLFlorida@gmail.com
*The B-52s
*Klezmer and Israeli Music Concert at Temple Bat Yam
The World’s Greatest Party Band returns to The Arsht Center on Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. From groundbreaking songs like “Rock Lobster,” and “Dance This Mess Around” to charttopping hits like “Love Shack” and “Deadbeat Club” to their reemergence on the pop scene with their 2008 CD Funplex the B-52s’ unforgettable tunes start a party every time their music begins. Visit Arshtcenter.org
The King David String Ensemble will perform a Jewish Klezmer and Israeli music concert on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. at Temple Bat Yam, a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale. The ensemble is comprised of musicians originally from the former Soviet Union who also perform with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. For more information email Jgrant@piersongrant.com
Florida Grand Opera Presents Rigoletto
A Survivor Support Group
Pilobolus
Grief Support Group
Verdi’s Rigoletto, one of the world’s best loved operas will be at the Adrienne Arsth Center on Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. This is the story of a court jester who enables the Duke’s philandering and mocks the husbands and fathers of the victims. When he finds his own daughter to be the Duke’s newest victim, he tries to repay evil with evil, a plan that goes awry. Visit Arshtcenter.org On Friday March 2 at 8 p.m. come to The Adrienne Arsht Center for Pilobolus. Celebrating 40 years of defying gravity, this incomparable dance company has delighted, dazzled and amazed audiences across the planet with their superhuman flexibility and fascinating forms that challenge the limits of the human body. Visit Arshtcenter.org
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*Miami City Ballet presents Giselle (Program III)
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. The group meets from 7-8:30 p.m. Visit Fisponline.org. Grief Support Group led by Heartland Hospice meets every 3rd Tuesday at American Burial & Cremation Center @ Jennings Funeral Home 1801 E. Oakland Park Blvd. from 2-4 pm. Call 954-731-4321. If you need support in your time of loss they invite you to attend.
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January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
To Submit Listings Email: Brian at Calendar@sfgn.com Fax: 954-530-7943. Please include a brief description, address, phone number, date, time and cost.
Stage Door: Highlighting the Arts
Dario Acosta
By J.W. Arnold
The Cleveland Orchestra
Great Orchestras Take the Stage The South Florida arts season is in full swing, with a calendar packed with wonderful theater, music and exhibitions. This week, music lovers have a special treat with two outstanding orchestras performing in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. The Cleveland Orchestra opens its sixth season at Miami’s Arsht Center on Friday, Jan. 27 and Saturday, Jan. 28 with pianist Yefin Bronfman performing Johannes Brahms’s passionate Piano Concerto No. 2. The program, under the baton of Music Director Franz WelserMöst also includes Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich’s 1939 Symphony No. 6 and Wanderlust by contemporary composer Sean Shepherd. The performance will be given in the Knight Concert Hall and tickets are $20-100 at ArshtCenter.org. In Fort Lauderdale, the South Florida Symphony Orchestra, under the leadership of Maestra Sabrina Maria Alfonso, one of an elite group of women leading major orchestras, returns to the Broward Center on Monday, Jan. 30 for “Fire and Ice.” The program features violinist Chee Yun performing works by Saint-Saëns and Sarasate and concludes with Ludwig van Beethoven’s triumphal “Eroica” Symphony No. 3. Tickets are $35-75 at BrowardCenter.org.
Another Debut in Boca Parade Productions, a new theatrical company based in Boca Raton, debuts its first show, Brooklyn Boy by Pulitzer Prizewinner Donald Margulies at The Studio at Mizner Park this weekend, Jan. 26. Kim St. Leon directs the show featuring veteran South Florida actor Avi Hoffman. Also look for great performances from Blaze Powers and Ryan Didato, both talented young actors who have been getting plenty of notice lately. Brooklyn Boy runs through Feb. 12. Tickets are $25-30 at ParadeProductions.org.
A New Show at the New Theatre Last year, lots of jokes were tossed around from the theater community about the effort to rebrand Coral Gables’ New Theatre as “The New.” The moniker never really took hold, but when you think about it, it certainly was appropo.The New Theatre has moved to a new venue, the Roxy Performing Arts Center, 1645 SW 107th Ave. in Miami, and the theater also continues its dedication to presenting new works.This time, it’s the world premiere production of Robert Caisley’s Winter. According to promotional materials, in this witty new play, what begins as a scheduling headache arranging their mother’s funeral evolves into an all-out blood feud between fraternal twins Peter and Christina Winter and their mother’s mysterious, young live-in assistant.The production opens Feb. 3 and runs through Feb. 19.Tickets are $30-40 at New-Theatre.org.
January 25, 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. Eating Disorder Support group
An Eating Disorder Support group is starting Nov. 4. This group will meet Friday evenings from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. At Sun Serve’s Wilton Manors location at 2123 Wilton Drive, second floor. This is a “drop-in” psycho-educational support group. No registration required, free- however donations are welcome. Call 954-764-5150 for more information
Florida Renaissance Festival
Journey back to the 16th century, Feb. 11 to March 11, as you step through castle gates and into the days of yore. Explore the artisans’ village and view live demonstrations of glassblowing, steel-fighting, archery, and more. Weekends only, plus President’s Day, 2/20 Visit Broward.org/Parks/QuietW
SE Florida Chamber Expo
On Jan. 28-29 come to the War Memorial Auditorium and see what your local businesses have to showcase. Come and see your local community’s businesses products and services. Free Admission. From 10am-6pm. For more information please call Gino Alessio 561-245-8985.
Safe “T”
Safe “T” is a new support group for gender variant adults 18 plus that meets Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Sunserve’s Wilton Manors location at 2123 Wilton Drive, second floor. This is a “drop-in” psycho-educational support group. No registration required, free- however donations are welcome. Call 954-764-5150.
Atlantis | Allure Caribbean Cruise
Gay cruise, largest cruise ship ever built: Allure of the Seas, week of entertainment, parties, dance events, Jan. 29 – Feb. 5. Nearly 5,500 international gay/lesbian guests to sail from Ft. Lauderdale to Labadee, Cozumel, Costa Maya, & back. Atlantisevents.com/Allure-2012-Caribbean-Cruise/11
Young Adult GLBT
A social group open to all LGBT people ages 18-35. This group 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
SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch
Eli Young Band
On Jan 25 7:30pm at South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center come see the Eli Young Band. Fusing a young man’s take on heartland rock with the tougher side of Texas country music and the cocky enthusiasm of alt-country firebrands, the Eli Young Band have become a potent draw in the Southwest on the strength of local airplay and extensive touring.
First Sunday of every month. An ideal way to relax and enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s scenic Riverwalk. Live, outdoor concert series bringing the area’s best local jazz artists. Listen to the soulful sounds on four different stages. Everyone is welcome to attend, including well-behaved, leashed pets. There is plenty of room to set up chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to experience the fabulous entertainment.
Eve Menes
The exhibition continues through Feb. 8. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday By Appointment Only, Sunday Closed. Eve Menes was born in Antwerp, Belgium, and at an early age, after the outbreak of World War II, moved with her family to Brazil and later to the United States. Visit Griffingallery.net or email Griffingallery18@yahoo.com
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 Broadwalk. Charming oceanfront cafes and restaurants serve up delicious innovative cuisine while you enjoy the best array of live music and tropical ocean breezes. Visit Hollywoodfl.org or call 954-924-2980
Toastmasters
Most Toastmasters meetings are comprised of about 20 people who meet weekly for an hour or so. Participants practice and learn skills by filling a meeting role, ranging from giving a prepared speech or an impromptu one to serving as timer, evaluator or grammarian. Toastmasters meet at the GLCC/Pride Center Monday at 7:15 p.m. Call Ted Verdone at 954-599-7916 or email: Tedverdone@comcast.net
GreenMarket Pompano Beach
At the corner of Dixie Highway and Atlantic Boulevard 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. This outdoor street market provides the best and freshest fruits and vegetables, juices, baked goods, seafood, gourmet teas and coffees and other food items, as well as orchids, plants, and health-related products and services. GreenMarket Pompano Beach is held every Saturday through April 28. Also features art shows, antique automobile shows, and environmental exhibits. Visit GreenMarketPompano.com
MS Walk - The Palm Beaches Winter HEAT 2012
February 16-20, 2012 Host hotel: Bahia Mar Beach Resort & Yachting Center. Events at: George’s Alibi, Torpedo Bar, Green Room, Heat Waves, Voodoo, Living Room, Winter Waterland. See website for details.Visit Winterheatflorida.com
Alternative MC Tuesday night Eaten Meeting
Tue Nite Eatin Meeting will be held at The Alternative MC Clubhouse at 4322 NE 5th Ave in Oakland park. There will be fun, food, and fellowship. There will be hambergers, hotdogs, all the fixins, cold drinks, desserts, and snacks. The meeting will begin at 8pm and end around 9pm. For more information Visit Alternativemc.com/events/florida-events
Gay Men’s HIV+ Long Time Survivors’ Group
This is a support group that gives men who have been HIV+ for a long time (5 yrs +) the opportunity to give and receive support around topics of interest and issues for concern that are raised by the members. This group meets on 1st and 3rd Thursday at Sunserve 2312 Wilton Drive from 6:30 – 8 p.m. There is no cost, but donations are welcome.
Gay Male Empowerment Group
Topic discussions include issues and concerns about being a gay man in South Florida. Meets on Thursdays at the Pride Center from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Call 954-353-9155 or e-mail info@ sunserve.org.
PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
Meets on the 2nd and 4th Tues. of the month at the Sunshine Cathedral at 1480 SW 9th Avenue to support the parents of LGBTQ youth in Broward. No charge. Visit Community.pflag. org/pflagfortlauderdale for more information.
SunServe Therapy Groups
Provided for the LGBT community at SunServe on a regular basis. Groups require an intake interview. Call the Intake Coordinator at 954-764-5150 to learn which therapy groups have openings. Visit SunServe.org
Fusion Wilton Manors - Connections
Gay men’s group discussion. Different subject every week. Dr. David Fawcett, a gay therapist, who has been in private practice in Fort Lauderdale for the last ten years, leads the event. No charge with no commitment to attend every week. Starts at 7 p.m. Call Fusion Monday-Friday at 954-630-1655.
Women4Women Personal Growth Support Group
This is a safe and loving place to explore all the concerns and topics raised by group members. This open drop-in meeting is held Wednesdays at 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the New Sun Serve Building at 2312 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Call 954-764-5150
Man2Man Discussion Group
Man-2-Man talk is an informal discussion group of gay men, with all age ranges and backgrounds welcomed. Bldg A, Room 206. Visit Glccsf.org/calendar/
Palm Beach County *Life Support Workshops
Get help with government websites (unemployment, food stamps, Immigration, etc.), resumes, and job-searching. Librarians will be available to assist. Computer Lab, no registration required. This event will take place on Jan 30 at the West Palm Beach City Library. For more information visit Mycitylibrary.org
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Sign up for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society 2012 MS Walk on Sunday Feb 26 at 7am. Help raise awareness and funds for research, programs, services and advocacy. MS Walk is the rallying point of the MS movement; a community of friends, family and co-workers coming together with a shared commitment and determination to create a world free of MS. Visit Walkfls.nationalmssociety.org
Beach Bon Fire
The city of Lake Worth invites everyone to come out and enjoy the beach bon-fires with a different dress up theme each night. Bonfire Dates: January 13th (New Year) & 27th (Favorite Movie), February 10th (Pirate) & 24th ( 70’s Night ). Visit Lakeworth.org
Seniors vs. Crime
Seniors vs. Crime is a free service that provides help to seniors who have been victimized by businesses or service providers and need assistance. This event will take place at Mae Volen Senior Center at 1515 W. Palmetto Park Road. By appointment only so call 561-736-3820 or 561-395-8920.
21st Annual Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure
Registration is now open for the 2012 Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure. Bring all your friends and family on Saturday, January 28, 2012. If you’ve got a passion for making a difference in our community, then take action today and register or make a donation. For more information visit Komensouthflorida.org
Yoga On The Waterfront
Lake Pavilion at 101 S. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL / Yoga On The Waterfront in downtown West Palm Beach on Wednesday Evenings at 5:45 PM. Residents $40 per 8 week session, Non-Residents $50 per 8 week session, Drop-ins $10 per class. To register, please call 561-804-4902.
YOGA Among the Orchids
It’s time for Yoga Among the Orchids at the American Orchid Society, 16700 AOS Lane, Delray Beach. Relax and replenish the flower inside with an hour of breathing exercises, toning, and yoga poses under a canopy of lush orchids. Classes are Wed. at 9 a.m. Cost is $20 and RSVP is suggested. Call 561404-2011. Visit OrchidWeb.org
Jazz on the Palm
Jazz on the Palm - Downtown West Palm Beach Waterfront - Gather with friends and family to enjoy the diverse vibrant sounds of jazz under the stars every 3rd Friday of month at the new Downtown West Palm Beach waterfront concert series. Free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visit Wpbgo.com/2010/06/jazz-on-the-palm
Sunday on the Waterfront
Sunday on the Waterfront is a free concert series, which takes place the third Sunday of most months in the beautiful downtown West Palm Beach Waterfront area. Bring blankets, chairs, and coolers or purchase treats at the concert. Free parking in all city lots and at city meters. 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. May through October. Visit OnTheWaterFront.com
BrothasSpeak
This group is a black gay men’s discussion group that is held at the Compass in West Palm Beach. Every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. this group will be directed toward issues for and about black men. Visit Compassglcc.com
Paths
Paths is a social/discussion group held at Compass in Lake Worth. This men’s group takes place every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Paths men’s group will be discussing relationships, coming –out, safer sex issues and more. Visit Compassglcc.com
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January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Spectacular feats to your favorite hits!
March 29 through April 8 TICKETS ON SALE NOW! www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000
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January 25, 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. Yoga
Yoga with Deborah will change your life. Bring a mat and get ready to stretch the stress away every Tuesday at The GLCC in Palm Beach from 6 to 7 p.m. This yoga experience will uplift and transform your life. $6 Entry Fee. You must bring your own mat. Visit Compassglcc.com
Living Buddhism
On the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. Compass in Lake Worth will be holding a discussion group for overcoming obstacles and obtaining happiness. This group is great for getting internal enlightenment. Release your inner stress, and become free. Visit Compassglcc.com
Good Orderly AA
These meetings take place at Compass, and geared toward recovering alcoholics. Every Tues. and Thurs. at 7 p.m. and on Sat. at 6 p.m. These meetings will help recovering alcoholics cope with the stress of everyday life without the use of alcohol.
Miami-Dade
Business Builders Luncheon
MDGLCC presents its monthly networking program held Jan 26 and on the last Thursday of each month. At City Hall The Restaurant. Registration is at 11:30 am with luncheon/ networking from noon to 1:00 pm. Call 305-673-4440 or email mdglcc@bellsouth.net.
US Sailing’s 2011 Rolex Miami OCR
This event will take place Jan 22-28 and isbeing held at the US Sailing Center in Miami a mainstay on the winter circuit for sailors who are campaigning for the next Olympic and Paralympic Games. The event is part of the ISAF Sailing World Cup, a world-class annual series for Olympic sailing. Visit Rmocr.ussailing.org
Wine travels at Bourbon Steak
Skip the average cocktail happy hour for Bourbon Steak’s new wine tasting. Sommelier Matthew Turner chooses wines from the restaurant’s extensive menu of over 750 selections and provides interactive demonstrations to help you discover new favorites. Wine tasting costs $20 and includes butter truffle popcorn. Guests can also enjoy a tour of the kitchen’s wood-burning grills. Event happens every Tuesday through Friday from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Call 786-279-6600
Homestead Championship Rodeo
This exciting event will take place Jan 27-29 at the Doc Demily Rodeo Arena in Miami. This seven-event rodeo includes bull riding, saddle-bronco riding, bareback-bronco riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and women’s barrel racing. The fun also includes cowboy poetry performances, a parade, live music and dancing. Visit Homesteadrodeo.com
Winter Party
From Febuary 29 to March 5 come to party at the Winter Party. Which has grown into one of South Florida’s premier events. The Beach Party is set to be held on Sunday March 4th and attracts over 6,000 people to dance on the sands on Miami Beach every year.. For more information, go to Winterparty.com
Lambda Dade Clubhouse
A meeting place for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender communities and friends in recovery. Hosts Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Al-Anon, Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA), Debtors Anonymous (DA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), meetings. (305) 573-9608. 212 NE 24th Street. Miami. Visit Lambdadadeclubhouse.org
4th Annual LGBT Explore/EXPO — Design District
MDGLCC in partnership with the GMCVB and with the participation of the GLBT Travel Expo presents its 4th Annual LGBT Explore / EXPO at the Moore Building in the Design District (191 NE 40th Street, Miami, FL 33137) on Sunday, February 12th, 2012 from noon - 5 pm. More than 100 vendors, suppliers, companies, and organizations showcasing their products and services catered to the LGBT community. Visit Gogaymiami.com
Aqua Foundation’s Second Annual Family BBQ
The Aqua Foundation for Women will be having their second annual family BBQ on Feb. 26 from 12-4 p.m. This event is the perfect opportunity for LBT families to connect with one another in a fun, social place. The beach and playground will be available for your use, there will be delicious food on the grill, and there will be fun activities for all ages. Visit Aquafoundation.org
Aqua Ally Awards
On Friday, Feb.10 from 6-9 p.m. The Aqua Foundation for Women will be celebrating those who stand with us in the fight for equality. Come out to the beautiful Bacardi building at 2701 Le Juene Rd. Floor 15 in Coral Gables. Visit Aquafoundation.org
*denotes new listing
Key West
The Club Fort Lauderdale
Food And Wine Festival
The third annual Key West Food & Wine Festival will be January 26-29. Events range from extravagant walk-around tastings during our famous sunset, to educational wine and food seminars led by our local talent, to local funky events you would only expect to experience in Key West. Thursday, Jan. 26 through Sunday, Jan. 29. Visit Keywestfoodandwinefestival.com
Key West Pride
On June 6-10 2012 Come show your pride in our tropical paradise, and you’ll find yourself in the midst of a celebration unlike any other. From the opening party to the closing parade, you’ll discover quickly that the best place to show your pride is on an island whose official motto is “One Human Family.” The welcoming island invites you to join us at Key West Pride! Visit Gaykeywestfl.com
nightlife Broward County
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Corner Pub Bar
1915 North Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311, (954) 564-7335. Redefining What a Bar Should Be. Thursday’s Margarita. Madness $4, Monday’s Underwear Night. 2 for 1 until 9:30 p.m.
Cubby Hole
823 North 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 on Drinks 9 p.m. till Close 2935 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 5377076. Voted the “Friendliest” Gay Bar in Fort Lauderdale. Monday’s $1.99 Drinks and $.50 Wings Open to Close
Georgie’s Alibi
Atomic Boom
Johnny’s
Bathhouse. 321 W Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33311. Slammer sex club the best place to cruise for the hottest gay men. Thursday’s is leather night, fri-sat night live dj’s. Monday & tuesday -- $9 entry fee 2232 Wilton Drive ,Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 630-3556 Best Sound & Light Show in Broward County. Mondays Porn Bingo with Desiree Dubois. $3 Margaritas, $1 Draft
Bill’s Filling Station
2209 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 567-5978. Large Bar/ Nightclub, Amazing. Drink Specials in Wilton Manors. Wednesday’s After 9pm $10 Miller Lite Beer Bust
Boardwalk
1721 North Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311. (954) 463-6969. A Cute Little Hangout in Fort Lauderdale Pool-Room/Game Room on One Side and a Bar-Strip Club on the other. Mondays $3 Well & Dom, after 9pm $3 U-CallIt Shots
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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.
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The Depot Cabana Bar and Grill
Sunday Jan. 29 ills Filling Station has $1 dollar shots By Brian Swinford on Sundays, and beer buckets $12/ Domestic & $15/Imports. Also if you get to Wednesday Jan. 25 Friday Jan. 27 Bills Filling Station at 5 p.m. you can enjoy a he Mad Hatter ubble Gum Fridays: In- complimentary buffet and $3 long islands afLounge is located troducing & Celebrat- ter 9 p.m. With great deals and free food Bills in the Northeast section ing the Birthday of TP Lords Filling Station is the place to be on Sunday’s. of beautiful Lake Worth. DJ JPS in the Main Room This bar is one of the few DJ Daisy D in the Hip Hop Monday Jan. 30 around that will still allow Lounge Performance by o it’s Monday and you’re thinking to you to smoke cigarettes. Estephania St Lords Vip. yourself where can I see the hottest With a full liquor bar, 5 flat Hostess Alandra Matthews young boys around? Well that’s Johnny’s screens and a cozy outside $3 Drinks 10pm-Midnight Fort Lauderdale. With super-hot studs and patio that will have you all $100 Eristoff Vodka VIP Bartender Ben of the great drink prices this will be your munrelaxed after a hard day of Bottle Service All Night. So dane Monday hangout spot. Don’t forget Mad Hatter work. Wednesday’s at The many things to do at The to tip really good so you can get the extra Mad Hatter is beer bust night $11 all you Manor…what will you be doing? fresh treatment. can drink from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday Jan. 28 Tuesday Jan. 31 f you like your boys dark, strong, and sexy Thursday Jan. 26 uesdays are the day to SIN at MOVA loud 9 is a hot lesbian bar located off come to Club Boi every Saturday night. Miami. This super-hot nightclub has of Sterling Rd. This bar ran by women This amazing nightclub has two incredible great drink specials for people in the for women, this lounge features two pool dance floors to get your grind on all night Service Industry, and $100 Grey Goose tables, dartboards, and beer-pong tables, a long. Don’t forget about the awesome drink Bottles with VJ AJ Reddy on the mic. MOVA dance floor with a pole and a friendly staff. specials. Once you go Club boi you won’t is located on Michigan Ave in the heart of Happy Hour is from noon till 8pm. want to go to back…to any other nightclub. South Beach. AFTER DARK
Bathhouse. 110 Northwest 5th Avenue,Fort Lauderdale, FL ,(954) 525-3344 Good. Clean. Fun. 1/2 price rooms...Tuesday Nights and 1/2 price Lockers. Thursdays Nights. Always busy.
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2266 Wilton Drive ,Wilton Manors, FL 33305 ,(954) 5652526. Fort Lauderdale’s Best & Longest Happy Hour. Wednesdays $2 Domestics & $1 Schnapps after 9 p.m. Wednesdays 1116 West 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.
The Manor
2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 (954) 626 0082 Come Dine, Dance, Drink, Mingle and of course Relax. 2-4-1 Happy Hour Tues-Friday 3-9pm. Indoor/Outdoor Dining. Dance the night away Thursday - Sunday. Live Music Weds, Fri, Sat, Sun - Visit themanorcomplex.com FOR MORE DETAILS.
Matty’s on the Drive
2426 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 (954) 564-1799. Matty’s is one of the few bars in Wilton Manors that’s just that –a bar. Wild Wednesday’s $.75 Drinks, 13 Drinks for less than $10. 5 p.m.
Mona’s
502 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 525-6662. The eclectic décor and a friendly staff makes. Mona’s a great place to have fun in Fort Lauderdale. Thursday’s College Boy’s Night 8pm Enjoy College Boy’s Choice 2 for 1
Monkey Business
2740 North Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311, (954) 514-7819. The Monkey Business Bar is a Small Outdoor Bar Among The Shops Just off Marina Blvd. No Frills But Comfortable and a Great Place to Stop and Meet Good People. Happy Hour 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Naked Grape Wine Bar
2039 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 563-5631 A Casual, Hip, Fun Experience and if You Have a Taste for Deliciously Unique Wines, You Need to Make This Your Next Stop! Happy Hour All Night on Thursday
New Moon
2440 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 563-7660 Your neighborhood lesbian bar in the heart of Fort Lauderdale and just minutes from Ft. Lauderdale Beach. Wednesday All the fun, half the price 2-4-1 All Day, All Night
PJ’s Corner Pocket
924 North Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 533-0257. One of The Most Diverse Bars in Fort Lauderdale. $2 Drinks Every Wednesday, Spades Every Thursday
Ramrod
1508 NE 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 763-8219 South Florida’s Leading Levi, Leather and Uniform Bar/Club. Every night is Bear Night. Bear Happy. Hour Every Thursday. Caged Hunks Sat Night
Rosie’s Bar and Grill
2449 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 567-1320 Wilton Manor’s Best Burger in Town. Try the Fat Elvis. Happy Hour 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
January 25, 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. Scandals Country Western Bar
Oakland Park, FL 3334, (954) 567-2432. Scandals Gay and Lesbian Country Western. Dance Bar in Wilton Manors. Tuesdays Pool League, and Free Dance Lessons
Sidelines Sports Bar
2031 Wilton Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305, (954) 563-8001 Sidelines Sports Bar and Billiards is a unique, friendly, And accepting place to relax with a cold beer, great drinks and Martinis. Happy Hour M-F 4pm to 2am
Smarty Pants
3038 North Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306, (954) 561-1724. Great Local Hangout in Fort Lauderdale with Great Drink Specials. Saturday’s Free Breakfast to Order – 8 a.m.
The Stable
205 East Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park, FL 33334, (954) 5654506 A neighborhood bar with a different theme every night, from drag shows and bingos, to bears and underwears.
Torpedo
2829 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, (954) 587-2500. Your Dance Destination Till Dawn. Open Late for You To Devour The Night. Open 7 nights a week till 4 a.m.
Palm Beach County The Cottage
522 Lucerne Ave, Lake Worth, Fl, 33414. (561) 586-0080 Great Service, Great Food, Full Stocked Bar, Great Professional Tea-Dance every Sunday
Fort Dix
6205 Georgia Ave, West Palm Beach, Florida 33405 Directions, (561)533-5355. Mostly local crowd looking to mingle and relax. Place rocks with a Fabulous DJ on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday T-Dance.
H.G. Rooster
823 BELVEDERE ROAD, WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA 33405, (561)-832-9119. H.G. Roosters is West Palms oldest gay club. Sunday’s Complimentary BBQ 5pm, Hot Male Dancers 6 p.m., Karaoke 11 p.m.
The Lounge
1132 North Dixie Highway, Lake Worth FL $3 Drinks No Cover open till 5AM New location Better than Ever.
The Mad Hatter 1532 North Dixie Hwy ,Lake Worth, FL 33460. (561) 547-8860. Cheap drinks, friendly bartenders, and free pool Sunday-Thursday. Stop by and relax at this no-attitude haunt.
Tag Bar
25 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33483 954-801-3247. Delray Beach’s only Gay Bar. Mon - Sun: 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. Awesome Drink Specials
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.
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 No Cover 7 nights a week. The hottest men in the universe strip shows nightly from 6 p.m. Sexy from Wall to Wall. Saturday SEPT 3 in Miami. FIRE & ICE at the SPOT…The Hottest POP, Hip Hop and Latin alongside the COLDEST Electro and House Beats. all on Miami’s Best Sound System.
Score
727 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, Florida, 33139,(305)561-5521. Score is located in the heart of South Beach, In the thriving and infamous promenade, Lincoln Road. Bigger Saturday’s Sexy Male Dolls
Swinging Richards
17450 Biscayne Blvd, N Maimi Beach, Fl 33160 954-357-2532 Tuesdays-Saturdays from 6pm til 6am come and enjoy Fully nude guys dancing to the best music in South Floirda.
Twist
1057 Washington Ave, Miami Beach , Florida , 33139, (305)538-9478 Never a Cover…Always a Groove. Resident star DJ Mika spins tribal. Every Saturday TWIST is full of the hottest men in Miami. Muscle boy dancers taking it off in the Bungalow Bar.
Key West
801 Bourbon 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 11a.m. – 8 p.m.
Club Aqua
711 Duval St.,Key West, Florida,(305)294-0555 Monday’s Dueling Bartenders. Your Bartender’s sing, shake, and stir their way through happy hour 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Kwest
705 Duval St. , Key West, Florida,(305)292-8500 Key West All-Male Strip Club. Daily Happy Hour from 3-8 p.m., And a piano sing-a-long every Wednesday night.
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 – weekdays 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday’s are 5pm-9pm.
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
29
Election Issue
P o l iti c a l An a ly sis b y N o r m Kent
Republican Presidential Candidates Distance Themselves from Gay Rights Support
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spond to a penetrating inquiry by Diane Sawyer, asking them to assume they were addressing a gay couple about same-sex marriage. Each candidate opposed the practice, now legally authorized in New Hampshire. As with Don’t Ask Don’t Tell this crop of Republicans are on the wrong side of history. Last year, for the first time, several polls showed that a majority of American’s believe same-sex marriage should be legal. However, some of these candidates not only don’t believe in marriage equality, but take it one step further, and say they’d support a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage once and for all. So much for these so-called state’s rights or constitutional republicans. They only believe in state’s rights, or not tinkering with the constitutional, when it’s convenient for them.
Santorum
Gage Skidmore
Romney
Jessica Rinaldi / Mitt Romney Media
H
eading into the Florida primary this week, Republican candidates for the presidency have faced in this election cycle more questions about gay rights issues than ever before, and none of their answers should leave any LGBT proponents feeling comfortable. Starting with the flap over dissing a gay veteran who challenged the candidates on their views of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ each candidate for oval office has faced personal and professional questions about LGBT issues. All refuse to be advocates. Indeed, in one of their first debates, when there were nine candidates, every would-be Republican nominee supported their continuation of a ban on gays serving in the military. Even though the ban has been lifted some candidates actually suggested they would reinstate it. This is particularly disheartening since a vast majority of American’s believed in the repeal with some polls showing close to 80 percent of American’s in favor. Even Marine Gen. James F. Amos, who was the only major military person to oppose the repeal, has since changed his mind and called the lifting of the ban a “nonevent” and said, “I’m very pleased with how it has gone.” However, now that the ban has been officially lifted, which is on top of a judicial determination that DADT is unconstitutional, it no longer seems to be a pressing debate issue. Instead, the gay rights focus has been on same-sex marriage. Indeed, one of the first debates in New Hampshire required each candidate to re-
Few questions at the debate were more pressing than the one posed to Rick Santorum, when he was asked how he would feel if one of his children were gay. The former Senator from Pennsylvania responded that he would love his child every bit as much as he did before the proclamation, noting that it was a parent’s duty to love a child unconditionally. Unfortunately, this is the same Santorum, who back in 2003, likened gays to bestiality, causing a hundred students of one college graduating class to walk out on his commencement speech. While his campaign ads downplay his opposition to gays, they go out of their way to link Mitt Romney to Ted Kennedy, suggesting that Romney and Kennedy were liberal on social issues. A trio of South Carolina evangelicals threw their support behind Rick Santorum last
week with a provocative statement that praises him for putting his name to extreme positions regarding homosexuality, heterosexuality and marital fidelity. The statement also rebuked Romney for “homophilia” and suggested his Mormon faith is “heretical.” “Rick Santorum clearly sees homosexuality for what the Bible, Rome, Bob Jones University and even Salt Lake City have always regarded it, as a very serious form of sexual sin like adultery or incest,” the Rev. Huey Mills, a Lancaster pastor and principal of a Christian school, said in a statement. “Romney’s position on homosexuality, on the other hand, is probably a bigger scandal to traditionalist Mormons than it is to those of us who’ve always seen Mormonism, with its interesting historic approaches to sexuality and polygamy, as pretty heretical. In obedience to the Judeo-Christian Scriptures, most South Carolinians and I have a sane and healthy homophobia, while Mitt Romney has a very bad case of homophilia. The man very clearly endorses dangerous, unhealthy homosexual conduct.” Newt Gingrich has followed a similar tact regarding Romney, encouraging Florida voters not to support a ‘Massachusetts Moderate.’ Gingrich had been campaigning that “the sacrament of marriage was based on a man and a woman; has been for 3,000 years, is at the core of our civilization, and must be protected.” He insists it is not a “civil right” which gays can claim as something they are entitled to. Gingrich has also bitterly complained that the media has ignored anti-Christian bigotry in this country while pushing the gay rights
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
agenda. In campaign stops, he touts that “John Adams, who wrote the Constitution, would be surprised to hear that people of the same sex should be able to marry.” Where was that sacrament of marriage – Gingrich holds so dear – when he cheated on his first wife, then married his mistress, then cheated on her and married that mistress? And now wife number 2 (mistress number 1) is alleging that Gingrich asked her if they could have an “open marriage” so he could continue his relationship with mistress number 2 (wife number 3). Yes it’s clear that Gingrich holds the institution of marriage in high regard. Meanwhile, it was Santorum who got a boost from evangelical leaders when 150 of them, led by the hostile Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, met in Houston and endorsed him over Newt Gingrich. Faced with the reality that New Hampshire had decided in favor of marriage for same sex couples, and that 1,800 samesex couples secured marriage licenses, the state’s rights advocate Santorum reversed course, stating that marriage is “unique,” and must be a federal “constitutional” issue. Romney himself, as far back as 1994, in an interview with the Boston gay newspaper, Bay Windows, suggested as much. But it is also Romney who went on the Larry King Show to decry the judicial activism and judges who legalized gay marriage in his state, claiming he thought it was an incorrect decision. Indeed, as with all the remaining presidential candidates, Romney has hailed his conservatism before the Conservative Political Action Caucus, insisting that marriage must remain a contract between ‘”one man and one woman;” that courts should not be tinkering with history. Winning the New Hampshire primary, Romney stood at the podium in a dark blue suits, each of his five sons standing behind him in a crisp buttoned down white shirt. What if one of his sons were gay, he was once
asked too. “I would love them just as much.” Romney has also stated that he would not allow his faith as a Mormon interfere with his duties as a president, noting that in Massachusetts, as its governor, he appointed gays and lesbians to office. He boasted that while he would protect the kinds of benefits “we might associate with people who form civil unions,” it would be “a mistake” for society to expand the definition of marriage to same sex couples. In one of his last South Carolina debates, Romney found himself on the defensive, sharing that in his view he has always been against marriage for same-sex couples, in an attempt to tout his conservative principles. Ironically, Jon Huntsman, the now erased candidate, and former Governor of Utah, was the only Republican presidential candidate who had even expressed a modicum of support for civil unions. To his credit though as governor he stunned his state in 2009 when he announced his support for civil unions even though at the time 70 percent of Utahans opposed them. The bottom line is that out of all the candidates that have a shot at the nomination on the Republican ticket, their position on LGBT issues is clear and defined. None had ever called for the abolition of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy. None has ever supported the definition of marriage as anything other than a union between a man and a woman. Some have even supported a federal constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage. None has ever embraced or endorsed the congressional bill calling for an end to discrimination against homosexuals in the workplace. None has ever come out and said they have had a homosexual as part of their immediate family. And none have claimed to ever been to Key West on New Year’s Eve to watch Sushi in her shoe drop.
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
31
Election Issue
Jesse’s Journal
By Jesse Monteagudo
“Obama, with All His Faults” ing, to exercise the strong leadership needed to pass legislation or change the political culture. Obama could not even sell the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, his most important achievement. By the midterm elections of 2010, Obama had disillusioned his base, alienated independents and energized the opposition. The result was the grassroots, right-wing movement we know as the Tea Party and an election that gave the GOP the House of Representatives and most state governments. Under our constitutional system of government, no one has his or her own way, and those of us who cheered Obama to victory were fools to think he would be our new secular messiah. This was partly due to Obama himself, who promised too many things to too many people. But political leaders, like the world, can break your heart, and Obama disappointed us in ways no other president, not even Jimmy Carter or Bill Clinton, ever could. It’s no wonder that once-progressive individuals who supported the president on
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White House Photo, Pete Souza
I
n 1904 the New York Sun published the following one-line endorsement of Theodore Roosevelt, then running for a full term as President: “Theodore! with all thy faults . . .” What the editors of the Sun were trying to say was that the Republican Roosevelt, though far from perfect, was a better choice than his opponents: Judge Alton B. Parker (Democrat) and Eugene V. Debs (Socialist). Roosevelt eventually won, carrying most of what were then 45 states, while Parker’s support was limited to the “solid South” (minus Missouri). Like voters before and since, most Americans who voted in 1904 chose the lesser of many evils. In 2008 most Americans, tired of the George W. Bush administration, voted for “Hope and Change” and elected Barack Obama. Obama’s election, along with the election of a Democratic Congress, was supposed to usher in a new Progressive Age in American politics. That, of course, never happened. The economy, which was bad enough under Bush, only got worse. Obama seemed unable, or unwill-
his way to the White House are doing little or nothing to help him stay there; some going so far as to back one of his Republican opponents. Among these former fans are many LGBT people, who expected Obama to do for us what he promised, only to learn that he is just another politician. Barack Obama’s record on LGBT issues is far from perfect. But he is the most LGBTfriendly president in history; and much better than most of the Republican candidates. Though the president’s views on same-sex marriage are still “evolving” -- and how much of that is a ploy to keep the fundamentalist wolves at bay? -- he seems to support the rights of lesbian or gay couples in many ways short of the dreaded “M word.” Thanks to Obama (though not as much as he would like us to believe), openly LGB (but not Trans) people can serve in the U.S. armed forces; and HIV plus individuals can enter the U.S. The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act expanded the federal hate crimes law to cover sexual orientation and gender identity. A record number of LGBT people have been appointed to executive positions, judgeships and U.S. embassies abroad. Though there are many reasons to criticize Obama, his record on LGBT issues should not be one of them. Like the New York Sun in 1904, I support the president, for all his faults, because he is better than the opposition. Republican candidates,
seeking the votes of the religious right and the Tea Party right, have largely thrown their lot with those who oppose equal rights for LGBT Americans. Not all Republican candidates oppose LGBT rights. GOP candidates Fred Karger – openly gay and ignored – and Gary Johnson – not gay but equally ignored – support all or most LGBT issues; while Jon Huntsman, who recently withdrew from the race, backs civil unions and domestic partnerships. On the other hand, Michelle Bachmann, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Rick Perry, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum compete against each other to see who is the most homophobic candidate. These candidates and their supporters oppose “gay marriage,” back the return of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and, all in all, want to turn back the clock as far as we (or anyone else) are concerned. There are other reasons why I plan to vote for Barack Obama in 2012; not because he’s perfect but because he’s the best choice. Will Obama disappoint us again? Perhaps. Most second term Presidents have. On the other hand, what does not kill us politically might make us stronger; and Obama might become a more effective leader in his second term than he’s been in his first term. In a political world of sharp divisions, of the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street, trying to please everyone, which is what Obama tried to do, is the worst sin. Perhaps he’s learned his lesson.
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
News Analysis
Reuters/John Gress
Mrs. Santorum, Can We Talk?
By Kate Kendell Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights
O
n a recent campaign stop, Karen Santorum, wife of presidential hopeful Rick Santorum, accused LGBT activists of “backyard bullying” against her husband in the presidential race. Kate Kendell, executive director of National Center for Lesbian Rights responds to that allegation. Someone’s been using the extra bit of cash he got from his surge in Iowa to buy some spin-doctor advice. Earlier this week, Rick Santorum, his wife, Karen, and their oldest daughter, Elizabeth, were all talking about how much Rick “loves gay people” and that his opposition to our right to marry is a “policy difference.” Karen then added to the obscenity of this utter claptrap by suggesting that gay activists were being “backyard bullies” in our attacks on her husband and his policies. Karen, we need to talk. And by that, I mean that I need to talk and you need to listen. You love your husband – I get that. You love your faith – fine by me. But when you pretend that hate is love, that lies are truth, and that victims are oppressors, you have become inane. Your husband believes that LGBT people cannot be trusted to serve in the military, raise children, form stable relationships or be fully respected under the law. According to you, Rick may love us, but honey, his love is killing us, and we want nothing to do with this abusive relationship. Our community has endured expulsion from family, mass firings, daily epithets, assaults, harassment, humiliation, death, and suicides. We know that if your husband becomes president of our country our long suffering will only
deepen and magnify. So yes, we are calling him what he is: a sanctimonious bigot who believes that we are dangerous, sick, and evil. We are telling the truth about his vision and his beliefs about us. That is NOT bullying, it’s about saving our own lives. Your husband would erase the landmark and life-saving changes we have seen over the past few years, and revisit the hell of a government that does not see us as fully human. Given what so many of my brothers and sisters live through daily, you calling us bullies is contemptible. It did not have to be this way. Many people of faith truly and authentically do love the LGBT people in their lives. They also love fairness and equality and inclusion. They do not live in fear of those who are different. My mom was such a person, and I am sure you could have been too. In some ways, it’s very sad. In another two or three months, the cameras will be gone, and the press will not care about you or Rick. The march of justice will continue, leaving you and your family a forgotten footnote on the wrong side of history. I’m glad we talked, Karen. I feel better now. While I know you will keep saying whatever that reprobate PR firm is telling you to say, at least we understand each other. You and Rick are the haters. My community is the victim, and anyone paying attention knows the truth. Kate Kendell is executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, a legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of LGBT people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
33
Election Issue
Fred Who?
By Jason Parsley
W
hen Republicans go to vote Tuesday for the Republican presidential nominee one candidate they won’t be voting for is Fred Karger, who appropriately bills himself as “Fred Who?” Even though most people have never heard of him Karger, 61, is in fact making history – whether anyone notices or not. He happens to be is the first openly gay person to run for president. Even more surprising though is he’s running as a Republican – albeit a socially progressive Republican. As a side note he’s also the first Jewish Republican to run as well. Karger knows he’s a long shot. And he acknowledges his chances of winning aren’t even slim to none. In fact he’s not even on the ballot in many of the primaries and caucuses such as Iowa, South Carolina and Florida. His true goal is really to stand on the stage and debate the other candidates, but even that possibility is slowly slipping away as time runs out. Karger compares his bid for the nomination to that of Shirley Chisholm who became the first black woman to run for president in 1972 and received 152 first-ballot votes at the Democratic National Convention that year in Miami. Even though Chisholm was a long shot in her time she was allowed in a debate
with the democratic frontrunners. “Being the first openly gay candidate running for president and doing it as a Republican has been a huge hindrance for me on two fronts,” Karger said. “One, the Republicans have been uneasy with me, and two, the gay community has been very slow to come around and many still have not come around.” Even gay Republicans haven’t been quick to jump on board with his candidacy. “I can’t wait for the day when a qualified, credible, gay conservative candidate is running for President of the United States. Fred isn’t it. He doesn’t have the experience or the credibility to make a legitimate run for the presidency,” said Co-Founder & Executive Director of GOProud Jimmy LaSalvia. “His campaign has made its point, and now it’s time to move on so that the Republican Party can choose our nominee from the remaining credible candidates. For the record, I know and like Fred, but I don’t agree with him on this.” Karger knows the big battles will be hard to win so it’s the small victories he’s taking pride in. In some cases just being on the ballot is a win. For instance in some states like South Carolina all it takes is $25,000 to be included on the ballot, but in other states like Michigan and Florida it’s up to one person. In Michigan that person is the Secretary of State who decided to include Karger on
submitted photo
Presidential candidate makes history
Fred Karger the ballot, but in Florida that person is Lenny Curry, chairman of the Florida Republican Party, who denied Karger’s hope of being on the ballot. “I am deeply disheartened that you and the Republican Party of Florida decided to keep me off the Florida Republican Primary Ballot, especially in light of the fact that Michigan just announced that I will appear on its Republican Primary ballot next year,” Karger wrote in a letter to Curry. While Karger told SFGN: “The Florida Republican party chairman has made a point of keeping me off the ballot. I know it’s because I’m gay. There is a lot homophobia, which is the reason I am running.” Another small victory: beating Michelle
Bachmann in New Hampshire. Bachmann received 347 votes to Karger’s 485. “Congresswoman Bachmann was in 12 national debates, raised $10 to $12 million, received massive news coverage, has huge name ID and we beat her in New Hampshire,” Karger said in a statement. “She and I had been tied in several recent NH polls. Early last month I said that I wanted to beat Santorum or Bachmann in New Hampshire. It’s a big win for me.” Bachmann though had technically already dropped out of the race though by the time the New Hampshire primary rolled around. The next state he’s looking to actively compete in is Michigan, which holds its primary February 28. According to Karger’s resume he began his political career began with the Dolphin Group in 1977. He then served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer through 2004. During his time there, Karger helped lead the campaigns of numerous politicians including California Governor George Deukmejian, and the Presidential campaigns of Senator Robert Dole. At the end of the day, or in this case campaign, Karger wants to be an inspiration to others especially younger gay men and woman. “I think my message is important. The bottom line is the impact I’m making on younger people. I literally have gotten thousands of emails from younger people up to an 82-year-old man about what I’m doing,” Karger said. “There has never really been an openly gay candidate for president in the world.”
Religious Freedom Vs. Same-Sex Marriage By Chuck Colbert Keen News Service
A
group of nearly 40 conservative religious leaders released an open letter this month (January 12) that seeks to reframe the battle over same-sex civil marriage as a threat to their freedom of religion. And in a new tactical twist, the signatories, say their concern is not that their ministers will be forced to preside at same-sex weddings. Rather, they say, allowing gays to wed would end up “forcing or pressuring both individuals and religious organizations — throughout their operations, well beyond religious ceremonies — to treat same-sex sexual conduct as the moral equivalence of marital sexual conduct.” The signatories include New York Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, president of the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, H. David Burton, presiding bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals. It also includes the Bishop of Oakland, California, the Most Rev. Salvatore J. Cordileone “There is no doubt that many people and groups whose moral and religious convictions forbid same-sex sexual conduct will resist the compulsion of the law and church and state conflicts will result,” the leaders caution, in the letter, entitled “Marriage and Religious Freedom: Fundamental Goods That Stand or Fall Together.” The signatories say that faith-based adoption agencies would be required to place children with civilly married same-sex couples
and that religious employers would be required to extend medical health care benefits same-sex spouses. The letter, posted on the website of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, holds out marriage between heterosexual couples as the “true definition” that “must be protected for its own sake and for the good of society.” The religious leaders also assert that, in opposing same-sex marriage, they and their followers have been “marked” as “bigots, subjecting them to the full arsenal of government punishments and pressures reserved for racists.” Nationwide, the hierarchy of the Catholic Church has been at the forefront advocating against equal civil-marriage rights for gay couples. One leading opponent is Archbishop Dolan, whom the pope will elevate to cardinal next month. Days before conservative religious leaders released their letter, Pope Benedict said samesex marriage posed a threat to “humanity” adding, “Pride of place goes the family, based on the marriage of a man and a woman.” “This is not a simple social convention, but rather the fundamental cell of every society,” he said. “Consequently, the policies which undermine the family threaten human dignity and the future of humanity itself.” Catholic advocates for LGBT equality reacted swiftly to the Pope’s harsh words and the open letter. “The pope has it wrong, but this time he has it diametrically wrong,” said Francis DeBernardo, executive director of Mount Rainier, Md.-based New Ways Ministry, a gay
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Cy White
Religious leaders desperately try to reframe debate over same-sex marriage
Archbishop Timothy Dolan positive ministry of outreach with LGBT Catholics, their families, and friends. “The threat to ‘human dignity and the future of humanity’ comes not from marriage equality but in opposition to it,” he added in a New Ways Ministry blog posting. In e-mail correspondence, DeBernardo said, the open letters’ threat of “compulsion is a fantasy that exists in the conservative religious leaders’ heads.” “No one is going to be compelled to do anything,” he said. “If religious organizations do not follow government regulations, they will simply not receive government funding,” he said. “We are not going to see bishops going to jail over this,” DeBernardo said. Interestingly, DeBernardo said, “At least
for the Catholic bishops who signed this statement, there was never any uproar over providing benefits to divorced, remarried, but not annulled people. The same Catholic principles of marriage apply in that case. Why is there only an uproar when gay and lesbian people are involved?” Phil Attey, executive of Catholics for Equality, said the Catholic bishops are recasting themselves from “bullies” to “victims.” “Politically, it’s imperative for the bishops to change the narrative, he said. “And the best way to do this is to fabricate injustices against them. Ergo, we have their new ‘religious liberties’ campaign.” Catholics for Equality is a national LGBT advocacy organization. The use of public funds by faith-based organizations is a key, say advocates and legal experts, not religious freedom. Privately funded, religious-based, charitable and social services programs are exempt from non-discrimination laws. But such taxpayerfunded faith-based programs are required to comply with state non-discrimination laws. “Religious freedom does not include a right to special exemptions from the laws that bind all citizens,” said professor Tobias Wolff at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. “Neither does religious freedom include a right to avoid criticism for one’s beliefs. Adherents to religions that preach discrimination against LGBT people have a right to explore their beliefs. They do not have a right to turn those beliefs into law, and they do not have a right to pursue their beliefs free from the disapproval of their fellow citizens.”
35
Media Matters
SHE Magazine Celebrates 13th Anniversary By Andrea Dulanto
I
n the 1960s and 1970s, lesbian publications such as The Ladder and Lesbian Connection offered community-building and politics. The 1980s and 1990s glammed it up with Curve and Girlfriends, which were like Cosmo for lipstick lesbians. So where are we now? In February 2012, SHE magazine celebrates its thirteenth anniversary. Based in South Florida, SHE is a free publication that reaches out to LBT women with articles on pop culture, the arts, politics, and current events. SHE’s latest issue from January 2012 builds on the tradition of lesbian chic. The SHE Girls—with and without lipstick—are stylish readers who pose for the camera and send in their pictures for publication. The fashionable lesbian is also seen in the photos of attendees at LGBT cultural events such as The Women’s White Party and GLAAD’S Blue Carpet Gala. We can also see an elevated sense of style
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“We’ve had some great interviews…Ellen, Fran Dresher, Margaret Cho, Melissa Etheridge, the cast of The L Word, the Queer as Folk cast, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, Lea Delaria…”
– Tina Sordellini
in January’s articles—a cover story with lesbian jazz singer Sweet Baby J’ai, a profile on the 40th anniversary of Olivia Travel, as well as brief write-ups on Ani Difranco’s latest album ¿Which Side Are You On? and The Iron Lady starring Meryl Streep. This issue also provides politics with a review of LGBT parental rights, a report from Equality Florida, and a brief summary on Or-
lando’s new domestic partnership ordinance. Published by Tina Sordellini and Maria Espinal, the SHE tagline is “Women Ow ned, Women Operated, Women Empowered!” Recently, Sordellini was interviewed about the magazine’s connection with its audience, and how it plans to move forward in the future. How has the magazine changed over the past 13 years? …[T]he vision I had 13 years ago still holds true… to produce a respected, quality magazine for women that informed about current events on both a local and national level, [covered] entertainment…and [helped get the word out for] women… starting out… [as] writers, photographers, artists, singers, filmmakers… The vision was to do all that and… shatter the mainstream myth that homosexuals are only interested in sex and [show how] our dollars play a huge part in supporting mainstream movies, television, corporations, music and issues. …we have made… significant cosmetic changes over 13 years…and added the ability for people to read the entire magazine online or via Android technology, [but] we still hold true to our original goal[s]... What sets SHE apart from other LGBT women’s magazines? That is a difficult question…we have built respect and friendships with so many publications … [But] if I have to pick just one thing… it’s that we have managed to produce a truly great magazine that covers…[issues] on a local and national level and have kept it free to our readers. We also have 2-3 pages each month devoted to our Spanish speaking readers…we are proud to provide that section and encourage others who can’t read it to make a [Spanishspeaking] friend…translate it for them. What are a few of the most memorable articles or events covered by SHE? …We’ve had some great interviews…Ellen,
Fran Dresher, Margaret Cho, Melissa Etheridge, the cast of The L Word, the Queer as Folk cast, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, Lea Delaria…we have also had some amazing stories from our readers who have survived breast cancer and been up against Don’t Ask Don’t Tell… …we did 17 pages devoted strictly to the final season of The L Word…[and] saw people selling that issue on eBay for upwards of $300 per copy (and getting it!) …my PERSONAL favorite cover of all time was the July 2009 cover with Vanessa Williams. What can readers expect from the 13th Anniversary Issue? Readers can expect to see our cover story with someone we consider to be an alltime lesbian favorite celebrity as well as all the things they have come to know and love about SHE.
SHE Magazine 6511 Nova Drive, #173, Davie, FL 33317 954-354-9751. info@shemag.com http://www.shemag.com
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Bible Belt States Top Online Searches for Gay Sex By Tana Velen
W
hen you think of gay sex you probably don’t think of Cletus the three-toothed hillbilly from Mississippi Googling how to “gay sex” his backwater bartender. And if you do, you’re probably the backwater bartender. Regardless, it’s interesting to know that of the top 10 states that searched for the term “gay sex,” seven of them are Bible belt states. In case you aren’t aware, Bible belt states are states that are predominately Baptist and tend to take the same view of the gays as the Pope, who recently stated that gay marriage would “threaten human dignity and the future of humanity itself.” Keeping that view of civil rights in mind, what are these Bible belt states thinking? Don’t they know they have a history of intolerance to maintain? Or...perhaps jumping the gun and presuming to know an entire region of people based off their geographic location is the kind of stereotyping that the gay community has been fighting since day one. That being said, there could be a million reasons why so many states that went red in the last election are Googling this term. Maybe they are trying to increase awareness of a
group of people they know nothing about. Or perhaps young kids who are just discovering their sexuality are doing personal research to help them understand themselves better. That’s the problem with tracking Google Trends, there are no answers as to why these trends are taking place. In fact, when you look closer at the cities where the term “gay sex” is searched for the most on Google they are in areas that are known to be more gay-friendly, like Miami. So it would seem like that term isn’t central to a concentrated town or city of these Bible belt states, but spread out over the entire region. Although the locations of internet traffic for that term are thought provoking, the real surprise comes when you look at not where these searches are taking place, but in what language the searchers speak, themselves. The number one language for this search is,
SFGN Launches The Mirror By Richard Gary
T
he South Florida Gay News relaunched its quarterly magazine at an anniversary party at J. Mark’s in Fort Lauderdale on Monday evening, January 23. Re-branded and re-styled as ‘The Mirror’ the outdoor patio was overwhelmed with 350 guests who raised nearly $2200 to benefit Tuesday’s Angels. The Mirror is being distributed locally with SFGN.com today, and nationally to select gay communities across the United States. The magazine features a cover story with nationally known design star David Bromstad, and includes articles on fitness, travel, pride festivals around the globe and a discussion of the Supreme Court case on gay marriage. Along with a reprinting of the SFGN.com story about gays being entrapped by Palm Beach County police, The Mirror has some aesthetically pleasing visuals as well, highlighting two prominent coffee table books, ---Scott Pasfeld’s ‘Gay in America,’ and the homoerotic ‘Players Two.’ There is
a feature on Fort Lauderdale’s Stonewall Library and a gay American icon, Frank Kameny, the leader of the movement to bring down DADT. Senior Correspondent Tony Adams also did a profile on Broadway performer Tom Judson, a former porn star.
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
believe it or not, Arabic, followed by English and then Spanish. That fact alone produces more questions than the Duggar’s produce babies. Does Bollywood have a gay best friend we don’t know about? Traditionally speaking, it seems uncommon that anyone from an Arabic nation would be Googling “gay sex.” But to assume that, would take us back a couple paragraphs to when we were assuming that Bible belt states were filled with Pope wannabe’s. Also it’s important to note that this fact is not related to the locations of where “gay sex” is trending. It’s not like there are millions of Arabic-speaking folk in the Bible Belt searching “gay sex,” although if someone were to make a sitcom of that it would hilarious. If there’s anything to take away from this unusual trend it’s that a presumption on who Googles what is about as reliable as Kathy Grif-
fin promising not to take her clothes off during her New Year’s Eve special with Anderson Cooper. Best to not presume anything at all (and maybe keep an extra top around while praying the bra stays on). No matter why these searches are taking place, it’s important to recognize that they are happening everywhere. The expansion of the gay community, whether it’s through basic internet research or established gay locations, is growing every day. If this report is evident of anything it’s that you never know what sparks a person’s interest or what kind of person is turned on by finding out gay-related topics. When Ricky Martin was singing about “Living La Vida Loca” and having that hot Dorito’s chick star in his music video, certainly no one thought the Latino singer was in the closet. Well, unless you looked at his wardrobe. But aside from flashy shirts and perfectly pruned eye brows, a person’s interests or secrets remain as hidden as they want. As to why Bible Belters are searching “gay sex” in their internet browsers, I’ll have to take a page out of the tootsie-pop owl and say “the world may never know.” Unless, of course, Google comes out with another report about it.
The new magazine was designed in house by SFGN’s staff, including creative directors George Dauphin and Greg Bistolfi. It is 52 pages, glossy white, and magazine size. Publisher Norm Kent stated that “we chose the name ‘the Mirror,’ because we want the magazine to be a reflection of our lives; to illuminate our achievements and showcase our participation in the community about and around us. We are very grateful for the support of so many.” Those contributing to the success of the magazine are advertisers and business who took out half and full page ads, including such sponsors as Castelli Real Estate, the law offices of George Castrataro, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Atlantic Properties, Miami Gay Men’s Chorus, Loria Medical, J. Mark’s, The Alibi and Bill’s Filling Station, American Tax and Insurance, Broward House, Island City Fitness, Lea Krauss, P.A., Elite Smile Designs, Sean Newman, P.A., Camp for Health and Selzer & Weiss. Added Mike Trottier, Sales Manager, “ We are grateful for all our advertisers, including Howard Cohen Counseling, Andy Weiser Realty, Gateway Movies, David Jacovitz, Robin Bodiford, Friends or Phobe.com, Sales Surprise, Fab Scout Entertainment, Johnny’s Bar, Barton & Miller, and Miriam Richter Law.”
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To place an ad, call Brian Swinford
954.530.4970
or fill out form online at SouthFloridaGayNews.com/classifieds ACCOMMODATIONS
COMPUTER/TECH
SHARE CORAL RIDGE HOME $800/month. Share beautiful 4700sqft hom e. 1.5 mi fr beach. 1.5 mi to Wilton DrMstrBdrm w/pvtmstrbth.jacuzzi, pool. pvt yard. 954-609-9405 ------------------------------------------------PERFECT VACATION RENTALSLOW SUMMER RATES.From $69/Night & $395/Week.Beautiful Studio, 1 & 2 BR Apts.with Full Kitchens.Clothing optional heated pool, laundry, parking.Close to Gay Dania & Nude Haulover Beaches. Incl. Cable, Tel. & Wi-Fi Internet. Pets Always Welcome. Call (954) 927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com ------------------------------------------------STAY-CATION RENTALS from $465 per week. Studio’s, 1 BR Apartments with full kitchens. FREE parking, clothing optional pool, extended cable, FREE Wi-Fi. Located on Ft. Lauderdale Beach, close to Sebastian Street.The perfect stay in town vacation. Call 954 260 6568 or visit www.palmplazaresort.com
FAST, RELIABLE SERVICE, AT YOUR PLACE or ours! New PC’s and Laptops • Virus Removal.Hardware Repairs • Telephone Systems.PCLauderdale • 279 E Oakland Park Blvd. 954.636.3322. www. pclauderdale.com ------------------------------------------------COMPUTER/NETWORK SUPPORT FOR HOME OR OFFICE.Personable and Reliable Computer Network Support.Professional with over 15 years of Enterprise Level Experience.Affordable Rates. Contact Peter at (954) 816-4126 Or peter@netechsystems.com
ASTROLOGY YANNA’S ASTROLOGY Spiritual Advisor & Life Coach Helping people for over 30 years. 954-324-6160 Call for help today. AUTO REPAIR ------------------------------------------------MOBILE AUTO REPAIR. Gierse’s Mobile Garage, Inc. BMW & Mercedes Specialist.All Makes & Models Welcome. Licensed & Insured, Credit Cards Acpt’d http://giersesgarage.webplus.net/ Call 954-557-6530 for appointment ------------------------------------------------BARTENDER ATTRACTIVE/ATTENTIVE BARTENDER Good Looking 42 yr Gay Bartender for your holiday parties. Let me take care of your guests and getting drinks..the most important part! CALL JEFFREY 954-566-5300
BODY TREATMENTS MALE MASSAGE & MORE, Massage, bodyscrubs,bdygrooming, haircuts, Facials, companions, housecleaning, and Just about “everything’’ you might need Ph 954-522-0849/954-522-0849 info 11am ?
CLEANING SERVICES BEST CLEANING SERVICE.Short Notice Cleaning. Due to great quality work we charge a flat rate. Pet and Children Friendly. Call 954-548-9138 ------------------------------------------------CLEANING SERVICES.Years of Experience.Condos, Apts, Homes, Offices, Move Ins/Outs.Weekly or Bi-Weekly. Wilton Manors, Oakland Park, Middle River Terrace, Fort Lauderdale Area. Great References. Call BJ 954-512-3957 ------------------------------------------------ITALIANO HOME CLEANING SERVICE. Honest, Reliable, Quality cleaning for your home. Bi-Weekly or one-time available. I guarantee my work. Serving Broward Area. Call David 954-608-8913. ------------------------------------------------GET IT CLEAN NOW! JOTA.Home & Office Cleaning Excellent Professional home and/or Office cleaning in Broward County.From Simple Dust & Tidy Cleaning to Complete and thorough Deep Cleaning.Excellent References from Private & Office Customers. Call Jorge. 561-577-9285 -----------------------------------------------NINA’S CLEANING. Exceptional Cleaning Service. If honesty, integrity and experience are of utmost importance to you, you’ve come to the right place. Your home will be treated with respect and attention to detail. 12 yrs of experience/ references (954) 601-6141 or e-mail me at jabn1999@yahoo.com
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EMPLOYMENT WANTED HIGHLY QUALIFIED INFORMATION technology professional and Veteran seeks IT position. 10+ years experience in help desk and desktop support. Will consider other career opportunities in South Florida. Please call Michael at 954.243.7175 ------------------------------------------------ALL FOOD HANDLING EXPERIENCE. I can prepare all seafood. Sauté, Sous Chef, Line Cook, Short order Breakfast, Baker, Prep, and also Catering.With over 23 Experience. Please contact Butch at 754-204-8463. ------------------------------------------------LOOKING FOR HONEST WORK 5+ years experiencee in fencing, tile, shingle roofing, drywall, concrete, RV detail, food service, paint prep. Call Christopher 954-839-5473 ------------------------------------------------EXPERIENCED ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL Familiar with all office duties, Including personal assistant and organization. Computer literate. Billing, invoicing and collections. Call Jim 954-303-5355 ------------------------------------------------COOK POSITION WANTED Cook with 27 years experiencee. All foods such as organic, Italian, Mexican, Jamaican, Spanish and all types of BBQ and pizza maker. I am willing to work anytime and can start ASAP. Call William 754-204-8463
ENTERTAINMENT PROFESSIONAL HARPIST Add elegance to the holidays! Talented, experienced harpist for all your parties and celebrations. Go to: HTTP://about.me/billvanpatten or call 954-895-3926
HANDYMAN SERVICES INEXPENSIVE ELECTRICIAN. Electrician 55.00 an hour or set price. Residential,Commercial& Industrial work Fans,Outlets, Service changes Licensed and Insured, EC0001777. 954-931-5121 ------------------------------------------------LOCKSMITH & GLASS SERVICES All Pro Locks & Glass, Inc..24/7 Commercial & Residential.954-780-5188 office / www. aplag.com. Servicing Southeastern Florida
HELP WANTED HAIR DRESSER WANTED. Be Your Own Boss Rent a Salon Chair for reasonable price. Beautiful salon and very cozy. Call 561-909-9055. Delray Location Male/ or Female Hair Dresser Wanted. ------------------------------------------------SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS IS HIRING If you are retail and customer focused, computer literate and proficient, web knowledgeable, have outside or Inside sales experience…then you’re hired! Advertising Sales Representative. Call on clients, guide their advertising campaigns and make a good living. Fax your resume to 954-530-7943 or email norm.kent@sfgn.com ------------------------------------------------EXPERICENCED WAITER. Italian Restaurant seeking a professional and experienced waiter.PT/FT time position available. Fort Lauderdale area. Call 505-554-7103
BEAUTIFUL 2/2 HOME FOR RENT
Beautiful and totally renovated large 2 bedroom 2 bath private home with parking and large yard. New appliances, Jacuzzi tub in master bathroom, stone flooring, crown moldings, tall kitchen cabinets, impact windows, alarm, etc. Located near Wilton Manors; $1,400/month. Contact Ilan @ 561-330-0688 -------------------------------------------------
FOR SALE – 2 TIX ATLANTIS SO CARIB CRUISE
2 tickets to sold-out Atlantis South Carrib Cruise March 17-24. Large C2 room with patio. $1819 each plus $150 change fee. Call Jim at 619-992-9973 -------------------------------------------------
LAKE HOME FOR SALE
2 bd, 1 ba, mod. kit w/grnte, den, open floor plan good for parties, gay neigh., mins. to Wilton Manors, Priced to sell @ $86,000. Won’t last!!! 954-448-9446 -------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED ISSUE LIFE INSURANCE
NO Med questions. Only $38.00 per mo. Pays $15k benefit & $7,500 for partner. Call Jim 954-561-8297 www.CorrectCoverageInsurance.com -------------------------------------------------
FIVE STEPS TO FINANCIAL SUCCESS:
1. Prove to us that you have the personality to talk to people on the phone and keep their interest. 2. Do this successfully for one month at $10 per hour. 3. We will sponsor you to take the 215 Florida Insurance License course. 4. We will sponsor your fingerprints to be sent to the insurance department. 5. We will sponsor you to take the state insurance license test pass and you will begin earning up to $100,000 per year selling health and life insurance over the phone as a licensed insurance professional. Are you up to the challenge??? Call Brian at 954-200-0140 to get started today!
The silver tour- free admission NORML / high times senior alliance this sunday, January 29 - 1:30 pm to 3:30 PM Temple shaarei shalom 9085 Hagen ranch road, Boynton beach, FL ------------------------------------------------MAC EXPERT NEEDED. Looking for an expert Mac user. Come to my Ft. Lauderdaelhame and show me how to use my Apple products correctly and efficently.Please Email qualifications, hourly rates, and availability to: macxprt2011@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------STYLIST W/CLIENTELE WANTED Chair rental, Private, Professional Hair Studio setting. Must be responsible, professional and a person without any substance abuse problems. Contact Dean Allen @ 954-564-1377. www. deanallen-ahairstudio.com ------------------------------------------------COMPANION FOR ELDERLY GENTLEMAN with dementia; full/part time, experienced, clean background check, mature, good natured, in good health. Submit resume, including references and pay requirement to: PO Box 2213, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33303 ------------------------------------------------HAIR STYLIST. Looking for Stylist with following dependable willing to work.Small intimate Salon/ Art Gallery in Wilton Manors SIGNING BONUS PAID FOR RIGHT IND. call 954565-4562 for appointment ------------------------------------------------PART TIME PERSONAL ASSISTANT 5 hours weekly, should have excellent organizational skills duties may include filing, organization of household, (no cleaning), personal errands. Preference for those with Social Media Skills, building Database and mailing lists. Email wjrenaud@gmail.com
INSURANCE & FINANCIAL ALLSTATE DIRECT: PERSONAL auto, home,condominium,boat and life insurance. For a free quote call Joe Mier 305-754-7414
LEGAL SERVICES CREDITORS CALLING? Call Us! The Law Offices of GeorgeCastrataro, PA. Serving Clients With Integrity and Compassion 954-573-1444
------------------------------------------------PROUDLY SERVING THE SOUTH FLORIDA GLBTX COMM. since 1993. Law office’s of Robin L. Bodiford, PA specializes in Bankruptcy, Probate, Wills&Trust. Call 954-630-2707
LICENSED MASSAGE AFFORDABLE, AWESOME MASSAGE BY JIM Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and Lomi Lomi Massage; All in a very comfortable, relaxed and Private Massage Studio conveniently located on the SE corner of Oakland Park Blvd and Federal Highway. Nationally Certified & Licensed. Call Jim Libonati at 954-6005843. info@massagebyjim.com #MM22293 SPECIAL: First Time Client Rates ------------------------------------------------THE LUXURY YOU DESERVE Traditional Thai Massage and all other modality massage. clohsuwan@bellsouth.net www.thaimassageflorida.com Call or text 954-732-1473. Satisfaction guaranteed. FL Lic #MA56806 ------------------------------------------------THE BRITISH POUND John Maroussas LMT Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Trigger Point, Swedish, Salt or Sugar Scrubs. Private Studio w/ Shower. Wilton Manors Location near Bill’s Lic#MA51123 954-999-2240
MOVERS ALWAYSS MOVING know what you’re paying before you move! Licensed & Insured MC/ Visa/ Discover Accepted Family owned 20 years. Complete moving Services. Flat Rate& Free Estimates Call 305-650-9080
PERSONAL TRAINING IF YOU ARE READY TO MAKE A HEALTHIER you a lifestyle call Christy Fritch,BS CPR certified 954-445-2540
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FREE ROOF INSPECTIONS. Free written Detailed Roof Evaluation. By State licensed Roofing Contractor. Lic # RC29027398 (954) 580-1818 Or (561) 955-0700
REAL ESTATE PALM AIRE. 1BD/1.5 BA condo, all new kithen& appliances, W/D, patio facing golf course, Priced to Sell, Call 954-971-9713 ------------------------------------------------KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY- Ted Adcock, Realtor Cell: 954-609-4393 tedftl@aol.com ------------------------------------------------DISCREET PRIVATE SECURE.FT LAUDERDALE BEACH CONDO $169,900. Building & Unit totally renovated. Ocean views from Bedroom Balcony Living Room. Intracostal Apartment elegant.Bob McGlynn Exit Realty. rebobmac@yahoo.com 954-478-6321 ------------------------------------------------620 NE 7TH AVE, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33304 For Sale: 250,000. 3 Bedrooms 2.5 Bath. Call John Castelliat (954) 563-9889 ------------------------------------------------THE SHAPIRO GROUP INC. Residential Property Management LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER. www.shapiroproperty. com 954-434-0175 ------------------------------------------------LUSH 2 BEDROOM HOME FOR SALE Oasis close to restaurants & highway Private & landscaped yard for relaxing Hardwood flooring in living room Call Ana Salazar @ Keyes 954-593-3089 ------------------------------------------------3321 NE 37TH ST FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA 33308 Listing # F1113917: 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms. Price: $825,000 call Jason Johnson Office Phone: (954) 563-9889 ------------------------------------------------HOLLYWOOD OCEAN FRONT CONDO FOR SALE ON PENTHOUSE LEVEL 2 Bed/2 Bath, Newly renovated. Only Motivated Buyers.2,200 sqft.$570,000. Call 954-328-7412 Ronnie
RENT/LEASE MIDDLE RIVER &LAKERIDGE 1BD/1BA $680/Mth. $175/wk or 2BD/2BA $850/mth.or $225/week w/ a 12 month lease. Pay your deposit and you are in* for more details call 954-527-9225 ------------------------------------------------BEAUTIFUL LG. 1/1 Middle River Terr. French doors lead to your own private patio/ garden, tile throughout. Small quiet mostly gay bldg. Pets Ok, coin W/D $795./mo 954-791-4195 ------------------------------------------------HUGE 3/1- HALF DUPLEX NEW KITCHEN, Tile Floor throughout, Huge Fenced yard, washer/ dryer, pets ok, pet owner, $1100. / mo 954-791-4195 ------------------------------------------------1/1 FRENCH DOORS/PRIVATE PATIO Middle River Terr, lg. 1/1, tile floors, walkin closet, your own fenced patio/ garden, pets OK, coin W/D, quiet mostly gay bldg, $795./mo. 954-791-4195 ------------------------------------------------SPACIOUS OFFICE FOR RENT. Office suite in great building available approx 2500 sf set up as offices with conference room in two adjoining suites. Located at 1220 ne 4th ave just south of wilton manors. 954-7634214 To see. Rent $2500 with annual lease ------------------------------------------------ANDREWS GARDENS: Oct. 1st Occupancy. 5111 NW 1st Ave., cozy, clean, happy 2/1 private home.Patio, fenced, paver drive, close to everything. $985/ mo. (1st + sec.). 954-629-0393. ------------------------------------------------2/2 WILTON MANORS. Quiet area, w/pool, laundry, small pets accepted. First and 1 month deposit. Call Astrid: 954-806-7607. ------------------------------------------------WEST HOLLYWOOD 2/2 Large Unique Duplex, Small office in unit, open kitchen w/ dishwasher, W/D, wood deck patio + privacy fence all around, we are extremely pet friendly, call Rita 954-549-9228 ------------------------------------------------BEAUTIFUL SPACIOUS CONDO Middle River Terrace, Large 2 BD, 2 ½ bath, Washer/dryer, Open kitchen/black granite, private patio/garden, fresh paint/ new carpet, 3 year old bldg. $1300 month, 703-505-1042
------------------------------------------------VERY PEACEFUL RESIDENCE LAKERIDGE HOUSE: very private, immaculate XLg 1BR, private gated entry, CAC, WD, tile flooring, walk-in closet, ample storage off street parking, fenced patio ZEN meditation/orchid gardens front/rear VERY quiet. Minutes to Publix, $985/mo. Call Joe: 954-610-6712. ------------------------------------------------1BED - 2ND FLOOR 1142 NE 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 954-764-0212 or 954-5812573 $700/Mo. yearly ------------------------------------------------ANDREWS GARDENS: Oct. 1st Occupancy. 5111 NW 1st Ave., cozy, clean, happy 2/1 private home.Patio, fenced, paver drive, close to everything.$985/mo. (1st + sec.). 954-629-0393. ------------------------------------------------TWO BEDROOM MIDDLE RIVER HOMES CONDO. Two bedroom, two bath condo in pet friendly building with wash/ dryer in unit. Close to Wilton Manors. First and second floor units available March 1. $975 f/l/s. Jimmy Cunningham licensed Real Estate Agent Castelli RE Services 954-303-7380. ------------------------------------------------GAY ANDREWS AVENUE Large 1/1, all utilities incl, granite, d/w, private fenced tropical yard, all tile, vaulted ceiling, adt security. $750. Call 772-626-1345 ------------------------------------------------2/2 CONDO LIGHTHOUSE POINT Contemporary furnished master bed/bath most utilities inc 1st fl across from icw seek mature male looking for a quality place to live 954-960-2838 ------------------------------------------------RIVERLAND CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN Duplex 2BD/1BA or 4BD/2BA also available efficiencies and 1BDs. Large pool, new A/C units, 1 or 2 kitchen, large living room/family room/screened in porch, private back yard. Call Butch 954-632-6639.
ROOMMATES GAY/GAY FRIENDLY ROOMMATE WANTED IN BOCA. Located in Boca Raton, right off Military Trail (north of Palmetto Park).Available now. 1 Unfurnished bedroom/ 1 Full Bathroom for rent in townhouse. Neighborhood is family friendly, safe and gated. Community has its own pool and tennis court. Very close to shopping, restaurants, I-95 and schools. Looking for a mature, easy going, gay/gay friendly individual. Non / outdoor smoker preferred. $650.00/ month with a 6 to 12 month lease. Water + Trash included. Call Jeff 561-315-0746 ------------------------------------------------ROOM 4 RENT IN 2 BED/1 BATH. Clean! $500 mo. includes utilities. North of Sunrise/East of Andrews.Walk to Wilton Manors.Must be gay friendly male/ female. Call 954-297-9270 ------------------------------------------------VICTORIA PARK LARGE TOWNHOUSE Lge. Pvt. Bedroom w/full use of home Key West Style Street with view.References with happy stable life.$625 plus 1/2 utilities. cbado@Live.com or 954.709.0505 ------------------------------------------------FTL-CORAL RIDGE POOL HOME Male to share remodeled 4BD/4BA home w/2 males. Unfurn, W/D, chef’s kitchen, wi-fi, lgpvt backyard w/dive-in pool,1.5 mi to beach. $800/mo. 954-609-9405. ------------------------------------------------ROOM FOR RENT in immaculate 2 bedroom 1 bath single family home. Fully fenced backyard, new granite/cherry kitchen. Close to public transport and Wilton Manors. Pets welcome. $500 includes utilities. 201-696-8752
DATING New FREE Dating Website SameSexConnections.com
January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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January 25, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com