06/19/13 V4i25 by South Florida Gay News

TAINTED PRIDE:

Brian Neal Foundation Admits to Mismanaging Funds 6 Pride South Florida Could Lose Tax Exemption 5

local name, global coverage

june 19, 2013 // vol. 4 // issue 25

Special Sections:

In this issue

VOICE

Pull-Out Section, Middle of Paper

& Welcome to the new Poverello Pulse pg 13

THE FIGHT GOES ON The Festival Today pg 60 Civil Rights Yesterday pg 32

HOW LUBE MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE 53 soflagaynews SFGN.com //

CELEBRATION OF FRIENDS IS ON 54 // SouthFloridaGayNews

Top 3 on SFGN.com

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June 19, 2013 • Volume 4 • Issue 25 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate publisher • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com

Last week’s hottest items couldn’t wait to be printed

Sergio N. Candido

sergio.candido@sfgn.com

Jane Lynch to Divorce Wife After 3 Years The actress is currently starring in the Broadway revival of ‘Annie: The Musical’ Star of the hit television show “Glee” Jane Lynch has announced she’ll divorce her wife of three years. “Lara and I have decided to end our marriage. This has been a difficult decision for us as we care very deeply about one another. We ask for privacy as we deal with this family matter,” the 52-year-old actress said in a statement to People magazine. Lynch and her wife, Lara Embry,

44, a psychologist, met at a 2009 fundraiser in San Francisco and got married in 2010 in a small ceremony in Sunderland, Massachusetts, one the three states at the time where gay couples could get legally married, according to SheWired. “It’s just the greatest thrill in the world to find somebody that you want to be with everyday,” Lynch told People in 2010.

The Glee star is currently starring in the Broadway revival of “Annie: The Musical” and recently performed at the Tony Awards ceremony in New York. It is unclear what type of relationship Lynch and her stillcurrent wife will have. The actress described Embry’s daughter, Haden, as “my greatest pleasure” at an event last March.

Senator Wants Gays in Immigration Bill “Seeking equal protection under our laws for the LGBT community is the right thing to do,” Leahy said in a statement. “I withheld my antidiscrimination amendment during the Senate Judiciary Committee markup. As the entire Senate turns to debate the immigration bill, the fight for equality must go on.” Currently, laws do not

allow for foreign-born, samesex partners of Americans to request a green card or permanent residency on the basis of their relationship because of the Defense of Marriage Act. This amendment would give gay couples the same rights as straight couples regarding petitioning for legal and permanent residence in the U.S.

Pope Francis: Gay Lobby Exists in Vatican

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Confederation of Religious Men and Women, an organizational arm of the Catholic Church with presence in 22 countries. “Yes, it is difficult. In the curia there are holy people, truly holy people. But there is also a current of corruption, also there is, it is true... They speak of a ‘Gay Lobby’ and that is true, it is there.. We will have

to see what we can do...” Pope Francis is quoted as saying on the Chilean Catholic website Reflexion y Liberation. Last February, Italian daily La Repubblica published an article saying that Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation may have been prompted by the “gay influence” within the Vatican.

Web Editor • Sergio N. Candido sergio.candido@sfgn.com

Graphic Specialist • Mark Pauciullo Artwork@sfgn.com

Arts/Entertainment Editor • JW Arnold jw@prdconline.com

Senior Features Correspondents

Jesse Monteagudo Tony Adams Correspondents

Andrea Dulanto • Donald Cavanaugh Dori Zinn • Sean McShee • Gary Kramer David-Elijah Nahmod • Chris Persaud Christiana Lilly • Caity Kauffman

Contributing Columnists

The Catholic leader did not specify what actions he’ll take against the gay influence

Does Pope Francis fear the gay influence within the Vatican City? The Catholic leader acknowledged it for the first time and said he’s planning on taking action against it. The pope talked about the existence of a “gay lobby” in the Roman Curia on June 6, during an audience granted to the Latin American and Caribbean

Editor-in-Chief • Gideon Grudo gideon.grudo@sfgn.com

Online Producer • Dennis Jozefowicz

Democrat Patrick Leahy is making a last effort to include a gay-friendly provision

Gay binational couples still have a chance to be included in a massive immigration overhaul currently being discussed in the Senate. According to the Washington Blade, Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy announced on June 11 that he filed a floor amendment to include provisions that would ensure gay binational couples can legally stay together in the U.S.

Editorial

Three More Quickies to Wake You Up Florida’s St. Petersburg Mayor Doesn’t Sign Pride Proclamation Mayor Bill Foster didn’t sign the proclamation arguing the event is too “adult-themed”

Brian McNaught Dana Rudolph David Webb Ric Reily Wayne Besen Victoria Michaels Editorial Cartoonists • Karl Hampe, Darryl Smith

Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis Pompano Bill Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing

Director of Sales and Marketing • Mike Trottier mike.trottier@sfgn.com Community Outreach Coordinator • John Fugate john.fugate@sfgn.com Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Classifieds Sales Associate • Adrain Evans adrain.evans@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Distribution Services Manager • Brian Swinford National Sales Representative • Rivendell Media Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping

Cover

One of the photos from SFGN’s Key West Pride’s coverage in the June 12 issue. Photo by Larry Blackburn. South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright©2013 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

Boston Police Adopt Transgender-Inclusive Policy Trans criminal suspects can demand that police call them by their adopted names now Thousands of Anti-Putin Protesters March in Moscow The march was to show support for people arrested during Putin’s inauguration last year

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SouthFloridaGayNews

Associated Press Florida Press Association National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association

news international Homophobic Countries Love Gay Porn Sergio N. Candido

sergio.candido@sfgn.com

How big is the LGBT community in ultrahomophobic countries like Pakistan and Nigeria? Well, both countries are at the top of the list when it comes to Google searches for terms like “shemale sex,” “teen anal sex,” and “man f-cking man.” According to Mother Find out which countries are at the top of the list when it comes to Google Jones, the countries are searches for terms like “shemale sex”. Photo courtesy of ilouque among the “world leaders” by volume searches for gay In both Pakistan and Kenya, gay sex continues porn. Pakistan and Nigeria also rank in the to be illegal. For its part, Nigeria recently passed top five for Google searches of the term “gay a law criminalizing homosexuality. sex pics” and “anal sex pics.” While Kenya, Farahnaz Ispahani, a Pakistani politician, another anti-gay country, is the number one told Mother Jones the high search volumes for both searches. for gay porn are because most gays in Pakistan These numbers seem in contrast with a are still in the closet and turn to pornography recent study by the Pew Research Center on “because they can’t live their lives openly.” LGBT acceptance around the world. Pew’s “The gay scene here is very hush-hush,” survey indicated that in Nigeria only 1 percent Ali, a member of an LGBT support group in of the population believes homosexuality Lahore, Pakistan, told the New York Times should be accepted by society; in Pakistan, it last year. “I wish it was a bit more open, but was 2 percent, and it was 8 percent in Kenya. you make do with what you have.”

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 6.19.13 //

News Briefs

Sergio N. Candido

sergio.candido@sfgn.com

+LGBT Workers Arrested at House Speaker John Boehner’s Office LGBT workers from Ohio and Texas were arrested by police on June 13 outside Republican House Speaker John Boehner’s office for calling on the politician to support workplace protections. The arrests took place outside Boehner’s congressional office, according to gay rights organization GetEqual. Protesters were asking Boehner to support the Employment

Non-Discrimination Act, a bill that would prohibit companies nationwide wide to discriminate employees on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill has been introduced in Congress every year for almost 20 years. Last February, a group of 37 senators urged President Barack Obama to issue an executive order that would make it

illegal for any employer to discriminate LGBT people. “Today’s action by these brave LGBT workers shows yet again the absurdity of President Obama’s continued assertion that we wait around for the passage of ENDA to come during this Republicancontrolled House,” Heather Cronk, codirector of GetEQUAL, said in a statement. “If the President truly cares about

“I didn’t see you tonight Mr. Joel, but I want to see you,” he said. Joel responded later when he was onstage with light jokes. “Is Elton still here by the way?” he asked. “Anyway, we’re OK. Call me. It’s the same phone number.” Read the full story, here: http://ow.ly/ m2wms

Hired Gun Opened Fire at Gay Youth Center After Target Was Missing, Israeli Police Say

Israeli police have arrested four suspects in connection with the 2009 shooting of a Tel Aviv LGBT youth center that left two dead and dozens wounded. The four suspects, three with criminal pasts and one a known gay activist, appeared before a Tel Aviv court on June 6, Ha’aretz reports. Police believe the shooter was a hitman looking to kill the LGBT activist who is now being charged with obstruction of the investigation because he allegedly knew the motive for the murders and did not share this information with police. During the incident four years ago, Liz Trubeshi, 16, and youth counselor Nir Katz, 27, were killed when a man opened fire inside the center; at least a dozen others were injured. The shooter and his two accomplices are believed to be “soldiers” in a large Israeli crime organization. When the activist wasn’t found on the premises, the shooter opened fired against those present allegedly as a form of vendetta. The investigation is still ongoing.

Billy Joel on Elton John Relationship: ‘We’re OK’

(AP) Sting performed in honor of Elton John, Billy Joel sang snippets of Foreigner’s hits when introducing the band, and Smokey Robinson debuted part of a new song he wrote about Berry Gordy. The 44th annual Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony was full of star power that included Alison Krauss, Aerosmith’s Steven

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protecting America’s LGBT workers from discrimination, as he has stated many times during his tenure in office, then he’ll announce at tonight’s White House LGBT Pride Reception his intent to immediately sign the federal contractor Executive Order.” Obama promised in 2008 that he would sign such executive order, but he has yet to do so.

Suspects Charged in +5Death of French Activist

John Boehner Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore

Tyler and Joe Perry, Nickelback, Petula Clark, Wiz Khalifa, Jordin Sparks and a video message from Bill Clinton. Tyler, Perry, Mick Jones and Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Holly Knight, JD Souther and Tony Hatch were inducted on June 13 into the Songwriters Hall 2013 class in New York City. John, who was inducted into the soflagaynews //

Songwriters Hall in 1992, said songwriting is often taken for granted. “I don’t mean this lightly, but when you get an Ivor Novello award or an American songwriter’s award, it means so much more than a Grammy because this is where the whole process starts,” he said. John also used the stage to try to clear his differences with Joel.

SouthFloridaGayNews

Five suspects have been identified and charged in the murder of an 18-year-old gay French activist. A man identified as “Esteban” faces charges of “deadly blows” in the killing of LGBT activist Clement Meric on June 5. Three other men, along with Esteban, were charged with group violence. And a fifth suspect, a woman identified only as Katya, was issued preliminary charges for complicity in group violence, according to The Washington Post. The incident allegedly took place after a fight broke out between two groups of people outside a Paris shop. It was then that the gay teen was beaten and was later pronounced brain dead due to the injuries he sustained. Prosecutor Francois Molins told the Associated Press that all of the suspects admitted having ties with the French ultra nationalist organization called “Troisieme Voie,” or Third Way. For their part, the suspects say they just “responded to alleged provocation by a small group that included Méric.” Esteban could face up to 15 years in prison. In the wake of the murder, thousands of Parisians took to the streets on June 8 to seek justice for the killing of Meric.

news local

Pride South Florida Refuses to Release Tax Records Board Co-Chair Marc Hansen stonewalls SFGN as IRS threatens to revoke tax exempt status Jason Parsley

SFGN didn’t alter or correct any of the emails quoted in this story.

jason.parsley@sfgn.com

Each year Pride One of Broward County, better known as Pride South Florida (PSF), doles out grants to local charities. Last year, according to their website, they gave out 10 grants to such non-profits as SAGE of South Florida, Pride Wind Ensemble and the Lambda Men’s Brotherhood. But this year those grants appear to be shrouded in secrecy and, during a routine request from SFGN, PSF’s Co-Chair Marc Hansen not only denied SFGN a list of the grantees but also refused to turn over an IRS letter that threatens to revoke the organization’s tax-exempt status. According to the board’s minutes, on May 28 they voted on whom to award this year’s grants to. But they didn’t actually name any charities in the minutes, instead only naming the organization that did not receive a grant this year, which is Red Hispania. On June 5, SFGN reached out to Hansen to get a list of this year’s grant recipients. And that’s when Pride South Florida started to block SFGN’s repeated attempts and efforts to get anything from Hansen and the board. “I am very sorry, right after last meeting, which was our elections, we went right out to Gay Days & Kew West Pride,” Hansen wrote to SFGN. “I’ll get the list from the Secretary and get it to you.” Except he never turned over the list. Two days later SFGN followed up again where Hansen abruptly changed course. “I can’t tell you about the recipients before I tell the actual organizations,” Hansen wrote. Hansen gave SFGN no date on when Pride South Florida would actually inform the recipients. After another two days passed SFGN questioned Hansen yet again about the list of recipients, this time over the phone, where he said he couldn’t remember who they were and told SFGN to refer back to the minutes. The minutes, however, as noted above, didn’t clarify who was awarded, only who wasn’t. When told of this, Hansen promised to send over the list, as well as the IRS letter, that evening on Friday, June 14. After not receiving the list, or tax letter, SFGN again reached out to Hansen who responded with “As for the grant recipients for 2013, we are expecting to get the notifications out by next Friday June 21.” In that same email, Hansen threatened SFGN and copied local attorney and Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Dean Trantalis.

“There has been no attempt to conceal the IRS documents. After consultation with the attorney we handed the documents to and discussing the IRS situation with, we were informed by him, not to give you the documents. Any reporting that is not factual could cause us to seek further legal consultation,” Hansen wrote. SFGN also reached out to PSF’s accountant Chad DiFalco, who promised to email the newspaper the IRS letter, but Hansen intervened, and ended up replying instead. “All communication with our accountant, any persons and or organizations outside of the Executive Board of directors of Pride One of Broward County, Inc. is to cease and desist,” Hansen wrote. “Any further attempted to contact will be constructed as harassment and / or bullying and any nonfactual reporting can and will be seen as libel and or defamation. All correspondence from you will be forwarded to our legal representation for any legal action that will be needed.” Hansen sent an email Tuesday to the board asking them to refrain from speaking to SFGN about the IRS situation. “Please do not speak to Norm Kent and ask per our By Laws and SOP, that is only the duty of the Co-Chairs,” Hansen wrote. Hansen also said that someone has been giving out incorrect information to SFGN about what the IRS intends to do. “It appears that someone has been speaking incorrectly to Norm Kent & SFGN and giving out improper or incorrect information. It appears that incorrect words have been used in discussion if the IRS Documents,” Hansen wrote. “After speaking to the IRS Agent, we have been told this is not a revocation, but proposal and they are not at this time or in the immediate future revoking our 501 c 3 status.” SFGN first learned of the IRS letter not from a board member, but from PSF’s board minutes from its May 28 meeting. Here’s what they say: “IRS Report-[Marc Hansen] reminded everyone that we were audited since we mentioned Michael Curz’ theft in our taxes a few Years ago. A document that was mailed to us by the IRS was shown. The IRS is submitted a statement that the IRS is planning on revoking our 501C3 status. We may appeal.” Beyond the IRS, it appears at least one

former board member doesn’t think PSF is following state and/or federal guidelines in another area. Recently the organization held their annual elections where Marc Hansen and Rocky Bowell were voted in as co-chairs. But that vote is questionable. Roger Handevidt, a former co-chair of the organization, sent this email to the board before the vote: “However, Marc Hansen did point out to us this year that either the state or federal government instructed us that we had to have President and Vice President,”

Handevidt wrote. “I am asking that the ballots be made up to show the voting being done on President and Vice President and that should make the vote conform to state and Federal rules and regulations.” Handevidt told SFGN the ballots were never changed and the organization instead went ahead and voted for two co-chairs as they’ve done in the past. In this week’s SFGN editorial, Publisher Norm Kent censures Marc Hansen and calls for his immediate removal from the board of Pride South Florida. See page 22.

Marc Hansen, co-chair of Pride South Florida Photo courtesy of Pride South Florida

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 6.19.13 //

news local

Dancing with Your Dollars: Brian Neal Foundation Admits to Mismanagement of Donations Exec Director deBruin Leaves Amidst Turmoil Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

Felix deBruin, the executive director of the tax-exempt, not-for-profit Brian Neal Fitness and Health Foundation for the past year, has left the organization, accusing Neal of “skimming” funds from the foundation for himself. Specifically, deBruin says Neal used the foundation’s ATM debit card to pay himself ‘consulting fees’ and ‘payroll expenses’ whenever he felt like it. An SFGN review of

Brian Neal (left) and Bobby Blair (right)

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the bank statements, QuickBooks reports and cash receipts confirmed the allegations. Bobby Blair, the foundation’s director, on Monday, June 17, acknowledged the mismanagement of the non-profit’s finances. Blair, also the publisher of the Florida Agenda, and Neal’s life partner, is the founder and director of the Brian Neal Foundation, and the one who signs the checks. When first questioned by SFGN last week, Blair stated, “every dollar in and out is accountable and 100 percent to the betterment and fulfillment of Foundation needs to provide health and wellness services to the community it serves.” Blair had also claimed in an email to SFGN that use of the foundation’s ATM debit card was “restricted.” However, deBruin said it was anything but so, and the facts bear him out. Admitting that Neal used the foundation’s ATM card negligently, Blair promised in the future he “will do better… I accept responsibility for the mistakes.” Blair attributed the errors to his lack of experience in managing a 501 (c) (3) foundation. He further indicated that Neal would publish an apology in this week’s issue of the Agenda. Blair also stated “we agree that no one will ever use the foundation debit card again for an improper purpose.” He nevertheless reaffirmed his commitment to the foundation, stating, “it provides a valuable service for the betterment of needy members of our community.” But deBruin says he warned both Blair and Neal about the improper procedures, and accuses both of them of “covering them up.” Blair replied to the accusation by asserting that deBruin is ‘crazy’ and that he fired him from the foundation on April 10, 2013, a position he held as a volunteer, without pay. Blair said deBruin “was soflagaynews //

the weak link in the organization,” and he was terminated for cause. Blair has denied any allegations of intentional wrongdoing. “We believe in 100 percent transparency,” he said, and turned over all the foundation bank statements and financial records to SFGN for review. The documents substantiated deBruin’s charges, revealing that Neal took ATM cash withdrawals from foundation accounts at gay strip clubs such as the Boardwalk in Fort Lauderdale and the Bourbon Street Pub in Key West. The foundation QuickBooks reports classified those debits as either ‘payroll expenses’ or ‘management consulting fees.’ Blair acknowledged that Neal should have instead just been paid a salary or weekly stipend, because, “after two years of work for the foundation, he was entitled to earn a lot more than he actually took out” in fees. “He has put hundreds of hours into the foundation, and received minimal compensation,” Blair said of his partner. Nevertheless, executives at the local chapter of the American Society of Fundraising Professionals censured the conduct, as did the Executive Director of the local LGBT charity, Our Fund, Tony Timiraos. An accounting executive who has managed nonprofits for decades, Timiraos concluded, “Attempting to pay management consulting fees with unilateral and unaccounted for ATM withdrawals is an inappropriate way for a non-profit to conduct business. There should be payroll deductions, checks, guidelines and receipts to back up all transactions.” The Brian Neal Foundation was first set up in April of 2011 to assist patients living with HIV to purchase gym memberships and take part in wellness programs, coordinated by Neal, a fitness trainer. Incorporated by attorney Dean Trantalis, now a Fort Lauderdale city commissioner, it was officially granted 501 (c) (3) status by the IRS in September of 2011. Some of its first transactions were payments to Brian Neal. Within a month of its formation, ATM cash withdrawals appeared at Dudes Bar and other watering holes, such as Rosie’s and the Hut Lounge.

SouthFloridaGayNews

Said Blair, “They could have been for legitimate expenses.” But they were listed as ‘management consulting fees’ on corporate records. “I don’t think when the IRS granted that status they intended for Brian Neal to use the foundation’s ATM debit card to acquire cash for himself at gay strip clubs in the middle of the night,” deBruin told SFGN. He served for over a year as the ED. He accuses Blair of directing him to “adjust” the QuickBooks reports to “cover up” the improper debits. He says he refused to do so, and that led to their feud, and eventual parting of the ways. For his part, Blair vehemently denied the charges, calling deBruin “a disgruntled ex employee,” who was trying to sabotage the foundation. At first, Blair sent an email to SFGN saying Neal was only paid funds “when they were available.” But the foundation’s bank statements do not indicate any regular stream of steady payments to Neal, just debits and withdrawals from an ATM card, at random times and dates. “The only time Neal stopped using the debit card for his personal use was when I demanded it back in January of this year,” deBruin said. Indeed, the debit card was not used for any personal charges again until May of 2013, two weeks after deBruin left the foundation. Blair told SFGN on Monday that he realizes now the practice was inappropriate and “it would cease immediately, since it is apparently improper.” The foundation’s published 2012 profit and loss statement lists only $500 in ‘payroll expenses’ and $1,196.34 in ‘management consulting fees.’ However, the total amount of money taken out of foundation funds by Neal, whether classified as consulting fees or payroll expenses and ATM debits, is over $3,300, a disparity of over $2,000. There were no payroll taxes taken out and no contracts for consulting fees or employment. Timiraos categorized the accounting method as “an inappropriate way for the foundation to conduct itself. It invites not only an IRS audit but possible revocation of their tax-exempt status.” Stated deBruin, “If we were paying Brian

Neal, which to my understanding we were not, then it should have come in the form of a regular foundation check with a contract or written agreement.” A volunteer executive director, who formerly ran the Pet Project, deBruin did not have any foundation check signing authority, no access to the books and records of the foundation, or control of the foundation’s ATM card. He told SFGN that he had no control over the finances of the foundation, and no way to stop the conduct. Nevertheless, Blair says he relied on his “Felix and his accounting team” to manage the books. “I was only there to give money when they needed it.” Blair stated if you want to know about the finances of the foundation, “you have to ask Jeff Sterling, our accountant or Jamie Forsythe, our bookkeeper. I do the marketing and promotions.”

1164 Enterprises Connection

However, it was Blair who seeded the foundation itself with capital, funding it from a separate for-profit corporation, 1164 Enterprises, owned and operated jointly by Bobby Blair and Brian Neal. The Chase Bank accounts for both are jointly linked, so funds could be transferred back and forth at will. In fact, they were.

Blair would infuse the foundation with funds whenever it fell short, transferring money into it as a ‘loan.’ As soon as the foundation raised funds through one of its tea cruise events, he would then pay himself back with a transfer of funds into the forprofit company, 1164 Enterprises. One such instance was after the Christmas tea cruise of 2012, which left the foundation with the sum of $5,039 in its bank account, according to the Chase bank statements turned over to SFGN by Blair. The next day, the foundation transferred $3,000 to 1164 Enterprises, classifying it as a payback for a loan. deBruin criticized the procedures used by Blair and Neal to collect and disburse the receipts and funds for the tea cruises. “There was no oversight or accounting measures in place; no promissory notes, no nothing,” he charged. “Blair put money in and took money out when he felt like it.” Jamie Forsythe confirmed to SFGN there are in fact no written notes or loans evidencing any agreements between the two entities. “Everything was a short term no-interest loan to control cash flow and foundation expenses,” he explained. The QuickBooks reports show that Blair infused the foundation with over $6,000 in

its first 18 months, all categorized as “loans,” none as donations. According to the P and L, Blair has paid himself back over $4,500 so far, in one instance paying himself back more than he loaned, but covering the shortfall a few days later. “It was sloppy and unacceptable,” deBruin asserted. “You should not just be shifting money back and forth like that with a non-profit. The procedures they used were highly irregular.” Tony Timiraos also found fault with this practice, again referring to the activity of the foundation as “inappropriate. If the principals of both the foundation and the for-profit entity are the same people, then there should have been more independence between the two entities. It creates suspicion and they are inviting oversight and IRS review.” deBruin also declared that Blair and Neal were reckless in their collection practices during promotional events. “They would collect cash payments on the day of the cruise and deposit whatever they wanted the next day. Only they could touch the money. I think they were skimming off the top,” deBruin charged. But he had no proof of that allegation, and cash deposits were routinely made into the foundation account the day after cruises left port. Blair

vehemently denied those charges as “false and defamatory.”

‘Consulting Fees’

In its P and L statement for 2012, now posted on the Internet, the Brian Neal Foundation listed income of $33,310.16 for the calendar year. Of that, only $11,709.30 was spent on purchasing gym memberships. The bulk of the foundation expenses were spent on promoting tea cruises and a “Dancing with the Stars” event, a popular social gathering for the LGBT community at the Manor. The costs encumbered by planning these events were $14,388.71, including ‘management-consulting fees’ of $1,196.34. The foundation first published a profit and loss statement on its Facebook website in January of 2013. According to that P and L statement, the foundation raised $33,520.16, and spent $37,381.75. That was replaced this month with a revised statement, now showing total losses of $7,621.59 for the calendar year 2012. The foundation produced no checks for ‘management consulting fees’ in 2012. Instead, bank statements revealed random ATM withdrawals on August 10, August 13, August 24, and September 4. A week later, on September 13, two new back-to-

“It has come to my attention that a disgruntled former executive director is making false claims towards our Foundation. We are happy to answer such claims. Slander, defamation and tortious interference are in play here with Mr. deBruin and you, if anything is printed that is not true.” “I was not fired. I never was an employee, and I walked out after I was used to run the entire Dancing with the South Florida Stars III…. Bobby Blair always introduced me as the hardest working Executive Director in Wilton Manors…And I was the only person working because Brian Neal never showed up for the classes and events I put together. I got all the presenters of all the classes. I was totally in charge to arrange every fundraiser including the gay tea cruises. Neither Bobby not Brian Neal brought any fund raising money in to the Foundation. They also did not donate anything themselves. Brian Neal was totally inactive…” “I don’t think the IRS intended that a 501(c)(3) organization was designed for a lead officer to get cash withdrawals in the middle of the night from an ATM at gay strip clubs in Key West and then classify it as a payroll expense or management consulting fee.”

Bobby Blair

“Valuable services are being provided to help community members on a weekly basis. Every dollar in and out is accountable and 100 percent to the betterment and fulfillment of Foundation needs to provide health and wellness services to the community it serves…. The weak link was Felix deBruin as you will find in foundation members inquiries. Consequently he was fired.” soflagaynews //

Felix deBruin

Continued on next page

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Continued from previous page back separate ATM withdrawals of $125 and $122 were posted as ‘management consultant fees.’ One such fee was paid out at the Bourbon Street Pub in Key West on August 10. It is a gay strip club at 724 Duval Street. Another ATM debit on Sept. 13 was taken from the Boardwalk, another gay strip club on Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. Even in 2011, one of the fitness foundation’s debits was for a $22 charge at Dudes Bar in Fort Lauderdale, yet another gay strip club. ATM withdrawals of $43.50 and $202.99 were also made at a CVS pharmacy and South Beach nightclub, on November 2 and November 5, in 2012, respectively, each classified as ‘management consultant fees’ to Brian Neal. Stated deBruin, “I did not know about any of this and there was no consulting I got from Brian, and no work we had in Key West or South Beach. I did all the work, and scheduled all the programs, and he rarely if ever showed up at them.”

‘Payroll Expenses’

Meanwhile, Neal was also apparently being reimbursed at the same times for ‘payroll expenses,’ which are not accounted for on the foundation’s publicly accessible profit and loss statement. According to the P and L statement filed by the foundation, a total expense of $500 was paid out in ‘payroll expenses’ in 2012. But the foundation spreadsheet provided to SFGN by deBruin shows Brian Neal, apart from his ‘management consulting fees’, also received close to $1,500 in payroll expenses for that year, including $1,000 as a lump

sum on August 13, 2012. It was not paid by a check, but a cash withdrawal. Blair says for all he knows it could have been used as a down payment for the boat. But Timiraos again told SFGN “that is exactly why you should have had receipts and records and written a check. The method used was inappropriate for tax accounting purposes, and it should not have been allowed.” The Foundation’s QuickBooks account report also lists Brian Neal getting ‘payroll expenses’ from ATM withdrawals of $60 on March 19, $200 on June 4, $122.95 on June 12, $19.25 on July 3, and $43.44 also on July 3. Blair now admits these were “probably misclassified” and will “have to be readdressed in the future.”

Neal Arrested for Meth, DUI

The payment of $1,000 to Neal as a payroll expense on August 13 of 2012 is particularly eye opening. It came his way just two weeks after he was arrested by the Fort Lauderdale police for possession of methamphetamines, DUI and resisting without violence. The police had to tase him in order to subdue him during the July 31, 2012 arrest and altercation. While the fitness instructor’s felony possession charge for crystal meth was dropped by the state, Neal pled guilty to the charges in February of this year, and is now on misdemeanor probation for DUI and resisting arrest without violence. “As you can see,” deBruin noted, “Brian had impairment issues and legal problems. I ran the foundation, so why he was allotted management fees and payroll expenses is beyond me.” While calling the arrest the “best thing

Brian Neal (left) and Bobby Blair (right)

// 6.19.2013 // SFGN.com //

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that ever happened to Brian Neal because it helped him turn his life around,” Blair felt he was not a public figure and it was a “private matter.” However, Blair now says that Neal will “open up” about his arrest in a column in this week’s Agenda. None of the foundation’s applications for grants disclosed the arrest of its namesake. Stated Tony Beall, a local grant writer, known as ‘Mr. Non Profit,’ locally, “the parameters of the grant request do not require us to list the status of the person requesting the same.” He was paid $1,000 by the foundation to help secure a grant from the Community Foundation of Broward, which he did. The Foundation received $1,000. It had requested $25,000. Other donors of $500 or more in 2012 and 2013 have been the Runyon Law Firm, Island City Eye Care, Dean Trantalis, Arthur Davidson, the Gibson Leon Trust, and Pride South Florida. No donations are listed from 1164 Enterprises. But Blair attributes his time and energy as “donations that were never accounted for.” He adds there were dozens of times he spent his own money on the

planning for both the cruises and dancing events where he took cash out of his pocket and never kept records. “Well, that is not the way you run a community foundation,” deBruin stated. “Who is on the board, Bobby and one other guy? The bottom line is I was keeping up my end, recruiting volunteers and running valuable programs to aid the HIV community. It is a shame they did not keep up their end. They have done this to themselves.” Brian Neal refused to come in and answer any questions. Instead, he sent an email to SFGN on Monday, explaining that he has now been informed his practices were “inappropriate” and “in the future I will only take compensation in the form of a check.” He stated that he would continue to “supply high quality fitness and health programming in our community… Which is a great passion of mine.” While declining to answer questions one on one about his misuse of foundation finances, Neal instead sent over testimonials from individuals whose lives were enhanced by community programming.

Foundation Continues Its Programs Despite the turmoil administratively, the Brian Neal Fitness and Health Foundation is trying to maintain a consistent schedule of programs. Without deBruin’s supervision, some of the programs of the foundation have ceased. Nutrition, wellness, and aerobic zumba classes have been cancelled. However, the gym and fitness components are still functioning with participants actively involved, and a June schedule of activities is posted on their website, with Neal conducting some of the classes himself. Many people have spoken highly of the training programs. Rigoberto Ng, a registered dietician, started a monthly nutritional lecture last June, recruited by deBruin. While he says scheduling conflicts have impaired recent classes,he indicated he is “passionate about volunteering for HIV causes.” Ng says he has spoken with Neal and is planning to resuscitate his course program for the end of this month. A session is presently being promoted on the Brian Neal Foundation Facebook page. Elizabeth Davis, a wellness instructor and life coach told SFGN that “I had a very good experience with Felix and believe in the mission of the organization.” She said she has not been contacted by anyone to continue running classes since Felix’s departure as executive director, but that she is “ready and available to continue the mission.” Davis commended the foundation for filling a “community need.” Similarly, stated Leor Barak, who hosted a monthly wellness seminar, “Brian Neal said he would call me after Felix left in April, but I simply have not heard from him, so no classes have been scheduled.” A local businessman who owns Nuts About Yogurt, Barak applauded the goals of the foundation. “We were doing good,” he said. Obey Pardo, the Zumba aerobics instructor agreed, “I think the participants are grateful that we conducted these classes, and our response was positive.” He acknowledged, however, that no one has followed up with him since deBruin’s departure. The director of Pride South Florida, Marc Hansen, also gave a testimonial to Neal, indicating he himself is a recipient of a gym membership through the foundation. Hansen sent a letter to SFGN saying that his health issues had improved drastically, and he has the Brian Neal Foundation to “thank for it.” Hansen said he is grateful that the foundation has “stepped up to the plate” and filled a need in the community. Chris Barr is another community resident who has given supportive testimonials for the foundation’s work. “If the gym memberships are properly allocated to persons who are needy, then they are fulfilling an important mission,” he stated.

SouthFloridaGayNews

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Hear it for Yourself

Wilton Manors’ Pride Center holds town hall about meningitis scare Christiana Lilly

christiana.lilly@gmail.com

The Pride Center staff. Photo courtesy of The Pride Center

In light of the meningitis outbreaks in New York City, the Pride Center in Wilton Manors is hosting a town hall with health professionals to answer questions from the public. Planned for June 26 at 7 p.m., local physicians and officials from the Broward County Health Department will be present on the panel. Also, those from the New York State Health Department will be chiming in via Skype. “We’ve been in the planning stages for a while, since the first outbreak in New York and LA,” said Kristofer Fegenbush, Pride Center COO. “It provides an opportunity for the community to connect over issues, so we wanted to be able to provide a forum for education and information and dialogue around meningitis.” In two years, there have been 22 cases of gay men infected with bacterial meningitis in New York City. Seven of the men died from the disease and 12 of the men were HIVpositive. Recently, a gay man in Los Angeles died from meningitis, but it was found to not be the same strain of those in the Big Apple. According to the Florida Department of Health, bacterial meningitis is spread through saliva. This could mean sexual activity or simply sharing drinks or cigarettes. The disease causes inflammation of the spinal cord and brain, leading to severe headache, fever, stiff neck and more severe neurological symptoms. Because the beginning stages of meningitis can be mistaken for a bad cold, some of those infected think to just sleep off the illness. In some cases, men were found dead in their beds before they thought to go to the doctor, according to the New York Times.

// 6.19.2013 // SFGN.com //

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Although there haven’t been any cases in South Florida, Fegenbush believes it’s better to educate people, especially with the Pride Center getting concerns from some in the community. “I wouldn’t say that there’s been a flood of panic by any stretch of the imagination, but there’s obviously folks that are concerned and folks that are asking questions,” he said. “There’s a lot of buzz about it, there’s a lot of questions, there’s a lot of doubts, and so to clear those things up, rather than them sort of existing in a vacuum, it’s healthy to provide an opportunity for folks to get together and ask questions of public officials.”

Learn more about the deadly meningitis outbreak among gay men in New York City. Public health officials from Broward County and New York will be available to answer any questions from participants.

IF YOU G What When

Meningitis Town Hall

Where

Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors

Cost

Free

More Info.

June 26 at 7 p.m.

Kristofer Fegenbush, 954-463-9005

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 6.19.13 //

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 6.19.13 //

What is STRIBILD? STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. It combines 4 medicines into 1 pill to be taken once a day with food. STRIBILD is a complete single-tablet regimen and should not be used with other HIV-1 medicines. STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses you must keep taking STRIBILD. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to reduce the risk of passing HIV-1 to others. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about STRIBILD? STRIBILD can cause serious side effects: • Build-up of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include feeling very weak or tired, unusual (not normal) muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold especially in your arms and legs, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat. • Serious liver problems. The liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and fatty (steatosis). Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice), dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored bowel movements (stools), loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach pain. • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking STRIBILD for a long time. In some cases, these serious conditions have led to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of these conditions.

// 6.19.2013 // SFGN.com 1810043_pgiqdp_South_FL_GayNews_Brian_fi.indd 1-2

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• Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you also have HBV and stop taking STRIBILD, your hepatitis may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking STRIBILD without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health. STRIBILD is not approved for the treatment of HBV. Who should not take STRIBILD? Do not take STRIBILD if you: • Take a medicine that contains: alfuzosin, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine, cisapride, lovastatin, simvastatin, pimozide, sildenafil when used for lung problems (Revatio®), triazolam, oral midazolam, rifampin or the herb St. John’s wort. • For a list of brand names for these medicines, please see the Brief Summary on the following pages. • Take any other medicines to treat HIV-1 infection, or the medicine adefovir (Hepsera®). What are the other possible side effects of STRIBILD? Serious side effects of STRIBILD may also include: • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do regular blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with STRIBILD. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking STRIBILD. • Bone problems, including bone pain or bones getting soft or thin, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones. • Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV-1 medicines. • Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking STRIBILD. The most common side effects of STRIBILD include nausea and diarrhea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.

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What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking STRIBILD? • All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection. • All the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. STRIBILD may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how STRIBILD works. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Do not start any new medicines while taking STRIBILD without first talking with your healthcare provider. • If you take hormone-based birth control (pills, patches, rings, shots, etc). • If you take antacids. Take antacids at least 2 hours before or after you take STRIBILD. • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if STRIBILD can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking STRIBILD. • If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. Also, some medicines in STRIBILD can pass into breast milk, and it is not known if this can harm the baby. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/ medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see Brief Summary of full Prescribing Information with important warnings on the following pages.

STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used as a complete single-tablet regimen to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 6.19.13 3/12/13 // 19 12:23 PM

Patient Information STRIBILDTM (STRY-bild) (elvitegravir 150 mg/cobicistat 150 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/ tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg) tablets Brief summary of full Prescribing Information. For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information. What is STRIBILD? • STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. STRIBILD is a complete regimen and should not be used with other HIV-1 medicines. • STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. You must stay on continuous HIV-1 therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. • Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to others. Do not share or reuse needles, injection equipment, or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them. Do not have sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. What is the most important information I should know about STRIBILD? STRIBILD can cause serious side effects, including: 1. Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can happen in some people who take STRIBILD or similar (nucleoside analogs) medicines. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms which could be signs of lactic acidosis: • feel very weak or tired • have unusual (not normal) muscle pain • have trouble breathing • have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting • feel cold, especially in your arms and legs • feel dizzy or lightheaded • have a fast or irregular heartbeat 2. Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems can happen in people who take STRIBILD. 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). Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems: • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) • dark “tea-colored” urine • light-colored bowel movements (stools) • loss of appetite for several days or longer • nausea • stomach pain You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking STRIBILD for a long time. 3. Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. If you have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and take STRIBILD, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking STRIBILD. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. • Do not run out of STRIBILD. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your STRIBILD is all gone

// 6.19.2013 // SFGN.com 2010043_pgiqdp_South_FL_GayNews_Brian_fi.indd 3-4

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• Do not stop taking STRIBILD without first talking to your healthcare provider • If you stop taking STRIBILD, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking STRIBILD Who should not take STRIBILD? Do not take STRIBILD if you also take a medicine that contains: • adefovir (Hepsera®) • alfuzosin hydrochloride (Uroxatral®) • cisapride (Propulsid®, Propulsid Quicksolv®) • ergot-containing medicines, including: dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E. 45®, Migranal®), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Migergot®, Ergostat®, Medihaler Ergotamine®, Wigraine®, Wigrettes®), and methylergonovine maleate (Ergotrate®, Methergine®) • lovastatin (Advicor®, Altoprev®, Mevacor®) • oral midazolam • pimozide (Orap®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®) • sildenafil (Revatio®), when used for treating lung problems • simvastatin (Simcor®, Vytorin®, Zocor®) • triazolam (Halcion®) • the herb St. John’s wort Do not take STRIBILD if you also take any other HIV-1 medicines, including: • Other medicines that contain tenofovir (Atripla®, Complera®, Viread®, Truvada®) • Other medicines that contain emtricitabine, lamivudine, or ritonavir (Combivir®, Emtriva®, Epivir® or Epivir-HBV®, Epzicom®, Kaletra®, Norvir®, Trizivir®) STRIBILD is not for use in people who are less than 18 years old. What are the possible side effects of STRIBILD? STRIBILD may cause the following serious side effects: • See “What is the most important information I should know about STRIBILD?” • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking STRIBILD. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking STRIBILD if you develop new or worse kidney problems. • Bone problems can happen in some people who take STRIBILD. Bone problems include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bones. • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 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 right away if you start having any new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine.

SouthFloridaGayNews

The most common side effects of STRIBILD include: • Nausea • Diarrhea 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 STRIBILD. For more information, ask your healthcare provider. • Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking STRIBILD? Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including: • If you have or had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis B infection • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if STRIBILD can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking STRIBILD. – There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiviral medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. • If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take STRIBILD. - You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. - Two of the medicines in STRIBILD can pass to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if the other medicines in STRIBILD can pass into your breast milk. - Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements: • STRIBILD may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how STRIBILD works. • Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following medicines: - Hormone-based birth control (pills, patches, rings, shots, etc) - Antacid medicines that contains aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or calcium carbonate. Take antacids at least 2 hours before or after you take STRIBILD - Medicines to treat depression, organ transplant rejection, or high blood pressure - amiodarone (Cordarone®, Pacerone®) - atorvastatin (Lipitor®, Caduet®) - bepridil hydrochloric (Vascor®, Bepadin®) - bosentan (Tracleer®) - buspirone - carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegreto®) - clarithromycin (Biaxin®, Prevpac®) - clonazepam (Klonopin®) - clorazepate (Gen-xene®, Tranxene®) - colchicine (Colcrys®) - medicines that contain dexamethasone - diazepam (Valium®)

- digoxin (Lanoxin®) - disopyramide (Norpace®) - estazolam - ethosuximide (Zarontin®) - flecainide (Tambocor®) - flurazepam - fluticasone (Flovent®, Flonase®, Flovent® Diskus, Flovent® HFA, Veramyst®) - itraconazole (Sporanox®) - ketoconazole (Nizoral®) - lidocaine (Xylocaine®) - mexiletine - oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®) - perphenazine - phenobarbital (Luminal®) - phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®) - propafenone (Rythmol®) - quinidine (Neudexta®) - rifabutin (Mycobutin®) - rifapentine (Priftin®) - risperidone (Risperdal®, Risperdal Consta®) - salmeterol (Serevent®) or salmeterol when taken in combination with fluticasone (Advair Diskus®, Advair HFA®) - sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®) or vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn®), for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). If you get dizzy or faint (low blood pressure), have vision changes or have an erection that last longer than 4 hours, call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away. - tadalafil (Adcirca®), for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension - telithromycin (Ketek®) - thioridazine - voriconazole (Vfend®) - warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®) - zolpidem (Ambien®, Edlular®, Intermezzo®, Zolpimist®) Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. Do not start any new medicines while you are taking STRIBILD without first talking with your healthcare provider. Keep STRIBILD and all medicines out of reach of children. This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about STRIBILD. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can also ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about STRIBILD that is written for health professionals, or call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.STRIBILD.com. Issued: August 2012

COMPLERA, EMTRIVA, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, HEPSERA, STRIBILD, the STRIBILD Logo, TRUVADA, and VIREAD are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. ATRIPLA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2013 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. QC15430 03/13

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 6.19.13 3/12/13 // 21 12:23 PM

opinion publisher’s editorial Norm Kent

Marc Hansen Must Go

norm.kent@sfgn.com

Who the hell do they think they are? When you run a not for profit 501(c)(3) charity, you have to be held to a high standard. This community was stained a few years ago when the director of Pride South Florida, Mike Cruz, went to jail for theft. It was tarnished again when Stonewall Pride went broke leaving a sea of debt to firefighters and emergency life saving personnel. This week SFGN learned that Marc Hansen, the co-chair of Pride South Florida,

// 6.19.2013 // SFGN.com //

is a participant in the Brian Neal Foundation programs. He sent SFGN a testimonial acknowledging how much their fitness classes have enhanced his being and reduced his hypertension. Good for him. Maybe Hansen should have disclosed that to the PSF board, and recused himself from the vote giving the Brian Neal Foundation a grant. The minutes do not reflect that he did so. It seems to be nominal and inconsequential in light of what he has

soflagaynews //

Pride South Florida Director Stonewalls Media; Threatens SFGN since done. While researching how much money the Brian Neal Foundation received from Pride South Florida, we discovered that PSF received a letter from the IRS stating that they are in danger of losing their tax-exempt status. The letter also could suggest just revising it to a different classification. We don’t know because Marc Hansen will not turn it over to us, and has unilaterally ordered his board members not to talk to us. It does not take a rocket scientist to realize that is not a way to run a public taxexempt foundation. This information came our way by a review of their public minutes. SFGN told Hansen that we would like a copy of the notices from the IRS, since it is significant news that Broward County’s LGBT community’s most well known non-profit might be on the verge of losing its status as a tax exempt organization. We would be reporting on it. Hansen said, “Why, are you trying to bring down Pride South Florida?” The answer, for everyone out there, who thinks SFGN may be the bearer of bad tidings, with this story, or others, is “No, we are just trying to report the news.” Hansen has decided to Stonewall SFGN, flat out refused to turn over the records, threatened us with a law suit, and told us further contact from SFGN would be deemed “harassment” and “bullying.” He has demanded SFGN cease further contact with him, and directed his board not to speak with the paper. How reckless and stupid. Any board member may speak to us anytime they want. We are a media organization and we are now looking into a possible cover-up of facts by a tax-exempt community organization. We are not going away. What might have not even been a news story is now a major one. Hansen has refused to turn over the documents for our review and publication. He has disgraced the community, Pride South Florida, and his board. He should resign at once, or the board should fire him. What he has done this week is shameful, embarrassing and forever tarnishes pride organizations in Florida. The gay community should support transparency more than anyone. To have the co-chair of Pride South Florida attempt to deny the South Florida Gay News documents we are entitled to and will get anyway is an outrage warranting the highest censure and condemnation. This is YOUR community newspaper,

SouthFloridaGayNews

Marc Hansen, co-chair of Pride South Florida Photo courtesy of Pride South Florida

affiliated with CNN and the Sun-Sentinel, a member of the Florida Press Association and Society of Professional Journalists. We will not and cannot look the other way when a major local charity comes under scrutiny. As this newspaper proves today in another story, it does not matter who is the founder or director. This newspaper has a duty to fulfill, and it is not to pomp, patronage or power. It is to the public, and no one will stand in our way. Pride South Florida is a foundation whose former director has been found guilty of criminal fraud. Now that same foundation is under scrutiny from the IRS and for whatever the hell the reason, no matter how small or big, you have a right to know why – immediately. It is absolutely disgraceful that Marc Hansen has held back this information from the public. If the PSF Board did not know of Mr. Hansen’s actions, they do now, and the burden is on them to act. If they fail to remove him at once, then they need to go too. This is day one of their denial, and each day and each hour they continue to refuse to turn over these IRS documents to us, they not only invite a public records lawsuit, they will see it on the top of our webpage at SFGN.com. Faced with the reality that the Brian Neal Foundation misclassified and mismanaged a small percentage of their expenses, Bobby Blair, to his credit, in complete transparency, opened up the foundation’s books and records to SFGN for review. He immediately apologized for any mistakes, promising to do better in the future. Everyone deserves a second chance. Faced with a simple inquiry as to why the IRS was asking Pride South Florida for records to sustain their tax exemption, Marc Hansen has refused to supply SFGN with the documents, stonewalling the press and shaming himself and his board. Pride South Florida has already had second chances. This guy has got to go.

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 6.19.13 //

opinion dixon diaries

My HIV Diary On Hold

Ryan Dixon finds it’s easier said than done to travel back and forth from the state of peaches to the state of oranges. Photo courtesy of Loco Steve

Ryan Dixon (a.k.a former porn star Kameron Scott) has started taking HIV medication. He’s keeping a diary of his experience. Being in my mid-20’s isn’t easy, add HIV on top of that and we have one hell of a complicated life. I’m making the best out of the hand life has dealt me and the decisions I’ve made along the way. Writing helps free my mind. Hopefully these words will help you understand the plight of others like myself, and inspire you to live each and every day in the moment.

Week 41

(June 7 to June 13) I’d like to start this diary entry with an impression so you’ll have to use your imaginations, and possibly Google. So, in my best Prof. Farnsworth voice: “Good news everybody!” I made it back to Florida for my medicine study appointment thanks to the Leather Heart Foundation (LHF). They’re a nonprofit who provides monetary assistance to people inside the leather community in times of need or hardship. They bought me a bus ticket so I would be able to see my doctor and get my medication. I wasn’t that worried about not receiving the medication, but there were enough people around me that were concerned about it that I decided to reach out to the LHF for the help. Giving my friends peace of mind gives me the same in return. I’m still undetectable with a CD4 of nearly 800. I was worried how I would get back to Florida again next month, but I was relieved to find out I don’t need to be back until August and then every three months after that. That news will make planning the trips easier and more affordable. I spent a lot of money getting down here, some of

// 6.19.2013 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

which came from an unforeseen expense. Regardless of that, I’m working and trying to settle in with my new environment. Things are working out pretty well. I’m focusing on myself professionally and personally, but I’ve decided to put romance on the back burner. There’ll always be time for that. After all, I’m still just 25. The only real disappointment I’ve had in Atlanta is the way the Ryan White eligibility and enrollment works. I did a brief intake at Men’s Information Services: Testing, Empowerment, Resources (MISTER), who then said I would hear back from them or the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), where I selected to receive my medical care, and then I could complete my enrollment. To no fault of MISTER, that was over a week ago. I’m a patient of AHF’s in Florida. It shouldn’t be a problem to call me and set things up when I’m already in their systems. In Florida, I walked in to the Health Planning Council, did the paperwork, was placed on Ryan White right away and made my first doctor’s appointment right away. It seems to be a bit of a hassle to even get my foot in the door without having private insurance. Being kept on hold like this is certainly no fun. No major plans are in the works. I need to get in with a doctor and make myself a home. I’m supposed to be back in Florida at the end of the month for a speaking engagement at Florida Atlantic University, but I don’t know if I can afford that travel arrangement now either. I know things will all work out eventually. This adventure has been a very good test of my patience – what little I had to start with anyway. Hopefully in the next week things will start to come together.

-Ryan Dixon

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 6.19.13 //

opinion off the wall Pier Angelo

Privacy on Parade

It looks as if your mouth is agape…close it. Stop holding your breath; relax your dilated pupils, there is no point in going ballistic about the latest government intrusion in our lives. It is 2013 and you are realizing now that you have given up your privacy? Duh! Armageddon was yesterday – today we have a serious problem. Where was your outrage, or the press for that matter, in 2011, when Congress steamrolled over our rights to privacy, and our remaining civil liberties, with the illconceived and all-encompassing Patriot Act? Nowhere. In fact, the public did its part by politely ignoring it. I was ranting and raving against it at the time; I thought it was an abomination, an irrational hysterical dangerous abuse of power. My Republican friends (the same that are bitching now) called me a “pinko,” or a

// 6.19.2013 // SFGN.com //

communist, for questioning Congress and the Bush Administration. Well, the chickens have come home to roost and the passive American people are getting what they deserve, or asked for. The few Cassandras who dared to predict a “new world order” have been proven right. Let’s take a quick walk down memory lane with some facts on hand: George W. Bush took both the Patriot Act and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and pushed them beyond the boundaries of legality while Congress made those abuses legal. In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, the public’s consent was explicit: Do Whatever It Takes. All three branches of government were and are involved: Congress, which passed the laws and legalized many of the abuses, the executive, George W. Bush, who used and abused them; the judicial branch that accepts on a regular basis the broadest interpretation of the laws; to the last executive in charge, Barack Obama, who has used the laws aggressively and tried to shroud them in secrecy. Yes, they are all guilty but you are as guilty as the best of them. Last week the National Journal released a poll showing that 85 percent of those surveyed believed it was “likely” that their “communications history, phone calls, e-mails, and Internet use,” was “available for businesses, government, individuals, and other groups to access without prior consent.” If this is the case why didn’t you stand up and fight for your privacy? You do not have to be Einstein or a digital geek to realize how exposed you are, from cell phones to emails, from GPS to the Sun Pass, credit cards and ATMs, and finally to social networks. Nobody seems to care that cell phones let us be tracked because they’re too awesome when one needs to activate “Grindr” to find local gay, bi and curious guys for dating. And then of course there is the obligatory Facebook page where you post everything about yourself, true or untrue as the case may be, leaving behind an indelible digital trail, a cornucopia of information for law enforcement agencies, government intrusion, employers and potential employers, advertisers, profilers, and data crunchers. Everything about you is there, in plain sight or sitting pretty on soflagaynews //

Edward Snowden Photo courtesy of CNN

a cloud, for everyone to see. And then you complain about Verizon giving “your” data to the Government? Were your brains car washed recently? Is this a momentary lapse of reason on the part of the American people? Sorry, but I do not see the problem. For all intents and purposes you have given up your right to privacy the moment you signed up on Facebook or bought the latest Galaxy or iPhone. The world is suffering from an acute case of Nomophobia, the irrational fear of not having one’s smart phone. The damn thing is inside you, living in your head, never letting you be alone. You are imprisoned by it. And now you are beginning to realize that the very thing you can’t live without, watches you, listens to you, records your every move and betrays you by passing all that info to Big Brother. George Orwell would have a ball if he could see you now. The interesting thing is that everybody gets instantly up in arms about the Second Amendment (pun intended) but nobody has really cared about the Fourth. The Fourth Amendment guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, along with requiring any warrant to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause. It was adopted as a response to the abuse of the writ of assistance, which is a type of general

SouthFloridaGayNews

search warrant, in the American Revolution. Search and seizure (including arrest) should be limited in scope according to specific information supplied to the issuing court, usually by a law enforcement officer, who has sworn by it. Nobody has been able, or wants, to make the case for the Fourth Amendment, perhaps because there is no Big Business behind it. There is no National Association lobbying Washington in behalf of the Fourth. One of the very few voices of reason is Sen. Bernie Sanders (I – VT) who from the very beginning in 2011 has been repeating the same mantra: The blame for this invasion of our privacy rests with members of congress who continue to vote for the Patriot Act. Gore Vidal once said: “We’re the most captive nation of slaves that ever came along” I go with George Clooney when he said: “I’d rather have a rectal examination on live TV by a fellow with cold hands than have a Facebook page.” In conclusion I can only say: ‘Thank You Mr. Edward Snowden.’ About time, but too little too late. The damage is done. Final newsflash: Catch a few reruns of Criminal Minds and see how the character Garcia is able, in a few seconds, to provide the FBI with a gold mine of information about anybody. And you thought it was fiction?

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29 5/29/13 // 11:56 AM SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 6.19.13

opinion

letter to the editor

Accusing Rubio of opposing LGBT segments of immigration reform bill Senator Marco Rubio, As a Floridian and U.S. Citizen, I have to share with you that your lack of leadership on equal civil rights for all, and your stance on Human Rights for Americans, is disheartening. In reference to your opposition of the Immigration Reform Bill Amendment by Sen. Patrick Leahy that “would give same-sex married couples the same immigration rights as opposite-sex married couples”, you stated your personal opinion as the basis for opposing equal civil rights legislation that would allot not special rights but the “same” equal civil rights. You know what they say about opinions; yours, however, should not lead to my oppression. You seek “small government”, and so do I; it starts by big government not telling me whom to love and marry. You said: “If this bill has in it something that gives gay couples immigration rights and so forth, it kills the bill. I’m done” and you made it clear by saying “I’m off it, and I’ve said that repeatedly. I don’t think that’s going to happen and it shouldn’t happen. This is already a difficult enough issue as it is.” These are your words, Senator.

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Well, Sir, I’m glad it’s clear that you find my having access to equal civil rights an inconvenience; but I hardly understand how you see having equal civil rights, and equal protection under the rule of law for ALL citizens, as a deal breaker. It’s a shame you rationalize your opposing argument with premises based on opinion, rather than miring it in the foundations on which this country was founded. Florida deserves leadership that will focus on econzomic growth and protection of the civil liberties of all Floridians, not the backward thinking and shortsighted opinions which you are proposing as policy. I’ve left you a voice message and I’d appreciate a phone call with your explanation as to why you feel my citizenship is worth less than yours. I would really like to know why as an American I should see your actions as anything other than a poor excuse for leadership in the U.S. Senate. Righteously indignant, Edward Martí Kring Your Constituent

soflagaynews //

Senator Marco Rubio of Florida Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore

SouthFloridaGayNews

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lifestyle history

44 Years and the Fight Goes On A brief history of the Stonewall riots Christiana Lilly

christiana.lilly@gmail.com

Workers World, a socialist newspaper, covered the gay liberation movement extensively. Photo courtesy of Stonewall National Museum & Archives.

June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s West Village started like any other night — until the bar went up in flames. Gay men, lesbians dressed in men’s clothes, and drag queens were dancing the night away at the dingy bar, where you knocked to get inside, the windows were blacked out, music blasted from a jukebox, and the good liquor was stored under the bar (you had to ask Johnny or Mario for that). Then the cops came. “I was in jail about 12 times for being in gay bars. Some nights they’d throw us out and we’d go back to the bar the next time. Sometimes they’d take everybody in the bar into the wagons and we’d spend the night in the holding cell,” said Tree Sequoia, a patron that evening. “The night of the rebellion, I was there dancing with my friends to a Lindy Hop or a stroll when the cops came.” Sequoia, 74, now works at the Stonewall Inn, a place that he used to frequent as a young man in the 1960s, including the night of the riots. It was illegal for men to dance together, to serve alcohol to a homosexual, and to dress in the clothing of the opposite sex. The cops came in to break up the party, arrest patrons, business as usual. But that night, they fought back. “These cops were a little more violent. They pushed, they shoved people, they were

// 6.19.2013 // SFGN.com //

Last year’s Stonewall Summer Pride in Wilton Manors. Photo courtesy of JR Davis

calling us names,” Sequoia said. “In those days it was a sickness we had. Now they know better and the police admitted they were deathly afraid to leave the building.” First a scuffle broke out. Drag queens slipped out through the back door, ripped parking meters from the ground to barricade the cops inside, garbage cans were lit on fire, and soon the bar was on fire. Tree escaped with some friends and watched a mob of hundreds gather outside, waiting to take on the cops. Tree left to eat with friends, not realizing he was feet away from something that would lead to the explosion of the gay rights movement. “It was the first time the LGBT population fought back against these raids that were discriminatory and had been going on for decades,” said Perry Halkitis, professor of applied psychology and public health at New York University. “They weren’t fighting back thinking, ‘we’re fighting for civil rights,’ they were fighting back as human beings… In that moment you don’t realize you’re being part of history.” 1969, or the Summer of Love, was a pressure cooker of dissatisfaction with the status quo in society: African Americans pumped their fists for black power, women burned their bras in the liberation movement, and revolutionaries fought soflagaynews //

against the war in Vietnam. After Stonewall, it was finally the gay movement’s turn after unsuccessful demonstrations. “The first demonstrations were actually in the mid ‘60s in Washington, D.C. and in New York City but they were quiet, they were peaceful... they didn’t really cause a stir,” said Nate Klarfeld, Broward chairman for Equality Florida and the former Stonewall Museum board chair. With the violence of Stonewall, people finally noticed. “I do honestly believe that the violence — which was used by the African Americans, it was used by the women, it was used by the antiwar movement — did get people’s attention.” Klarfeld was a 19-year-old NYU student and working a bartending shift for a catering company the night of the riots. While the newspapers only had a few clippings of the event, word of the riot spread like wildfire throughout the gay community. “It was the talk for weeks, but nobody ever thought it would go anywhere. We talked about it within our community, we said, ‘Is it safe to go out?’” he said The following year, New York City saw its first gay pride parade, which has continued to this day. Klarfeld remembers being a part of the parade, which he described as “more of a quick run.”

SouthFloridaGayNews

“We were scared of getting shot or rocks thrown at us,” he said. Sequoia remembered laughing at the pride walk – the idea of quality for guys was so outlandish to him. “When we saw people lined up for the first gay pride we laughed at them, and then after that parade was over, it was considered a march, we thought that was it forever. But who knew that this would be the 44th year,” he said. And 44 years later, June is celebrated as Pride Month within the LGBT community, thanks to the night at the Stonewall Inn. Although it’s a night of infamy in some circles, for many young gay people, it’s unknown. For Halkitis, President Barack Obama’s mention of the Stonewall Riots in his 2012 inauguration speech was surprising; he remembers turning to his partner asking him if he thought anyone listening knew what Obama was talking about. Although he was only 6 years old at the time, as a gay man, Halkitis credits the state of gay rights today to that fiery night on Christopher Street. “We do not find ourselves here 44 years later without that event,” he said. “My generation, people my age, stand on the shoulders of people before us who couldn’t live their life openly.”

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SouthFloridaGayNews

summer 2013

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

facebook.com/ThePrideCenter |

VOICE

@PrideCenterFL

Rafael and the Art of Navigation

Inside This Issue:

By Rob Saunders

Founders Event at Chill Wine Lounge

Tropical Plant Fair

Butch Femme Dialogue

Juntos Construyendo

PG. 6

PG. 8

PG. 9

PG.13

afael Reyes is a busy guy. He had hardly settled into his office at The Pride Center as the new Healthcare Navigator before his phone started ringing. “It shows there’s a need for this,” he said. “With everything going on with healthcare, so many things up in the air, especially in the state of Florida, there’s a lot questions and people are needing assistance navigating through the madness of healthcare.”

Madness is a good word for it. “Often, I think I’ll go insane myself,” he laughed. Rafael has a great infectious laugh. The idea of a Healthcare Navigator came about after The Pride Center identified the difficulties of pinpointing resources for people living with HIV. SMART Ride raised enough money to fund the position. “We want to look at things on a holistic level,” Rafael explained. That means it’s not just about medical care,

Bright Future By Kevin Murdoch oger Roa should have no problem raising money and awareness for The Pride Center. The new Director of Development brings a healthy mix of enthusiasm, skill and energy. The future looks bright. “I’m amazed by the growth The Center has experienced in services and resources over the past several years,” says Roa. “I am excited to be a part of the team to continue the growth into the future. The potential for growth is limitless. I want to help give back to my community. I look forward to working with Robert Boo, CEO, and the amazing team at The Pride Center. I have some big shoes--and big wigs--to fill.”

but everything that ties into health and well being -- such as housing, finances, employment, mental health, transportation, and legal support.” How does he manage it? His background as a peer advocate and in case management and outreach initiatives serves him well. “So I know a lot of people in agencies and in the communities, and every day you meet someone new -and I’m not shy about asking questions, because I don’t

+Continued on pg. 4

Roa named Director of Development

Roger comes to The Pride Center by way of Nova Southeastern University where he was the Assistant Director of Special Events and Alumni Relations within the Office of Advancement. His primarily responsibility was to oversee NSU’s participation and representation at various fundraising events within the South Florida community. As Assistant Director, he was responsible for planning and executing multiple fundraising projects and events that contributed to both the capital campaign and scholarship funds. He also traveled to various alumni chapters to promote the university’s efforts encouraging alumni to donate to the NSU Fund. +Continued on pg. 4

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org VOICE Summer 2013

Growing on a Strong Foundation A letter from Robert Boo, C.E.O. of The Pride Center at Equality Park By Robert Boo

une is quite a newsworthy month for the LGBT community. The Supreme Court is writing opinions that will decide the fate of marriage equality in the U.S. later this month. Public attitude about marriage equality continues to accelerate in our favor. According to The Washington Post online survey, 80% of respondents across the county support equal rights. We now have 54 of 100 senators, including two Republicans, favoring equality publically. To see amazing newsworthy growth at The Center, you only need to flip through this issue of The Voice. I am excited that this growth is based on a strong, stable foundation. We just completed the 2012 Financial Audit. I am very pleased to announce that all is in order, and there were no major recommendations made. A copy of the audit is available on our website in the “Who We Are” section alongside audits and financial reports for 2010 and 2011. Additionally, we now post a monthly Operations Dashboard report on our website. We present this report of programmatic activities at the Board of Directors’ monthly meeting. Take a few minutes to review all of the information available to you. You will be surprised by the depth of activity going on at YOUR Center. Five years ago this month, we announced the purchase of our campus and the loan commitment from the prestigious banking institution, Northern

Trust. The terms of that loan required the interest rate to be adjusted after five years, otherwise known as a balloon payment. After receiving proposals from several very noteworthy local financial institutions, we have refinanced our loan again with Northern Trust. In 2008 Northern Trust was the only institution to step up to offer us a loan. This year we had the opportunity to select the best arrangement for The Center. The new agreement with Northern Trust is for ten years. Our hope is to pay off the loan before we need to refinance again. One of our goals in our strategic plan is to develop sustainable growth for The Center. Earlier this year we received $135,908 from SMART Ride 9. A portion of these proceeds allowed us to hire Rafael Reyes as our Healthcare Navigator, a vital new position for The Center. As Healthcare Navigator, Rafael will assist People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to access needed medical, medication, insurance provision and other healthcare services. A second addition to our team is Roger Roa, Director of Development. Roger recently worked for the largest notfor-profit university in South Florida, Nova Southeastern University. Roger was the Assistant Director of Special Events and Alumni Relations within the Office of Advancement. Roger’s primary responsibility is to provide the leadership, strategic direction, management and

About the Pride Center

The Pride Center celebrates 20 years of service in 2013. Our mission is: “We provide a welcoming, safe space-an inclusive home--that celebrates, nurtures and empowers the LGBTQ communities and our friends and neighbors in South Florida.” The Center’s program and services meet the distinct cultural, health, educational, economic, social and safety needs of the LGBT community. More than 20,000 adult and youth attended activities at the Center over the past year. We host more than 60

regularly-meeting groups each month. Support, social and educational groups focus on women, seniors, youth, men, transgender, recovery, health, the arts, athletics, spirituality, games and more. Outreach activities over the past year directly impacted over 30,000 residents and visitors to South Florida. The Pride Center is a major site for HIV testing, prevention, education, support, holistic health and counseling. Stop in and learn about all we do: a community Flea Market; women’s health initiatives;

coordination for expanding The Center’s fundraising efforts. We are finishing the first six months of 2013 with a very strong balance sheet. Simply put, we aren’t spending more money than we bring in. That doesn’t mean we don’t need your help. Daily foot traffic at The Center continues to increase and our vital services are in high demand. Every dollar raised helps impact the lives of people in our own community. If you currently are not a member of The Center, please consider joining today. Basic memberships range in price for as little as $30 for Students and Seniors, $40 for an Individual and $70 for a Household. If you have the means to join at a higher level please consider joining The Founders Circle membership. If you own a business and want to market towards the LGBT community, join the Business Founders membership. This summer we launch a new membership reward program called “I Am Pride”. This discount program will assist local businesses by promoting their establishments, increasing sales and traffic, as well as adding extra benefits to members of The Pride Center. If you want to learn more about any of these membership opportunities, contact me or Roger Roa at RRoa@PrideCenterFlorida.org. I also encourage you to remain involved with The Center by subscribing to our email distribution newsletter, The EVoice. You can subscribe on the main page of our website, www.PrideCenterFlorida.org.

family outreach days; Bingo; unique exercise classes; financial investment series; art gallery openings; adult educational opportunities through Pride University; Bingo; education for prospective and current parents; weekly “Coffee and Conversation” gatherings for seniors; music, movies and live theater presentations; a variety of health fairs; and a spectrum of creative symposiums, speakers, forums and events for the entire community. We own five-and-a-half acres of property with 30,000 square feet of office space that provide homes for programs and services, as well as synergy among organizations. Our Vision is to be the premier point of connection for our community.

The Pride Center 2040 N. Dixie Highway Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33305 Mail Correspondence to: P.O. Box 70518 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33307-0518 (954) 463-9005 Fax (954) 764-6522 Email: info@PrideCenterFlorida.org Website: www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Board of Directors

Ilene Berliner, Chair James Walker, Vice Chair Chris Caputo, Secretary Craig Engel, CPA, Treasurer Ted Adcock Mitchell Bloom

Mark Budwig Irwin Drucker Brenda Hartley George Kling Leslie Tipton Richard Safaty

Pride Center Staff

Robert Boo, CEO, rboo@PrideCenterFlorida.org Kristofer Fegenbush, MSW, COO, kfegenbush@PrideCenterFlorida.org

Janet Weissman, Business Manager, jweissman@PrideCenterFlorida.org Jorge Gardela, Health Outreach Director, jgardela@PrideCenterFlorida.org Frank Gurucharri, PALS Project Manager, fgurucharri@PrideCenterFlorida.org Roger Roa, Director of Development, rroa@PrideCenterFlorida.org Samantha McCoy, Customer Service Coordinator, smccoy@PrideCenterFlorida.org Listron “Blue” Mannix, Minority Testing Initiative Manager, bmannix@PrideCenterFlorida.org Jeff Grigsby, LIFE Coordinator, jgrigsby@PrideCenterFlorida.org Magno Morales, CHOICES Coordinator, mmorales@PrideCenterFlorida.org Andres Santofimio, CRCS Counselor, asantofimio@PrideCenterFlorida.org Emilio Aponte, RESPECT Coordinator, eaponte@PrideCenterFlorida.org Albert Taylor, Health Coordinator, ataylor@PrideCenterFlorida.org S.F. Makalani-Mahee, Data Entry Specialist, smakalani-mahee@PrideCenterFlorida.org Michael Childers, LIFE Goes On Coordinator, mchilders@PrideCenterFlorida.org Ed Garcia Social Media and Marketing Coordinator egarcia@PrideCenterFlorida.org Shanna Ratliff, Prevention Outreach Coordinator, sratliff@PrideCenterFlorida.org Bruce Williams, Senior Services Coordinator, bwilliams@PrideCenterFlorida.org Donna Woessner, Women with Pride Coordinator, dwoessner@PrideCenterFlorida.org Lorenzo Robertson, CouplesSpeak Coordinator, lrobertson@PrideCenterFlorida.org Rafael Reyes, Healthcare Navigator, rreyes@PrideCenterFlorida.org Daniel Dardenne, Testing Specialist, ddardenne@PrideCenterFlorida.org Norris Wildhagen, Facilities Specialist, facilities@PrideCenterFlorida.org Charles Dickey, Health Counselor, cdickey@PrideCenterFlorida.org Yamil Cruz, Health Educator, ycruz@PrideCenterFlorida.org Chris Douglas, Testing Specialist, cdouglas@PrideCenterFlorida.org Ebony Wilson, Testing Specialist, ewilson@PrideCenterFlorida.org William “Billy” Gall, Testing Specialist, bgall@PrideCenterFlorida.org Stacey Wall, Testing Specialist, swall@PrideCenterFlorida.org Bryan Bowlby, Development Assistant, bbowlby@PrideCenterFlorida.org Todd Hammond, Information Analyst, thammond@PrideCenterFlorida.org Frantz Massenat, Outreach and Testing Specialist, fmassenat@PrideCenterFlorida.org Dr. David Fawcett, CouplesSpeak Clinical/Program Consultant, dfawcett@PrideCenterFlorida.org Dr. Lincoln Pettaway, CouplesSpeak Evaluation Consultant, lpettaway@PrideCenterFlorida.org Clarence Collins, Facilities Assistant, ccollins@PrideCenterFlorida.org Robert Miller, Facilities Assistant, rmiller@PrideCenterFlorida.org Troy Brown, Facilities Assistant, tbrown@PrideCenterFlorida.org

The Pride Center Voice

Production Managers: Chris Caputo, Kristofer Fegenbush Graphic Design Specialist: Mark Pauciullo Contributing Writers: Robert Saunders, Kevin Murdoch, Lynn Glover, Listron “Blue” Mannix, Bryon Bowlby, Bruce Williams, Albert Taylor, Robert Boo and Kristofer Fegenbush. Photographers: Steven Shires, Pompano Bill, Dennis Dean, Robert Saunders, Denise Spivak, Lynn Glover, Jim Cooper, Ed Garcia, Emilio Aponte, Donna Woessner, S.F. Makalani-Mahee, Samantha McCoy and Kristofer Fegenbush.

The VOICE newsletter is published in the memory and through the donation of the Robert S. Kecskemety Trust.

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Marvelous Maturity Senior Services Continue to Expand

matters of quality of health care issues. The Center collaborates with AARP to provide quarterly Drivers Education Courses and make monthly presentations on seniors issues. Seniors at The Pride Center enjoy diverse entertainment offerings, including cards and games of all sorts, movies, live theater presentations, Bingo, pot luck dinners, cake walks and contests. “Our LGBT seniors are themselves an immeasurable resource of knowledge, ability and experience,” says Williams. “Together we’re creating a fulfilling senior lifestyle that helps individuals maintain a much more engaging role both personally and throughout the community. Our group provides countless volunteer hours at The Center and beyond.” Williams points out that many seniors have become Founders Circle members at The Pride Center. Others have helped the Senior Advisory Council donate over $1000 to Florida AIDS Walk 2013, purchase two lifesaving Automatic External Defibrillators, donate chairs and $2000 toward the renovation of the room where Seniors exercise, and help buy first aid kits for The Pride Center campus. Williams is excited by plans for the expanded, enhanced Fourth & Faaaaabulous Senior Health Expo on October 19, 2013. He also looks forward to launching SAGE Works, a new program that will build the capacity of LGBT older adults to remain productive, vital and contributing members of the work force. The program will teach technology and job skills to help older adults remain competitive in the modern work place. “Our growth wouldn’t happen without the support of the Vasquez and Greenfield foundations among others,” says Williams.

AIDS Walk The Pride Center’s team raised over $43,000 during this year’s Florida AIDS Walk. Team member Mike Hisey was the overall top fundraiser for the entire Walk. These funds will be used for vital HIV services at The Center. (Photos by Jim Cooper and Ed Garcia)

VOICE Summer 2013

enerous funding by local foundations has fueled a year of extreme growth and expansion in Senior Services at The Pride Center. Recent funding from the Elaine Vasquez Family Foundation Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward helps fund The Center’s full-time Senior Services Coordinator, Bruce Williams. This joins the previously announced generous award from the Howard Greenfield Charitable Foundation. Williams provides education, outreach and linkage services for local LGBT Seniors as well as helps organize requested activities, events and groups. “Our seniors programming continues to amaze me with the number of participants and the growth in services and events,” says CEO Robert Boo. Williams can quickly outline an overwhelming list of activities and program offerings. “Our Coffee & Conversation – the flag ship of our programming – boasts a weekly attendance of well over 100 LGBT seniors,” says Williams. “We partner with the YMCA to provide Enhance Fitness and Matter of Balance Classes that help maintain health and independence. We’ve offered free telephones from The Center For Hearing and Communication to those with speech, visual and audio impairments. We offer a series of enlightening presentations that assess personal needs and make known community resources in areas of home health, long term care placement and end of life planning.” Williams developed a new partnership with the State of Florida’s Ombudsman Program which serves as a mediator in

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Rafael and the Art of Navigation

+Continued from pg. 1

know all the answers.” Being bilingual (he grew up in Honduras, New York and Virginia) is also very helpful. “Broward is becoming so much more a trilingual community, with English, Spanish and Creole ,” he pointed out. Still, it has become clear the task is more than one person can handle. “I’m trying to form a team of volunteers,” Rafael said. He’s looking for people to help with organization and administration. “I’m really going to be the person going out in the field and meeting with agencies along with clients,” he explained. “What I do need is some people more on the administrative side of things ... so I guess someone who’s organized and systems-oriented.” The imminent changes in healthcare at the state level brought in by the The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act , better known

as Obamacare, are a big part of the challenge. “Florida is the last on the totem pole, again. It just can’t get its act together. I hate to say that, but it’s the truth.” Though he just began work, he already has linked twelve people to vital healthcare services. Helping people see a doctor and receive medications is quite rewarding. “Very much so,” Rafael said. “There’s a lot to do, but I’m excited about it, and I love it here, and my co-workers are just amazing.” In fact, he added, it almost doesn’t feel like work. “I’ve been putting in a lot of hours, and I don’t feel exhausted -- but my co-workers are concerned!” He laughed that laugh again. “They see me in the morning and they see still here last thing at night ... I have to tell them I’m OK, I’m OK!” Yes, he’s a very busy guy, and I can take a hint. It was time to leave and let him get on with it.

VOICE Summer 2013

Bright Future +Continued from pg. 1

The Pride Center Founders Circle LIFETIME

Alan Schubert Bob and Hal Bernier-Peterson Gil Corwin John C. Graves Charitable Fund

PLATINUM LEVEL ($10,000 and above)

Anonymous (2) AIDS Healthcare Foundation Aqua Foundation for Women Bobby Blair / Florida Agenda Bobby Kyser / Panache Style Community Foundation of Broward Ed Garcia Designs LSeven Solutions Norm Kent / South Florida Gay News Peter Clark / HotSpots Magazine The Howard Greenfield Charitable Foundation / Frank J. Guida, Jr. Representative The Kenneth S. Hollander Charitable Foundation The SMART Ride Wells Fargo Foundation Will Spencer / CAMP Inc.

Diamond Level ($5,000 - $9,999)

Anonymous (1) Arthur Smith, Esq. Chris Caputo, Board Member / Metro Media Works Dale Russell, MD and Jan Carpenter David McLaren and Joe Laurino / Periodic Products D. C. Allen and Ken Flick No Gay Hate Fund at Our Fund, Inc. Greg Hardy and Rick Soloway / Solutions Insurance Ilene Berliner, Board Chair and Maura Lane Jim Stepp and Peter Zimmer Ron Ansin and Jim Stork Ted Schultz

GOLD LEVEL ($2,500 - $4,999)

This skillset, along with Roger’s positive attitude, helpful spirit and infectious smile, will be a vital addition to The Pride Center’s already strong staff. “Who knew we’d get a younger, thinner, prettier me?” laughs Robert Boo. “I sincerely am excited by the strengths and experience that Roger is bringing to our fundraising efforts.” Originally from South Florida, Roger grew up in Plantation and attended Nova Southeastern University where he received both his Bachelor and Master of Sciences. After working for the City of Wilton Manors, he moved to Atlanta where he worked for two of the largest universities in the state. He mastered his event-planning skill set by working with the Supreme Court of Georgia, Tim Gunn and former

President Jimmy Carter. Roger has helped produce The Pride Center’s Evening In Paradise event for the last two years and is already busy planning next year’s event on February 22, 2014. He sits on the Winter Party Festival Planning Committee and the advisory board for his fraternity, where he mentors 40+ college men. (I want to be a fly on that wall!) His love for athletics shows. He is an avid road cycler, runner and gym enthusiast. In November, he will be riding in SMART Ride 10 from Miami to Key West as a member of The Center’s Pride Pack. He and his partner of seven years live in Fort Lauderdale with their Yorkie, Brown Junior (BJ for short). Without a doubt, Roger’s passion and energetic charisma will help The Pride Center continue its forward motion.

Bayview Cadillac Bob Young Chris Dunham and Joseph Dominguez / Dunham Insurance Coffee and Conversation Diplomat Pharmacy Don Biehn Doug Tinklepaugh and James Rickard / Pinnacle Constructors, LLC Estate of Bob Kecskemety Gary Yamnitz / City County Credit Union Gerald Byers and Rudy Wengenroth Herbert Reis and William Coffey Howard Cunningham, DDS Jared Falek and Don Chorpenning Joe Pallant / Pallant Insurance Agency, Inc. Lee Rubin and Jim Walker, Board Vice Chair Lloyd Gill / City County Credit Union Maria Kondracki and Jim Dwyer Mark Budwig, Board Member, and Nick Scalzo / S.MarkGraphics Mark Semple / Riverside Hotel Michael Camardello Mike Dager and Harvey Shapiro Paul Smith and Gerald Kennedy Richard Safaty, Board Member / Freedom Travel Richard Schwarz and Tom Massey Charitable Fund at Our Fund, Inc. Ron Ansin and Jim Stork Ronnie Pryor and Dustin Cranor / Source Salon Robert Hubbard and Bill Greeves Russell Sassani MD and Michael Schneider / Take Shape Plastic Surgery PA The Peninsula Assisted Living and Memory Care Residence Victor Flores / Fast Printz

SILVER LEVEL ($1,200 - $2,499)

Anonymous (4) A.J. Jabre A Celebration of Friends Al Bacchi and Craig Ross Anthony Molluso and Bill Volbrecht Anthony Timiraos and Arthur Crispino Anthony More AutoNation B Ocean Fort Lauderdale Bears of South Florida Betsy Anderson / The Grateful Palate Bill Linehan Bill Thornton and Adam Kratochwill / Pride Carpet Cleaning Bill Meusgeier / Crown Wine and Spirit Bob Collier and Chuck Hunziker Brenda Hartley / BankUnited Bret Johnson Bruce Lane Bruce Presley and Chris Hedlund Bruce Walther Bruno Trambusti and Randy Grant C. Ted Wolf and Frank Decolator Cal Harrison Carmine Martorilli and Robert Poster Carl E. Trough Carol Moran / New Moon Bar Chantal Ingerson Charles Loring Dr. Charmaine Johnson-Leong, DDS Cheryl Mauro / Hibiscus Cafe Clifford Jolley and Paul Clive Craig Engel and Greg Briche Dan Oropesa and DJ Harvey / Mack Multimedia Daniel Pye Daniel Wasinger and Howard Cohen Darcy Beeman / Edward Jones Dave Stubbins David Bebbington David King / Hospice of Broward County David Treece / Treece Financial Group David Guzman and Justin Hilt Dr. David Kyner and Richard Bray / Steven C. Lowenstein Five Dollar Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward David McConnell David Moon and Eugene Smith David Webb and W. Lynn McLaughlin Dean Trantalis, Esq. Dennis Fitzkee and Bernie Langeluttig Dolphin Democratic Club Don Barlow Don Green and Gene Ingledue Donn Rubin and Stephen Harmon / Alterra Home Loans Donald Croxton and Douglas Pew Doug Candler Drew Miller and Kevin Murdoch Eldon Ross Hills / Coldwell Banker Ellen Krider / RBC Wealth Management Eric Gilbert / SunTrust Bank Eric Reivik and Andy Harrison / PC Lauderdale Erich Kissel Ernest Olivas / Nautilus Senior Home Care Forest Trace Luxury Resort Senior Community Fred Wahl and Fred Marzec Gables Wilton Park Apartments GALLERYone Fort Lauderdale Gary Kempler George Kling, Board member Geph Scarr / Scarr Insurance Glenn Goldberg Greg Moore and Allan Barsky Hank Stembridge and Theron Watson Hans Hochkamp and Joseph DeBacco Harvey Chasser Howards Elfman and Juliever Villan Ian McKay Idan Eckstein Irwin Drucker Dr. J. Michael Heider and Thom Carr / Ultimate Smile Dental Jack Schlossberg and Greg Fineman Jae / Jae’s Sinful Delights James A. Johnson James Senior Jan Zilmer Jason King / AHF Tony Timiraos and Arthur Crispino Jeffrey Gross Jim Jagielski Jim Pierce / Pierce Aire, Inc. Joe Guerrero Joe McConnell and Michael Lennon John Bolton John Emmet / Stork’s Catering John Jovanovich and Paul Holoweski John Kissee John Leyden and Tom Valentine

John Zieba and Cliff Mulcahy / Rosie’s Bar & Grill Chef Judith Able / Chef of Distinction Julia Landis and Shawn Fanshier Karen Carol and Julie Slater / Chic Optique Ken Kalederian Ken Keechl and Ted Adcock, Board Member Ken Merrifield and Fred Berger Kristofer Fegenbush Law Office of Cal Steinmetz Law Offices of George Castrataro Law Office of Gregory W. Kabel Lazaro Hernandez and Steve Figlmiller Leslie Tipton, Board Member / Church of the Holy Spirit Song Lynn Corning / Newman Insurance Lynn McLaughlin and David Webb Louis Benevento and Patrick Duffy Marc Grossman Maria Kondracki and Jim Dwyer Mark Gordon and Aldo Buono Mark Haines / Mark’s List Mark Halacy and Tom Pollock Mark Ketcham and Werner Lutz Mark Martin / AHF Mark Turner and Chuck Nicholls Martha Maurriro / L’Hermitage Catering Martin Friedman and Sheldon Weinrib Martin Gould Michael Albetta Michael Alexander Michael D’Agostino Michael Dane and Alex Quintero / Assisted Living Lifestyles Michael Faerber / D’Angelo Realty Group Michael Hisey Michael Murphy / CleanAll Supply Michael Pastorino / Iberia Bank Mick Howard and Brian Jackson / Mayors Jewelry Miriam Richter and Michelle Altman Mitchell Bloom, Board Member / Wells Fargo Bank Mona Pittenger Giving Fund Our Fund Neill Hirst MD and Greg Hughes Norris Wildhagen and Dr. Troy Robinson Norman Berkowitz Northern Trust Bank Norton C. Lyman and Kimeo Sato Pamela Kirkpatrick Patrick Harris and Wesley Walker Paul Alpert Paul Fasana Paul Hyman and Bill Bracker Paul Jennings Paul Rolli and W. Bennett Quade Peter Hardy-Smith and Steven Devito Peter Pileski and Bob Avian Pride Institute at Fort Lauderdale Hospital Richard Nolan and Robert Pingpank Richard Stoll, Esq. Robert Boo Robert Delehanty Robert W. Eldredge / RWE Real Estate Robert Grossman Robert Judd and Russell Neal Robert Kuhn and Steven Geyer Rodney Monroe / South Beach Affairs Salvatore Torre Sam Chalfant and Tom Rouland Scott Belding and Listron “Blue” Mannix Scott L. Bennett Sharon Rebuk / Another Perfect Party Stephen Banigan and William Van Scoy Stephen Driscoll and Robert Tocci / National Stonewall Demorats Stephen Schram and Richard Powers / PowersSchram, LLC Steve Barnard Steve Gray / Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Steve Shires Photography Steven Wetzler Sumner T. White Suzannah Richards / New York Life Ted Emery Ted Verdone and John Curtin Terry Stone and Mike Bush Tim Singer and Richard Cascarelli Timothy Hart / R3 Accounting LLC Tom Runyan / Runyan Law Firm, P.A. Tom and Steven Bergert-Clark Tomas Soto, Ph.D., MPH and Frank Lefevre, M.D. Tony Seguino and Dan Ayers Tracey Cramer / Ameriprise Tyler Healis Victor Zepka / Boardwalk Vince Di Pietro and Richard Berg Dr. Will Richardson / Nartura Dermatology Yamilet Ramirez and Claudia Mosley / Merchant Processing Solutions

Join the Pride Center Founders Circle! Support the programs and services of The Pride Center. For more information, please contact CEO Robert Boo RBoo@PrideCenterFlorida.org

ability to host outdoor Commitment Ceremonies, Celebrations of Life, family gatherings, outdoor movies and cultural events,” shares Boo. The first phase of the courtyard project includes the installation of an outdoor structure on the south side of

the Alan Edward Schubert building. Enhanced ability to host outdoor events will serve as another new revenue stream for The Center. You can view a video rendering of this project on The Center’s website. If you are interested in booking the new outdoor

space later this year, contact Samantha McCoy, Customer Service Coordinator at SMcCoy@PrideCenterFlorida.org. If you are interested in learning more about naming opportunities contact Robert Boo, CEO, at RBoo@ PrideCenterFlorida.org.

Graphic courtesy of Powers Schram

Did you know? +There have been more than 1,300 group meetings at The Pride Center in 2013.

VOICE Summer 2013

sk and it shall be given. The Pride Center successfully has raised $25,000 needed for a challenge grant for its outdoor improvements. The John C. Graves Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward (CFB) now will provide $100,000 to complete the exterior ADA improvements and Phase 1 of the Courtyard improvement project. Work will begin in July. “We owe a huge ‘thank you’ to all of you who contributed,” says Robert Boo, CEO. “Together we raised this money in six weeks.” Upon completion of the project later this summer, The Center will receive an additional $25,000 to apply towards mortgage reduction. This project also will also open up new revenue streams for naming opportunities in the Courtyard. These opportunities will be available on The Center’s website www. PrideCenterFlorida.org and will range in price from $100 to $75,000. “We are constantly asked about our

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

GOAL!!! A

Center raises $25,000 for outdoor project in record time

Back to School Back Pack Drive

+The Pride Center provides monthly workshops for prospective and current LGBT parents. +Volunteers have provided more than 7,900 hours of service to The Pride Center in 2013.

The Pride Center 2040 North Dixie Highway Wilton Manors, FL 33305

+The Pride Center has distributed more than 100,000 condoms in 2013. If you can't shop prior to the event, we kindly request a minimum $10 donation and we’ll do the shopping for you.

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org VOICE Summer 2013

Meet the Rainmaker By Rob Saunders

ou might wonder if Mike Hisey has any friends left, the way he hits them up for money. “I hound them,” he laughs. “I’m a little relentless.” No, he’s not some shameless mooch. He’s a phenomenal fundraiser for good causes. Last year, Mike Hisey raised $20,000 for the Florida AIDS Walk. This year, it was almost $24,000. In fact, as an individual, he raised more money by himself than half of the top-ten teams. We wanted to know how he gets such spectacular results. Mike explained that he used to just give a donation to someone who was participating in the AIDS Walk. “Two years ago I thought, what if I walk myself and challenge my friends that if they donated I would match whatever they gave?” Even he was surprised at what happened. “I had a lot of friends who gave a lot of money individually, and of course my brother always gives a lot, so what could have been $10,000 became $20,000, and what could have been $12,000 became almost $24,000.” Of course, those sums include a lot of his own money. Yeah, he said, shrugging it off. “You have to give back to the universe, and then it does come back to you,” he believes. Amazingly, when he decided to walk last year, he signed up just six days before the event and still came up with $20,000.

Founders Event at Chill Wine Lounge

Hisey raises $24,000 for HIV Programs

Chill Wine Lounge and Ellen Krider at RBC Wealth Management hosted and sponsored a recent Founders Circle Reception. Founders Circle members provide at least $100 monthly to support the programs and services at The Pride Center. (Photos by Steve Shires)

It was at the reception for participants the evening before the Walk that he decided that he would join The Pride Center team this year. “I met Joe Guerrero (volunteer with The Center’s PALS Project) and we became good friends,” Mike recalled. “I’m kinda moved by all the things he does for the organization. I raise money once a year, big deal; he gives to the organization all year in his time and efforts. I thought that I would walk for The Pride Center this year more for him than anything, so that those important programs could still be funded.” As he pointed out, 100% of the money raised by a specific team goes to that team. AIDS is not the only cause that Mike feels strongly about. “I do just as much for the homeless,” he said. He gives a great deal of time and money to Love Thy Neighbor, a homeless organization here in town that he has been involved with for 13 years. “I’m so blessed: I can walk into a really nice house; I can go out to eat anytime I want to, and there are people who don’t have food and don’t have a house to live in ... It’s a cause I feel really passionate about.” On top of these commitments, Mike works 16 to 17 hours a day, he said, running a large telecom installation that’s a family business. “I’ve been doing

it for 22 years, work very closely with my younger brother. I have an insane schedule,” he admitted. “Most people could never keep up with me.” Is retirement in sight? “Almost,” he said. Meanwhile, he’s already thinking about the 2014 AIDS Walk. “Next year I want to try to raise $30,000,” he said, and he has a plan. “I’m not just going to hit all my friends for money, but I could probably spend

some time in front of some of the bars and clubs, because I know most of the people that own the bars and clubs in town ... With just some donation buckets with some signage, I’ll collect money and put it into the Walk.” So, around February-March next year, look for Mike and dig deep. As he says, “It’s easy to help friends or people you know. You give a lot more of yourself if you give to people you don’t know.”

“Couples Speak” This program is a great way for you and your partner to learn, share and have fun regardless of your HIV status. For 4 Weeks, you’ll meet in small groups with other couples to: • Improve communication and manage conflicts • Engage in fun learning activities • Discuss sex openly and honestly • Make sex life more exciting and safer • Learn to love your partner better • Reduce your risks • Enhance your health and... • Have fun!

By Bryon F. Bowlby

f you’ve got it, give it back! In this case, the “it” is Financial Wealth. The other day over lunch, a wise friend advised me that if you have money, you should give some of it back to charity. Or in his candid words, “If you’ve got it, give it back.” The discussion topic was specific to estate planning. Yes – I know it’s not the usual gay conversation about partners, cars or great (or bad) restaurants. Nonetheless, it’s a very important topic for any age. What should we do with our assets upon our death? With the passing of Rick Gibson at the age of 53 still on our minds, it made us realize that age is not a limitless thing. We need to plan what we should do with our assets after our passing. I asked my friend about his plan for his estate. He informed me that he has named a sizeable portion to The Pride Center at Equality Park. As we have stood on the shoulders of previous generations, we have a responsibility to give back to our community and help future generations of LGBTQ

men and women in the ongoing struggle for gay rights. My friend asked that since most of his family did not understand or approve of his “life style,” why should they benefit? There are obvious tax benefits for naming a non-profit as a beneficiary. Funds that you donate to a 501(c)3 corporation, either through your will or your IRA/401(k), are tax exempt and may have a huge impact on your estates tax liabilities. If you are considering bequeathing a portion or all of your estate, you should consult a financial planner and your attorney on the most effective means of making a charity a beneficiary. I would also ask that you seriously consider naming The Pride Center at Equality Park as a recipient in your will. The Pride Center is the most effective organization in South Florida that helps the LGBTQ community. Supporting the Center allow you to help future generations of Gay Men and Women and make GAY a thing to be proud of!

PALS An HIV Prevention program sponsored by The Pride Center with funding from The SMART Ride.

Vision 2015 Contributors

Gil Corwin

George A. Kling, MD Estate of James Rampe Attorney Arthur B. Smith Jim Stepp & Peter Zimmer Sunshine Athletic Association Doug Tinklepaugh & James Rickard Estate of Lawrence Zinman

PILLAR SOCIETY

EQUALITY LEAGUE

JOHN GRAVES SOCIETY John C. Graves Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward

CORNERSTONE SOCIETY

Anonymous Jan Carpenter & Dale Russell Mona Pittenger

LUMINARY SOCIETY

J. Michael Heider, DDS & Thom Carr Kenneth M. Goss Former Broward County Mayor Ken Keechl & Ted Adcock John Ramos Richard Schwarz & Tom Massey

STAR LEAGUE

Doug Candler Forest Trace Luxury Resort Adult Community James Jagielski

D.C. Allen & Ken Flick Hansen Reality Vince Di Pietro Paul Galluccio Mark Gordon & Aldo Buono Estate of Charles Michael Johnson Ed Nicholas & Chris Griswold Chuck Nicholls & Mark Turner Coleman Prewitt

VISIONARY CLUB

Anonymous In Memory of Gilbert Anko Darcy Beeman Ileen Berliner & Maura Lane John Bowles Mark Budwig & Nick Scalzo Michael Dager & Harvey Shapiro

Chris Dunham & Joseph Dominguez Gay Bridge Cal Harrison Tyler Healis Kenneth Hollander Charitable Foundation Robert L. Hubbard & Bill Greeves Jack Johnson & Charles Prather Robert Joshua David Kyner & Richard Bray Dr. Christopher Manhon W. Lynn McLaughlin & David Webb Ken Merrifield & Fred Berger David Moon & Eugene Smith Douglas Pew & Donald Croxton Michael Preihs & Khoi Loung Herb Reis & William Coffey SAGE Men’s Drop In Donald Schultz Calvin Steinmetz & Brian Boyle Storks Bakery Dave Stubbins The Bears of South Florida, Inc. Dean Trantalis, Esq Ted Verdone & John Curtin Charles Walker Sumner T. White

VOICE Summer 2013

For information, contact Lorenzo Robertson at LRobertson@PrideCenterFlorida.org or call 954.463.9011 ext. 306

project

New sessions start at the beginning of every month. space is limited so sign up now.

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

IF YOU’VE GOT IT, GIVE IT BACK

A Free Program for men in relationships provided by the Pride Center’s PALS Project.

Vision 2015 charts the course for The Pride Center to be mortgage-free on our 5.5 acre Equality Park campus. We seek 1000 donors who will contribute $1000 annually. To join Vision 2015, contact Roger Roa at RRoa@PrideCenterFlorida.org

172 people attended The Pride Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s illuminating seminar on anal penetration with author Dr. Charlie Glickman. The event is part of our PALS Projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ongoing community education series funded by the Elton John AIDS Foundation. (Photos by Ed Garcia)

VOICE Summer 2013

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Prostate Pleasure

Tropical Plant Fair The Pride Center and the Equality Park Garden Club hosted a successful Tropical Plant Fair. Plans are underway for an expanded two-day event next year. (Photos by Pompano Bill)

Hoo Hoos, Coochies and Treasure Chests

As part of its Women with Pride Empowerment Series, The Pride Center hosted an open discussion on vaginal health with Dr. Lanalee Sam. The series is a collaboration with Women in Network and funded by Aqua Foundation for Women. (Photos by Denise Spivak

Butch/Femme Dialogue Butch/Femme Dialogue Part of The Pride Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ongoing Women with Pride Empowerment Series, this workshop and panel discussion explored stereotypes, commonalities and differences. The series is a collaboration with Women in Network and funded by Aqua Foundation for Women. (Photos by Lynn Glover)

Bike It For Life The Pride Center helped organize this inaugural one-day bike ride to benefit several Broward County HIV/AIDS service agencies. Presented by the same generous folks as The SMART Ride, this new event has great potential to help fund local, vital HIV services for years to come. (Photos by Kristofer Fegenbush)

Broward Center for the Performing Arts hosted and sponsored a lavish Founders Reception in their new Club Level area. Funds donated by the Founders Circle underwrite life-enhancing programs and services to the community. (photos by Steve Shires)

VOICE Summer 2013

Founders Event at Broward Center

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Bike It For Life

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

“I Felt Like He Cared”

he Pride Center’s RESPECT Program provides individual, client-focused HIV prevention counseling services. Three recent clients share testimonials about their experience. To learn more about RESPECT, contact Albert or Emilio at 954.463.9005

VOICE Summer 2013

RYAN: “I started a relationship with a guy that was wonderful. We always wanted to have safe sex and we decided to go and get tested before we would have unsafe sex... I was a little hesitant at first to get tested. So, we went to get tested at this one place and I chickened out. I didn’t want to know. It was kind of easier to go on and pretend even though in the back of my mind I knew I was probably positive... But, when I went to sleep that night I couldn’t sleep and then I knew it was heavy on my mind...

So, I came to The Pride Center to officially get tested and to get help in finding treatment...I felt very welcomed. I met Albert, the RESPECT counselor, and from the very start he was very friendly with a smile on his face. And, I felt like he cared. Sometimes you go to a doctor and you feel like they don’t care at all. Albert basically just took care of me and took care of everything for me.. If I forgot what I was supposed to do or forget where I am suppose to go, he was always right on top of it to make sure I would go where I am suppose to go. He was very informative and knowledgeable. .. I made my first doctor’s appointment and will return soon to see my lab work and to see what medications I may be taking... I am confident that everything is going to be fine. And, this is thanks to the RESPECT counselor. “

Living with HIV? Living with HIV? Are dating, sex, relationships

PALS

project

BRETT: “Faith: today I walk by faith and in all things I give thanks to God. I’m very thankful for The Pride Center and its work... Through their love, compassion, and services The Pride Center has helped me to stay clean today... I met Penelope in HIV Testing and I feel like she was my God sent angel for that day. She guided me to the path that I am on now. Through her intuition she was able to recognize my needs and recommend support. She introduced me to the RESPECT counselor. He was able to guide me to the next level of care. Feeling very grateful my test results were negative, I was very well educated on how to eliminate the risk of catching HIV by changing my behaviors. He introduced me to other staff filled with compassion and care about humanity and personal well- being. In just a few short weeks my life has turned around. I am clean and sober and The Pride Center played a big part in my desire to have a better life.”

My emotional state is much better and I am adjusting to my new life style.. But, I can still come to Pride Center for support if I have any questions or concerns or thoughts.”

CAMERON:

or disclosure stressful? JOIN a free program to help you make smart CHOICES.

ChoiCes is a five-week program that teaches you skills to handle challenges you may face. We meet in small groups to discuss how to: • Build healthier relationships and lower stress • Make better decisions and improve health • Disclose HIV-status wisely Fun, interactive sessions include: • Video clips for discussion • Thought-provoking activities • Small group discussion and role play ChoiCes can help you... • Meet new HIV+ friends • Share different experiences without judgment • Improve problem-solving & communication skills • Learn more health supporting behaviors

RESPECT Counselors Impact Lives

The PALS Project offers gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men living with HIV social support, accurate HIV information and skills to lead safer, richer lives.

ChoiCes is FRee. Se Habla Espanol. If interested, contact Magno Morales at 954.463.9011 ext. 303 or email mmorales@PrideCenterFlorida.org

Sponsored by The Pride Center and the State of Florida, Department of Health

“I awoke one morning and wasn’t feeling well. It continued for a number of days. My boyfriend told me that I should get tested. He mentioned The Pride Center since he had been tested there before... I was very annoyed because I didn’t think I needed to get tested. I thought it was ridiculous and unnecessary... I met a counselor and he explained to me he was a RESPECT counselor and informed me I would have access to one on one counseling and we could talk about risk reduction behaviors, and he would be able to provide referrals if necessary. I signed for the program as I was still bewildered for being there to be tested... He was very open and easy to talk to. He was extremely supportive. When the test was confirmed positive, he assisted me in making the necessary appointments so I may get into proper medical care and support for newly diagnosed individuals... All my questions answered. Everything was awesome.

RESPECT Counselors Albert Taylor (above) and Emilio Aponte (below)

FAU Professor Joins Center Board

Leslie has assisted numerous public organizations with their program evaluations, strategic planning, and personnel issues, including the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, and the cities of Hallandale Beach and Lake Worth. She is currently working with the National Institute of Corrections on publishing a guide for newly appointed prison wardens. “I think the main unique value I will bring to the board is my academic background and my connections in South Florida academia and public sector organizations,” says Leslie. Leslie has served on various public boards in South Florida since 1995 and she is currently serving on the Department of Juvenile Justice Circuit 17 Juvenile Justice Board. “My hope is that I will be able to

Did you know?

Athletic Supporter CEO Robert Boo enjoys time with Brendon Ayanbadejo, straight ally of the LGBTQI communities and NFL linebacker, at a recent Equality Florida event. (Photo by Jack Gillis)

VOICE Summer 2013

r. Leslie Leip has a simple reason for wanting to serve the LGBT community on the Board of The Pride Center. “I want to help my friends,” she says. Leslie currently teaches quantitative methods, program evaluation, and ethics in the public administration graduate programs at FAU. Her main research interests include personnel issues in corrections, juvenile justice, and applied program evaluation. “My passions guide every aspect of my life and one of my principal passions is supporting people,” says Leslie. “My vision is simple: I look to a future day when a person’s sexuality does not define her/him/anyone, and humankind will be supportive of everyone. The best thing I bring to the table is my analytical brain.”

Leslie married her best friend, Fritz, in 2004. He took her last name. They have been together since 1989, and during 12 of those years, they lived in separate states. Leslie and Fritz now live in “Hollyweird” (as she calls it), with their fox terrier, Pickles. They have long history with the SMART ride, and this year, they are going to be “cheerleaders” for the riders and the crew. Leslie and Fritz love to entertain, create art/crafts, garden, dance, canoe/ camp, travel, and spend time with their families. “I value The Pride Center providing a safe place for anyone to feel loved and cherished,” she says.

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Leip of Faith

make some connections between The Pride Center and my ‘academic’ world, which could lead to new and exciting opportunities for many people,” says Leslie. “For example, I am currently working with the faculty coordinator of our Master of Non-profit Management on setting up Pride Center internships for our graduate students. It’s a winwin situation.” Leslie Leip began her career in education when she received her Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She taught theatre, speech, and English at high schools in St. Louis, Missouri until she started her graduate studies. Leslie received a Master’s in Public Policy Administration and Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. Upon the completion of her Ph.D. in 1992, she joined the faculty at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where she taught political science courses. Since Leslie lived in South Florida during some of her childhood years, she yearned to call it home again, so she joined the faculty in the School of Public Administration in the College for Design and Social Inquiry at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in 1995. Leslie enjoys working with The Pride Center greatly. “The energy/synergy created by the people is at the top of my list,” she says.

+The Pride Center will launch SAGEWorks in July to teach technology and job skills to older LGBT adults. +More than 6,300 people have used The Pride Center’s computer center in 2013. +The Pride Center has provided HIV Testing to more than 2,000 people in 2013. +The Pride Center has provided more than 1,800 individual health counseling hours in 2013. 11

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org VOICE Summer 2013 12

Out in the Open T

he Pride Center continues to find creative, strategic ways to combat the local HIV epidemic ways. The Center has expanded its outreach in new venues where people live, socialize, worship and work. “For some of us, the business environment is where people spend most of their waking hours,” shares CEO Robert Boo. “It sometimes seems as if we spend more time with people we work than with our family. It was one of those ‘aha’ moments for me when we first talked about this initiative. We need to bring the conversation about HIV prevention and education to the water cooler. One way to remove the stigma around the topic of HIV is to talk about it openly and eliminate the shame.” The Center’s PALS Project has coordinated many of these new outreach activities in new locations. Staff and volunteers use creative means to reach others. They provide education, health information, condoms, and risk reduction counseling. They aim to raise awareness of availability of services and link people to HIV testing, prevention and treatment. “We utilize past participants of programs offered through The Pride Center as volunteers,” says Outreach Coordinator Shanna Ratliff. “These volunteers inform others within their communities of programs and services. By implementing a referral network, we are able to reach persons within the community whom traditional advertising methods may have been unable to reach. Additionally, we utilize cyber outreach methods such as advertising on social media sites to inform members of the community about current services.” They’ve expanded work among bars, clubs, restaurants, convenience stores, pharmacies, shops and popular “hangouts.” Their efforts impact lives in tangible ways. “During my first week on the job while doing outreach, I ran into a group of gentleman who were so delighted about the information I provided them,” says Outreach Specialist Frantz Massenat. “I

informed them about HIV testing and available programs, including The PALS Project. They were amazed because they were looking for a place where they can connect, belong, be involved and be part of something.” The Center also has targeted LGBT communities of faith and business through its Faith-Based Response to AIDS and Business Response to AIDS. “Communities of faith have the unique advantage by design of being educational, receptive, and safe places for exploration,” says Bishop S.F. Makalani-Mahee. “When we talk about empowering people to know their status, why not go to the places where people receive their spiritual empowerment? Those who test positive are going to need the comfort of their faith.” Church of the HolySpirit Song recently allowed The Pride Center to provide on-site testing after a Sunday morning service. 18 members of the congregation received HIV Testing, Counseling and Referral. “There is a great desire with local Clergy to see the cessation to the devastation that is still AIDS,” says Makalani-Mahee. “They want to arm their communities of faith with information, and in some cases make testing readily available and accessible on site.” Current collaborating faith-based organizations include Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Congregation Etz Chaim, Dignity Fort Lauderdale, LMC Ministries and The Unitarian Universalist Congregations of Fort Lauderdale. Current collaborating businesses include Alibi Wilton Manors, Bill’s Filling Station, FastPrintz, Gilda’s Club South Florida, Pallant Insurance Agency and The Village Pub. “It has also been an educational opportunity for many of the business owners,” says Boo. “There are many business owners, specifically in the straight community, who had no idea that Broward and Dade Counties are some of the top counties in the country

Pride Center Expands HIV Outreach

for new HIV infections. This tells me that we need to work harder to get the message out and we need to try new and more creative ways.” To learn more about these outreach efforts, please contact Shanna Ratliff at SRatliff@PrideCenterFlorida.org “The diverse experiences and

backgrounds of The Pride Center’s staff have provided me with a wealth of knowledge and a source for innovative thought and ideas,” says Ratliff. “These collaborative efforts have enabled me to help many people. Learning from my colleagues has helped me build rapport with communities of which I am not a part.”

Makalani-Mahee, Massenat and Ratliff use creative means to reach others

by Kevin Murdoch

history of the SMART Ride. It was gameon with the other teams. Over the next few years, that healthy competition only helped to raise more money. When The Pride Center became a benefactor, I joined the Pride Pack. I’m proud to be a member of the Pride Pack. As a team, we raised more money than we ever dreamed. Our team is a diverse group of people. It reflects a cross-section of people served by The Pride Center. Like The Center, we welcome all--gay, straight, women, men, young, not-so-young, fit, and novice. It’s been awesome to be able to be a part of teams that raise the bar in fundraising for the SMART Ride. Last year, I actually didn’t make it. Unfortunately, we had an accident about 30 miles outside of Key West. I crashed and my partner hit my bike.

As we were taken away in an ambulance, I realized that my ride was over and my celebration was going to be in the emergency room. Even as we headed north on US1, I felt the love and support from the people on the ride. My team carried me to Key West in spirit and I felt it. Throughout my recovery, the outpouring of support from everyone involved with the SMART Ride was amazing. I learned the meaning of ‘we take care of our own.’ So that’s why the SMART Ride makes me smile – when you are hangin’ around

greatness, it has to rub off a little. Last year, the SMART Ride raised $880K. Every cent benefits HIV/AIDS services in Florida. This year, we’re hoping to break a million. I’m so proud to be a part of such a great group of people. As you see more and more advertising about the SMART Ride, know that we all have a “million on our mind.” Give what you can, because 100% goes back to the benefiting agencies – including The Pride Center that received $135K last year.

Juntos Construyendo This training and discussion at The Pride Center focused on Latinos and pursuing an HIV/ AIDS-free generation. (Photos by Emilio Aponte)

VOICE Summer 2013

hat is it about the SMART Ride that always makes me smile? Knowing that I am a part of something bigger than me is a great start to the answer to that question. Over the years, though, I think I’ve found there’s something more. At first, it was about perseverance. Can I, a 40-something year old guy, hop on a bike and ride for 165 miles over two days? Will it hurt? Will I be embarrassed if I can’t finish? I trained with my partner, Drew, learned how to manage the pain in the you-know-where, and I made it. I was proud to ride with some of the most amazing people and be helped by a truly, dedicated crew. My second year, the weather was horrible. It was a tough one, but I made it through the rain and cold to Key West, again welcomed by some of the most kindhearted spirits I’ve ever known. The next few years were all about the fundraising. We joined a team of great people – Let’s Roll, Bitches. These guys know how to fundraise, and we raised more money than any other team in the

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

A million on our minds

10th Anniversary SMART Ride aims big

Founders Circle Reception at The Peninsula The Peninsula hosted a recent Founders Circle reception for major donors. The Peninsula has been a supporter of The Center for several years and has been heavily involved in our Senior Health Expo. (Photos by Steve Shires)

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

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Did you know? •The Pride Center has provided individual HIV prevention outreach to more than 3,500 people in 2013.

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•Over 1000 visitors and 80 vendors attend our Flea Market on the first Saturday of every month. •Over 100 people play Bingo at the Center on the second Saturday evening of every month.

Groups at the Pride Center WEEKLY RECURRING MEETINGS

AA – Attitude Adjustment Group, Recovery, Mon-Fri, 7-8a AA – Each Day a New Beginning, Recovery, Daily, 9-10a AA – Northeast Group, Recovery, Mon, 8:30-9:30p AA – Sober, Proud and Gay, Recovery, Fri, 8:30-10p AA – Pride 5:45 Meeting, Recovery, Daily, 5:45-6:45p BrothasspeakFTL-Social, Wed, 7:00p-9:00p Coffee and Conversation – SAC, Social/Seniors, Tues, 10:30a-12noon Crystal Meth Anonymous,Mon 6p-7p Games Day, Social, 2nd & 4th Tues, 1-4p Gay Bridge Club, Fun, Mon & Fri, 1-4p Gay Hearts, Social, Sun, 1-3:30p Gay Men’s Empowerment Group,Thurs 7p-8:30p Island City Al-anon-Support, Thur, 7-8p Mahjong, Social, Wed, 1-5:00p Man2Man Talk, Social, Mon, 7-8:30p Monday Night Women’s Group, Social, Mon, 7:30-9p Narcotics Anonymous Rainbow Group, Recovery, Wed, 8-9p New Path Narcotics Anonymous Group, Recovery, Mon/Tue/Thu, 7-8p New Path Narcotics Anonymous Group, Recovery, Sat/Sun, 4-5p

Overeaters Anonymous, Recovery, Sun, 12n-1:30p Overeaters Anonymous, Recovery, Fri, 7:30-9p POZ Attitudes Here and Now, HIV Support, Wed, 7-9p, Positive Connections, HIV Support, Tue, 6:0-7:30p Quit Smoking Now, Tues 7p-8:30p SAGE Men’s Social, Social/Seniors, Wed, 1-3p SAGE Computer Club, Wed 4p-5p Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), Recovery, Fri, 7-8p Senior Exercise Class Health, Senior, Mon-Fri, 10:10a-11:10a,11:1512:15p,1:30-2:30p Senior Gay Men’s Support Group, Support, Mon, 11a-12n Smart Recovery, Recovery, Mon, 7:30-8:30p/Thur, 6:30-8p The Healing Project Meeting,Tues 7:30p-9pm Toastmasters, Educational, Mon, 7:15-9:15p Women’s Non-Competitive Basketball, Social,Mon,Thur 5:30p, Sat 3p Pride Center Young Adult Group, (23-35 yoa), Support, Fri, 7-9p

BI-WEEKLY RECURRING MEETINGS

Ballet & Opera Group, Educational, 2nd & 4th Sunday, 1-4p Bereavement Group, Support, 2nd & 4th Sunday, 2-4p

POZ Long-Term Survivor, Gay Men/HIV Support, 1st & 3rd Thur, 6:30-8p Senior Games Day, Social, 2nd & 4th Tue, 1-4p

MONTHLY RECURRING MEETINGS/EVENTS BBig Men’s Club: Chubbies & Chasers, Social, 3rd Sat, 1-4p Pride Center BINGO, Open to Public, 2nd Sat, 7-10p Dolphin Democrats, Mthly Meeting, 2nd Wed, 7:30-9:30p Lavender Speaks, Social, 3rd Thurs, 7:30-10p Pride Center Memorial Garden Club, Educational, 3rd Wed, 7-9p Pride Center GLEE Club,Social, Bi-Monthly Pride Center Flea Market, Open to Public, 1st Sat, 8a-1p Primetimers, Open to Public, 1st Sun, 2-4:30p SAGE Computer Club, Educational, 2nd Wed, 4-6p SAGE Movie Movie, Social, 3rd Mon, 4-6p S. F. Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf, Support, 1st Sun, 2:30-3:30p Transgender Support Group, Support, 3rd Fri, 7-8:30p Women in Network, Social, 1st Wed, 7-9p Women with Pride Book Club, 1st Thur, 7-8:30p

For further information call Samantha McCoy at 954-463-9005.Visit www.pridecenterflorida.org Calendar of Events for meeting room assignments.

Directory These businesses represent some of our valuable supporters. To become a Business Founder, please contact Robert Boo: RBoo@PrideCenterFlorida.org 954.463.9005.

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Between the Covers T By Lynn Glover

hink about the books you enjoy reading. Between the Covers, Women With Pride’s new book club, meets the second Thursday of each month. According to facilitator Kim Harrell, it is the perfect place to explore different genres of literature. “There is something for everyone,” she says enthusiastically. “We have covered non- fiction, biography and next month, fiction.” Why is this reading group popular? Simply stated: “It’s an enjoyable place to share ideas with other women who

Spotlight: VOICE Summer 2013

Women Enjoy New Book Discussion Group

have read the same book,” according to Yvonne Rhorbacher. It endorses our sense of community.” This book club is a legitimate way to take time out of our busy lives to be with friends, share a snack and talk about a book and an author. It’s all about sharing and making connections. “Between the Covers is just one activity for women created by women at The Pride Center,” says Donna Woessner, Women with Pride Coordinator. “We receive ideas and suggestions from women in the community, and with the input and

support of wonderful volunteers, we’re able to offer activities that they’re requested.” This month the conversation revolves around Jodi Picoult’s novel, “Sing You Home”. It’s a carefully crafted story that tackles the topic of gay rights in America. It’s as engaging as it is relevant. There will be much to discuss. The group meets once a month on

Thursdays. The meeting starts at 7pm in room 208, $3/person. Check out The Pride Center’s website to learn more!

I would be trained to be an HIV tester and Risk Reduction Counselor, I felt like that was a perfect way for me to become active in HIV prevention and education.” From intern to employee, Chris has tested and hosted safe sex education classes at Broward Addiction Recovery Center, Fort Lauderdale Hospital-Pride Unit and late nights at Club Fort Lauderdale.

“I love giving people good news and seeing their relief. I also enjoy when I am able to provide new facts and information to someone that could change their life or at the very least their sexual behavior,” says Chris. “I think just being with people at such a critical moment--which is theoretically every time we get tested-is very fulfilling.”

Getting to Know An HIV Testing Counselor

by Listron “Blue” Mannix, MSW

Profile: Christopher Douglas Occupation(s): HIV Testing Counselor, Music Teacher, and Henderson’s Youth Counselor Born: Nashville, Tennessee on July 11 Hobbies: Music playing the piano, vocal coaching, reading, exercise, film and art.

hris -“a child of the 70’s” has been a great addition to The Pride Center. In September 2011, Chris joined The Center family as an MSW intern. Shortly after his internship ended, The Center offered him a position in the HIV Testing Department. He has also been very instrumental in The Center’s Christmas Caroling and themed Sing-aLong events. Chris has demonstrated that he is true go-getter. He is currently a private music teacher and a consultant in Palm Beach County School’s Music

and Musical Theatre Programs. Chris also graduated with his second master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University in Social Work, which opened up a new opportunity to work at Henderson Mental Health as Youth Counselor. Chris expressed that although he gets a lot of joy from his musical background, he had a deep desire to get more involved in the field of HIV. “I have friends who are living with and are affected by HIV and knew I wanted to get more involved in some productive and meaningful way in that area. When I was informed

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lifestyle pride

Around the World

A look at the proud folks celebrating across the globe Andrea Richard

St. Pete Pride 2012 Photo courtesy of St. Pete Pride

Jason Dottley at New Orleans Pride Festival 2012 Photo courtesy of New Orleans Pride Festival

Gay pride parades abound this summer, locally and at far corners around the world. Cities like New Orleans, Chicago, and London kick back and throw festivals in honor of Pride Week through the summer months — just to name a few. Gay communities continue to march and hold demonstrations with festivals growing in size and numbers each year. The mark of the June 28 Stonewall anniversary is one reason why these parades occur, but for New Orleans it’s remembering the disastrous fire that took place in a gay bar four years after the Stonewall police raid. “We are remembering the 32 victims that perished in the LGBT community 40 years ago, here, at the Upstairs Lounge,” said Sharon Barreca, public relations and marketing chair for The New Orleans Pride 2013. The victims were gathered at the lounge after a church service for a pride function in honor of the Stonewall riots, according to Barreca. In honor of the tragic fire, the Big Easy is throwing a four-day festival from June 21 to 24 with the biggest event falling on Saturday, June 22.

// 6.19.2013 // SFGN.com //

Over in St. Petersburg, Florida, this coastal city draws a bit of New Orleans flair to its five-day festival , St. Pete Pride 2013, running June 26-30. Executive Director Eric Skains describes it as “a Mardi Gras-style event. It’s one of the few parades that follows that kind of footprint,” he said. “Eight blocks along Central Avenue are blocked off and the parade will run right through it, allowing people to be part of the parade and not just as spectators.”

St. Pete Pride, June 26-30, st.petepride.com

Paris Gay Pride (Marche des Fiertes LGBT), June 29 marche.inter-lgbt.org

44th Annual Chicago Pride Week, June 22 and 23 chicago.gopride.com

The 43rd Annual San Francisco Pride Celebration & Parade, June 29-30 sfpride.org

Albuquerque Pride, June 29 abqpride.com

Cleveland Gay Pride, June 29 Perhaps celebrating pride is a good clevelandpride.com reason to hit the road or fly across the Atlantic. Below is a roundup of pride Dublin Pride LGBTQ Festival, June 21-29 events going on that may be worth dublinpride.ie packing a suitcase for. Houston Pride Week, June 21-30 pridehouston.org

list of a s ’ Here e events prid some ld-wide! wor

soflagaynews //

New Orleans Pride, June 21-24 prideneworleans.org New York City Pride, June 28-30 nycpride.org SouthFloridaGayNews

South Carolina Black Pride, June 19-23 southcarolinablackpride.com Pride Barcelona 2013, June 28-30, pridebarcelona.org London Gay Pride 2013, June 25-30 londongaypride.co.uk Pride Toronto, June 21-30 pridetoronto.com Helsinki Pride 2013, June 24-30 helsinkipride.fi

lifestyle hiv

Effectiveness Depends on Use A breakdown of current microbicide research Sean McShee

littles25@bellsouth.net

the VOICE (Vaginal and Oral Interventions to Control the Epidemic, MTN-03) study of PrEP and microbicides among women in Africa. One of the goals of the study was to test not just the drug, but also whether daily administration of a drug would be a feasible drug delivery schedule. High adherence to the daily dosing schedule would constitute high levels of acceptability. The study found that the women were not able to take either the oral medication or the microbicidal gel consistently on a daily basis. (This study is not yet enrolling but if you’re interested, visit mtnstopshiv.org.) According to Dr. Sharon Hiller, coprincipal investigator of the Microbicide Trials Network “effectiveness depends on use.” Researchers are not looking for the one magic bullet of HIV prevention, but rather different products to meet individual needs and preferences. Hiller continued discussing women’s HIV prevention needs. “Experience over decades of contraceptive development and use has shown that women’s preferences differ, and that a product that best suits a women’s lifestyle and needs is much more likely to be used,” she said. New products will be adopted more readily if they fit into already existing patterns. For women, that may be the pattern of contraceptive use. For gay and bi men, the similarities between the widespread use of lubes and a micriobicidal gel may make adoption of the gel relatively easy. This menu of prevention products uses a market-based approach to HIV Prevention, but at present the costs of the product are unknown when presented to study participants. Unfortunately, cost is not a neutral fact in a market approach. “From what we understand currently, the most costly aspect of tenofovir gel, for instance, is the packaging and the applicator – not the amount of drug in the gel, which is pretty low,” said Jim Pickett, chair of the board of the International Rectal Microbicide Advocates (IRMA). “Clearly we are going to need to work on that aspect to make it affordable.” For more information about Microbicide Clinical Trials, visit mtnstopshiv.org. For more information on IRMA, visit rectalmicrobicides.org.

Dr. Ian McGowan (left) and Dr. Sharon Hiller (right) are co-principal investigators of the Microbicide Trials Network. Photos courtesy of the Microbicide Trials Network

Joining a clinical trial for bio-medical HIV prevention

Participating in a biomedical HIV prevention clinical trial is completely voluntary but does require a commitment to using the product and honestly reporting experiences with it. All participants must be HIV-negative to participate. For more information, visit clinicaltrials.gov (trials within the U.S.) or mtnstopshiv.org (the U.S. and internationally).

IRMA and rectal microbicide activism

HIV infection rates have continued to rise for gay/bi and other MSM (men who have sex with men). This has sparked interest in new prevention tools such as Treatment as Prevention for HIV-positive people and Biomedical HIV Prevention Strategies for HIV-negative people. “Treatment as prevention, or TasP, involves using HIV medications to reduce the risk that an HIV-positive person will pass the virus to their sexual partner. Biomedical HIV Prevention Strategies focus on the use of antiretroviral medications (ARVs) by people who are HIV negative to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HIV,” said Dr. Ian McGowan, co-principal investigator of the Microbicide Trials Network. Biomedical HIV Prevention Strategies include two methods of administration: Taking antiretrovirals orally (PrEP) and applying an antiretroviral gel rectally or vaginally (commonly known as microbicides). Current research investigates both these methods for safety and acceptability to the target population and frequency of administration (daily or per sexual encounter). In the last several months there have been some major developments in this area. In April 2013, researchers at the Microbicide Trials Network (MTN) released the results of their study (named MTN-007) of 65 men and women. The results showed that a microbicide originally developed for vaginal use was safe for rectal use and was acceptable to the study participants. The gel was applied daily with high adherence (94 percent) and high reports of desire to continue using (87 percent). The microbicide contained an anti-retroviral, tenofovir, one of the active ingredients in the HIV medication Truvada. Researchers are now in final stages of setting up a follow-up trial (named MTN017). It will use the same microbicidal gel, but will be larger (186 men who have sex with men as well as transgender women) and more diverse, enrolling participants in Peru, South Africa, Thailand, and the U.S. (Pittsburgh, San Francisco, San Juan, and Boston). This study will contrast daily use of the microbicidal gel, episodic use (before and after sex) of the gel, and daily oral use of a pill using the same anti-retroviral as the gel. In March 2013, researchers at the Microbicide Trials Network (MTN) stopped

The International Rectal Microbicide Advocates (rectalmicrobicides.org) is the only advocacy network in the world that focuses on the research and development of rectal microbicides. Joining the group simply requires being on its listserv. IRMA has lots of resources on its website that can help advocates get involved. IRMA recently developed a video, The Rectal Revolution is

soflagaynews //

Here: An Introduction to Rectal Microbicide Clinical Trials. The video is available in English, Spanish, and Thai.

Lube Safety

Developments in rectal microbicides have also spurred interest in lube safety. Very preliminary research indicates that some water based lubes may draw water out of cells and some other lubes may push water into cells. This transfer of water to and from cells in the rectal lining could lead to a loss of cellular integrity during the friction of sex, increasing the risk of HIV infection. While the preliminary evidence indicates that more research is needed, nothing is conclusive enough at this point to recommend any behavior change. On June 12, 2013, over 500 individuals and organizations endorsed a Global Call to Action on Lubricant Safety. Jim Pickett of the International Rectal Microbicides Advocates reports that “The FDA has not required testing of any sexual lubricant – vaginal or rectal – except for some animal studies and condomcompatibility studies.” For more information on lube safety, visit rectalmicrobicides.org

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 6.19.13 //

lifestyle friends

‘It Isn’t a Limp-Wrist Type of Thing’ A Celebration of Friends is coming back to town Caity Kauffman

caitykauffman@gmail.com

ACOF is headquartered at the Fort Lauderdale Airport Hilton in Dania. Daily pool parties are the main event. Photo courtesy of Tom “Tomcat” Pence/ACOF.

June 27 marks the 12th year of A Celebration of Friends, a four-day gathering in Fort Lauderdale for over 500 senior gay men and their admirers from all over the globe. Men from over 20 countries, including as far as Australia and Ireland, are signed up for this year’s gathering. While the start of summer is typically a flurry of gay pride merriment and wild events like Gay Days, A Celebration of Friends services a very different, conservative generation. After a very rainy weekend in 2012, the founder and president Tom “Tomcat” Pence

// 6.19.2013 // SFGN.com //

is hoping for sunshine at ACOF’s home base, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport hotel in Dania Beach. “This is our last year at the Hilton,” Pence said. “We’re going to tear the house down.” With an average age of 55 years, the schedule of events caters to a particularly laid back version of “tearing the house down.” Each day features a complimentary breakfast buffet that opens at 7 a.m., open splashing around in the pool from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and evening entertainment like happy hour, karaoke and card games. Each evening features a nightcap of 9 p.m. popcorn and a movie. soflagaynews //

“Pride is fun if you’re young and you’re gay and have purple hair and want to show the world that you’re gay,” Pence said. “I look at ACOF if you’re serious and want to have some fun and meet somebody that’s more mature… and [want to] express himself without having to get crazy.” This year the popcorn and movie nights have been upgraded with the addition of Brazilian film producer, writer and director Flavio Alves. His filmography includes a premiere at the Palm Springs International Film Festival and his most recent work, “Tom in America,” features Academy Award

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nominees Burt Young and Sally Kirkland. The selected films for each night have yet to be announced by Pence, but Alves is planned to participate in Q&As with with the guests and show some of his own films. While ACOF accommodates a very niche crowd, the roster is dedicated. Many attendees have attended nearly every celebration. Roy Shiflet, 84, has made the trek from Canton, Ohio each June since the second year. Heart surgery prevented him from participating only once. “I go to see the friends I haven’t seen all year,” Shiflet said. “My friend Walter from

Germany, we are roommates every year. Seeing those friends is one of the main draws [of attending]. It sounds like the United Nations!” Like many of the ACOF event goers, Shiftlet is a military veteran. He spent every moment of his 20 years in the Air Force enduring strict military policies against gays. Despite the significant strides in the gay movement in the past couple of decades, much of Shiflet’s generational ideals are still ingrained. “When I get more people to come [to A Celebration of Friends], they visualize a bunch of screaming Marys dropping handkerchiefs all over the place… men being very effeminate,” Shiflet said of the event. “Particularly men my age, it’s sort of repulsive to a certain extent. You don’t find that at A Celebration of Friends. You hug and have a kiss if you haven’t seen each other… but it isn’t a limp-wrist type of thing.” Pence knows his celebration attendees well and recognizes that Shiflet’s fiercely conservative attitude isn’t uncommon. “A large percentage of our people have all been married, have kids, are veterans,” he said. “My audience is a retired gay man, that the day after his retirement, he told his wife. ‘I’ve been a good boy, raised our kids, got them through college, we’re having a good time but… I want to tell you I’m gay.’” With the exception of fathering children, Pence is his own audience. He has experienced both the heterosexual expectation of his generation and the freedom of modern gay marriage. A veteran of the Marines, Pence married a woman in his late 20s after completing his military service. Although his young wife was sadly

killed in a car accident, Pence eventually came out and was married to a man for 18 years who eventually succumbed to Alzheimer’s Disease. According to Pence, he loses about 10 percent of his regular guest list each year due to death or poor health. Discussing senior issues, like the death of a partner or arranging one’s own end-of-life plan, is a unique facet of the weekend. Saturday, June 29 will feature a Will/ Estate Planning workshop held by Attorney David Dilts. Other serious, but necessary, options include rapid HIV tests on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and sessions of Friends of Bill W., also known as Alcoholics Anonymous, held on each day of the celebration. Since its inception, Pence has always included a charitable aspect to A Celebration of Friends. The organization is registered as a 501 (c)4. Similar to the recognizable 501 (c)3, ACOF benefits charities with a specific niche. Over the last decade, ACOF has donated over $100,000 to Tuesday’s Angels, a nonprofit that provides funding on an emergency basis to men, women and children with HIV/AIDS. They’ve also raised funds for Broward County organizations like the South Florida Pride Center. Pence has also started a new project that ACOF is benefitting — Habitat of Friends, a low-cost gay retirement community initiative that is still in the funding process. The registration fee is $100, and day passes are $30. More information can be found at celebrationoffriends.org.

A Schedule of Friends Wednesday, June 26 •Noon: Volunteer Meeting Board Room 2nd Floor •4 to 7 p.m.: Early Registration - 2nd Floor Thursday, June 27 •7 a.m. to 9 p.m.: Registration; 2nd Floor •7 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Breakfast Buffett; Ballroom A&B •10 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Open Pool •10:30 a.m.: Friends of Bill W.; Morgan Room •11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Hospitality - Viking Room •12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Games/cards - Ball Room - A&B •4 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Courtesy Shuttle Bus from Hilton to Tropics Restaurant •6 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Happy Hour - Ball Room A&B •7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Opening Ceremony Tomcat & Guests; Ballroom A&B •7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Dancing/Entertainment/ Music/Karaoke - Ballroom A&B •9 p.m. to 11 p.m.: Popcorn & a Movie Night - Ballroom C

Roy Shiflet (right) looks forward each year to seeing his roommate Walther (left) from Germany. Photo courtesy of Tom “Tomcat” Pence/ACOF

Use this handy guide to know where to be and when

Friday, June 28 •7 a.m. to 9 p.m.: Registration; 2nd Floor •7 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Breakfast Buffett;

Ballroom A&B •10 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Open Pool •10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Rapid HIV Testing; Bertram/Hunter Room •10:30 a.m.: Friends of Bill W.; Morgan Room •11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Hospitality - Viking Room •12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Cards/Board Games; Dania Ballroom •4 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Courtesy Shuttle Bus from Hilton to Tropics Restaurant •6 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Happy Hour; Dania Ballroom •7 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Dancing/Entertainment/ Music/Karaoke •9 p.m. to 11 p.m.: Popcorn & a Movie Partition Room

Saturday, June 29 •7 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Breakfast Buffet -

Sunday, June 30 •7 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Breakfast Buffet -

Ballroom A&B •8 a.m. to 9 p.m.: Registration; 2nd Floor •10 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Open Pool •10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Rapid HIV Testing; Bertram/Hunter Room •10:30 a.m.: Friends of Bill W.; Morgan Room •11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Hospitality - Viking Room •12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Cards/Board Games; Ballroom A&B •1 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Wills/Estate Planning, Attny David Dilts - Ballroom A&B •6 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Happy Hour - Ballroom A&B •3 p.m. to 5 p.m.: A Habitat of Friends Brain Trust - Board Room •4 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Courtesy Shuttle Bus from Hilton to Tropics Restaurant •7 p.m. to 9 p.m.: International Cabaret Singer Glenda Grainger •9 p.m. to 11 p.m.: Popcorn & a Movie Ballroom C

Ballroom A&B •10 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Open Pool •10:30 a.m.: Friends of Bill W. - Morgan Room •11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Hospitality - Viking Room •12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Cards/Games Ball Room A&B •6 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Happy Hour - Ballroom A&B •8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Farewell Ceremony (Location revealed for 2014 ACOF) Ballroom A&B •9 p.m. to 11 p.m.: Popcorn & a Movie Ballroom C

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The

one

for me

Patient model. Pill shown is not actual size.

What is COMPLERA? COMPLERA® is a prescription HIV medicine that is used as a complete regimen to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV medicines before and who have an amount of HIV in their blood (this is called “viral load”) that is no more than 100,000 copies/mL. COMPLERA contains 3 medicines – rilpivirine, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. It is not known if COMPLERA is safe and effective in children under the age of 18 years. COMPLERA® does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses you must keep taking COMPLERA. Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 to others: always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids; never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them, do not share personal items that may contain bodily fluids. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to reduce the risk of passing HIV-1 to others.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information you should know about COMPLERA? COMPLERA® can cause serious side effects: • Build-up of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include feeling very weak or tired, unusual (not normal) muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold, especially in your arms and legs, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat. • Serious liver problems. The liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and fatty (steatosis). Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice), dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored bowel movements (stools), loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach pain. • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking COMPLERA for a long time. In some cases, these serious conditions have led to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of these conditions. • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you also have HBV and stop taking COMPLERA, your hepatitis may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking COMPLERA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health. COMPLERA is not approved for the treatment of HBV.

// 6.19.2013 // SFGN.com //

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Who should not take COMPLERA? Do not take COMPLERA if you have ever taken other anti-HIV medicines. COMPLERA may change the effect of other medicines and may cause serious side effects. Your healthcare provider may change your other medicines or change their doses. Do not take COMPLERA if you also take these medicines: • anti-seizure medicines: carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol-XR, Teril, Epitol); oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), phenobarbital (Luminal), phenytoin (Dilantin, Dilantin-125, Phenytek) • anti-tuberculosis medicines: rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane, Rifadin) and rifapentine (Priftin) • proton pump inhibitors for stomach or intestinal problems: esomeprazole (Nexium, Vimovo), lansoprazole (Prevacid), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole sodium (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex) • more than 1 dose of the steroid medicine dexamethasone or dexamethasone sodium phosphate • St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) If you are taking COMPLERA you should not take other HIV medicines or other medicines containing tenofovir (Viread, Truvada, Stribild or Atripla); other medicines containing emtricitabine or lamivudine (Emtriva, Combivir, Epivir, Epivir-HBV, Epzicom, Trizivir, Atripla, Stribild or Truvada); rilpivirine (Edurant) or adefovir (Hepsera). In addition, tell your healthcare provider if you are taking the following medications because they may interfere with how COMPLERA works and may cause side effects: • certain antacid medicines containing aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or calcium carbonate (examples: Rolaids, TUMS). These medicines must be taken at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after COMPLERA. • medicines to block stomach acid including cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), or ranitidine HCL (Zantac). These medicines must be taken at least 12 hours before or 4 hours after COMPLERA. • any of these medicines: clarithromycin (Biaxin); erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone), fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral) methadone (Dolophine); posaconazole (Noxifil), telithromycin (Ketek) or voriconazole (Vfend). • medicines that are eliminated by the kidneys like acyclovir (Zovirax), cidofovir (Vistide), ganciclovir (Cytovene IV, Vitrasert), valacyclovir (Valtrex) and valganciclovir (Valcyte).

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COMPLERA.

A complete HIV treatment in only 1 pill a day. COMPLERA is for adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before and have no more than 100,000 copies/mL of virus in their blood.

Ask your healthcare provider if it’s the one for you.

These are not all the medicines that may cause problems if you take COMPLERA. Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking or plan to take.

The most common side effects reported with COMPLERA are trouble sleeping (insomnia), abnormal dreams, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, rash, tiredness, and depression. Some side effects also reported include vomiting, stomach pain or discomfort, skin discoloration (small spots or freckles) and pain.

Before taking COMPLERA, tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection, or have abnormal liver tests • Have kidney problems • Have ever had a mental health problem • Have bone problems • Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if COMPLERA can harm your unborn child • Are breastfeeding: Women with HIV should not breastfeed because they can pass HIV through their milk to the baby. Also, COMPLERA may pass through breast milk and could cause harm to the baby

This is not a complete list of side effects. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you notice any side effects while taking COMPLERA, and call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.

COMPLERA can cause additional serious side effects: • New or worsening kidney problems, including kidney failure. If you have had kidney problems, or take other medicines that may cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider may need to do regular blood tests. • 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. • Changes in liver enzymes: People who have had hepatitis B or C, or who have had changes in their liver function tests in the past may have an increased risk for liver problems while taking COMPLERA. Some people without prior liver disease may also be at risk. Your healthcare provider may need to check your liver enzymes before and during treatment with COMPLERA. • 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. • Changes in your immune system. 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 COMPLERA.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Additional Information about taking COMPLERA:

• Always take COMPLERA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. • 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 Brief Summary of full Prescribing Information with important warnings on the following pages.

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Brief Summary of full Prescribing Information

•

COMPLERA (kom-PLEH-rah) (emtricitabine, rilpivirine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) tablets ®

Brief summary of full Prescribing Information. For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information including Patient Information. What is COMPLERA? •

COMPLERA is a prescription HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) medicine that is used to treat HIV-1 in adults – who have never taken HIV medicines before, and – who have an amount of HIV in their blood (this is called ‘viral load’) that is no more than 100,000 copies/mL. Your healthcare provider will measure your viral load.

(HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)). •

COMPLERA contains 3 medicines – rilpivirine, emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate – combined in one tablet. It is a complete regimen to treat HIV-1 infection and should not be used with other HIV medicines.

•

It is not known if COMPLERA is safe and effective in children under the age of 18 years old.

•

COMPLERA does not cure HIV infection or AIDS. You must stay on continuous therapy to control HIV infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses.

•

Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to prevent passing HIV to other people. Do not share or re-use needles or other injection equipment, and do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal fluids or blood.

Who should not take COMPLERA? Do not take COMPLERA if: • your HIV infection has been previously treated with HIV medicines. •

you are taking any of the following medicines: – anti-seizure medicines: carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol-XR, Teril, Epitol); oxcarbazepine (Trileptal); phenobarbital (Luminal); phenytoin (Dilantin, Dilantin-125, Phenytek) – anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) medicines: rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane, Rifadin); rifapentine (Priftin) – proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medicine for certain stomach or intestinal problems: esomeprazole (Nexium, Vimovo); lansoprazole (Prevacid); dexlansoprazole (Dexilant); omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid); pantoprazole sodium (Protonix); rabeprazole (Aciphex) – more than 1 dose of the steroid medicine dexamethasone or dexamethasone sodium phosphate – St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

•

If you take COMPLERA, you should not take: – Other medicines that contain tenofovir (Atripla, Stribild, Truvada, Viread)

What is the most important information I should know about COMPLERA? COMPLERA can cause serious side effects, including: • Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can happen in some people who take COMPLERA or similar (nucleoside analogs) medicines. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms which could be signs of lactic acidosis: – feel very weak or tired

– Other medicines that contain emtricitabine or lamivudine (Combivir, Emtriva, Epivir or Epivir-HBV, Epzicom, Trizivir, Atripla, Truvada, Stribild) – rilpivirine (Edurant) – adefovir (Hepsera) What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking COMPLERA?

– have unusual (not normal) muscle pain – have trouble breathing – have stomach pain with nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) or vomiting – feel cold, especially in your arms and legs

Before you take COMPLERA, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have or had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection, kidney problems, mental health problem or bone problems •

– feel dizzy or lightheaded Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems can happen in people who take COMPLERA. 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). Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems:

•

– your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) – dark “tea-colored” urine – light-colored bowel movements (stools)

are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. You should not breastfeed if you have HIV because of the risk of passing HIV to your baby. Do not breastfeed if you are taking COMPLERA. At least two of the medicines contained in COMPLERA can be passed to your baby in your breast milk. We do not know whether this could harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best 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 and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

– nausea

•

– stomach pain •

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. The purpose of this registry 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.

– have a fast or irregular heartbeat •

Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. If you have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and take COMPLERA, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking COMPLERA. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. COMPLERA is not approved for the treatment of HBV, so you must discuss your HBV with your healthcare provider. – Do not let your COMPLERA run out. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your COMPLERA is all gone. – 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 often and do blood tests regularly to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking COMPLERA.

You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking COMPLERA for a long time.

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COMPLERA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may 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 it may not work to help control your HIV infection. The HIV virus in your body may become resistant to COMPLERA or other HIV medicines that are like it.

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Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take: • an antacid medicine that contains aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or calcium carbonate. If you take an antacid during treatment with COMPLERA, take the antacid at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after you take COMPLERA. •

•

a medicine to block the acid in your stomach, including cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), or ranitidine hydrochloride (Zantac). If you take one of these medicines during treatment with COMPLERA, take the acid blocker at least 12 hours before or at least 4 hours after you take COMPLERA. any of these medicines (if taken by mouth or injection): – clarithromycin (Biaxin) – erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone) – fluconazole (Diflucan)

•

trouble sleeping (insomnia)

•

abnormal dreams

•

headache

•

dizziness

•

diarrhea

•

nausea

•

rash

•

tiredness

•

depression

Additional common side effects include: •

– itraconazole (Sporanox)

vomiting

•

– ketoconazole (Nizoral)

stomach pain or discomfort

•

– methadone (Dolophine)

skin discoloration (small spots or freckles)

•

pain

– posaconazole (Noxafil)

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

– telithromycin (Ketek) – voriconazole (Vfend) •

The most common side effects of COMPLERA include:

medicines that are eliminated by the kidney, including acyclovir (Zovirax), cidofovir (Vistide), ganciclovir (Cytovene IV, Vitrasert), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and valganciclovir (Valcyte)

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).

What are the possible side effects of COMPLERA?

How should I take COMPLERA?

COMPLERA can cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about 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.

•

New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure, can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your kidneys before starting treatment with COMPLERA. If you have had kidney problems in the past or need to take another medicine 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

•

Change in liver enzymes. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus infection or who have certain liver enzyme changes may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening liver problems during treatment with COMPLERA. Liver problems can also happen during treatment with COMPLERA in people without a history of liver disease. Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your liver enzymes before and during treatment with COMPLERA.

•

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.

This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about COMPLERA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can also ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about COMPLERA that is written for health professionals, or call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.COMPLERA.com Issued: January 2013

COMPLERA, the COMPLERA Logo, EMTRIVA, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, HEPSERA, STRIBILD, TRUVADA, VIREAD, and VISTIDE are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. ATRIPLA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. ©2013 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. CPAC0022 03/13

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Your Guide to Summer Pride

The 14th annual Stonewall Summer Pride is taking over the streets of Wilton Manors with a parade, street festival, and more Lulu Ramadan

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Over 30,000 people from all over the country travel to Wilton Manors and crowd the streets each year to celebrate Stonewall Summer Pride. This year, the local Pride is expected to be bigger and better than ever before. On June 22 to June 23, the 14th annual festival will hit the streets of Wilton Manors. Last year, the event drew a crowd of over 30,000 people and more are expected this time around. It’s been expanded to a two-day event, including a parade, marketplace, and live entertainment. The event, which is planned by the Rainbow Business Coalition of Fort Lauderdale, will close down Wilton Drive for the full two days of festivities. The theme of this year’s festival is “Journey into Equality,” a celebration of the achievements made in the LGBT community in the last few years. According to a press release from Stonewall Summer Pride, with adoption being made legal for same-sex couples in Florida, and historical cases of same sex marriage expected in late June, the theme of the festival was an easy choice. In celebrating Stonewall Summer Pride 2013, you can expect to see some changes since last year, from making the entire affair a day longer to keeping the markerplace open longer — and there will be more live entertainment featured in this year’s festival. The events begin at 5:30 p.m. on June 22 with DJs playing live music before the big twilight parade kicking off Summer Pride. The following day, Summer Pride will begin at 11 a.m. with a street festival and marketplace and lead up to a live concert at 7:30 p.m. Here are all the details of the can’t-miss events in this year’s Stonewall Summer Pride:

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As a preview of what to expect during the upcoming Summer Pride, we give you JR Davis’s photos from last year’s Wilton Manors festival. See them here and on the next page, and you just might find a friend — or a reason to show up this year.

Red Hot & In Style Bachelor and Bachelorette Auction

When: June 20, 2013 8 p.m. Where: The Manor 2345 Wilton Drive Cost: $20 cover charge

If you’re interested in pre-gaming before the Stonewall Summer Pride festivities, your dream date awaits you. The Rainbow Business Coalition joined forces with Deliver the Dream — a non-profit organization that provides retreats to families of children with severe illnesses — to bring you an LGBT bachelor and bachelorette auction. Over 15 bachelors and five bachelorettes have been recruited, and will auction off dream dates at the event. According to Christie Galeano, special events and marketing manager at Deliver the Dream, the event is expected to draw a crowd of about 300 people. There will be music, drink specials, and no shortage of good times, said Galeano. Each bachelor and bachelorette will create a dream date of their choice which goes to the highest bidder. Bids are usually somewhere between $200 to $1000, according to Galeano. “It could be anything from dinner for two, to horseback riding, to a cheese-and-wine-tasting,” Galeano said.

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Street Festival When: June 23, 2013 and Marketplace 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Where: Wilton Drive Cost: Free

When: June 22, 2013 7:30 p.m. Twilight Where: Wilton Drive Parade Cost: Free

All along Wilton Drive, you’ll see a line of colorful floats and groups of people marching in this parade. The parade kicks off at the south end of Wilton Drive near 20th street and dozens will march all the way to Dixie Highway either on a float or in a group by foot. Everyone will crowd the streets at 6 p.m. as DJs spin music to begin the parade. At 7:30 p.m., everyone will begin marching and you can watch the twilight parade as it strides down Wilton Drive. Part of the parade is a contest held by Stonewall Summer Pride to see which participants bring the best to the festival. One contest is the Over the Top Grand Prize Float. The float with the best decorations, music, and enthusiasm will take this title. Last year, the Pride Center at Equality Park took the title with a Wizard of Oz themed parade float covered in bright colorful balloons and members in costumes. “We had Dorothy, the tin man, the lion,” Chief Executive Officer of the Pride Center Robert Boo said. “Last year’s decorations were so much fun.” This year, the floats are expected to go along with the theme of Summer Pride, “Journey into Equality,” and organizations have been prepping for weeks. “We’re in it to win it,” Boo said. Another contest is for the Best Walking Group. Last year’s winners, The Hammerhead Aquatics, marched with blue balloons and held a large hammerhead shark puppet above their heads. The grand marshall of this year’s event is Craig Stevens, anchor of WSVN Channel 7 News. Following the march along Wilton Drive, local DJ, Kidd Madonny, will take the main stage, spin club music and hold a laser light show at the corner of Wilton Drive and NE 6th Avenue.

As you walk down Wilton Drive, you’ll notice the Stonewall Summer Pride marketplace kicking into high gear all day on the second day of Summer Pride. Over 175 vendors will be setting up booths along Wilton Drive with a variety of foods and products from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Vendors from all over South Florida have signed up for booths with products ranging from jewelry, to artwork, to clothing. Food booths and trucks will also be set up all along the streets. A variety of foods will be sold: Sandwiches, pizza, burgers, and more. Many of the local shops and restaurants along Wilton Drive will also be open for business so you can stock up on everything you need for the festival. Local bars along the drive will offer drink specials and seth up outdoors near the streets. Among those bars are the Manor Complex, the Alibi, and Rosie’s Bar & Grill which will all have DJs, dance floors, and tents and bars set up outside. The Alibi will have $2 mojitos for the crowds to enjoy and Rosie’s will have happy hour from noon until 7 p.m. that day, along with other specials. Everything you need can be found just along the streets until 6 p.m., but some booths can choose to stay open until 8 p.m. on the night of Summer Pride.

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Summer Pride means business is booming Summer Pride Concert

When: June 23, 2013 7:30 p.m. Where: Wilton Drive and NE 6th Avenue Cost: Free

After a full day of Summer Pride, the main event has a lineup that will leave you dancing all night. Three big acts will hit the main stage in the final event of Stonewall Summer Pride. The summer concert will feature Amber, CeCe Penniston, and Kristin W. The concert is free and open to everyone. The performers hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. following the street festival. The Summer Pride Concert lineup is filled with acts that feature dance music and house to keep the crowds upbeat and energetic. Amber’s blend of house and pop music is opening up to start the crowd with dancing. The Grammy-nominated singer will kick off the concert with pop hits like “This Is Your Night.” CeCe Penniston is also in the lineup year and keeps with the dance music theme of the concert. She will be performing popular songs like her hit “Finally.” Kristin W will also be performing in this concert lineup. This singer has been hugely successful in the dance music and electronica scene. She was recently named “Dance Artist of the Decade” by Billboard Magazine. Local bars are expected to be open and offering drink specials near the main stage throughout the concert. The event should be a great way to end the two-day Stonewall Summer Pride 2013.

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It’s usually slow for the Gelato Station on Wilton Drive and several other local shops and restaurants, but definitely not during Stonewall Summer Pride. “There’s usually no traffic, so we’re definitely expecting to get more people,” said Juliano Amaroa, manager of the Gelato Station. For businesses like Amaroa’s, the two-day street festival is great for small businesses along Wilton Drive to bring in more traffic. Last year’s Stonewall Summer Pride brought in huge crowds from all over the country, with an expectation of over 30,000 this year just along Wilton Drive. For businesses, this means all hands on deck for high volumes of customers. Several bars and restaurants are expected to stay open and offer drink specials and more. The Village Pub on Wilton Drive is setting up a DJ to keep the crowd excited while they serve drink specials. “We’re definitely excited. This is great for business and bringing in a huge crowd of customers,” Manager Tim Barton said. Lining the streets throughout the second day of the event will be vendors selling everything from clothing to food. Individuals and businesses sign up with Stonewall Summer Pride to set up a booth and a tent along the streets and sell jewelry, clothing, food, artwork, and more at reasonable prices. Last year, Summer Pride brought in about 140 vendors. This year, over 175 are expected to be participating. The Village Pub is also setting up tents along the street with other bars. The Alibi is doing the same. “We set up tents and extra bars to handle all of the crowds,” manager David Haynes said. “It’s one of our busiest days, but at the end of it, it’s one of our best nights for business.” According to Haynes, last year’s festival was incredibly successful and they expect up to five times as many customers as during normal days. Local bars have taken advantage of the street festival and are hosting special events during Stonewall Summer Pride this year. The Manor is hosting a bachelor and bachelorette auction on June 20, before the street festival. The Alibi is hosting a kickoff happy hour for the Rainbow Business Coalition, the organizers of Stonewall Summer Pride. Even local shops are expected to stay open for a busy day. Gay Mart, also located on Wilton Drive, is keeping its doors open until midnight just for the event. According to manager P.J. Evans, it’s one of their busiest days of the year. “It’s great for business,” Evans said. “At times, we’ll have the store completely filled with people.” This also means more people working to cover the flow of the people. “We do have to have more people cover, but it’s always good for business,” he said. According to Haynes, during events like Stonewall Summer Pride, it’s also more fun working during the event than on a regular day. “We love the crowds,” Haynes said. “Everyone’s always in a great mood and just wants to have fun.”

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ith a hand-crafted cocktail paired with a 28-day aged Certified Angus Beef steak, the only time you’ll be disappointed during your J. Mark’s experience is when you don’t save room for dessert. Whether you sit in the dining room, grab a seat in the lounge, or opt for a patio spot, J. Mark’s in Fort Lauderdale looks and feels comfortable and welcoming. Start off your meal with one of the restaurant’s signature drinks like the J. Mark’s Mojito — Malibu and Bacardi rums, fresh muddled lime, mint, simple syrup and house-made limeade in a sugar-rimmed glass. Be sure to begin your meal with one of J. Mark’s signature appetizers, including guest favorites like the Jamaican grilled wings — six jumbo chicken wings tossed in a mix of Jamaican spices and grilled, not fried, to a crispy golden perfection. You can also enjoy the calamari — lightly battered and fried, and served with not one but three house-made sauces: Marinara, basil pesto and garlic aioli. While J. Mark’s has many greats, it’s hard to top the succulent steaks. Certified Angus Beef ensures the highest quality of meat, with everything from aged prime rib to the classic New York strip. But don’t ignore the

Hawaiian rib-eye — marinated in a soy pineapple marinade for 48 hours. Fish lovers can rejoice as well! With a fresh catch featured every day, look out for a miso-glazed Chilean sea bass on the weekends or opt for the lemonherb swordfish — lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection. Don’t forget to make time for the happy hour, 2-6 p.m. daily, featuring half-off specialty cocktails like the J. Mark’s Mojito. During weekend brunch, sip on $3 Bloody Marys and Mimosas. While you’re sure to fill up from appetizers and entrees, be sure to save room for dessert. J. Mark’s serves up the best key lime pie you’ll ever taste, made in-house with their own graham cracker-pecan crust. For the indulger, try the red velvet cake, made by local Fort Lauderdale bakery Sweeter Days Bake Shop: Four layers of cake in between thick spreads of cream cheese frosting. The 7-layer homemade carrot cake is also a big guest favorite. For private parties and intimate events, inquire about the large outdoor patio — great for everything from business meetings to birthdays. With J. Mark’s extensive cocktail menu, signature steaks, and delicious desserts, there’s nothing stopping you from your new favorite dining experience. soflagaynews //

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THUR Dance

6/20

Tango takes flight in 8cho, opening tonight and running through June 30 at the Arsht Center in Miami. The Ziff Ballet Opera House will be transformed into a “sexy, exhilarating, gravity-defying world” by more than a dozen aerialists, dancers and musicians who perform entire dance routines in the air. Suspended on ropes high above the stage, performers leap, swivel and fly through the air, creating a sultry kaleidoscope of movement and action, all set to an achingly cool, original hip-hop and tango-infused score performed by a live orchestra. Tickets are $35-75. For show times and tickets, go to ArshtCenter.org.

Art

ArtsUnited is hosting a wedding reception for the new exhibition, We Do, Too, and you’re invited. The exhibit includes wedding portraits and statements from couples who were forced to wed in other states, due to Florida’s constitutional ban. The show is based on Jane Kreinberg’s 2012 show, Here Come the Brides, exhibited at ArtsUnited’s United and Proud show. The reception will be held tonight from 6 -8 p.m. at the Compass Gay and Lesbian Community Center, 201 N. Dixie Hwy. in Lake Worth. The exhibit will be on display through July 13. For more information, go to CompassGLCC.com or ArtsUnitedFlorida.com. Clay Cartland and Courtney Poston star as Robbie Hart and Julia Gulia in Slow Burn Theatre’s production of the Broadway hit, The Wedding Singer. Photo Courtesy of Slow Burn Theatre

FRI Music

The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida will celebrate the music and magic of the movies with Lights! Camera! Action! tonight and tomorrow at 8 p.m. at the Sunshine Cathedral, 1480 SW 9th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Along with medleys of Oscar-winning music from the James Bond films, Mary Poppins and Yentl, the program will include such beloved songs as Windmills of Your Mind, The Pink Panther theme, Putting on the Ritz, An Affair to Remember and Hooray for Hollywood. Tickets for Friday’s concert are $30 at GMCSF.org. The Saturday performance is sold out.

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Celebrity

6/21 SAT

No self-respecting homosexual can resist the weekly television train wreck that is the Real Housewives of New Jersey. Let’s face it, that hot mess is one of the most popular guilty pleasures on the airwaves. Love her or hate her, Teresa Giudice is always at the center of the drama. Giudice is also a successful cookbook author— just ask her ghostwriter. Meet her at Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, 1 Las Olas Blvd., tonight at 7 p.m. in the Books & Books shop. She’ll be signing copies of her latest masterpiece, Fabulicious! on the Grill: Theresa’s Smoking Hot Backyard Recipes. For more info, go to MOAFL.org. soflagaynews //

Theater

6/22 SUN

Entr’Acte Theatrix will present Monty Python’s Spamalot from June 20 - 30 at the Crest Theatre at the Delray Center for the Arts, Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. The musical, “lovingly ripped off” from the 1975 film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, features a book by Python Eric Idle and a score by Idle and John Du Prez. Like the film, it’s a totally irreverent and typically Pythonesque parody. Performances are Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 by calling 561-243-7922 ext. 1.

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Theater

6/23

The Broadway hit musical, The Wedding Singer, takes audiences back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up, and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room. It’s 1985 and Clay Cartland stars as rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart, New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer, the life of the party. Don’t miss this show from Slow Burn Theatre at West Boca High School, 12811 W. Glades Rd. in Boca Raton. Join the fun Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. through June 30. Tickets are $35 at SlowBurnTheatre.org.

Every Wednesday Night With Lee Fox & Trish Berlanga

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a&e art

Artsy Wilton Manors Gallery XO celebrates the male art form Jesse Monteagudo

jessemonteagudo@comcast.net

Gallery XO is a smart little gallery in Wilton Manors. Since Dec. 2008, Tommy Lafashia and Maciel Cantelmo — once life partners, now business partners and best friends — used their complimentary talents to make Gallery XO a success: Resident artist Cantelmo produces much of the art and Lafashia does the marketing and promotion. “Maciel had his first show and we wanted to represent ourselves instead of being in someone else’s gallery,” Lafashia said. “We weren’t really ready to do it but when the space became available we went ahead and jumped in with both feet without having any gallery experience when we started it. I think what made it good for us is that Maciel draws and I am on the marketing end so we can do it. If he had to do the marketing he probably couldn’t have his own gallery because it’s kind of hard for the artist to have a gallery.” Though small, Gallery XO is packed from floor to ceiling with hundreds of art works, most of them displaying and celebrating the male art form. Born in Brazil, Cantelmo specializes in pencil drawings that bring photo-realism to a whole new level. “Drawing was a gift awoken from within me by my grandfather,” he said. “He was the person who woke up this dormant ability in me, and every time he came to visit, I impatiently asked him to draw his stick figures and animals from ordinary numbers on any piece of paper I had available. I tried to copy him, and I became pretty good at it.” “At fifteen I became aware of other artists, and I was influenced by their brush strokes, styles, colors, perspective, structure, form, etc. My favorites are Michelangelo, Dali, Rubens, Van Gogh and Picasso. Each one offered me a new vision of what was in their minds and spirit. Each one made me see and feel the world differently. That difference, is what I feel when I am drawing or painting, for it is my refuge, my escape, my world.” Though Cantelmo specializes in pencil drawings of nude men, he also does “animals and landscapes. I don’t do as many oil paintings as I should but I like oil paintings. Not all of my male nudes are drawings. I have done a couple of oil paintings of male nudes but I prefer to paint in pencil.” Maciel’s work has been getting

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a low of exposure lately, including a write-up in the popular Art of Man quarterly. He was also awarded first Place in Show from the Broward Art Guild and Arts United for his drawing “Handful.” Gallery XO has literally hundreds of pieces by its resident artist. Those who can’t afford his originals may buy some of his limited-edition prints, which Gallery XO sells for as low as $15. Maciel Cantelmo is not the only artist represented by Gallery XO. According to Lafashia, “when people saw the type of gallery we had a lot of artists come in and asked to be part of it and we picked the ones we thought were good.” Gallery XO currently represents a dozen artists, including painters Michael Breyette, Henry Ri-Ri Clark, Eduardo Garcia, Chris Lopez, Leonardo Montoya and leather sculptor Rick Esping. Though most of the art here is by and about men, Gallery XO also has bronze sculptures by Kelly Borsheim. Gallery XO was already representing painter Steve Walker when he passed away last year. James Lyman, owner of the Lyman-Eyer Gallery in Provincetown and executor of the Walker estate, “made an estate decision as to who was going to carry” Walker’s unsold art. Because of his decision, today the only galleries that are authorized to sell Steve Walker originals are the Lyman-Eyer Gallery, the Ginger Bread Square Gallery in Key West, and Gallery XO. Steve Walker is fondly remembered in Capolavoro di Uomo: Masterpiece of Man (Capolavoro Publishing, 370 pages, $89.99), a lavish coffee table book that showcases the male art form. Featured in this “dream team” of gay erotic art are four Gallery XO artists: Cantelmo, Walker, Chris Lopez and Michael Breyette, whose art graces the front cover (one of Cantelmo’s own drawings is prominently displayed on the back cover). Gallery XO is doing its part to promote Capolavoro di Uomo, selling the book and giving it away to anyone who buys a Maciel Cantelmo original. In addition to this, Gallery XO will host a book signing during Stonewall Summer Pride: Saturday, June 22, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 23, from noon to 4 p.m. “We have been in discussions with the author and we are excited to announce the soflagaynews //

‘At Peace’ by Maciel Cantelmo Photo courtesy of Maciel Cantelmo

book signing will take place over Pride Weekend in Wilton Manors,” Lafashia said. “At this time, we are contacting many of the artists represented in the book to attend the book signing. This will be a chance to own an incredible book and to have it signed by many of the artists, including the author. We are being told there is a limited number of books, since the first publication is already over 70 percent sold out. This means a chance to own a first edition

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signed copy of a book sure to become a major collectors’ dream.” As if all this is not enough, Gallery XO also hosts a free wine tasting the first Friday of each month and takes part in the Wilton Manors Art Walks held on the third Friday of every month (during season). Otherwise, Gallery XO is open most evenings until 8 p.m. It is worth stopping by, even if you can’t afford the art. For more information about Gallery XO, call (954) 213-9797 or visit galleryxo.com.

Sept 19-Oct 20

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a&e theater

Let the Girls Play

Play festival celebrates lesbian experience

J.W. Arnold

jw@prdconline.com

Kim Ehly, center, directed actors Carol Sussman, left and Elayne Wilks in the last GirlPlay festival, held in 2011. Photo courtesy of Women’s Theatre Project

GirlPlay, the Women’s Theatre Project’s (WTP) lesbian play reading festival, returns for a fourth year this weekend. The festival will feature 16 new short plays in three staged readings at the Wilton Manors Women’s Club. Marj O’Neill-Butler, chair of the event, said the festival has grown consistently since its inception, attracting 110 entries from playwrights across the country and Canada.

THE

“In our first year, we got 60 scripts,” explained O’Neil-Butler, a member of the WTP board, who will also be directing several readings, along with WTP Artistic Director Genie Croft and local actress and producer Kim Ehly. “Not all of our playwrights are lesbians — they just have to be women — but the plays must be about some aspect of the lesbian experience or

because...

www.pridecenterflorida.org 74

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GirlPlay provides an intimate opportunity for actors and directors to collaborate on new works. The last festival, held in 2011, featured Lela Elam, director Marj O’Neill-Butler and Karen Stephens. Photo courtesy of Women’s Theatre Project

have lesbian characters. Women’s voices are just not heard as much as men.” A team of 27 local theater enthusiasts gathered on May 5 for a “read-a-thon.” Each script was read by three reviewers and rated before O’Neil-Butler, Croft and Ehly winnowed the final 16. A team of 11 actors, both male and female, will present staged readings of eight plays each night on Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22. Audiences will be polled and the eight most popular plays will be reread on Sunday, June 23. The format, which includes some movement, props and costumes, has proved popular with audiences, attracting a loyal following from both women and men. Five of the plays include male characters, but O’Neill-Butler feels it’s the authenticity of the subject matter that draws audiences. “We were hoping we wouldn’t get the usual coming out stories… Most of the playwrights are older and speaking to their life experiences,” she said. Croft, who has led WTP for more than a decade, has noticed an evolution as current events have unfolded, especially the marriage equality debate. “I’ve definitely noticed a shift in writing (over the years),” Croft said. “Our playwrights are writing about being legally married, having children, extending a relationship to an entirely different level of commitment and even older women who must cope with a partner who is dying.” Croft says theatre is an ideal medium to raise awareness and promote dialogue about these pressing societal issues. While most of the playwrights hail from New York and the Northeast, Los Angeles and even Canada, this year’s festival features a play, Taste of Thai, from a local writer, Michelle Solomon, who normally reviews local theatre productions for Miami ArtZine

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and Florida Theatre on Stage. Croft says Solomon’s play is very funny and will be a highlight of the festival. For a playwright who composes her work in front of a computer, readings can offer a valuable opportunity for the dialogue to finally be spoken and plays tweaked based on the reaction of a live audience. The Wilton Manors Women’s Club is a small venue, accommodating only 75 people, but O’Neill-Butler and Croft agree the intimacy will contribute to the experience, drawing audiences into the action. Before each performance, WTP will host Foreplay, a cocktail reception featuring music and art by local female artists. The reception will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday with the readings following.

IF YOU G What

GirlPlay - Fourth Lesbian Play Reading Festival Presented by Women’s Theatre Project

When

Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22, 8 p.m. (Foreplay 7:30 p.m.) Sunday, June 22, 2 p.m. (Foreplay 1:30 p.m.)

Where

Art Gallery 21, Women’s Club of Wilton Manors, 600 NE 21st Ct. Tickets $15 one show, $25 two shows, $35 series

Cost More Info.

866-811-4111 WomensTheatreProject.com Seating limited, reservations strongly encouraged.

One X One

a&e film

Documentary explores 16 people you should know

Gary M. Kramer garyk@att.net

Harris. He was very funny. But who is the best person to close the film, to say something that is the most universal? I think Cynthia Nixon does that. You know her through Sex and the City, but she’s very educated, and political. I very much liked her. GMK: Who did you identify with? TG-S: Lady Bunny, of course! [Laughs].

That’s a good question. I’d say, in a funny way, Larry Kramer. I was very politicized by AIDS. My wife and I were living in New York in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. And our friends were all dying. It made us realize how short life is. She left her job on Wall Street. I was in the art world, and many artists I knew, like Keith Haring, had died. Larry reminded me of those years in the ‘80s.

The Out List Director Timothy Greenfield-Sanders (left) and Wanda Sykes (right) Photo courtesy of Graham Willoughby

The Out List is a poignant documentary profiling 16 LGBT individuals. The subjects range from celebrities such as Neil Patrick Harris and Ellen DeGeneres, to Log Cabin Republican Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper (a Floridian) and AIDS activist Larry Kramer. Each segment runs less than five minutes, creating the hourlong film, which will air on HBO on June 27. In a recent phone interview, GreenfieldSanders, who grew up in Miami [Fun fact: his family moved to Key West in 1880!] chatted with South Florida Gay News about making The Out List. Gary M. Kramer: What were your criteria for the interview subjects? Timothy Greenfield-Sanders: It’s very difficult to pick 16 people out of millions of people. There are so many white males who are accomplished, so it’s difficult to choose and find an equal amount of men and women, bisexuals, and transgender subjects and give everyone an equal opportunity. I wanted to avoid having too many celebrities. You want stories that are fresh and new, like Lupe Valdez, the sheriff from Texas. GMK: The monologues address coming out, validation, resilience, and marriage equality. How did the topics for discussion arise? TG-S: Generation 8 was the original title, because it was the post-Prop 8 Generation. We wanted to examine LGBT rights in America post-Prop 8. It started to focus too much on marriage. As so many other issues are in the

public eye — financial equality being one of them — we thought it would be more of a list film like the others (e.g., The Black List, The Latino List). But marriage is certainly a big theme in the film. We started with Ellen, and after that, we knew we had covered some marriage equality, so we would try to focus on other areas. Different people have agendas, and as you are editing, you have an hour of material to cut down to 3-4 minutes. So we have Lupe Valdez talking about spirituality as her way of coming to terms with her sexuality. So we had that covered. GMK: Who/what surprised you in the stories you heard? TG-S: I think it moved me more than surprised me. There is a lot of emotion in the film. It’s very hard to sit in front of a camera and talk about yourself and about something as personal as sex and gender, no matter how media savvy you are. I think R. Clarke Cooper serves a purpose. There are a lot of very conservative gay people who are Republicans, who believe — as he does — that we’re closer to a Republican agenda than a Democratic one. How are you part of that world and at the same time, they hate you? I think he’s quite interesting. You want that range. GMK: How did you come up with the order for the list? TG-S: The hardest thing was what order to put them in. We opened with Neil Patrick soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 6.19.13 //

community announcement

Pet Project Offer Shuttles:

We are arranging for a refitted old school bus shuttle from the area northwest of Wilton Drive to benefit the Pet Project. You buy a shuttle ticket for $10 and you can jump on and off the shuttle at any of the stops on the route for both days of Stonewall Pride. The shuttle will run for six hours on Saturday (from 6 p.m. to midnight) and on Sunday (from 12 p.m. to midnight). It’s a party shuttle for 40 seated people with music, videos and entertainment. You can park by KMart, the parking lot by Sweatbox gym at 1164 E. Oakland Park, anywhere west of Andrews by Corner Pub, Boardwalk, the Elementary school on NE 26

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SouthFloridaGayNews

St. and anywhere on the swell off NE 6th Ave, and NE 26 St. Remember you will be towed from the Publix Parking lot. You can stay on the shuttle until it returns to the spot closest to your car to return to your car for any drop offs. The shuttle will be a Stonewall pride bus with Rainbow banners on the roof. Just flag us down and jump on the Shuttle. The bus comes from BertoTour.com. Check out its Facebook page at facebook. com/pages/Bertos-Tour/. Get your pre-paid tickets at bertostour. com/Wilton-Manors-Shuttle_c9.htm

DateBook

June 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. at Sunshine Cathedral, 1480 SW Ninth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida will be performing favorite tunes from the movies. Tickets $30. Call 954-8512299 or visit GMCSF.org.

Theater

By Christiana Lilly, Calendar@SFGN.com

* Denotes new listing

Broward County

* Starlight Musicals: Across the Universe June 21 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Holiday Park, E. Sunrise Boulevard and Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Live music from Beatles tribute band, Across the Universe. Free. Call 954-828-5363.

Five So Far

June 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Actors past and present from Conundrum Stages celebrate five years with performances and memories. Donation $5. Call 954-673-5124 or visit ConundrumStages.net or BrowardCenter.org.

The Package Tour

Lights! Camera! Action!

June 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. The return of old school pop with a concert with New Kids on the Block, 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men. Tickets $29.50 to $93.25. Call 800-7453000 or visit TheBBTCenter.com.

Father’s Day Old Time Concert * David Sanborn and Bob James

Juanes

June 20 at 7 and 9 p.m. at Mizner Park JAZZIZ Stage, 201 Plaza Real in Boca Raton. The jazz duo will be giving two performance, chronicling 27 years of music and hits. Free. Call 561-300-0732

June 27 at 8 p.m. at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, One Seminole Way in Hollywood. Colombian rocker Juanes will be hitting the stage to perform fan favorites. Tickets $64 to $94. Visit HardRockLiveHollywoodFl.com

Brad Paisley

* “Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend”

June 27 at 8 p.m. at the Miramar Cultural Center, 2400 Civic Center Place. A screening telling the story of legendary reggae artist, Bob Marley, and his rise to stardom beginning in the 1970s. Afterward, Jamaican actress and former Island Records manager, Esther Anderson, and High Chief Nathaniel B. Styles, Jr. will be hosting a Q&A. Free; pick up voucher to save spot. Call 954-602-4500 or visit MiramarCulturalCenter.org.

*Avery Sommers

Palm Beach County

June 28 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Museum of Art, One E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. The awardwinning Broadway star will be performing. She will also be participating in a “conversation with the artist” June 29 from 10 a.m. to noon. Tickets $60 concert, $25 conversation, $85 for both and VIP meet up. SVP to Gail Vilone at 954-262-0249 or visit MOAFL.org.

June 21 at 7 p.m. at the Cruzan Amphitheater, 601-7 Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach. The country crooner is bringing his Beat This Summer tour to South Florida. Tickets $38.25 to $79.25. Visit Ticketmaster. com.

* Side by Side by Sondheim

Sundays from June 21 to July 7 at the FAU Studio One Theatre, 777 Glades Road. A presentation of the music and lyrics Steven Sondheim, performed for the theater. Tickets $20. Call 800-564-9539 or visit FAUevents. com.

Bob Dylan and his Band

June 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cruzan Amphitheater, 601-7 Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach. Legendary rocker Bob Dylan is joined by Wilco, My Morning Jacket and Bob Weir. Tickets $32.10 to $95. Visit Ticketmaster. com

Miami-Dade

Summer Shorts 2013

Through July 30 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Back for another round, almost two months worth of nightly shows featuring 90 minutes of theatrical shorts from local actors. Tickets $35 per show. Call 305-9496722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

8cho

June 20 to 30 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. An aerial performance that takes the Argentinean art of tango to a whole new level. Tickets $35 to $75. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

*Red

June 28 to 29 and July 5 to 6 at the Miami Theater Center, 9806 NE Second Ave. in Miami Shores. The story of Ruby Bridges, whose parents fought to desegregate elementary schools in the South, is expressed through dance theater. Tickets $20. Call 305-751-9550 or visit MTCMiami.com

The Big Show

Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com.

Full Charge Bookkeeping Services

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DateBook

Community Calendar By Christiana Lilly, Calendar@SFGN.com

Broward County

* Teresa Giudice Book Signing Tour

June 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Museum of Art, One E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Teresa Giudice will be signing her latest cookbook, “Fabulicious! On the Grill” and participating in a Q&A. Free. Must buy book at the museum Books & Books to enter signing line. Call 954-262-0255 or visit MOAFL.org.

* Witnesses of Stonewall

June 22 at 1 p.m. at the Pop Up Museum, 2290 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Conversations with those who witnessed the Stonewall Inn riots in 1969 and those who were a part of the gay liberation movement after.

* Marriage Equality in the 21st Century

June 22 at 4 p.m. at the Pop Up Museum, 2290 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. A conversation about how marriage equality has changed in the 21st century and what to look forward to.

* Stonewall Pride Twilight Parade

June 22 at 7:30 p.m. on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Celebrate Pride Month with the annual parade to support the LGBTQ community, then browse the festival for drinks, live entertainment and shopping. Route starts at Wilton Drive and 20th Street and continues down Wilton Drive to Five Points at Dixie Highway. Free. Visit StonewallSummerPride.com

* Health Care Town Hall

June 25 at 6 p.m. at the Broward County Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Join Planned Parenthood at this meeting to discuss the state’s failure to pass health care expansion for working families and women’s health care. RSVP to public_affairs@ppsoflo.org.

* Meningitis Town Hall

June 26 at 7 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Learn more about meningitis outbreak in New York City from health officials and medical professionals. Free. Call 954463-9005 or visit PrideCenterFlorida.org.

* National HIV Testing Day

June 27 at Planned Parenthood locations through South Florida. Know your HIV status in a matter of minutes. Visit PPSoFLo.org for locations and hours.

Survivor Support

First and third Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support from counselors and peers who have lost loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention at 954-384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org.

Palm Beach County * “We Do, Too!

” Marriage Equality Show June 20 to July 13 at Compass Gay and Lesbian Community Center, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. An exhibit of wedding portraits and

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statements from same-sax couples who traveled out of state to make their love official. Opening reception June 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. Call 561-533-9699

Printed Matters

June 20 to July 10 at ActivistArtistA Gallery, 422 West Industrial Ave. in Boynton Beach Art District. Photographs and stories, “Often Overlook,” by Cary Polkovitz. Opening reception June 20 from 7 to 10 p.m. with readings by other writers. Free. Call 786521-1199 or visit ActivistArtistA.blogspot.com.

Under the Sea Nights

June 28 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the South FLorida Science Museum, 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach. Explore the museum’s new Savage Ancient Seas exhibit at night. Admission $11.95. Call 561-832-1988 or visit SFSM.org.

* Fourth of July Celebration

July 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 12551 Glades Road in Boca Raton. Food trucks, live music by the Shindigs, and fireworks to celebrate America’s birthday. Free. Visit Facebook.com/ SunsetCoveAmphitheater.

Miami-Dade County * Afro Modern Dance

Mondays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. through July 15 at the Miami Theater Center, 9806 NE Second Ave. in Miami Shores. Afua Hall will lead dancers of all levels through West African and Afro-Caribbean dance styles. Tickets $15. Call 305-751-9550 or visit MTCMiami.org.

Zumba with Sori

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m. through July 31 at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211 St. in Cutler Bay. Get fit and have fun doing it with this Brazilian-style dance workout. $6 first time students, $12 a class. Call 786-573-5300 or visit SMDCAC.org.

Rainbow Circle

Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. at the University of Miami Flipse Building #302, 5665 Ponce de Leon Drive in Coral Gables. An open discussion about coming out, relationships, peer pressure, bullying, depression and more. Free. Visit Pridelines.org.

Key West

American in Paris

June 19 at 7 p.m. at the Tennessee Williams Theater, 5901 College Road in Key West. Celebrate Pride Month with works by Copland, Reynaldo Hahn and Ravel performed by the South Florida Symphony’s Blue Door String Quartet. Tickets $25 to $35. Visit Keystix. Ticketforce.com

* Tai Chi Classes

Mondays at 7 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7 a.m. through July 23 at the Clinic of Alternative Medicine, 3420 Duck Ave. in Key West. Practice the ancient art of Tai Chi for an hour to work on balance, coordination, flexibility and strength. Free. RSVP to 508-801-7529.

Visit SFGN.com/datebook

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DateBook Nightlife

By Christiana Lilly, Calendar@SFGN.com

Broward County Angel’s Cafe

2287 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Enjoy happy hour on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. with $3 wines and beers, free snacks, raffles, and music by DJ Sol. 2-4-1 Sunday dinner special Valet parking in rear. Call 954-900-5217.

Boardwalk

1721 N. Andrews Ave. in Wilton Manors. Share drinks over a game of pool or check out the bar and strip club. Call 954-463-6969.

Alibi

2266 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Best and longest happy hour; Wednesdays $2 domestics and$1 Schnapps after 9 p.m.

Johnny’s

1116 W. Broward Blvd in Fort Lauderdale. Some of the hottest guys around with drink specials to make it even sweeter. Call 954-522-5931.

The Manor

2345 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Indoor and outdoor dining followed by hitting the dance floor. Live music Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Call 954-626-0082.

Rumors

2426 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. For a chill night, hit up the bar with great prices. All 954-564-1799.

Sidelines Sports Bar

2031 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Relax with a cold beer for some friendly competition on the pool table. Call 954-563-8001 or visit SidelinesSports.com.

Naked Grape Wine Bar & Tapas

2163 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. A casual, hip bar to try out all sort of wines. Happy Hour all night on Thursdays. Call 954-563-5631.

New Moon

2440 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. The area’s favorite lesbian bar with Wednesdays half-priced drinks. Call 954-563-7660.

Palm Beach County The Cottage

522 Lucerne Ave. in Lake Worth. Tea Dance Sundays with great service, food and drinks. Call 561-5860080.

Fort Dix

6205 Georgia Ave. in West Palm Beach. A great place to mingle and relax with DJs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Call 561-533-5355.

H.G. Rooster

823 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. The city’s oldest gay club, with hot male dancer, free BBQ and karaoke. Cal 561-832-9119.

* The Palm Lounge

131 E. Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton. Tuesday country night, Wednesday karaoke, singers or tribute artists on the weekends. Call 561-672-7561 or visit PalmLoungeBoca.com.

The Mad Hatter

1532 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Cheap drinks, friendly bartenders and free pool from Sunday to Thursday. Call 561-547-8860.

The Bar Lake Worth

2211 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A friendly watering hole with live bands. Call 561-370-3954.

Miami-Dade County Club Space

34 NE 11th St. in Miami. Known for crazy all-nighters to electronic dance music and hip hop. Call 305-3501956.

Club Sugar

2301 SW 32nd Ave. in Miami. Drag Wars on Thursdays, $5 house drinks and $4 domestics. Call 305-443-7657.

Discotekka

950 NE Second Ave. in Miami. Come on Saturday nights for some of the best DJs around. Call 305- 3509084.

Eros Lounge

8201 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. NYC house music on Thursdays. Call 305-754-3444.

Score

727 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. Located in the heart of South Beach on the famous Lincoln Road strip. Call 305-561-5521.

Swinging Richards

17450 Biscayne Blvd. in North Miami Beach. Fully nude men dancing to the best music in South Florida. Call 954-357-5521.

Twist

1057 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. Awesome music, muscle boy dancers and never a cover. Call 305- 538-9478.

Key West

Point5 Cocktail Club

915 Duval St. in Key West. Happy Hour every day from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with $5 premium cocktails and gourmet pizzas. Call 305-296-0669 or visit 915Duval. com.

The Bourbon St. Pub

724 Duval St. in Key West. Get a taste of New Orleans with the best video bar with live DJs every night. Call 305-296-1992.

Visit SFGN.com/datebook 80

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SouthFloridaGayNews

Classifieds accommodations

REAL ESTATE RUMFORD MAINE A UNIQUE CAMP SITE (or whatever). A retired 180 ft communication tower and a 12x24 support structure on 2.5.acres with a deeded ROW through a dense woods. Area known for skiing, snow mobile and ATV clubs and trails. jpm8145@gmail.com for pictures. $40k. (251)867-8134

PERFECT VACATION RENTALS! Spring & Summer specials from $69/night and $395/week.Award Winning Gay Hotel. Beautiful Studio, 1 & 2 BR Self Catering Apts. with Full Kitchen.Clothing optional heated pool, laundry, private parking. Central to Wilton Manors &HauloverBeach.Incl.Wi-Fi utilities, cable, tel. Gay Owned & Operated. Pets Welcome. Celebrating 15 YearsCall Joe or Jack at (954) 927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com *Four Week+ Relocation Discounts Offered*

antiques/collectables

MOVIE POSTERS WANTED Private collector buying vintage movie posters, lobby cards, film stills, photography and other old entertainment memorabilia. Call for a free appraisal to find out what your stuff is worth! All calls confidential. Ralph (800) 392-4050 email: sell@ralphdeluca.com

attorneys

accounting/tax service

RNB ASSOCIATES Income Tax/ Accounting/ Book Keeping for Individuals ,Small Business or Corporate. Very reasonable rates, fast and efficient service. 35+ years experience to help you save money! Registered with the IRS. Email info or meet. Visa/MC accepted. Call (248) 8942600 (FL based) or email info@RNBassociates. com for faster response. Mention SFGN AD for a 5% discount.

air conditioning HONEST, RELIABLE AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING SERVICES Gay owned and operated company, Eiland Air, Inc. 24 hour service. Reasonable prices. Licensed & Insured #CAC1817222 Call Mike 786-247-6022

employment

home improvement

ENTRY LEVEL SALES EXECUTIVE Full time Sales, Client Services, Direct Marketing, Lead Generation, Telemarketing & Email Services. Microsoft Word & Excel experience. Competitive Salary plus Commission, Medical/ Dental, 401k & Profit Sharing . Email Resume: aleen@ lighthouselist.com

THINGS YOU NEED TO ACCOMPLISH? Minds at ease, A+ handyman service. Prompt, Reliable & Honest. Call Keldon Keller 954-551-3127 krkeller@aol.com

MEDICAL ASSISTANT –FULL TIME Natura Dermatology and Cosmetics is seeking a personable, and well educated medical Assistant. Experience is preferred yet not required. Email resumes to bobby@ NaturaDermatology.com EXPERIENCED GROOMER? Looking for a P/T experienced groomer with good scissoring skills to work on all breeds of dogs & cats. Only serious candidates apply. References will be verified. No drama!! 954-530-7216 SALES POSITIONS Sales position open at high end antiques gallery in WPB. Knowledge of antiques, sales experience required. Reply: HillcrestAntiquesWPB@gmail.com

LOOKING FOR LODGIING NEAR SUNLIFE STADIUM? Completely furnished luxury 1/ BD/1BA Condo. Easy access to public transportation and major express ways. Shopping and dining are in walking distance. Gated Community and private parking. Reasonably priced @$375 a week or $1,500 a month plus $400 processing and move in fees. Call 305-793-8650.

JOB OPPURTUNITY Care Resource is now seeking for a Prevention Risk Reduction Counselor. Visit http://www.careresource.org/ career-opportunities/ for more info Contact: Aida Petrlak @ 305.576.1234 ext 272 Send Resume to apetrlak@careresource.org

cleaning services HEAVENLY HOUSE CLEANER Upscale service that’s out of this world. Trustwort hy & reliable. 10 years exp, references, not an agency, pet friendly, call Nina 954-601-6141 CLEAN IT RIGHT The best cleaning for your buck. 1BD $50, 2BD $60, 3BD $70. Excellent rates & references. 10 years in business. Serving Broward, North Miami Dade & S. Palm Beach. Call Manny 954-560-4443

To place an ad call 954.530.4970 or visit SFGN.com/getlisted

ACCOUNT MANAGERS ,BOOK KEEPERS AND SALES REPRESENTATIVES Work your own flexible schedule! Pays $1500 to $2000 monthly plus benefits. Must be computer literate, have 2-3 hours access to the internet weekly . We are looking for efficient and dedicated people who are at least 21 years of age. contact us for more details .If you are interested and need more information send your resumes to ruthmace7@gmail.co

TOP NOTCH CONTRACTING Knows all and does all!! Many years experience and easy on the eyes! Remodeling, Trimming, Ground molding, Drywall, Painting, Landscaping, Roofing , Tile work, Electrical, Windows, Doors and more. Very reasonable rates and free estimates. Call Shawn 954-549-8243

human resources WE GOT YOU COVERED! Advocates for student needs. Specializing in helping foster student and others transition into responsible, independent Adults. We are here to help find resources and outlets for stable and healthy adult lives. Call 786-793-8650 for more information.

insurance GARUNTEED ISSUED LIFE INSURANCE HIV/ Aids accepted. NO health questions. NO medical exams. Simplified Issue Life. Leave tax free money for your partner. Free end of life planning. All Health & Life lines. Affordable “A” rated insurance cos. Miller Insurance Co. 561-221-2072

landscaping IRRIGATION SYSTEM REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE 19 years experience, excellent work, referrals upon request. Call Roberto 954383-8980

pool services

computers COMPLETE COMPUTER REPAIR FREE ESTIMATES - no extra charge for in-home. FREE Computer tune-up with any service. Replacement of laptop screen & key board. Viruses, spyware, data recovery, lockouts & more. SAME DAY SERVICE - LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE Call Ernesto: 754-234-5598 HATE WINDOWS 8?We can bring back the look and feel of windows. Same day service. Call 954-986-1316 www.gaycomputerwiz.com PERSONAL COMPUTER TUTOR! Basic computer skills* Emailing pics /docs, scanning* Microsoft office programs*Excel, Word, Outlook and Powerpoint* Virus Removal* PC speed optimization* Secured Wireless home network setup* Wireless printer installation* PC purchasing consultant. Call (954) 980-0383 or email jamesjcarter22@gmail.com.

counseling/psychotherapy TERRY DAVIS, LCSW, LLC #SW1079 Supportive male therapist, specializes in LGBT issues, HIV/AIDS,addictions, etc. Affordable, sliding scale. Eves/weekend. TdavisLCSW.com* (954) 731-5505

home care COMPANION,HOME CARE,SENIOR SERVICES. Make life a little easier for you or your loved one. 53 yr old experienced caregiver available. Light Cleaning, cooking and laundry included. Also shopping, appointments, gardening and organizing. Im friendly, engaging and compassionate. Hourly or afternoon/evening/ late night shifts available. Bonded insured, College educated and references. Call for more info, Robert 954-707-0264.

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plumber BUTLER PLUMBING, INC.Residential & Commercial, Licensed & Insured, Palm Beach 561-613-338, Broward 954 -999-3315, Miami-Dade 786-999-2152 24/7 -365 days,info@butler-plumbing.com, www. bultler-plumbing.com“ Just tell your friends the BUTLER did it”

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 6.19.13 //

licensed massage

painting services

EXP. MATURE MALE WPB MASSEUR In-calls only, private studio setting by Belvedere/SR7 in quiet area. Highly skilled, intuitive theraputic bodywork by friendly LMT. Affordable rates but cash only. Early to late, 7 days. Call (561) 2548065 for appt. or walk-in OK. RELIEVE STRESS & TENSION WITH MAGICAL HANDS PRO MASSAGE (FL: MA51008)

LEENYX HOME IMPROVEMENT Interior and Exterior Painting, Popcorn Removal, Baseboard/ Crown Molding Install. Residental and Commerical. No job is too small!! We service all of broward with great competitive prices! Visa/Mastercard accepted. Call 954-696-6840 or email, tizpo11231@yahoo.com

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

pets STEVEN JAY’S LOVING PET CARE! I care for your pet in my home. One client at a time if requested. Multiple pets and all pets welcome! I have a very clean home and low rates! Call Steven Jay , 954 -565-1996

psychic services

real estate services

CHRISTIAN PSYCHIC READER AND ADVISOR BY SHAWN Reunite you with loved ones or family. Will guide you for success. Tell past, present and destiny to come. For further information call Shawn at 954-549-8243

property management

RECESSION RELIEF $40 per 90 MIN - Out calls higher. Swedish, Deep Tissue, Specialty Back, Lower Body & Feet. Couples Discounts. Seniors Welcome. Delray Beach. 16 years experience. MA18563 Dennis (561) 502-2628 BEST MASSAGE & BODYWORK IN SOUTH FLORIDA READ MY REVIEWS AT WWW.SCHEDULENOW.INFO KEITH ANGEL, LMT (954) 816-7260 MA62951 MM27048 WILTON MANORS MASSAGE Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports. $59 Swedish Hour. call or Text Chris Tunkus 954-258-8779 1322 NE 4th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL www.WiltonManorsMassage.com AFFORDABLE AWESOME MASSAGE BY JIM Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and Lomi Lomi Massage for Men; in a very comfortable, relaxed and Private Massage Studio, Conveniently located with plenty of parking. Same Day appointments are welcome; please call Jim Libonati 954-600-5843,,Visit my website for details, rates, testimonials and more: www. massagebyjim.com Licensed and Certified MM22293 STAY TUNED FOR ALL NEW, LARGER, MORE ACCOMODATING STUDIO COMING TO WILTON MANORS May 1, 2013.

Dog Walking: $10.00 starting at Pet Sitting: $40.00 In House Pet Sitting: $45.00 Training: $10.00 starting per visit Pet Taxi (FTL Area): $20.00 Dependable • Reliable Service Delivered with Love and Respect

954-297-5336

rent/lease west palm beach

WPB/ LAKE WORTH MASSEUR

PB COUNTY-LAKE PARK 2/1 CONDO 2nd Floor Corner - Next to Kelsey Park across from Intracoastal Great Locations. $750 per month - 1 year Lease • No Pets • No Smoking • 1st & Security Call 561-310-0615

Strong , caring perceptive therapist for your body in need. Full time therapist for over 15 years!Easy and relaxed home studio for your comfort and healing.Convenient and affordable, flexible hours, in and out calls. MA64031, Alan 954-279-993

www.greendogpetservices.com

Lic# 11000106488

real estate for sale MIAMI WATERFRONT LOCATION, KeystoneNew Stunning Renovation. Boca Style 3274 sq ft, 2 story, Open design Cherry wood kitchen. granite counter,stainless steel appliances. 10 ft ceilings, 4br/2ba +26 ft bonus room,dining room,den large lot and 40 ft long pool. Best Buy $895K, 305-433-1775,631-433,0690

rent/lease hollywood hills

2 ROOMS FOR RENT 1BD/1BA new carpet, kitchenette, $1,200/Mo. will reduce to $775 for experienced handyman. Also 1BD $700/Mo. will reduce to $400 for experienced handyman. No pets allowed. Preferably young and strong male. Contact John 954-549-8243 for more info.

rent/lease furnished

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SouthFloridaGayNews

PERFECT RELOCATION RENTALS 3 TO 6 MONTHSFrom 325/week & 1300/month. Gay owned and operated hotel resort with beautiful studio, 1 & 2BRself catering turnkey, fully furnished & apartments with full kitchens. Clothing optional pool! Central to Wilton Manors & Haulover nude beach in historic Dania Beach . Pets welcome. Includes ,utilities, parking , cable, wifi , internet/telephone . Call Joe & Jack at 954927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com

roommates WILTON STATION LUXURY CONDO Share 2/2 with loft, private bath, parking, pool, gym and Jacuzzi. Utilities included. Looking for mature professional, background check required. $875 a month ,call 516-655-3216 LAUDERLAKES ROOMATE WANTED Share a 2/2 on lake w/ hot tub, private bath, W/D , dishwasher ,central a/c and cable. $ 400/mo includes utilities & internet. Looking for a mature professional. 1st & security deposit. Background check req. Call Gary 954-803-0885 MALE ROOMMATE WANTED Male roommate wanted for 2/1/13. Beautiful WPB 2BD/2BA apt to share $650/Mo. Water, Elect, Waste Mgt included. Deposit + 1st. mo. Required. Call 561316-7236 FREE RENT –LARGE 2BR APARTMENT Have your own BR with private bath and shower. Needed, experienced strong mature male caretaker, capable of assisting wheelchair bound gay 55 year old male with spinal cord damage. Smoker. Located State Rd between Oakland and Sunrise blvd . 15 minutes to Wilton Manors. Call Joe at 954-740-2155.

rent/lease wilton manors

LARGE 2BR/1 BA Beautiful wood floors, private yard, single family home with canvas covered parking, amazing bonus room, washer/ dryer. Quiet neighborhood walking distance to Wilton Drive/restaurants, clubs, etc. Background check/credit check required. Available NOW!!! $1,650month Please call Terri Wright with Sea Island Realty, Inc 954-401-4918

AFFORDABLE-READY TO MOVE IN NEWLY REMODELED, Wilton Manors, ready to move-in 1BD/1BA for $695.00, in newly renovated. Our largest unit. Walk in closet, renovated kitchen and bath, new appl., new tile floors, off-street parking. Smoke free. No pets. $695.00. Call 754-366-7563

rent/lease ft. lauderdale LARGE TOWNHOME WITH POOL, EAST FORT LAUDERDALE Beautiful 2BR/2BA townhome in quiet 5-plex.Large eat-in kitchen, central a/c, ceiling fans, Washer/dryer in unit, dishwasher, sparkling pool and more. All in tropical paradise within 5 minutes of the Atlantic Ocean & 1-95 & 8 minutes to Wilton Drive. Master bedroom has walk-in closet and sliding glass doors to private balcony. Great neighbors and neighborhood. Small pet ok. $1,225/mo. Check out photos & complete descriptions at www.YourPerfectApartment.com or call Rick at 954-253-1929 LAKERIDGE FURN. GARDEN STUDIO Central to beach/downtown/Wilton Drive.Clean newly ren. 1 rm and bath. Lg. private fenced courtyard. private entry with parking,laundry onsite, water and electric included. $765/mo. 1st and security with lease. Avail March 1st call 941-548-7989 MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE 1/1 efficency $675/ mo. Or $165/week, 6 mos or 1 year lease. Large 3BD house $1,250, carport, office, and all tile. Pay your first month’s rent with an approved application and you’re in. Water & electric included* Call for details. 954-527-9225 HUGE 2/2 POOL DUPLEX - POMPANO BEACH Updated, Lushly Landscaped, East of Fed Hwy 1 Mile to Beach, D/R, Sep. Laundry W/D, Fab Lrg Pool, New Central AC, Tile Floors, Small Dog or Cat ok. $1390, Available 2/1/13 Call Tim: 754-235-2911 1BD APARTMENT UPSTAIRS 1142 NE 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale $700/Mo. Yearly Call 954-764-0212 or 954-581-2573 $700 DOWNTOWN/ SAILBOAT BEND Quiet, small complex. 1 BD/ 1BA. Large walk-in closet , like new carpet. Living room ,dining area, kitchen. FREE hot water, NEW A/C, LOW electric bills. Assigned parking. ** MOVE –IN SPECIAL** $ 700/Mo. 954-566-6251

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 6.19.13 //

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