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december 18, 2013 // vol. 4 // issue 51

SFGN’S PERSON OF THE YEAR

Courageous & Captivating

Edith ‘Edie’ Windsor Page 14

MIAMI’S NEW CABARET 50 TIME WARNER TOPS HRC’S CORPORATE LIST 12 SOFLAGAYNEWS // SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS SFGN.COM //

Top 3 on SFGN.com Last week’s hottest items couldn’t wait to be printed

Photo credit: Facebook

Michigan Governor Condemns GOP Leader’s Anti-Gay Statement

Photo credit: CNN

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Photo credit: Facebook

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Republican Gov. Rick Snyder has condemned GOP National Committeeman Dave Agema’s statement that gay people are seeking health insurance for same-sex partners because they are dying of AIDS and want free medical care.

Agema made the statement last Thursday at the Berrien County Republican Party’s holiday reception at a banquet

hall in Lake Township, east of Bridgman in southwestern Michigan. He told the group that he opposes gay marriage and said that Republicans who support it are wrong, The Herald-Palladium of St. Joseph (http://bit.ly/1bXh9CK) reported.

“Folks, they want free medical because they’re dying between 38 and 44 years old,” he said.

In his 70-minute televised speech from an ornate Kremlin hall, Putin pledged to defend traditional family values, which he said were the foundation of Russia’s greatness and a bulwark against “so-called tolerance — genderless and infertile.”

He lamented the “review of norms of morality” going on in

Snyder spokeswoman Sara Wurfel said Wednesday that the governor considers the remarks “extreme and discriminatory.”

“We shouldn’t tolerate discrimination of any kind,” said Wurfel.

Agema said in an email that the news media “twisted my speech out of context,” the Detroit Free Press reported.

From the Associated Press

many other countries.

“This destruction of traditional values from above not only entails negative consequences for society, but is also inherently antidemocratic because it is based on an abstract notion and runs counter to the will of the majority of people,” Putin said.

From the Associated Press

French President Francois Hollande to Skip Sochi Olympics Count one more world leader out of the Winter Olympics, which start February 7 in Sochi, Russia.

French President Francois Hollande will not be attending the Sochi Games, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Sunday.

Less than a week after German President Joachim

Gauck chose to boycott the Olympics, Fabius was asked about Hollande’s plans for the Games.

“This (has) not been planned ... to attend,” Fabius responded. “But at the same time I wish all the success for these games. But for now, it is not expected that the highest French authorities attend.”

Like German officials, Fabius declined to explain the decision further.

Eighty kings, queens, presidents and other world leaders attended the opening ceremony for the 2012 London Summer Olympics, according to the British newspaper The Guardian.

From our media partner CNN

THE

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W O N S D Winter 2014 ON STAN 2

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SouthFloridaGayNews

DECEMBER 18, 2013 • VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 51 2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

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Editorial

Putin Defends Russian Conservative Values Russia has faced Western criticism over a law banning “propaganda of nontraditional relations,” which gay rights groups say has given a green light to harassment and intimidation. The law has prompted activists across the world to demand a boycott of the Winter Olympics in Sochi in February.

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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SFGN’S PERSON OF THE YEAR, EDITH WINDSOR © 2013 OZIER MUHAMMAD/THE NEW YORK TIMES 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.

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3

News Briefs Court Shoots Down Short-Lived Same-Sex Marriage Law in Canberra, Australia For five days, same-sex couples could get married in Australia’s capital city of Canberra. Those who did were the first in the country to do so.

But that fleeting window was slammed shut Thursday by the Australian High Court, which ruled that a recent local law legalizing samesex marriage was invalid.

That means that the marriages of the couples who took advantage of the law to tie the knot -- 27 according to local media -- will be annulled.

“This is devastating for those couples who married this week and for their families,” said Rodney Croome, the national director of the advocacy

group Australian Marriage Equality.

“However, this is just a temporary defeat.”

The Australian court’s decision is the latest setback for gay rights in the Asia-Pacific region. On Wednesday, India’s top court ruled that sex between consenting homosexual partners is illegal in the country, prompting dismay from human rights groups.

Australian gay rights activists said their fight would now shift to lobbying the national parliament to change federal legislation.

The high court said Thursday that the federal Marriage Act, which doesn’t permit same-sex marriage, takes

precedence over the law passed by the legislative assembly in Canberra, also known as the Australian Capital Territory.

The lawmakers in the ACT, which has a population of about 380,000 people, would have been aware that their same-sex marriage law wouldn’t be allowed to override federal law.

But their move has succeeded in fostering renewed debate on the issue in Australia.

The activists’ goal of changing the federal Marriage Act appears to be a stern challenge, though.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott and his conservative coalition oppose same-

C

roatian Government Proposes New Rights for Gays

Less than two weeks after Croatians voted to ban gay marriage, their government has proposed granting same-sex couples new legal rights.

The “life partnership” legislation the government presented to Parliament on Thursday would allow gay couples to officially register their relationship, inherit property from one another, and represent each other as next of kin.

They would not be allowed to marry or adopt children.

The government’s legislative majority means the bill is likely to pass, even though a majority of Croatians voted in the Dec. 1 referendum to ban gay marriage in a major victory for the Catholic Church-backed conservatives in the European Union’s newest nation. Croatia’s constitution will be amended to impose the ban.

Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic said Thursday the legislation upholds “good European standards.”

From the Associated Press

I

ndian Gay Activists Protest Top Court’s Ruling

Hundreds of gay rights activists gathered in India’s capital and other cities across the country on Sunday to protest a decision

by India’s top court to uphold a law that criminalizes gay sex.

India’s Supreme Court last week reversed

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sex marriage.

That’s despite public pressure from his family.

“Sad news that the ACT same-sex marriage law has been overturned,” tweeted Abbott’s lesbian sister, Christine Forster.

“Focus now firmly on federal parliament,” wrote Forster, who is a lcouncil member in Sydney.

Earlier this year, Australian neighbor New Zealand became the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to legalize same-sex marriage.

From our media partner CNN

gay sex and makes it punishable by up to a decade in prison.

The ruling dealt a blow to gay activists who have fought for years for the chance to live openly in India’s deeply conservative society.

Similar protests were organized Sunday in several Indian cities, with groups of gay and human rights activists urging a rollback of the court’s decision.

From the Associated Press

O

hio Cop Says Hate Motive in Trans Slayings

a landmark 2009 lower court order that had decriminalized gay sex. The country’s gay community is demanding that the government take immediate action to remove the colonial-era law banning samesex relations.

About 800 protesters in New Delhi, the capital, wore black arm bands Sunday and waved rainbow-colored flags and banners.

Some people wore masks and wigs to protect their identity. They said the Supreme Court’s ruling had evoked anger and dismay across soflagaynews //

the country.

The activists said that they were in the process of taking legal steps to undo the court’s decision and that Sunday’s protest was to make their voices heard. ``It’s my fundamental right to decide who I should love,’’ said Rohan Mehta, a New Delhi-based businessman who was among the demonstrators. ``I will not let the court deprive me of my rights.’’

The court ruled Wednesday that only lawmakers could change the law that bans

SouthFloridaGayNews

A Cleveland police official says police believe the recent slayings of two transgender women were motivated by hate.

The Northeast Ohio Media Group (http:// bit.ly/1hdUCRu ) reports that deputy chief Ed Tomba spoke at a forum Sunday called by advocates of Cleveland’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. He says federal authorities would have to decide whether to try the cases under hate crime law, but police are calling them “crimes of hate.”

Police have no suspects and don’t believe the same person is responsible for the two slayings earlier this month.

A disabled, transgender woman was found slain at an assistant living care facility.

Another transgender woman was shot in the head in a vehicle.

The activists stressed the need for more education about transgender women and men.

From the Associated Press

news highlight

Apple’s CEO (Finally) Speaks Out On Civil Rights Associated Press

in the fear of people that were different In an uncharacteristically personal than the majority,” he said. address, Apple CEO Tim Cook is He said working at Apple has been speaking out about civil rights, saying different. equality for all is “at the core of my “I was very fortunate that my life’s beliefs and values.” journey took me to Apple,” Cook said.

The speech came when Cook was “In addition to finding a company and accepting a lifetime achievement Tim Cook a founder unlike any other, I found at award from Auburn University, his Photo: Apple Inc. Apple a company that deeply believed alma mater, in New York City last in advancing humanity, through its products and week. He said he recalled seeing a cross burning, a through the equality of all of its employees.” symbol of racism, during the turbulent civil-rights Cook said Apple works to ensure all of its struggles of the 1960s in Alabama. products are accessible to people with physical and “This image was permanently imprinted in my mental disabilities, not to make more money but brain and it would change my life forever,” he said. “because it is just and right.”

“I could never understand it, but I knew then that Apple is one of several Silicon Valley companies America’s, and Alabama’s, history would always be that have been vocal on civil issues like immigration scarred by the hatred that it represented.” reform, nondiscrimination and same-sex marriage.

Cook called on Congress to act on immigration Last year, Google launched a campaign called reform and to pass the Employment Non“Legalize Love,” dedicated to LGBT rights. Apple Discrimination Act of 2013, which would “demand has donated money to the fight against California’s equality and non-discrimination for all employees, Proposition 8, which would have banned gay regardless of who they love.” marriage. Facebook, Microsoft and Amazon also His comments at times took on a personal tone. have been involved in similar efforts.

“I have seen and I have experienced many other types of discrimination, and all of them were rooted

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news local New Transgender Director at Sun Serve Organization wins grant for trans community John McDonald

jeanmichelmcdonald@gmail.com

Transgender. Often overlooked in the LGBTQ community and even more misunderstood.

“Society tells us men have penises and women have vaginas, but there is a whole array of intersex in between,” said Bryan Wilson, director of training and development at Sun Serve, a model nonprofit social services agency serving the LGBT communities in South Florida.

Typically, transgender people are fighting against the odds. Wilson cited statistics showing transgender people to be at high risk of HIV infection, employment discrimination, substance abuse, depression and suicide.

“And we have one of the largest transgender communities in the country,” said Wilson, explaining how Broward County’s Transgender protection rights have made the greater Fort Lauderdale area a “haven for Transgender individuals.”

Hoping to lead this group to better times, is Arianna Lint, Sun Serve’s new director of GenderServe, transgender case management services. Lint, 41, who previously worked as a health educator and investigator with the Florida Department of Health, said she is delighted to join the Sun Serve staff.

“I love to help my community,” Lint said.

“We have to educate people on gender identity. As transgender people we are proud to be under the LGBTQ umbrella… but we don’t want to be a queen, we just want to be a real person. A real person with a job.”

Lint was born in Peru and immigrated to the United States in 2000 where she affirmed her identity as a female and was granted asylum by the U.S. government. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in social work and is eager to get to work for Broward County’s transgender community.

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SouthFloridaGayNews

Ariana Lint, Sun Serve Director Submitted Photo

And Sun Serve is glad to have her.

The organization is hosting a screening of the transgender documentary, “Just Gender,” produced by local residents George Zubar and Mona Pittenger. The screening is scheduled for Jan. 27, 6:30 p.m. at the historic Gateway Theater in Fort Lauderdale and Lint will take part in a discussion immediately following the film.

“I know what it’s like to not feel right inside,” she said. “It’s difficult. I felt that way growing up.”

Lint said her family life was conservative with her father serving on the police force and mother a devout Catholic. She left Peru for the freedom of the United States and a “better quality of life.”

“This is the country where dreams come true,” she said.

For more information about GenderServe, call 954-764-5150 or visit www.sunserve.org

news local White Party Raises More Than Half a Million Dollars Denise Royal

royalt2@aol.com

The 2013 White Party Week, held from November 27 – December 2 is being hailed as a success. Twelve thousand people attended the weeklong circuit party including the 2,500 who were at the White Party. More than $600,000 was raised for Care Resource.

For 30 years, Care Resource has provided HIV/AIDS research, prevention, care and treatment services to individuals in MiamiDade and Broward Counties and has become South Florida’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization. The agency spends 86 cents of every dollar raised on patient care.

While the White Party is a favorite among locals, this year it had more of a global flavor. “We had a lot more international participation this year from Brazil, Canada and other parts of the world,” says Joseph DePiro, Care Resource’s public relations and marketing manager.

And while the festivities were geared towards entertaining thousands of gay men,

it was one of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills who made a big splash. Straight ally and restaurateur, was on hand to party and introduce a new line of sangria, called LVP. There were other highlights as well.

Among them: DJ Offer Nissim spinning for thousands at the White Party. Another memorable moment was a little more ironic.

“At Sunday’s party on Muscle Beach, DJ Roland Belmares played “It’s Raining Men” when it began raining. And the boys just kept dancing!” DePiro tells SFGN. If you couldn’t make the White Party or want to relive it, Belmares is featured on the official album of White Party Week-Miami.

It’s now for sale featuring great beats and great vocals from #1 artists Jeanie Tracy, Ceevox, Edson Pride, Hector Fonseca, Sylvia Tosun, and David Vendetta, plus new mixes of Demons and Unconditionally. It’s available for download at iTunes and Amazon.

Photos from The White Party 2013 Photo credit: Care Resource

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news local South Florida’s Alliance for GLBTQ Youth The organization’s biggest initiative this year is tackling homelessness Christiana Lilly

christiana.lilly@gmail.com

Five years ago, the dream to create an alliance of advocacy for gay youth was just that, a dream. Today, it’s a realized one in the form of The Alliance for GLBTQ Youth.

While the Alliance is headquartered in North Miami, most work is done in the field as transportation can be difficult for youth, and the staff wants to make sure they to feel safe.

It takes the lead in the organization, namely in programming and fiscal matters, and is comprised of Family Counseling Services, Jewish Community Services, Pridelines Youth Services, Safe Schools Florida, and the Yes Institute. Each organization has its own strengths and specialties to help serve gay youth in a complete way.

“We are of the belief system that not any one organization can actually serve the holistic needs of the community, and so we must do this together in partnership,” said Carla Silva, executive director of the Alliance. “We really have the most invested and the integral LGBT organizations working together.”

On Sept. 28, the Alliance celebrated with BOOM! The Q Affair, a gala in honor of the agency’s five years and looking forward to more success in the future. And there has been much to celebrate.

“I feel really proud and confident about the work that we are doing and that was our first time ever appreciation, gala, celebration,” Silva said. “That was kind of our coming out and look, we’re actually doing what we said we were going to do and we’re doing it really well.”

A new addition to the Alliance’s repertoire was the creation of the ChangeMakers summer youth leadership institute. About a dozen youth ages 15 to 24 applied and were accepted to take part in the seminar for nine weeks to learn more about systems of oppression, legislative advocacy, lobbying,

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SouthFloridaGayNews

Photo by Silvia Ros Photography Submitted Photo

the history of LGBT issues, and more. Each participant then created a project for them to go forward with.

The biggest initiative by the Alliance this year was tackling youth homelessness — as much as 40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBT. Partnering with Citrus Health Network, which provides a place for youth to stay as the Alliance works to find permanent housing and other solutions with whatever problems the child is facing. So far they have helped 10 kids without actively advertising the services as they finalize details.

The Alliance was also a part of a pilot program in August to count homeless youth in Miami-Dade County, with volunteers spreading out on Miami Beach, downtown, and beyond to find out how many youth are homeless. The official count will be conducted on Jan. 23, 2014, headed by the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust and the Miami Coalition for the Homeless.

Volunteers are needed.

During the count, the staff hopes to find out how many homeless youth identify as LGBT — the information will be voluntary.

At least one person on each team will be LGBTQ so that an advocate will be available should a youth need help.

“We don’t yet have a real, I think, read on the true scope of homelessness in our communities,” Silva said. “There’s some data that says whoever is counted in the youth count, it’s only just 10 percent of the true homeless population.”

Anyone wishing to donate or volunteer with The Alliance for GLBTQ Youth, especially with the youth count in January, can call 305-899-8087 or email Carla Silva at csilva@glbtqalliance.org.

news local Santa Comes Early for Local HIV Groups Campbell Foundation bestows 20 grants weeks before Christmas Sasha Razumikhin In the spirit of giving, each December the Campbell Foundation gives grants to groups around the country who service HIV/AIDS in some form or another.

Campbell’s Program Officer Ken Rapkin calls it a “holiday hug.”

“These organizations work hard all through the year to provide services to the AIDS community and their families. This annual gift, to be used in any way they see fit, is our way of recognizing all that they do,” Rapkin said.

This year’s recipients are: 1. Aids Help of Monroe County, Key West, Fla. 2. Aid for AIDS, New York, NY 3. American Academy of HIV Medicine, Washington, D.C. 4. Broward House, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 5. Caracole, Cincinnati, Ohio 6. Care Resource, Miami, Fla. 7. Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 8. Clinical Directors Network, New York, NY 9. FoundCare (formerly the Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach), Riviera Beach, Fla. 10. Frannie Peabody Center, Portland, Maine 11. Help, Inc (HIV Education and Law Project), Miami Beach, Fla. 12. Jerusalem House, Atlanta, Ga. 13. McGregor Clinic, Fort Myers, Fla. 14. Mothers Voices, Stone Mountain, Ga. 15. North Broward Hospital District Comprehensive Care Center, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 16. Oasis, Fort Walton Beach, Fla. 17. Open Hand, Atlanta, Ga. 18. Poverello Center, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 19. Time Out Youth, Charlotte, N.C. 20. Wellness Center of South Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Matt Pieper, executive director of Open Hand Atlanta, said the grant will go a long way toward providing those with chronic illness with the medically appropriate meals and nutrition coaching they need to better manage or overcome their health challenges.

“This year has been an especially tough year because of deep federal cuts, making it more difficult to provide nutrition services to those in Metro Atlanta who need our help,” Pieper said. “It’s a very profound gift and we are so appreciative of the Campbell Foundation’s continued support.”

Linda Seiter, executive director of Caracole in Ohio said her organization appreciates the fact that the grants come with no strings attached.

“What is so appreciated about the Campbell Foundation is the fact that they do fund general operating support,” Seiter said. “So many foundations are interested in new and innovative programming, which we can do, but we need funding to sustain what we are doing and the Campbell Foundation helps us do that.”

Bill Venuti (left) and Ken Rapkin of The Campbell Foundation Submitted Photo

Campbell Foundation is named after Richard Campbell Zahn, the chemist who brought you Herpecin-L lip balm. He incorporated Campbell Labs to sell the balm.

But something was bothering him.

“He was so mad when he was alive that the government was ignoring AIDS,” said Bill Venuti, now the trustee at Campbell. Venuti explained that Campbell had set aside money in 1986 for the very foundation that acts today, but the money couldn’t be touched until the chemist passed away in 1995 from AIDS complications. “When he died, we knew we had to fund these scientists. It’s not sexy, but somebody has to start on those basic ideas. The parades are fun, but that’s more applicable when you’re able to do that — we have to stick to the donor’s vision.”

And so, the foundation stepped up to the plate. Since 1995, the foundation has funded 126 sets of studies around the world.

Funders Concerned About AIDS (FCAA), for, example, ranked Campbell in the top 20th percentile for private philanthropic groups that focus on AIDS. The 25-year-old FCAA aims to “mobilize” philanthropic groups like Campbell by initiating them into action (and ranking them).

“We’ve given away over $9 million — to ideas that no one wanted to be a part of,” Ken Rapkin told SFGN. “Women’s studies, children’s studies. Many times the government was too afraid to touch the more risky medications.”

For more information, visit their website at CampbellFoundation.net.

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news world

Which Countries Still Criminalize Homosexuality?

Last week India became the 77th country to make it illegal Jason Parsley While the battle for marriage equality in America rages on through courts, legislatures and public opinion, LGBT people in many nations have to worry about their safety and in some countries — their lives. India recently became the 77th country to make homosexual acts illegal and in 10 countries it’s a crime punishable by death.

“This is a sad day for India and for the world. No one should have to go to jail because of who they are or who they love. We stand in solidarity with India’s human rights community,” said Joe Mirabella, Director of

Communications for All Out in a statement.

“Sadly this ruling now brings the total number of countries that make it a crime to be gay, lesbian, bi, or trans from 76 to 77. It essential that we bring that number to zero.

No person should have to sacrifice their family or freedom, safety or dignity, because of who they are or who they love.”

While in the African country of Cameroon anti-gay violence is on the rise and All Out believes it’s “out of control.” The country this year rejected a request from the United Nations to end their anti-gay law.

“Violence against lesbian, gay, bi, and trans (LGBT) people in Cameroon is some of the worst in the world,” a statement from All Out reads. “Activists are regularly harassed, threatened, beaten, and even tortured to death in their homes like Eric Lembembe, a prominent and outspoken LGBT advocate in Cameroon who was murdered in July 2013.”

The graphic below shows the current state of LGBT people around the world. Even in our own hemisphere there’s still work to be done, especially in the Caribbean.

Legend Green – Countries where homosexual acts are legal Purple – Countries where homosexual acts are illegal Red – Countries where homosexual acts are punishable by death Yellow – See descriptions below Iraq – After the American invasion of 2003 the Penal Code of 1969 was reinstated in Iraq. This code does not prohibit same sex relations.

However, various reports have shown that self-proclaimed Sharia judges have sentenced people to death for committing homosexual acts.

India – Recently India’s Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling from 2009 that decriminalized the love between two men. Now, gays could once again face prosecution under section 377, which makes it illegal for anyone to perform “unnatural offenses.” People found guilty of violating section 377 could face up to 10 years in prison.

Palestine – In the Gaza Strip some homosexual acts are illegal, whereas in the West Bank there are no laws against homosexual acts.

Image courtesy: Jason Parsley

*Most of the information used to create this map came from All Out, an organization that is mobilizing millions of people and their social networks to build a powerful global movement for love and equality. Their mission is to build a world where no person will have to sacrifice their family or freedom, safety or dignity, because of who they are or who they love. Visit AllOut.org for more information.

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news national HRC high-fives Time Warner for Second Year in a Row on Equality In its Corporate Equality Index, TWC named a great place to work for LGBT people Sasha Razumikhin It may be slow on providing fast Internet connections, but Time Warner Cable (TWC) is sure providing some progressive equality to its employees.

So says the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) through its Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an evaluation of corporations on their LGBT-related policies and practices. The evaluations focuses on areas like nondiscriminations workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgenderinclusive health care benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with the LGBT community.

For its part, TWC sure does appreciate the second time the CEI placed it as a “Best Place to Work for LGBT Employees” for the second year in a row, having scored a perfect 100.

“We are humbled that the Human Rights Campaign continues to recognize Time Warner Cable as a place where LGBT people can start, grow and enjoy their careers,” said Peter Stern, executive VP and chief strategy, people and corporate development officer at Time Warner.

“We’re proud to be the service provider of choice for our LGBT customers across the country.”

To see the complete list of the 2014 CEI rankings, go to hrc.org/cei.

But TWC isn’t the only company to win such honors. Lockheed Martin also scored a perfect 100, and has done so for the sixth time in a row.

“The CEI is the gold standard for corporate policies and practices related to LGBT employees and their families,” said Kim Admire, Lockheed Martin VP, culture, diversity and equal opportunity programs, in a statement. “The 100 percent rating reflects our mission to embrace the diverse talents and perspectives of our people to power innovation and business success.”

And according to the HRC, these numbers are part of a mostly positive trend.

The Huffington Post reported that according to this year’s CEI, “this year

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corporations around the United States reached new heights in their support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers.”

“304 businesses achieved a top rating of 100, more than any previous year. In 2002, the first year the survey was conducted, just 13 companies achieved a perfect score,” the

Post reported. “Most significantly, hundreds of major businesses weighed in during 2013 on public policy decisions either by signing an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme

Court to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act, or by joining a coalition of companies publicly supporting an federal anti-gay workplace discrimination bill.”

To learn more about the CEI, go to hrc.org/ campaigns/corporate-equality-index.

Photo courtesy of HRC CEI

opinion

compass points

Gays Know How to Rally!

Julie Seaver

Operations Director for Compass

“A huge sense of pride and a powerful statement is made when openly LGBT people donate their time and money to issues not specific to the LGBT community.”

This holiday season, I have a helpful tip on how to get more things done: make a resolution to invite a gay to your next fundraiser or committee because we know how to fundraise and plan stuff.

By this time of year, space in our schedules and our holiday energies may be feeling depleted, but end of the year and non-profit giving remains on the rise. In working with donors the last 8 years, and as a donor to several causes myself, I feel something special still happens when the LGBT community strives for causes outside of the gay community. So, are we mainstreaming our philanthropy?

While its true LGBT donors give more than the general public, seeking out recipients who embrace equality, only half of our contributions actually go to LGBT causes.

The other half goes to mainstream (non-gay) causes. Think about it. Someone you know is affected by cancer? We form a team and walk for cancer research. Someone needs help due to tragedy or our local kids don’t have gifts for the holidays? We host a fundraiser and collect for toy drives. Gay and lesbian donors are, for the most part, intentional. We give for many of the same reasons everyone else does. We give tocauses we are passionate about and giving helps us to communicate who we are and what we believe in.

Responding to a growing maturity of the

movement, our advocacy organizations have gained currency within mainstream politics and our giving has become personal, political and powerful. A huge sense of pride and a powerful statement is made when openly LGBT people donate their time and money to issues not specific to the LGBT community.

While these ideas are nothing new, advocacy through philanthropy can be very effective in pushing our horribly sneaky, gay agenda. Simply put: we are not Satan’s spawn, the LGBT population is absolutely a part of the overall community and we’re not going anywhere.

So happy holidays to all of our hetero community members and while it’s midDecember and you are still detangling the lights? All of our Christmas decorating and shopping has been done for weeks.

Certainly marriage equality, employment non-discrimination and an overall commitment to equality are all very important to us and organizations that support the LGBT community still continue to be a priority for most of us. But when it comes to an important and selfless cause?

Let’s face it, the gays know how to rally like no other and we can get shit done.

Julie Seaver is the Center Operations Director for Compass Community and can be reached at julie@compassglcc.com. soflagaynews //

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opinion publisher’s editorial

Edith Windsor

Person of the Year

SFGN’s Person of the Year Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

Time Magazine favorably chose Pope Francis as its Person of the Year. For the LGBT community, though, from South Florida, to Seattle, it is a no brainer. The Person of the Year is Edith ‘Edie’ Windsor, a profile in courage and conscience.

After NSA expose artist Edward Snowden, she came in third place in Time’s annual selection. Ms. Windsor is the headliner here, in your hometown gay paper.

In 2007, Windsor and Thea Spyer, after 40 years of being together, the New York residents married in Toronto, Ontario.

Two years later, Spyer would pass away, requiring Windsor to turn over to the IRS nearly $365,000 in inheritance taxes, because they were not a legally married couple under the federal laws of our supposedly grand old USA. If federal law had recognized the validity of her marriage, Windsor would have had to pay no federal estate taxes. She would have qualified for what is known as an unlimited spousal deduction. In May 2008, New York Governor David Paterson had actually ordered state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions, but the IRS, a federal agency, would not. Thus began the odyssey wherein Edie Windsor would challenge the Defense of Marriage Act as an unconstitutional deprivation of her civil liberties.

On June 26, 2013, in a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court of the United States of America agreed, striking down the law as a “as a deprivation of the liberty of the person protected by the Fifth Amendment.” It was the first time the Supreme Court had ever recognized marriage between partners of the same sex. Not surprisingly, all three women

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on the Supreme Court voted with Windsor’s position. The fight for marriage equality has been won by the tenacity of an unlikely activist, now appropriately referred to as the matriarch of America’s gay rights movement.

By the way, Ms. Windsor is 84 years old. You are never too young or too old to fight your first civil rights battle.

Time Magazine may not have made Ms. Windsor this year’s winner, but it sure published an illuminating and electrifying profile of this enchanting senior citizen.

Referring to her as “feisty, funny, and extroverted,” the story shares Windsor’s quiet history with a same-sex partner: “Most of us have spent most of our lives coming out selectively. It’s safe here. It’s good here. You can say you have a wife here, but not there,” she told the magazine. It is a story many of us lived in the past. It is a lie future gay generations will not have to tell. We have the courage and conscience of Edie Windsor to thank, along with a good and gutsy lawyer, one Roberta Kaplan, a lesbian and corporate litigator who had previously argued for the sanctity of same sex marriage in New York’s highest court.

Ms. Windsor’s profile in Time Magazine is heart wrenching, as she describes decades of “living a lie,” foolishly marrying a man, and concealing her relationship with a woman.

You grow up today in the age of Grindr, and maybe you don’t know that until 1973 the American Psychiatric Association deemed homosexuality “a mental illness.” You did not meet in bars. You met partners in dark alleys.

But Windsor and Spyer emerged from the shadows, and together they eventually worked for groups like the East End Gay Organization on Long Island, where, according to Time Magazine, they hosted a yearly party over

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Memorial Day weekend.

Being gay in straight America has been no party, not for Edie Windsor or many of her generation.

Today, though, she has helped clear a path, aided by a bare majority of our Supreme Court. The case that she brought to the high court was once about winning an economic victory, which was no small matter alone. But now she has sent a ripple through all of time, for decades to come. We can Edith Windsor as she hears the Supreme Court’s Defense of Marriage Act decision on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. Photo courtesy Ariel Levy/NewYorker now be assured that that gay couples will be treated as economic equals across the board, from Medal of Freedom.

You never know when you are called upon getting access to veterans and social security benefits, along with green cards for foreign to stand naked before the cannon; to speak up and speak out to defend your freedom, or husbands and wives.

In 1958, when Ms. Windsor worked for IBM, your rights. You just have to rise to the occasion homosexuality was the love that dare not when your time comes, whether it is against speak its name. By 2008, they had a division a high school bully or homophobic employer. for corporate diversity and attended summits You don’t need a gun to stand your ground. You of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of need a conscience, and maybe a good lawyer.

Commerce. Say goodbye to the shadows, but You may be 20; you could be 80. You just need never forget the ignominious shade and false to be you.

This year, 2013, the South Florida Gay News shame we were forced to endure.

Windsor has lived the admonition of celebrates the conscience, the courage and the Pericles, who said of Greece, “If Athens shall commitment of an octogenarian lesbian with appear great to you, consider then that her the tenacity and tenor to make a difference, glories were purchased by good men doing Edie Windsor. Her fight won more than equal their duty each and every day.” Ms. Windsor rights for her and her late partner. It made you is not our first hero. Our community has and marriage equality very real in the eyes of honored many, from gay soldiers like Leonard the law and our society, now and forevermore.

Matlovich, to politicians like Harvey Milk, who has posthumously won the Presidential

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Edith Windsor

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column off the wall

I Am So Over Rudolph!

Pier Angelo

Really? Again? Has anybody told Bill O’Reilly and Sarah Palin that “The War on Christmas” is well beyond its use-by date?

Why come December do they have to rehash the whole silly thing with claims that any specific mention of the term “Christmas” or its religious aspects is being increasingly censored, avoided, and discouraged by a number of advertisers, retailers, government, or other public and secular organizations? Can’t they just move on and enjoy the holidays like gay guys do?

They could engage in any number of grandiose behaviors, including, and not limited to, sashaying across a beautifully decorated living room yelling like hussies, at the top of their lungs: “Oh my God can you believe these lights!” while hopping up and down with excessive theatrics. Of course not. It would be too much fun. Then I am reminded they both have a new book to plug, and it all starts making sense.

Palin’s “Good Tidings and Great Joy: Protecting the Heart of Christmas” is inane and poorly written. Loaded with overblown rhetoric and bigotry, recycling stories about Atheists and non Christians hell bent in trying to spoil Christmas “for all” by objecting to Christian displays on public

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land. It is filled to capacity with satanic retailers who are using the word “Holiday” instead of the word “Christmas.”

And what should they do? Combine Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza into a single term, HANUKWANZMAS, to avoid the awkwardly PC “Happy Holidays?” Come on Sarah. He was born. There was a manger.

Get over it already. If she is sooooo concerned about the meaning of Christmas why isn’t she going after the NBA? For the sixth year in a row the league has stolen Christmas by scheduling five games to be broadcast on Dec. 25. It looks as if professional basketball has replaced family and Jesus as the core of the Holy Day. But according to her The War on Christmas is the tip of the spear in a larger battle to secularize our culture, and make true religious freedom a thing of America’s past.

O’Reilly’s aptly titled “Killing Jesus” is a book far more into glorifying Jesus than presenting honest history. It is of course biased in its presentation of “facts” and the author is more interested in proselytizing than educating. But it will sell well to the choir during the season, reinforced by the author’s tireless crusade against the alleged WOC. Whether one prays to Jesus, soflagaynews //

Mohammed or Buddha doesn’t matter to me but I remember that the charter of the Founding Fathers was to permit each to practice the religion of their choice. For pity’s sake, have this religion stay at home.

Decorate that home with nativity scenes, turn it into a religious shrine with statues and crucifixes, it’s your property go right ahead; just don’t force it on me. Replace the religious inanities which you are trying to impose on the mind of your children, and those who do not share your beliefs, with sound social principles. Instead of futile prayers and meaningless seasonal greetings let them learn their responsibilities to society, teach them that happiness is making others as fortunate as we would wish to be ourselves because the deeper the soul plunges into religious fanaticism the more it loses all sense of, and love for, reality.

Too often religion is based on dissatisfaction with the real world. I know what you are thinking. I am that old man on the cartoons you watched as a kid. What’s his name? Yes, The one with the big nose, the ghosts and a little kid trailing behind him. Scrooge of course. You are absolutely wrong.

Just because I think Christmas is too invasive and pervasive? What’s not to love

SouthFloridaGayNews

Sarah Palin and Bill O’Reilly Photos courtesy Juanita Jean and Fox News

about commercialism, ads, TV specials, being pepper sprayed at a Walmart near you on Black Friday, opening yet another useless gift, aren’t those the spiritual origins of the sacred season?

I am sure overspending on gift baskets for people you don’t like is exactly what the baby Jesus had in mind. And let’s not forget the jingles and the Salvation Army Bells ringing in front of every mall, I much prefer Kmart’s “Joe Boxer Christmas” that features some hunky men “jingling their bells!” Oh, and those terminally annoying Christmas songs constantly spinning wherever you go.

At least this year there are three new covers of some old classics to cheer us up: Speaker John Boehner’s “You Better Not Cry,” Senator Ted Cruz’s “The Little Drama Boy,” and the NSA’s “We See You When You Are Sleeping.”

Memo to Bill and Sarah: saying “Merry Christmas” doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

I will keep it simple and straight- to y’all: “Merry Everything, Peace and Shitloads of Joy in the New Year.”

Introducing New

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opinion jesse’s journal

2013: The Best of Times Section 377 and its Worldwide Impact Jesse Monteagudo

A few years ago I wrote a piece about Section 377, part of a code of law drafted by the newly-formed British government of India. Written by the historian Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay, Section 377 decreed that “Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine... Penetration is sufficient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the offense described in this section.”

India’s Section 377 became the model for similar laws in other British colonies in Africa, Asia and Oceania. Though the United Kingdom has long since abolished its own sodomy laws, 35 of its former colonies still have sodomy laws modeled after Section 377: “Half the world’s countries that criminalize homosexual conduct do so because they cling to Victorian morality and colonial laws,” noted Scott Long, director of the Human Rights Watch’s LGBT Rights Division.

In 2009 the Delhi High Court ruled that Section 377 of India’s penal code was unconstitutional. Religious groups appealed that decision to India’s Supreme Court. On December 11 that Supreme Court overturned the 2009 decision, ruling that only the Indian Parliament had the right to change the penal code. All of a sudden, tens of millions of Indian men — Section 377 only applies to male sexual activity — became, once again, potential criminals.

“This verdict is remarkable and bizarre,” social scientist Sanjay Srivastava told the BCC. “How can a court take away a fundamental right which has been already given to people?

It is a huge setback for the gay community.

And it makes India look thoroughly stupid internationally.” Though obviously disappointed, India’s Naz Foundation, which filed the original lawsuit, vow to fight the decision.

“We feel very let down,” said Naz’s Anand Grover. “But our fight is not over and we will continue to fight for the constitutional right.”

“We cannot be forced back into the closet,” Gautam Bhan said. “We are not backing off from our fight against discrimination.”

The ruling by India’s Supreme Court capped a roller coaster year, which brought the worldwide LGBT community many victories and many defeats. This was the year of United States v. Windsor, in which the United States Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of the Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA) was

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unconstitutional. Edith Windsor, the lesbian widow who filed that lawsuit, was second runner up for Time magazine’s Person of the Year, after Pope Francis and whistle blower Edward Snowden. Several U.S. states and foreign countries legalized same-sex marriage, bringing the total up to 16 states (and the District of Columbia) and 16 countries. On the other hand, the Russian Federation continued its homophobic tradition, passing a law that bans the “promotion of homosexuality to minors.” On December 1 voters in Croatia passed a referendum banning gay marriage in the European Union’s newest member. And on the same day India’s Supreme Court made its decision, the High Court of Australia ruled that same-sex marriages in the Australian Capital Territory are invalid. Though it was not as drastic as the decision in India — this ruling only affected 27 same-sex couples — the Australian High Court ruling was nevertheless a setback.

So, was 2013 a good year or a bad year, for LGBT people around the world? To paraphrase Charles Dickens, 2013 was “the best of times and the worst of times.” It all depends on what country you live in. Though LGBT rights advanced in North America, South America, Western Europe, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and (in spite of the High Court decision) Australia, they suffered a big setback in India while stagnating in the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Africa, the non-Israel Middle East and much of Asia. Even in “liberal” western nations LGBT people continue to suffer from homophobic and transphobic violence and discrimination. And all over the world, in spite of Pope Francis, organized religion continues to be our number one enemy.

What will 2014 be like? It will probably be much like 2013, with its share of victories and defeats. This means that we must continue to fight for our rights, here and everywhere else.

We must not let our victories deceive us or our defeats disillusion us. And whatever our personal condition is, we must not forget that whatever happens to our sisters and brothers in other countries affect us as well. We are one human family and we must act accordingly.

opinion guest column

One Day Last Week, I Became An Outlaw Tushar Malik

CNN Editor’s note: Tushar Malik is a fellow with the Human Rights Campaign’s Global Engagement Program and an advocate for LGBT equality in India and around the globe.

(Reprinted from Wednesday December 11 from CNN.com) (CNN) – On Tuesday, I was free. On Wednesday, I became a criminal.

Tuesday, we mourned the loss of President Nelson Mandela — a leader whose presidency saw the first constitutional prohibition on anti-gay discrimination. On Wednesday, the India Supreme Court denied my freedom as a gay man, upholding a nearly 153-yearold colonial law that could result in my own imprisonment.

Tuesday, on Human Rights Day, the story of my gay friend fleeing India because his family threatened to kill him went viral.

Today, India’s highest court has wiped away four years of progress following the Delhi High Court ruling that set me free. Religious groups — have been fighting to overturn the

high court ruling for three years, and have succeeded.

I was 19 when I was set free. And I remember the feeling of hope as I heard the news ¬— not just that my country was on a new path, but that my life was. I sat down with my family and came out to them. So many of my friends did the same, all across the country.

When I heard the news Wednesday, I wondered about all those people who are living with the burden of hiding, with the fear of harassment and violence. I wondered about those who had come out of the closet over the last four years, and if they, like me, heard in the Supreme Court ruling a clear message to go back in.

I will not, much to my mother’s distress. I called her upon hearing the news. She wasn’t always by my side — she has a journey of her own over the last four years. But last year she marched in the Gay Pride parade with me.

Today, she’s worried about her son. “I told you,” she said, “it’s not that easy.”

But I refuse to retreat. With this ruling, according to ILGA, India becomes the 77th country worldwide that views lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people as criminals.

Just this week, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Samantha Power, spoke out strongly against these laws, saying “To criticize the criminalization of LGBT status is not cultural imperialism. To deny gays and lesbians the right to live freely and to threaten them with discrimination and even death is not a form of moral or religious Puritanism. It’s in fact barbarism.”

As I write this, I sit in the Human Rights Campaign offices in Washington, D.C., as a fellow with the Global Engagement Program.

Upon accepting this fellowship, I knew I would be working to shine a spotlight on this barbarism. But I never imagined my own homeland would take center stage.

We all had hope. Now, our opponents do. On Twitter, the American Family Association’s Bryan Fischer is cheering the ruling, saying

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An Indian gay-rights activist takes part in a protest Wednesday against the Supreme Court ruling reinstating a ban on gay sex. Photo courtesy CNN

the U.S. Supreme Court should follow India’s example. Back in my home country, where the only chance of reversing this decision lies with the Parliament, the conservatives who give passes to anti-LGBT “honor” killings are downright giddy.

But their enthusiasm will only make my voice louder. In President Barack Obama’s eulogy at the funeral of Mandela, he said that, “he tells us what is possible not just in the pages of history books, but in our own lives as well. Mandela showed us the power of action; of taking risks on behalf of our ideals.”

While India’s Supreme Court justices took my freedom, they cannot take my hope.

CNN is a media partner of SFGN.

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lifestyle film

Dangerously Out

Lebanese filmmaker risks personal safety to make Out Loud David-Elijah Nahmod

Samer Daboul knew there would be risks involved in writing and directing Out Loud, the first gay themed film produced in Lebanon.

As in other Middle East countries, being openly LGBT can get a person killed.

In a fifty minute documentary included on Ariztical’s DVD release of the film, a Muslim cleric, interviewed on Arabic television, calls for the deaths of “homosexuals.”

“How do we create opportunities for artists to thrive?” Daboul asks in the documentary.

“Out Loud is one such story that raised many meaningful questions throughout production. As artists, we sought to explore the status of human rights, gay rights, and freedom of speech in Lebanon and the Middle East. It means seeking a cultural change, a shift, through art. We were able to give a voice to a silent majority. We are trying to use Out Loud as a sample model, as a voice from which the youth can speak out.

Out Loud has the opportunity to be a vessel

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for social change in a society where change is held back by those who fear it.”

As the documentary continues, Daboul speaks of needing police protection during filming, of violent attacks on himself, his cast and his crew. These courageous mavericks stood their ground and completed the film against life threatening odds.

Out Loud is a simple, sweet tale about a close-knit group of friends in Lebanon, some straight and some gay, who profoundly affect each other’s lives. It’s not a perfect film.

There are comic interludes that don’t quite work. The actors, many making their film debuts, alternate in their acting styles from scene to scene. Sometimes the performances are dramatic, sometimes broadly comedic.

Yet there are moments of intense power and raw beauty in this groundbreaking film.

One of the storylines focuses on Rami and Ziad (Ali Rhayem, Jean Kobrosly) a young, desperately in love gay couple. When we first meet Rami, his face is bruised and bloody,

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the result of a run-in with his violently homophobic relatives. After Ziad gently cleans Rami’s wounds, the friends take the guys to a safe house. They’re tailgated on the road by Rami’s cousins, a chilling look at the everyday dangers faced by LGBT people in the Arab world.

In the film’s most lyrical moment, Ziad and Rami’s straight friends dance before a fountain in the moonlight. At first the guys, who also want to dance, are fearful. Finally, they step out into the open and do a short waltz. The scene becomes hypnotic as the guys are bathed in the multi-colored lights overheard.

Daboul reminds his audience that, in spite of the hardships faced by Lebanon’s LGBT community, there’s still beauty to be found in this culture. The Arab people’s love of cuisine takes center stage in several scenes as we see this small circle of friends feasting on the extraordinary Mediterranean delights that comprise the Middle Eastern diet.

SouthFloridaGayNews

Courtesy of Phoenix Eye Pictures

Lebanon has never been known for its film industry. The country’s miniscule film industry produces only a small handful of films each year: less than ten on average.

With Out Loud, the Middle Eastern film community takes a giant step forward.

Out Loud is now available in the USA on DVD.

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lifestyle gay car geek

2014 Jaguar F-Type: Speed, Sound and Catnip Steve Siler

For most of Jaguar’s history, it has built cars that look, well, historical. But Jaguar has been dipping into the catnip lately, building cars that are low-slung, lightweight, and not a little bit irreverent.

The all-new, two-seat F-Type sports car is the smallest, speediest, and brashest of them all. Whether you choose the 340-hp V-6, or the ripsnortin’ 495-hp V-8, the F-Type can reduce its fat rear tires into pools of molten rubber without much provocation, though only the V-8 can be equipped with an popping, crackling exhaust system so loud and raucous you’ll have Harley Davidson riders yelling, “That’s too damn loud!” Steering and brakes give the F-Type reflexes that are—you guessed it—cat-like. And the interior is less sugar-daddy-in-a-silkrobe and more James-Bond-meets-Tom-

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of-Finland. All this British beauty and brawn is priced somewhere between the Porsche Boxster S and Carrera Cabriolet, neither of which can hold a candle to this pretty kitty in terms of sex appeal.

Or you could buy:

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Chevrolet Corvette Porsche Boxster S Aston Martin V8 Vantage

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2014 Jaguar F-Type interactivejaguar.com

SouthFloridaGayNews

2014 Jaguar F-Type

Base Price (including destination): $69,895 (V-6); $81,895 (V-6 S); $92,895 (V-8) Power: 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 (340 hp, 339 lb-ft of torque); 3.0-liter supercharged V-6, S (380 hp, 339 lb-ft of torque); 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 (495 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque) Tranny: 8-speed automatic with manual shift control Fuel Economy, city/hwy: 20/28 mpg (V-6), 19/27 mpg (V-6 S), 16/23 mpg (V-8)

a&e theater

Mormon Cast Light Up The Tropics Norm Kent

The best show in town this week was not ‘The Book of Mormon.’

The best show in town this week was the cast of ‘The Book of Mormon’ putting on a holiday Christmas show Monday evening at Tony D’s place, Tropics, in Wilton Manors.

This was a benefit for Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS. On their last free night in town, before the touring national cast heads on to Charlotte, Cincinnati, and Atlanta, cast members appeared individually, on a small stage, before a small audience, but with large, generous hearts and loving songs.

I can’t tell you whether any of these young actors or actresses is the next Hugh Jackman, but they singularly exhibited extraordinary vocal range in an intimate setting that lent beauty and ‘bellisimo’ to the holiday season.

Ultimately, there is nothing any of us really have but our health and each other, and the Christmas season is a chance to create spiritual bonds that count and matter.

Tropics pulled that off this week.

The cast auctioned off a backstage Broadway experience for their few remaining shows, and three persons donated $2,200 each for the opportunity. Thank you Howard

Solomon, Rudi Dostal, and Ray Griffis. It was the most the cast had raised on a single night for Broadway Cares while on tour. But what mattered most was that Tropics provided a ringing tribute to the holidays, and gave the cast of a major show a forum and stage to give back to the community that supports them.

Candidly, SFGN would not have succeeded these past four years without the arts community supporting us, from the Broadway Center to the community gay choruses. The LGBT community appreciates entertainment and talent, theater and the arts. Our Fall Arts section was a resounding success, and our advertising team is out there right now marketing the Winter Arts Guide. I realize though that it is more than just a magazine and a newspaper. We genuinely care about the arts and give life to them.

The arts are what bring us together as a community, in music on stage and magic in the theater. These young cast members are in their eighteenth city in 15 months, and they do 8 shows a week, with just one night off. Tropics gave them a chance to shine, and

not just on a stage apart from the audience, but as part and parcel of a community of caring supporters who were able, one on one, to say thank you for the energy they bring to the table. I left my life as a thespian behind in college, but every show I see stirs a quiet spirit within, asking ‘what if, what if?’

I am just a Jewish boy from Brooklyn, but Tony D’s Christmas undertaking raised money for a good charity, and raised the souls and spirits of everyone who attended this surprisingly special and unheralded event. It made that neon Christmas tree on

Tony Dee, Owner of Tropic’s Piano Bar & Restaurant and the cast of “The Book of Mormon” Photo courtesy of Mike Trottier

Wilton Drive shine just a little bit brighter when I left his club. May you too find spirit and love throughout this holiday season, whether you are ice skating in Rockefeller Center or gathering in a small office party with friends. There is a place in the holidays for all of us to find sharing and caring.

Hey, there are a million stories in the Naked City. This was one of them.

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The above rates show how People’s Trust Insurance’s statewide average rates compare to those of several other insurers. Of course, rates vary according to the location of a home and other factors. Based on average rate for homeowners insurers listed on Florida’s Shop & Compare website (www.shopandcomparerates.com) calculated as of August 1, 2009, for homes with dwelling values of $150,000 without mitigation features and percentage based on actual insured’s statements who switched their policy to People’s Trust Insurance Company and how much they said they saved at the time the policy was initiated. Each insurer’s actual rates will vary according to the unique characteristics of each insured home. Availability and coverage levels of some plan features subject to state laws and underwriting requirements. Coverage exclusions and limitations may apply. dunham_ins_sfgn_hp-c.indd 1

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43 5/10/2013 5:40:28 SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 12.18.13 // PM

lifestyle books “Taken by the Wind: A Jane Lawless Mystery” by Ellen Hart Terri Schlichenmeyer

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our bag was packed.

There wasn’t much in it except for the necessities: your two favorite toys, a clean t-shirt, the stuffed animal you couldn’t sleep without, and $2.31.

There wasn’t much there for actual survival, but you were a little kid running away from home – what did you know? At least, unlike in the new novel “Taken by the Wind” by Ellen Hart, you weren’t running into danger.

Jack Lindstrom and Gabriel Born weren’t just cousins. The twelve-year-olds were best friends; they did everything together, spent practically every night at one’s house or the other, they even liked the same things.

Jack, the boys’ parents knew, was headstrong and impulsive. Gabriel was quieter, and prone to introspection. It was, therefore, a surprise to Jack’s two dads and to Gabriel’s mom and stepdad that the boys had apparently run away together. Eric Lindstrom figured it was because he and his partner, Andrew Waltz, had recently split. Surely, Jack was feeling angry, and was acting out. But Eric’s sister, Suzanne, Gabriel’s mother, didn’t understand why Gabriel went along with the scheme. It wasn’t like him to do anything like that.

When the boys didn’t return within a few hours, Andrew called his friend, Jane Lawless. As a practicing PI (and part-time restaurateur), Jane would know what to do and how to fix it – because this supposedly-childish runaway episode had begun to look way more sinister But Jane was as stumped as were the boys’ parents. It was true that the disappearance was suspicious. It was also true that Eric and Andrew had been victims of anti-gay harassment, though that didn’t seem to have anything to do with the boys’ vanishing. A few people in their small town of Winfield, Minnesota, had grudges with members of the family, but nothing this serious.

And then the ransom note arrived.

Though she helped scrape together the money to pay whoever was demanding it, Jane was uneasy about that ransom. It didn’t make sense, especially once Jack was released, unharmed, unaware of the identity of the child-snatcher, and unable to answer

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SouthFloridaGayNews

Author, Ellen Hunt Submitted Photo

one important question: why did the kidnapper keep Gabriel?

“Taken by the Wind” is middling, a solid 5.

Over the course of several books in this series, author Ellen Hart’s main character, Jane Lawless, has evolved into a fine PI with excellent skills of deduction and enough outside support to allow her to get the job done.

I like Jane; she’s taciturn and smart, kind of a lesbian Columbo, if you will.

The mystery itself in this book is decent and filled with just the right amount of keep-you-guessing, but it’s also filled with too many side-stories and too much detail. That’s why the middle-ofthe-road rating: both of the latter felt like unnecessary padding. Both distractions almost made me completely lose interest more than once.

This isn’t the best mystery I’ve ever read, but it’s not the worst, either. Give it a whirl, see what you think, try it – but for me, “Taken by the Wind” blows hot and cold.

“Taken by the Wind: A Jane Lawless Mystery” by Ellen Hart © 2013, Minotaur Books $25.99 / $29.99 Canada 320 pages

lifestyle books

Lance Out Loud

Pat Loud, family and friends recall the late Lance Loud in new book David-Elijah Nahmod

I

n Pat Loud’s book Lance Out Loud, family and friends recall Lance Loud, the young man who made history as the first openly gay man to appear on network television.

On page 121, Delilah Loud recalls a brother who walked to the beat of a different drum.

producers were advertising in the magazine.

His boss told him that he couldn’t do that to advertisers. He lost the job, but he remained true to himself.”

The book paints an affectionate portrait of a gay man who loved art, pop culture, family, friends, and life.

Author, Pat Loud Insert: Lance Loud Submitted Photos

Delilah, and other family members, was with Lance on the night he died of AIDS in 2001.

“I looked up through my tears to see a giant shooting star careening horizontally across the sky, a fantastic and sparkly celestial body in the beautiful starry night,” Delilah wrote.

“What Delilah wrote about Lance dying was one of the most touching things I read,” said mom Pat Loud. “We didn’t want the book to be sad, we wanted it to be about Lance’s ebullience.”

Viewers first met the Loud Family in 1973, when PBS premiered An American Family, television’s first reality series. For seven months, the Louds permitted cameras to record their day-to-day existence. It was the show’s second episode which attracted the most attention: Pat flies to New York to visit then twenty-one year old Lance, who took his mother to see a performance by the legendary drag queen Holly Woodlawn.

Through it all, Lance wore his homosexuality on his sleeve. He wasn’t playing a character, he was being himself. Audiences of the period were stunned. Lance became the series’ breakout star, and was soon appearing on talk shows.

“Lance never compromised his personality,” said Pat Loud. “He never bowed to what others expected of him.

She explained the origins of the book’s title. “He had a column in Interview magazine called Lance Out Loud,” she recalled. “He’d review records. If he didn’t like a record, he’d say how awful it was. But many of the record

“I didn’t whitewash Lance,” Pat Loud said. “I wanted to present the whole character of him. But the book it just about Lance, it’s about an era, it tells you a lot about those times.”

Dozens of photos from Lance’s life as a writer, musician. son, brother and gay icon are accompanied with short remembrances by those who knew him best. It becomes quite touching to see how profoundly he affected those whose lives he touched, and how close his friends remain to his mom, more than a decade after his passing.

“Every year on Lance’s birthday I have a party for his friends,” Pat Loud said. “I did this when he was alive and I’ve kept it up.

Lance’s friend Christian Hoffman is like a son to me. He now lives here in Los Angeles, and told me that I could come live with him if ever I needed to.”

Loud named Holly Woodlawn and singer Rufus Wainwright as among the friends of Lance’s with whom she remains close. In his contribution to the book, Wainwright recalls Lance’s belief that the greatest sin in life is to be a bore.

Pat Loud says that the book has been well received, garnering a rave review in the Los Angeles Review of Books.

“We miss Lance every day,” she said.

“Because of Lance, we are an open minded lot of people.”

Lance Out Loud is now available.

ON SALE MONDAY, DECEMBER 16TH AT 10AM

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MAY 4 BB&T CENTER Charge By Phone: 800-745-3000. All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. Ticket prices subject to applicable fees.

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 12.18.13 //

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outeats

Special Advertising Section

SFGN & Storks Adopt Two Poverello Families for the Holidays Poverello Staff

Staff members from SFGN join Peter and John from Storks along with some members of the Poverello Food Bank to provide food for two adopted families for the holidays.

Photo credit SFGN

Financing Available! * - Come to our showrooms to find out more!

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// 12.18.2013 // SFGN.com //

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W

hen we think of the holidays we often think of family. Whether it is our family of origin or our family of choice we want to connect with others whom we are close to. This year, we at Poverello, thought a lot about families and holiday meals. Food is often what brings families together and when families do not have enough food, as many of ours do not, the holidays can be very stressful.

This year SFGN and Storks adopted two families, who are clients of Poverello. They provided these adopted families with an entire holiday meal, including turkey and all the trimmings.

One family is a single mother with two girls and one boy. The other family consists of a sister of a woman who passed away from HIV/AIDS and who is raising her sister’s three children.

SouthFloridaGayNews

Our single mother with the three children reported that everything was “Just delightful!” She picked up the fully cooked turkey and side dishes on Thanksgiving Day from Storks who prepared everything including “A delicious apple pie”.

Perhaps the most gratifying aspect of this story is that the family couldn’t have their dinner until 2:00pm because they themselves were helping others. Their daughter volunteered her time to a nonprofit the morning of Thanksgiving, making the process of giving and receiving come full circle.

Because of the generosity of SFGN and Storks these two families had everything they needed to make the holiday bright.

For more information on how you can make a donation to Poverello, please visit their website at Poverello.org

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SFGNITES F O R

T H E

W E E K

O F

D E C E M B E R

1 8

-

D E C E M B E R

2 4

,

2 0 1 3

W W W . S F G N . C O M

J.W. Arnold

jw@prdconline.com

THUR Dance

12/19

A beloved holiday tradition returns to the Arsht Center when Miami City Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Sugar plum fairies, dancing toys, waltzing flowers, menacing mice and the heroic nutcracker prince continue to captivate audiences of all ages in this magical Christmas ballet, set to timeless music by Tchaikovsky. Performances through Tuesday, Dec. 24 in Miami; Friday, Dec. 27 – 30 at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach; and Jan. 3 – 5 at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale. For show times and tickets, go to MiamiCityBallet.org.

FRI

12/20

Art

Still looking for that perfect gift? Why not check out the Island City Art Walk tonight?

Galleries, boutiques, cafes and other businesses along Wilton Drive display the works of more than 40 local and national artists each month on the third Friday. As you stroll along the 1.1 mile stretch along the Wilton Manors Arts and Entertainment District, stop in the participating businesses and enjoy a glass of wine, holiday music and decorations, and a bite to eat. For information, go to IslandCityArtWalk.com.

Lucille Ball

Television

There’s no doubt Lucille Ball was one of the most colorful classic television stars, but her iconic sitcom, I Love Lucy, starring Ball and husband Desi Arnaz, remains a black and white classic… until now. For the holidays, CBS is airing special colorized episodes of the 1950s series. Enjoy the 1952 Christmas Episode, as well as one of the most popular episodes of all time, Lucy’s Italian Movie, a grape stomping good time set on a Tuscany vacation and first broadcast in 1956. Check local listings for show times and stations.

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Miami City Ballet again presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition, in Miami, West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

Photo Courtesy of Miami City Ballet

SAT

Holidays

12/21 SUN

A miniature circling the base of the Christmas tree was a must at our house during the holidays. Santa Claus, a train lover himself, will be visiting the Gold Coast Railroad Museum in Miami on the Holiday Express from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight. Located adjacent to Zoo Miami off of 152nd Street, the museum’s Holiday Express is $8.00 for members and $10.00 for nonmembers with entertainment, bounce house, games, holiday movie and, of course, train rides. Here’s a chance to celebrate your inner child this holiday season. For information, go to GCRM.org. soflagaynews //

Music

The First Presbyterian Church of Pompano Beach, “The Pink Church,” 2331 NE 26th Ave., has long offered an outstanding music program. Today at 4 p.m., the choir is joined by orchestra and soloists for a special holiday concert featuring J.S. Bach’s Christmas cantata, Unto Us a Child is Given, traditional carols and hymns. A $10 donation is requested. Afterwards, head down to The Sanctuary Church, 1400 N. Federal Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale, for a drive-thru living nativity, 5:30 – 7 p.m., featuring music by the Christian rock band, Jericho Rising. For more information, go to SanctuaryChurchFtL.org.

SouthFloridaGayNews

Dance

12/22

One of the magical aspects of Tchaikovsky’s ballet, The Nutcracker, is that it can be interpreted in so many unique ways. This afternoon, Arts Ballet Theatre of South Florida offers the distinctive choreography of its founder and artistic director, Vladimir Isaaev, at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE 8th St. in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy performances on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. and today at 3 p.m. Tickets are $16.50 - $36.50 at ParkerPlayhouse.org.

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a&e theater

Cabaret Brings Live Music Back to South Beach J.W. Arnold

For decades, Miami Beach has been the destination for electronic music, celebrity DJs and late night dancing, but now there is a new alternative for sophisticated entertainment in SoBe. Last weekend, The Cabaret South Beach, a modern reinterpretation of famous cabarets like the Tropicana in Havana and the Moulin Rouge in Paris, opened to packed crowds and ushering in a new era of burlesque to the Beach.

Long time South Beach promoter Edison Farrow and his business partner, Ed DeCaso, conceived the lounge, which features live entertainment seven nights a week and offer an elegant alternative to crowded, trendy nightclubs.

The cabaret, located just off Washington Avenue at 233 12th St. in the heart of South Beach, offers a “theatrical extravaganza where grandiose French baroque decorative elements merge with opulent furniture and rich, royal colors,” said Farrow, who added, “Antique gold framed paintings, crystal

chandeliers, and a white baby grand piano will set the stage for our staff of serverperformers and….surprise acts from guest performers.”

DeCaso pointed out, “With so many live music venues closing, it is encouraging to have a new and unique performance venue right in the heart of South Beach.”

It’s true that clubs tend to come and go in the fast paced club scene of South Beach, but Farrow, who founded the wildly successful, long running SoBe Social Club 13 years ago, has the formula for success: “You have to have a plan, an identity and an audience,” he explained. “If you’re specific, you’ll succeed. Businesses come and go, mainly because they just don’t have it together.”

In a live performance venue, the talent is also key. Farrow, who started his career in New York City as an actor, auditioned more than 100 aspiring musicians for 14 coveted positions.

Among the diverse cast of performers are

The Cabaret South Beach, which opened last week, offers live entertainment seven nights a week.

Courtesy of PoshPanel.com

Rachel Larralde and Steph Michaels. Larralde was raised in Havana, Cuba and plays many instruments from guitars and drums to bells, while Michaels grew up in the Bronx in a Puerto Rican/Jamaican family, prefers R&B, hip-hop, and classic rock and more recently sang the National Anthem at a Miami Heat game.

On Monday nights, award-winning musical director Eric Alford will be at the piano, often accompanied by guest performers from the region’s many professional theater companies, for evenings of show tunes.

Farrow expects Alford’s performances to become a big draw on traditionally one of the slowest nights of the week. Last week during the soft opening, 10 singers spontaneously joined Alford on the stage for a moving

Megan Mullally

Broadway @ the Parker presents

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rendition of Seasons of Love from Rent, drawing wild applause.

“It felt like we were in New York,” Farrow recalled. He went on to promise entertaining performances of everything from Nat King Cole to Billy Joel and even Lady Gaga.

Even the signature cocktails reflect the cabaret heritage and vibe of the lounge.

Among the libations offered are such divainspired concoctions as, The Liza, The Bette, The Celia, Chita Margarita and Lady Sings the Blues.

The Cabaret South Beach is open nightly at 9 p.m. and plans to offer happy hour entertainment with a piano player from 5 – 9 p.m. will be announced soon. For more information, visit their website at TheCabaretSouthBeach.com.

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a&e music

Gay Men’s Chorus Scores Big South Florida group kicks off season to rave reviews John McDonald

Music lovers flocked to the Sunshine Cathedral on a wet and rainy Friday night for the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida’s first performance of the holiday season. The concert, titled “Heaven and Nature Sing,” included classical arrangements, holiday favorites and a splash of Broadway theatrics. All and all, Artistic Director Gordon Roberts was pleased with the Photos of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida’s Holiday Show new start.

Submitted Photos “The guys are really getting better,” said Roberts, entering his fourth season as conductor. “We’re trying “Those guys are the hardest working guys to bring this group into the mainstream. We we have,” said Roberts of Tropical Wave, want them to be able to stand on their music. a 16-member ensemble directed by his There’s not a lot of gay schtick. We want to be partner Harold Dioquino. Tropical Wave known not as just a gay group — but as a great typically performs three to four times a week chorus.” throughout South Florida.

With 157 members, the Gay Men’s Chorus of “They fill a need,” Roberts said. “Because South Florida is one of the largest in the nation. you can’t just take 150 gay men and put them The organization is led by several committees anywhere.” which look after various concerns and needs Roberts said talks are already underway for from wardrobe to ASL interpreters and, this a return to the Gusman Center and expects the year, has a half million dollar-operating chorus to increase in membership. budget.

“I can see us at 250 to 300 members,” he “The stars have aligned for this,” said said.

Roberts, noting the chorus recently received There’s good news for prospective members rave reviews and calls of “encore” at the as the chorus will hold two rehearsals, Jan. 7 Gusman Center in Miami. and 14, at 6:45 p.m. at the Sunshine Cathedral, For “Heaven and Nature Sing” the chorus 1480 SW 9th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. performed numbers by Irving Berlin, Burt For more information, call 954-763-2266 Bacharach, George Frideric Handel and a host or visit www.gmcsf.org. The chorus returns of others. A 10-piece orchestra accompanied to Sunshine Cathedral for performances the sharply dressed men on opening night, of “Heaven and Nature Sing” on Dec. 20 - 21 at which included solo numbers, audience sing- 8 p.m. a-longs to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and a performance by crowd favorite, Tropical Wave Ensemble. soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 12.18.13 //

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SouthFloridaGayNews

a&e news Miami Gay Men’s Chorus Wins Grant Funding to go to annual choral festival John McDonald

Choral groups in South Florida just got a big boost.

The Miami Gay Men’s Chorus recently won a $10,000 grant from the Knight Foundation to produce a Choral Festival.

“This will help build bridges with other groups in the area,” said Miami Gay Men’s Chorus President Keith M. Hart.

For 15 years the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus has boosted spirits through song and dance.

The group began as the South Beach Gay Men’s Chorus in 1999, said Hart, and is now 64 members strong.

This weekend, the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus presents its annual holiday concert, “Bells in Boyland” at the Colony Theatre in Miami Beach. The concert, under the direction of Anthony Cabrera, is part men’s chorus, part handbell concert with humor from “belles” arranged in between.

“The chorus is sounding wonderfully well,”

Cabrera said. “Everything is looking great.

We’re excited about putting this on stage.”

Like Hart, Cabrera is happy to receive the festival funding, noting it brings together many different cultures under the universal umbrella of music. A father of a 5-year-old girl, Cabrera said one of his initiatives is to produce a children’s program.

“Bells in Boyland” plays Dec. 20-23 (8 p.m. and 3 p.m. matinee) at the Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Road. Hart described the historic venue as “acoustically wonderful.”

“You can be in the back row and still feel a part of the performance,” Hart said.

The Miami Gay Men’s Chorus rehearses weekly at All Souls Episcopal Church in Miami Beach. The Choral Festival is scheduled for March 8, 2014.

For more information on the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus, visit MiamiGayChorus.org

Dr. Baskot has recently introduced Laser Skin Care & Botox to her internal Medicine practice, in order to deliver full health & aesthetic services to her patients.

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T

DateBook Theater

By Christiana Lilly, Calendar@SFGN.com

* Denotes new listing

Broward County Jingle Ball

Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. A night of talent, including Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke, Demi Lovato, Enrique Iglesias, Fall Out Boy, Avril Lavigne, Jason Derulo and more. Tickets $56 to $266. Visit the websites at TheBBTCenter.com or Ticketmaster. com.

The Nutcracker

Dec. 21 to 22 at Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. The classic Christmas ballet by Tchaikovsky as performed by Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida. Tickets are $16.50 to to $36.50. Please call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.com.

The Book of Mormon

Through Dec. 22 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The acclaimed musical brought to you by the creators of “South Park.” Tickets $52.51 to $182.31. Visit the website at BookofMormonTheMusical.com or Ticketmaster.com.

The Santaland Diaries

Through Dec. 22 at the Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. David Sedaris’s hilarious memories of working as a Macy’s elf, showing the other side of Santaland. Tickets $30. Call Smarttix at 212-868-4444 or visit EmpireStage.com.

* Cinderella

Dec. 29 at Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. The State of Ballet of Russia comes to South Florida to perform the beloved fairy tale.

Tickets $33.50 to to $65.50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.com.

* New Year’s Gospel Concert with Sister Hermana and Guests Jan. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. Gospel singers from around the world come together to praise the new year ahead. Tickets $30. Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.com.

* Jay Z

Jan. 2, 2014 at 8 p.m. at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. His only performance scheduled in Florida, the iconic rapper performs on his Magna Carta World tour. Tickets $28.75 to $146.25. Please visit Ticketmaster.com or TheBBTCenter.com.

* Forbidden Broadway

Jan. 4 at 3 and 8 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Comedy at its best with impressions, outrageous costumes, song parodies and more. Tickets are $25 to $35. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Last of the Aztecs 54

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Jan. 4 and 5, 2014 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Danny, 81, had it all until all of his lifelong friends in the Aztec Athletic and Social Club passed away -- their humorous ghosts are haunting him, his wife has scary lab results, and his daughter has come out as a lesbian. Tickets $15.

Call 954-678-1496 or visit SmartTix.com.

* Billy Joel

Jan. 7 and 11, 2014 at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. The Piano Man returns to South Florida after a short hiatus to perform all his hits you can’t help but sing along to. Tickets are $39.50 to $119.50. Visit TheBBTCenter.com or Ticketmaster.com.

Laffing Matterz: With a Vengeance...

Through March 22, 2014 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Hailed as the best dinner theatre by local critics, night after night this gang of performers will have you cracking up.

Tickets $63 to $69, $125 on New Year’s Eve. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

Palm Beach County Harlem on my Mind

Through Dec. 18 at the Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW Ninth St. in Delray Beach. A compilation of show tunes that represent the breakdown of racial barriers in performance art over the years.

Tickets $30. Call 561-272-1281, ext. 4 or visit DelrayBeachPlayhouse.com.

* My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m Still in Therapy Dec. 18 to 22 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. A crazy comedy chronicling Steve Solomon’s childhood to the present day. Tickets $30. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Boynton Beach Live

Dec. 19 from 6 to 11 p.m. in the Boynton Beach Art District, 422 W. Industrial Ave. in Boynton Beach. A free performance by The Wavelengths and Lauren Krothe. Call 786-521-1199 or email FloridaArtsAssociation@gmail.com.

* Chris Isaak Holiday Show

Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. His iconic “Wicked Games” is still a hit today. Tickets $15 to $100. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

Once Upon a Holiday

Dec. 21 and 22 at the Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW Ninth St. in Delray Beach. The holidays and a mystery for the audience comes together on stage.

Tickets $15 to $18. Call 561-272-1281, ext. 4 or visit DelrayBeachPlayhouse.com. soflagaynews //

Jay Z

Jan. 2, 2014 at 8 p.m. at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. His only performance scheduled in Florida, the iconic rapper performs on his Magna Carta World tour. Tickets $28.75 to $146.25. Please visit Ticketmaster. com or TheBBTCenter.com.

Photo courtesy of Rick Taber/CNN

* Colors of Christmas

Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Peabo Bryson, Melissa Manchester, Ruben Studdard, and CeCe Winans are joined by a gospel choir to perform original hits and holiday songs. Tickets $25 to $100.

Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* West Side Story

Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The classic Broadway tale, adapting “Romeo and Juliet” to the rough and tumble streets of New York as Maria and Tony find love on opposites sides of the neighborhood. Tickets $25 to $68. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* The Nutcracker

Urban Apparel

Through Dec. 22 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Explore the short attention span we have when it comes to fashion and the hijinks of a group of friends. Tickets $30. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

My Name is Asher Lev

Dec. 27 to 30 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The popular Christmas ballet comes alive with the Miami City Ballet.

Tickets $25 to $79. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis. org.

Through Dec. 22 at the Biltmore’s GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Ave. in Coral Gables. Based on the novel

by Chaim Potok, the story of a painter trapped between his Hasidic roots and his wishes to further himself in art. Tickets $52 to $55. Call 305-445-1119 or visit GableStage.org.

The Lion in Winter

The Red Thread

Through Jan. 5, 2014 at The Donn & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach.

Travel back to 1183 in King Henry II’s castle as he celebrates Christmas with his three sons and estranged wife, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, in a night that goes comedically very wrong. Tickets $60. Call 561-514-4042 or visit their website at PalmBeachDramaworks.org.

Free Friday Concerts

Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.

Miami-Dade County Itzhak Perlman

Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The Israeli-born and Juilliard-trained violin virtuoso performs Beethoven, Strauss and Tartini. Tickets $50 to $150.

Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Things You Shouldn’t Say Past Midnight Dec. 21 and 22 at Main Street Players, 6766 Main St. in Miami Lakes. In the middle of sex, someone yells out a racial slur, leading to a conference call between three couples: a gay psychologist and his older lover, a couple constantly fighting, and a vixen and her hitman boyfriend. Tickets $5. Call 305-5583737 or visit MainStreetPlayers.com

SouthFloridaGayNews

Through Dec. 22 at the Miami Theater Center, 9806 NE Second Ave. in Miami Shores. Inspired by Chinese folktales, a young woman is on a mission to rescue her fathers’ masterpiece. Tickets $25.

Call 305-751-9550.

* Pitbull -- New Years Eve II

Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The rapper returns a second year to party into the new year with Prince Royce and the Jump SMokers. Tickets $55 to $175.

Call 786-777-1000 or visit AAArena.com.

* Built to Amaze!

Jan. 9 to 20, 2014 at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey present an even more magical circus presentation. Tickets $16 to $87. Call 786-777-1000 or visit AAArena.com.

* Antony and Cleopatra

Jan. 10 to Feb. 9, 2014 at the Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. GableStage collaborates with The Public in NYC and Royal Shakespeare Company in this adaptation of the Shakespearean play, this time set in Haiti at the eve of the revolution against the French. Tickets $65.

Call 305-445-1119 or visit GableStage.org.

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.

C

DateBook

Community Calendar

By Christiana Lilly, Calendar@SFGN.com

Broward County Holiday Sparklers

Dec. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, One E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

Learn more about and sample sparkling wines, perfect for the holidays, with sommelier Stephanie Miskew.

Tickets $35 to $40. RSVP to Gail Vilone at 954-2620249 or visit MOAFL.org.

* Transgender Holidaze Potluck

Dec. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Enjoy the holidays at this potluck-style dinner, bring your best dish!

RSVP to Ellen at ellenisfree1@yahoo.com.

“A Queer Geography” Exhibit

Through Dec. 28 at the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

A look at the shifting gay neighborhoods in South Florida from 1975 to 2013 -- from South Beach to Wilton Manors. Free. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org.

* Downtown Countdown

Dec. 31 from 4:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Second Street and Southwest Fifth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. Countdown to 2014 with two live entertainment stages, DJs, kids zone, fireworks, and an illuminated ball drop. Call 954828-5363 or visit FortLauderdale.gov.

Holiday Fantasy of Lights

Through Jan. 4, 2013 at Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Road in Coconut Creek. Drive on a magical journey through dozens of holiday light displays, include some in 3D! Tickets $10 to $35, an extra $3 for 3D glasses. Email hfol@brandano.com or visit HolidayLightsDriveThru.com.

PFLAG

Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Southwest Ranches. A support group for parents of LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and locations.

SunServe Youth Group

Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral Springs and Hollywood. A support group and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and times.

Gender Bender Youth Group

Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at SunServe Campus, 1480 SW Ninth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A group for LGBT youth 13 to 21 to discuss gender, gender expression, binary systems, friendship, family and whatever else comes up! Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com

GayWrites

Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at the Stonewall Library, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Come join us and write your memoir, poem, blog, novel or short story.

Free. Email garri1@earthlink.net

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 Home for the Holidays on Ice

Dec. 20 to 22 at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Skaters take to the ice in an exciting array of holiday performances. Tickets $45. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.

Holiday Music Magic Planetarium Show

Daily in December at 3 p.m. at t the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach. Even the planetarium is in the holiday spirit, with Christmas and holiday music set to the stars. Tickets $6.50 to $13.50. Call 561-832-1988 or visit SFScienceCenter.org.

ELVIS: Grace & Grit

Through Feb. 2, 2014 at the Delray Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Dozens of beautiful photographs of Elvis performing and candid moments shot by CBS photographers. Tickets $6 to $8. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.

Jazz on the Palm

Third Fridays from 8 to 10 p.m. at the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront. Relax on the water to the sounds of jazz with the family. Free. Visit WPBGo.com.

Miami-Dade County Black Male Revisited

Dec. 13 to 22 at the Miami Theater Center, 9806 NE Second Ave. in Miami Shores. Performance and visual artist Jaamil Olawale Kosoko examines our views of the black male body. Tickets $15 to $20. Call 305-751-9550 or visit MTCMiami.org.

Eclectic

Through the end of December at the LGBT Visitor Center, 1130 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach.

Artwork by LGBT artists who won the ArtsUnited’s categories. Call 305-397-8914.

* NYE at the Delano

Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. at the Delano Beach Club, 1685 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach. R&B artist The Weeknd will serenade guests at a poolside soiree, followed by a party at the hotel lounge, FDR, until the wee hours of the morning. Tickets $200 to $700. Call 305-024-4071 or email DelanoNYE@lightmia.com.

* Bayfront Park’s New Year’s Eve Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to midnight at Bayfront Park, 301 N. Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. As you wait for “The Big Orange” to drop at midnight, celebrate with a dance party, fireworks, and other entertainment. Free. Call 305-358-7550 or visit BayFrontParkMiami.com

Visit SFGN.com/datebook soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 12.18.13 //

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DateBook Nightlife

By Christiana Lilly, Calendar@SFGN.com

Broward County Alibi

2266 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Best and longest happy hour; Wednesdays $2 domestics and $1 Schnapps after 9 p.m. Call 954-565-2526 or visit GeorgiesAlibi.com.

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. Two-for-one Sunday dinner special. Valet parking in rear. Call 954-900-5217.

The Club Fort Lauderdale

110 NW Fifth St. in Fort Lauderdale. A gym oasis with a pool, steam room, hot tub and half-priced rooms on Tuesday nights and half-priced lockers on Thursdays. Call 954-525-3344 or visit TheClubs.com.

Johnny’s

1116 W. Broward Blvd in Fort Lauderdale. Sixty hot dancers with drink specials to make it even sweeter.

Call 954-522-5931 or visit JohnnysBarFLcom

The Manor

2345 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Dance club Friday and Saturday nights.Call 954-626-0082 or

visit TheManorComplex.com. Call 954-626-0082 or visit TheManorComplex.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 or visit NakedGrapeWineBar.com.

Palm Beach County

Eros Lounge

522 Lucerne Ave. in Lake Worth. Tea Dance Sundays with great service, food and drinks. Call 561-586-0080.

Score

The Cottage 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. Roosters

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.

Vita Ultra Lounge Saturdays

Rumors Bar & Grill

1225 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. LGBT Saturdays with the best drag queens around. Call 561835-8482 or visit VitaUltraLounge.com.

Sidelines Sports & Video Bar

Miami-Dade County

2426 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Come check out Rumors Bar & Grill. Call 954.565.8851 or visit rumorsbarwm.com 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.

Swinging Richards

1350 SW 2nd St, Pompano Beach, FL 33069. Fully nude male dancers for the best shows in the South.

Call 954-357-5521 or visit SwingingRichards.com.

Village Pub Wilton Manors

2283 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Never miss out on a happy hour, as the pub is serving up two-forone drinks Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, hit the dance floor with world class VJs. Call 754-200-5244.

Hot ’n horny hookups.

Azucar

2301 SW 32nd Ave. in Miami. Jock night Wednesdays, drag Thursdays, girls night Fridays and more. Call 305-443-7657 or visit AzucarMiami.com

Club Space

34 NE 11th St. in Miami. Come out for a night at the infamous nightclub known for crazy all-nighters to the best live electronic dance music. Call 305-3501956 or visit ClubSpace.com.

Discotekka

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

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// 12.18.2013 // SFGN.com //

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SouthFloridaGayNews

8201 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Bingo Tuesdays and Born to be a Drag Fridays. Call 305-754-3444 or visit ErosLoungeMiami.com.

727 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. Located in the heart of South Beach with hot male dancers, Pop Fever Thursdays and Filthy Gorgeous parties Fridays.

Call 305-561-5521 or visit ScoreBar.net.

Twist South Beach

1057 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. Multiple rooms to give you the music you want, muscle boy dancers, and never a cover. Call 305- 538-9478 or visit TwistSoBe.com.

Key West

801 Girls Cabaret

801 Duval St. in Key West. The island’s only daytime drag show. Call 305-923-9296 or visit 801Girls.com

Bottlecap Groove Lounge

1128 Simonton St. in Key West. Thursday pool tournaments and dance parties Friday and Saturday nights. Tips during Happy Hour on Fridays will benefit a different nonprofit every week. Call 305296-2807 or visit BottlecapKeyWest.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.

Club Aqua

711 Duval St. in Key West. Dueling bartenders on Mondays as they sing, shake and stir their way to victory. Call 305-294-0555 or visit AquaKeyWest.com.

Classifieds employment

accommodations

computers

PERFECT VACATION RENTALS! Winter rates from $595/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 &Haulover Nude Beach. Includes Wi-Fi utilities, cable, tel. Gay Owned & Operated. Pets Welcome. Celebrating 16 Years. Call Joe or Jack at (954) 927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com *Four Week+ Relocation Discounts Offered*

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

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 to aleen@lighthouselist.com

HATE WINDOWS 8? We can bring back the look and feel of windows. Same day service.

Call 954-986-1316 www.gaycomputerwiz.com

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.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.

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

counseling/psychotherapy LICENSED CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR Dr. Saul Thermidor, FACCT # LCCP 0365011212 Licensed Christian Psychologist provides Christian counseling on LGBT, anger, violence & personal issues. I speak English, French and Creole.

Call 305-407-9397 day, evening & weekends!

dentist

employment wanted PERSONAL ASSISTANT & MALE COMPANION SEEKING a part-time job as a personal assistant & male companion in Broward County. Will take you to doctors appointments. Help you w/ your grocery shopping. Refill or pick up medications.

Will drive you to do all your errands & assist w/ daily household chores. Great driving record, honest, professional, reliable, trustworthy & always willing to help and assist. If you have further questions, please call 954-548-1798 or email Ltn69@yahoo.com Thank you.

EXPERIENCED, LICENSED BARTENDER I am available for parties, weddings, private events and more. Available evenings and weekends. Call 410-299-6874 for more info.

flood/fire

HANDYMAN NEEDED!!! Part time handyman needed to with building projects. Painting, Tile work, Electrical, Construction. Wages based on experience. Call 954-892-0494 HANDYMAN NEEDED! Experienced maintenance man wanted for Mobile Home Community with references. Contact 954-522-7478 FINANCIAL OFFICER Responsible for maintaining financial, acctng, admin. and personnel services in order to meet legal requirements and support organizational operations. Email denise@lgbtcenters.org for more information!

antiques/collectables WANTED!!! Stamp Collections and Accumulations. Please call John 954-467-7128 OR 954-614-2562.

attorneys

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

*

SWINGING RICHARDS NOW HIRING Quality Male Dancers & Waiters. Full nudity/upscale club environment with great income potential.

Please text (865)385-9568 or email photos/info to roman@swingingrichards.com

furniture repair AAA FURNITURE HOSPITAL We specialize in gluing and clamping of “broken and loose” tables, chairs and occasional pieces. Other services include repair of cigarette burns,perfume stains ,dog bites, water damage,recliner and sofa bed repairs. Free estimates 954-493-5221

STATE-OF-THE-ART-DENTISTRY General & Cosmetic Dentistry Sedation Dentistry

Need a Job?

Contact SFGN’s Associate Publisher Jason Parsley at Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com

cleaning services 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

THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICES, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED OR REDUCED SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.

To place an ad in SFGN call 954.530.4970

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Florida’s Largest LGBT News Publication 2520 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-530-4970

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handyman

human resources

HUSBAND FOR RENT! Is he procrastinating home repairs? He says he will do it tomorrow?? After the football game?? We fit right in - In the house or the yard, small or big jobs: Tiles, Dry walls, paint, Plumbing, Roof leaks, broken furniture, Irrigation, Fences & more. It doesn’t cost to hassle us to see the work - so why wait? Neat, clean work for reasonable price. Call Haim at 954-275-0952, Sidnalll@yahoo.com

WE GOT YOU COVERED! Advocates for student needs. Specializing in helping foster students 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.

health care

licensed massage

pets

landscaping

IRRIGATION SYSTEM REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE 19 years experience, excellent work, referrals upon request. Call Roberto 954-383-8980

licensed massage 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 561-254-8065 for appt. or walk-in OK. RELIEVE STRESS & TENSION WITH MAGIC HANDS PRO MASSAGE (FL: MA51008) 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 AFFORDABLE AWESOME MASSAGE BY JIM Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and LomiLomi Massage for Men; in a very comfortable, relaxed and Private Massage Studio, NOW conveniently located in Wilton Manors on NE 26th Street, with plenty of free parking. Same Day appointments are welcome; please call Jim, 954-600-5843 email: info@massagebyjim.com or visit my website for testimonials, rates and more. GREAT OPENING SPECIAL NOW AVAILABLE! www.massagebyjim.com Licensed and Certified MM22293 WILTON MANORS MASSAGE Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports. $59 Swedish Hour. Call or text Chris Tunkus at 954-258-8779 1322 NE 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL www.WiltonManorsMassage.com

home care HEART TO HEART HOMEMAKER AND COMPANION If you or your loved one are elderly, or temporarily, or chronically disabled, we can help you with home chores (cooking, light-house cleaning, laundry) and be your companion for home or where you need to go.

We will work with you to find the plan that fits your needs. 954-226-4660. Right in the heart of Wilton Manors.

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 Call 954-999-2240 REIKI MASSAGE BY JONATHAN Relieves stress and all other negative energy. You will feel great!

One visit will convince you. For more information or to schedule and appt. Call Jonathan 954-549-8243

pets

UNDER Y UR RUFF

EXPERIENCED PET CARE • Free Initial Consultation • Competitive Rates • In-house or Visitation Care

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. at 954-401-4918

TOP NOTCH CONTRACTING Knows all and does all!! Many years of 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 soflagaynews //

954-297-5336

STEVEN JAY’S LOVING WAYS 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 at 954-565-1996

underyourruff.com

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

// 12.18.2013 // SFGN.com //

Dependable • Reliable Service Delivered with Love and Respect

954-214-0841

home improvement

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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

SouthFloridaGayNews

www.greendogpetservices.com

Lic# 11000106488

piano lessons WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE PIANO? Learn from an experienced teacher.

All levels and ages welcome. Learn to play classical, popular, jazz, or show tunes. Visit www.edwinchad.com or call 954-826-9555 for more information.

condo for sale MANOR GROVE CONDOS Spacious 2/2 corner unit, w/ wood laminate flooring, new paint throughout & huge master walk-in closet. AC 2006, new water heater & rolladen storm shutter protection. Walking distance to The Drive. Low maint. fee of $316/ mo. Small pet under 20 lbs. okay. Call Jeff Sullivan, EWM Realtors, 954-383-2117

pool services POOL SERVICE Mention this ad and receive your first month

FREE! some restrictions apply

Serving Broward Since 1999

Call for a free estimate: 954-367-7007 Web: www.skimmerspools.com Email: skimmerspoolservice@gmail.com

real estate for sale DAYTONA BEACH Gay rental complex for sale 2br home + 5 detached rental units beach side.

Owner financing real estate, trade or cash down. $420k DaytonaGayComplex.com FIXER UPPERS! Bargains, lowest prices. These homes need work. Call or go online for a free list with pictures. Free recorded msg.1-800-6795965 1D#1048 Mathew L. Eicholz, P.A. Weichert Realtors, 3045 N. Federal Hwy, Ft. Laud. 33306

rent/lease ft. lauderdale

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 Remodeled 1 Remodeled 1 BDRM w/ granite/stainless kitchen, updated bath, pool view, & private patio. Small pet okay/ no smoking. Available 1/6/2014 w/ credit/background checks/ assoc. approval. $925/mo., first, last, security, 1 yr. lease. Call Jeff Sullivan, EWM Realtors, 954-383-2117 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 1BR/1BA Condo Oakland Park Near Wilton Manors. Pet Friendly. Recently remodeled bathroom. Wood and tile floors.

Dixie Hwy. $775/mo. Call 305-304-8405 2BR/2BA MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE Charming 2 Bedroom 2 Bath with Gated Private Back Yard, Front Yard, Tile Floors, Vaulted Ceilings, Washer and Dryer, 2 Private Off Street Parking Spaces and Pet Friendly. Walking distance to Wilton Drive. Centrally located and convenient to downtown, beach/shopping. $1200/mo. move in/$2800 By appt only. Call Mark at 954-614-6603 WHY RENT WHEN YOU CAN OWN FOR UNDER $1300/MO Free information recording at 1-800-679-5945, ID# 1051 or go online to www.SoFloProp.com

rent/lease ft. lauderdale TWO STORY VILLA – OAKLAND PARK Use as 2/2 or 3/2, Kitchen, Living Room, TV room, Balcony, Sundeck, over 1500 sq. ft. W/D included and pets are ok. 4001 NE 14th Ave $1,800/mo Call 954-485-9440 HOUSE FOR RENT! Beautiful 2200 sq. ft. house, Open concept. New kitchen/Laundry/ Tile/Central air/heat. Fenced yard, patio, Mango and Avocado trees. By appt. 954-629-2884 Victoria Park 1 BA 1BR Renovated, Terrazzo Floor, Walk-in Closet, A/C, Shared Washer/ Dryer, Newly Painted. Quiet Five Unit Building, Safe Area. $825 per month – Call 954-763-3222 MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE Remodeled 1 BDRM w/ granite/stainless kitchen, updated bath, pool view, & private patio. Small pet okay/ no smoking. Available 1/6/2014 w/ credit/ background checks/ assoc. approval. $925/mo., first, last, security, 1 yr. lease. Call Jeff Sullivan, EWM Realtors, 954-383-2117

Let’s Be

Blunt.

If you need legal help, We can help.

3BD/1BA HOUSE FOR RENT - PROGRESSO AREA Beautiful remodeled 1200 sq. ft. with new kitchen, bathroom, appliances, tile floors throughout, central a/c, large private fenced yard, parking, bright corner lot and much more. Small pets OK, no smoking, 1 year lease, 1st and security. Minutes from Wilton Manors, beach, airport & downtown.

Must see! Available January 1, 2014. Call Ilan @ 561-330-0688. Asking $1,250/mo.

rent/lease pompano beach

PALM AIRE Affordable and ready to move in. Beautiful 1 bedroom King Apt. 1.5 bath, new flooring and freshly painted walls.

Can be furnished or unfurnished. A great place to live!! Call Myron 201-214-3992.

The Law Offices of Norman Kent & Russell Cormican

NORMKENT.com 954.763.1900 the criminal defense law center of south florida

NEWLY RENOVATED 2BR APARTMENT Very private location, all stainless appliances, tile throughout, minutes from beach, small dogs and cats ok, includes gas, water and electric $1300/ mo, first and security. For more information, call Sean at 954-621-7009

rent/lease west palm beach

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

roommates 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 561-316-7236

spiritual METAPHYSICAL CHAPEL Metaphysical Chapel of South Florida offers Sunday Divine Services, Healing, Psychic fairs & more. 1480 SW 9th Ave, FtLaud. www.MetaphysicalChapel.com soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 12.18.13 //

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