4/2/14 V5i14 by South Florida Gay News

IS CRIME ON THE RISE IN WILTON MANORS? • 16

GAY POLO TOURNAMENT COMES TO WPB • 30

local name, global coverage

April 2, 2014 // vol. 5 // issue 14 SFGN ENDORSES CHARLIE CRIST FOR GOVERNOR • 22

THE SUNSHINE STAMPEDE RETURNS TO DAVIE Saturday & Sunday, April 5 - 6 Page 32

CHECK OUT OUR 8 PAGE SOUTH FLORIDA SPORTS INSERT • PAGES 25 - 32 GAY BUSINESSMAN CONVICTED OF DUI MANSLAUGHTER • 15

SFGN.COM

SOFLAGAYNEWS

GAY LAWYER GETS 10 YEARS FOR VIATICAL SCAM • 12

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS

G O A L L O U T a t t h e ye a r ’s m os t i n c l u s ive s p o r t i ng event www. 20 1 4 G ay G a m e s .co m

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Last week’s hottest items couldn’t wait to be printed... Compiled by John McDonald

Oregon Woman Kills Son Because She Believes He’s Gay An Oregon woman on trial for the murder of her 4-year-old son believed the boy was gay and that was a motive behind the deadly beatings, a prosecutor said. Jessica Dutro’s son Zachary died in August 2012, days after collapsing at the homeless shelter where his family was living southwest of Portland. Washington County Judge Don Letourneau ruled Wednesday, after jurors

were released for the day, that a Facebook message from Dutro to her boyfriend was admissible evidence, The Oregonian newspaper reported. In the message, Dutro told her boyfriend, Brian Canady, that Zachary was “facing the wall” because he had made her angry. Her son was going to be gay, she wrote, using a slur. “He walks and talks like it. Ugh.”

Groups Defend Florida’s Same-sex Marriage Ban A coalition of groups, made up of predominantly black and Hispanic pastors, are supporting Florida’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and want a judge to dismiss a lawsuit that seeks to overturn that ban. The groups say the lawsuit, filed in January in the Miami-Dade County Circuit Court, threatens to violate the rights of the Florida voters who approved the ban by a wide

margin in November 2008. The ban passed with 62 percent of the vote. The groups have started an online petition to keep the ban in place, www.DontTrashMyVote.com. The lawsuit was by six gay couples who say the state ban violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and due process. Judges have struck down same-sex marriage bans in other states.

Uganda President: Gays Deserve Punishment President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has launched fresh condemnation of gays, saying they deserve punishment because homosexuality “is criminal and it is so cruel.” Museveni, Uganda’s 69-year-old strongman who has held power in the East African country since 1986, signed a bill last month enforcing criminal penalties against homosexuals, said on Monday that he is “now mobilizing to fight” Western gays he accuses of promoting homosexuality in

Africa. Museveni spoke at a “thanksgiving service” organized by a coalition of Ugandan religious leaders and government officials who said the president deserves credit for defying Western pressure. Thousands of Ugandans attended the raucous event in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, many of them schoolchildren who sang and danced to anti-gay tunes that also railed against the West.

APRIL 2, 2014 • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 14

2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

PUBLISHER • NORM KENT NORM.KENT@SFGN.COM

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER • PIER ANGELO GUIDUGLI

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER • JASON PARSLEY JASON.PARSLEY@SFGN.COM

Editorial

ART DIRECTOR • DAVE GRIFFITHS ARTWORK@SFGN.COM ONLINE PRODUCER • DENNIS JOZEFOWICZ DENNIS.JOZEFOWICZ@SFGN.COM SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR • DANIEL ALVAREZ DANIEL.ALVAREZ@SFGN.COM EDITOR-AT-LARGE • MIKE ANGUILLE MIKE.ANGUILLE@SFGN.COM ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR • JW ARNOLD JW@PRDCONLINE.COM NEWS EDITOR • JOHN MCDONALD JEANMICHELMCDONALD@GMAIL.COM

Senior Features Correspondents

JESSE MONTEAGUDO • TONY ADAMS

Correspondents

ANDREA RICHARD • DONALD CAVANAUGH CHRISTIANA LILLY • DENISE ROYAL • SEAN MCSHEE DORI ZINN • GARY KRAMER • DAVID-ELIJAH NAHMOD

Contributing Columnists

BRIAN MCNAUGHT • DANA RUDOLPH • WAYNE BESEN RIC REILY • STEVE SILER • BIL BROWNING TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

Staff Photographers

J.R. DAVIS • POMPANO BILL • STEVEN SHIRES

Sales & Marketing

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING • MIKE TROTTIER MIKE.TROTTIER@SFGN.COM SALES MANAGER • JUSTIN WYSE JUSTIN.WYSE@SFGN.COM CLASSIFIEDS SALES ASSOCIATE • ADRAIN EVANS ADRAIN.EVANS@SFGN.COM ADVERTISING SALES ASSOCIATE • EDWIN NEIMANN EDWIN.NEIMANN@SFGN.COM SALES ASSISTANT • JASON GONZALES JASON.GONZALES@SFGN.COM DISTRIBUTION SERVICES • BRIAN SWINFORD NATIONAL ADVERTISING RIVENDELL MEDIA 212-242-6863 SALES@RIVENDELLMEDIA.COM ACCOUNTING SERVICES BY CG BOOKKEEPING

Dual Covers

Gay Rodeo: Karey Gay Polo: Talbot Logan & Lipham of Lakeland, FL; Christine Vermes; Photo Photo by Lance Jeffrey by Alex Pacheco

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.

Associated Press

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

news highlight

Celebrity Ladies Tie the Knot John McDonald

jeanmichelmcdonald@gmail.com

Actress and co-host of the CBS daytime show, “The Talk,” Sara Gilbert married music producer Linda Perry Sunday, nearly a year after Gilbert announced their engagement last April. Gilbert and Perry, who’ve been together since late 2011, are currently on their honeymoon, according to US Magazine. Last year Gilbert, 39, opened up about the engagement on The Talk, saying that it was an elaborate, musical proposal in an L.A. park in front of numerous family and friends. Perry had arranged for a guitarist, and other musicians to play their song (The Cure’s “Love Song”), while she wore a series of shirts that read, “Will You Marry Me?” There are no details about the couple’s nuptials yet, but US reports that Gilbert’s “The Talk” co-hosts will reveal details of the wedding on the show. Perry, 48, is widely known for her hit single “What’s Up” with the 4 Non Blondes, as well as for her writing credits for Pink (“Get the Party Started”), Christina Aguilera (“Beautiful”), Alicia Keys (“Superwoman”) and Gwen Stefani’s “What You Waiting For?” Gilbert was a child star, starring as Darlene

Connor on “Roseanne.” She had a minor reoccurring role on “The Big Bang Theory” before getting her gig on “The Talk.” She came out publicly in 2010.

Home Owners

Hurricane

Flood

LOWEST PREMIUM! FRIENDLY CUSTOMER SERVICE! QUICK QUOTES! 954.522.3800

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 //

News Briefs Compiled by John McDonald

Gay Great Brits tied the knot as the country legalized same-sex marriage. Rainbow flags flew over two prominent British government buildings to mark the country’s first same-sex weddings. It marks a profound shift in attitudes in a country that little more than a decade ago had a law on the books banning the “promotion” of homosexuality. Among the first to wed were Sean AdlTabatabai and Sinclair Treadway. They married in a midnight ceremony in front of 100 guests at London’s Camden Town Hall, before emerging to the strains of “I Got You, Babe” by Sonny and Cher. Treadway said the definition of marriage has changed from a union of a man and a woman, “Now it’s between two people who love each other.” Politicians from the main parties in England and Wales hailed the change in the law. United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron said the move sent a message that people were now equal “whether gay or straight,” but some religious groups remain opposed. Scotland passed a similar law in February; the first same-sex marriages are expected there in October. Northern Ireland has no plans to follow suit. In an article for the Pink News website, which bills itself as Europe’s largest gay news service, Cameron wrote the weddings are “an important moment for our country. It says we are a country that will continue to honor its proud traditions of respect, tolerance and equal worth.” The law change would encourage young people unsure of their sexuality, he added. On the heels of this groundbreaking law, music legend Sir Elton John and his longtime partner David Furnish have announced plans to wed in the UK in May. John and Furnish have been in a British civil partnership for eight years. From the Associated Press

An investigation by a Connecticut city has found no evidence that a transgender police officer was subject to discrimination or a hostile work environment. Middletown Officer Francesca Quaranta has alleged that while her colleagues were initially supportive, she began to face hostility from some and the treatment became so bad she went on paid leave. She filed a complaint last year with the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, which is still pending. Meanwhile, city human relations officials investigated and now say they found no evidence of discrimination. “While officer Quaranta’s transgender transition is a new experience for her and the Middletown Police Department, it is believed that the department is handling her transition in a professional manner,” Faith Jackson, the city’s human relations director, wrote in a letter to the mayor, obtained by the Associated Press.

iddletown Police Chief William McKenna

rits Embrace Same-Sex Marriage

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

City: No Bias Against Transgender Cop

ay Couples Find Unequal Health Care Access

Nearly every day for three months, Carl Bechdel had to make calls or send emails to try to get family insurance coverage for his husband and himself under President Barack Obama’s landmark health law. The Harrisburg, Pa., couple had sent an insurer their application and a month’s premium in early December but heard nothing. Weeks later, they were told their application was not processed because Pennsylvania doesn’t recognize same-sex marriage. So Bechdel pushed back, repeatedly explaining their predicament in phone calls and emails. Finally, they got a call and apology from the president of the insurance company last month, plus a family plan that started in March. “It was never a matter of price. It was a matter of respect,” said Bechdel, a 60-year-old retired attorney who married Dan Miller in 2012 in Washington, D.C. For gay couples, access to family insurance plans under the law is not guaranteed this year, and their options run the gamut, mirroring in part the patchwork of state laws governing same-sex marriage that have changed rapidly in recent years. In Iowa, where gay marriage is legal, insurers selling plans in the marketplace created under the law offer policies to gay couples and families. But the major company in Tennessee’s marketplace does not offer coverage at all to same-sex couples. Policies vary by insurer in Florida. And in Ohio, a couple sued for access to family insurance plans. The federal government has belatedly sought to solve the inconsistencies, telling insurers this month that if they offer spousal coverage to heterosexual couples, they must provide that benefit to legally married, same-sex couples. But that doesn’t become a requirement until next year, and doesn’t address coverage for couples in civil unions and domestic partnerships. From the Associated Press soflagaynews //

s Gay Arab Diplomat a Victim of Politics?

Mayor Daniel Drew said he and Police Chief William McKenna made it clear Quaranta was to receive equal treatment and supervising officers received training on the issue. The mayor said a sergeant also was given a 10day unpaid suspension over a remark he made about her. “We’ve taken this very seriously from day one and will continue to take it seriously,” he said. A Middletown police officer since 2004, she said she loves the job but isn’t sure she can return to the department. “I think the harassment will just continue,” she said. “Actually I think it will be much worse this time.” Quaranta was born male and had hormone therapy to become female. She decided to tell her colleagues in 2012 about the change and tried to slowly adjust her appearance to allow for a gradual transition. From the Associated Press

While President Barack Obama has made promoting rights for gays and lesbians worldwide a key foreign policy goal, that is little comfort to Ali Asseri, a former Saudi diplomat who is gay. Asseri is fighting a years-long battle for asylum in the United States, convinced his life will be in danger if he is forced to return home. The case presents a dilemma for the Obama administration. The President recently traveled to Saudi Arabia to meet with King Abdullah amid a time of strained relations between the close allies. Saudi Arabia’s radical form of Islam mandates the death penalty for same-sex relations. “I come from the darkest place on earth,” Asseri said in a phone interview from his home in West Hollywood. “We are brainwashed that we have the best system and Sharia law comes from God. But they teach us to hate others. I came to America to clear my mind.” Asseri grew up in a middle class conservative Saudi family, the middle child with three brothers and three sisters. His parents had little education and raised him and his brothers and sisters true to Saudi culture and religion. There was no music or TV. He didn’t know for years that he was gay. By age 13, he realized he was different than other boys his age, he just had no idea what that difference was. “We don’t have any education about sex. You don’t know what gay means. You just know that you have feelings. You can’t talk about it with anyone. According to the Koran they are a sin.” In a petition seeking asylum to the United States obtained by CNN, Asseri writes that “unfair bias” in the treatment of cases in Saudi Arabia made it “morally impossible for me to continue.” From the Associated Press

SouthFloridaGayNews

ome Church Members Disagree With Gay Man’s Baptism

Ronnie Hester wears his sexuality and faith out in the open. “I don’t quite keep it a secret,” Hester said. He moved to Memphis eight months ago, and part of building a new life included finding a church to call home. Hester looked for a church that accepted and loved him for who he was. That’s what led him to The First Baptist Church of Memphis, where he was baptized two weeks ago. Several people claiming to be members of the church called WREG, the CBS affiliate in Memphis, recently outraged by Hester’s baptism. They said they were not asked it was OK with them for a gay man to be baptized at their church, adding he does not believe as they do. “I was, you know, shocked to hear it,” Hester said. He was shocked because he considers First Baptist Church of Memphis to be supportive and accepting of all people. “But I don’t guess all of the members are on board,” Hester said. WREG asked the pastor what he thought. While he wouldn’t talk about a member, Pastor David Breckenridge sent us the following statement: “We at First Baptist respect the privacy of all of our church members, so we do not comment on our members’ private lives. While our church has never formally adopted a policy concerning sexuality, for many years we have had straight, gay, and lesbian members serving in our church. We have never had any qualifications for baptism or membership other than profession of faith in Christ. First Baptist has always been a church whose doors are open to anyone who seeks to follow Christ.” Hester said he still loves the church, but is deciding whether on not he will go back following the incident. From the Associated Press

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 //

news bites

Chair to Attend DNC Lawyers Gala

by John McDonald

Congresswomen Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) headlines Sunday’s Gay & Lesbian Lawyers Network Third Annual Charity Gala. WassermanSchultz, the chair of the Democratic National Committee, is to be joined at the event by Florida State Representative David Richardson of Miami Beach and Florida gubernatorial candidate Nan Rich of Weston. The Gala is from 4-7 p.m., April 6, at Hugh’s Culinary, 4351 NE Terrace in Oakland Park and proceeds benefit Our Fund, a foundation connecting the LGBT community. George Sheldon, a candidate for Florida Attorney General, and Eugene K. Pettis, President of Florida’s 95,000-member Bar will present a scholarship to a 17-year-old poet. For tickets, see www.GLLN.org

epublican Congressman Speaks Out Against Bullies

Y Blogger Releases ‘Wonderful’ Memoir

nti-Defamation League Honors Wilton Chief

Congressman Peter King (R-NY) is the latest Republican to co-sponsor the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA). The bi-partisan federal legislation addresses bullying and harassment for all students with protections in policies to include sexual orientation and gender identity. “School officials should be making every effort to protect kids from bullying,” said King. “Passage of the Safe Schools Improvement Act would be a significant step toward providing a healthy school environment for all kids.” Members of Log Cabin Republicans, a gay GOP group, welcomed King’s decision to co-sponsor the bill and noted it was a first for the Congressman in respect to LGBT individual protections.

Time to Kick k Ash Premium Glass Tank Kits Starting at $69.99

No Smoke. No Tar. No Ash. Satisfy nicotine cravings with an electronic cigarette. We select only the finest Crafted e-Juices. Large selection of all Natural and Organic blends.

THE VAPORISTA Purveyors of Fine Vapor 2841 E Commercial Blvd (at Bayview Drive) Fort Lauderdale thevaporista.com OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK (754) 223-4952

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

Up and coming New York blogger Kenneth M. Walsh has released his memoirs, bound to be must reading around the courts in Flushing Meadows this summer. “Wasn’t Tomorrow Wonderful?” details Walsh’s life as a young boy during the summer of 1977, a period when Walsh was obsessed with the tennis moves of Chris Everett and Woody Allen films. Walsh, an active tennis player, runs the blog www.kennethinthe212. com where he reports on various issues regarding the LGBT community, celebrities, politics, sports and life in Manhattan. A current contributor to the Huffington Post, Walsh lives in Chelsea, a neighborhood he fondly calls, “all purpose.”

Paul O’Connell, Chief of Police for the Wilton Manors Police Department, was honored by the AntiDefamation League for overcoming prejudice and restoring honor to the Department. Founded in 1913, the Anti-Defamation League stops the defamation of Jewish people and secures justice and fair treatment for all. O’Connell was presented with the ADL’s Doris and Murray Felton Excellence in Law Enforcement Award at the league’s annual Florida regional board meeting last week. Chief O’Connell was selected for the award for reforming the Wilton Manors Police Department, which the ADL states is now “an outstanding example of what is right with police work in the United States today.”

SouthFloridaGayNews

news national

Many people seem to be unaware that Trans people work in ministry. Can you talk about that?

Trans Pastor, Megan Rohrer, Reaches Out to All

I meet annually with a group of about 150 Transgender pastors and faith leaders from diverse faiths at a retreat hosted by the Center For Lesbian and Gay Studies in Berkeley, Calif. We talk about how we can show support and learn from each other, and the best practice for sharing our stories, advocating for Trans individuals, and our own employment needs. There may be many more than that, but some people choose not to be open about their Transgender status after they Transition. This is why I use the words openly Transgender in my identification.

David-Elijah Nahmod

On Feb. 22, Grace Lutheran Church in San Francisco installed Pastor Megan Rohrer as its new spiritual leader. It was a history making service. Dubbed “Beatles Mass,” the congregation sang praise music (with lyrics written by Rohrer) to the tune of Beatles classics like Hey Jude and Let It Be. It was a joyous celebration. What made the service so groundbreaking is the fact that the pastor, who prefers to be referred to by the pronoun “they,” is Transgender. While ministering to Trans people is obviously a big part of the mission, Rohrer embraces all. The well attended installation included LGBT people of all types — and heterosexuals — in the pews. As congregants lined up to receive Holy Communion, Rohrer held up the bread and wine for all to see. The look of joy and peace on Rohrer’s face, and in the faces of all those present, was infectious. A few days after the service, Rohrer spoke to SFGN about the journey. How would you describe the Beatles Mass to the uninitiated?

The worship that we used at the installation was created for an evening worship service at St Aidan’s Episcopal. In the hopes of attracting young people and those new to the church, I created a Lady Gaga Mass. The service gained a lot of attention and I was able to share it at congregations around the country. However, Lady Gaga’s music is very complicated and much more difficult to sing than what you’d expect from a pop song. Many of the young people knew the tunes, but the older generation had a difficult time. I created the Beatles Mass because the tunes were recognized by both older and younger members and participants often leave the service feeling uplifted.

What are the issues that Transgender pastors face in ﬁnding congregations they can lead?

When did you come out and what led you to ministry work?

I grew up in South Dakota and went to a Lutheran college where I was out and encouraged to pursue my gifts for ministry. After enduring some hate crimes and religious abuse during the time following the death of Matthew Shepard, I thought it wouldn’t be possible to become an LGBT pastor in the Lutheran church. Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkley, Calif. encouraged me to continue my studies and I moved to the Bay Area in 2002. In June of that year I began working as the executive director of the Welcome Ministry where I continued to support, feed and find creative ways to help the homeless and hungry improve their quality of life. With programs at Lutheran congregations around San Francisco we’ve created community gardens that have given away over 5.4 tons of produce. Through partnering with Project Homeless Connect, we’ve given away almost 200 pairs of glasses in the past five months and provided groceries for HIV positive individuals.

Many Transgender pastor faith leaders work in specialized ministry to support vulnerable populations. When it comes to faithfully serving LGBT individuals or the homeless, being Transgender is often an asset. Very few openly Transgender pastors are able to find work leading a congregation. I believe this will change as society becomes more welcoming and understanding of Transgender issues.

Will you be doing Trans outreach at Grace Lutheran?

We take the name Grace seriously, so we will be doing outreach to people of all shapes and sizes. The congregation is enthusiastic about welcoming everyone, particularly those of us who have been lied to and told that they’re not good enough to be part of a faith community.

Can you talk about what life is like for many Trans people?

People who live outside of society’s cultural gender norms have experienced violence, arrest and loss of jobs for centuries. I have personally been yelled at in bathrooms and inappropriately touched by people who think my gender identity means that

my private parts are up for grabs. I’ve also provided pastoral support to Transgender youth who’ve been kicked out of their homes, set on fire, sexually or physically assaulted, robbed or arrested. Many others live in fear that this violence could come at any moment. Has any headway been made in changing the plight of Trans people?

As Transgender issues gain more attention in the media and with LGBTQ church groups who are educating congregations, society is beginning to understand the diversity of experiences Transgender people take. Within most faith and Christian denominations, there are groups of Trans individuals working to help their branch of faith become aware of the issues that affect Transgender people. The Human Rights Campaign’s Religion and Faith Department has excellent resources for faith communities and I have worked with them and other Trans pastors to create preaching reassures for pastors to use with their congregations. Lutherans have a group called Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries who have been very helpful for my journey and advocate not only for LGBTQ pastors, but also those in school training to become pastors as they go through the church credentialing process.

You looked so happy at the installation. Can you describe your feeling that night?

My tears of weeping have turned to tears of joy. Many people were surprised that Grace called me because they weren’t at the forefront of gay pride parades or lobbying for LGBTQ folks at the church. They did not call a Transgender pastor to make a statement, they called me because they like my sermons, bible study and ideas for growing the congregation. This is the future I want for the church and the world, a vision that sees beyond color and identity and embodies the all encompassing love of God. To read more from Pastor Megan Rohrer, please visit her blog at RevRohrer.blogspot. com.

Areas of representation: Bankruptcy, Business/Commercial Law, Civil Litigation, Estate Planning and LGBT Family Law. Licensed to practice in Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands Information contained in this advertisement is not intended to be legal advice. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

100 SE 3rd Ave. Suite 1514 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33394 (954) 848-3111 JimenezLawOffices.com

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 //

Once-Daily

ABOUT PREZISTA® PREZISTA® (darunavir) is a prescription medicine. It is one treatment option in the class of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) medicines known as protease inhibitors. PREZISTA® is always taken with and at the same time as ritonavir (Norvir ®), in combination with other HIV medicines for the treatment of HIV infection in adults. PREZISTA® should also be taken with food. • The use of other medicines active against HIV in combination with PREZISTA®/ritonavir (Norvir ®) may increase your ability to fight HIV. Your healthcare professional will work with you to find the right combination of HIV medicines • It is important that you remain under the care of your healthcare professional during treatment with PREZISTA® PREZISTA® does not cure HIV infection or AIDS and you may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections. You should remain under the care of a doctor when using PREZISTA.® Please read Important Safety Information below, and talk to your healthcare professional to learn if PREZISTA® is right for you.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about PREZISTA®? • PREZISTA® can interact with other medicines and cause serious side effects. See “Who should not take PREZISTA®?” • PREZISTA® may cause liver problems. Some people taking PREZISTA,® together with Norvir ® (ritonavir), have developed liver problems which may be life-threatening. Your healthcare professional should do blood tests before and during your combination treatment with PREZISTA.® If you have chronic hepatitis B or C infection,

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

your healthcare professional should check your blood tests more often because you have an increased chance of developing liver problems • Tell your healthcare professional if you have any of these signs and symptoms of liver problems: dark (tea-colored) urine, yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, pale-colored stools (bowel movements), nausea, vomiting, pain or tenderness on your right side below your ribs, or loss of appetite • PREZISTA® may cause a severe or life-threatening skin reaction or rash. Sometimes these skin reactions and skin rashes can become severe and require treatment in a hospital. You should call your healthcare professional immediately if you develop a rash. However, stop taking PREZISTA® and ritonavir combination treatment and call your healthcare professional immediately if you develop any skin changes with these symptoms: fever, tiredness, muscle or joint pain, blisters or skin lesions, mouth sores or ulcers, red or inﬂamed eyes, like “pink eye.” Rash occurred more often in patients taking PREZISTA® and raltegravir together than with either drug separately, but was generally mild Who should not take PREZISTA®? • Do not take PREZISTA® if you are taking the following medicines: alfuzosin (Uroxatral®), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E.45,® Embolex,® Migranal®), ergonovine, ergotamine (Cafergot,® Ergomar ®), methylergonovine, cisapride (Propulsid®), pimozide (Orap®), oral midazolam, triazolam (Halcion®), the herbal supplement St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), lovastatin (Mevacor,® Altoprev,® Advicor ®), simvastatin (Zocor,® Simcor,® Vytorin®), rifampin (Rifadin,® Rifater,® Rifamate,® Rimactane®), sildenafil (Revatio®) when used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, indinavir (Crixivan®), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra®), saquinavir (Invirase®), boceprevir (Victrelis™), or telaprevir (Incivek™)

SouthFloridaGayNews

T:10 in

Once-Daily PREZISTA® taken with ritonavir and in combination with other HIV medications can help lower your viral load and keep your HIV under control. The PREZISTA® Experience isn’t just an HIV treatment. It’s an HIV treatment experience as unique as you. Find out if the PREZISTA® Experience is right for you. Ask your healthcare professional and learn more at PREZISTA.com Snap a quick pic of our logo to show your doctor and get the conversation started.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION CONTINUED

This is not a complete list of medicines. Be sure to tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you are taking or plan to take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. What should I tell my doctor before I take PREZISTA®? • Before taking PREZISTA,® tell your healthcare professional if you have any medical conditions, including liver problems (including hepatitis B or C), allergy to sulfa medicines, diabetes, or hemophilia • Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding — The effects of PREZISTA® on pregnant women or their unborn babies are not known. You and your healthcare professional will need to decide if taking PREZISTA® is right for you — Do not breastfeed. It is not known if PREZISTA® can be passed to your baby in your breast milk and whether it could harm your baby. Also, mothers with HIV should not breastfeed because HIV can be passed to your baby in the breast milk

protease inhibitor medicines, including PREZISTA® • Changes in body fat have been seen in some patients taking HIV medicines, including PREZISTA.® The cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time • Changes in your immune system can happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden • The most common side effects related to taking PREZISTA® include diarrhea, nausea, rash, headache, stomach pain, and vomiting. This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you experience these or other side effects, talk to your healthcare professional. Do not stop taking PREZISTA® or any other medicines without first talking to your healthcare professional You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please refer to the ritonavir (Norvir ®) Product Information (PI and PPI) for additional information on precautionary measures. Please read accompanying Patient Information for PREZISTA® and discuss any questions you have with your doctor.

28PRZDTC0288R8

• Before taking PREZISTA,® tell your healthcare professional if you are taking sildenafil (Viagra,® Revatio®), vardenafil (Levitra,® Staxyn®), tadalafil (Cialis,® Adcirca®), atorvastatin (Lipitor ®), rosuvastatin (Crestor ®), pravastatin (Pravachol®), or colchicine (Colcrys,® Col-Probenecid®). Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking estrogen-based contraceptives (birth control). PREZISTA® might reduce the effectiveness of estrogen-based contraceptives. You must take additional precautions for birth control, such as condoms

Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP

What are the possible side effects of PREZISTA®? • High blood sugar, diabetes or worsening of diabetes, and increased bleeding in people with hemophilia have been reported in patients taking

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 //

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION PREZISTA (pre-ZIS-ta) (darunavir) Oral Suspension PREZISTA (pre-ZIS-ta) (darunavir) Tablets Read this Patient Information before you start taking PREZISTA and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment. Also read the Patient Information leaflet for NORVIR® (ritonavir). What is the most important information I should know about PREZISTA? • PREZISTA can interact with other medicines and cause serious side effects. It is important to know the medicines that should not be taken with PREZISTA. See the section “Who should not take PREZISTA?” • PREZISTA may cause liver problems. Some people taking PREZISTA in combination with NORVIR® (ritonavir) have developed liver problems which may be life-threatening. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before and during your combination treatment with PREZISTA. If you have chronic hepatitis B or C infection, your healthcare provider should check your blood tests more often because you have an increased chance of developing liver problems. • Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the below signs and symptoms of liver problems. • Dark (tea colored) urine • yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes • pale colored stools (bowel movements) • nausea • vomiting • pain or tenderness on your right side below your ribs • loss of appetite PREZISTA may cause severe or life-threatening skin reactions or rash. Sometimes these skin reactions and skin rashes can become severe and require treatment in a hospital. You should call your healthcare provider immediately if you develop a rash. However, stop taking PREZISTA and ritonavir combination treatment and call your healthcare provider immediately if you develop any skin changes with symptoms below: • fever • tiredness • muscle or joint pain • blisters or skin lesions • mouth sores or ulcers • red or inflamed eyes, like “pink eye” (conjunctivitis) Rash occurred more often in people taking PREZISTA and raltegravir together than with either drug separately, but was generally mild. See “What are the possible side effects of PREZISTA?” for more information about side effects. What is PREZISTA? PREZISTA is a prescription anti-HIV medicine used with ritonavir and other anti-HIV medicines to treat adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection. PREZISTA is a type of anti-HIV medicine called a protease inhibitor. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). When used with other HIV medicines, PREZISTA may help to reduce the amount of HIV in your blood (called “viral load”). PREZISTA may also help to increase the number of white blood cells called CD4 (T) cell which help fight off other infections. Reducing the amount of HIV and increasing the CD4 (T) cell count may improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). PREZISTA does not cure HIV infection or AIDS and you may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections. You should remain under the care of a doctor when using PREZISTA. Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection. • Do not share needles or other injection equipment. • Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades. • Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions on how to prevent passing HIV to other people.

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

Who should not take PREZISTA? Do not take PREZISTA with any of the following medicines: • alfuzosin (Uroxatral®) • dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45®, Embolex®, Migranal®), ergonovine, ergotamine (Cafergot®, Ergomar®) methylergonovine • cisapride • pimozide (Orap®) • oral midazolam, triazolam (Halcion®) • the herbal supplement St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) • the cholesterol lowering medicines lovastatin (Mevacor®, Altoprev®, Advicor®) or simvastatin (Zocor®, Simcor®, Vytorin®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifater®, Rifamate®, Rimactane®) • sildenafil (Revatio®) only when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Serious problems can happen if you take any of these medicines with PREZISTA. What should I tell my doctor before I take PREZISTA? PREZISTA may not be right for you. Before taking PREZISTA, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have liver problems, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C • are allergic to sulfa medicines • have high blood sugar (diabetes) • have hemophilia • are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if PREZISTA will harm your unborn baby. Pregnancy Registry: You and your healthcare provider will need to decide if taking PREZISTA is right for you. If you take PREZISTA while you are pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about how you can be included in the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry. The purpose of the registry is follow the health of you and your baby. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. We do not know if PREZISTA can be passed to your baby in your breast milk and whether it could harm your baby. Also, mothers with HIV-1 should not breastfeed because HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in the breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Using PREZISTA and certain other medicines may affect each other causing serious side effects. PREZISTA may affect the way other medicines work and other medicines may affect how PREZISTA works. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take: • other medicine to treat HIV • estrogen-based contraceptives (birth control). PREZISTA might reduce the effectiveness of estrogen-based contraceptives. You must take additional precautions for birth control such as a condom. • medicine for your heart such as bepridil, lidocaine (Xylocaine Viscous®), quinidine (Nuedexta®), amiodarone (Pacerone®, Cardarone®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), flecainide (Tambocor®), propafenone (Rythmol®) • warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®) • medicine for seizures such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®, Epitol®), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®) • medicine for depression such as trazadone and desipramine (Norpramin®) • clarithromycin (Prevpac®, Biaxin®) • medicine for fungal infections such as ketoconazole (Nizoral®), itraconazole (Sporanox®, Onmel®), voriconazole (VFend®) • colchicine (Colcrys®, Col-Probenecid®) • rifabutin (Mycobutin®) • medicine used to treat blood pressure, a heart attack, heart failure, or to lower pressure in the eye such as metoprolol (Lopressor®, Toprol-XL®), timolol (Cosopt®, Betimol®, Timoptic®, Isatolol®, Combigan®) • midazolam administered by injection • medicine for heart disease such as felodipine (Plendil®), nifedipine (Procardia®, Adalat CC®, Afeditab CR®), nicardipine (Cardene®) • steroids such as dexamethasone, fluticasone (Advair Diskus®, Veramyst®, Flovent®, Flonase®) • bosentan (Tracleer®) • medicine to treat chronic hepatitis C such as boceprevir (VictrelisTM), telaprevir (IncivekTM) • medicine for cholesterol such as pravastatin (Pravachol®), atorvastatin (Lipitor®), rosuvastatin (Crestor®) • medicine to prevent organ transplant failure such as cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Sandimmune®, Neoral®), tacrolimus (Prograf®), sirolimus (Rapamune®)

SouthFloridaGayNews

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION • salmeterol (Advair , Serevent ) • medicine for narcotic withdrawal such as methadone (Methadose®, Dolophine Hydrochloride), buprenorphine (Butrans®, Buprenex®, Subutex®), buprenorphine/ naloxone (Suboxone®) • medicine to treat schizophrenia such as risperidone (Risperdal®), thioridazine • medicine to treat erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension such as sildenafil (Viagra®, Revatio®), vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn®), tadalafil (Cialis®, Adcirca®) • medicine to treat anxiety, depression or panic disorder such as sertraline (Zoloft®), paroxetine (Paxil®, Pexeva®) • medicine to treat malaria such as artemether/lumefantrine (Coartem®) This is not a complete list of medicines that you should tell your healthcare provider that you are taking. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if your medicine is one that is listed above. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor or pharmacist when you get a new medicine. Do not start any new medicines while you are taking PREZISTA without first talking with your healthcare provider. How should I take PREZISTA? • Take PREZISTA every day exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. • You must take ritonavir (NORVIR®) at the same time as PREZISTA. • Do not change your dose of PREZISTA or stop treatment without talking to your healthcare provider first. • Take PREZISTA and ritonavir (NORVIR®) with food. • Swallow PREZISTA tablets whole with a drink. If you have difficulty swallowing PREZISTA tablets, PREZISTA oral suspension is also available. Your health care provider will help decide whether PREZISTA tablets or oral suspension is right for you. • PREZISTA oral suspension should be given with the supplied oral dosing syringe. Shake the suspension well before each use. See the Instructions for Use that come with PREZISTA oral suspension for information about the right way to prepare and take a dose. • If your prescribed dose of PREZISTA oral suspension is more than 6 mL, you will need to divide the dose. Follow the instructions given to you by your healthcare provider or pharmacist about how to divide the dose. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure. • If you take too much PREZISTA, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. What should I do if I miss a dose? People who take PREZISTA one time a day: • If you miss a dose of PREZISTA by less than 12 hours, take your missed dose of PREZISTA right away. Then take your next dose of PREZISTA at your regularly scheduled time. • If you miss a dose of PREZISTA by more than 12 hours, wait and then take the next dose of PREZISTA at your regularly scheduled time. People who take PREZISTA two times a day • If you miss a dose of PREZISTA by less than 6 hours, take your missed dose of PREZISTA right away. Then take your next dose of PREZISTA at your regularly scheduled time. • If you miss a dose of PREZISTA by more than 6 hours, wait and then take the next dose of PREZISTA at your regularly scheduled time. If a dose of PREZISTA is skipped, do not double the next dose. Do not take more or less than your prescribed dose of PREZISTA at any one time. What are the possible side effects of PREZISTA? PREZISTA can cause side effects including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about PREZISTA?” • Diabetes and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Some people who take protease inhibitors including PREZISTA can get high blood sugar, develop diabetes, or your diabetes can get worse. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice an increase in thirst or urinate often while taking PREZISTA. • Changes in body fat. These changes can happen in people who take antiretroviral therapy. The changes may include an increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the back, chest, and stomach area. Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Call your healthcare provider right away if you start having new symptoms after starting your HIV medicine. • Increased bleeding for hemophiliacs. Some people with hemophilia have increased bleeding with protease inhibitors including PREZISTA. ®

The most common side effects of PREZISTA include: • diarrhea • headache • nausea • abdominal pain • rash • vomiting Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of PREZISTA. For more information, ask your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. How should I store PREZISTA? • Store PREZISTA oral suspension and tablets at room temperature [77°F (25°C)]. • Do not refrigerate or freeze PREZISTA oral suspension. • Keep PREZISTA away from high heat. • PREZISTA oral suspension should be stored in the original container. Keep PREZISTA and all medicines out of the reach of children. General information about PREZISTA Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use PREZISTA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give PREZISTA to other people even if they have the same condition you have. It may harm them. This leaflet summarizes the most important information about PREZISTA. If you would like more information, talk to your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about PREZISTA that is written for health professionals. For more information, call 1-800-526-7736. What are the ingredients in PREZISTA? Active ingredient: darunavir Inactive ingredients: PREZISTA Oral Suspension: hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylparaben sodium, citric acid monohydrate, sucralose, masking flavor, strawberry cream flavor, hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment), purified water. PREZISTA 75 mg and 150 mg Tablets: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose. The film coating contains: OPADRY® White (polyethylene glycol 3350, polyvinyl alcohol-partially hydrolyzed, talc, titanium dioxide). PREZISTA 400 mg and 600 mg Tablets: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose. The film coating contains: OPADRY® Orange (FD&C Yellow No. 6, polyethylene glycol 3350, polyvinyl alcohol-partially hydrolyzed, talc, titanium dioxide). PREZISTA 800 mg Tablets: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose. The film coating contains: OPADRY® Dark Red (iron oxide red, polyethylene glycol 3350, polyvinyl alcohol-partially hydrolyzed, talc, titanium dioxide). This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration. Product of Ireland Manufactured by: PREZISTA Oral Suspension Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V. Beerse, Belgium PREZISTA Tablets Janssen Ortho LLC, Gurabo, PR 00778 Manufactured for: Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP, Titusville NJ 08560 Revised: December 2013 NORVIR® is a registered trademark of its respective owner. PREZISTA® is a registered trademark of Janssen Pharmaceuticals © Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2006 007653-131217

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 //

news local

South Florida Attorney Anthony Livoti Gets 10 Years in Prison for $826 Million Scam Paula McMahon Sun Sentinel

A well-known South Florida lawyer who played a supporting role in a massive life insurance investment scheme that defrauded 30,000 victims was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison Tuesday and ordered to pay more than $826 million in restitution Anthony Livoti Jr., 65, of Fort Lauderale, who was best known as a police union lawyer and for his advocacy work for the gay community, was convicted in December after a three-month trial. Shackled and dressed in khaki jail scrubs, Livoti showed the emotion of a scared man fighting to save himself from spending the rest of his life in prison, but he also displayed the skills of a tough lawyer who fought for his clients in his more than 40-year career. “I had a life that was always filled with joy. I now have a life that is filled with sadness,” Livoti said, speaking of the three months that he has already spent locked up in the Federal Detention Center in Miami since his conviction. The Ponzi scheme bought out life insurance policies at discount prices from people who were dying of AIDS, cancer and other terminal conditions. What became known as the Mutual Benefits scam, led by Joel Steinger and his brothers, sold the policies to investors who expected to make a profit by receiving the full insured value when the beneficiaries died. Jurors took an extraordinarily long eight days of deliberations to find Livoti guilty of conspiring to commit fraud and money laundering and other charges, but found him not guilty of 20 related counts. Livoti, the only defendant who went to trial in the case, finally acknowledged his guilt in court Tuesday after long denying it. “I lost my way and I wish I could go back and change it,” Livoti said, apologizing to the victims for what he called the “terrible wrong” he committed. Sentencing guidelines suggested a punishment of 80 years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Rochlin recommended a 30-year term and the defense asked for six years in prison – twice the punishment that

Livoti would have received if he took the last plea agreement prosecutors offered before he went to trial. Livoti, the son of a New York state judge, told U.S. District Judge Robert Scola Jr. that he had already lost his reputation, his career and his freedom. Livoti insisted that he had thought he was innocent of the charges until he went to trial and heard the evidence against him. He said he had thought that the problems with Mutual Benefits were caused because medical advances were helping people with AIDS live longer than expected and even survive. He begged the judge to give him hope, which he said he had lost, that he would not die in prison and could some day be released to spend the rest of his life with his husband, Michael Porter. He said he also wants to try to make amends for his crimes. The felony convictions mean he will lose his law license. “Judge, I am a life worth saving,” Livoti said. The couple, who met in 1999 and later married in New York, lived a relatively modest lifestyle, defense attorney Joel Hirschorn told the judge. They shared a 1,350-square-foot home in Fort Lauderdale that Livoti bought in the 1970s, and Porter works as a teacher in the Broward County School District. Porter wept as he told the judge how much he respected Livoti’s long history of advocating for gay rights and for the charitable work they both did for people with AIDS, having both lost many close friends to the disease. “Please take into consideration all of the good Tony has brought into the world,” Porter

asked the judge. The defense acknowledged that Livoti received $900,000 over about 10 years for his work for Mutual Benefits, but Porter said the couple never had an extravagant lifestyle. Dozens of supporters crowded into the courtroom and many more wrote letters urging leniency for Livoti, who they said worked for free or greatly reduced rates for police officers, gay causes and charitable

groups. One former employee wrote that Livoti secretly refused to bill for low-income juvenile defendants he was court-appointed to represent because he hoped to make a difference in their lives. Retired Broward County Judge Robert Zack, a 30-year friend, was one of the supporters who spoke on Livoti’s behalf in the federal courtroom in Miami. “He has an impeccable reputation,” Zack said, “he’s a lawyers’ lawyer,” Union representatives from the Fraternal Order of Police praised Livoti’s dedication while other members wrote separately to say they were disgusted by what he had done and were upset that the union was officially supporting him. Prosecutors said he abused his position as an attorney and violated the public trust. Scola gave Livoti credit for his long history of charitable work and for performing what he said was “significant community service,” but said the massive fraud was “something that’s way above the norm.” Livoti played a third-tier role — below Joel Steinger and his brothers — in the Fort Lauderdale-based scam, but it was still a significant role for a professional lawyer, Scola said. Tears dripped from Livoti’s face as he silently cried and looked down when he finally heard his fate. At the end of the sentencing, Scola asked the lawyers the routine legal question of whether they had any objections — but it was Livoti, not his defense team, who replied. Livoti made an extraordinary request for the judge to immediately reconsider the sentence he had just imposed. “That’s a long time for me,” Livoti said. Scola replied that he had sentenced Livoti to one-eighth of the sentence recommended by the guidelines and said the victims “will probably not be celebrating my sentencing.” “That’s basically my life,” Livoti replied, going on to list the ages at which his parents and other family members had died — mostly in their 60s and 70s — as Porter and some of the couple’s friends sobbed.

Agree or Disagree? Nominate your own choices for 2015’s OUT 50 at www.SFGN.com/out50Nominations 12

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

news national

Vigils Across Texas Honor Memories of Murdered Lesbian Couple David-Elijah Nahmod

On March 6, Britney Cosby and Crystal Jackson were brutally murdered in Port Bolivar, Texas. Both were 24 years old and were an African American lesbian couple. Crosby was bludgeoned and Jackson was shot. Capitol murder charges are now pending against James Cosby, 46, Britney’s father. Cosby’s fingerprints were found on a piece of paper on the bodies, and pools of blood were found inside his home, according to the New York Daily News. Speaking to KHOU TV in Houston, Britney’s mother, Loranda McDonald said that Crosby was “disgusted” with his daughter’s lesbian lifestyle. McDonald said she hopes Crosby gets “the chair.” Police believe a second suspect may have been involved in the killings. Last week, vigils across Texas honored the memories of the dead women and expressed outrage at the killings. Funds were also raised to help police bring the killer or killers to justice. The vigils were organized by the Texas chapter of Get Equal, a grassroots organization and movement working towards full federal equality for LGBT people. About 100 people gathered at Living Faith Covenant Church in Dallas. Speakers

included police, clergy and members of the community. LGBT people of all faiths and stripes came together to commemorate the lives of Britney Cosby and Crystal Jackson, and the love they shared. “We stood together as a family and a community tonight,” said Cd Kirven, a vigil organizer and LGBT rights activist. “We celebrated the love and life of Britney and Crystal. We allowed healing and unity to become the lessons learned from this horrible tragedy.” “The vigil was great,” said Get Equal’s Heather Cronk. “I feel like we honored them the way they deserve to be honored. We raised close to $700 for Britney and Crystal crime stoppers reward fund. I had only raised $150 at a crowd funding page.” Kirven told SFGN that there would be an LGBT prom for young people attending the vigil on April 12. Get Equal’s Patrick Fierro attended a vigil in Austin. “The turnout was awesome,” he said. “We had more people than had actually responded show up. We had four different news stations out there with us. People stayed afterwards and talked among themselves. All in all, I feel great about the vigil and how it went.”

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 // 13

news national

ouglas M. Brooks, MSW, is the new Director of the White House Ofﬁce of National AIDS Policy (ONAP)

Douglas M. Brooks Appointed as New Director of the Ofﬁce of National AIDS Policy SFGN Staff

Last week, President Obama announced that Douglas M. Brooks, MSW, would lead the Office of National AIDS Policy. Brooks is an openly gay African American man living with HIV and an expert in the community. “Douglas’s policy expertise combined with his extensive experience working in the community makes him uniquely suited to the task of helping to achieve the goal of an AIDS-free generation, which is within our reach,” Obama said. Here are what some of the largest HIV/ AIDS organizations in the nation had to say about the appointment: amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research (New York, NY)

“We are eager to see strong leadership carry out the National HIV/AIDS Strategy’s renewed focus on evidence-based policy and effective programming, especially with respect to populations hardest hit by AIDS in America, including gay men and other men who have sex with men, and African American and Latino men and women.”

San Francisco AIDS Foundation (San Francisco, CA)

“Douglas is the right person at the right time to step into this role. As new infections increasingly concentrate in the AfricanAmerican community, and especially among Black gay men, it is more important than ever that our young people see a future for themselves in the face of someone like Douglas so that they can harness their innate resilience to create healthy and successful lives.” AIDS United (Washington, DC)

“We have the opportunity to finally end the epidemic. I’ve been fortunate to work directly with Douglas, and have great confidence that he knows how to convene the right public and private partners to engage in the right conversations that will result in real progress.” National Minority (Washington, DC)

AIDS

Council

“As the most heavily impacted population in the country, it is critical that Black gay

men – especially those living with HIV – are represented at the highest levels of our government’s response to the epidemic.” Lifelong AIDS Alliance (Seattle, WA)

“His tireless work to support the communities most greatly affected by HIV is steeped in compassion and personal commitment supported by epidemiological data. This appointment will help drive our common objective to end AIDS today and subsequently put a dent in HIV incidence within the United States and worldwide.” The AIDS Institute (Washington, DC)

“Achieving these goals in an environment of constrained budget resources and within the changing landscape of the Affordable Care Act provides unique opportunities and challenges. We are confident Brooks possesses the leadership and passion to guide the White House through the next few years as we together aim to fulfill the President’s desire to realize an AIDS-free generation.”

Poverello Thanks Team Members & Donors: Adriana Londono, Rev. Alex Garbera, Andy Tillman, Ann Buchanan, Arlie Smith, Beverly Ringel, Brittany Eileen Ricisac, Carolyn Damico, Cathy Buckert, Charles Zalepeski, Christine Toburen, Cindy Milligan, Damian Salvaggio, Don Button, Dotti Keagy, Elizabeth Tayloe, Geri Hauser, Jacob & Chris, James Thorson, Jeremy, Joanne Thompson, Joe Markonic, Joseph Satterfield, Josephine Blackwell, John McHugh, Judy Linden, Kenneth Thompson, Kevin DeShan Dockery, Kim J. Morgan-Vagnuolo, Laura, Karl & Sidney Herrera, Lawrence N. Acciani, Lee Anisman, Lucas Pufnock, Mark Davis, Maureen Kless, Miguel Figueroa, Mauricio Gerson, Michael Arian, Mindy Pure, Mo Redman, Nicky Clingman, Richard Hack, Ronald Thompson Jr., Sandra Gurowski, Richy Goddert, Ron Wudarsky, Ronald Marcus, Sadia Dandia, Stella Aizcorbe, Susan Meryl Forgue, Thomas M. Smith, Ulysses Maner and Zachary Kerr. Poverello Thrift Store Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun Noon-5 2056 N. Dixie Hwy • Wilton Manors • FL 33305 14

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

Photo: Chi.com

THANK YOU SMART RIDE LIFELINE! Grant funds will assist Poverello’s clients with nutritional services to achieve optimal health outcomes.

Thank You To All Who Voted Poverello: #2 Best Place To People Watch #3 Best Thrift Store

news local Did Anti-Gay Bias Play Role in Guilty Verdict?

Mario Careaga found guilty of DUI manslaughter Jason Parsley

In a trial that had nothing to do with sexual orientation, that issue suddenly became the focus after an alternate juror accused another juror of anti-gay bias against Mario Careaga who was convicted last week of a DUI manslaughter that killed Miami Heat dancer Nancy Lopez-Ruiz in 2010. The alternate accused the male juror of exhibiting “classic homophobic behavior,” but when pressed couldn’t come up with anything more specific than just a “feeling.” The main accusation consisted of the main juror allegedly mocking the voice of a gay witness when he asked for a glass of water. None of the other jurors, when questioned though, was able to back up those claims. One other juror overheard some “murmuring” and that was it. The prosecution though accused the alternate of having his own biases when he described the main juror as a “redneck” and a “construction type of guy.”

The defense, however, said the main juror lacked credibility and implied he was lying because he outright denied all of the accusations against him which also included trying to discuss the case with other jurors before the trial was over (which is against the rules), calling the defense attorney an “asshole,” saying a defense witness was “lying through her teeth,” and entering the jury room saying “We the jury find the defendant…” before being cut off by the other jurors. Some of those other jurors did partially back up the claims. But those claims, and the evidence, weren’t enough for Broward Circuit Judge Ilona M. Holmes to declare a mistrial. “There is no evidence to suggest that he was convicted by this jury because of sexual preference,” Holmes said. Careaga faces between four and 15 years and is scheduled for sentencing on May 5.

Protecting the lifestyle to which you are accustomed Home · Auto · Marine · Commercial · Life · Umbrella

SAVE A BUNDLE TODAY! On Florida Homeowners Insurance

The lowest average premium in Florida. 53% less than State Farm 40% less than ASI Assurance 31% less than Citizens 29% less than St. Johns

954.564.7772 ∙ dunhamins.com

BOCA RATON ∙ FORT LAUDERDALE

3000 N. Federal Hwy., Suite 8 ∙ Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306

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

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

15 5/10/2013 5:40:28 4.2.2014 //PM

news local

Is Crime on the Rise in Wilton Manors? Latest victims in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors Dave Griffiths On the morning of March 31 at approximately 3:15 a.m. several men picked up cement pavers from nearby and threw them through the glass doors of Juiceblendz and Humpys Pizza in an attempt to get money from the cash registers. Police responded to the alarms and called the owners/managers of both locations. Dennis Godfrey, owner of Humpys Pizza, said “We don’t keep any cash on site at night, so he got nothing. We leave the registers open, so thank God he saw that there was no money to be had, left them alone and split.” Unfortunately, Juiceblendz was not so lucky. Manager Scott said that the burglars got away with over $500 from their registers, making this grand theft instead of petty burglary. However, Scott could not say exactly how much was taken. According to Wilton Manors police Sgt. Chadwick, more than $1,300 was stolen, and potential charges these criminals could face would be 2 counts of burglary for unlawfully entering the business, as well as vandalism charges, or criminal mischief. “The scene was processed for fingerprints and we are investigating to see if the videos from the City County Credit Union next door,

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

as well as video surveillance from Humpys and Juiceblendz will help us in our investigation,” Sgt. Chadwick said. Last week, Humpys employees were shocked and dismayed when they arrived to open up in the morning, only to find that their patio had been vandalized with newspapers thrown everywhere, as well as planters broken on the ground and tables and chairs upside down. “The guys who did the patio also terrorized some properties in The Gables, our place, turned over some tables and chairs at TeeJay’s, then moved onto Wilton Drive and I heard they trashed some of the properties there,” Godfrey said. “It is highly irregular for us to get nighttime vandals,” said Sgt. Chadwick. “99 percent are daytime burglaries of residences. These vandals were extremely brazen to break into such a high-traffic area as the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, even at that time of the night.” Godfrey said, “If my business is just going to be a sitting duck in the Shoppes every night and the management can’t do any better without increasing an already high CAM (Commercial Area Maintenance fee) and rent,

soflagaynews //

then we’re going to rethink renewing our lease when the time comes.” According to City-Data.com in 2010, Wilton Manors experienced 590 property crimes. In 2014, there have already been over 640 property crimes, showing an increase of approximately 5 percent, and that rate is expected to increase throughout the year. The property crime rate in 2012 in Wilton Manors was 396.7, which was higher than the U.S. average of 266.5, however, don’t begin packing yet. According to CityRating.com Crime in Wilton Manors is much lower than other cities in this area overall. (Fort Lauderdale – 562.1, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea – 601.8, Oakland Park – 468.0). Calls to Tim Lake at Rivercrest Realty, the property management company for the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, were not returned by press time. Godfrey explained that the only security that is there during business hours is from The Alibi and they only focus on their own security. “Doing business in Wilton Manors is becoming more problems than it’s worth,” Godfrey said.

SouthFloridaGayNews

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 // 17

essay dive into it My Journey Through Fear and Ignorance to Acceptance & Love Tim O’Brien

Former Fort Lauderdale Diving Coach and U.S. Olympic Diving Coach in 2000

“America the brave still fears what we don’t know.” [Recently] I had one of the happiest moments in my life. I watched a young man, deeply in love with a women, stand before his friends and family with tears in his eyes as she approached him at the altar as he waited to marry her. I had coached this young man and his younger brother since they were both very young; both of them reaching the highest levels of our sport. I would watch each of them win multiple U.S. National Diving Championships, compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials and be with them during countless hours of training, traveling and competing against America’s and the world’s best. I adore them both. At the reception, I gave a short toast to convey to him and his new wife what they mean to me and to reaffirm what I feel is important in this life. As I walked away that evening with tissues still in my right pocket from the tears I had wiped away, the overwhelming thought in my head was not so much the joy I felt that evening, but rather the hope that one day I would have the opportunity to make that same toast at his younger brother’s wedding when he finds his partner for life and wants to get married too. You see — he’s gay. At no time in the history of our culture has the discussion of gay marriage been more prevalent. The boiling point for me was Sunday night, a day after the wedding, as I watched the Grammy Awards. The upcoming Olympic Games in Sochi, the Grammy’s the other night and this wedding, crystalized my own experience dating back to 1978 and have compelled me to write this, not only for my own memory and healing, but I want my own son to know his father’s heart on this issue, and in the hope that my words will help others in their journey towards love and acceptance. After the Grammy’s, social media was filled with anonymous messages from those that disagree with gay marriage. Messages of hatred came right after an absolutely amazing song called “Same Love” while numerous couples of different sexual orientations, races and nationalities took their own vows right there on the stage in the State of California. I read those words on social media and many articles afterwards and I felt them in my own heart. I knew where they came from and how those people must hurt inside, but more importantly; how one can change and open their heart to a new outlook. I know it can be done because that was me. I was full of that ignorance at one time. I did not understand,

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

condone, accept or like a different lifestyle than my own. But it wasn’t the lifestyle that so infuriated me, it was me. I was broken inside. In 1978, I was a fifteen-year-old athlete who was lost, fearful, confused and trying to fit into a new school, athletic team and surroundings in Southern California. I had just moved from, of all places, Ohio. There was an older diver on our team who was the center of attention, who dominated our sport and oftentimes, my father’s attention.

My father was his coach and so he became like a family member, just like many athletes over the years, often staying at our house. All the while something ugly was brewing inside of me. I grew to resent this young man who was only a few years older than me. It was nothing he had done, but as a young fifteenyear-old boy trying to make sense of it all, my heart filled with hate, jealousy, fear and maybe even the sense that I was inadequate. You see, my teammate, this man who would come to dominate our sport, was gay. He had not done a thing to me. Nonetheless, those feelings of anger and a lack of understanding of him and of his sexuality confused me. I never once considered his feelings and only focused on how his lifestyle offended me. Me, me, me. What festered inside for the years to follow was the same hatred and fear that I felt in those Twitter feeds that I read the other night. I could not, or maybe would not, even try to understand what may have been going on inside this young man. In fact, I can

remember one event, the National Sports Festival, in which I was involved in a late night “party” that resulted in a group of us placing white athletic tape with “BTF” written in bold black letters onto everyone’s dorm room door. “BTF” stood for “beat the fag” Time passed and something shifted. I would watch him during the next 10 years as he struggled with many of the same things that I dealt with. He struggled with broken relationships, heartache, failure and pain. He had some of the same demons that I was facing. He dealt with the brunt of his own father who was unwilling and ill-equipped to deal with a gay son. My father, on the other hand, was my hero and my rock. In many respects, he was, at the time, lost, just like me. We were, in many respects, his family. Over the course of the next decade, my heart would change and while I cannot pinpoint one specific

event, conversation or moment that changed me, I can look back today and say I began to understand and see that he was just like me. More importantly, he was a fierce competitor who would provide me with the greatest athletic memories of my lifetime when we both trained, traveled and competed in the greatest era of United States Diving. I would attend and watch him in three Olympic Games, Montreal in ‘76, LA in ‘84, finally culminating in Seoul in 1988. He overcame incredible obstacles. To this day, Seoul, Korea is etched in my mind as I watched and cheered him and my father in a performance for the ages. The courage it took for both of them, was nothing short of miraculous. The greatest coach and the greatest diver being tested on the greatest stage. Looking back as I watching. I was also learning and it was one of my life’s greatest moments. It had nothing to do with his sexuality and everything to do with the power and strength of the human spirit. It taught me so much including the importance of

looking at what is in someone’s heart. Sexual orientation is irrelevant. Over the course of those years, I began to see a friend, a man, not a gay man. I started to see into his heart instead of looking at the hate in mine. I also began to understand that sexual orientation is not a choice. I was born straight. I had no say in that. Some of us are born gay and we have no say in that either. If you want to play the God card, my opinion is God makes us all just like we are. My ignorance was replaced by an understanding and my heart began to see what was in his. Years later, tears were shed, amends were made, and healing began. I was wrong. I was ignorant. I was foolish and jealous and I wasted so much time in that state of mind. Someone who I considered my enemy; became my brother. I have walked this path; from a man who was on one side of this issue due to his own jealousy, fear and ignorance to a man who supports gay marriage in every state. It is not about gay rights; it’s about human rights. I do not believe that this is an issue about God, the Bible, politics or the perceived and ridiculous theory that it is a threat to traditional family values. It is about right and wrong. Let me say that again; it is about right and wrong. The hate must stop. These are all of our brothers and sisters, our aunts and our uncles, our nieces and nephews our friends and our loved ones. I ask that if you oppose gay marriage you look a little deeper and maybe consider that it is something inside of you that is the real issue. I ask that if you support gay marriage like I do, you are vocal about it. I cannot change the fact that the upcoming Olympics are in Sochi, Russia where there is zero tolerance for a gay lifestyle; but the International Olympic Committee sure should have spoken up. They did not. These Olympics should never have been awarded to a hate filled venue like Sochi. We all have to do our part and speak up. We all deserve the same rights; human rights. The rights that we deny to others, the rights that so many blatantly want to deny the LGBT community, may just one day be the rights of someone close to you; someone that you love. It may be your brother or sister, your aunt or uncle, your niece or nephew or your friends or loved one. When we deny the same rights to every American citizen and every citizen of this world, we are not just taking something from them, we are also denying rights to everyone, to you, to their parents, to their brothers and sisters, their aunts, uncles, their friends and the person they choose to love and marry. And without even knowing, you may just be denying them to an old coach somewhere down the road. A coach who just wants to make a toast on a big day, to see a young man he adores find true joy with a partner, to say “congratulations, enjoy the journey, I love you and thank you for letting me walk with you for a while.”

*10% Bonus Credited To All Deposits Made During 1st Year.

*R ATES EFFECTIVE 9/5/2013 SUBJECT TO CHANGE. soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 // 19

column mcnaught’s notes

What Do You Mean?

Be sure to use the right words at the right time with the right audience Brian McNaught U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will be sending American “experts” on homosexuality in an attempt to persuade Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni that the horrific anti-gay bill he signed is based on faulty science. There are many of us in the field of LGBT sexuality education who wonder what will be said and by whom. It’s essential that the experts’ presentation be understandable and relevant to the African, Evangelical Christian. We often speak to others as if they know what we’re talking about, and if they don’t, we sometimes assume that they’re ignorant. Take, for example, Ray and I’s recent French house guests who’d never heard of Tennessee Williams. I was astonished! But then, so were they when we didn’t know the names of the revered French singers they referenced in conversation. Not long ago, our very bright, 28-yearold nephew told us he hadn’t seen the black and white Christmas film, which we were referring to. “You’ve never seen ‘The Bishop’s Wife?’” I said in disbelief. “It’s the classic with Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven. You’ve heard of them, right?” He awkwardly replied that he hadn’t. “Cary Grant was today’s George Clooney,” I explained. Now I was speaking his language. We had a connection through this shared reference. When the executive director of a city-based LGBT community center visited us recently, this very sweet “homosexual expert,” who’s also a friend, discussed his recent work. After a few moments, I commented, “You use the word ‘queer’ a lot.” “I wouldn’t have any credibility with the younger generation of our community if I didn’t,” he said. I sighed, “But you lose credibility with my generation when you do.”

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

Does President Museveni use the word “queer”? In his second inaugural address, President Obama linked Stonewall with Selma and Seneca Falls. I was deeply moved, but I suspect that most people listening either didn’t know the meaning of “Stonewall,” “Selma,” “Seneca Falls” or all three. A high school educational tool recently developed by the Stonewall National Museum and Archives cited the president’s speech, and explained the references to Stonewall, Selma and Seneca Falls. In doing so, students learned some history of the LGBT, black and women’s civil rights movements. President Museveni won’t know those words, though. Our “experts” shouldn’t use them. I hope they won’t use the acronym LGBT either. Those of us who purport to be educators must become culturally competent with our audience if we are to succeed in being understood, and in impacting a change in attitude or behavior. Many people in my generation of seniors, even those who are paid to communicate thoughts to a varied audience, assume that their lifetime references match those of all others. They expect to be understood, and if they are not, they are frustrated with the lack of sophistication of the reader or listener. Do you think the President of Uganda, who is currently allowing homosexuals to be imprisoned for life, knows the names “Alfred Kinsey,” or “Masters and Johnson”? Even the New York Times, one of the best

soflagaynews //

newspapers in the world, and the one I read daily, is frequently filled with references that make no sense to readers under age 35. A television reviewer will often write that a program has “jumped the shark.” A news commentator will say that a certain person “drank the Kool-Aid.” Even readers in my generation may feel unsophisticated or illiterate because they don’t know what the expressions refer to. In September 1977, the once very popular television program “Happy Days” aired an episode in which the leather jacket-clad character, Fonzie, jumps a shark while water skiing. The storyline was thought by critics to be the low point of the series, which thereafter went downhill, and was cancelled. In November 1978, nearly 1,000 fanatical followers of the Rev. Jim Jones committed suicide at his request by drinking a cyanidelaced fruit drink, similar to Kool-Aid. One could argue that Uganda’s legislation “jumped the shark,” in being a ridiculous low point in

SouthFloridaGayNews

the country’s history, and that the legislators “drank the Kool-Aid” in unquestioningly supporting a law inspired by an American Evangelical troublemaker. But President Museveni won’t know those references if they are used by our homosexual “experts.” If these same State Department designated emissaries lazily refer to a bisexual as being “AC/DC,” it’s unlikely that any Ugandan or young American, gay or straight, will know what the letters stand for. I had to look up the difference between alternating and direct electrical current. In days past, a bisexual person was often referred to as being AC/DC, capable of operating with either alternating or direct current. A bisexual was also called “a switch hitter,” but if you’re not familiar with baseball, like our French friends, the expression is meaningless. I don’t know what, if any, words will convince President Yoweri Museveni to repeal the horrible Ugandan law that criminalizes being a homosexual. If I were meeting with him, I’d first learn everything about the man that I could, not just his political and religious beliefs, but also his personal life, family, friendships, mentors, favorite pastimes. And I would personalize being gay by relating it to his own life experiences. Changing a person’s heart is far more effective than changing his or her mind. I might discover that President Museveni watches “The Bishop’s Wife” every Christmas, and that Cary Grant is his idea of a manly man. If so, I’d let him know that it is believed Cary Grant was at the very least bisexual, AC/DC, a switch hitter. Finding common ground, and communicating in ways that can be understood, is essential in impacting another’s thoughts and feelings. That’s my expert opinion. Brian McNaught was named “the godfather of gay diversity training” by The New York Times. He works with corporate executives globally, is the author of six books, and is featured in seven educational DVDs. He and his spouse Ray Struble divide their year between Fort Lauderdale and Provincetown. Visit Brian-McNaught.com for more information.”

ARRESTED? DON’T BE A DOPE! CALL 954-763-1900 THE

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

LAW CENTER

OF SOUTH FLORIDA

NORMKENT.com THE LAW OFFICES OF NORMAN KENT AND RUSSELL CORMICAN

norm@normkent.com

daniel.pye

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 // 21

opinion publisher’s editorial

Charlie Crist For Governor Newspapers have a duty to speak out Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

Here is a wake up call for those criticizing this newspaper’s transparent support of Charlie Crist’s gubernatorial campaign. Of course we are taking a position. Newspapers are not potted plants. Community newspapers are springboards for opinions, voices of our community, and representatives of our best interests. We endorse candidates, write editorials, and express viewpoints. Today, we formally endorse Charlie Crist for Governor of the State of Florida. Two weeks ago, my business partner, Pier Guidugli, and I, served as co-hosts of a fundraiser for Crist at Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Dean Trantalis’ home. It is not something we often do. We chose to do so because we both believe the LGBT community would best be served by electing Crist. Subsequently, because our newspaper gives voice to diversity, allows for opposing opinions, and supports intelligent and rational discussion, we ran a guest column that criticized the paper’s ‘neutrality’ and took broad shots at us. That is what happens when you can’t even aim straight. The fact is simply publishing that column evidences our willingness to continue dialogue on the subject. Our duty is to be fair to all and a slave to none. Anyone who has ever tried to buy a voice here at SFGN through advertising has been shown the door. We report the news and who is in it, good or bad, warts and wounds, wins and wickedness. Whether they own nightclubs or serve on city boards, cross the public trust and you can read about that episode in our paper, without qualification. No, we are not neutral in matters of public controversy, and no, we are not supposed to be. We are supposed to be impartial when it comes to presenting the news, and we were. We did not ‘celebrate’ the Crist party with a front-page picture as if this was some coming out party. We modestly reported that a number of gay community leaders turned out for what we hope will be one of many fundraisers for the candidate. Dean Trantalis and I expected about 75 people. Double that number showed up. That’s the real reason we ran out of wine. The truth is that the story is newsworthy because years ago as the governor Crist

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

did not support the LGBT political agenda. He opposed us. Like many others similarly situated in politics, though, Crist has evolved. Today, he is our friend, and worthy of our support. What about all those rumors he was gay? So what? Who he may have or have not slept with years ago is inconsequential and irrelevant today. We want to know what he is going to do, not whom he is going to do. There is a track record we can admire. In the past few years, Crist has reversed his prior positions on marriage equality and gay adoptions. As he said last week, quoting Pope Francis, “Who am I to judge?” The once and future governor added “no one should stand in the way of a loving couple, regardless of gender.” He

said the same thing when he eventually spoke out for gays to adopt children lawfully. He apologized for ever opposing the effort. At the same time, evidencing a similar compassion, Crist advocated for Amendment 2, which would legalize medical marijuana in the State of Florida. For those living with cancer or HIV, cannabis is a medicinal resource our current governor will not embrace. As Florida’s Attorney General, civil rights and consumer groups praised Crist during his time in office. He froze utility rates, and focused on protecting the fragile Florida environment. The scam that turned out to be a billion dollar viatical fraud, Mutual Benefits, was uncovered first during Crist’s tenure as Attorney General. One of the lead prosecutors under him was none other than a member of SFGN’s ‘Out 50’ the Honorable Judge Lisa Porter. As Attorney General, he disagreed with governor Jeb Bush in the Terri Schiavo case. As Governor, he began to separate soflagaynews //

himself from the Republican Party when they became apostles of myopic antagonism, anti-gay, antienvironment, anti-women, antiprogress, anti-everything. We have also seen Charlie Crist stand by President Obama when he stood for re-election. He refused to be pigeonholed by a political process that was attempting to paralyze him. First hand, Crist has watched how the extreme right has hijacked the Republican Party. They attempted to inhibit his independence, and he therefore chose to be independent. Crist has stood up to the intransigent elephant. Now he is attempting to ride the stubborn donkey. Some foolishly are trying to stop him. He may not have the track record on LGBT issues that his primary opponent Nan Rich has. But Crist has the track record to prove he can

SouthFloridaGayNews

win the state of Florida, not just the county of Broward. He has shown himself to be a personable and engaging candidate, willing to listen and learn, change and evolve. As we grow older, we all emerge and become different people than we were before. We learn that life is too short to close doors; that it’s wiser to keep them open. Crist’s candidacy represents a partnership with a new friend, who is opening doors for us. Let’s all work together so that our next gathering won’t be on the dock of Dean Trantalis’ lakefront home in Fort Lauderdale. Let’s make the next party be one at the governor’s mansion in Tallahassee for his inauguration. This time, we won’t run out of wine.

No cheesy taglines, just results.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 //23

lifestyle gay history This Week in Gay History April 2 – April 8 Quistapp.com

April 2, 2013 — Uruguayan Senate Approves Same-Sex Marriage

The 23-8 vote makes the South American country the fourteenth in the world to legalize marriage equality.

April 3, 1895 — Opening of Wilde v. Queensberry Trial

The Marquess of Queensberry had left a calling card at Wilde’s club, the Albemarle, saying “For Oscar Wilde, posing as somdomite [sic].” Wilde sued Queensberry for criminal libel. Since sodomy was a crime, the note accused Wilde of criminal activity. The Marquess had to prove the allegation was true in order to escape conviction. The court decided the sodomite accusation was “true in substance and in fact” and Queensberry was aquitted. Wilde had to pay the Marquess’s legal fees, which left him bankrupt.

April 4, 1972 — Inception of First LGBTQ Jewish Synagogue

PEACE

PIPE

The transgender musician (formerly known as Heather Alexander) performs in

4800 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY, FORT LAUDERDALE JUST SOUTH OF COMMERCIAL BLVD. // 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

lexander James Adams

The idea for the first ever synagogue for gay Seattle, Washington for the first time as and lesbian Jews, Beth Chayim Chadashim Alexander James Adams at Norwescon 30. in Los Angeles, flourishes at a meeting of the Metropolitan Community Church. The April 7, 1837 — The Little four people who attended this meeting were discussing their alienation form Jewish life Mermaid is Published Rictor Norton theorizes that “The Little and came up with the idea to form their own, Mermaid” was written as a love letter by welcoming, house of worship. Hans Christian Andersen to Edvard Collin. This is based on a letter Andersen wrote to April 5, 1965 — ‘My Fair Collin, upon hearing of Collin’s engagement Lady’ Wins Academy Awards to a young woman, around the same time that “The Little Mermaid” was written. for Best Picture & Director The film’s director, George Cukor, has Andersen wrote, ”I languish for you as for a been the unofficial head of Hollywood’s gay pretty Calabrian wench [. . .] my sentiments subculture for decades. For “My Fair Lady” for you are those of a woman. The femininity he wins not only the Academy Award for Best of my nature and our friendship must remain Director but also the Golden Globe Award a mystery.” for Best Director and the Directors Guild of America Award. April 8, 2013 — Zambian

April 6, 2007 — Alexander James Adams’ First Performance Using New Name

Gay Rights Activist Paul Kasonkomona Arrested

The prominent gay rights activist is arrested in Zambia after appearing on a live television calling for same-sex relations to be decriminalized.

All of the information above has been reprinted with permission from Quist, an LGBT mobile history app that can be found on iOS and Android devices. Visit QuistApp.com for more information. The app was created by Sarah Prager and launched in July of 2013.

SouthFloridaGayNews

4.2.14 • v.5 i.14

Gay Bowling • Flag Football • Tennis • Fishing Charters • Swimming Softball League • Sidelines Sports Bar • Gay Rodeo Documentary Front Runners • Gay Polo • Gay Rodeo • The Great Outdoors

CONTRIBUTORS Mike Anguille John McDonald Daniel Alvarez

Dori Zinn J.W. Arnold Denise Royal Jesse Monteagudo soflagaynews //

ART DIRECTION Dave Grifﬁths

EDITED BY

Jason Parsley

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 //25

Gay Rodeo

Queens & Cowboys

Documentary showcases gay rodeo while dispelling myths and stereotypes J.W. Arnold South Florida audiences will be among the ﬁrst to view a new documentary about the gay rodeo lifestyle, “Queens and Cowboys: A Straight Year on the Gay Rodeo Circuit.” The ﬁlm, the culmination of more than four years of fundraising and production, will be screened Thursday at The Classic Gateway to kick-off the 2014 Sunshine Stampede and raise funds for a Florida charity that provides equine therapy for children with serious medical conditions. Filmmaker Matt Livadary originally set his sights on a scripted television show about the rodeo circuit. He had always been fascinated with rodeo and other “antiquated” forms of entertainment that have remained relatively unchanged over the century, like the circus. He envisioned a show “like Friday Night Lights, but set at the rodeo,” he said, “focusing on American values and the grit of what our country is.” “It was fascinating… the culture, the families, the dress. It’s bad ass and dangerous and kind of insane that this sport still exists in modern times,” Livadary said in a telephone interview early in the process. While in Colorado, he noticed a number of gay couples in the crowd at a local rodeo and “started chatting them up.” He learned that there was a gay rodeo circuit in the United States and immediately realized his scripted show didn’t have the potential of a documentary about gay rodeo. Livadary had already faced a little culture shock on the straight circuit — he found himself ridiculed for arriving in a Toyota and once wearing khakis — but he wasn’t quite prepared for the gay rodeo. “I was really surprised. Despite the drag queens and the campy events, it’s a regular rodeo,” Livadary said. “I was expecting some parody of rodeo, but it’s totally not that. The cowboys and cowgirls are good and talented.”

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

In fact, he discovered many of the most experienced gay cowboys and cowgirls also compete on the straight rodeo circuit, although some are not open about their sexuality due to the conservative culture. What impressed him most about gay rodeos was the volunteer spirit, with each event drawing hundreds of volunteers and proceeds benefitting charity. One of the gay rodeo competitors Livadary encountered in his travels was Todd Garrett, a rancher who lives in Mayakkahead, between Bradenton and Sarasota on the historic Cracker Trail and founder of the Florida Gay Rodeo Association. Livadary and Garrett became good friends after filming an interview in 2011 at the International Gay Rodeo finals, a relationship that would grow over the ensuing three years. “This whole movie — some people call it the documentary version of “Brokeback Mountain” — believe it or not, that’s actually true. We’re a normal group of people — a family — and (the film) shares our stories,” Garrett pointed out. “It’s an in depth look at the country western lifestyle. A lot of us don’t live in the cities.” In addition to the Sunshine Stampede,

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

Livadary interviewed competitors from California, Arizona, Arizona, North Dakota, Kansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia and Calgary, Canada at other regional rodeos. The film got its world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and this weekend, it will be seen for the first time at festivals in Sonoma, Dallas and Atlanta. The filmmaker is making a special trip to Fort Lauderdale for this week’s screening, a nod to his friendship with Garrett and support for FGRA and its charity. Livadary summed up his experience, “…no matter how open-minded we might consider ourselves, we can all use more exposure to lifestyles and cultures that differ from our own. My goal is to deliver this exposure through the unexpected impact the IGRA has made on my life in this uniquely American adventure. I hope to tell a rich story that provides the same eyeopening experience to a global audience, both LGBT and straight.”

Flag Football

Bowling

Balls Away!

Yes, Gays Play Football Too! South Florida Gay Flag Football League offers a competitive environment

South Florida’s gay bowling leagues offer camaraderie

Dori Zinn

When Darran Mazaika was looking for an outdoor sports league in the spring of 2013, he joined the South Florida Gay Flag Football League (SFGFFL). “I was instantly hooked with flag football because of my competitive nature,” Mazaika, 33, said. “I want to win at everything I do. It was my first season ever playing flag football.” The SFGFFL began in 2006 and league spokesman Jeremy Jones said it continues to grow each year. “Our league is open to everyone, which truly makes us diverse,” Jones said. “We are built around the GLBTQ community, but we also open our arms and hearts to our supporters and allies.” The league has players from Miami, Palm Beach and Broward counties. For $60, players can compete in the spring or fall seasons. The SFGFFL is also host to the annual Florida Sunshine Cup Gay Flag Football Tournament, celebrated every year on the weekend following President’s Day. This past year, competition spanned six days, with a kick-off party, two full days of games and a farewell brunch. Along with hosting its own tournament, the SFGFFL also travels as a league throughout the year to various tournaments across the country. According to the SFGFFL website, players can travel with the team when possible. “Efforts are made to ensure that all players receive sufficient playing time as well as education in the game to enhance their personal growth, development and world view,” the website states. The league has its own tournament traveling team, Cat 5. This season, Jones said the league hopes for 6 to 8 teams and follow some rules of the National Football League: just like the NFL, you’re drafted. Although in the SFGFFL, you’re drafted every season. The team you’re on varies each year. As of May 2013, the SFGFFL operates as a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation. They have nine members on the board of directors and each person is elected to a two-year term. Competition for the spring has already begun, but that shouldn’t stop you from registering for next season or even inquiring about the upcoming tournaments. Jones said it’s the players that really make up the great league. “Our league is about creating relationships and friendships. Numbers are great, but building a family of players who grasp the importance of what we are creating is even more important.” Visit sfgffa.com for more information.

Joe Rodriguez has been bowling since he was 10. When he moved to Virginia Gardens from New Jersey, he was alone and needed to meet some people. That’s when he spent an evening with the Sunshine Athletic Association, known today as the Miami Rainbowlers. Rodriguez, 55, has been league president for the last 10 years. This season, the Miami Rainbowlers have seven teams, with three bowlers on each. “We’re small, but we’re chugging along,” Rodriguez said. At one point, there were 30 teams of four players on each. That’s 100 players more than what they have today. “Some people lose interest, some pass away or move to Fort Lauderdale or have just gotten older,” Rodriguez said. “When you’re in a league you have to come every week.” The Rainbowlers’ season is 34 weeks long, with dues at $18 a week. In Wilton Manors, nearly 20 different teams play four different nights of the week. From the Bear Bowl on Sundays to the Thursday Early Birds, seasons are 32 weeks. In Miami, Joe Rodriguez and his Rainbowlers start the season the Monday after Labor Day and continue through the Monday before Memorial Day. Minus a few weeks for the winter holidays and spring break, Rodriguez said most people stay for the season. But there are always some stragglers. “Some people bowl for a little while, then quit and come back,” he said. “[But] this league is full of nice people. It’s not very competitive. You can have a 200 average or a 95 average.” The Rainbowlers belong to the Greater Miami Bowling Association, but also operate under their own league bylaws that are voted on every September. Along with Rodriguez as president, there is also a vice president and secretary. Dues cover the bowling costs, secretary fees and the $7 prize fund. At the end of the year, the Rainbowlers host their season ﬁnale party, where they award a ﬁrst place winner $150. Despite its small size, Rodriguez enjoys his group,” Rodriguez enjoys his group. “We see each other for 34 weeks. It’s like a family. It’s like coming home.” Visit MiamiRainbowlers.com for more information on the Miami Rainbowlers. Or visit ManorLanesFL.com for information on gay bowling leagues in Wilton Manors.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 //27

Sidelines

Fishing

Sports, Big Screens and Drink Specials Make Sidelines a Hit in Wilton Manors

She’ll Be Your ‘Private Captain’

Sidelines Sports and Video Bar in Wilton Manors is a neighborhood bar where customers can kick back feel comfortable and just have fun. The mantra for Sidelines is a no drama zone! “Our customers have come to expect the very best from us, and that is what we expect too. So, we will continue to bring them the quality, cleanliness and uniqueness that is Sidelines,” said Laurie Whitaker, co-owner of Sidelines. During football season, Sidelines is a popular spot on Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Once football is over, fans ﬂock in for college and professional basketball and soccer and later baseball. “For our fans, one night may be more popular than another. It just depends on what team you are cheering for. Go Heat!” Whitaker said. Back in the fall, Sidelines re-opened with a new, updated look. The bar now has over 24 TV’s placed throughout the 3,150 square foot bar and outside patio area where sports fans and non-sports fans can be found watching over a dozen various sporting events. The owners have been busy working on rebranding the bar Sidelines Sports & Video Bar which has included new events and drink specials, a new logo and the newest addition, a redesigned website. Looking ahead, Sidelines will keep bringing its customers more and new sports, like volleyball or basketball or soccer. Whitaker plans to continue to host many more community events, such as the Florida AIDS Walk, World Out Games 2017, “Get Out The Vote” nights for upcoming elections, and others. Visit SidelinesSports.com for more information.

Twenty-four years ago Karen Luknis quit her job in her native Youngstown, Ohio, and dropped everything to become a resident of the tropics. She had visited Key West twice by this point and was mesmerized. “With a few thousand dollars and a whole lot of hope, I left my job and moved to Key West,” she said. To make ends meet, she drove a cab for 7 years “all night long.” In the day, though, she loved boating. Navigating the opaque sea of blue and green hues that is Key West’s meeting of the Atlantic with the Gulf of Mexico was her true passion. Eventually saving enough money driving her cab, she purchased — within two years — a 16 foot, 60 horsepower boat she used for exploring the waters that would soon become her bread and butter. It was the beginning of what is now Venus Charters, Luknis’ popular, private boating company offering snorkeling, sight-seeing, dolphin watching, fishing and lobstering (among numerous other available activities). An out and proud lesbian, Luknis welcomes customers from all walks of life, but is most proud to welcome LGBT visitors. Cruising the waters surrounding Key West daily from 7 a.m. to sunset, 7 days a week, Luknis is also a one woman show of sorts: she acts as captain, host, boss and navigator of every adventure. Perhaps best of all, though: Luknis ensures that all excursions include only individuals who know each other making for an intimate, unique experience. “I’ve made it an exclusive thing. It should be comfortable. I don’t like to mix strangers…I want people to have a memorable time,” she said. All rides include bait and tackle, gear for various activities, are backed by an official fishing license and come in hourly increments which are more than reasonably priced especially when one accounts for the surroundings being both breathtaking and priceless. Alcohol and food are not served, but there’s a cooler provided and rides range from two to seven hours based on the chosen activities. For more information please visit: VenusCharters.com or Like them on Facebook at Facebook.com/VenusCharters. Call 305-304-1181 or email for booking; pricing is based on numerous factors (time and activities).

Venus Charters provides LGBT patrons personalized excursions on the waters surrounding Key West Mike Anguille

Denise Royal

Sidelines’ Owners, Jennifer Morales and Laurie Whittaker 28

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

Softball

Swimming

A League of Their Own

Come Swim With Us

Sanctioned softball leagues give gay players a chance to unite

Miami and Fort Lauderdale gay swim teams promote interaction in the water

Denise Royal

John McDonald If you are interested in associating with gay swimmers, there’s a club for that. In South Florida, the Hammerheads and Nadadores are swim teams — both recognized by the (IGLA) International Gay & Lesbian Aquatics — that promote swimming in the LGBT community. The Nadadores, espanol for swimmers, refer to themselves as “Miami’s Master Swim Team.” They meet regularly at pools around the city and have an occasional dip in the ocean. Their mission is to promote participation in swimming, charity, and social interaction in our community regardless of race, creed, color or sexual orientation. “The City of Miami has been greatly supportive of the team,” said Nadadores Captain Kirk Arthur. “The Parks and Recreation Department know we are a gay team and they have no problem with it.” The Nadadores meet at Charles Hadley Pool, 1350 Northwest 50th Street, Tuesdays and Thursdays (mornings and evenings) and Saturdays (mornings). Arthur encourages newcomers interested in

Twenty years ago, George Kessinger, Jim Stork and Bob Hagen founded the South Florida Softball League (SFSL) in an attempt to create a haven for LGBT (and non-LGBT) ball players to have an environment that was accepting and open. Starting with only six teams that year, the South Florida Amateur Athletic Association (SFAAA) now has 24 teams and approximately 375 members in its association. Any person LGBT or non-LGBT person over the age of 18 is eligible to participate as an active member of the league organization. “Our current membership currently includes two players in their seventies, so no one is never too young to play,” said SFAAA Chairman Paul Falcone. There are three separate divisions of play, based on skill level. Games take place on Sundays every week in two separate seasons (spring and fall). The spring season champions are afforded the right to participate in the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance Gay Softball World Series held later in the summer. All games are played at Mills Pond Park in Fort Lauderdale with alternating morning and afternoon schedules with its sister league, the South Florida Sports Foundation. Dues are $40 per person and a sponsor fee for each team is required. In 2001, the South Florida Softball League, in an attempt to incorporate a women’s division, transformed itself into the South Florida Amateur Athletic Association with both a women’s division (only women) and an open division (men and women). Since 2011, the women have formed their own self-governing league, the Sports Foundation of South Florida. The SFSF welcomes all women over 18, at all levels of play whether beginner or advanced. SFSF is associated with the Amateur Sports Alliance of North America (ASANA). This afﬁliation affords players the opportunity to compete on a national and international level with other slow pitch softball leagues across the country and around the world. More information is available at SFSFsoftball.org.

swimming to show up Tuesday nights (7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) and “have a good swim” at no cost. The team also offers swim lessons by Coach Barry Gollop. Currently, the Nadadores have 80 people on their roster ranging in ages from 20 to 71. Arthur said the hardest part of recruiting new members is “gay men who have body image issues.” “It really irritates me,” confessed Arthur. “Getting gay guys past this mental block of thinking that they have to look a certain way.” In other words fellas, if you have a spare tire don’t let that stop you from jumping into the pool. Swimming is a popular activity, hobby, exercise and way of life. In competition, swimming draws participation on many levels — high school, university and professional. There are national and international organizations devoted to swimming, most notably the summer Olympics, which has featured swimming any every modern Olympiad. For those folks living in Broward County there’s The Hammerheads, a Fort Lauderdale based swim team. For more information, visit Nadadores.org and HammerHeadAquatics.com.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 //29

Front Runners

Gay Polo

‘Front Runners’ Inspire Healthy Living a Step at a Time

Gay Polo Tournament Returns to Wellington This Weekend

Denise Royal

On Wednesday and Sunday evenings in Holiday Park, you’ll likely notice a group of runners and walkers. They probably look like friends. Especially because they do a lot more than stay in shape as a group – they bond. They’re the Fort Lauderdale Front Runners — an organization dedicated to promoting healthy activities for the local LGBT community. “It is a great way to meet new people, some of which have become good friends,” said Front Runners President Jeff Jackson. “I think that is echoed by most of our members. Since I travel weekly for work, I enjoy the fact that I can join up with other Front Runner groups in most major cities around the country and even as far away as Dublin and Sydney and always be welcomed.” Front Runners currently has scheduled run/walks on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m. in Holiday Park. On the second and fourth Saturday of each month, the group meets in the parking lot of Alibi in Wilton Manors at 7:30 a.m. All of the activities are followed by a meal at a local restaurant. “Many of our members participate together in 5K, 10K and marathon races around the state. We also participate together for local charity walks such as the AIDS Walk and Walk for the Animals,” Jackson said. Front Runners also has monthly social outings at various places in the community and many of its members get together informally on other days to run together. Visit FrontRunnersFortLauderdale.org for more information.

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

The 5th Annual International Gay Polo Tournament will be held at the Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington on Saturday April 5 from noon to 7 p.m. Besides the tournament the Gay Polo League will be hosting a Friday Polotini Party to kick off the weekend and a lavish Sunday brunch during the professional polo match at the International Polo Club. The final games will take place on the fields at Grand Champions Polo Club. A big tailgating party is planned, too. The gay polo tournament is the only LGBT polo tournament in the world drawing thousands of spectators and supporters from around the globe. It’s not the organization’s only event though. GPL also organizes several events throughout the year, including clinics, tournaments and social events at several locations on the east and west coasts. “We also organize a fun and educational polo clinic in the autumn, also held in Wellington. It is a great chance for players at all levels to learn and enjoy the elegant and exciting sport of polo,” said Phil Tremo, President of the Gay Polo League. The GPL was formed in 2006 by Chip McKenney, who wanted to find a team sport where gay men and lesbians could interact and compete without feeling like the only gay person in the ring or on the field. Over the years, as the league expanded, so did its purpose. Today, the GPL’s annual gay polo tournament continues to positively influence the way people think about gay athletes, and ultimately about gays and lesbians as individuals. Looking ahead, McKenney plans to create and produce polo experiences for the LGBT community nationally and internationally. With the GPL scheduled to introduce polo to the Gay Games in Paris in 2017, he’s not wasting any time either.” For more information about the upcoming tournament or the organization, please visit GayPolo.com.

SouthFloridaGayNews

Roller Derby

Great Outdoors

Gold Coast Derby Grrls Looking for a ‘Golden’ Opportunity

Florida’s Great Outdoors

This group is for the true adventurer

Denise Royal

Jesse Monteagudo

The Gold Coast Derby Grrls have been hell on wheels since 2007. Back then, they were known as the Broward County Derby Grrls. In their first season, they played a total of 13 bouts; almost unheard of for a new team. By their second season, they placed third at the Sunshine Skate and were bringing in teams from all over the country to bout in South Florida. “As our numbers grew, we realized that we had outgrown our name. BCDG opened up our thrid season as the Gold Coast Derby Grrls (GCDG). GCDG is now composed of skaters from Broward, MiamiDade, and the Palm Beaches. GCDG became a Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) league in March 2011. In our first year, we placed at the Regional WFTDA competition,” said Amy Lowe, public relations director of Gold Coast Derby Grrls. Given the team’s reputation, you’d think one would have to be a pro to join, but guess again. Any woman over 18 is eligible. You don’t even need to know how to skate. The team will teach you everything you need to know. Men can join the South Florida Men’s Derby. Gold Coast Derby Grrls is always looking for skaters and volunteers. There are lots of volunteer jobs such as non-skating officials to keep track of penalties, scores and other stats. Anyone who’s ever seen roller derby played in person or on TV has to worry about injuries. It is a full contact sport, and participants may get hurt. “Bumps, bruises, and scrapes are fairly universal, and many derby girls look on them as badges of honor. More serious injuries can include broken limbs and tailbones, separated shoulders, and ligament tears, particularly in the knees,” Lowe said. Gold Coast Derby Grrls have been without a permanent home since August 2011 when the Gold Coast Roller Rink closed. The team is currently skating at outdoor rinks around Fort Lauderdale. “We have set up a “Go Fund Me” page on our Facebook page. We are trying to raise enough money to buy an airplane hangar or warehouse,” Lowe said. Between May 2 and 4, the Gold Coast Derby Grrls will proudly host Beach Brawl 2014, a fully sanctioned Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) international tournament. Twenty-Four domestic and international roller derby teams will be participating in the record-breaking event, which will be held at the Broward County Convention Center. Live attendance is expected to reach into the thousands and will target people of all ages making for a most diverse audience of all ages. Tickets are available at BrownPaperTickets.com/event/565953

Folks in search of adventure should check out Florida Great Outdoors. Described as a social, recreational and educational membership organization, Florida Great Outdoors is “specifically designed for any active individual,” including “gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and other intelligent people.” “We are a non-competitive, social organization for people who like to be outdoors,” said Great Outdoors President Dave Brackett. “Our focus is on being outdoors in some way, but purely social events in the great outdoors are also scheduled from time to time.” Florida Great Outdoors began 24 years ago as Southeastern Great Outdoors. According to Brackett, it was started “by a man who moved to South Florida from San Diego, where he was a member of the California group Great Outdoors. Not finding a similar group here, he borrowed the name Great Outdoors and started the club. In the late 90s we merged with the Outdoor Adventure Club in Tampa, after years of attending each other’s events. It just made sense to change our name to reflect what we had become.” Florida Great Outdoors has 700 or so members, largely men but with “a reasonable number of women.” From the beginning, Great Outdoor events focused on car camping (as in pack the kitchen sink and be comfortable). It also “sponsors almost any activity a member wants to sponsor.” They include backpacking (for “hard core” members), paddling and cycling trips, museum visits, charter boat trips and even occasional trips to Central America, the Florida Panhandle or southern Georgia. Some of Brackett’s “notable memories” include “holding our first beginner’s kayaking trip at Oleta River State Park during Tropical Storm Gordon; taking new members camping for the first time; seeing alligators in front of our canoes in the Everglades; paddling with manatees on the crystal rivers of central Florida; jumping out of an airplane on a club skydiving trip; paddling at night around Wilton Manors to see the Christmas lights in December; snorkeling in the Keys; and tubing down the Itcheetucknee River.” This year promises to be another eventful year for Florida Great Outdoors. Plans include camping trips to Vitambi Springs and Camp Mars, boating and cycling trips and even Stand Up Paddling (SUP) on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Membership to Great Outdoors is free (though they do “pass the hat” to cover costs) and is open to anyone over 18 “who agrees to our organizational concept.” For more info, visit FloridaGreatOutdoors.org.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 // 31

Gay Rodeo

Tennis

Saddle Up Your Horses

Gay rodeo returns this weekend in Davie John McDonald

Love All; The Miami Mavericks Tennis Club Daniel Alvarez

Once upon a time, Davie, Fla was a far western outpost in South Florida. “Davie was in the sticks,” recalled Todd Garrett, founder of the Florida Gay Rodeo Association. “That’s why there’s a hitching post at McDonald’s. People would ride their horses into town.” And then the growth came. Development now surrounds much of Davie as Broward County continues to expand westward. Turnpikes, state roads, interstate highways and freeways surround the town, which makes getting there somewhat complicated for those traveling by land, especially with livestock.

“It’s not easy getting there with a trailer and all those tolls,” Garrett said. “For a lot of our competitors, this is the hardest rodeo to get to.” Nevertheless, Bergeron Rodeo Grounds will host the Eighth Annual Sunshine Stampede, April 4-6, providing an all inclusive weekend for those who enjoy the gay country and western lifestyle. Garrett, who’s a Florida cowboy, describes the event as “sporting” and “entertaining.” Others, like SFGN reader Chris Murphy, aren’t so sure. In a letter published last week, Murphy writes, “Rodeos are Westernthemed circuses that are frightening for animals. They don’t reﬂect actual ranch work where real cowboys protect livestock.” Garrett disagrees and said FGRA is “extremely protective of its animals,” adding he and his quarter-horse know how to “work cattle” on his ranch and that Florida is a state rich in equine culture. “Florida is the horse capital of the world,” he said. “There are more than 500,000 horses in Florida. Florida also has more cattle than Texas.” At the rodeo, cowboys ride horses in an attempt to corral cattle. Roping and cutting are techniques the cowboys use atop their horses. And at the gay rodeo, everyone is welcome. “It’s open to everybody, gay or straight,” Garrett said. One thing you will see at the Sunshine Stampede that you will not see at other professional rodeo events is the gender switching of traditional roles, such as males running barrels and females riding bulls. In addition to the action at the rodeo grounds in Davie, Garrett said nightly gatherings of cowboys will take place at Ramrod Fort Lauderdale and Bill’s Filling Station in Wilton Manors. There’s also a pool party at the Renaissance in Plantation and a screening of the ﬁlm “Queens & Cowboys” at the Classic Gateway Theater in Fort Lauderdale. And for those who like to ride, Garrett said a trail system is still in place from Davie to the Everglades. He also noted, the FGRA is proud to return proceeds from this year’s Sunshine Stampede to numerous charities LGBT charities.

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

This isn’t boring country club tennis — it’s way better (and a little gayer, probably). The Miami Mavericks Tennis Club can be found in various tennis courts throughout Miami-Dade County. Founded in 1989 in an effort to bring together a “tennis playing community of LGBT individuals,” the MMTC is a non-profit tennis organization, guided by a group of member volunteers that hosts several tennis activities and social events for its members. Recognizing that their group is “judged not by the quantity of members we enroll, but by the quality each individual experiences as a member,” they welcome tennis players of all levels, with multiple areas for beginners and Open players. One can usually find the Mavericks any given Friday night playing in Flamingo Park, in Miami. “Mavies Friday Night Tennis” is a weekly staple of the club, lasting from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting. LGBT tennis players of all levels play with and against each other in an inclusive social setting, all the while honing their game. In addition to Friday night tennis, the MMTC also organize and participate in various tournaments and events throughout the year. The Miami Art Deco Open is played over the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend, coinciding with the Art Deco weekend in Miami Beach. The tournament attracts GLTA (Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance) players from all over the globe. Don’t forget to also catch them at the Miami Flamingo Open, played on South Beach’s Flamingo Park over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. It’s to be a three day tournament alongside other sporting events to comprise the first Miami Flamingo Games, an LGBT sporting event taking place in South Beach May 24-26. Whether you’re an old pro at tennis, or you haven’t touched a racket in a million years, it doesn’t matter — if you’re a tennis player of any kind, and you happen to be gay (not that they would discourage non-LGBT players, should they apply for membership), then the Miami Mavericks Tennis Club is the place you’ve been looking for all this time. Visit www.MiamiMavericksTennis.com for more information.

SouthFloridaGayNews

WIN YOUR OWN MEDAL in 2014! Register NOW! SAVE $30 on general regstration by 28 February (general registration discount code*: SFGN. Must be used at checkout.)

P H OTO C O U RT E S Y L A R RY H I G H B AU G H J R .

T H E WO R L D W I L L C O M E TO G E T H E R I N O H I O

TO G E T H E R , W E W I L L M A K E H I STO RY.

O N YO U R M A R K . . .

G E T S E T. . .

GAMES. 9 -1 6 AU G U ST 2 0 1 4 35+ sports & cultural events Plus festivals, ceremonies performances, parties and more

www.GG9CLE.com soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 //33

lifestyle people

Photos by J.R. Davis 34

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 //35

lifestyle books “The Marriage Act: The Risk I Took to Keep My Best Friend in America, and What It Taught Us About Love” by Liza Monroy Terri Schlichenmeyer The room was crowded, filled with only two people. At least that’s what it seemed as the groom looked at his beloved: there was no one else in the room but them. You could see it on their faces, the way their eyes danced together, alone in a sea of well-wishers, seeing only one another. So what makes a marriage work? Is it effort, honesty, trust, acceptance, love? Or, as in the new book “The Marriage Act” by Liza Monroy, should you strive to marry your best friend – even if it’s illegal? Throughout her life, Liza Monroy says there’ve been three important men: her father; her boyfriend, Julian; and her best friend, Emir. She’d barely seen her father since she was six-years-old, following her parents’ divorce. Julian was in Manhattan, far from Monroy’s L.A. home and, though they were engaged, their relationship was rocky. Emir, however, was nearby — just three blocks away — and Monroy saw him

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

whenever she needed him. She needed Emir a lot. They met in college. He was in the U.S. on a student visa, from a country Monroy calls Emirstan. She’d been running from her mother’s influence. He was gay. She is not. They became fast friends. And in the weeks following September 11, 2001, when just being Middle Eastern was cause for suspicion, Emir’s visa was about to expire. By that time, Monroy’s engagement had fallen apart. She was afraid of love, but more terrified of being alone. She asked Emir to marry her, which seemed like a great solution: Emirstan was intolerant of gay men and deportation was dangerous. Marrying her gay best friend would allow Monroy to practice at marriage. Never mind that the Immigration and Naturalization Service disallowed marriage for a green card’s sake and Monroy’s mother was an INS agent. But what, exactly, makes a marriage? What characterizes it? If it’s love, then Monroy and

soflagaynews //

Emir had that. If it’s needing one another, they had that, too. Did marriage have to be about sex and babies, or is it possible to redefine it? “The Marriage Act” should be a good book. Surely, it’s unique enough since it chronicles a gutsy, illegal act that, accidentally, turned out well for all concerned. It should be good – and it is. Just not as much as I’d hoped. With angst that would make Woody Allen proud and a near-inability to keep secrets, author Liza Monroy writes of stress, misgivings and sabotaging plans to keep her gay best friend stateside. That would be tolerable, perhaps even madcap, if it wasn’t so repetitive and fussy. Add in many blamethe-parents passages and a falls-flat attempt at humor within a lack of culpability; mix

SouthFloridaGayNews

in occasional, bumbling sweetness and not-so-subtle lessons, and you’ve got a memoir that’s, well, passably OK. I think this book is worth a look-see. If you want to read an unusual story and you can handle the irritations, you might like it. If you’re looking for something a little slicker, though, “The Marriage Act” is an I do… NOT.

lifestyle gay car geek

Drive This, Not That

2014 Mini Cooper S vs. 2014 Ford Fiesta ST – Who’s First is Fun? Steve Siler Winner: 2014 Ford Fiesta ST This is weird, and frankly, unexpected. Who’d have thunk that a Ford Fiesta would be able to out-fun the Mini Cooper S, a perennial favorite among budget conscious thrillseekers? Well, first of all, the Fiesta ST is no ordinary Fiesta, but rather a bargain screamer, with a thrilling turbocharged engine, racy five-door body, slot-car handling and gorgeous steering. Its bumpy ride and notchy six-speed manual are perfectly in character with its playful purpose, and like a Mazda Miata and the Jeep Wrangler — two longstanding gay faves — it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The all-new Cooper S, on the other hand, has turned into a mini-BMW (pun not intended) in this third generation model. It’s larger in every dimension, a bit quicker, has infinitely better interior materials, more available technology features and longstanding brand cache. So why did it lose? Cuz when it comes to having fun in your car — no, not that kind of fun — quietness, ride comfort, and velvety steering can have a buzzkilling effect. Then there’s the price: Fiesta ST is pretty well stacked equipped under $24,000, which is, incidentally, the Cooper S’s base price; indeed you can spec out a Cooper S up over $30,000 without much trouble. Frankly, both of these cars are really, really enjoyable, but it’s the Fiesta ST that truly brings life to the party. (PS: for what it’s worth, if you really want to have that kind of fun in the car, the Fiesta ST has more space. Wink)

When I began to consider the possibility of coming out as a gay male, I imagined the announcement would trigger a series of predictable phases. First, there would be a bit of a shock. A handful of friends would be surprised. Some would say they knew all along. Some would simply congratulate me. Then, there would be the embrace. I would be welcomed into the gay community, a world full of rainbows and

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 //37

outa&e

Special Advertising Section

The History of the Plaza Theatre

SERVING DELICIOUS COOKED TO ORDER BRUNCH

Featuring mouth-watering Benedicts 6 different ways:

estled in the beautiful Plaza del Mar shopping center, on the border island of Manalapan, south of the island of Palm Beach, is the popular Plaza Theatre. The 250-seat theater recently expanded its space, taking over an adjoining space last month, increasing to 17,000 square feet of real estate and building upon its two years of success. The theater itself opened more than 20 years ago as the Pope Theatre, which was renamed Florida Stage. Following the exit of Florida Stage in 2011, the theater remained available, awaiting the right person to come along, and again fill the niche of theater on the barrier islands. That person was Alan Jacobson. Having decades of experience in theater and the entertainment world, Alan knew the value of the theater’s history, and of the space itself. He also knew what the community loved to see. Along with dedicated volunteers, Alan cleared out the building of debris and all remnants of its former occupiers, and opened the doors on the Plaza Theatre in February 2012 with a powerhouse: Donna McKechnie’s one-woman show, My Musical Comedy Life. During its subsequent two-year run, he has brought in world-renowned performers such as Avi Hoffman and Renee Taylor. Whether focusing on the nostalgic, such as the hit show, Brighton Beach Memoirs, or the contemporary, featuring Waist Watchers, Alan’s finger is on the pulse of what the audiences love. By 2013, the fledgling theater was nominated for the prestigious Carbonell Award for its production of Driving Ms. Daisy, and had presented numerous cabaret performances and workshops, as well as launching its Conservatory. The Conservatory offers educational courses and workshops in the arts, taught by renowned local, and guest artist performers. This month’s opening of the new space, Club Plaza, gives a permanent home to not only the Conservatory, but to the evergrowing cabaret series. The new space gives

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

the Plaza Theatre patrons a table and chairs, full-bar and light dinging experience with the new Piano Bar, along with intimate evenings of entertainment. The new schedule for the space begins April 3 through August 16, with additional shows in the planning stages. It will also include a jazz series, as well as small, intimate, contemporary shows to broaden its audience reach. Club Plaza opens April 3rd, with two weekends worth of performances of Garland!: A Tribute to Judy Garland, followed by a rocking piano bar until midnight. “Our mission is to enlighten and to entertain through the arts. Whether through our programming, adult classes, camps or even open mic nights, we are providing entertainment that is inclusive to everyone,” says Jacobson. “We have productions that appeal to the Jewish community, the Italian and Irish communities, the LGBT community, and everyone in between,” he continues. “If you love classics or contemporary, musicals, comedy or romance – our seasons have something for everyone.” The rest of the season’s shows include the current production hailing the immortal Mae West, DIRTY BLONDE; the upcoming tribute to Andrew Lloyd Weber, MUSIC OF THE NIGHT, and the summer production of COUGAR – THE MUSICAL. The Plaza Theatre’s 2014/2015 season includes the one-man show EXCEPTIONS TO GRAVITY, starring world famous performance artist Avner the Eccentric; the ever-popular nostalgic FOREVER PLAID; the charming musical SHE LOVES ME; along with the gripping drama of THE ASSEMBLED PARTIES; the sensual sounds of PHANTOM, and the world premiere of THAT’S BALLROOM!, a Chorus Line style show about the world of ballroom dancing. Tickets can be purchased online at the Plaza Theatre website www.theplazatheatre. net; in person at the Plaza Theatre box office located at 262 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan, in the Plaza Del Mar Shopping Center; or by calling 561-588-1820. • soflagaynews //

• Classic Eggs Benedict • Bacon Bennie • Maryland Style Jumbo Blue Crab Bennie • Fierro Bennie • Cheeseburger Bennie • Veggie Bennie

ALSO OFFERING... • Filet & Eggs • Breakfast Eggroll • Egg Croissant Sandwich • Veggie Egg-White Omelet

Spicy Bloody Marys or Fresh Mimosas

Call now to book your Easter Reservation! Specializing in Large & Small Parties

SATURDAY & SUNDAY • 11AM - 3PM

SouthFloridaGayNews

www.JMARKSRESTAURANT.com

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 //39

F O R

SFGNITES

T H E

J.W. Arnold

jw@prdconline.com

THUR CABARET

W E E K

O F

A P R I L

8 ,

2 0 1 4

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

4/3

You may have to look for The Plaza Theatre. It’s tucked away in an unassuming strip mall on Ocean Boulevard in Manalapan, just south of Lake Worth in Palm Beach County, but you won’t want to miss the company’s big musical productions. Tonight, Mia Matthews kicks off Plaza’s new cabaret series with “Close to You: An Evening of Karen Carpenter.” Roll back the clock a few decades for some mellow music this Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and again next weekend, April 10-12. Tickets are $30 at PlazaTheatre.net.

FRI

NIGHTLIFE

4/4

If you haven’t heard, the Sunshine Stampede, Florida’s gay rodeo, is back in town. You’ll find the hot cowboys — and maybe some cowgirls, too — out tonight at the “Cowboy Up” Rodeo Bash, starting at 10 p.m. at Ramrod, 1508 NE 4th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The Ramrod, the region’s most popular Levi/leather/uniform bar is an appropriate destination for boys who like to rope ‘em and ride ‘em….pun intended. Get out those jeans and boots tonight for a taste of the LGBT country-western lifestyle. For more information, go to FGRA.org.

SAT MUSIC

// 4.2.2014

ames Franco’s “Interior. Leather Bar,” a sexy reimagining of the much rumored lost gay S&M footage from the controversial 1980 ﬁlm “Cruising,” comes to Fort Lauderdale’s Classic Gateway cinema for a limited run beginning Friday.

Photo: Strand Releasing

4/5 SUN

Without a doubt, the hottest ticket in town is to a concert by the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. The chorus, under the direction of Gordon Roberts, already presented two sold out concerts last month at the Sunshine Cathedral, but there’s still one more chance to hear the latest program, “No Man Stands Alone.” Reserve your seats for the encore tonight at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Fort Lauderdale, 2501 NE 30th St. Tickets are $35 at GayMensChorus.whindo. com or call 954-563-4271.

// SFGN.com //

FILM

4/6 MON

One of the most talked about entries on the LGBT festival circuit last year was James Franco’s “Interior. Leather Bar,” a sexy reimagining of the much rumored lost gay S&M footage from the controversial 1980 film, “Cruising,” starring Al Pacino. Well, here’s your chance to see it for yourself and determine if it’s more concept or art. The film comes to Fort Lauderdale’s art cinema house, The Classic Gateway, 1820 E. Sunrise Blvd., Friday for a limited run. NR – male nudity. For tickets and show times, go to TheGatewayTheatre.com.

soflagaynews //

FILM

4/7 TUE

The Palm Beach International Film Festival kicks off with a special sneak preview-inprogress screening tonight at 7 p.m. of Rick McKay’s “Beyond the Golden Age.” The second installment of the filmmaker’s “Golden Age Trilogy” chronicles the story of Broadway in the 1960s and ‘70s and includes hundreds of interviews with Broadway legends, as well as the original casts of “A Chorus Line,” “Pippin,” “Bye Bye Birdie” and more. The evening will be capped with a Sardi’s-inspired party in the premier level of Cinemark Palace 20 in Boca Raton. For tickets, go to PBIFilmfest. org.

SouthFloridaGayNews

MUSIC

4/8

The Symphony of the Americas brings its season to a close tonight at the Broward Center with “Classical Favorites and the Best of Broadway” at 8:15 p.m. The annual pops program is always an audience favorite, featuring familiar classical melodies and selections from the hottest shows on Broadway. Maestro James Brooks-Bruzzese conducts a program that ranges from Manuel de Falla’s “Ritual Fire Dance” to selections from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera” and Frank Loesser’s “Guys and Dolls.” For tickets, go to SymphonyOfTheAmericas. org.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 // 41

a&e theater

Island City Stage Triumphs at Carbonells J.W. Arnold

Island City Stage, the LGBT-focused company in residence at Fort Lauderdale’s Empire Stage, was the big winner Monday, March 31 at the Carbonell Awards for regional excellence in professional theater. In just its second season, Island City took home six trophies, the most for any single production or professional regional company, all for the production of Dan Clancy’s moving holocaust drama, “The Timekeepers,” about two prisoners, one straight and one gay, who form an unlikely bond while repairing watches in a concentration camp. The production won Best Production of a Play; Best Director of a Play, Michael Leeds; Best Actor in a Play, Michael McKeever; and all three technical categories: Best Scenic Design, Michael McClain; Best Lighting, Preston Bircher; and Best Sound Design, David Hart. In his acceptance speech, artistic director Andy Rogow emotionally noted the importance of Island City’s commitment to its LGBT audiences and thanked his board of directors — both straight and gay — for their unwavering support for the company and the community. “The Timekeepers” went into the evening

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

with the most nominations for any play, but the remaining awards were divided among several productions from companies based in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties. Zoetic Stage, another relatively young company in residence at Miami’s Arsht Center, took home four trophies, including two Carbonells for “Fear Up Harsh,” Best New Work, Christopher DemosBrown, and Best Actress in a Play, Karen Stephens. The Zoetic production of actor and comedian Zach Braff’s “All New People” landed Best Supporting Actor in a Play for Todd Allen Durkin and Best Ensemble. In the musicals category, Actor’s Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables won the top award, Best Production of a Musical, for “In the Heights,” along with Best Actor in a Musical, Nick Duckart; and Best Musical Direction, Emmanuel Schvartzman. Another Actor’s Playhouse show, “Ruthless, the Musical” earned Amy Miller Brennan Best Actress in a Musical and Gabriel Zenone Best Support Actor in a Musical. In its first year of eligibility, Slow Burn

soflagaynews //

Theatre Company was nominated in 10 categories, the most of any company, all for “Next to Normal.” The company’s sole Carbonell went to Patrick Fitzwater for Best Director of a Musical. Maltz Jupiter Theatre, which swept the musical categories last year, came home with just one award, Best Choreography

Rounding out the awards were Brian O’Keefe, Best Costume Design for “The Lion in Winter” and Angie Radosh, Best Supporting Actress in a Play for “Exit the King,” both at Palm Beach Dramaworks; and Lourelene Snedeker, Best Supporting Actress in a Music for “The Sound of Music” at The Wick in Boca Raton.

to Denis Jones for “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Another regional powerhouse, Joseph Adler’s GableStage also came up short, save for the Ruth Foreman Award honoring the company’s monumental collaboration this winter with the Royal Shakespeare Company, New York’s Public Theater and playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney on a reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s “Anthony and Cleopatra” that gained international recognition for South Florida’s theater community.

During the gala ceremony at the Broward Center’s Amaturo Theatre, three South Florida high school students were awarded $1,000 college scholarships and the organization presented two additional special awards, the Bill Hindman award presented posthumously to Don McArt and the George Abbott Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts to Seraphic Fire founder and artistic director Patrick Dupre Quigley.

SouthFloridaGayNews

a&e theater ‘Have I Got a Girl For You’ at Island City Stage J.W. Arnold

“Have I Got a Girl for You,” currently playing at Island City Stage, is simply one of the funniest shows I’ve seen in years. The unlikely premise — based on playwright Josh Mesnick’s own experiences — is ripe for laughs: An out-of-work musical theater actor moves to South Florida to enter rehab after a costly binger and winds up working as a pimp at an elite East Coast escort service to pay his bills. In the course of a quick 90 minutes, Josh convinces the owner, Gina, an aging former centerfold model, to give him a break answering the phones since he will not be tempted to sample the merchandise. Soon, he becomes BFF to the girls and best bud to the men who seek their services. But, life may not be as good as it seems as Josh must choose between his job and a new paramour and, later, while conniving to start a competing agency, finds his success fleeting. Under Michael Leed’s fast-paced direction, the one-liners and witty repartee hit the audience like well-placed gut punches, eliciting endless cackles and screams throughout. One woman was brought to tears on opening night. Mike Westrich is likeable as Josh and Sharyn Peoples is a hot mess as the manic madam, but Christina Groom and Larry Buzzeo steal the show playing a range of wacky whores and the jerky johns. Some of the funniest moments come as Groom is forced to instantly transform from one girl to the next. Watching “Have I Got a Girl for You,” which won audience prizes at 2012 New York International Fringe Festival, is like tuning in to a sitcom (Mesnick got help from a friend who writes sitcoms in Los Angeles) and that’s

its primary shortcoming. It’s hilarious, but very shallow. Having had the opportunity to interview Mesnick prior to the show, I know the experience wasn’t always a bundle of laughs. The on-stage Josh that Mesnick created is disappointingly two-dimensional. There is little time between the jokes to explore the real challenges he faced in his recovery and the compromises he made for his job. Anyone who is familiar with the 12-step program will cringe at the advice he gives a young, damaged girl he is ostensibly “sponsoring.” And Gina is tough, a survivor who parlayed her 15-minutes of fame into a successful business. There must be a back story there to explore, as well as the complexities of her relationships with her schlumpy husband and troubled daughter. “Have I Got a Girl for You” reminds me a lot of “Jeffrey,” Paul Rudnick’s comedy about dating in the AIDS era, complete with a musical theater number and audience “tutorials” that break down the fourth wall. With a larger cast and more resources, these sequences would lend clarity and consistency to the story. Perhaps Mesnick’s play is not a play or even a television sitcom, but a movie in the making. Regardless of what it could be, for now, “Have I Got a Girl for You,” is a fun — and very funny — night at the theater. “Have I Got a Girl for You” has performances Thursday – Saturday, 8 p.m., Sunday, 5 p.m. through April 27 at Empire Stage’s Island City Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Dr. in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $30 at IslandCityStage.org soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 //43

lifestyle people

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

Photos by J.R. Davis

SouthFloridaGayNews

Chess Multiple Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nominated Broadway Musical w Apr 10-13 Book by Richard Nelson Lyrics by Tim Rice Music by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson of rock group Abba

Tickets at: 877.311.7469 AventuraCenter.org @aventuracenter All programs, artists, dates and times are subject to change.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 //45

a&e film

D irty Blonde March 27 - April 13

By Claudia Shear

A funny, bawdy play set in New York City about fans & their obsession with Mae West. The play combines transformation and drama with a fabulous dollop of show biz magic.

“Hands down the best new American play of the season...Take off your hats, boys, Mae West is back on Broadway...”

Winner 2000 Theatre World Award Nominee 2000 Tony Award Best Play

New York Times

Cabaret

at the Plaza April 3-5, 10-12, 8 pm

Garland!

A Tribute to Judy Garland Starring Melissa Jacobson

EEEEKKEENNDD W W G G IN IN N N E E P P O G GRRAANNDD O P --55 nnoo bbaar!r!** RIILL 33re A APR ia rett && ppia

thee ccaabbaa forr th iall $$3300 fo SSppeeccia Melissa Jacobson

Thursday - Saturday, 9:30 following cabaret performances David Curtis, piano man extraordinaire

TLA Video has announced this year’s nominees for the 5th annual Gaybie Awards, the gay Oscars, if you will. Now in their fifth year, the Gaybies honor the best in gay themed cinema. Nominated in the Best Gay Drama category are:

“Behind the Candlelabra” — HBO’s real life drama about the stormy relationship between closeted pop star Liberace and the much younger Scott Thorson (Michael Douglas, Matt Damon). Both actors give riveting performance as emotionally damaged men in an intense, drug fueled love/hate relationship during an era when coming out wasn’t always an option. “Dallas Buyer’s Club” — Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto won Oscars for their work in this harrowing true story about unlikely allies: HIV positive Ron Woodroof (straight in the film, bisexual in real life) and Rayon, a transwomen with AIDS, who team up to run an illegal HIV clinic during the AIDS ravaged 1980s. “Yossi” — This sequel to “Yossi and Jaguar,” a gay Israeli love story set on the battlefields of Lebanon, finds an obese, depressed Yossi living in Tel Aviv ten years later. Still mourning Jaguar’s death, Yossi meets a young man who might just revive his long dormant zest for living. Other Nominees:

“Animals” “COG” “In The Family” “In The Name Of” “The Falls: Testament of Love” “Hawaii” “Monster Pies” “My Last Round” “Out in the Dark”

Other Nominees:

David Curtis

561-588-1820 | www.theplazatheatre.net 262 South Ocean Blvd. Manalapan Plays & performers subject to change.

Plays & performers subject to change.

// SFGN.com //

David-Elijah Nahmod

“GBF” — (gay best friend) A charming, heart-filled laugh fest about the terrors of high school. Should the cute gay guy hang out with the trendy, popular “fag hags” or with his real friends? Decisions, decisions...

$40 Cabaret & Piano Bar, $30 Cabaret only $15 piano bar only *Special discount opening weekend only.

// 4.2.2014

It pays to be gay, especially on the silver screen

Best Gay Comedy

Piano Bar

And the Nominees Are!

soflagaynews //

Geography Club Scenes From A Gay Marriage Tell No One Turtle Hill, Brooklyn West Hollywood Motel Best Documentary:

“Bridegroom” — a tear jerker if ever there was one. Shane learns the hard way why we need marriage equality after he’s shut out

SouthFloridaGayNews

video of his partner’s funeral. The film’s fan base includes Oprah, who aired it on OWN last Fall. “Bottom” — It’s graphic! “Undressing Israel” — Gay porn king Michael Lucas makes his non-porn debut with this look at gay life in the Holy Land, a country which, surprisingly, has surpassed the USA in it’s passage of federal LGBT equality laws. Visit Tel Aviv, now one of the world’s great gay meccas. Shalom, y’all! Other Nominees:

I’m a Stripper Interior Leather Bar Valentine Road Best Gay Thriller:

Cal Solo Stranger By the Lake Truth Tumbledown Aleksandr’s Price Sexiest Gay Movies:

Hawaii Interior Leather Bar Stranger by the Lake Triple Crossed Truth The Visitor Best Lead Actor

Tristan Barr (Monster Pies) Michael Douglas (Behind the Candelabra) Nick Ferrucci (The Falls: Testament of Love) Sam Fordham (In The Hour of Living) Jonathan Groff (Cog) Ohad Knoller (Yossi) Sean Paul Lockhart (Truth) Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club) Daniel Radcliffe (Kill Your Darlings) Manuel Vignau (Hawaii) Wayne Virgo (Cal) Patrick Wang (In The Family) Other categories are Best Supporting Actor and Best Director.

Nominees were selected by the TLA Video staff. Voting had been open to the public via an online ballot at TLAgay.com/Gaybies. Voting continued through March 31, with winners to be announced on April 15.

music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.

Theater T

Datebook Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com

BROWARD COUNTY broward county * Stars on Ice

April 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. Figure skating champions Gracie Gold, Meryl Davis, Charlie White and others will show off their moves on the ice. Tickets $41 to $168. Visit TheBBTCenter.com.

he hilarious Chelsea Handler comes to Miami as part of the lineup of comedians for the South Beach Comedy Festival, April 2 - 5

MIAMI DADEcounty miami-dade * Da-Da

April 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Cultural Arts Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. Choreographer Augusto Soledade produces a dance mixing AfroBrazilian and Flamenco styles. Tickets $35. Call 877311-7469 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

Tosca

Through April 5 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Tosca has fallen in love with an artist, but policeman Baron Scarpia gets in the way. Tickets $25 to $229. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

South Beach Comedy Festival

Through April 5 at the Fillmore Miami Beach, Colony Theatre, and BACKSTAGE @ The Fillmore. Experience nonstop laughter with theatrical comedy, and stand up by Chelsea Handler, Nick Swardson, Mike Epps, and other comedians. Visit SouthBeachComedyFestival.com.

* Giselle

April 6 at 6 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The acclaimed ballet is performed by the South Florida Ballet Theater and Florida Classical Ballet. Tickets $30 to $50. Call 954462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

Clark Gable Slept Here

Through April 6 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Behind the scenes of Hollywood, a woman and staff try to figure out what to do with a dead male prostitute during the Golden Globe Awards. Tickets $45. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Rhythm of the Night

April 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive in Coral Springs. A troupe of Irish dancers tell the story of good fighting evil. Tickets $44.52 to $55.12. Call 954-344-5990.

American Idiot

Through April 6 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Based on the Green Day album by the same name, three friends have to choose leaving the safety of the suburbs or going for their dreams. Tickets $34.50 to $114.50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Classical Favorites and the Best of Broadway

BEACH palmPALM beach county * Cabaret Series presents Aaron Lazar April 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center * Lily Tomlin April 2 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Not only has she won an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony, she’s also hilarious. Tickets $25 to $100. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Get the Led Out

April 3 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The American answer to Led Zeppelin tributes. Tickets $15 to $85. Call 561-8327469 or visit Kravis.org.

April 8 at 8:15 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The last performance of * Rhinoceros the season, the Symphony of the Americas performs April 4 to 13 at the FAU Studio One Theatre, 777 Broadway favorites. Tickets $50 to $75. Call 954-462Glades Road in Boca Raton. In a French town, the 0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org. entire community, except for one person, turns into rhinoceroses. Tickets $20. Call 1-800-564-9539 or visit * Lenore Raphael FAUEvents.com. April 9 at 7:45 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The jazz pianist Concert & Art Show performs a tribute to Oscar Peterson. Tickets $40. Call at Compass GLCC April 5 at 8 p.m. at the Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org. Highway in Lake Worth. Classical guitarist Karen Schoenhals plays enchanting music at an exhibition of * Bossa Nova Chorale April 10 at 6 p.m. at the Museum of Art Fort art, photography, jewelry and other items of interest Lauderdale, One E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. for art lovers. Tickets $10 to $30. Email Toni Jr at NSU’s choral performs music from the civil rights toniajr@earthlink.net. movement. Tickets $10, free for members. Call 954* Paul Anka 262-0227 or email MOAReservations@moafl.org. April 5 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Anka has entranced fans since * Tosca he introduced the world to “Diana” 50 years ago. Tickets April 10 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 $30 and up. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org. SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The Florida Grand Opera performs the story of the beautiful Tosca and * Brass From the Masters the police chief, Baron Scarpia, who comes between April 6 at 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, her and her love. Tickets $21 to $200. Call 954-462- 717 Prosperity Farms Road in North Palm Beach. The Orchid City Brass Band performs pieces by 0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org. Shostakovich, Ireland, Sousa, and other greats. Tickets $10 to $20. Call 561-622-8818 or visit FirstPresNPB.org. Have I Got a Girl For You Through April 27 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler * Jesse Cook Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The true story of a gay man April 7 at 8 p.m. at Palm Beach State College’s Duncan running a female escort agency in Boca Raton. Tickets Theatre, 4200 Congress Ave. in Lake Worth. Cook $20. Visit IslandCityStage.org. performs songs from his album “The Blue Guitar Session” and more of his music inspired by the Miles Davis era. Tickets $35. Call 561-868-3309 or visit DuncanTheatre.org.

for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. The Broadway star has performed in “Les Miserables,” “The Light in the Piazza,” and will be starring in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” Tickets $45. Call 561243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.

* The Second City: Happily Ever After

April 8 to 13 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The next generation of comedians from the troupe that brought us Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and more. Tickets $35. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Evita

April 8 to 13 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Eva Perón rose from the slums of Argentina to becoming the beloved First Lady of the nation – but greed and power would end it all. Tickets $25 to $64. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

The Sounds of Simon

Through April 13 at the Delray Square Performing Arts, 4809 W. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. A revival of the hit South Florida musical featuring the music and lyrics of Paul Simon– due to popular demand, it has been held over an additional month. Tickets $35. Visit DelraySquareArts.com or SoundsofSimon.com.

The Pajama Game

Through April 20 at the Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW Ninth St. in Delray Beach. Staff at a pajama factory battle to get a 7.5 cent raise. Tickets $40. Call 561-2721281, ext. 4 or visit DelrayBeachPlayhouse.org.

Dividing the Estate

Through April 27 at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. The Gordon family has fallen on tough times, and the greedy children are determined to divide their 100-yearold property. Tickets $60. Call 561-514-4042 or visit 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

soflagaynews //

* Miami Bash

April 10 at 8 p.m. at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. A night of great music from Don Omar, Sean Paul, Ivy Queen, Wisin and other super stars. Tickets $23.79 to $279. Call 786-777-1000 or visit AAArena.com.

* Chess: The Musical

April 10 to April 13 at the Aventura Cultural Arts Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. A love triangle among an American chess star, a Russian champion, and Hungarian-American assistant takes the story from Bangkok to Budapest. Tickets $34.50 and $39.50. Call 877-311-7469 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

* Don Quixote

April 11 to 13 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Alonso Quixano is on a mission to bring chivalry back, changing his name to Don Quixote and taking on a partner in crime, farmer Sancho Panza. Tickets $20 to $175. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

Paradise Motel

Through April 12 at the Miami Theater Center, 9806 NE Second Ave. in Miami Shores. Seven decades of Miami history comes to life in a shady motel room in Calle Ocho. Tickets $20. Call 305-751-9550 or visit MTCMiami.org.

Not Ready for Primetime

Through April 19 at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts CEnter, 10950 SW 211 St. in Cutler Bay. David Samson, president of the Miami Marlins, stars in this spin off of Saturday Night Live’s golden era. Tickets $26. Call 786-573-5300 or visit New-Theatre.org.

PAMM Outdoor Music Series

Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Free with museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or visit PAMM.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.

* Denotes New Listing

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 //47

Classiﬁed$

counseling/therapy

HANDYMAN NEEDED!!! Part time handyman needed to with building projects. Painting, Tile work, Electrical, Construction. Wages based on experience. Call 954-892-0494 EXPERIENCED FULL SERVICE TRAVEL AGENT Agency is located on Wilton Drive. Full time position possible for the right person. Must have good internet and communication skills and be well traveled. Ability to assist clients with airline tickets, hotels, cars and cruises and tour packages. Call 954-565-2345 for an initial phone interview. May consider a sharp administrative/ sales person willing to learn the industry.

To place an ad call 954.530.4970 or visit SFGN.com dentists alarm systems

COMPANION FOR ELDERLY GENTLEMAN WANTED - In-home care. Patient suffers from mild dementia. Position is part time to start. Exceptional working environment and conditions. Must have clean background check, mature, good natured and in good health need apply. Submit resume with cover letter, including references and pay requirements to: P.O. Box 2213, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33303

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

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

ArtStrauss@aol.com 6000 South Dixie Highway, Suite B West Palm Beach, FL 33405

attorneys

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.

computers

cleaning services HOME AND COMMERCIAL CLEANING Residential and Commercial cleaning. Experienced with references and provide free estimates. Call 305-896-7494 or 214-356-0684 NINA’S CLEANING SERVICE Upscale and professional. Privately owned. Pet friendly. 12+ years experience. Excellent references available. Call Nina 954-707-0095 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

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 www.CCrepairservices.com HATE WINDOWS 8? We can bring back the look and feel of windows. Same day service. Call 954-986-1316 www.gaycomputerwiz.com

counseling/therapy 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!

furniture repair

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

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

employment/jobs

SouthFloridaGayNews

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 improvement

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

employment/jobs

painting

licensed massage

pets/supplies

INTERIOR PAINTING No job too small! We offer great competitive rates. Call Gregg @ 617-3065694 or Tom @ 352-322-7139. We are reliable and honest with references!

ExpertBuild

L.L.C. The smallest things make the biggest difference.

Andrzej Obszanski

954.933.7246

flood/fire

ExpertBuildLLC.com pets/supplies

handyman 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, wood decks, trash compost bins & more. It doesn’t cost to hassle us to see the work - so why wait? Neat, clean work for reasonable price. Call Haim at 954-398-3676, Sidnalll@yahoo.com

interior design

Dependable Reliable Service Delivered with Love and Respect

RECESSION RELIEF $40 per 90 MIN - Out calls higher. Swedish, Deep Tissue, Specialty Back, Lower Body & Feet. Couples Discounts. Seniors Welcome. Delray Beach. 16 years experience. MA18563 Dennis 561-502-2628 AFFORDABLE AWESOME MASSAGE BY JIM Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and LomiLomi Massage for Men; in a very comfortable, relaxed and Private Massage Studio, NOW conveniently located in Wilton Manors on NE 26th Street, with plenty of free parking. Same Day appointments are welcome; please call Jim, 954-600-5843 email: info@massagebyjim.com or visit my website for testimonials, rates and more. GREAT OPENING SPECIAL NOW AVAILABLE! www.massagebyjim.com Licensed and Certiﬁed MM22293 INCREDIBLY AWESOME BODYWORK in WPB! Incalls @ private studio, 15 min. due west of PBIA. Intuitive, experienced LMT offers affordable rates 7 days, early to late. ASK ABOUT WEEKLY SPECIALS! Calls only, 561-254-8065 for the very best massage experience you can get, HANDS DOWN! 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

pool services

POOL SERVICE Mention this ad and receive your ﬁrst month

FREE! some restrictions apply

Serving Broward Since 1999

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

piano lessons

SFGN.com

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. soflagaynews //

LIC # 11000106488 SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 //49

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

furnished housing **PERFECT RELOCATION RENTALS** *4 WEEK+ SPECIAL FROM $395/WEEK* Award Winning Gay Apartment Hotel. All the comforts of home. Beautifully Furnished & Full Equipped Studio, 1 & 2 BR Apts. with Full Kitchens. All Men, Clothing optional heated pool, laundry, private parking. Dania Beach location Central to Haulover Nude Beach & Wilton Manors. Incl. Wi-Fi, utilities, cable, tel. Gay Owned & Operated. Longer term Monthly rates available for 3 months+ Stays. Pets Always Welcome. Celebrating Our 17th Year Call Joe or Jack at (954) 927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com

rent/lease delray beach BEAUTIFUL LARGE 3 / 2.5 PRIVATE HOME FOR RENT IN DELRAY BEACH, FL Gorgeous large 3 bedroom 2.5 bath, private home in a gated community for rent in the best Delray Beach location. Centrally located just West of I-95 off Atlantic Avenue in a desirable, quiet and well-kept neighborhood. Features: Spanish tile roof, vaulted ceilings, ceramic ﬂoors, central A/C, all appliances, blinds and window coverings included. Community has a playground, tennis courts, clubhouse with pool room, library, exercise room, social room that can be rented for parties, etc., and large outdoor pool with Jacuzzi. Large screened patio, 1-car garage and a wide driveway for a total of 4 vehicles. No smoking, small pets OK, 1 year minimum lease with 1st, last and security. Next to Atlantic High School and minutes from synagogues, churches, schools, beach, West Palm Beach Airport and downtown Delray. Must see! Available for mid-end April 2014. Call ILAN at 561-330-0688 or email: aimus2001@aol. com. Asking $1,800 per month and includes lawn care, alarm monitoring and basic cable; tenant pays utilities.

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

// 4.2.2014

// SFGN.com //

rent/lease fort lauderdale

real estate for sale

HOME TO SHARE - WALK TO DRIVE! Mature prof. seeks roommate in 2/2 home w/ pool. Furnished room, private bath, all utilities, cable TV-WiFi internet access, W/D, C/AC, and full house and pool privileges.Only $850/mo. Min 6 mo. lease. Ref/Bkgrnd check required.No pets. Owner has cat.First and security.954-873-5321

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 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

LOOKING TO RENT A ROOM Senior GWF on Social Security looking to share rent in a clean, decent, safe apartment or home for $350 to $450 per month. I am mobile, have my own car and also looking for any part time work available. Please call 954-325-7111

TWO STORY VILLA – OAKLAND PARK Use as 2/2 or 3/2, Kitchen, Living Room, TV room, Balcony, Sundeck, over 1500 sq. ft. W/D included and pets are ok. 4001 NE 14th Ave $1,800/mo Call 954-485-9440 HOUSE FOR RENT, OAKLAND PARK Beautiful 2200sf, house, 4BR/2BA. Open concept. New kitchen/Laundry/Tile/Central air/heat. Fenced yard, patio, Mango and Avocado trees $1900. Must see! By appt. 954-629-2884

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

roommates 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 ROOM FOR RENT IN WILTON MANORS Wilton Manors 3 Bedroom pool house room for rent to Gay Professional Male. Must be dog friendly. $650 per month, includes all utilities and full access. Call 954-268-6547 or Email: gwhite5@me.com

SFGN.com

POMPANO BEACH - 2/2 Condo - East of U.S.1, pool, elevator, 2nd ﬂ. end unit, F.L. & Sec., Application/min. 1 yr. lease, $1,100/mo. Call 954-806-8821

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

soflagaynews //

roommates

SouthFloridaGayNews

GAY, MATURE MAN AND 3 CATS LOOKING FOR ROOMMATE to share a three bedroom duplex with myself and another roommate. Private room with shared bath. You will have full use of house and all utilities are included. Clean, friendly atmosphere. Washer/Dryer on premise. NO SMOKERS or party animals, otherwise all are welcome. Credit and background check. Located on the north side of Wilton Manors, minutes from Wilton Drive. The room is furnished, but unfurnished is possible. $525 per month (a deposit would be required but can be done in installments) Available immediately. Call Richard Sedlak at 954-296-5633 or email at sedlaki1@comcast.net

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

roommates

ENJOYED THE FIRST BITE...? READY FOR SECONDS...? DROP THE TOWEL...

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

4.2.2014 // 51

// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews