12/25/13 V4i52 by South Florida Gay News

STUART MILK AWARDED SFGN’S 2013 ‘ACHIEVEMENT IN EXCELLENCE’ AWARD • 11 local name, global coverage

december 25, 2013 // vol. 4 // issue 52

. s g n i h t & s e c a l p , e l p o e p Your favorite 12 e g a p ! o o t s k c i p ’s r e h s i l b Pu

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LGBT BOOKS OF 2013 • 20 QUEER FILMS OF 2013 • 48 WHO CAME OUT IN 2013? • 14 SOFLAGAYNEWS // SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS SFGN.COM //

Top 3 Gay Stories of 2013 The Year’s Hottest LGBT Stories Around the World!

Photo credit: Vatican TV

Pope Francis: “Who Am I to Judge?”

Photo: Bryan Kane/CNN

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It was the phrase literally heard around the world. When Pope Francis uttered those words in response to a reporter’s question about gay priests he said “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” This is a stark

contrast to his predecessor said Pope Benedict XVI, who in 2005 wrote that homosexuality was “a strong tendency ordered toward an intrinsic moral evil,” and an “objective disorder.” The church document also said that men with “deep-seated homosexual tendencies”

receiving almost universal condemnation from Western nations. Some activists called for a boycott of the games, but that fizzled out. Instead countries have chosen to snub Russia in other ways such as President Obama choosing three openly gay athletes in the official U.S. delegation to the Winter Olympics. In addition the

should not become priests. The LGBT community celebrated the softening attitude toward gays and while in America it may not make that much difference it could have a profound effect in other countries especially Africa.

the woman who brought the lawsuit against DOMA, suddenly rising to hero and superstar status and being named a finalist for Time Magazine’s Person of the Year. This decision ultimately led the way to a federal judge overturning Utah’s

White House announced that neither the president, first lady Michelle, nor Vice President Joe Biden would be attending the games. French President Francois Hollande, German President Joachim Gauck and European Union Commissioner Viviane Reding have also announced that they would not be attending the games.

ban on gay marriage, as well as, the Supreme Court of New Jersey overturning the state’s restriction on same sex marriage. Both courts cited the Windsor case.

THE

! W O N S D N A Winter 2014 ON ST 2

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DOMA & Prop 8 Overturned When the United States Supreme Court overturned the Defense of Marriage Act and allowed the decision overturning Prop 8 in California to stand the shockwaves were felt throughout the country with the LGBT community rejoicing and Edith Windsor,

DECEMBER 25, 2013 • VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 52

Editorial

Russia Passes Anti-Gay Law Russia lit the world on fire this year when they passed a law banning the promotion of homosexuality to minors, a law that in itself is vague and not clearly defined. Since then the fallout of Russia’s recent actions have sent shockwaves around the world with world leaders pulling out of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and the new law

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

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News Briefs Judge Strikes Down Utah Ban on Gay Marriage States Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and due process under the law.” “The State’s current laws deny its gay and lesbian citizens their fundamental right to marry,” wrote Shelby, “and, in so doing, demean the dignity of these same-sex couples for no rational reason.” Shelby’s order immediately enjoined the state from enforcing its ban, but Republican Governor Gary Herbert’s administration vowed to seek an emergency stay of the decision from the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. In a brief statement issued Friday evening, Herbert said only, “I am very

A federal judge in Utah issued a decision Friday striking down that state’s ban on same-sex marriage, and same-sex couples immediately sought marriage licenses and began getting married. Obama appointee Judge Robert Shelby issued a 53-page decision, in Kitchen v. Herbert, saying the state’s current definition of marriage is not permissible under the U.S. Constitution. Noting that a court interferes with a law adopted by voters “only under exceptional circumstances,” Shelby said, “Utah’s prohibition on same- sex marriage conflicts with the United

ew Mexico Supreme Court: Gay Marriage Legal

The New Mexico Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in the state Thursday, declaring in a ruling that it is unconstitutional to deny a marriage license to gay and lesbian couples. New Mexico joins 16 states and the District of Columbia in allowing gay marriage. Eight of the state’s 33 counties started issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in August, when a county clerk in southern New Mexico independently decided to allow the unions. County officials asked the high court to clarify the law and establish a uniform state policy on gay marriage. State statutes don’t explicitly prohibit or authorize gay marriage. However, the marriage laws - unchanged since 1961 contain a marriage license application with sections for male and female applications. There also are references to “husband” and “wife.” The current and previous state attorneys general have said the law effectively prohibits gay marriage, although current Attorney General Gary King also has said he believes such a prohibition is unconstitutional. A state district court judge in Albuquerque ruled earlier this year that it is a violation of New Mexico’s constitution to deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The judge based his decision on a 1972 constitutional amendment adopted by voters that prohibits discrimination “on account of the sex of any person.” Two county clerks that were defendants in that case decided not to directly appeal the judge’s ruling. However, the county association and the state’s 31 other county clerks - including several already issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples - joined

the lawsuit to provide a way to quickly move the gay marriage question to the Supreme Court. The five justices previously turned down efforts by gay rights advocates to get a ruling on the marriage issue. The advocates had attempted to get a decision by filing lawsuits directly with the Supreme Court rather than through an appeal of a lower court decision. From the Associated Press

inister Defrocked for Officiating Gay Wedding

A Pennsylvania minister was defrocked on Thursday after he was found guilty in a church trial for officiating his son’s same-sex wedding, according to church officials. Frank Schaefer, 51, the pastor at Zion United Methodist Church of Iona in Lebanon, had already been suspended for 30 days in November after a jury of 13 clergy members found him guilty of officiating a samesex wedding and being disobedient to the discipline and order of the church, according to Cathy Husid-Shamir, a Schaefer family spokeswoman. During his 30-day suspension, Schaefer was to decide whether his advocacy on behalf of the LGBT community would prevent him from fully complying with church law in the future, according to a statement from Bishop Peggy Johnson of the United Methodist Church. Schaefer told the Board of Ordained Ministry Thursday that he could not uphold the church’s Book of Discipline in its entirety because it discriminates against gay people. Schaefer was asked to immediately surrender his credentials, but he refused, forcing church officials to defrock him, the statement said. “When I went into the hearing this

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disappointed an activist federal judge is attempting to override the will of the people of Utah. I am working with my legal counsel and the acting Attorney General to determine the best course to defend traditional marriage within the borders of Utah.” But Deseret News of Salt Lake City reported that between 115 and 120 marriage licenses were issued to samesex couples Friday in Salt Lake County. Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker performed some of the ceremonies.

From Lisa Keen at KeenNewsService. com © 2013 Keen News Service. All rights reserved. morning,” he said, “I was hopeful that it wouldn’t come to what it has come to.” Schaefer previously told CNN’s Zoraida Sambolin that his son, Tim, asked him to officiate his wedding seven years ago, and he decided to do it “out of love for him.” Although he once believed that homosexuality was incompatible with his Christian beliefs, Schaefer said his views on the controversial topic evolved. “By the time our son came out, I was ready to embrace him,” Schaefer told Sambolin. Schaefer’s case will now be reviewed by the appeals committee of the United Methodist Church’s northeast jurisdiction. It could also go to the judicial counsel which is equivalent to the supreme court of the church, according to Schaefer’s attorney, Bill Ewing. Ewing expects the appeal to be tried some time in 2015. Asked of his plans until then, Schaefer said, “I will continue to be a voice for the LGBT community.”

ganda’s Anti-Gay Law

Ugandan lawmakers on Friday passed an anti-gay law that punishes “aggravated homosexuality” with life imprisonment. The bill drew wide condemnation when it was first introduced in 2010 and included the death penalty, but that was removed from the revised version passed by parliament. Although a provision for the death penalty was removed from the original bill, the law passed Friday sets life imprisonment as the maximum penalty for the new offense of “aggravated homosexuality,” according to the office of a spokeswoman for Uganda’s parliament. The bill was introduced to parliament by a lawmaker who argued the law was needed to deter Western homosexuals he accused of “recruiting” Ugandan children.

SouthFloridaGayNews

This couple was among the first to be married in Salt Lake City, Utah this week. Photo: Annie Cutler/KSTU

Homosexuality was already illegal in Uganda under a colonial-era law that criminalized sexual acts “against the order of nature,” but the Ugandan lawmaker who wrote the new law argued that tough new legislation was needed because homosexuals from the West threatened to destroy Ugandan families and were allegedly “recruiting” Ugandan children into gay lifestyles. From the Associated Press

atholic School VP Forced Out Over Gay Marriage

The sudden resignation of a beloved swim coach and school administrator because of his gay wedding has shocked the students and staff at Eastside Catholic School. Kids were so outraged they marched into the streets in protest. The fact that Vice Principal Mark Zmuda is gay isn’t the issue, the school said. The problem Eastside Catholic has with Zmuda is that he married another man – even though same-sex marriage is legal in Washington. “Mark’s same-sex marriage over the summer violated his employment contract with the school,” the school said in a letter sent to parents. “As a Catholic school, Eastside Catholic abides by the official teachings of the Catholic Church, and as such, the decision to discontinue his employment was determined by the Catholic Church.” The student demonstration against the decision began inside. Students at the religious school skipped classes to protest what they believe is Zmuda’s forced resignation. “We’re all here for him; we accept him for who he is,” said student Julia Burns. “We’re ashamed that this has happened. We’re going to do everything we can to stop it.” From the Associated Press

news highlight

Ex-TV Weatherman Gets 5 Years for Teen Sex Crimes Marc Freeman, Sun Sentinel

months in prison — far less The disgraced former South than the maximum 20-year Florida TV weatherman cried sentence Lopicola had faced and begged for mercy, telling his before the hearing, and more life story about a successful rise than the 2 years and 10-1/2 up to his dream job, down to a month required minimum. humiliating fall resulting in his With credit for 531 days conviction on two teen sex crimes. spent in jail since his July 2012 “This has been my rock bottom,” arrest, Lopicola likely will have Rob Lopicola, 43, told Palm Beach to serve about three more years County Judge Barry Cohen on behind bars. Friday, blaming alcohol, drug In October, a jury convicted and sex addictions. “I have great the former Wilton Manors remorse and regret for my actions. Robert Lopicola resident of one count of lewd Not just because I was caught Submitted Photo or lascivious conduct and doing something inappropriate one count of computer pornography and but just because it’s the first time I’ve had to child exploitation. The charges involved the really face my demons.” The judge said he believed the defendant’s solicitation of a former 15-year-old victim from west of Boca Raton through hundreds of apology was sincere and called him “a person sexually explicit text messages in early 2011. with a tortured soul.” But he wouldn’t grant Then in November, Lopicola pleaded guilty Lopicola’s wish for a sentence of only lifetime to one count of attempted battery of a child, sex offender probation. Nor did Cohen approve prosecutor Michael a third-degree felony not considered a sex Kugler’s request for a 10-year prison term. crime. That case involved a near hook-up with Instead, the judge settled on 4 years and 8 a 17-year-old West Palm Beach teenager.

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news feature Stuart Milk Wins 2013 SFGN’s ‘Achievement in Excellence’ Award Norm Kent

Last week, SFGN declared Edith ‘Edie’ Windsor our person of the year, acknowledging her legal struggle to bring down DOMA. In saluting her, we applauded the valiant battle she fought to bring marriage equality to the LGBT community. Here, in South Florida, there are also champions and heroes who deserve our acclaim and admiration. Each month, and every year, certain individuals jump off the page as being special, worthy of our salutes and Activist, Stuart Milk shout outs. These are our Photo: Brook Pifer ‘Best Of’ in the fields of entrepreneurial, social and political activism. They are local heroes whose lives are testimony to achievement, accomplishment and recognition. For the year, 2013, SFGN has selected three persons for our annual ‘Achievement in Excellence’ Awards, each having distinguished themselves by hard work, honest effort, lending credibility and commitment not only to their cause, but our entire community. Of course, there are more persons equally worthy. During the course of the year, we have illuminated the lives of so many who have made a difference. Today, we honor Stuart Milk, as we will so applaud two more persons in each of our next two issues. Harvey Milk was martyred decades ago as a San Francisco city commissioner while fighting for universal human rights on behalf of the gay community. One of the reasons you still hear his name today is because one man — Stuart Milk, Harvey’s nephew, has kept his uncle’s legacy alive. The architect of the Harvey Milk Foundation, and its director, Stuart Milk is a Wilton Manors resident, but his voice and advocacy on behalf of the LGBT community is being heard internationally, with no impact greater than the past year, 2013. Stuart Milk has become a White House envoy and an unofficial ambassador for worldwide LGBT rights. He has gone from Latvia to Los Angeles, speaking out to insure that LGBT citizens, everywhere on this planet, have a voice. At the White House, he hosted the Harvey Milk Champions of Change conference, to be recreated in the Executive Office Building next year. He successfully led campaigns for the establishment of an official annual Harvey Milk holiday in California along with Milk’s induction into the California Hall of Fame and he accepted on behalf of his uncle the Medal of Freedom, from President Barack Obama.

Milk has met with world leaders in Europe, been seen and heard on CNN and MSNBC, and spoken in eastern European hotspots such as Latvia and Baltic Pride events. Milk was this year’s keynote speaker for the Victory Fund’s International Conference, and the first non-European to ever open an EU International Human Rights Conference. Living out of a suitcase, he has hosted regional Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfasts in Orlando and San Diego. The legacy that his uncle left us is alive in 2013 in no small part due to the energy, advocacy and enterprise of this internationally recognized spokesperson for human rights, who you can see shopping at Publix or joining me for a cup of miso soup at Siam Cuisine. Stuart also helped convince the U.S. Post Office to issue a stamp in Harvey Milk’s honor, which will be issued in a few months. Like his uncle, it will be a ‘Forever’ stamp. As the co founder and President of the Harvey Milk Foundation, Stuart has taken his uncle’s message of authenticity to the global stage, supporting human rights struggles on five continents. Speaking before national parliaments and legislative bodies, travelling tirelessly to universities to faith-based sanctuaries, Stuart has risen in his own right to become a champion of social change and LGBT equality. Stuart Milk and the foundation volunteers have worked diligently to celebrate and keep alive his uncle’s spirit. Along with Anne Kronenberg, his efforts resonate and inspire gay people globally. The foundation does vital work with a small staff and a modest budget, promoting International Harvey Milk Day Activities on May 22 every year. Beginning in 2009, the Foundation leadership began working to build collaborative partnerships in order to enable the LGBT youth organizations to access regional or federal funding in the US and in the EU in Europe. Their presence is local; their good global. Indeed, the voice of international LGBT equality has a distinguished and worldwide spokesperson in our neighbor, Stuart Milk. Already honored this year by Canada with its highest honor, its Inspire Award, we too award him for making a difference, with this year’s SFGN’s ‘Achievement in Excellence’ Award. Congratulations!

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opinion publisher's editorial

The Real “Best Of” List is Right Here Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

Christina Wan’s in Victoria Park Photo courtesy Yelp!

Cafe Vico Photo courtesy Cafe Vico Restaurant

Jack’s Hamburgers on Federal Hwy. Photo courtesy Wikipedia

Hot Dog Heaven on Sunrise Blvd. Photo courtesy Google+

First of all, you should know I personally freshly grilled Salmon Teriyaki with steamed hate ‘Best Of’ issues. Everyone has their own broccoli that can rival any restaurant in town. tastes and preferences, whether it comes But hell, if it is 2 in the morning on a Saturday, to boyfriends, bookstores, or bars. Besides, and you are still on the prowl, chances are you we have all heard what everyone says about can find a man dining large at the Courtyard ‘opinions.’ Café, which also proudly serves a menu with So let me say this. We are fortunate to low-calorie, heart healthy options. live in a great environment, enriched by Another favorite for me is The OB House on entrepreneurial LGBT businessmen and Himmarshee Street in downtown Lauderdale. women, aspiring to excellence. We are lucky It can’t be matched for original, homespun not to have one gay bar, but a monopoly quality cooking. Managed by a corn-fed gay board’s worth. Come to Wilton Manors, and man from Arkansas, Rodney, it is the best place yes, the Village Pub is new and inviting, but in the whole United States to try a pancake the Alibi and Sidelines are world-renowned or their biscuits, sausage and gravy, not to and have been here for years. mention an array of incredible evening fare, So who is the best? very reasonably Who cares? If you go out, priced. On sometimes you like pizza Sundays, you sit and sometimes pizazz; outside and catch one night a sports bar, the Sun Trust Jazz another evening a Brunch. In fact, dance club. Most of all, dining outside is you want to experience always nice, which a touch of class or is what makes sometimes, let’s face it, the patios at the a piece of ass. But the Alibi and Rosie’s bottom line is boys and so appealing. How girls just want to have can you go wrong? fun. For me, my specialty There are boys, is finding places to eat. booze, and buxom After 35 years in Fort burgers. The OB House on Himmarshee Street Lauderdale, I know if My major for Photo courtesy Google+ you want lasagna to die years has been for, you find Café Vico on Federal Highway. eating out, but I can still find enjoyment with But for a large steady helping of chicken the Chicago style hot dogs in a tiny place parmigiana with some really dynamite garlic bursting with flavor, like Hot Dog Heaven. But rolls to carbohydrate your meal with, its gotta if you are trying to impress, how can you beat be Il Mulinos on East Sunrise. Trulucks on a Monday night with its unending Now if you want to eat a burger, jumping portion of stone crabs? And if you like garlic and juicy, you find the award winning Champ clams steamed in butter, kick back in sandals Burger at the Alibi, or the Hickory Burger at and find yourself a Quarterdeck Restaurant, J Mark’s. They are simply the best in town, like the one on A1A and East Las Olas. and both are must eats. Sure, if you are on If you are looking for a Chinese takeout, the move, Jack’s on North Federal has been you can’t go wrong with Chopstix, but there around for three decades, so you know you are are wonderfully and moderately priced guaranteed history and a good milk shake. But family size portions that will be delivered to they are drawing competition with Five Guys, your door by the good proprietors of Chen’s and those potato skin spattered French fries. Garden, adjacent to Johnny’s Bar. Sure, PF Hungry for breakfast? The Peter Pan Diner Chang’s is a touristy paradise at Galleria, may have gotten the most votes in this go but the Mongolian Beef offered by Christina around, and they do make a mean lox and eggs Wan’s is second to none, in a popular and platter. Still, if you are looking for marvelously comfortable LGBT friendly Victoria Park bountiful and plentiful omelets, you have to setting. SFGN just had our holiday party there, try out the Floridian Restaurant on East Las and I brought home an extra portion of the Olas. Not only have they been a pleasantly Szechuan chicken. metrosexual hangout for decades, they have a If you are a sushi freak, as I have become

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that little Geisha House on Wilton Drive is as good as it gets. But it is a small place, and if you pull together a large group, you can’t go wrong with Sushi Rock and its original stylings. For Thai food, there are the diverse and tastefully appointed selections of Suko Thai, TJ Thai’s or Siam Cuisine on the Drive. J Alexander’s is popular for their Rotisserie Chickens and pasta soups, but their au jus roast beef is the freshest cut in town. It’s in a battle of the ‘bests’ with the same sandwich at Yolo on Las Olas, prepared with caramelized onions. J Alexander’s cooks right in front of you on a stove fueled by Hickory Wood. The place smells great as you walk in, but I would not miss out on the Hawaiian Steaks offered by J Mark’s or Houston’s, either. Try them both and compare. Send me your notes. I haven’t left greater Fort Lauderdale, and I am not close to finished. The baked clams oregano served at the Tuscan Grill makes you feel like you are walking barefoot in Venice. The steaks at the Capitol Grille are succulent and swelling. The Veal Chop at De Angelos’ is the talk of the town. But for more informal gatherings with groups of friends, generous portions, and freshly heated breads, there is a Carabba’s in town calling your name. There are too many top pizza places to mention. Humpy’s offers you creativity, convenience and consistency, but Pizza Rustica on East Oakland offers unique specialty slices, a tasting paradise. Don’t underestimate how good a pizza can also be at a restaurant like Il Mulino’s, or Franco and Vinny’s down the block on East Sunrise. And our friends around the block at Bona Pizza make one ‘bellisimo’ pie! We all have our own bests and favorites, whether it is the buttered popcorn at the Gateway Theater or the Dilly Bar at Dairy Queen. So if you think the best shrimp scampi can only be found at Michelle’s Restaurant, let us know. I am ready to taste test anywhere and everywhere. It is my sacrifice for you, so we can write about it in our ‘Out Eats’ section. Meanwhile, don’t miss out on the six-inch ham and cheese hoagie at Publix. It might be the best deal in town, coming as it does with a soda and a bag of chips for less than 10 bucks. Well, maybe it isn’t as good as the one at Smitty’s Butcher Shoppe on Prospect. That is where I am headed now. Look, class is not me!

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feature people

“I’m Coming Out!” Shattered closets of 2013

E.J. Johnson Livin’ it up!

David-Elijah Nahmod The sports world seemed to make headlines throughout 2013, as more from within what was once an all straight boys club kicked the closet door further and further open. Here’s a few notable 2013 coming outs, some whom are familiar to ESPN viewers, some who aren’t:

Jason Collins

E. J. Johnson Even the kids of sports figures are coming out. April saw the nonchalant coming out of basketball legend Magic Johnson’s 20 year old son EJ. The younger Johnson said he didn’t feel the least bit violated when TMZ outed him. Though he admitted that he would have preferred to out himself, E.J. made it clear that he had no intention of remaining in the closet. The young man is now a student at New York University, studying event management and design, with interests in fashion, journalism, and media. E.J. has the full support of his parents. His famous dad made headlines in 1991 when he came out as HIV positive. The elder Johnson has since been a powerful voice in the fight to stop the spread of HIV.

NBA Superstar and goodwill ambassador, Jason Collins

No coming out made a greater splash in 2013 then the April 29 proclamation by NBA superstar Jason Collins that he was a gay man. The impressively handsome 7 footer is the first active professional athlete from one of the big four sports leagues to declare his homosexuality. Ever. The unexpectedly courageous move landed him on the cover of Sports Illustrated, alongside the words “The Gay Athlete”. He has since granted a candid Oprah interview on OWN, where his family appeared with him, expressing their support. Collins went on to become a goodwill ambassador for LGBT people who are dealing with coming out issues. In September, Collins appeared at JFK: 50, Justice For All, a public forum on diversity in San Francisco, which celebrated the legacy of President John F Kennedy. “As you tell each person it feels better and better,” he said at the forum. “It feels good not to have that censor. A high school teacher said thank you to me, and by the way, I’m gay. A 51-year-old man came out to me. My goal now is to help others. I had a role model who helped me, now it’s my turn to pay it forward.” “I’m so proud of you, Jason,” said former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, who was seated next to him on the podium.

Actor, Matt Dallas

Brian Boitano Photos courtesy Wikipedia The sports world just keeps getting gayer. The figure skater, a 1988 Olympic Champion, came out in December 2013 after being named to the United states 2014 Sochi Olympics Delegation. It was a courageous move to make, in light of the draconian anti-gay laws recently passed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Sochi games will be held in Russia. “I am many things,” Boitano said. “A son, brother, uncle, friend, athlete, a cook, an author. Being gay is just one part of who I am.”

// 12.25.2013 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

Matt Dallas

Olympic Champion Figure Skater, Brian Boitano

SouthFloridaGayNews

Super-cute Dallas is best known for his portrayal of the title role in ABC Family’s Kyle XY. He has since appeared in the short-lived series Eastwick and in several films. In January 2013, Dallas announced his engagement to his boyfriend, musician Blue Hamilton.

• Continued on page 16

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 12.25.13 //

“I’m Coming Out!”

feature people

Tuc Watkins

Watkins, a long running player on the daytime soap One Life to Live, made his first appearance on Desperate Housewives as gay lawyer Bob Hudson in 2007. He appeared on the series through 2012, while continuing to make appearances on One Life — his daytime character David Vickers, a comic airhead, was immensely popular with viewers. Watkins is a single dad to twins who were born via surrogate. In April, 2013, four months after his kids were born, Watkins came out in an interview with Marie Osmond on Hallmark Channel’s Marie.

Jenna Wolfe from the NBC Today Show

Jenna Wolfe

Wolfe is a correspondent for NBC’s Today Show, and a weekend news anchor for Weekend Today. She previously appeared on local news shows in New York City, Binghamton NY, Rochester NY, and Pittsburgh PA. Wolfe also has a connection to the sports world, having been a sportscaster on the Madison Square Garden Network. Wolfe came out as a lesbian in March 2013. She and her partner, NBC News Foreign Correspondent Stephanie Gosk, had a daughter on August 21.

Desperate Housewives & One Life to Live’s Tuc Watkins Photo courtesy Wikipedia

// 12.25.2013 // SFGN.com //

Photo courtesy Facebook

• Continued on page 18 soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

T:10 in

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 12.25.13 //

“I’m Coming Out!”

feature people

Jasmine Johnson with her father, Magic Johnson

Jasmine Jordan

Jim Nabors

Not to be outdone, the gorgeous young daughter of basketball great Michael Jordan also came out this year, posting photos of herself and her girlfriend on Instgram. According to a September 10 report at Huffington Post, twenty-year-old Jasmine decline to label herself, gay, straight or bisexual, allowing her relationship to speak for itself. “Until love, trust, honesty respect, loyalty and commitment, genuine happiness and other characteristics or aspects I want in a relationship is defined by one gender, then and only then will I discuss my sexual preference,” she said in a statement.

Nabors was hugely popular during the 1960s for his portrayal of country bumpkin Gomer Pyle on the popular TV series The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. For decades he dodged rumors about a relationship, and an alleged wedding ceremony, with movie hunk Rock Hudson, who was outed by the media shortly before his AIDS related death in 1985. In January of 2013, the actor married Stan Cadwallader, his partner of 38 years. The couple tied the knot in Seattle a month after same-sex marriage became legal in Washington State. Though Nabors’ sexuality was one of Hollywood’s worst kept secrets, his wedding day served as his official coming out as a proud gay man. Nabors and his husband reside in Hawaii, which also recently legalized same sex marriage.

WWE Superstar Darren Young

Photo courtesy Facebook

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Clive Davis

Clive Davis Perhaps the most surprising coming out was that of 81 year old Arista Records founder Clive Davis, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The man who signed Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Alicia Keys, and who put Whitney Houston on the map came out as bisexual in his 2013 autobiography “The Soundtrack of My Life.” Twice married to women, Davis has been in a relationship with an unknown man for a number of years. He had previously been in a 14 year relationship with a male doctor. Interviewed by Katie Couric on The Katie Show, Davis said that he hoped his coming out would lead to a greater understanding of bisexuality.

// 12.25.2013 // SFGN.com //

Darren Young The sports world got another shock when World Wrestling Entertainer superstar Darren Young came out in an impromptu TMZ interview in August. The macho Young was asked if he thought an openly gay man could succeed in the wrestling arena. “Absolutely,” said Young. “Look at me. I’m a WWE superstar, and to be honest with you, I’ll tell you right now, I’m gay, and I’m happy. Very happy.” The proclamation may have surprised the interviewer, but fellow WWE wrestling star John Cena publicly expressed his support for Young. “My own brother is gay,” said Cena.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

Jim Nabors from the popular 1960’s show “The Andy Griffith Show” Photos courtesy Wikipedia unless otherwise noted

• SFGN

Sign the petition and help get medical marijuana on the 2014 Ballot. Download the petition online at: www.unitedforcare.org/2014 For in-person locations, visit: www.unitedforcare.org/locations

Paid for by People United for Medical Marijuana, 20 North Orange Avenue, Suite 1600, Orlando, FL 32801 soflagaynews //

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lifestyle books

This Year’s Best LGBT Reads

SFGN’s bookworm gives 7 must haves for our bookshelf Terri Schlichenmeyer

heck, check, check. For the past couple weeks, that’s all you’ve been doing. Making out checks, checking your balance on your plastic, and checking names off your gift list. So what’s left? Isn’t it true that there’s always that one hard-to-buy-for person you put off buying for? And what about yourself – don’t you deserve a reward for finishing your holiday shopping? If the answer to that last one is “YES!” then look for these Lucky Seven Best LGBT Reads…

So you’re already in the holiday mood – and no matter if that’s a good mood or a grumpy one, you’ll want to read “A Little Fruitcake” by David Valdes Greenwood. Starting with his fifth Christmas, Valdes Greenwood remembers how much he wanted a doll of his very own that year. A little later in his life came a time when he questioned the presence of a Santa at all. And you can’t forget those old sibling skirmishes at Christmas, or the time when

a kid realizes he’s not a kid any more and Christmases are changed forever. In a succession of chapters, Valdes Greenwood brings all these universal memories back, and more. Or maybe you’re in the mood for a book that totally engulfs you until you’re so wrapped up in it that you forget where you are. “The Absolutist” by John Boyne is a book like that. I read it last year, and

Sometimes, though, you need something a little on the wild side, and “Gypsy Boy” and “Gypsy Boy on the Run” by Mikey Walsh are two raucous, OMG-shocking, can’t-miss biographies. Walsh grew up in an uber-machismo Romany family, the eldest child of many.

I’m still blown away by it. It’s the story of Tristan Sadler who, at the end of World War I, realizes that, to heal the scars he has inside, he must get rid of a pile of letters written by his friend, Will. When he passes them to Will’s sister, she is grateful for some of her brother’s final possessions, but she wonders what really happened to him… and so, Tristan tells her. This is one of those books that will leave you speechless with its beauty and brutality. It’s one you’ll want to make your friends read. And when you’re done, it’s the one that will make you a John Boyne fan forever.

// 12.25.2013 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

His father and grandfather were both famed boxers, so Walsh’s father was determined to make his son into a pugilist by beating him every day. But Walsh wasn’t the boxer-type; he was more an arty guy and, when he was 13, he realized he was gay. “Gypsy Boy” tells that story in greater detail, and “Gypsy Boy on the Run” picks up on that and elaborates about his escape from his father and his father’s death threats. Read them in order. You won’t be sorry for a minute. And speaking of family, I absolutely loved “Stuck in the Middle with You” by Jennifer Finney Boylan Boylan. It’s a story of a man who fell in love with a woman. They had a family and, when the kids were still quite small, the man became a woman. Yes, this is a story about being transgender, telling your family, and renavigating the world – but more than that, it’s a book about love, pride, and hope for the future. Finney Boylan talks about the adoration a father has for his sons and their mother, both as a man and as a woman. He discusses watching his children grow into his new role, and how they’ve made their old-new lives wonderful for them all.

lifestyle books

you’ll look at the ordinary differently. And finally – and especially at this time of year – you absolutely must read “Retail Hell” and “Return to the Big Fancy,” both by Freeman Hall. These books (again, read them in order) are about Hall’s years working for a department store he calls The Big Fancy. It’s cut-throat there, a dog-eat-dog place where the managers are faux-cheery, customers are entitled spoiled brats, co-workers are the-wordthat-rhymes-with-witches, and corporate doesn’t care about anything but money. These books are hilarious and if you’ve ever worked in retail, you’ll identify. If you haven’t worked in retail… then you really need to read them! There you are: Lucky Seven (Oh, I guess that’s Eight) Best LGBT Reads that you need to have on your shelf. Check ‘em out! “A Little Fruitcake” by David Valdes Greenwood c.2007, DaCapo Press • $14.95 / $18.00 Canada • 182 pages “The Absolutist” by John Boyne c.2011, Other Press • $16.95 U.S. • 320 pages

This is one of those feel-good memoirs that you’ll want to share with a favorite parent. “Astray” by Emma Donoghue didn’t get near as much attention as her previous novel “Room,” and that’s too bad. I liked both, but “Astray” had the edge for me. It’s a collection of short stories, each of which is connected to an object, a newspaper article, or an old photo. It’s as if you opened a box in someone’s attic, pulled out a bottle, a picture, a bit of cloth, and it whispered a story to you. I got goosebumps as I was reading this because Donoghue took me on a journey of significant insignificance. Read it, and

“Gypsy Boy: My Life in the Secret World of the Romany Gypsies” by Mikey Walsh • c.2012, Thomas Dunne Books • $24.99 U.S. &\Canada • 288 pages “Gypsy Boy on the Run” by Mikey Walsh • c.2013, Thomas Dunne • $24.99 U.S. / $16.99 Canada • 306pages “Stuck in the Middle with You” by Jennifer Finney Boylan c.2013, Crown • $24.00 / $28.00 Canada • 288 pages “Astray” by Emma Donoghue • c.2012, Little, Brown and Company • $25.99 / $29.99 Canada • 275 pages “Retail Hell” by Freeman Hall • c.2009, Adams Media • $22.95 / $27.95 Canada • 272 pages “Return to The Big Fancy” by Freeman Hall • c.2012, Adams Media • $22.95 / $23.99 Canada • 272 pages soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 12.25.13 //

ppy H Happ Ha Hoolliid iddaay a ys General & Cosmetic Dentistry 954-565-7666 Get a Brighter Smile for the Holidays Dr. David K. Warner, DDS, FAGD Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry

1946 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors • FL• 33305 www.IslandCitySmiles.com Always Plenty of Free Parking

// 12.25.2013 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

SFGN’S ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

WRITTEN BY

PHOTOGRAPHS BY

DORI ZINN MIKE ANGUILLE CHRISTIANA LILLY J.W. ARNOLD DENNIS JOZEFOWICZ JOHN MCDONALD SEAN MCSHEE DENISE ROYAL

JR DAVIS & SUBMITTED PHOTOS

ART DIRECTOR DAVE GRIFFITHS

EDITED BY

ADVERTISING & MARKETING MIKE TROTTIER JUSTIN WYSE EDWIN NEIMANN ADRAIN EVANS JOHN FUGATE

JASON PARSLEY

BEST IN BROWARD BEST IN MIAMI-DADE BEST IN PALM BEACH SOFLAGAYNEWS // SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS SFGN.COM // BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Welcome! In October we asked you, our readers, to vote for your favorite restaurants, hangouts, and charities — from your favorite burgers and desserts to the Best Place to Pick Up a Guy, or Girl. We received almost double the amount of votes over the last two years. Some of the establishments continue to win year after year like Humpy’s for Best Pizza, J Marks for Best Restaurant and Mack Planet for Best Social Networking Group —

BEST RESTAURANT

all three of whom have won three years in a row. Others though are new to our list like the Broward Center for the Performing Arts for Best Live Theater and Rosie’s taking home the prize for Best Burger and Best Brunch. This year we also to created categories specific to Miami-Dade and Palm Beach to showcase gay friendly establishments outside of the Wilton Manors area.

J. Marks 1245 N. Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale 954-390-0770 JMarksRestaurant.com

A repeat winner in numerous years, this subtle, elegant and shape shifting local restaurant fuses innumerable contemporary yet complicated dishes with earthy décor and an heir of panache that somehow manages to lack in pretention and still maintain its affordability. Putting it simply: We think it’s great. But to be even more blunt: J. Mark’s of Ft. Lauderdale is a legend in the making! Our voters agree, and with continuing dedication to gastronomic excellence, an indelibly impressionable ambiance, and an atmosphere accommodating of any occasion, J. Mark’s is the winner of SFGN’s "Best Restaurant" and "Best Restaurant To Take a Date" categories. Never mind that J. Marks is under proud gay ownership and has its fair supply of gay and lesbian wait staff. "We like to support the community," Manager Michael Hobbs said. "We have a little bit of something for everyone: we strive for excellent service, have a wide variety on our menu, and have a friendly environment." It also boasts not one, but two, daily happy hours (2 to 6 and 9 to close) to keep everyone loose. Ultimately, though, it comes down to one thing – the food.

Remember folks these are your opinions — not ours. Don’t agree with the winners? Well then make sure to vote in next year’s contest. Only those votes that came with valid email addresses were counted and duplicates were discarded. So without any further ado here are this year’s winners…

Start off with uniquely spun traditional appetizers like Parmesan spinach dip with artichoke hearts, or grilled, Jamaican style chicken wings, and choose what best suits you. From the signature J.Mark's Tender Salad to a 12 ounce aged prime rib steak to crab cakes and loads of specialty burgers, chicken or pasta dishes – they have it all. Your biggest problem will likely be choosing what to eat, especially because every dish has some kind of special twist. Even the interior is striking: subtle warm white lighting flanked by contemporary rectangular, satinlike overlays hang from the ceilings while silhouettes form around each oak planked interior booth. Dark red and brown paints accented by dark rock inspired brick inlays cover the higher walls and in all, J.Marks maintains an ambiance of class suitable for any occasion without bordering on "stuffy." Booth lighting is just enough to ensure the eyes of your date sparkle with just enough spotlighting to help them shine with radiance. SFGN's Bottom Line: J. Marks wows in an all-encompassing manner. From food to atmosphere, take a step in and we’re certain you’ll be hooked! As a dining experience it immediately nudges itself in to the category of an artistically nuanced experience in and of itself. From refined, earthy decor to snap-of-the-finger service by waiters and waitresses in button down white dress shirts, J.Mark's ensures comfort

BEST PIZZA

BEST PLACE TO TAKE A DATE

on all levels. And, again, the FOOD! Opulent and exotic yet created for you on an almost individual silver platter, it's cuisine that far transcends simple yet will satisfy even the most picky of diners based on variety. We couldn’t recommend it more… nor could our readers! • MA

Humpy’s Pizza 2244 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors 954-566-2722 HumpysPizza.com No other business in any other category got as many votes as Humpy’s Pizza did in this one. If there is one thing SFGN readers know, it’s how much they really like pizza. Maybe it’s the BBQ chicken you love. Maybe it’s the Margherita or BLT slices you drool over. Maybe it’s the house-made cupcakes, baked fresh daily, that you indulge in after your slice. Maybe it’s all of this and more that makes Humpy’s the best pizza in town. “We strive for good food and good customer service in a friendly, fun atmosphere,” said Steve Dejong, owner of Humpy’s. “We are pretty involved in the

community and try to support different groups and organizations,” he said. “Even though we are a small business, we try to be as involved as we can.” This is the third year in a row they have won in this category, and how could they not? With a dozen different pizza options served up daily, along with salads, heroes, and house-made cupcakes, you’d be hardpressed to leave hungry. With this high-quality level of convenience, friendly staff and amazing pizza, this 3-year winning streak sounds like only the beginning. • DZ

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Broward BEST BRUNCH

Rosie’s 2449 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors RosiesBarAndGrill.com Rosie’s Sunday Brunch is definitely the place you take your friend from out of town. This is the place where you can brag about living in South Florida with cool tropical breezes blowing across a lush outside patio. Good looking people, gay and straight, mingling inside at the bar as a DJ mixes music with new arrivals pulling up to the valet parking in freshly washed sports cars. Simply put, if in Wilton Manors, Rosie’s brunch is not to be missed. As luck would have it this reporter stumbled across the owner of Rosie’s, John Zieba, during Sunday brunch as the crowds began to gather outside his popular Wilton Drive locale.

“It’s our fastest growing day,” Zieba said. “We get such a diverse crowd here and everyone is enjoying themselves. I’m really glad we have been able to achieve this.” Known for their excellent servers who wear T-shirts with funny sayings like, “Watch your facial expressions, I can read Botox,” Rosie’s has a deep menu featuring waffles, pancakes, omelets, wraps, burgers and salads. This reporter opted for the Southern Lovin’ Salad (fried chicken, pecans, bacon bits, cheddar cheese, tomatoes and honey mustard dressing.) Big enough for two. Rosie’s has been a Wilton Manors staple for seven years now. • JMD BEST BURGER

Brunch? Check. Happy Hour? Check. What else could Rosie’s be? With nearly two dozen varieties, they now stand as the Best Burger as voted by SFGN readers. Manager John Zieba knows Rosie’s burgers are top-notch. They swept

River walk ’s Fourth Burger Battle this past May, winning Best Burger and Fan Favorite for their Bacon Bitty Bang Bang Burger – bacon-bourbon jam with roasted tomatoes, kettlecooked chips, garlic aioli and brie. You can still order the award-winning burger anytime you visit the restaurant.The variation of burgers range from healthier garden burgers to cheat-day kinds, like the Georgia Bleu – a burger stuffed with Georgia pecans, crumbled bleu cheese, and fried onions. Or try the Carrie B. Anne – a burger seasoned with Rosie’s Caribbean Jerk seasoning and topped with pepper jack cheese and grilled pineapple mango salsa. No matter your mood or your motive, there is a burger for you at Rosie’s. • DZ

Photo credit: JR Davis

BEST DINER

Peter Pan 1216 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale 954-565-7177 After a night of drinking and/or debauchery, finding a place to soak up the liquor and bad decisions isn’t hard if you know where to look. That’s where Peter Pan comes in. A Fort Lauderdale legend, SFGN readers know the best diner when they see one: this is the second year in a row Peter Pan Diner has won this category. But if you’re not stumbling in after a night of drinking, you can still show up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The diner is open 24 hours a day. Family-owned and operated since 1979, Peter Pan serves up breakfast favorites like eggs benedict or old fashioned French toast. But simple meals like two fresh eggs with ham, bacon, or sausage can make both your wallet and your belly happy: the meal costs less than $6. Enjoy house specialties like Chicken Francaise or Shrimp Santoni. Classic diner favorites like meatloaf, burgers, and housemade baked goods are also available. Whether you’re starting your day or ending it, Peter Pan should be included in it somehow. • DZ

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

BEST DESSERT

Stork’s 2505 NE15th Ave. Wilton Manors 954-473-4460 StorksBakery.com Do you have a sweet tooth? Most of us do and in South Florida, Stork’s is the place to go to satisfy those cravings. The bakery/café in Wilton Manors, named after the bird that delivers babies, has been voted best desserts by readers of the South Florida Gay News. “It’s an honor to be recognized by the community,” said Stork’s pastry chef Peter Dekaj. Cakes, pies, cookies and mini pastries are all on display the minute one walks in the door. Dekaj is especially proud of his Flawless Chocolate Decadence Cake, a rich homemade dessert that is also gluten-free.

Stork’s has been around since 1997 and its location at 2505 Northeast 15th Avenue has made the bakery/café a destination for those seeking a quiet afternoon get-together with friends. For the holiday season the kitchen crew at Stork’s was busy preparing a wide range of pies from pumpkin, apple crumb and key lime to the house favorite – Storkberry, a mix of five berries. Business has been so good, Dekaj said Stork’s will soon open a second location in Oakland Park. • JMD

HELPING YOU PROTECT WHAT MATTERS MOST

BEST DRAG SHOW

The Law Office of

Shawn C. Newman, P.A.

Lips 1421 E. Oakland Park Blvd. Oakland Park 954-567-0987 LipsFlorida.com Lips serves up the best in drag and some pretty darn good food, too. The ultimate destination for drag dining for nearly a decade, Lips is popular with both South Florida’s gay and straight communities, hosting everything from birthday to bachelorette parties. On Tuesdays, Lady LaRouge hosts the Dragalicious Game Show and trust us, she’s no Bob Barker, but the price IS right! The mean and bitter Misty Eyez hosts Bitchy Bingo on Wednesdays and Thursdays, patrons get to dine with Cher, Madonna, Dianna Ross, Bette Midler and more. Friday and Saturday nights are among the most popular, and you can expect plenty of big hair, the highest heels and lots of

duct tape—that’s how they make the magic happen, but don’t let that secret out. And, of course, on Sundays, Lips is packed for the Drag Gospel Brunch. Hostess Nicolette and her girls promise to have you screaming, “Sweet Jesus!” before the show is over. Now, that’s the way to find a little religion. • JWA

BEST DRAG QUEEN

Misty Eyez Our beloved drag queen we flock to at Bill’s Filling Station, Lips and Boardwalk may never have been. Always involved in theater, she was known for her makeup and hair skills. Her friend finally convinced her to dress in drag one Halloween, and from then she was hooked. “I couldn't believe how pretty I was!” she laughed. Now, she performs almost every night and she competed on RuPaul’s Drag Stars at Sea in December. But what we love about her most is her big heart -- growing up with a minister as a father, her love of donating her time to charity and giving back to the community makes us swoon, whether it be for cancer or AIDS. “Anytime somebody needs help, I’m there to help and I’m there to lend a hand if I can,” she said. • CL

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION • AVAILABLE WEEKENDS & EVENINGS BY APPOINTMENT

The Law Office of

Shawn C. Newman, P.A.

710 N.E. 26th Street, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

954-563-9160

Shawn@ShawnNewman.com ShawnNewman.com Licensed to practice law in Florida, New Jersey & District of Columbia. NOTICE: The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements. Before you decide, ask the attorney to send you free written information about qualifications & experience.

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Village Pub 2283 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 754-200-5244 VillagePubWM.com

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

BEST PLACE TO PICK UP A GUY

For the 2012 SFGN Best Of’s, the Village Pub won all three of these categories just weeks after opening their doors. A year later, the votes are in: people still love the pub. “It’s a nice, friendly atmosphere,” Owner Jim Kessinger said about the pub. “There’s a comradery that customers have with bartenders and other customers.” The Village Pub opened up in October 2012 and doesn’t serve any food, although they offer menus from local restaurants like New York Grilled Cheese Company and Humpy’s Pizza for guests who want a bite. Restaurants will deliver orders straight to the pub. While the foodless bar offers drink

specials every night of the week, Kessinger said end-of-the-month “menergy” events – where 150-200 guys show up to mingle – is a great time to meet a guy. Stop by; it’s always the last Sunday of every month. This year, Village Pub got some competition in the Best Happy Hour category when they tied with the iconic Wilton Manors bar Alibi. Kessinger agrees their happy hour is great, but probably because he used to work there. “My brother [Georgie] started Alibi many years ago,” he said. “I eventually wanted to go into business by myself. We had our own ideas and this is what we came up with and it’s worked well so far.” Indeed it has, Jim. We’ll drink to that. • DZ

The Manor 2345 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-626-0082 TheManorComplex.com Jason Tamanini says he runs the largest nightclub in the State of Florida. And who’s to argue. On a recent Saturday night visit to The Manor, hundreds of people filled the multilevel complex, dancing to electronic music, catching up with friends over drinks at one of the many bars or just sitting back and looking at all the gorgeous people stroll by. The Manor, Tamanini says, is very popular with tourists who come from all over the world just to experience a night inside the stately club. This is the third consecutive year readers of the South

BEST COFFEE

Java Boys 2230 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-626-8828 In an age where there’s a Starbucks on almost every corner, the “down home” feel of old fashioned coffee shops is something that has clearly waned with the rise of corporate coffee “dispensaries.” While boutique shops, non-franchised restaurants and self owned and operated businesses cater to the myriad of tastes of

Photo credits: Village Pub and Alibi

Broward

Alibi 2266 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-565-2526 AlibiWiltonManors.com

BEST NIGHTCLUB

Florida Gay News have voted The Manor best nightclub. With five different rooms and theme nights to appeal to every taste, it’s easy to see why The Manor has such a loyal following. “We’re bringing international flair to Florida,” said Tamanini. The main dance room certainly lives up to the club’s name with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, large framed paintings on the walls and pretty faces behind the bar. It all creates an atmosphere of sophistication and, above all, fun. Valet service is also available. • JMD

the Wilton Manors population, even the coffee house scene is far more than just a quick, highly informal stop at Starbucks. Whether a resident, a visitor or a casual passer-by looking for a comfortable place to sit, grab some coffee and have a homemade pastry or sandwich, there’s one place that’s a must: Java Boys. More than just a coffee shop, Java Boys has made a name for itself not just for its superb coffee (and tea), but for its warm and inviting atmosphere. Multi-colored ball shaped lights hang from the ceiling, abstract art lines the walls, flat screen TV’s keep people entertained with LGBT themed

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

BEST HAPPY HOUR

programming and seating is abundant featuring plush couches, and chairs and even some outdoor seating. Baked goods are always fresh and easily trump the pre-made generic pastries of corporate coffee shops. The food is also both tasty and affordable. For $3.25 there’s the Java Boys’ signature “Java Scrambler” – Canadian Bacon on a bagel, croissant or English muffin. For a little more, enjoy a sandwich or a chicken Caesar salad from their handwritten chalkboard menu. And did we mention they also offer free Wi-Fi? • JMD

Broward BEST SOCIAL NETWORK FOR WOMEN

BEST TEA DANCE

BOOM (Soon to be Hunter’s) 2232 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-630-3556 More than just a club or bar, Boom – which has been sold and becomes Hunter’s as of Dec. 23 – is a staple, by all accounts, of Wilton Manors nightlife. The bar hosts special events, themed parties nearly everyday of the week, and sports a crowd that’s mixed in age. There’s two levels of partying, three bars and a separate video bar. Bottom line: Boom/Hunter’s is almost always packed — from twinks to average Joe’s to bears in leather, there’s hardly anything one won’t find at Boom on any given evening.

Women in Network 954-463-9005 x641

But it’s their Sunday festivities that really make this place stand out from the rest of the crowd. Hosting around 250 people at any given time, Sunday night’s “Jackhammer Tea Dance” is one of the most popular weekly parties, featuring retro and retro revived disco music and runs from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Happy hours are from 4-9 p.m. seven days a week. Hours are Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday’s 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sundays noon to 2 a.m. • MVA

Women in Network has been around since 1987 providing a professional, social, educational and philanthropic outlet for the LBT women of South Florida. WIN is provides professional and business networking opportunities, social and recreational events, advocacy efforts, health and educational programs, and philanthropic and scholarship support. According to WIN President Denise Spivak, “We’re honored any time that we’re recognized for providing a service to our community. It means that the work that we do, the programs that we provide and the effort put forth by a very dedicated Board of Directors is important to our community in South Florida, that we’re making a difference and we can’t ask for a better honor than that!” • DR

BEST GUESTHOUSE

Royal Palms 717 Breakers Avenue Fort Lauderdale Beach 954-564-6444 RoyalPalms.com The Royal Palms has won the vote for the best guest house in every year for the last three years. Manager Philip LaFond attributes this success to its ethic of customer satisfaction, with staff going out of their way to make people feel like family and to create “love and happiness.” For visitors, the rooms are stunning. Splashes of bright colors stand out from the black and white minimalist rooms. Dennis Dean’s artwork hangs on the walls. All events and rooms are open to women as well as to men. In addition to its great qualities as a guest house, the Royal Palms has much to offer local residents: a gym, WI-FI, a full liquor bar, two heated pools, and a restaurant. Every Sunday afternoon, the Royal Palms holds a tea dance. It has also hosted special events such as glow parties and an erotic art show. Locals pay no cover charge for all of this. The Royal Palms is not just a guest house; it’s for local residents too. • SM Photo: JR Davis

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Broward BEST BUSINESS GROUP BEST SOCIAL NETWORK

Mack Multimedia 954-779-6197 MackPlanet.com

Tucked away off Wilton Drive in a shopping center known for its nightlife is where you’ll find Steel Gym, voted best gym by readers of the South Florida Gay News. Dubbed the only, “real gym” in Fort Lauderdale, Steel Gym does have real people working out and exercising all day. According to trainer Wolf Carver, 60 to 70 people come to the gym daily, many who are enrolled in the “Silver Sneakers” program. The program is designed to help seniors with basic cardio and flexibility exercises in a classroom setting. For those wanting to go it alone, Steel Gym offers free weights, machines and a dry sauna. A variety of Yoga classes are also offered and once your workout is complete, a protein packed smoothie

to redesign how business people create new relationships and establish friendships - regardless of sexuality. MACK won this honor last year as well. “MACK has been consistent with our following, our quality of venues, and fun atmosphere for almost 9 years. We look forward to reaching out 10-year milestone soon!” Dan Oropesa, CoFounder, Mack Multimedia. • DR

Steel Gym 2270 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-318-3900 SteelGym.com

For the third year in a row, Club Fort Lauderdale has won for the best bathhouse, but manager David McKeel says we shouldn’t call the Club a bathhouse but rather an American Sauna with the look and feel of an upscale resort, offering “high class sleaze.” The Club features a beautiful designed Mediterranean-style pool / whirlpool area and state of the art gym,

BEST GYM

bar awaits for those seeking to add weight and body mass. The Wilton Manors Steel Gym is one of just three in the nation with the others being in New York and Miami. Steel Gym is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. • JMD

BEST BATHHOUSE

It’s the second consecutive win for GLBX. The group originated as the Gay and Lesbian Business Exchange and formally became a council of the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce in 2010. The mission of the GLBX is to promote business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBTfriendly community. “As the fastest growing Council of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, we stand committed to growing businesses and supporting the community and our LGBT allies. We believe in the

LA Fitness 3825 N. Federal Hwy Oakland Park 954-567-2727 LAﬁtness.com With locations in 29 states and the District of Columbia and parts of Canada, LA Fitness is a well-known brand. Voted best gym (Tie with Steel Gym) by readers of the South Florida Gay News, the LA Fitness at 3825 North Federal Highway in Oakland Park is a virtual city full of healthy people. Each day, this gym welcomes thousands of visitors and

growth of the Fort Lauderdale business community that supports LGBT business and equality. Look for bigger and more robust programming for 2014!” Chad Thilborger GLBX Board Chair. To join the GLBX and the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce call Rene Cantu Business Development Executive 954-462-6000 ext. 8789. This year, GLBX shares this honor with MACK Multimedia. MACK co-founder Dan Oropesa says it’s an honor to be recognized with GLBX. “It’s humbling for both DJ and myself. We don’t take it for granted being popular and hope that we make the most – and that our members GET the most - out of our events each month.” • DR

offers an array of activities. There’s basketball and racquetball courts, a lap pool for swimmers, Jacuzzi, sauna, yoga, Pilates and kickboxing classes and every weight machine imaginable. On its website, LA Fitness declares the company continues “to seek innovative ways to enhance the physical and emotional wellbeing of our increasingly diverse membership.” For those with children, the club offers a “Kids Klub” program so the entire family can enjoy a day at the gym. Also, weightlifters and those seeking to get in shape can hire personal trainers at LA Fitness. The Oakland Park LA Fitness was recently remodeled and its hours of operation are 5 a.m. to Midnight on weekdays. Members pay monthly with no contract or can sign-up for a three-year plan. • JMD

Club Ft Lauderdale 110 NW 5th Ave. Fort Lauderdale 954-525-3344 TheClubs.com

as well as a sauna, an arcade room, a steam room maze, and three private fetish theme rooms. A gym workout can pump up the muscles for maximum display prior to hitting the halls or the steam room. For guys needing a break from the action, the Club offers a chill lounge with regular television programming. The Club plans a major renovation next year, going even more upscale

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

with LED lighting throughout the Club, black granite bath rooms, and redesigned saunas/steam room. Some construction will begin in January but major construction will only begin after the tourist season ends. The Club will remain open during construction, which promises to be very interesting, particularly for those of us with fantasies about construction worker. • JMD

Photo credit: TheClubs.com

MACK is a business networking group aimed at connecting gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and gay friendly professionals designed to provide an easy way for our members to network with each other. With sold-out lunch events and fun - yet professional, cocktail socials in Fort Lauderdale and the Boca Raton/Delray Beach area, there’s no doubt MACK continues

GLBX 512 NE 3rd Ave. Fort Lauderdale 954-462-6000 x8789 FTLchamber.com

Classic Gateway Theatre 1820 Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale 954-763-7994 TheGatewayTheatre.com

BEST LIVE THEATER

Broward Center for the Performing Arts 201 SW 5th Ave. Fort Lauderdale 954-462-0222 BrowardCenter.org

The golden age of the silver screen lives on at Fort Lauderdale’s Classic Gateway Theatre. For more than 60 years, the cinema has offered Hollywood blockbusters, along with indie classics and LGBT features. It was here that Fort Lauderdale first captured the imagination of a generation of young co-eds with the glitzy world premiere of Where the Boys Are, starring Connie Francis. Hollywood producer Arthur Friedman took over operation of the Gateway two years ago and has been working diligently to restore the movie house to its former glory, showcasing classic movie posters

in the lobby and launching a wildly successful classic film festival held each year in August and September. The Gateway also is the home to the growing Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. “Through the years, watching thousands of movies, I have learned that the movie theater experience cannot be duplicated on television, video or any other new technology," Friedman explained. “There’s something about being in a theater with an audience, watching a great movie, that is unique and spellbinding.” • JWA

With more than 700 theater productions, concerts, dance and other performances all year round, attended by more than 700,000 people, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts is undoubtedly the premiere arts venue in South Florida. The center’s Broadway Across America series brings the hottest shows from the Great White Way, including The Book of Mormon and Wicked, to the region, but also hosts local performing arts organizations, including the Symphony of the Americas, South Florida Symphony, Miami City Ballet, Arts Ballet Theatre of South

Florida and Florida Grand Opera, as well as the annual Pride Series, performances geared to Broward County’s sizeable gay theater audience. The center is in the last phase of a two year, $44 million dollar renovation and expansion project, the Encore! Campaign, that has seen the center’s technical infrastructure upgraded, new lounges and educational facilities and a new riverfront pavilion that is currently under construction and will offer dining and event spaces. Truly, the Broward Center is a place that inspires both on stage and off. • JWA

Photo credit: BrowardCenter.org

BEST MOVIE THEATER

Photo credit: JR Davis

Broward

Poverello has a site and a store on Simply scan the QR Code or visit our Poverello

page

on FaceBook at www.facebook.com/PoverelloEbay. Funds from sales are directed to support our programs and services to Broward County families affected by HIV/AIDS. Poverello Thrift Store is open for your holiday shopping pleasure. Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7; Sun Noon-5 The Thrift Store will close at 3 pm on Dec. 24th 2056 N. Dixie Hwy., Wilton Manors, FL 33305

The holidays are a very busy time for Poverello. Our thrift store and food pantry are in need of volunteers. Can you or your organization provide a few hours to help Poverello assist those living with HIV/AIDS? Contact Robert Schelhammer (954) 561-3663 ext. 112 or or rschelhammer@poverello.org. You can also visit the Poverello website www.poverello.org. Go to the Ways To Help tab and click on Volunteer Information. BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Broward BEST BEACH

Photo credit: Greater Fort Lauderdale Vistor’s and Convention Beureau

BEST PLACE TO SHOP

A winner for the third year in a row, Jon Anthony’s men’s contemporary clothing store is a hit with shoppers looking for great fashions at low prices. This includes popular brands True Republic, Buchelli and Bespoke flying off the shelves. “We really try to extend value,” Anthony said. With people less consumed with brand

Sebastian Beach Corner of A1A and Sebastian St. Fort Lauderdale Beach

Just about any day of the year, you can drive along A1A on Fort Lauderdale and get an eyeful of bikini- and board short-clad visitors sunbathing, frolicking in the ocean surf or strolling the sidewalk. But, when you arrive at Sebastian Beach, make no mistake, that’s “where the boys are,” to borrow a phrase from the classic spring break movie that was filmed right here in Fort Lauderdale. Even during the low season when the rest of the beach is practically deserted, you’re likely to see plenty of bronzed men in Speedos

The Outlet 2301 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors 954-396-3383 names due to the economy, Anthony shifted his business when he opened the store six years ago to a place where the fashionable could good quality clothes at great prices. Set up like a mini department store, guests can purchase an entire outfit, from the sunglasses down to the shoes. In August Anthony opened up Town Clothiers down the street as a sort of satellite shop. The Outlet is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. • CL

BEST GAY SOCIAL EVENT

Wicked Manors

Photos: JR Davis

socializing and swimming the afternoons away. The perennial runner-up is again Haulover Beach, located in Sunny Isles in Miami-Dade County, just a short drive south. The park is especially popular for its largely gay, clothing optional section at the north end of the beach. Little is left to the imagination, but be sure to pack some sunglasses because the sun can be bright, especially when reflecting on the plethora of body piercings. Oh, and you might want to bring a little sunscreen, too. • JWA

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Revelers have taken to Wilton Drive every year for Halloween since 2007 in one form or another, and according to our readers, it’s the event of the year. “Halloween is a gay holiday,” said Robert Boo, Pride Center CEO. “It looked like it was 50 percent gay and 50 percent straight allies and there were a lot of families. I truly enjoyed seeing that it was a community-wide event.” The center partnered with the city

of Wilton Manors to throw the bash, drawing 18,000 people attending this year onto the closed off streets. Earlier in the evenings, kids participated in a costume contest and went from business to business trick or treating. Then, DJs took to the official event stage -- as well as those set up by bars -- to get the crowd moving all night long. Drag queens roamed the streets, costumed ghouls and hotties participated in contests, and drinks were a’ flowing. Since Halloween landed on a Thursday, Wicked Manors had to end early on the drive due to weekday noise ordinances. However, the next two years the holiday is on a Friday and a Saturday – party time! • CL

Since 1997

The Pride Center 2040 N. Dixie Hwy. Wilton Manors 954-463-9005 PrideCenterFlorida.com The community may take to the streets in Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale to celebrate Pride twice a year, but every day is a virtual pride celebration at The Pride Center. The mission of The Pride Center at Equality Park, a six-acre campus just off Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors, is selfexplanatory: We provide a welcoming, safe space — an inclusive home that celebrates, nurtures and empowers the LGBTQ communities and our friends and neighbors in South Florida. For more than 19 years, The Pride Center, with a professional staff of 20, fulfills this mission with a var-iety of important programs for the community, including HIV/AIDS testing and education, support

STORK’S

Coffee • Bakery • Café • Catering

BEST NON-PROFIT

for seniors, women and youth, and educational, spirituality and wellbeing programs. The center hosts 60 groups each month for networking, senior exercise classes, square dancing, adult education classes and more. The LGBTQ community is extremely diverse, the staff will tell you, but The Pride Center strives to serve as a place to bridge those differences and strengthen the community. • JW

Robert Boo (left) CEO of the Pride Center at Equality Park Photos: JR Davis

Wilton Manors, FL WiltonManors.com Welcome to the Gayborhood! Yes, the Island City, incorporated in 1947, is again among the gayest places in America, attracting one of the highest concentrations per capita of LGBT singles and families, according to recent data. Take a drive along Wilton Drive, the city’s Arts and Entertainment District, and you’ll see a vibrant community: rainbow flags flying everywhere, same sex couples strolling hand-in-hand, bars and restaurants teeming with residents and visitors alike. Especially over the past couple of

BEST CITY TO LIVE IN

years, the Drive has seen a renaissance with new restaurants and clubs and more set to open in coming weeks. But, beyond the nightlife, Wilton Manors offers a livable city, with well kept parks and an active parks and recreation department, responsive civic leaders, engaged civic groups like the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, churches, and home to the Pride Center and charitable organizations including Poverello, Kids in Distress, Latinos Salud, AIDS Healthcare Foundation and Broward House. • JW

We’re more than just coffee!

WINNER BEST DESSERT

WE’RE M ORE THA N JUST DE SSERTS! STORK’S WILTON MANORS

2505 NE 15th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-567-3220

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Broward BEST PLACE TO PICK UP A GIRL

New Moon 2440 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-563-7660 NewMoonBar.com “All the single ladies, now put your hands up!” New Moon does it yet again, winning “Best Place to Pick Up a Girl” in SFGN’s survey for the second year. It’s no surprise. Carol Moran supplies a great party atmosphere in a clean, cozy space with indoor and outdoor bars, and friendly staff. Happy Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Saturdays from noon to 6

p.m. Sundays are “Fun Days” with $12 domestic, and $20 import beer buckets. Impress her by singing her a song during karaoke on Thursday nights, or jam to the hottest tracks with the DJ on Friday nights. Saturdays are always something, from live bands to DJs, check their web site for their weekly event schedules. There’s something for all the ladies in town. • DJ

BEST TAKEOUT

Chopstix 2603 N Dixie Hwy (5-Points) Wilton Manors 954-563-9902 Only open for a little over two years, Chopstix wins your vote again for the second year in a row for the best take-out food. Open seven days a week, many described this place as very clean and inexpensive. Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can order from over 30 lunch items at only $5.95. You get a can of soda and either white or fried rice with your order. It’s a large enough portion to get you through the afternoon. My personal favorites include the sesame chicken lunch, awesome panfried dumplings, and the teriyaki beef appetizer. Most items on the menu are around $8-10, “dinner platter combinations” with egg roll and pork fried rice go for only $8, and house specialty dishes run at around $14. They even will do party trays for that emergency party need! Just order ahead for quick and easy pickup. • DJ

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Carol Moran, Owner of New Moon

BEST SPIRITUAL CENTER

Sunshine Cathedral 1480 SW Ninth Ave. Fort Lauderdale 954-462-2004 SunshineCathedral.org Founded 41 years ago as a part of the global LGBT spiritual movement, today this church located off of Davie Boulevard is now a welcome refuge for Jews, Christians, and even atheists of every sexual orientation. “We recognize the innate, sacred being of every person,” the Rev. Durrell Watkins said. Watkins and his partner run services every Sunday, drawing up to 1,000 people a week during the

holidays. What really sets this church apart is working beyond just Sunday to reach out to the community. With a focus on the arts, the campus is often a venue for cabaret concerts, drag shows, films, and picnics. Plus, with SunServe right next door, LGBT people young and old have a place to attend educational and supportive programming. Sunday services 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. • CL

Miami-Dade BEST RESTAURANT

BEST DINER

TiramesU 721 Lincol Road Miami Beach 305-532-4538 TiramisU.com With restaurants constantly opening and closing, it’s nice to have a mainstay for great food. TiramesU, snuggled on Lincoln Road, has been around for 25 years and hit the sweet spot in our cravings for Italian food just as long. How? “Good food, selected ingredients, reasonable prices, and great service are our ingredients for success,” said Silvia Cadamura, marketing and media for the Graspa Group.

11th Street Diner 1065 Washington Ave. Miami Beach 305-534-6373 EleventhStreetDiner.com

Taking the beach life of Miami and incorporating it into their menu, there’s plenty of seafood in the mix -- a popular dish is the Linguine alla Bucaniera, made with house-made linguine, jumbo shrimp, mussels, squid, daily fresh fish, and a spicy tomato sauce. • CL

BEST DESSERT

Ice Box Cafe 1855 Purdy Ave. Miami Beach 305-538-8448 IceBoxCafe.com In 2006 Oprah featured Ice Box Café on her show as a part of a Best Cakes in America series, so it’s no wonder SFGN readers chose the place as the Best place for Desserts in Miami. “Pastries and desserts have always been the backbone to our business,” said Owner Robert Siegmann. Besides their flagship restaurant in Miami Beach they have locations in two airports Miami and Dallas/Fort Worth with another location opening next year in Sunset Harbor. “We first started off with a small

South Beach might be all about the glitz and glamour, but sometimes you just need to kick back with a hot meal. That’s where our favorite diner comes in, whether it be to get a fix of breakfast for lunch or a late-night snack after a night of partying. “We’re the only one of its kind on South Beach,” said Mark Grimsley, the manager of the 21-year-old restaurant. Reminiscent of a blue collar diner, in its original Art Deco architecture, the menu is far from simple. Try their famous roasted turkey dinner, or the apple- and raisin-reduced pork chops. Open 24 hours a day, they’ll always have the right drink or plate for whatever it is you’re craving. • CL

lunch place with a crazy line of desserts that I had created,” he said. “The place really caught on and became a watering hole for all of the locals.” If you visit, Siegmann recommends the Chocolate Delight cake, an “over the top chocolate explosion.” (It was once called the ‘Bomb,’ but apparently the airports didn’t like the name). If chocolate isn’t your thing try the Carrot Cake. “Hands down we have the best carrot cake out there, much lighter and easier to eat a lot of, than the Bomb,” he said. Siegmann said he’s thankful for the gay community’s patronage over the years. “The attention and the persistent of the gay community, especially in the beginning, kept us afloat and I’ve always been very thankful for that.” • JP

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Miami-Dade BEST DRAG SHOW

BEST NETWORKING GROUP

South Beach Social Club SoBeSocialClub.com For 13 years, Edison Farrow’s South Beach Social Club has been the nexus of society on Miami Beach. From Martini Tuesdays, his wildly successful roving monthly cocktail party, to some of the most popular weekend events in MiamiDade, SoBe Social Club has attracted the A-list residents on the beach and welcomed tens of thousands of visitors seeking the trendiest nightspots. And now, after nearly two decades as one of the Beach’s most successful promoters, Farrow is finally setting down some roots, The Cabaret, a new cabaret bar he and partner Ed DeCaso recently opened at 233 12th St. between Washington and Collins Avenues. Farrow auditioned hundreds of hopeful performers before settling on 14 of the most talented musicians who will be entertaining and serving seven nights a week. While friends won’t be waiting for Farrow’s twice-weekly emails for the latest nightlife news, they’ll find all the action at The Cabaret. • JW

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Palace Photos: JR Davis & Wikipedia

Photo: JR Davis

With night after night of dancing, music, and shirtless guys, it’s no wonder this club earned the number one spot with readers. “Everybody’s welcome at Score-we don’t discriminate,” said partner, Luis Morera. “Every night is created for people to just come in and have a great time.” After 16 years of being located in the busy restaurant and shopping district of Lincoln Road, the owners decided to move their successful club to a more suited area in Miami Beach on Washington Avenue. Now in a space four times larger than the original, the people keep coming. One of its most popular nights, Tuesday nights have been relegated to Latin music for 14 years now, including drag queens running the show. Plus, there’s hip hop nights, DJ music, pop music, and something for everyone to dance their asses off to. Fridays and Saturdays 6 p.m. to 5 a.m., every other night is 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. • CL

BEST TEA DANCE

Ask any real estate agent—and God knows, there are plenty in South Florida—the secret to success for any business is location, location, location… well, The Palace, South Beach’s Ocean Drive gay bar has got that! Just across the street from the beach, The Palace offers the perfect sunny spot to see and be seen. But, that’s not enough for General Manager Nelson Cardona and his hardworking staff. Sunday brunch, dubbed Bunchic!, is one of the most popular events of the week and Breakfast Club Saturdays offer the same delicious eats if you prefer to sleep in on Sundays. The divas of The Palace are second to none, providing gender-bending entertainment into the wee hours of the night. And, after a relaxing day on the beach, The Palace’s tea dances provide the perfect transition from sunny sojourn to midnight madness, courtesy of some of the Beach’s most popular DJs. • JW

BEST NIGHTCLUB

Score 1437 Washington Ave. Miami Beach 305-535-1111 ScoreBar.net

The Palace 1200 Ocean Drive Miami Beach 305-531-7234 PalaceSouthBeach.com

BEST SHOPPING

Perfect Gifts SoBe 1516 Washington Ave. Miami Beach 305-397-8097 Facebook.com/PerfectGiftsSouthBeach For those shopping in Miami Beach, Perfect Gifts SoBe is the place to get your gay on. Voted best shopping in MiamiDade by readers of the South Florida Gay News, the store is known for its

colorful greeting cards, novelties and pet accessories, but also has a concept says owner Perry Martino. “Get a gift, get it wrapped and go on to your party,” Martino explained. Perfect Gifts SoBe has a beautiful selection of candles and fragrances and their greeting cards, Martino notes, range from naughty to nice. Formerly the Pink Palm on Lincoln Road, Perfect Gifts has been at its Washington Avenue address since early June. The store is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. • JMD

Photo: Facebook

BEST BRUNCH

Miami-Dade BEST BEACH

12th Street Beach 1200 Ocean Drive Miami Beach Ripped up men in speedos? Check. Ripped up men rollerblading in speedos? Check. Ripped up men rollerblading in speedos while speaking Spanish? That’s a check too. Indeed, as Hank Azaria’s character from the Birdcage put it – it’s all about the “natural heat [insert overly dramatic Spanish Accent here].’ And the good news is that come rain or come shine, 12th St. Beach is packed with men from all walks of life – many of whom happen to be Latin, buff and dawning speedos – yet others who, seek simply to blend in. Be careful, though, 12th St. beach isn’t really the place to blend in. If seeking solace is your idea of the perfect LGBT

beach outing, you’re likely better off somewhere else, because this place is jumpin! Did we mention ripped, Latin men wearing speedos and playing volleyball? Ya… when we said jumpin’ we weren’t kidding and neither were our readers, who overwhelmingly voted 12th. St. Beach the best locale to catch the some rays, take a dip in the usually 75-80 degree sea water and, of course, frolic in the sands (with their choice of all kinds of men in Speedos… and not just Latinos – but definitely a lot, that’s for sure). “There’s volleyball in the day, frisbee, sun and boys. And then at night, we go to [Hotel] Victor for some pregame,” Pompano Beach native, Mike Augustine says. He stops for a moment, lifts his head in to the breeze, widens his already broad smirk and adds while giggling, “Then we go to the Palace and hopefully end up Staying at Hotel Victor for post game.” Yup. Beaches, clubs, restaurants,

regular gay themed events and even immortalization VIA film -- The Birdcage was shot only a half block away at the Carlyle hotel – making 12th St. beach in Miami an absolutely compulsory destination for gay men, women and the LGBT community as a whole. • MVA

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Miami-Dade BEST PLACE TO PICK UP A GUY

Twist 1057 Washington Ave. Miami Beach 305-53-TWIST TwistSoBe.com

BEST DRAG QUEEN

Mova 1625 Lincoln Road Miami Beach 305-53-TWIST MovaLounge.com

Tiffany Fantasia

When it comes to Martini’s there’s no place better than Mova Lounge, which has three locations, Lincoln Road, Brickell, and in D.C. “We’re a high end martini bar,” said Babak Movahedi, who calls himself the principal of the bar. But when it comes to being named Best Neighborhood Bar Movahedi says it’s all about the service. “Service is key. Quality is also an important factor. A quality drink and great service with a smile,” he said. “A lot of credit goes to our team, and how they interact with our customers, always making sure they’re happy. And of course we have amazing drinks.” Besides the drinks and service every night there is a theme: Mondays is Karaoke; Tuesdays is 2 for 1; Wednesdays starting in January will be fashion night; Thursdays is Brazilian night; and Fridays is DJ Bryan Zero with host Pussila; Saturdays is video night; and Sundays is chill night. “The Friday party has been going on for years,” Movahedi said. But if you’re just going to taste some exotic martinis Movahedi recommends the Saketini, which is a martini, blended with Sake, Apple and Kiwi. “That’s probably most popular martini we have right now,” he said. He added: “From all of us at Mova we thank the community for voting for us and we appreciate it and don’t take it for granted.” Hours are 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. • JP

For 10 years Tiffany Fantasia has been entertaining the LGBT community in Miami and nowadays she can be found at the iconic restaurant the Palace on South Beach three days a week. And she’s ready to do more — a lot more. “There’s so much I want to do with drag that I can’t wait to do in the near future,” she said. “I can’t wait for it to happen and everybody to see. I’m loving what I do.” She was shocked to learn she won the Best Drag Queen award. “I’m surprised and amazed. There’s a lot good talent in South Florida so to be picked as one of the best is an honor. You work hard and the gifts start to come back to you,” she said. But it hasn’t always been easy. “It’s been a struggle and a journey, but it’s been well worth it,” she said. “This business is not easy at all. And I thank your readers and the audiences to being able to entertain them for so long. • JP

Photo: JR Davis

Photos: JR Davis & MOVA Lounge

Something for everyone — that’s Twist. Here’s a sample: a video bar, salsa, techno, go-go dancers, dancing. With 7 bars and multiple dance floors it’s no surprise Twist won for Best Place to Pick up a Guy. And being open until 5 a.m. everyday, you’ll have plenty of time to find that special guy — or hookup. And with no cover charge — ever, what’s not to like about the place? “We get a later crowd since we’re open till 5 a.m,” said General Manager Valentino Eriksen. He went on to say that even after bar closes typically customers linger outside still meeting potential love interests. “If they don’t make that connection inside they is still time outside on the sidewalk for the last 15 minutes.” Twist is Miami’s oldest gay nightclub being around since 1993. Even more amazing it’s still under the same management and ownership. “We have a strong local clientele and equally strong tourism clientele,” he said. “We have to give thanks to our customers for creating that synergy.” “Were very grateful for this honor and we’re also grateful for the customers that made it possible,” he said. Open every night until 5 a.m. • JP

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

BEST CITY TO LIVE IN

Miami Beach MiamiBeachFL.gov With over 80,000 residents packed into a 7 plus square mile area (as of the 2010 US census), the city of Miami Beach is not only jammed with people but boasts an equally robust cultural and recreational presence to its visitors and residents alike. Defined by its trademark 20’s and 30’s themed architecture and immortalized as a bonafide LGBT watering hole in films like the Robin Williams/Nathan Lane classic, The Birdcage, Miami Beach is everything it’s “cracked up to be” and then some. It’s a place where being LGBT is to be just another face in the crowd. Luis Gonzalez, a 40 year old gay former resident of Miami Beach and says that, as a gay man, the laid back atmosphere made life all the more pleasant. On any given day, residents of this beachside haven can be seen soaking in the sun on miles of pristine, worldrenowned beaches (complete with pride flags adorning the vintage lifeguard towers), indulge in a meal of nearly any ethnic derivation, and top it all off with a trip to one of the cities innumerable LGBT clubs such as Twist and Score among them.

“I loved that I could go out on a Saturday morning, go to the beach, then go out in the evening and not even have to go home in between,” Gonzalez says, referring to the city’s casual atmosphere and lack of formality. “It’s a gay man’s paradise. People wear less clothes,” he adds before mentioning that it was also much easier to “play the field [in such an accepting place].” A trader on the Forex markets, Miami Beach’ location also gave Gonzalez leverage professionally, “There are over 80 languages spoken in Miami Beach alone….the whole area is just a hub for travel and business for people from Latin America, Europe and North America.” In closing, Gonzalez says “it’s like New York with better weather and a lot cheaper. It’s liberal in that no one cares about gay or straight. You can just be you. It’s a simple life for any gay person.” • MA

Colony Hotel, Miami Beach Botanical Gardens & Lincoln Road Mall Photos: Wikipedia

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Miami-Dade BEST PIZZA

BEST BURGER

Spris 731 Lincol Road Miami Beach 305-673-2020 Spris.cc

Burger & Beer Joint 900 South Miami Ave. Suite 103, Miami 305-523-2244 BNBjoint.com

Located on the busy Lincoln Road strip in Miami Beach and in downtown Miami, there’s always a line of hungry fans waiting to get a bite of pizza from Spris. With authentic ingredients and recipes, there are more than two dozen different pizzas to try, from traditional Margherita -the top seller -- to more adventurous pies like the Terra e Mare: tomato sauce, mozzarella, shrimp, Portobello mushrooms, and imported prosciutto. “We dedicate ourselves to select the best ingredients in order to make excellent pizzas to satisfy all the different palates and serve them with a smile and professionally,” said Silvia Cadamuro, marketing and media for the umbrella group Spris sits beneath. The best part of all? Cadamuro revealed to us that a third location will be opening in Midtown. • CL

With two locations in South Beach, Mary Brickell Village and another in Pembroke Pines, it’s perfect for a happy hour meal or during a night out. But these aren’t your ordinary burgers -using toppings like shrimp, wagyu beef, brie and foie gras, it’s burgers gone classy. However, don’t worry about donning your best suit at Burger and Beer Joint. It’s a totally laid back vibe to relax with friends and family, but without the sacrifice of quality food. “It’s bringing the concept of burgers and adding a gourmet aspect,” said Devin Huber, the brand’s marketing and online content manager. A tip? Huber says one of customers’ favorites is the Mustang Sally, a half pound of wagyu beef topped with red onion marmalade, brie, and sliced prosciutto sandwiched between a brioche bun. • CL

BEST EVENT OF THE YEAR

BEST NON-PROFIT

Miami Beach Gay Pride MiamiBeachGayPride.com

LGBT Visitor Center 1130 Washington Ave. 1st Floor, Miami Beach GoGayMiami.com

Beaches. Boys. Adam Lambert. How could you not love Miami Beach Gay Pride 2013? Going into its sixth year MBGP has quickly become one of the hottest events around the state. In terms of history the PrideFest is relatively new compared to Fort Lauderdale and even Palm Beach County. But in terms numbers the weekend event has quickly outpaced it’s northern neighbors attracting around 80,000 people this past year. And to top it off Adam Lambert headlined this year’s festival generating a lot of buzz leading up to the event and wowing audiences with his over the top performance. “Everyone connected with the production of Miami Beach Gay Pride is

Photo: Miami Beach Gay Pride

deeply ‘proud’ that SFGN readers have named our event their favorite event of the year. It’s gratifying to know that an event that started out as a neighborhood celebration five years ago has grown into a major destination for the South Florida community and visitors beyond,” said Joel Stedman, Chair, Miami Beach Gay Pride Board of Directors. “But we’re not going to rest on our laurels, we invite our old friends and new ones to next year’s celebration which we promise will be bigger and better than ever.” Next year’s event is scheduled for April 11 – 13. • JP

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

One of the first facilities of its kind in the U.S., the LGBT Visitor Center is a one-stop destination for information about Miami Beach and Miami’s gay destinations, shopping, attractions and community events. Located in the historic 1927 Old City Hall Building, the center is open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. In addition to valuable information for visitors, the center serves as a meeting place for the local LGBT community, hosting dozens of events, workshops, seminars and meetings each week, as well as a gallery space to display the work of

local LGBT visual artists, in conjunction with ArtsUnited. The LGBT Visitor Center receives significant financial and programming support from the vibrant Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. • JW

Palm Beach BEST RESTAURANT BEST DINER

Howley’s 4700 S. Dixie Hwy. West Palm Beach 561-833-5691 Sub-Culture.org/Howleys

Photos: JR Davis

This iconic restaurant/diner has been around since 1950 and is currently owned by Rodney Mayo, so it makes sense this little gem on the corner is such a standout. Mayo is a business savvy entrepreneur who owns, along with Scott Frielich, a collection of restaurants/bars in Palm Beach County that include Longboards, Lost Weekend, Feelgood’s, Rock Bar, Dada, Tryst, Delux; Kapow! Noodle Bar, and Dubliner. Howley’s feature an eclectic mix of food, and much of what you expect at a traditional diner. One of the standouts, according to manager Nicole Nichols include a new item, the Brady Burrito,

BEST PIZZA

Pizza Girls 114 S. Clematis St. West Palm Beach 561-833-4004 PizzaGirls.com Looking for authentic NY Style pizza? Well you’ll find it Pizza Girls in downtown West Palm Beach. The pizza joint offers 20 gourmet pizzas by the slice and other favorites like hot wings, salads, subs, and desserts. But it’s the pizza that they’re being recognized for this year. And there’s something about that dough that keeps em coming back. “People love our pizza dough,” said Phoebe Morales-Reckseit, who owns the restaurant with her wife. “We’ve been told we have the best pizza in whole world.” And they have the awards to prove it. “We’ve won a lot of best pizza awards from a lot of publications.” The NY Style pizza is always a favorite. And currently there are two new ones on the menu including a Thai chicken with diced chicken, carrots, broccoli, peanut sauce, and fresh cilantro; and a Caprese pizza with shredded mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and balsamic vinegar.

a flour tortilla stuffed with brisket, cheese, mashed potatoes, tomato corn salsa, smothered with a spicy sauce, jack cheese, an over medium egg, jalapeno, sour cream and guacamole — that’s a mouthful for sure. “All of our food is fresh and homemade,” Nichols said. She also recommends the crab cakes which she calls “amazing, definitely the best.” But besides the food it’s the atmosphere that helps take this eatery to the next level. “Our servers are a bit on the sassy side and fun and hopefully attentive and great,” she said. And if there’s still room for dessert try the chocolate peanut butter pie or cupcakes. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday; and they close at 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. • JP

The pizza shop opened up in 1996 and besides just the pizza the owners are active in the community — especially PrideFests where they’ve had booths or a trailer since 1998. “We’re just very open as a gay couple in the community,” she said. “We encourage our employees to be their selves. We have a really good work environment and that spills over to our customers.” Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the week, Thursdays till 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturdays till 4 a.m.; and Sundays noon to 9 p.m. • JP

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Palm Beach BEST BURGER

This burger joints claim to fame is their relishes — there are more than 20 varieties to choose from. Don’t like relish, no worries, not all of them are real ‘relishes’ so they’ve got something for everyone like Tangy Tzatzki, Velvety Horseradish, and Sour Pickle Chutney. But even sauces and relishes aren’t your thing the variety of burgers alone make this a must visit burger joint. Their burgers aren’t just made from beef, they’ve wild boar, duck, (real) buffalo, lamb, Italian sausage, white meat turkey, tilapia, veal, shrimp and homemade black bean. “Not only are the burgers out of this world fantastic but they offer vegetarian items as well as build your own salads in case you are health conscious,” said one person on Yelp. Another person commented “The food is always well prepared and would satisfy any gastro-connoisseur.” • JP

Shula  Delray Marketplace 14917 Lyons Road West Palm Beach 561-651-1075 GreaseWPB.com

This restaurant’s claim to fame is its namesake — Don Shula. Don’t know who that is? Yea we figure more than a few readers won’t know. He was the coach of the Miami Dolphins, a team he led to two Super Bowl victories, and to the NFL’s only perfect season. “Excellent burger and shakes,” one person said on Yelp. “I rate the quality of the burger as one of the best in the area and the bacon is especially good. I had the BBQ version and the sauce was very good. I am glad that the restaurant is a classy hamburger restaurant and they did not overdo the football memorabilia.” • JP

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

BurgerFi 6 South Ocean Blvd. Delray Beach 561-278-9590 BurgerFi.com

With a name like Grease you know what to expect — a messy, but oh so good and filling, piece of meat. “The southern burger was fantastic. Juicy and cooked perfectly with crispy bacon, jack cheese and sweet BBQ sauce. The Ron Burgundy burger was awesome too per my friend,” one person on Yelp said. While another person commented “This is one of the best burger places I have been. Unique burger creations and the burger itself is spectacular.” • JP

Located across the street from Delray Beach the location couldn’t be better. After laying in the sun or swimming in the ocean beach goers will find that this burger joint will hit just the spot. “If you are ever craving a burger, fries, an a shake you need to come here!” one person said on Yelp. “The burgers are awesome and you can order pretty much whatever you want on them. The fries are super good and you can dress them up with Parmesan cheese, garlic-mayo sauce, or spicy, or just plain amazing!” Another person said “Their burgers are fresh AND healthy (grass-fed beef is known to LOWER your cholesterol). The options of toppings are fantastic, hey anyone who offers aoili has an advantage right out of the starting gate.” • JP

Photo: BurgerFi

Relish  401 Northwood Road West Palm Beach 561-629-5377 RelishBurger.com

Photo: Robert Nelson

Grease  213 Clematis Street West Palm Beach 561-651-1075 GreaseWPB.com

Photo: Shula

Photo: Relish

SFGN readers had a hard time choosing a Best Burger in Palm Beach County — instead it ended up being a four-way tie. There’s Grease and Relish in West Palm Beach and Shula Burger and BurgerFi in Delray Beach. Each burger joint is distinctive in it’s own way. Make sure to try them all and vote in next year’s contest.

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR BEST DRAG SHOW

Roosters 823 Belvedere Road West Palm Beach 561-832-9119 RoostersWPB.com

Photo: JR Davis

Friendly. Intimate. Cozy. It’s a no brainer residents of Palm Beach County would choose Roosters as Best Neighborhood Bar. It’s been around since 1984, frequently hosts community events, and this year their Making Strides Against Breast Cancer raised the most money of any team. “Roosters recognizes and celebrates the diversity in our community. You should feel comfortable visiting us as you are. Everyone is always welcome at Roosters,” said David Hazen, a manager

at the bar. While Artie Vale, another bar manager added “I think that the welcoming and friendly attitude of the staff at Roosters is what makes the difference.” This year the bar also took home the Best Drag Show award as well. “The talents of our entertainers are incomparable,” Vale said. “Entertainment Director Melissa St. John brings together the best performers in South Florida. Daizee Deluxx, Valerie Dior and our many other stars make our show nights spectacular.” Hours of operation are Monday to Thursday 3 p.m. – 3 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. to 4 a.m. and Sundays Noon – 3 a.m. • JP

BEST DRAG QUEEN

Photo: JR Davis

Velvet Lenore If you’re gay and live in Palm Beach County you’ve seen Velvet LeNore. If not, are you sure you live in Palm Beach? For the past 18 years she’s been on the stage performing, and for the last 8 years she’s been the “Queen of the Palm Beaches” for being one of the main entertainers at the annual PrideFest of the Palm Beaches. She regularly performs at Lips, Boardwalk, and The Manor in Browad County, Cold Keg in Melbourne, Rebar in Port St. Lucie, and Penny’s at the Duke, Roosters, and Vita in Palm Beach County. She has a dance group K-otic and does a male to male revue at Boardwalk. She’s also a make up artist and hairstylist for weddings. “I’m very honored and surprised about this award and it means the world

to me,” LeNore said. “I’ve based my life on helping other people be better at whatever they strive to do so this label means a lot to me and it’s something I don’t take lightly.” • JP

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Palm Beach BEST NON PROFIT BEST GAY SOCIAL EVENT

Lambda North 18 South J. Street Lake Worth LambdaNorth.net

Compass’ annual Stonewall Ball shows just how much gays have gone mainstream. At this past year’s event several (straight) elected officials showed up to show their support of the LGBT community. The annual event in Palm Beach County has become, over the years, a must attend social gathering. And last year the event was especially for Compass as they celebrated their twenty-fifth anniversary. “Stonewall Ball is the Best gay Social Event of the year, but I admit my bias. In it’s 12th year, the Stonewall Ball isn’t only a gala for the gays, it’s a celebration of all the people who are with us on our journey to full equality,” said Tony

Photo: JR Davis

Stonewall Ball CompassGLCC.com/swb.html

Plakas, executive director of Compass. “It’s gratifying to have a party each year in the Historic Harriet Himmel Theater — in the heart of CityPlace — but even more so when you are surrounded by elected and appointed representatives who want to show their support for our community.” • JP

It’s easy to miss the small inconspicuous rainbow colored Greek Lambda symbol marking Lambda North’s location in downtown Lake Worth. And even for those that see the symbol, few will understand it’s meaning. But for those that do — it’s hope. The non-profit is an LGBT 12-step recovery meeting place, featuring programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. There are now 20 meetings that are held there each week. “We are very pleased we can serve the LGBTQ

BEST LIVE THEATER

Lake Worth Playhouse 713 Lake Ave. Lake Worth 561-586-6410 LakeWorthPlayhouse.org In its 61st season, the Lake Worth Playhouse is more than just a landmark and elaborately arranged entertainment venue. It’s an institution of sorts for entertainment enthusiasts’ of all ages, and from all walks of life. Featuring a full season of varying theatrical productions, weekly featured films, classes, internships, and two separate free standing theaters, the Lake Worth Playhouse is a standout locale for all things entertainment. It’s also an overwhelming reader’s favorite and the winner of SFGN’s Best Live Theater in Palm Beach County as selected by our readers. Located on Lake Ave in historic downtown Lake Worth, the original Lake Worth Playhouse dates back to 1924. Purchased by a group of Lake Worth citizens in 1952, and brought out of dormancy, the playhouse quickly blossomed in to the highly recognized theater it is today. Featuring two separate venues — a main stage seating 300 and a Black Box Theater — known as the Stonzek Theatre — added in the 90’s and seating 70, patrons have their choice between grandiose productions and intimate performance art creating what

the Director of Development, Daniel Eilola, calls a “something for everyone” allure. More than just for actors, fans of the theater, students and patrons alike, Eilola emphasizes that the goal of the theater is to bring a sense of family to the community. The playhouse also conducts outreach to local disadvantaged children in addition to collecting donations throughout its season. It also has plenty of gay staff and patrons alike. Hosting special events like the Divas Holiday Party — a drag show featuring singing and comedic skits, the playhouse stays true to its mission of bringing people together: Eilola adds: “We’re a caring, loving organization where people come, volunteer, and usually don’t leave. It’s a special place to be a part of.” • MVA

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Photo: Alfred Clayton

recovery community with a much needed safe place to call home,” said President of the club Michael Giorgi. “Lambda North is extremely grateful for this honor of being named Best Non-Profit.” Being a fairly new small non-profit they’re had their struggles finding money. They don’t collect enough from rent from the meetings to maintain their space so they’ve had to regularly hold fundraisers. This upcoming year they hope to win some grants and find additional outside donors, to not only maintain the clubhouse, but grow it as well. But if their second anniversary party is any indication, things are going well. So well, in fact, they’ll be holding the event at Compass in order to accommodate everyone. • JP

Let’s Be

Blunt.

If you need legal help, We can help. BEST GYM

The Zoo in Lake Worth 824 Lake Ave. Lake Worth 561-547-6348 ZooGym.com/LakeWorth With 80 percent gay clientele it’s not hard to figure out why the Zoo Health Club in downtown Lake Worth won for Best Gym. The franchise location opened up

3 years ago by Dawn Malega and her partner. “We’re a friendly gym. We don’t judge anybody here. People feel comfortable about their sexuality here,” Malega said. “We’re involved in everything, from gay pride to supporting Compass and hosting mixers. We try to support the community and they support us.” The 2,700 square foot gym is 24 hours featuring state of the art equipment, two personal trainers and several group classes including circuit training. • JP

The Law Ofﬁces of Norman Kent & Russell Cormican

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

BEST CITY

Lake Worth LakeWorth.org

Photo: City of Lake Worth

While it may be many years before Lake Worth is known nationally as a hot spot for gays, it’s easily the most gay friendly city in the county. It currently hosts Compass, the gay and lesbian center of the Palm Beaches, Lambda North, a gay 12-step recovery clubhouse, Studio 205, the only gay themed retail store in the county, Zoo Health Club, a gay owned gym, and was the first city in Florida to fly the rainbow flag to commemorate PrideFest — back in 2000. “Recognition of Lake Worth as the Best City to Live In by SFGN is not a surprise. You don’t have to be gay to enjoy our municipal beach, dock, golf course and parks,” said Tony Plakas, executive director of Compass. “Our center has been in Lake Worth for nearly five years, and the local community has embraced us as much as we’ve embraced our new home.” • JP

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

CONNECTING. COMMUNITY.

At Comcast and NBCUniversal, the more perspectives we include, the stronger we are. We see ourselves as a community — people with diverse perspectives, coming together for a common interest. That’s why we’re proud to partner with forward thinking organizations that invite, inspire and propel a multitude of perspectives. When everyone has a seat at the table, we are all the better for it. comcast.com/diversity

BEST OF 2013 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

community announcement

Key West Business Guild Salutes Annual Award Winners From KWBG The Key West Business Guild introduced new Board officers, newly-elected Board members and annual award winners at its “State of the Guild Luncheon” earlier this month at the Reach Resort. Former Board President, Todd German, handed over the Guild gavel to newly elected Board President, Carl Stevens of Horan, Wallace and Higgins. Other officers of the Board include Vice President Denis Hostler of Ad Guardian Litem, Treasurer Vanessa McCaffrey of Vacation Key West, and Secretary Betsy Langan of Womankind. Newly elected Board members include Tonya Parks of the Key West Citizen, Justin Seguin of Protection Plus, and Kaleb Smith of the Island House. Returning Board members are Todd German of Centennial Bank, Carrie Babich of the Southernmost Hotel Collection, Steve Burress of Old Town Trolley and Dan Skahen of Evolution and Preferred Properties. Key West Mayor Craig Cates presided at the swearing in of the Guild Board officers and newly elected Board members. Executive Director Guy Ross offered a

presentation overview of the past year and the outlook for next year at the Guild. The presentation centered on the continuing relevance of the Guild, its accomplishments, challenges and opportunities going forward. The Board of Directors elected to bestow three annual awards on four notable recipients for 2013. Receiving accolades this year for service, support and advocacy were the following honorees: The Key West Business Guild Outstanding Citizen Award is presented each year to honor key leaders in Key West who work to nurture and support the LGBT community on the island. This year the Outstanding Citizen Award 2013 was given with gratitude to George Fernandez and Sam Trophia of the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. The Richard Heyman Award 2013 is named in honor of Key West’s first openly gay mayor and one of the very first gay mayors in the country. The award is presented each year by the Board of Directors to honor LGBT advocacy and leadership in the public sector. This year the Board unanimously

voted to give the award to Mayor Craig Cates for his continued generous support and promotion of Gay Key West. The Walt Marlowe Award 2013 is named for one of the founding members of the Key West Business Guild and is given to key community leaders who work to promote LGBT tourism and preserve LGBT life on the island. The Board of Directors voted to bestow this year’s award to the former Executive Director of the Business Guild, Rebecca Tomlinson, Museum Director at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. The Key West Business Guild was established in 1978 when a small group of gay guesthouse owners got together and formed an organization to promote Key West as a major gay tourist destination. Thirty-five years later the Key West Business Guild with its 470 active members still works to promote, protect and preserve the LGBT community here on the island. With seven signature events planned for 2014 including Key West Pride, Tropical Heat and Womenfest the Key West Business Guild continues to reach out to LGBT tourists

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Key West Business Guild President-elect and outgoing President Todd German plan the annual December Awards Luncheon. Photo credit: Pete Arnow

worldwide and show that Key West truly lives by its motto—One Human Family!

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 12.25.13 //

a&e film

Queer Films Best of 2013 Gary M. Kramer This year, 2013, was a queer year for film. Interestingly, and perhaps significantly, the most memorable films and performances did not feature gay men, as is usually the case. This year, queerthemed films showcased a heartbreaking turn by Jared Leto as a transsexual with HIV in “Dallas Buyers Club”; Lindsay Lohan engaging in some naughty bisexual misbehavior in “The Canyons”; and in the year’s most incredible film — the threehour French lesbian romance, “Blue Is the Warmest Color” — a spectacular performance by Adéle Exarchopoulos as a young adult coming of age and to terms with her sexual identity. While there were other trends — a pair of films about pairs of murderous lesbians, three films featuring the Beats, two documentaries about gay rights in Uganda, here is a rundown of ten memorable titles (and two not so memorable ones) this year in queer film.

a relationship has on the lovers. And the famous, lengthy and explicit sex scenes are a plus.

that the landing gear has a problem. I’m So Excited is fueled with heavy doses of tequila — not unlike the crew — which is why it is such naughty fun.

Dallas Buyers Club

Blue Is the Warmest Color This intimate epic allows viewers to share the experience of a teenage girl’s first same-sex romance. Tender, poignant, and painful, this astonishing film captures all the bliss and heartbreak of first love thanks to miraculous performances by Adèle Exarchopoulos and Léa Seydoux. Smartly directed and co-written by Abdellatif Kechiche, the film eschews the standard coming out drama and instead focuses on the impact

An impressive, comic, and heartfelt film about people with AIDS coordinating the distribution of illegal medical treatments — because hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and the FDA are slow to approve and provide necessary drugs to HIV-plus patients. This film, based on a true story, is the flip side of last year’s remarkable documentary, “How to Survive a Plague”. Matthew McConaughey gives an Oscar-worthy turn as a homophobe who reluctantly joins forces with a transsexual (Jared Leto, who provides the film with its heart). “Dallas Buyers Club” is an unexpectedly powerful drama, incredibly well directed by Jean-Marc Vallée.

I’m So Excited Spanish bad-boy Pedro Almodovar returned to silly comedy produced one of the sunniest films of the year. On a Peninsula Airlines flight to Mexico, the three queer male flight attendants in first class have to deal with a handful of frantic passengers when it is confirmed

// 12.25.2013 // SFGN.com //

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Four An outstanding character study, directed by Joshua Sanchez — who adapted Christopher Shin’s play — this wonderfully uncomfortable film depicts two couples that meet up for sex on the same Fourth of July. One pair consists of June (Emory Cohen), a shy, gay teen who arranges a hook up over the Internet with Joe (Wendell Pierce) a gregarious African American married man. Sanchez deftly captures the awkwardness and strained intimacy of their encounter, which is contrasted with Joe’s daughter Abigayle (Aja Naomi King) reluctantly meeting up with the smooth-talking Dexter (E.J. Bonilla). Not to be missed.

The Canyons While its (bad) reputation preceded its release, this sleek, modest drama— stylishly directed by Paul Schrader and shrewdly written by Bret Eaton Ellis— makes its simple love triangle fascinating because Schrader puts a glossy sheen on the various explicit (and occasionally same-sex) encounters. Despite all the sex and excess, “The Canyons” is really about wielding power in Hollywood. It’s nothing new, but it is alluring, especially given the performances by James Deen and Lindsay Lohan.

SouthFloridaGayNews

• Continued on pages 50 & 51

Introducing New

Talk to your doctor to learn more or visit www.tivicay.com

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 12.25.13 //

a&e film film about a woman losing control after a head injury is a stylish and provocative drama.

Breaking the Girls Too few folks saw Jamie Babbit’s wild and provocative “Breaking the Girls” — a distaff take on Strangers on a Train — so check out this super-intense story of female friendship gone wrong. The twisty narrative prompts a recalibration of motives and events several times before the end credits, but this “keep-viewersguessing” quality is what makes Babbit’s film so deliciously entertaining.

Call Me Kuchu An inspiring, powerful documentary about LGBT activists in Uganda, where homosexuality is illegal, “Call Me Kuchu” profiles David Kato and other brave, openly gay Africans, as they fight for gay rights, and wage legal battles, all in the name of social justice.

My Brother the Devil This absorbing film about two Egyptian siblings in London intertwines familiar stories of gang war, Arab-English

Concussion Writer and director Stacie Passion’s auspicious debut drama about Abby, (Robin Weigert), a suburban wife who “cheats” on her wife by working as a parttime prostitute, signals the arrival of an important new filmmaker. Her controlled

// 12.25.2013 // SFGN.com //

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SouthFloridaGayNews

a&e film

The Estate Auction Company tradition, and a queer identity into one film, but this gritty drama benefits from its authenticity and the palpable bond between the brothers. “My Brother the Devil” teeters on melodrama as the plotlines about revenge, betrayal, and justice all converge, but the strong lead performance by the sexy James Floyd more than compensates.

The Out List Although shown on HBO, this hour-long documentary featuring 16 prominent LGBTQ individuals talking in direct address about being queer, “The Out List” makes the list because the resilience on display still resonates. Lady Bunny has a smart speech about drag queens and self-expression while Larry Kramer passionately describes

how his anger fueled ACT-UP. There is diversity in both topics and talking heads as the interviewees provide thoughtful reflections on being LGBTQ in America.

Public Auctions Every Friday - 6PM! Friends - Food - Fun!

Dishonorable Mention “Side Effects” — Steven Soderbergh’s film starts out questioning medical ethics, but introduces a unethical third act queer twist that equates lesbian sexuality with villainy. “Kill My Darlings” — This ambitious period drama about the Beats features a miscast Daniel Radcliffe as Allen Ginsberg, who falls in love, if not under the spell of Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan). Unfortunately, that spell is not cast on viewers as director John Krokidas cudgels viewers in this clunky crime drama.

6 South Federal Highway, Dania FL 33004 954-921-2828 Across from Kodner Galleries in the heart of historic Dania Beach Antique Row

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J.W. Arnold

jw@prdconline.com

THUR Nightlife

12/26

The day after Christmas is traditionally known in British Commonwealth countries as Boxing Day. Historically, this was the day servants or tradesmen received gifts, called “Christmas boxes” from their employers. We suggest changing the name to Bottle Day this year because it falls on a Thursday, the night when the Alibi in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors serves up infamous $3 Long Island iced teas in glass mason jars after 9 p.m. For more information, go to AlibiWiltonManors.com.

FRI

Poetry

Theater

12/28

The New York sensation, Forbidden Broadway, is returning to West Palm Beach’s Kravis Center with an all-new, fresh view of the highs and lows of recent Broadway seasons including Porgy and Bess, Anything Goes, Follies, Spiderman, Book of Mormon, Nice Work If You Can Get It, and Once. The production, Dec. 26 – 31, features outrageous costumes, hilarious rewrites of the songs you know and dead-on impressions by a stellar cast! Tickets start at $39. For tickets and show times, go to Kravis.org.

ait a minute, the Christmas season isn’t over yet! The hit Broadway musical, Elf, rolls into balmy Miami for a limited run at the Arsht Center as part of the Broadway Across Miami series.

12/27

Tigertail Productions launches its teen WordSpeak Vol. 8 book and CD tonight at 8 p.m. at Books & Books, 254 Aragon Ave. in Coral Gables. The book is the latest in a collection of spoken word poems from finalists of the Brave New Voices Poetry Slam and Festival held last August in Chicago. Tigertail Productions, founded in Miami in 1979, is a partner in the National Performance Network, cultural organizers and artists facilitating the practice and public experience of the performing arts. For information, go to Facebook.com/TigertailMiami

SAT

// 12.25.2013 // SFGN.com //

Photo Courtesy of Joan Marcus

TUE Theater

12/31

Extend the festive Christmas season just a little longer with the hit Broadway musical, Elf, opening tonight and running through Jan. 5 at the Arsht Center in Miami. Based on the 2003 film, this is the heartwarming story of Buddy, an orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole to grow into an oversized elf. His exciting journey to New York to find his birth father reminds audiences of the true meaning of the holiday. For tickets and show times, go to ArshtCenter.org. soflagaynews //

Theater

Nightlife

If you liked Jersey Boys on Broadway, you’ll love the Midtown Men—Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard, and Tony Award nominee J. Robert Spencer— stars from the original cast of Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical reunited in a dynamic concert tonight only at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. This musical event brings to life their favorite ’60s hits from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Motown, The Four Seasons and more. This is a great way to ring in the holidays. Tickets start at $25 at Kravis.org.

New Year’s Eve is always a big night in South Florida clubs with complimentary champagne toasts, giveaways and special guest performers. Porn producer Chi Chi LaRue may be best known for her steamy skin flicks, but she’s also a fantastic DJ and will be spinning tonight at the Boardwalk, 1721 N. Andrews Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Meanwhile, at the Stable, 205 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Lady Fancy offers up her own impressions of Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse and Janis Joplin. For more information, go to BoardwalkBar.com and StableFla.com.

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outeats

Special Advertising Section

Holiday Pies From The Best Place In Town Justin Wyse

Wilton Manors’ Premiere Wine Bar

Open New Year’s Eve! 4pm until 1am

Regular Menu Items Plus Featured Menu Items Two Seatings: 7pm and 9:30pm 50% OFF on-premise bottles will be honored.

Complimentary Bubbles at Midnight! Happy Hour daily until 7pm; all night on Thursday Half-priced on-premise Bottles All Night Tuesday & Wednesday Tues-Thurs 4pm-12am • Fri 4pm-1am • Sat 2pm-1am • Closed Sun & Mon

2163 Wilton Drive • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.563.5631 • NakedGrapeWineBar.com

The holidays are a time for family and friends to join each other in laughter, dinner, drinks and of course desserts. Is it your turn to bring a special dessert to your holiday dinner? Well if you’re like most people and have no time to do the baking itself stop by Storks Bakery in Wilton Manors for one of their homemade pies. According to Peter Dekaj, “we sell between 700-800 pies during late November thru December.” Stork’s has always been known as the best place in town for desserts. Winner of the 2013 Best Dessert in SFGN’s Best Of Gay Friendly South Florida. Whether you need one pie or twenty stop by to pick up one of their famous pecan pies, apple pies, storks berry pies or one of many others available year round. Storks will be open on Christmas Day from 7am to 6pm. 2505 NE 15th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 or call 954-567-3220 to place your order.

CAMPBELL - Pianist NEW YEARS EVE DINNER BILLSAT. - 7:00 - 10PM &

Homemade Soup or House Salad SUN. BRUNCH- 10AM - 2PM Corn Bread OPEN MIC Main Entrees Prime Rib Filet Mignon Grilled Alaskan Salmon Gourmet Stuffed Baked Chicken SUNDAY Mashed or Au Gratin Potatoes 2 FOR 1 DINNERS Herb Mixed Vegetable 6-10 PM Dessert & Beverage THURSDAYS $39.95 8-10P - Trivia With Malcomb

SUNDAY RICK & CARLA W-S- Breakfast & Lunch 9AM -3PM-Dinner 6-10PM

Dec. 29, 2013 8:30 PM

Angels Café / 2287 Wilton Dr. / Wilton Manors, FL 33305 / 954-900-5217 54

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New Years Eve The Stars Come Out

Open Christmas Eve

Twilight Dinner

Open Christmas Day

includes

Appetizer, Soup or House Salad, Intermezzo, Entree, Champagne Toast From:5:30pm to 7:00pm (Must vacate table by 8:45pm) $59.00 plus tax & gratuity

Late Seating Dinner includes

Appetizer, Soup or Salad, Intermezzo, Entree, Dessert Tray and Champagne Toast. From 9:30pm to 1:00am $95.00 plus tax & gratuity

RESERVE EARLY 954-537-6000 Continuous Live Entertainment from 5:30pm to 1:00am Starring:

Tony and Gloria, Terry and Ruben

happy hour, new years eve and new years day 2pm to 6pm (no chips given or taken after 6pm)

Live entertainment five nights a week

Open Monday thru Saturday at 2pm • Sunday 10:30am

2000 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Tropics@live.com • 954-537-6000 • www.Tropicsofwiltonmanors.com

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a&e review Stage Door’s “9 to 5”

Somebody Call OSHA! J.W. Arnold

For years, I overlooked the consistently poor sound at Broward Stage Door Theatre in Coral Springs. I excused the bombastic levels as a necessary compromise because the company primarily serves seniors bused in from local retirement communities. After all, Stage Door is one of the few theaters that consistently sells out shows, seniors or not, in two theaters, no less. Who can blame them for meeting the needs of their loyal customers. But, no more. The sound proved disastrous at last week’s matinee performance of 9 to 5, the musical adaptation of the 1980 film about three secretaries (Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton) who exact revenge on their misogynistic boss (Dabney Coleman) and turn around a “Old Boys’ Club” corporation. Any good homosexual with a current gay card can recite most of the movie’s funniest lines along with the characters, so there’s little need to recap the premise of the musical, which was adapted very closely by co-screenwriter Patricia Resnick with additional music by Parton. From the opening number through most of

the first act, the performance was marred by feedback, screeches, crackling and balance problems that left some of the show’s most poignant moments inaudible or indiscernible. In a show about workplace abuses, the sound is the real hazard to all. Broward Stage Door relies on soundtracks created by the talented David Cohen—an economical choice, if less than live—but through much of the show, the principals were drowned out, especially Jesica Crilley’s Doralee. Technical issues aside, the performances, under the direction of Dan Kelley, are also uneven. The three leads do their best with iconic roles that can hardly be imagined as portrayed by anybody other than Tomlin, Fonda and Parton. Even the original 2009 Broadway cast, led by Allison Janney, Stephanie J. Block and Megan Hilty, had difficulties convincing critics and audiences. Angell just doesn’t convey the dry sarcasm of Tomlin’s Violet and most of the show’s one-liners, in her hands, fall flat, even on an audience that was still arguably in their prime in 1980. Crilley, in the role created by and for a singer, lacks the vocal heft and range for

Katie Angell, Jesica Crilley and Jennifer Hope plot revenge against their chauvinistic boss in the musical adaptation of the film, 9 to 5, currently playing at Broward Stage Door in Coral Springs. Courtesy of George Wentzler

Parton’s pleasant score, which touches on country, blues and classic rock idioms. Jennifer Hope offers the standout moment as Judy belts Get Out and Stay Out late in the second act, finally asserting her independence from her philandering ex-husband. And every time Shane Tanner (Franklin Hart, Jr.) takes the stage, along with Cindy Pearce as Roz, Hart’s lovelorn office manager, the show gets an invigorating jolt of energy. Resnick’s book is cinematic in feel, shifting scenes quickly, and the Stage Door crew effectively utilize a turntable in the center of the stage to facilitate those quick changes. Chrissy Ardito’s choreography cleverly services the ensemble numbers in the office well, also, despite the constraints created by the turntable.

Megan Mullally

Broadway @ the Parker presents

This winter, Stage Door is bringing in an extended run of Wiesenthal, Tom Dugan’s award-winning, one man show about Simon Wiesenthal, the driven hero who brought thousands of Nazi war criminals to justice. It’s certain to be a moneymaker and I hope Stage Door will use those proceeds to upgrade the theater’s sound system. A show about the past should serve as an invest-ment for Stage Door’s future. Otherwise, somebody really will call OSHA. 9 to 5: The Musical 8 p.m. Friday – Saturday; 2 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, through Jan. 19, Broward Stage Door Theatre 8036 W. Sample Rd., Coral Springs Tickets $38 at StageDoorTheatre.org

Thursday January l6

an evening with

Parker Playhouse 6:00pm open bar and silent auction 8:00pm performance tickets

Two Time Emmy-Winning Star of Will & Grace

$200 VIP seating, pre-show open bar, post-show champagne reception and photographs with Megan

featuring Sirius XM Radio Star

$100 pre-show open bar and orchestra seating

SETH RUDETSKY

as pianist and host produced by Mark Cortale

get tickets 954-763-8565 Stonewall-Museum.org

“Honey, I don’t produce theater. I am theater.” —Karen Walker

a benefit for ANDREW MCLEOD

sponsors

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STELLA THE

FUND

AT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF BROWARD

and Paul Fasana

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feature Top Anti-Gay Quotes of the Year Duck Dynasty star wasn’t the first of 2013 Jason Parsley

By now everyone has heard of the anti-gay rant from Phil Robertson, patriarch and star of the ‘Duck Dynasty’ series on A&E, in an interview with GQ. But this isn’t the first time the reality TV star has gone an anti-gay tirade. His rant in 2010, which can be found on YouTube, was arguably far worse. Here’s what he had to say while delivering an anti-gay sermon at Berean Bible Church in Pennsylvania. “Women with women, men with men, they committed indecent acts with one another, and they received in themselves the due penalty for their perversions,” Robertson said. “They’re full of murder, envy, strife, hatred. They are insolent, arrogant, God-haters. They are heartless, they are faithless, they are senseless, they are ruthless. They invent ways of doing evil.” His more recent remarks so far has gotten him suspended from Duck Dynasty and it remains to be seen whether the show will continue without him. And just in case you haven’t read his comments on gays. Here are they: “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers -- they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right. It seems like, to me, a vagina -- as a man — would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.” But Robertson isn’t the first person to go on an anti-rant this year or say something homophobic. Here are some more notable antigay rants and remarks from 2013. “I would never do an advert with a homosexual family…if the gays don’t like it they can go and eat another brand. For us the concept of the sacred family remains one of the fundamental values of the company.” — Guido Barilla, CEO of Barilla Pasta, during on an Italian radio show.

“By the way, this is politically incorrect. I don’t think homosexual people should do adoption. They should be banned by adoption. You’re going to confuse those kids. They should be banned. If you wanted to choose that lifestyle, we don’t want to discriminate you, but you shouldn’t affect the young people. How terrible. … They’re going to be confused. You see two men go into a bedroom. You see two women kissing. Is that not confusing? It’s confusing. It is actually, what you call, suggestive, for the kids to be corrupt, which is against nature. I’m telling you, anything that is against nature is not

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Phil Robertson from A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” A&E Networks

right. You know, to be quite honest, I know this is not politically correct. I never bought in that you are born, that you are born gay. I can’t imagine it. When I say that it’s … behavioral preference, they say that, ‘No, you’re born with it.’ But I never bought into that. I think it’s just disgusting just to even think about.” — Elisa Chan, San Antonio City Councilwoman while discussing a proposed non-discrimination ordinance

Alec Baldwin Becky Brittain/CNN

— Alec Baldwin, actor, after being a approached for pictures by a member of the paparazzo “I don’t do the gay guys. I don’t do that. We don’t have any gay guys on the team. They gotta get up outta here if they do. Can’t be with that sweet stuff.” — Chris Culliver, San Francisco 49ers cornerback, on a radio show after being asked if a gay teammate would be welcomed.

“Once Prop. 8 is instated, and once preachers are held at gunpoint and forced to marry the ho-mo-sexuals. I’m pretty sure that that will be the signal for Jesus to come on back.You said you wanted reality! If someone could be so gracious to tweet out, ‘Michelle Shocked just said from stage, God hates faggots,’ would you do it now?” — Michelle Shocked, folk singer, during the middle of her opening concert of her tour

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DateBook Theater

By Christiana Lilly, Calendar@SFGN.com

* Denotes new listing

Broward County 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

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.

* The Wizard of Oz

Jan. 7 to 19, 2014 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. An adapted version by Andrew Lloyd Webber, follow Dorothy and her new friends on their journey to Oz. Tickets $34.50 to $119.50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Tony DeSare Quartet

Jan. 8, 2014 at 7:45 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. DeSare mixes the classic styles of Sinatra and Nat King Cole with his own modern twist. Tickets $40. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* NUTS!

Jan. 11, 2014 to 26 at the Down In Front Theater at

Soref JCC, 6501 W. Sunrise Blvd. in Plantation. A courtroom drama exploring sexual abuse, family, power dynamics, and the court system. Tickets $15. Call 954-792-6700 or visit SorefJCC.org

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 The Nutcracker

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.

* The Midtown Men

Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The original cast of “Jersey Boys,” enjoy ‘60s classics by The Beatles, Motown, The Four Seasons and other iconic bands. Tickets $25 and up. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Salute to Vienna

Jan. 1, 2014 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Viennese waltzes, polkas, and operettas are performed by a cast of dancers and 75 musicians. Tickets $27 and up. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Neil Sedaka

Jan. 2, 2014 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. A legend of rock ‘n’ roll, Sedaka is known for his hits “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” “Calendar Girl,” and more. Tickets $25 and up. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Gregg Allman

Jan. 4 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. A founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, he has come into his own as a solo artist. Tickets $25 and up. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Duo Amal

Jan. 5, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. An IsraeliPalestinian piano duo, the two bring together two very different and conflicting worlds together through classical music. Tickets $25 and up. Call 561832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

The Lion in Winter

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 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 786-7771000 or visit AAArena.com.

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The Wizard of Oz

* Broadway Her Way

Jan. 9 at 8 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Broadway performer Emily Skinner presents a solo show packed with musical favorites. Tickets $45. Call 305466-8002 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

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.

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DateBook

Community Calendar By Christiana Lilly, Calendar@SFGN.com

Broward County

Palm Beach County

Dec. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Celebrate Kwanzaa with Black Gay Pride South Florida and honor the year’s community leaders. Call 954-463-9005, ext. 205.

Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. at the ActivistArtistA Gallery at 422 W. Industrial Ave. in Boynton Beach. Get a first look at the photography of Ali Miranda and Cheryl Maeder while celebrating a year at the gallery. Free. Email RolandoBarrero@mac.com or call 786-521-1199

“Strike a Pose: Mid-Century Beefcake” Exhibit

Holiday Music Magic Planetarium Show

“A Queer Geography” Exhibit

* Vinyl Record Giveaway

Kwanzaa Celebration and Leadership Award Ceremony

Through Dec. 28 at the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. A look at gay periodicals of the ‘50s and ‘60s in a time when it had to be discreet. Free. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org 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.

Gold Coast Watercolor Society

Through January 2014 at the Dorothy Mangurian Comprehensive Women’s Center, 1000 NE 56th St. in Fort Lauderdale. Selections from the society’s 14 Signature Ladies will be on display in the Patricia R. Guerrieri Pavilion. Free. Call 954-351-7800.

Collector Car Public Auction

Jan. 3, 4 and 5, 2014 at War Memorial Auditorium, 800 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. Drool over more than 300 classic cars up for auction. Call Dave Rupp at 561-533-7945 or Georgia at 561-779-0302.

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.

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

* “Sensibilities” Exhibition Preview

Daily in December at 3 p.m. at 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. Jan. 6 to 10 and Jan. 27 to 31 at the FAU’s Wimberly Library, 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. The school is hosting its third annual giveaway of thousands of records from the 1940s through the 1990s, spanning all sorts of genres. Cassette tapes and CDs will also be in the giveaway. Call 561-297-0080 or email SoundArchives@fau.edu.

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 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

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

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

Survivor Support

* Bob Marley Closing Party

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.

Jan. 4 at 6 p.m. at HistoryMiami, 101C W. Flagler St. in Miami. With the close of the “Bob Marley Messenger” exhibit, celebrate the musician with music, dancing, live art, light bites, refreshments, and more. Tickets $10 for nonmembers, free for members. RSVP by Dec. 28 to 305-375-1614 or email rsvp@historymiami.org.

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DateBook By Christiana Lilly, Calendar@SFGN.com

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

Eros Lounge

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

Score

The Cottage

Nightlife

Broward County

Palm Beach County

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.

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.

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.

Hot ’n horny hookups.

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.

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Classifieds accommodations

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* 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

antiques/collectables WANTED!!! Stamp Collections and Accumulations. Please call John 954-467-7128 OR 954-614-2562. MOVIE POSTERS WANTED Private collector buying vintage movie posters, lobby cards, film stills, photography and other old entertainment memorabilia. Call for a free appraisal to find out what your stuff is worth! All calls confidential. Ralph (800) 392-4050 email: sell@ralphdeluca.com

attorneys

dentist

cleaning services

employment wanted

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

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

HOME AND COMMERCIAL CLEANING Residential and Commercial cleaning. Experienced with references and provide free estimates. Call 305-896-7494 or 214-356-0684

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.

computers COMPLETE COMPUTER REPAIR FREE ESTIMATES - No extra charge for in-home. FREE Computer tune-up with any service. Replacement of laptop screen & key board. Viruses, spyware, data recovery, lockouts & more. SAME DAY SERVICE - LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE Call Ernesto: 754-234-5598 HATE WINDOWS 8? We can bring back the look and feel of windows. Same day service. Call 954-986-1316 www.gaycomputerwiz.com

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

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!

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.

employment

954.530.4970

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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

employment

Need a Job?

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

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!

To place an ad in SFGN’s Classifieds call

furniture repair

handyman

employment 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

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

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

counseling/psychotherapy

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

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

Florida’s Largest LGBT News Publication 2520 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-530-4970 HANDYMAN NEEDED!!! Part time handyman needed to with building projects. Painting, Tile work, Electrical, Construction. Wages based on experience. Call 954-892-0494

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health care

interior design

licensed massage

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)

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.

home improvement 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 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

human resources 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.

SFGN.com

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

licensed massage

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING WORKS!

To place an ad in SFGN’s Classifieds call

954.530.4970 or visit SFGN.com/getlisted

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 WPB/ LAKE WORTH MASSEUR Strong, caring perceptive therapist for your body in need. Full time therapist for over 15 years! Easy and relaxed home studio for your comfort and healing. Convenient and affordable, flexible hours, in and out calls. MA64031, Alan 954-279-9935 www. alantherapy4u.com 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 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 soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 12.25.13 //

pets 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

UNDER Y UR RUFF

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.

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

FREE!

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

some restrictions apply

954-214-0841

underyourruff.com

Serving Broward Since 1999

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

property management

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

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

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.

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

rent/lease pompano beach

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

rent/lease ft. lauderdale

Professional

HOME WATCH “Peace of mind while you are away”

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

I personally watch over your property

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

Peter D. Petrucci Property Manager Licensed - Bonded - Insured Highly Trained and Experienced Since 1987

Dependable • Reliable Service Delivered with Love and Respect

954-522-3310

954-297-5336

pdpHomeWatch@gmail.com

www.pdpHomeWatch.com

condo for sale

www.greendogpetservices.com

Lic# 11000106488

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

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rent/lease ft. lauderdale

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

SFGN.com

SouthFloridaGayNews

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

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 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 at 561-330-0688. Asking $1,250/mo. BEAUTIFUL EAST FORT LAUDERDALE Mobile Home Park (not your grandparent’s trailer park) located East of 95, minutes to Wilton Manors and Beaches. Currently has 2 Bedroom 2 bath homes available for purchase starting at $28,000.00 Call Chris at 954-522-7478 or email sblauderlakes@bellsouth.net Please see us on facebook at LauderLakes

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

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

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 12.25.13 //