6/4/14 V5i23 by South Florida Gay News

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June 4, 2014 // vol. 5 // issue 23

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

Compiled by Nicole Wiesenthal

Obama Admin Issues Proclamation Declaring June LGBT Pride Month President Barack Obama released a proclamation asking Congress to pass ENDA and allow June to be lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Pride Month. “As progress spreads from State to State, as justice is delivered in the courtroom, and as more of our fellow Americans are treated with dignity and respect – our

Medicare Coverage Ban on Sex-Change Surgery Lifted

Transgender people receiving Medicare may no longer be automatically denied coverage for sex reassignment surgeries, a U.S. Department of Health and Services review board ruled Friday in a groundbreaking decision that recognizes the procedures as a medically necessary and effective treatment for individuals who do not identify with their biological sex. Ruling in favor of a 74-year-old Army

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veteran whose request to have Medicare pay for her genital reconstruction was denied two years ago, the agency’s Departmental Appeals Board ruled that a three-decade-old HHS rule excluding such surgeries from the procedures covered by the national health program for the elderly and disabled was unjustified. From the Associated Press.

Excluded from Time’s Top 100, Laverne Cox Gets Cover Instead After being excluded from Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People issue in April, transgender actor and activist Laverne Cox found herself on the cover of this month’s magazine instead. In the spring, Cox found herself at the very top of the voting list, under only Arvind Kejriwal, Narendra Modi, Katy Perry and Justin Bieber.

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Nation becomes not only more accepting, but more equal as well. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, we celebrate victories that have affirmed freedom and fairness, and we recommit ourselves to completing the work that remains.” From President Obama.

Jezebel reports that the outcry over Cox’s exclusion after she got almost 92 percent of the vote and fifth-highest votes overall from a pool of 88.481 replies, the Internet “went up in flames.” Implications of racism and transphobia ran rampant, with Twitter users saying, “Shame on you Time.” From our media partner, Edge.

SFGN’s Most Popular On Facebook

Don’t miss out on SFGN’s regular social media content: 1. GAY MARRIAGE: Lawyer Paul Smith says a marriage equality case could reach the Supreme Court next year and receive a favorable ruling. 2. POLITICS: An openly gay Pennsylvania lawmaker will likely lose his seat this week, just days after the state became the 19th to allow same-sex marriage. 3. HUMANS OF WILTON MANORS: An SFGN project, see the entire collection of photos at www.sfgn.com/HOWM. Words and photos by Nicole Wiesenthal. “I sell real estate and I have a very busy active career and life is just—in real estate, you can just let it take control of your life. I work 24/7 and if you don’t intentionally slow down, all you’ll do is work. You’ve got to make the time to get a haircut, get a manicure, the whole nine yards.” 4. WATCH: With the three-day waiting period for marriages up, same-sex weddings began in earnest across Pennsylvania. 5. Florida AG Pam Bondi says gay marriage will cause public harm and children are best raised in a opposite sex household. // SFGN.com //

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JUNE 4, 2014 • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 23

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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.

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news highlight

Facebook Celebrates Pride Month with LGBT Messenger Stickers Nicole Wiesenthal

This month, Facebook launched a series of 28 new LGBT-themed emoticons. The ‘Pride’ Pack came with President Obama’s proclamation declaring June LGBT pride month. The collection features a range of pride icons including married women in wedding dresses, gay sailors, drag queens, rainbows and a leather daddy with his puppy. “We’re celebrating Pride by adding these free Facebook Messenger stickers to the Sticker Store,” a Facebook Diversity spokesperson said, according to NewNowNext. “We see this as one more way we can make Facebook a place where people can express their authentic identity. Happy Pride!” If you want to view the full collection, go onto Facebook, open up a message and click on the smiley face button on the bottom right hand of the messenger box. Click on the shopping cart icon, and the collection should be at the top. Facebook has always tried to promote acceptance as seen when it added over 50

new gender options earlier this year. Also, in June 2013, Facebook added a “feeling pride” Emoji to its status bar.

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News Briefs Compiled by Nicole Wiesenthal

Thousands March in Cyprus’ First Gay Pride Parade

Several thousand people turned out for Cyprus’ first gay pride parade on Saturday, exceeding the expectations of organizers who said the event’s popularity shows that Cypriots are shedding their conservative attitudes. One of the organizers, ACCEPT-LGBT Cyprus President Costas Gavrielides, said he was overwhelmed because he had expected just a few hundred people to attend the event in the heart of the capital Nicosia. “This proves that Cypriot society has progressed much more than politicians say,” Gavrielides told The Associated Press. Gavrielides urged lawmakers to pass legislation to further gay rights, including a civil partnership law. Cyprus, a European Union member and a largely Orthodox Christian society, decriminalized homosexuality a dozen years ago, but activists say

FA Rejects Mail With Harvey Milk Stamp

Beware! If you plan on sending mail with a Harvey Milk stamp to members of the American Family Association, an infamous LGBT-hate group, your mail will probably never be read. The AFA recently put a press release on their website which called Harvey Milk a “known sexual predator.” They’ve decided to take it upon themselves to be the heroes in this situation and boycott the stamp. “Honoring predator Harvey Milk on a U.S. postage stamp is disturbing to say the least,” said AFA President Tim Wildmon. “Milk used his charm and power to prey on young boys with emotional problems and drug addiction. He is the last person we should be featuring on a stamp… This is not diversity; this is perversity.” The AFA blames the existence of the stamp on drag queen and “former transsexual prostitute” Nicole Murray Ramirez, stating “the United States Postal Service honored a child predator at the whim of a drag queen.” The AFA now asks anyone with an ounce of sense to boycott the new stamp, telling people to either refuse mail that has the stamp on it and refuse to accept the stamp at post office and instead ask for American flag stamps. Hopefully, your post offices haven’t run out of United States flag stamps yet. If they have, the AFA probably recommends you wait until they get more. In the meantime, if you already bought Harvey Milk stamps, send them all to: American Family Association, P O Drawer 2440, Tupelo, MS 38803 where they will promptly be disposed of.

e Don’t Serve Fags’ Says East Texas Restaurant

A same-sex couple got a very unorthodox thank you for their tip when a waitress from an East Texas restaurant told them, “We don’t serve fags here,” after they finished eating their breakfast Tuesday morning, East Texas ABC-affiliate station KLTV reports. Collin Dewberry and his partner Kelly Williams told KLTV a waitress at Big Earl’s Restaurant, in Pittsburg, Texas, told them they “don’t serve fags” after they ate and paid for their food. The waitress, who is the restaurant owner’s daughter, made the disparaging comment as the couple was leaving. The owner of Big Earl’s, Earl Cheney, says he took issue with their behavior, not their sexual orientation. Their behavior? Their legs touched. “I didn’t go over there to inspect to see what

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he was rubbing,” he said. “That’s just not appropriate in a family restaurant that has a sign on the front door that we just don’t do that here.” He went on to defend his daughter’s actions, saying, “She’s a young lady, didn’t know what else to say, and they just kept on and she finally said, ’we just don’t like fags.’” When KLTV asked Cheney what a man and woman should act like, he said, “The same thing it says. That a man’s supposed to stand up and be a leader. He’s not supposed to be a woman. He’s not supposed to come in here in a dress.” Since the story made headlines, Big Earl’s Yelp rating has plummeted as a number of users gave the restaurant poor reviews. From our media partner, Edge.

ay Dads Develop Brain Patterns Similar to Both Mothers and Fathers

New evidence refutes a major argument of gay-marriage and adoption opponents that same-sex couples cannot properly raise children. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provided evidence that gay fathers who adopt through surrogacy develop the same brain patterns of both new mothers and new fathers. In the study, according to the Huffington Post, 89 new mothers and fathers were videotaped spending time with their children at home. Afterwards the parents’ brain activity was monitored while the parents watched the videos in an MRI tube, and again while watching videos that their kids were not in. According to ThinkProgress, new mothers, who were the primary caregivers, developed heightened emotional sensitivity while the fathers displayed greater cognitive brain activity. Gay fathers were shown to exhibit both heightened emotional and cognitive brain activity. Neuropsychologist Ruth Feldman helped with the study. “Fathers’ brains are very plastic,” Feldman said, according to Huffington Post. “When there are two fathers, their brains must recruit both networks, the emotional and cognitive, for optimal parenting.” Other studies have been done before which provide evidence that children raised by same-sex couples fair just as well as children raised by opposite-sex couples. This study, however, is different in that it provides evidence that gay parents actually have the capability to give their children the same care as their counterparts.

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the nation has much to improve on in terms of gay rights. Among the speakers addressing the crowd waving rainbow flags and carrying placards reading “equal rights to all’’ was Cypriot gay rights pioneer Alecos Modinos. Modinos’ court battles in the 1990s forced the government to repeal anti-gay laws – a vestige from the east Mediterranean island nation’s British colonial past. “We hope Cyprus becomes a European Union member country that respects rights not only in words, but in deeds as well,’’ said Modinos. The Cyprus Orthodox Christian church condemned the parade and issued a stronglyworded statement saying it considers homosexuality “the human being’s fall from grace and an illness and not a natural way of life or choice.’’ From the Associated Press

The study could provide a breakthrough in the same-sex marriage debate.

en Attack and Strip Two Trans Women on Atlanta Train

Police have apprehended a pair of suspects who allegedly attacked two transgender women of color, harassing and stripping them on an Atlanta, Ga., Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) train on May 20. Luther L. Thomas, 34, and Frederick L. Missick, 35, both of Atlanta, have been charged with disorderly conduct. The incident was caught on camera and went viral after it was posted to www.flyvidz.com. The two-minute clip, which was posted on May 22 and has been viewed more than 2.65 million views, shows the two transgender women getting into a verbal altercation with a group of men. One of the men then kicks the woman, sparking a brawl. During the fight, one of the woman’s clothes are pulled off and is completely naked. Nevertheless, the fight continues. No one intervenes during the fight and there is even an applause and cheering towards the end of the altercation. The women told WSB-TV they were at a MARTA train station when a group of men approached them and started yelling. They claim the group followed them into the station and waited on the platform next to them while taking pictures of them. The women added they believe they were targeted because they of their gender identity. “[They] just kept of asking us was we real,” Janell Crosby told the news station. “Like really trying to get us. ’Are you real?’ ’Are y’all this or that?’ Just trying to embarrass us.” Tryra Woods added, “They were trying to find out if we are men or women. I shouldn’t have to disclose who I am to an innocent person who I’m not even interested in talking to.” The women say they were harassed, attacked, embarrassed and that no one came to their aide. “I really didn’t want to fight, but he just kicked me and tried to make a big scene,” Crosby told WSB-TV. “I told one cop who was following us to the gate. He acted like he didn’t want to hear from us,” she said, according to the GA Voice, Georgia’s LGBT newspaper. “He didn’t write any statement or anything.” “It’s all over the Internet and like, I’m naked,” Woods told the news station. “I felt like since it was in a public transportation, we should’ve felt like we should’ve been secure.”

news state

Sun-Sentinel Blasts State Over Gay Marriage

Marriage equality is sweeping the country with staggering speed, a wave destined to hit Florida. Yet Florida leaders — starting with Attorney General Pam Bondi — continue to fight the inevitable, keeping our state on the wrong side of history. In the latest salvo against same-sex marriage, the Associated Press reports that Bondi argued in court documents last week that recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states would disrupt existing marriage law and “impose significant public harm.” Bondi is asking a federal judge to throw out a lawsuit by eight gay couples that argues that Florida is discriminating against them by not recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states. The lawsuit is scheduled to go to court July 2 in Miami. Florida voters banned same-sex marriage with a constitutional amendment in 2008. In the years since, however, the courts and public sentiment have been moving deliberately toward the side of equality. In the last month alone, federal judges have struck down bans on same-sex marriage in four states, declaring them unconstitutional. It seems every month, leaders in another state are giving up the fight against marriage equality. Samesex marriage is now legal in 19 states, with Illinois coming on board June 1. Most importantly, the U.S. Supreme Court last year struck down a key part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, granting federal recognition to same-sex couples. According to the Human Rights Campaign, no state bans have since

survived a court challenge. Yet Florida continues to fight for the right to discriminate. In court papers, Bondi said, “Florida’s marriage laws, then, have a close, direct and rational relationship to society’s legitimate interest in increasing the likelihood that children will be born to and raised by the mothers and fathers who produced them in stable and enduring family units.” Bondi’s definition of family is nothing short of insulting to the same-sex couples who have adopted and raised children. It also makes you wonder how she feels about heterosexual couples who marry, but don’t have children. Does the state frown upon them, too? According to the AP story, Bondi believes the state’s pension and health insurance programs would face significant financial and logistical problems if same-sex marriages were recognized. You have to wonder whether Bondi, or Gov. Rick Scott, or anyone in state leadership read the heart-wrenching story earlier this year in the Sun Sentinel about the end-of-life problems faced by Deerfield Beach partners Chris MacLellan and Bernard Richard Schiffer. The financial and bureaucratic obstacles placed in front of the couple — as Richard faced the cancer that would take his life — showed how the marriage ban deprives gays of the legal rights afforded heterosexuals. Floridians understand the concepts of fairness and dignity for all. That’s why, in a recent Quinnipiac poll, 56 percent of those polled supported allowing same-sex marriage, with 39 percent opposed. Polling nationally shows similar results. The fight against equality and same-sex marriage is a battle the state of Florida is destined to lose, with good reason. The highest court in the land has ruled. Rather than spend more tax dollars fighting to enshrine a discriminatory policy, Bondi and our other leaders should listen to the people and work harder to represent us. All of us. From our media partner Sun Sentinel.

Home Owners

Lakeland Extends Benefits to Same-Sex Spouses

Lakeland Same-sex couples who have been legally married in states where marriage equality is legal will be recognized by the City of Lakeland. In a 5-2 vote on June 2, Lakeland commissioners approved expanding healthcare coverage to same-sex spouses of city employees. The vote only affects the spouses of employees with valid marriage licenses. Commissioners declined the expansion of benefits to unmarried same-sex partners of city employees— the same result as a 2012 vote. A large group of residents spoke both for and against the expansion. Commissioners had three choices: Extend health care benefits to legally married same-sex spouses with marriage certificates from one of the 19 states that have marriage equality; extend benefits to all same-sex couples in committed relationships; or extend health care benefits to any employee in a domestic partnership, regardless of orientation. The only two dissenting votes in providing legal spouses of same-sex couples benefits came from Mayor Howard Wiggs and Commissioner Phillip Walker. The city considered the move because of last year’s U.S. Supreme Court decision to strike down the portion of the Defense of Marriage Act prohibiting federal recognition of same-sex couples legally married in states providing marriage certificates. The changes in the IRS tax code also prompted the vote. According to the Lakeland Ledger, expanding the benefits could cost the city $110,000 in the upcoming budget year. Those changes won’t take effect until 2015. From our media partner Watermark.

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news bites

by Nicole Wiesenthal

hrysler, Others Join Effort to Bar Anti-LGBT Discrimination

(AP) Chrysler is joining a business-backed effort to push lawmakers to update Michigan’s antidiscrimination law to prohibit discrimination because of sexual orientation or gender identity. The automaker is among new members of the Michigan Competitive Workforce Coalition being announced Thursday at a conference of business and political leaders on Mackinac Island. The Detroit Regional Chamber, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Kellogg Co., Pfizer are among those signing on to the initiative launched earlier this month. The Detroit Regional Chamber says the business community is sending a “very clear message” about the need to update the 1976 Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.

estboro Plans to Picket Maya Angelou’s Funeral

(SFGN) The Westboro Baptist Church, the controversial religious group who coined the term “God Hates Fags,” plans to picket Maya Angelou’s funeral because of her stance on gay rights. According to Fox8, the church has asked Twitter followers for information on Angelou’s funeral. The Church also tweeted hateful posts about Angelou, an award-winning, impactful writer. Angelou is not only a famous poet, author and playwright, but she was also an important advocate of Civil and LGBT rights. She died Wednesday at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at the age of 86.

Photo: Wikipedia

ale Student Named Prom Queen in Danbury, CT

(AP) A 17-year-old senior boy named prom queen at Danbury High School says he’s making a point about gender labeling and discrimination. Nasir Fleming won the title last week. He was nominated as both prom king and prom queen, but decided to be considered only for queen. Fleming tells the News Times of Danbury he’s been openly gay since sixth grade and has struggled with bullying. He says he isn’t sure whether the students who submitted his name were making fun of his sexuality, but decided it was a good opportunity to make a point about the importance of being who you are.

lorida AG: Gay Marriage Would Cause Harm

(AP) The attorney general of Florida says in court documents that recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states would “impose significant public harm.” Eight gay couples and the American Civil Liberties Union have sued the state in federal court. The lawsuit argues Florida is discriminating against the couples by not recognizing same-sex marriages performed in states where they are legal. Attorney General Pam Bondi has filed a response that asks a federal judge to throw out the lawsuit. Bondi’s office says the state has a legitimate interest in defining a marriage as between a man and woman because Florida’s voters adopted an amendment in 2008 that banned same-sex marriages.

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news local

Free to Be in the Florida Keys Key West celebrates gay pride Anthony Lanni

From a foam party to men in tutus this year’s 5-day Key West Pride celebration is sure to keep guests entertained. This year’s event takes place all over the island from June 11 to June 15. Organizers expect more than 7,500 people to attend the wide variety of activities and events including pool and dance parties, watersports and barbeques. The annual parade will feature openly gay Iraq war veteran Rob Smith who will serve as this year’s grand marshal. KWP event coordinator Matt Honn said “We are always proud that we have our mayor and all six city commissioners in our parade.” Key West has been a gay friendly destination since the early 1940s, and elected America’s first openly gay mayor, Richard Heyman in the 1980s. But the island has always attracted visitors who long for a “bohemian” lifestyle and “free to be” attitude. The Pride celebration kicks off Wednesday, June 11 with a “Bow Ties and Bubbly” party, now a Key West Pride tradition, featuring poolside fun between from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the world famous Island House. The event will be followed by the 2014 Miss Key West Pride contest at the Cabaret Bar. Another highlight will be the annual parade on Sunday, June 15 featuring Rob Smith, author, public speaker and LGBT activist. Key West Mayor Craig Cates along with openly gay police Chief Donnie Lee will be joined by the local joint military color guard who will escort the parade down Duvall Street.

Thursday

Start the day off at noon with the Coconut Pride shop crawl, where local retailers will offer a special KWP discount and as well as other promotions. Then head over to the Equator at 4 p.m. for a barbeque and pool party. Save your appetite for the tropical buffet on the Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise

before dancing the night away at Aqua for a giant dance party.

Friday

At noon, bring your swim trunks as two parties converge — one for the boys at the Island House and one for the girls at Alexander’s Guesthouse. That night check out the Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour, a fascinating and spooky look at the city’s most haunted sights. If you prefer something less hair-raising head over to the Bourbon Street Pub for the annual Mr. Pride contest and party.

Saturday

The weekend starts off with a bang and, of course, your favorite assorted color tutu. Grab your friends for a fun and exciting challenge with the Key West Pride Tutu 10K Relay. Visit www.tuturelay.com for more information. After you rest up from the relay head over to the annual Key West Pride Street Fair which takes place between on Duval Street between 10 p.m. and 7 p.m. While there, take time to visit the wide array of gay friendly plethora of gay friendly shops, bars and restaurants. Close out the night with the infamous Purgatory Foam Party at the Bourbon Street Pub at 10 p.m. Fetish attire is encouraged as this steamy party – labeled by KWP organizers as “where the bad boys and bad girls come to play” – goes late into the night.

Sunday

On the last day of Pride make sure to start off at the Metropolitan Community Church with their Pride service. Then head over to the parade and finally KWP will conclude with Dance the Nite Away taking place at Aqua Night Club. Visit www.KeyWestPride.org and Pride’s official Facebook page at www.Facebook. com/KeyWestPride for a detailed listing of the events. soflagaynews //

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opinion publisher’s editorial

History On Our Doorstep Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

In a year that has already been historic for the LGBT community, Time magazine this week delivered a stunning topper. On its cover is Laverne Cox, a TV star for the Netflix original show, “Orange is the New Black.” She is one of an estimated 1.5 million Americans who identify themselves as transgender individuals. The front page feature is titled “The Transgender Tipping Point: America’s next civil rights frontier.” Just a few years ago, we were fighting for domestic partnerships and civil unions. Today, we are hearing every week that federal courts are saying same-sex marriages are a civil right. Today, we not only have gays and lesbians lawfully serving in the military, we are in positions of command and authority. Transparency and honesty serve us well. Sunlight is a disinfectant. Truth is a serum, society learns from and should yearn for. As Cox told Time, the transgender community is speaking up, coming forth, and saying, “This is

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who I am.” What our world is learning is that being transgender is no more being part of the Rocky Horror Picture Show than being gay meant you were a drag queen. We are learning that transgender people are not deviant or disordered or deformed. We are learning they are a part of our community, not apart from it. The fact is even within the LGBT community transgender persons were and still are the target of condescending comments and unjust criticism. In Huntington Beach, Cali., though, a trans girl was named this year’s homecoming queen. Can you imagine that even being a possibility a decade ago? Still, it’s not an easy road. As the Time magazine piece points out, a study by the

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National Transgender Discrimination Survey indicates that nearly 80 percent of young trans people have experienced harassment at their schools. More startling, 90 percent of trans people experience discrimination even at work, where theoretically, adults should be more mature. Communities are taking modest steps to turn the tide. For example, at least a dozen states have initiated guidelines insuring that students who play on athletic teams may participate based on the gender identity they align with. Still, legal obstacles abound and social disconnects are so prevalent everywhere. Even within our limited LGBT community, we all have so much learning still to do. We can all be certain of this: our gay community is as diverse as the rainbow that mirrors our lives. We are Dolphin Democrats in shirts and ties, but we are also the 5,000 men who took over the Marriott Hotel on Wacker Street in downtown Chicago last week for the International Male Leather Convention. We are the Aqua Girls hosting a party on South Beach, and the cowboys at the gay rodeo. We are seniors active in a gay environment, and

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choruses of men and women, singing at rallies for HIV advocacy on World AIDS Day. We all have a story that led us down a path society did not approve of. We got here anyway, and are stronger for it. We lived in the shadows, and now we are in the sunlight. Last week, one of my best friends, Paul Hugo, and I were standing outside his club at the Manor on Wilton Drive. Hundreds and hundreds of young kids were lining up to get in for the under-21 nights. “Look at all these young people,” I remarked, “coming out of the closet so openly and so young.” Paul replied, “It’s not a closet anymore. It’s just a soft curtain, and they push it aside.” He is right. It is the new world order. As John Stuart Mill wrote in his epic treatise on individualism, “We all have something in common in that we are all unique.” Within our own lives, let’s never lose the spark that makes us caring, maintains our commitment, and gives us a conscience. Let’s work to build bridges and tear down walls. As you create your life, and carve out your career, look around and about you for those whose paths go a different way. Like your own journey, these roads count just as much. Their struggles are as valid as your own. Isn’t Gay Days this weekend? The transgender community is teaching America something Disney has been preaching on one of its rides for decades: “It’s a small world, after all…”

column for becker or for worse Solution to ‘Tranny’ Debate: Stop Using the Word John Becker

Editor-in-chief, Bilerico Project

These days, one of the easiest and quickest ways to anger a room full of queers is to bring up the subject of legendary drag queen and television star RuPaul Charles. RuPaul first came under fire earlier this year for using the word “she-male” in a challenge on his Logo TV show, “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” called “Female or She-Male.” In it, contestants were shown photographs and had to guess whether the subject was born biologically female or previously appeared on the show. Many transgender advocates objected, pointing out that “she-male” is a term that is frequently used to degrade and demean trans people. They also took issue with a recurring segment titled “You’ve Got She-Mail” for the same reason. In response, Logo apologized, pulled the episode that contained the challenge, and removed the “You’ve Got She-Mail” segment. But RuPaul himself didn’t apologize. Instead he doubled down, vigorously defending his use of another problematic word, “tranny.” In an interview with Marc Maron, RuPaul said: “Does the word ‘tranny’ bother me? No. I love the word ‘tranny.’ ... It’s not the transsexual community who’s saying that. These are

fringe people who are looking for storylines to strengthen their identity as victims. That is what we are dealing with. It’s not the trans community. ‘Cause most people who are trans have been through hell and high water… But some people haven’t and they’ve used their victimhood to create a situation where, ‘No! You look at me! I want you to see me the way you’re supposed to see me!’ You know, if your idea of happiness has to do with someone else changing what they say, what they do, you are in for a fucking hard-ass road... “I dance to the beat of a different drummer. I believe everybody -- you can be whatever the hell you wanna be, I ain’t stopping you. But don’t you dare tell me what I can do or what I can’t -- say or can’t do. It’s just words, like, ‘Yeah, you hurt me!’ Bitch, you need to get stronger. If you’re upset by something I said you have bigger problems than you think.” In the controversy over RuPaul and

language, especially as regards to the word “tranny,” the arguments essentially boil down to this: on one side you have many members of the trans community and their allies, who find the term highly offensive and abusive, especially because it’s frequently used in violent attacks on trans people. On the other side is the drag community, which has a long history of satire and word reclamation, largely rejects the idea that the term “tranny” is inherently offensive, and bristles at what they perceive as language policing. Drag culture also has a long and important history within the gay community, which leads many gay men — and also many older trans women, who grew up in a world where drag culture was often one of their only safe spaces — to vociferously defend it. I wonder, though, whether those who defend RuPaul — and yes, in my experience they’re mostly gay men — would similarly defend a non-gay person who insists on using the word “faggot.” Like “tranny,” many people find “faggot” highly offensive, and for many victims of anti-gay violence, “faggot” is the last thing they hear before they lose consciousness — and sometimes even their life. Fellow gays, would you take kindly to some non-gay person

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telling you how you should react to an anti-gay slur? I’m guessing not. Furthermore, the charges of “word policing” are silly — not because our culture doesn’t police words, but precisely because it does... all the time. Think about it: can you say “fire” in a crowded theater? Not without consequence. The Federal Communications Commission determines which words can be said on television, and the Motion Picture Association of America “polices” language in movies through its ratings system — the more potentially offensive the film’s language, the more restrictive its rating. And groups from across the political and ideological spectrum, from GLAAD to the Anti-Defamation League to the (viciously homophobic) Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights frequently call out and demand apologies for perceived slurs and misrepresentations in the media. So why is it that only when trans people raise objections to a word or phrase do those kinds of objections suddenly become “word policing?” For me, the bottom line is this: the trans community, by and large, says that words like “tranny” are offensive, derogatory slurs. We owe it to them to respectfully listen and modify our vocabularies accordingly. Ours is a wide and varied language. Surely we can find many words with which to express ourselves that don’t belittle or humiliate our trans siblings. For more information on John Becker, visit www.bilerico.com

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Don’t Walk In My Shoes Chris Reina #50095-004

Christopher Reina is doing a five-year sentence in federal prison. In his writing he shares how he is surviving prison life as a gay inmate. Chris is paying it forward by donating his compensation for this column to a charity near and dear to his heart.

Entry 9: June 4, 2014 Many, many, moons ago, when I was in my 20s, I was working in a hotel cafe in Washington, DC, when early one evening a woman sat down at the bar. As it wasn’t busy we got to talking, and long story short, she offered to read my palm. After inspecting my creases and lines, she quickly said to me ‘I wouldn’t want to walk in your shoes.’ There was more that I don’t remember, but I will never forget those exact words. It’s uncanny how right she turned out to be. Coincidence or not, it’s like she could foresee the misery drug addiction would eventually bring me. After school specials like “Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack!” and “Sara T - Portrait of a Teenage Alcoholic” taught my generation all we needed to know about the ravages caused by alcohol and drugs. Today, the popular culture landscape is littered with sad and tragic stories of those who succumb; the Phillips, the Lindsays, the Corys, and countless others. There is really nothing original that I can add, and I seriously doubt these columns will give any potential addicts out there pause. It goes without saying that addicts and alkies are caution adverse; danger and misadventure just come with the territory. However, being in prison is a constant reminder of my crime, and thinking about my crime is a constant reminder of my addiction, therefore I am never really more than two thoughts away from drugs. After nearly a year in these lousy gated communities, I still think about getting high on a daily basis. Often, I find myself absentmindedly using a finger to trace the veins on the backs of my hands looking for that sweet spot, since the veins in my arms have all collapsed. Now, I realize that I have been accused by some of shirking responsibility for my crime, placing all the blame on my drug use, but I would respectfully disagree. I did what I did, but the simple fact is that I wouldn’t have gone anywhere near child pornography without drugs and their personality altering effects, period.

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Christopher Reina Reg. #50095-004 Beaumont Low FCI P.O. Box 26020 Beaumont, TX 77720

You could say that it was my fault for becoming an addict in the first place, but at this point I’m really not sure how productive that argument is. I’m an addict AND I also committed an awful crime. I own that. I am in prison for it, and not once did I ever fight to not come here.

That doesn’t mean that my addiction wasn’t at the root of this whole sad affair. Sure, getting involved with child porn isn’t the norm for the vast majority of addicts out there, but no one has really ever accused me of being terribly normal. Color me exceptional. This is what I can tell you about drugs: They are perfectly wonderful and SUPER fun. Until they’re not. For us addicts, that’s a when, not an if. Throughout the journey from, ahem, point A (weee!) to point B (wah!), the life of an addict will be sprinkled with all manner of self-inflicted humiliations, large and small. Those who care about you will be hurt beyond measure, though still not as much as you yourself will be. If you’re a low-bottom addict like me, drugs will rob you of: your health, your financial security, your job(s), your stuff, the things you love (RIP, Radar, I wish I could have been there for you), your freedom, your friends and family, your ability to love others, and most injurious, your capacity to love yourself. That is why I am willing to do the prison drug program, regardless of receiving time off for it. My fear is that prison is the easy part. My fear is that when I am released, I will be a jobless, homeless, friendless, scarlet-lettered pariah. My fear is that my fears will drive me to turn to drugs again. That is while I want some foundation of sobriety under me. I know what it takes to stay clean. I did it for five years. True, I suppose life was more boring then. Ah... quiet, dramafree boredom. After prison, boredom ain’t no thang. It’s what we do best here.

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column mcnaught’s notes

Embrace Facebook, Don’t Shun It

Connecting with others through social media is a good thing Brian McNaught “You spend too much time on Facebook,” Ray said the other night from his side of the bed. “No more than you do on Huffington Post,” I replied. “And, I end up reading the same things you do because of the links people provide.” Like almost every person I know, regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or spiritual beliefs, my life has been dramatically impacted by the Internet. For me, it started with email and Web pages, then YouTube, and now Facebook. I occasionally write something on Twitter, but only because people have signed up to follow me, and I feel guilty about not participating. But on Twitter, I don’t read other people’s entries. It’s mostly self-promotion, which gets old quickly. I haven’t yet gotten hooked by Instagram. Ray and I do all of our shopping, banking, reading, corresponding, and research on the Internet. I haven’t opened a cookbook in years. If I want to know how to cook Beef Wellington, I Google it. We get weather reports, movie reviews, show times at our local theaters, the latest headlines, photos from family, and responses to texts, usually all while we’re watching television. Our GPS gadgets are obsolete, as are Christmas and birthday cards, desktop calendars, stationery, stamps, book shelves, malls, catalogs, checks, cameras, guide books, restaurant review books, telephones, and, most importantly, isolation. As long as I have access to the Internet and to electricity, it doesn’t matter whether I’m sitting in our living room in Fort Lauderdale, or in a remote cabin in the Adirondacks, I’m as close to community as I choose to be. When I begin to feel a little discouraged about the world of today and tomorrow, I scroll through Facebook and feel an instant connection with others who share not just my sentiments, but also my values. Looking at heart-tugging pictures or videos that some people offer makes me feel less anxious about the dire headlines in the New York Times. Reading inspirational quotes posted by others provides me the same spiritual uplift that I get from reading books of daily meditations. “There’s so much junk on Facebook,” Ray said. “Skip it,” I replied. “I only read what interests me. And, I click on ‘like’ to let people know I’m staying in touch with their lives.” Recently, Ray and I celebrated our 38th anniversary, and my entry about it on Facebook prompted over 200 “likes,” and over 100 comments. I loved reading the messages, and each name from “likes” prompted a

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memory of the person, or an experience of surprise and delight that a stranger had bothered to offer best wishes to us. Many of the people who are on my Friends list are gay and transgender people who live in other countries. I say “yes” to everyone who asks to be friends, except for straight women who are looking for a husband. It makes me happy to know that the loneliness and fear that I experienced as a child as a result of being gay in a gay-negative world aren’t necessary for young people in remote places. These young and old gay “friends” participate in Ray’s and my love through my posted updates and photos. Older gay and transgender people who feared isolation in their final years now have a way to stay connected with people like me who value their thoughts. There are names that pop up more frequently than others when I scroll through my Facebook entries. Some people use Facebook as a means of expression more than others do. I often don’t know, and certainly don’t care, anything about the person’s age, appearance, education, or financial status. I know them by their patterns of expression, and of what they find of interest. Some people talk a lot about drinking or eating. Other people can be relied upon to comment on the latest outrageous statement by right wing extremists. Mostly, I learn what people are feeling about their day. As a result, I find that I have developed a relationship with their spirits as opposed to with their human forms. There are reasons why social programs on the Internet aren’t necessarily good for us. Face to face community building is heavily impacted because we needn’t look people in the eyes. Young people are perhaps now soflagaynews //

less skilled in interpersonal communication because they’re less practiced with reading facial expressions. Words are misspelled, or shortened to an agreed upon sign language. Handwriting is now block lettering. Thank you notes, letters, and old standards of written courtesy are nearly gone. But such radical change has happened in the past, and will happen again in the future. The invention of television made me much less likely to be outside as a child than my parents were. The stories the TV daily provided me made me less likely to seek distraction in a book. Every generation is impacted by advances in science and technology. What I like about Facebook, and similar sites is the ability it provides us to create communities of people with whom we feel safe and valued. If you find that you have unknowingly added a friend who vexes your spirit, you can eliminate him or her from your world in the click of a button. If you choose

SouthFloridaGayNews

Brian McNaught works with corporate executives globally, is the author of six books, and is featured in seven educational DVDs. He and his spouse Ray Struble live in Fort Lauderdale. Visit BrianMcNaught.com for more info. to, you can spend your days connecting with grade school friends, second cousins, former lovers, fellow vacationers from exotic trips, other activists, other atheists, other fans of “Game of Thrones, all in a simple scroll down of entries. You get access to the most popular YouTube offerings because a friend wants to share the joy, sorrow, hope, or amazement they experienced in watching it. The varied interests of your Facebook friends expands your awareness of world events, cultural trends, and family dramas. The U.S. government so respects the power of Internet social media that it tries to introduce it to the populations of countries where community dialogue is suppressed. The U.S. government knows that if it can enable citizens in Third World countries to communicate electronically, democracy has a much better chance of emerging and succeeding. The Catholic Church knows the power of social media too. The Pope writes a blog. The iPad has replaced the television as a necessity of life. Young people who are looking for something to give their parents as a gift should stop looking. No senior ever has to dread going to a nursing home social gathering again, because he or she can now sit in his or her room and Skype with their grandchildren. As a senior, gay man, I excitedly and gratefully open my Facebook page knowing I will never again feel alone. I don’t need to go to a bar or to a fundraiser to interact with gay or transgender people. I don’t need to go to a gay resort or to a gay neighborhood to feel the company of others like me. That, for me, is a great step forward for my generation, and those who followed. However, as Ray will remind me, it will admittedly never replace the human touch of his love.

column counterpoint

Social Media Addiction It’s not all about ‘likes’ and ‘sharing’ Dave Griffiths

With the rise of Social Networking we are increasingly become more and more connected — perhaps too much. Twenty years ago you’d have to look for a pay phone to call a beeper and wait for a response. Fifteen years ago ushered in a new era as people started carrying around cell-phones, and later smartphones brought the power of a computer to the palm of our hands. But social media has connected us in ways we once never imagined. On top of that social media pyramid sits Facebook — for now. So in this article, I plan to refer mostly to Facebook rather than Twitter because, well, there’s no way I could get my point across in less than 140 characters. Statistics show that half of the 1.18 billion Facebook users will visit the site on a daily basis. In the UK alone, there are 24 million active daily users. Estimates are that Facebook will grow 28 to 32 percent by 2015. Where does this leave us? Well, it is an interesting quandary. There are brilliant people sitting in a room discussing ways to keep your eyes focused on their site. The more people that are glued to their mobile apps and computer screens means the more valuable advertising dollars on Facebook becomes, leading to higher profits. So it’s no wonder that these brilliant people have concocted the next socially acceptable drug of choice. Are you hooked? If so, they have done their jobs. In Norway, Dr. Cecilie Andrassen at the University of Bergen (UiB) Norway and his colleagues have determined that there is an actual scale by which Facebook addiction can be measured. The new measure is called BFAS, short for the Bergen Facebook

Addiction Scale. They categorized the BFAS under six criteria: 1. You spend a lot of time thinking about Facebook or planning how to use it 2. You feel the urge to use Facebook more and more 3. You use Facebook in order to forget about your personal problems 4. You have tried to cut down on the use of Facebook without success 5. You become restless or troubled if you are prohibited from using Facebook 6. You use Facebook so much that it has had a negative impact on your job/studies Each question is scored with Very Rarely, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, or Very Often. If you scored “often” or “very often” on more than four of these six items, then you may be addicted to Facebook. In addition to the enormous amount of time that is wasted each day and loss of

Dave Griffiths is the Publisher of a gay men’s monthly online magazine, with everything from ‘Manscaping’ to ‘Landscaping’ on the site, which is available 24/7 at www.HIM-Magazine.com. He is also the Art Director for SFGN and runs his own design and social media firm. Dave can be contacted at david@him-magazine.com

productivity in the workplace, Facebook users also report some disturbing behaviors and results from their over-usage. There are a number of dark sides to consider when using Facebook. Of course, there is addition, which anyone can be susceptible to. There are also people who live their lives trying to “keep up with the Joneses” and constantly comparing their own lives to others, which can lead to other problems, like shopping for things you cannot afford. Many people resort to using the Internet for socializing because they are anxious about dealing with people in real social situations. When people remove themselves from their real world, they can fall into deep

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depression, find themselves with low selfesteem, and have body image issues. Then there are the stalkers and the bullies who hide behind their computer screens and feel empowered to treat others like dirt, just because they feel badly about their own lives. How many people on your list of “friends” do you really know? How many of them have you socialized with personally? How many of them do you trust? How many of them should you trust? The first sign to getting over a Facebook addiction is to recognize the signs. Are you more concerned with what is going on with Facebook than what is going on in your real life? Do you wake up late and feel tired all day because you spend late nights online chatting with friends on Facebook? How often do you look at your phone to see if someone has poked you? Do you actually poke people back? Each day there are 4.5 billion “Likes” and 350 million photos uploaded. The average time spent on Facebook per visit is 20 minutes. So the next time you want to log on to check your inbox, or see what the latest viral video fad that your friends are all sharing, think about this; isn’t there something more important you could be doing with your time? Put down your phone, or better yet, uninstall Facebook from your phone completely, and get out there and experience some real-world social networking. You can always see what’s going on in Facebook-land later! I promise, it will still be there.

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column

This week we asked them... “What’s next after gay marriage?”

This week SFGN launches “Speak OUT” a weekly feature giving a regular voice to South Florida LGBT leaders. This week we asked them for their thoughts on an important news story this week. Below are some of their answers: “I don’t think it’s about what’s next but what’s still left to do. Gay marriage is great, but it doesn’t solve the problem of bullying, LGBT youth suicide, increasing HIV rates, LGBT hate crimes, and LGBT youth homelessness to name just a few. We should celebrate our victories but not lose sight of the important issues that require our attention and demand our action.” — Denise Spivak, Director of Member Relations and External Affairs for CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers “The gay community must come together to strengthen our position in the community – politically, socially and economically. While there is a growing number of openly gay elected officials and allies, the LGBT community should work to elect public servants that promote equality for all. We must also focus on social issues that are prevalent in our community including combatting homelessness and the continuing spread of HIV/AIDS. Last, as LGBT couples marry and get older we must prepare for retirement in a community less likely to have children and more dependent on assisted living, home health care and long term care insurance.” — Michael C. Gongora, former Vice Mayor of Miami Beach “We need winning strategies in the courts of public opinion, not just the courts of law. Legal recognition of same sex marriages is only the begging of a long term strategy. Education should be a significant step to help prevent continued discrimination after our legal system approves same-sex marriage.” — Anthony Timiraos, CEO/President, OUR Fund “Marriage equality seems inevitable. So too do employment protections. What we all need to focus on is the diversity of gender expression. We are all transgender, or thought to be. The two gay men who were called faggots, and told not to return to the Pittsburg restaurant, allegedly broke the owner’s rule of “men acting like men, and women acting like women.” We need to address what that means.” — Brian McNaught, noted columnist, author and LGBT activist

Visit SFGN.com/SpeakOut to see more of this week’s responses. Send an Email to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com if you know of a LGBT community leader that should be or wants to be a part of this list.

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When Did You Know You Were Straight? Reddit question flips standard LGBT question upside down “Straight people: When did you realize you weren’t gay?” That’s the title of a Reddit forum question, and the answers are fantastic. On Monday, May 26, Reddit user INGWR asked that question of the users of the site Reddit, known for its Democratic approach to the relevance of information. The post has near 5,000 comments as of press time. We checked some of the answers to this question and picked out our favorite. Some are serious and others hilarious. Enjoy... 1. From mojavespider25:

I know a lot of the responses in this thread

are jokes, but I honestly wasn’t sure for a while in about 7th grade. It wasn’t like I ever really liked boys, but everyone in my class thought I was gay, so it honestly made me question it myself. I was pretty sure I wasn’t, but there was always a shadow of doubt until my junior year of high school when I got my first girlfriend. The first time I put my hand down her pants, I’m pretty sure that’s when I knew the fuckers in my class were wrong. I was addicted. EDIT: To flesh out the story a little more, I really think that this experience helped shape my sexuality in the long run and made me way more tolerant of all kinds of people. I now

lifestyle tech

realize that sexuality is more of a spectrum than a black and white thing, I just happen to be pretty far toward the straight end of the spectrum. Going through that myself made me realize what people who actually are gay or lesbian go through and respect them all the more for it. 2. From shorthanded:

I think 90% of us always had the thought, “am I gay?” But it would quickly go away when the girl you have a crush on walked by. I think that’s a pretty telling sign. Middle school was a fucking weird time. You were getting all these new emotions, and getting them hard. You start realizing that, yeah, you can tell when another guy is attractive, and that makes you wonder if you’re gay - when you get older, you realize that it obviously doesn’t, and it’s almost laughable and childish. But back then, sexuality is a new, almost scary thing - inexperience breeds nonconfidence, and how can you be sure if you haven’t tried it? Man, middle school is bizarre. Never again. 3. From kevonstonge:

I knew I wasn’t gay when I first learned what being gay meant. I always knew. I remember being in kindergarten wanting girls to touch my penis. 4. From Jyzz:

I have never ever been sexually attracted to another man, so there’s that… I have also made out with a couple of guys just to test (when I was drunk) and its just kinda like kissing a really really really ugly girl with a beard and/or sometimes a moustache. 5. From TessDevin:

Umm, actually... I thought I was gay for awhile, dated women for a couple years (I’m female) and then went back to men and now I’ve been dating men exclusively. I wouldn’t be opposed to giving another woman a shot if I felt strongly about her, but when I picture my future it’s with a man. So, I realised I am mostly straight after exploring my options. 6. From TeslaBoyGangsta:

I never really thought about it til I was out dancing with some friends and when I went to the restroom a guy followed me in and propositioned me. I told him “I’m flattered but straight.” That’s when I knew for sure. 7. From IM_OK_AMA:

I had a relationship with a guy, discovered it wasn’t my thing. Pretty pedestrian really. Senior year of high school, I’d dated a few girls and definitely liked it, but when a gay guy started giving me attention I thought, “fuck it, why not?” I’d thought about it in a general

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Sasha Razumikhin

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sense and wanted to give it a shot, so this was my opportunity. We went on a bunch of dates over the span of a couple months, and got physical more than a few times. Ultimately I realized that while I liked getting off, and enjoyed hanging out, I wasn’t really feeling the same way about him than I had my girlfriends, and didn’t really see anything growing. He was super understanding, we remained great friends until he moved for college. Like all my high school relationships, I appreciate it for what it taught me about myself. What I learned was that I don’t develop romantic attraction for men, simple as that. I’m probably a 1 or 2 on the Kinsey Scale. If the opportunity presented itself, I might hook up with a guy again, but it’s not something I intentionally seek out. 8. From jpeezer1:

There is a single moment when I knew for sure. I grew up around gay men. Many, many gay men. I always kind of wished to be gay. I knew I was straight but I thought that maybe I could be gay too, just like all the wonderful gay men in my life. As I got older I wondered about this idea that we are all a little bit queer. I grew up in such a queer supportive environment and yet I am still a little put off by over gay sexuality. I wondered if this was just cultural conditioning or if I am actually far on the straight end of the spectrum. So I am in college and I go out with some gay men friends. We were at a gay bar and I was getting hit on. Men were buying me drinks. It was incredible. I realized why it is fun for women to go out. I start dancing with this beautiful man. We are grinding and I am having fun but nothing sexual is happening. Then he bends forward and kisses my neck and I will never forget the smell of his hair. You know how smell can be so primal? It somehow gets past all those thinking parts of your brain and in an instant I knew that this masculine smell was just wrong for me. It was a powerful moment of clarity.

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lifestyle history This Week in Gay History June 4 - June 10 Quistapp.com

arcela Gracia Ibeas and Elisa Sanchez Loriga become the ﬁrst lesbian couple to get married in Spain in 1901.

June 4, 1464 — Henry IV Deposed in Efﬁgy

June 8, 1901 — First Lesbian Wedding in Spain

Two women, Marcela Gracia Ibeas and Elisa Sanchez Loriga, are married in A Coruña, Galicia. Elisa adopts a male identity: Mario Sánchez, as listed on the marriage certificate. It is the first attempt at same-sex marriage in June 5, 1981 — HIV/AIDS Spain for which there is recorded evidence. It was performed in the parish church of First Mentioned in Print A CDC newsletter reports that there are St. Jorge of the same city. Subsequently, five cases of an unusual pneumonia in Los the parish priest discovered the deception. Nevertheless, the marriage certificate was Angeles. never annulled. The couple (both teachers) is June 6, 1979 — Teacher rumored to have escaped to Argentina. Henry (half-brother of Queen Isabel) is called a “puto” (male prostitute) at his symbolic public dethronement in “The Farce of Avila.”

Charged as “Keeper of Common Bawdyhouse”

June 9, 1983 — Franco Zefﬁrelli Came Out

Don Franco is charged after the police The Italian film director says in an interview raid his private home and find a male orgy with The Advocate: “I’m gay…. This is the first happening. Franco had been arrested the year time I’ve talked about it openly. I don’t like to before at a bathhouse and his name released talk about my sexual inclinations. People are to the media. not special because they like one thing better than another in bed.” June 7, 1954 — Death of

Alan Turing After Anti-Gay Treatment

June 10, 1566 — Bartholomé Tecia Tried for Sodomy

Considered the father of modern computer science, Turing dies of cyanide poisoning He is found guilty and sentenced to death eighteen months after a year-long course of anti-libido hormones prescribed as by drowning in the Rhone River. punishment for homosexuality. 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. soflagaynews //

www.mh2g.com FORT LAUDERDALE 4000 N. FEDERAL HIGHWAY FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33308 954.530.5650

MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT 270-286 NE 39th STREET MIAMI, FL 33137 305.572.1222

Interest FREE Financing Available! *

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lifestyle the book worm

“Run, Don’t Walk” By Adele Levine, P.T.”

Terri Schlichenmeyer It all starts with baby steps. Baby steps, with arm-waving balance and shaky testing of foot-on-floor. You held onto the fingers of someone bigger and more experienced at that sort of thing, one foot in front of the other before you finally got the hang of it all. You probably don’t remember your first steps – unless it’s your second chance to learn how to make them. In the new book “Run, Don’t Walk” by Adele Levine, you’ll see how that can happen. The call came at 6 a.m. Sure that someone was dead (isn’t it always the case with calls like that?) Adele Levine answered the phone and learned that she was being granted an interview for a job as a physical therapist in the amputee clinic at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Levine had gone to physical therapy school because of “several depressing rounds of unemployment.” It had never been her “calling,” and she didn’t have big plans, other

than to find a job close to her apartment. She thought Walter Reed would be a temporary gig. As it turned out, she loved the amputee clinic, and stayed for several years. Surrounded by glass walls “The Fishbowl” was complete chaos, a “nonstop party” with visitors, cookies, and bent rules. Double and triple amputees worked with therapists to learn to be ambulatory with new prosthetic devices, and other patients hung around as support. Because of the glass, visitors could see what went on but Levine says that the soldiers barely noticed. They were too busy meeting new challenges. Sometimes, the challenges were Levine’s. Patients occasionally didn’t cooperate with their treatments, and needed warnings, encouragement, or just more understanding. Others really didn’t want to get better, finding the role of victim more appealing. Like most of her co-workers, Levine tried to create unusual ways to keep everyone –

staff and patients alike - occupied, to keep them working on getting better, to keep them healthy in mind and body. They did this, despite personality clashes. They did it, while the injured never stopped coming. And they did it, though their clinic was closing in less than a year… Paper cuts. They’re the worst, but I promise you that you’ll never whine about trifles like that again, once you’ve read “Run, Don’t Walk.” With a sense of irony, a dose of humor, and beaming pride, author Adele Levine gives readers entertainment and lessons that are both sweet and sad. Her anecdotes are personal (including her visits to “girlfriendland”); and they’re peopled by soldiers whose lives have been forever altered, therapists who show them that those lives aren’t over yet, and officers who offer support to both sides. This isn’t necessarily some sunny, feelgood book, though: Levine is plain about

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pain, roadside bombs, f-bombs, frustrations, injuries and deaths. This is one of those true stories that, when you’re done reading, you’ll wish you could read it again for the first time. And how could you resist a book like that? Really – you can’t, so “Run, Don’t Walk” is a book you should take steps to find.

lifestyle gay car geek

Drive This, Not That 2014 BMW 228i M Sport vs. Audi A3 2.0T Quattro – Entry-level Excellence Steve Siler

Winner: 2014 BMW 228i M Sport Our last “Drive This Not That” feature pitted the beautiful Audi S7 against BMW’s 650i Gran Coupe, and Audi won that matchup on account of its mix of sex appeal, performance, practicality and (relative) value. This time, BMW edges out its Audi competitor on the sheer emotionality it brings to the entry-luxury segment. For starters, the 228i is a sensuously designed two-door, whereas the four-door A3, as handsome as it truly is, looks rather ubiquitous and has a more sterile-feeling cabin. The BMW’s “schwing” factor grows when you turn the key: the 228i M Sport’s lively steering, wonderful rear-wheel-drive dynamics and sinewy turbocharged fourcylinder with 240-hp give the 228i the edge here over the 220-hp A3

As a sedan, the A3 is better than the 228i at carrying three or four people, is a bit more affordable when loaded with options, and comes standard with all wheel drive. The A3 is also offered with 4G connectivity and slick Google maps technology. Frankly, I can recommend each of these cars without reservation. But if I had the keys to both cars in my hand, I know which one I’d want to drive away in.

2014 AUDI A3 2.0T Quattro

2014 BMW 228i M Sport

Steve Siler has turned his life-long love of cars into an enthusiastic career traveling the world to report on new automobiles as they are introduced. He is a regular contributor to Car and Driver Magazine, AutoTrader.com, AOL Autos, Yahoo! Autos, and the New York Daily News. You can follow his musings @silerroad on Twitter.

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outeats

Lucarella’s

Special Advertising Section

Make a point to try this Italian eatery SFGN Staff

You’ve probably driven past Lucarella’s in Oakland Park. Maybe you’ve stopped at the half-dozen thrift stores littering Dixie Highway, just north of Oakland Park Blvd. Maybe you’ve seen the farmers market a few yards away on Tuesdays. At any rate, you’ve probably noticed the big, block red letters, but have avoided going in. Make it a point to go in as soon as possible. Don’t let the small, high windows deter you; the (made in Italy) owners – who took over the restaurant last July – make nearly everything on the menu fresh. And sometimes they make things off the menu, too. The lasagna is a huge favorite, so is the Belly Buster pizza pie: sausage, meatballs, mushrooms, green peppers and onions ($18.95). But the true test of a delightful pizza is the Margherita pizza: basil grown fresh behind the restaurant, house-made sauce, and fresh mozzarella that is torn – not sliced – onto the handmade dough before being baked ($15.95). You may not recognize how good it is at first, you may not be used to what a real pizza is suppose to taste like. It will be light, crisp, amazing. You’ll eventually forget the heavy, bloated pizza you’re used to. And it’ll be better that way. The same goes for the Stromboli ($5.90): it’s wrapped more like a long pretzel than calzone’s little sister. And the pastas – just like the pizza dough – are also made fresh inhouse. Ask about the tortellini when you go,

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since it’s not made as often. But the pastas are just as light as the pizzas. Even if you don’t want pizza or pasta or salad, Lucarella’s serves homemade soups daily, including Italian wedding and pasta e fagioli (32 oz for $5.75). The soups go quick, so don’t miss them on your next trip. The same goes for the fresh-baked bread, especially on Sundays. If you can’t stop by in person, Lucarella’s delivers and even has an additional catering menu that features everything from chicken cacciatore to eggplant parmigiana. You can even order your next meal online. Save room for the desserts, no matter which one you choose. There’s a couple dozen freshly baked goods to choose from behind the glass, but the treat is the ricotta cheesecake ($3.50 per slice), topped with powdered sugar and chocolate sauce. If you must eat anything, make sure it is the ricotta cheesecake. If cheesecake isn’t your thing, grab the homemade cannoli or tiramisu. You shouldn’t need convincing, but you will never be disappointed in the dessert. While Lucarella’s as been an Oakland Park staple for decades, the new owners are giving the locals a delicious taste of authentic Italian cuisine. Don’t miss it. Lucarella’s is located at 4165 N. Dixie Hwy., Oakland Park, FL 33334. Call ahead at 954-6308855 or visit www.lucarellasoaklandpark.com. Hours: M-Th: 10 a.m.-8 pm; Fri-Sat: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Closed Sunday

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F O R

SFGNITES

T H E

J.W. Arnold

jw@prdconline.com

THUR FILM

W E E K

6/5

O F

J U N E

1 0 ,

2 0 1 4

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

“

A Little Night Music” is the theme for the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble summer concert on Saturday night at the Broward Center.

The documentary, “The Day it Snowed in Miami,” will be screened tonight at the Gateway Theatre, 1828 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. The event will include a panel discussion and benefits the Stonewall National Museum and Archives and SAVE (formerly SAVE Dade). The film examines the 1977 battle between pro-gay activists and opponents led by entertainer/activist Anita Bryant over a Miami-Dade ordinance. A VIP reception precedes the screening. Tickets are $75 for reception and film or $25 for the film and panel discussion at StonewallNationalMuseum.org.

FRI

DANCE

6/6

Ballet Hispanico, one of the nation’s leading dance companies, makes it first visit to Miami under the leadership of artistic director Eduardo Vilaro at the Arsht Center tonight and tomorrow, Saturday, June 7, at 8 p.m. Since its founding in 1979, the company has been one of the leading voices of the Latino dance community. The program includes the world premiere of “Show.Girl.” by Miami-based choreographer Rosie Herrera, live music by the Grammy Award-winning Paquito d’Rivera Ensemble and acclaimed works by Cuban-American Vilaro and Spanish native Cayetano Soto. Tickets are $30 – 90 at ArshtCenter.org.

SAT MUSIC

Photo: Submitted Photo

6/7 SUN

The South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble, the region’s LGBT and allies concert band, presents its summer concert, “A Little Night Music,” tonight at 7 p.m. in the Amaturo Theatre at the Broward Center. The program will include selections from film (“Star Trek: Into Darkness”), jazz (“A Night in Tunisia”), Broadway musicals (“Music of the Night” from “Phantom of the Opera”) and even the classics (Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik”). As usual, the ensemble, under the direction of Dan Bassett, will also feature exciting multimedia presentations to accompany the music. Tickets are $25 at BrowardCenter.org.

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THEATER

6/8 MON

The Down in Front Theater Company presents “Visiting Mr. Green” at Soreff Jewish Community Center, 6501 W. Sunrise Blvd. in Plantation, Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4:30 p.m. through June 22. Gay people know that we sometimes find our friends and “family” in the most unlikely situations. The heartwarming play explores the relationship between an elderly Jewish Manhattanite mourning the death of his wife who subsequently strikes up a close relationship with a young gay executive. Tickets are $17-25 at DownInFrontTheater.com.

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THEATER

6/9 TUE

Mondays are no longer dark in professional theaters across South Florida. Every Monday, beginning tonight through Aug. 25, the South Florida Theatre League presents Summer Theatre Fest, free readings of new plays by local playwrights at member companies. Tonight, experience Kennth N. Kurtz’s “Lost Portraits,” a trio of scenes about classical French novelist Elisabeth Vigee-LeBrun. The reading is hosted by Miami Acting Company at the Hibiscus Room at Pinecrest Gardens. The reading begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information and a complete list of Theatre Fest play readings, go to SouthFloridaTheatre.com.

SouthFloridaGayNews

FILM

6/10

The Donald M. Ephraim Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival celebrates Pride Month at both Mandel Jewish Community Center locations with two special screenings of “Ruthie & Connie: Every Room in the House,” tonight at 7 p.m. at 8500 Jog Rd. in Boynton Beach, and tomorrow, June 11 at 7 p.m. at 5221 Hood Rd. in Palm Beach Gardens. The powerful documentary chronicles the 52-year relationship of two Jewish lesbian grandmothers. Both ladies will attend the screenings and refreshments will be served afterwards. Tickets are $8 at JCCOnline.com/ WithPridePBG.

Next Time You Snap a Photo at a show TAG IT with #FillmoreMB

FillmoreMB.com

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a&e film

‘God Loves Uganda’

Documentary shows evangelicals stirring up hate David-Elijah Nahmod

June 21st, 2014 | 6pm - 10pm Hilton Downtown 1601 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami

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Towards the end of “God Loves Uganda,” Roger Russ Williams’ disturbing but important new documentary feature, Ugandan LGBT activist David Kato speaks of how American Christian missionaries came to his country to stir up anti-gay feelings without stopping to think about the consequences of these actions. The missionaries were provoking these sentiments among people who often took the law into their own hands. Kato was murdered in 2011, soon after the interview was filmed. Throughout the film, we see footage of American Christian ministers in Uganda, doing what they call “the Lord’s work”. They’re saving souls. They’re all united in two basic beliefs: that unless Ugandans become evangelical Christians, their souls will be damned. They also believe that homosexuality is wrong, that it goes against God’s plan. Rev. Joanna Watson is one of these missionaries. She recalls her younger years, when she was an actress who worked in the theater, a world populated by gays. Watson admits to having had affairs with women during that period. But now she’s a Christian who’s put all that behind her. She’s spreading the gospel, a single woman who’s never married. Though it’s not said directly, the film leaves the impression that Watson is living a lie. She’s lying to herself about who she really is. Joanna Watson is small potatoes when she’s compared to a mega-church like the Kansas City based International House of Prayer. Church leader Lou Engle, who’s known for

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his charismatic, twelve hour prayer rallies, speaks of how God cured his addiction to pornography. Engle has flown plane loads of missionaries to Uganda, where they travel the country, looking for converts to their cause. At a Ugandan Church, we meet a few of the saved. They wonder around a giant prayer room, some pacing back and forth, some moving in circles. Their eyes bulge while they pray aloud as though they were taking to themselves. Some speak in tongues. Some shake their bodies maniacally. None seem fully aware of their surroundings. Rev. Scott Lively, a now notorious American pastor, tells Ugandans that “homosexuals” want to recruit their children, whipping antigay sentiments into an absolute frenzy. The end result is Uganda’s infamous, universally condemned “Kill the Gays” bill, a federal law that would impose life in prison, or the death penalty, to those who practice homosexuality. By letting his camera run, by allowing his subjects to speak without offering commentary of his own, filmmaker Williams conveys the dangerous and terrifying turn Uganda has taken. Bishop Christopher Senyonjo, one of the few Ugandan ministers who supports the country’s LGBT population, explains it all quite succinctly. These conservative evangelicals have brought their message to Uganda because they know it’s no longer welcome in the U.S. What they have achieved in the African nation is terrifying. “God Loves Uganda” is now on DVD.

a&e television

RuPaul’s Drag Race Crowns a Winner... Bianca DelRio Michael Cook

Bianca Del Rio is arguably one of the most popular queens to come out of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in the six seasons the hit LOGO show has been airing. It should come as no surprise that her dose of scathing sarcasm (sprinkled with a dose of heart) captivated the fans and led her right to the crown. Bianca took a few minutes to chat with SFGN about her big win, how it feels to look at “Drag Race” post-show, and her feature film “Hurricane Bianca”! You’re the winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season six, so ﬁrst a huge congratulations! What a long, strange trip it’s been. Does it feel like you thought it would?

Thank you so much. It really does feel amazing. It’s kind of like everyone watching the show and following us online think they know everything about everything, you know? They think they have the inside scoop, they know all the rumors, etc. Now it’s done! Here is actually what really happened; what do you think about that? Many fans wondered why they didn’t ofﬁcially crown you and only gave you the scepter. What happened?

I really don’t know. It may have been a matter of wigs, they really didn’t brief us on all that. They just said here’s your scepter and there you go! You’ve spoken several times about delaying even initially trying out for “Drag Race.” What do you think really pushed you in the direction to ﬁnally make the leap?

I’ve been a drag queen in New Orleans and New York City for years. In New York City, Brandon Voss hosted parties and he hired me to host the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” finale parties. Two seasons ago, (Season Four contestant) Willam and (Season Four Winner) Sharon Needles were complete c**nts and were so rude. I thought it was a hell of a lot of nerve, considering one looks like E.T. and the other one should be dead. It just really set me off and I decided right then and there that I would be trying out myself. It’s a really quick, fast paced process, but I definitely am glad that I did it. Prior to leaving to film “Drag Race” you were starting to self-finance for a feature film,

“Hurricane Bianca.” Will we see that pick back up now that you’re back?

Oh you absolutely will. The thing is, people started to give money to the project and then in June, I left to start filming. When production tells you that you’ve been cast, you have a very short turnaround time. Imagine that you give money to a project and then you don’t hear anything from me. People probably thought that I went to Mexico for tits or something. Now that I’m back you definitely will get to see the project move forward, I’m hoping that it will probably be happening next summer.

Leaving “Drag Race” in the rearview mirror, what do you think you will miss the most?

It’s really crazy seeing yourself that way and then coming out on the other side. It’s a constant roller coaster. I mean you get cast, which is a huge high. Then you leave for the show, then you come possibly come back after elimination, then you watch it on television and re-live the entire thing along with the rest of America. It’s afforded me so many opportunities, I’ve gotten to travel and see areas of the world that I may never have seen before. I went to Newfoundland, Canada, so many places.

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Clear up a misconception about yourself right now for all of the viewers.

I really don’t think that there are any. I flew back from Los Angeles to New York and the stewardess offered me two bottles of wine, a big and a little one, I took the big one. While I was finishing it, I made peace with myself. Everything I said or did, that was it. For example, I don’t remember the line I said in “Untucked” about cutting wigs, but I must have said it! At that point on the plane, I said that I was moving forward from this amazing experience.

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PEACE

PIPE

Finish this sentence; Bianca Del Rio is...

A MAN [laughs]. Grateful. I’m really grateful that I have this amazing opportunity. For more information on Bianca DelRio, visit her website at www.TheBiancaDelRio.com

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6.4.2014 // 41

a&e television

RuPaul’s Drag Race is a Wrap SFGN interviews the finalists

~ presents ~

Michael Cook Adore Delano was one of the most lovable drag queens to sashay through the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” workroom. Here she talks to SFGN about her new album “Til Death Do Us Party,” and what it was like hitting the Vegas stage with Britney Spears. How does it feel now that “Drag Race” is over?

I’m so tired! I’m so excited that I made it to Top Three though, like what the fuck is that about?

You came on the show no sewing skills, and you made it to the ﬁnals. How does that feel?

I don’t think you really have to sew to win, look at Jinkx Monsoon (Season Five winner) you know? Also, Sharon Needles (Season Four winner) wasn’t a seamstress either, she really only knew how to do patterns. I walked in thinking I’d go home soon, and I ended up being in the Top Three. Do you think you were portrayed fairly?

Saturday, June 14 – 8pm | Sunday, June 15 – 7pm the muSeum of art, fort LauderdaLe Tickets are $40 Premium Seating and $25 General Admission. You can RSVP by visiting theftlgmc.org or by calling 954.832.0060.

For updated information on our concerts, events or joining our chorus, Funding for this organization is provided in part by the Broward County please visit our website www.theftlgmc.org Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council. or call 954.832.0060.

Everything I did is exactly what I did and I can’t complain. The thing is, you can only blame editing for so much. It may have been taken out of context in some areas, but you said it, darling. It was obvious your family is very important to and your mother even came to the reunion show. How are they reacting to your newfound fame?

She is really excited and proud. My whole family is. They all have their “Team Adore” shirts. It’s great. My brother even dressed up my baby nephew in a “Team Adore” shirt. It was hilarious!

When fans come up to you, which of your famous tag lines do they say the most?

Literally, almost every single person that comes up to me goes “Party” every time. It’s so hilarious! Drag to me is a celebration and I wanted to go into this whole experience making it a party. I mean, the minute is stops being fun is when you have a problem.

Are there any misconceptions about you that you want to clear up?

I think everything came off pretty accurate. The thing is, the producers all see our personalities and are really brilliant with how they help portray us. I’m not ditzy all the time, maybe only eighty percent of my life actually.

You recently got to perform with Britney Spears during her Vegas show. Give us the scoop.

It was really awesome! She was really chill and I thought she would be really nervous,

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but totally the opposite. She could not have been more sweet. You recently dropped both the single and video for “DTF,” your debut single. Tell me about that.

It’s definitely a grimy kind of edgy pop sound. My album drops June 3rd, titled “Til Death Do Us Party.” I’m very excited. I wrote the album in a few months and recorded it in like, three days. I worked so hard on it, and it’s exactly what I want to do. I want to tour the world and get signed to a major label.

Finish this sentence for me. Adore Delano is..

Fucking cool!

Courtney Act has come a long way to get to the top three of season six. From traveling all the way from Down Under to having her own Off-roadway show “Boys Like Me”, she is one of the most established queens to enter the race. While she may not have taken the crown, she sat down to chat about the Australia to United States learning curve, her friendship with Chaz Bono, and her burgeoning music career! How was ﬁnale night for you?

It was amazing! I’m very proud to say in Australia, “no one gets out of drag ever!” There’s an award called “Last Drag Standing” and I said to myself that no matter what, I was going to be the last one! There was a photo posted around 4 a.m. on finale night, in my hotel bed. I woke up next to a fully clothed Jinkx Monsoon, with my friends in the other bed! Waking up is technically a

disqualification for “Last Drag Standing” but it counts; so I definitely won something that night! How did it feel to make top three?

The whole experience really was fantastic. I mean at the end of the journey, I was so happy to be there. I mean, Darienne (Lake) and Bed (DeLaCreme) are so fantastic. Vivacious and her walk, just seeing her commitment? Amazing! So many people along the way inspired me. To be in the top three with Bianca (Del Rio) and Adore (Delano), we have a friendship and a bond, and we really appreciate that bond that we have. It was so much fun to share it with them. How did the reaction to you in the U.S. differ from your native Australia?

Generally, I find American audiences love what I do and are fascinated by it. Reaction to “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has been a little different though, as it [only shows] highlights and low lights from a twelve week journey. I do have a blunt Australian honesty at times. I’m a fun loving Australian, but I also find value in honesty; certainly not mean honesty, but well natured honesty. When you say something on camera with a side eye or sorts, it can definitely come across a certain way. There was a side of Courtney Act that came across on the show as somewhat conceited, a little bit boring, and had that honesty that almost could be interpreted as mean. Those were definitely not the only things that I said on the show though.

You have a one woman show that recently ran in New York City, tell me about it.

It’s called “Boys Like Me.” It’s a 90 minute show with a band. There’s still definitely a hustle, but the hustle has changed. Trying to get buns on seats for a eighty person venue has become significantly easier. Trying to show my art, music, and performances to people is honestly my passion. Doing a show like this in front of an audience is my favorite thing in the world.

turning it into a “concert moment” kind of thing. Lady Gaga made it clear she was a big Courtney fan. How does it feel to be recognized by such an icon of the community?

It feels amazing. I’ve had the privilege of meeting and working with her a number of times. Every time I work with her, I walk away with the feeling of being really filled up. She looks at you, and talks to you, and you could be in a room of screaming people, but it’s really like no one else is in the room. She takes an interest in what I do and my work, and has been nothing but so generous and kind. It’s amazing to have support like that from her.

As soon as you weren’t crowned, many thought that you would take the same path as Chad Michaels and go on to win the next season of “All Stars.” Any interest in taking another crack?

I know this sounds strange, but right now I could not imagine doing it. It was an amazing experience really a heavy experience. It was really difficult to describe. I’ve always been passionate about who I am, and I never buy into the bitchy queen thing, and always try to be nice to other people. Seeing myself on screen come across like I was being a “mean girl” to Joslyn was really hard to watch. I love Joslyn, and of course some of it is sensationalized for television, but it was still tough to watch. I realized that I was holding strong to the fact that I wasn’t holding strong to anything really. When I saw that I was being represented in a way that wasn’t exactly me, it was tough. I think I have to just take some time before I can even think about going back into it again. Finish this sentence; Courtney Act is...

An Entertainer.

You had a built in fan base coming into “Drag Race” and you were a ﬁnalist on “Australian Idol.” You released two singles while “Drag Race” was airing, “From Russia With Love” and “Mean Gays.” When will we see a full album?

I love having a body of work that you can absolutely immerse yourself in. For example, that Beyonce album? If it had been a CD, I would have burned a groove in it I was playing it so much. They say that people don’t buy albums anymore, but I love putting an album and putting on repeat and listening to it over and over again. The goal I am working towards is refining my show “Girls Like Me” and writing more new music for it. I’m taking the cabaret genre and writing more songs and

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a&e film

Documentary Puts LGBT AMERICAN TAX & INSUR ANCE Face on Immigration Debate “e safe return of your money is our top priority.”

Transfer Your Money to a Guaranteed Return Fixed Annuity

Immediate First Year Bonus Interest Rate

* R ATES EFFECTIVE 3/15/2014 SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

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// SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

J.W. Arnold

Jose Antonio Vargas was living the American dream. A young Filipino-American, Vargas had won the Pulitzer Prize for journalism and worked for some of the largest news outlets in country. There was just one problem. Vargas is an undocumented immigrant. The struggle of Vargas and others like him — children brought into the country illegally by their parents, “Dreamers” — is the subject of a new documentary, “Documented,” being screened at O Cinema in Miami Shores this weekend. Three years ago, Vargas, who is also openly gay, outed himself about his immigration status in a “New York Times” op-ed. A year later, he appeared on the cover of “TIME” magazine worldwide with fellow undocumented immigrants as part of a follow-up story he wrote. Since then, he has testified at a U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on immigration reform and vocally challenged the media’s coverage of undocumented immigrants and their desires for a legal opportunity to stay in the country. “Documented” chronicles his journey to America from the Philippines as a child; his decision to become an immigration reform activist; and a tear-filled Skype call with the mother he hasn’t seen in person in over 20 years. “My life really started three years ago,” explained Vargas by telephone. “For most Americans, immigration is not an immediate issue so long as you have your tomatoes and strawberries and somebody is mowing your yard and bringing you drinks.” When he undertook the film, Vargas never expected the notoriety the project would generate as he traveled the country, questioning both young Dreamers and immigration reform foes from coast to coast. “I had to get used to being a public person, I’m a writer, not a spokesman,” he said. “We all have to lead ourselves, but I don’t want to be on a pedestal. That’s what we do in America, we call them brave and courageous and heroic and then three weeks later, we beat them down. I just want what you have, freedom.” Vargas argues immigration reform is a moral issue, especially for the LGBT community. While it was easier for him to come out as a young man in California, the gay community tends to focus on the debate in terms of binational couples. Often forgotten are the race and class issues that accompany any debate about immigration.

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A century ago, Italians, Irish, Eastern Europeans and Jews were among the predominate groups seeking to immigrate to America. The same racial slurs were hurled at them as the largely Latino immigrants who are the faces of the modern debate. Vargas is quick to point out that even today there are also scores of undocumented immigrants from Asia and Europe. In one scene, at a political rally in Iowa, after Vargas explained that he was Filipino and a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, foes changed their tunes quickly, “Well, we want the best and brightest,” they say, seemingly forgetting their previous prejudices. “How do we take this out of the U.S./ Mexico, Democrat/Republican box?” asked Vargas. “The debate is completely devoid of any historical context or nuance. We’re paying taxes. It’s about our homes and families and the courage to fight for the same future.” Vargas doesn’t regret his uncomfortable decision to go public, an “act of civil disobedience” he made against the advice of his lawyers, and so far, immigration officials have been hesitant to initiate any legal action against him. The uncertainty has led him to avoid any romantic relationships, at least for now. Most importantly, he’s living his life openly: “That’s what happens when you’re in the closet — any closet — the lies take over.” And, he dreams of the day when the issue is finally resolved. “As a storyteller, that’s what I do. I provoke and answer questions. I traffic in empathy. For me, this film is a question of empathy. I ask you this, has humanity ever built a wall that can withstand human will? Our qualities are tied together. I’m a gay, undocumented Filipino-American. All of that is me.” Jose Antonio Vargas will lead discussions following screenings of “Documented: A Film by an Undocumented American” at O Cinema, 9806 NE 2nd Ave. in Miami Shores, on Friday, June 6 at 7 p.m., and Saturday June 7, and Sunday, June 8, at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. For tickets, go to O-Cinema.org.

Datebook

Theater Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com BROWARD COUNTY broward county

Classical and Romantic Gala

May 30 and June 6 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Principal dancers from the San Francisco, Joffrey, Boston and San Jose dance companies come together for a mesmerizing performance with the Florida Classical Ballet. Tickets $30 to $50. Call 954-4620222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* A Little Night Music

June 7 at 7 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble performs songs from movie soundtracks, musicals and jazz. Tickets $25. Call 954462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Visiting Mr. Green

June 7 to 22 at the Soref JCC Complex, 6501 W. Sunrise Blvd. in Plantation. An elderly Jewish man in Manhattan has let himself and his apartment go to shambles after his wife passes away. Then, a young, gay corporate executive comes into his life for an unlikely friendship. Call 954-609-7153 or visit DownInFrontTheater.com/home.

he Happy Together Tour brings members of The Turtles, Three Dog Night, Grand Funk Railroad and more together for a night of great music!

* Caribbean Jazz Matazz

June 8 at 7 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A night mixing together the genres of jazz, reggae and calypso, including performances by Myrna Hague and Richie Stephens. Tickets $40. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Happy Together Tour

June 11 at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive in Coral Springs. The tour celebrates its 30th anniversary with performances by members of The Turtles, Three Dog Night, Grand Funk Railroad, and more. Tickets $39.50 to $69.50. Call 954-344-5990 or visit CoralSpringsCenterForTheArts.com.

* An Evening of Spirit with James Van Praagh

June 11 at 8 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 N.E. Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. Van Praagh bridges the gap between the living and the dead as he brings messages from beyond to the audience. Tickets $49.29 and $81.09. Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.com.

palm beach PALM BEACH county Doubt

May 24 to June 8 at the Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW Ninth St. in Delray Beach. At a prestigious Catholic boys school, Sister Aloysius suspects that Father Flynn may be having an inappropriate relationship with a young black student. Tickets $30. Call 561-272-1281, ext. 4 or visit DelrayBeachPlayhouse.com.

Tryst

Through June 8 at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. George Love weds and beds unsuspecting women before running off with their money -- until he tries to scam Adelaide Pinchin. Tickets $60. Call 561-514-4042 or visit PalmBeachDramaworks.org.

* International Food & Comedy Festival

June 11 to July 27 at Delray Square Performing Arts, 4809 W. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. Times Square in the 1980s comes to life with a hooker, Queen, her cocaineaddicted boyfriend, fellow streetwalkers, and other characters who have seen better days. Tickets $37.50. Call 561-880-0319 or visit DelraySquareArts.com.

Free Friday Concerts

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

Ballet Hispanico

June 6 and 7 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. For more than 30 years, the dance company has melded together the everchanging Latin culture with traditional ballet. Tickets are $30 - $90. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

Scott and Hem

June 14 at 5 p.m. at War Memorial Auditorium, 800 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. Sample food from around the world before a raucous night of laughs with international comedians. Tickets $29 to $87. Call 1-877-419-0502 or visit IFCF.info.

Through June 8 at the Actors Playhouse, 280 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. A play depicting the friendship and literary rivalry between authors F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway in 1937. Tickets $45. Call 305-444-9293 or visit ActorsPlayhouse.org.

The Pride

Through June 22 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Oliver, Philip and Sylvia are in a love triangle that spans 50 years -- with a pseudo-Nazi sex partner, gay aversion therapist, and a magazine editor thrown into the mix. Tickets $30. Call 954-519-2533 or visit IslandCityStage.org.

* The Life

The Great God Pan

ames Van Praagh

Through June 8 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Jamieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect life in Brooklyn is turned upside down when a childhood trauma comes to the surface. Tickets $45. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

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Photo: Island City Stage

* Summer Shorts

June 12 to July 6 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. A summer tradition at the theatre, a festival of theatrical shorts. Tickets $40. Call 305949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

Gidionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Knot

Through June 15 at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211st St. in Cutler Bay. When fifth grader Gidion is suspended from school, his mother confronts his teacher during a parent teacher conference and uncovers a world of bullying and the failing school system. Tickets $26 to $31. Call 786573-5300 or visit SMDCAC.org.

* Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Through June 15 at the GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Ave. in Coral Gables. Siblings living in Bucks County, Penn. get a visit from their movie star sister and her latest fling. Tickets $45 to $55. Call 305-446-1116 or visit GableStage.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 305-3753000 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

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Classiﬁed$

To place an ad call 954.530.4970 or visit SFGN.com cleaning services attorneys

EL SHADDAI CONSULTING, INC IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES by Licensed Attorneys representation before immigration services & immigration court. Assist with applications, waivers, motions, appeal and prosecutorial discretion cases. Call 305-407-9397 for free consultation/appointment

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

computers

COMPLETE COMPUTER REPAIR FREE ESTIMATES - No extra charge for in-home. FREE Computer tune-up with any service. Replacement of laptop screen & key board. Viruses, spyware, data recovery, lockouts & more. SAME DAY SERVICE - LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE Call Ernesto: 754-234-5598 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

employment/jobs TRAVEL AGENT PART TIME Full service travel agency located on Wilton Drive seeks experienced part time travel professional. Must have good internet and communication skills. Ability to assist clients with airline, hotel, cruise, and tour package reservations. Call 954-5652345 for an initial phone interview. NUTRITIONIST FULL-TIME: Poverello is seeking a full-time nutritionist to provide nutrition education and counseling to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. For more information go to: http://www. poverello.org/portal/job-opportunities. Fax resume to (954) 566-7868, ATTN: Nutritionist. 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

counseling

Treating Drug and Alcohol Addiction for 38 years, since 1976 • Facilities in

Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and Ft. Lauderdale • GLBTQ Outpatient Tracts • Transportation Provided

561-736-6501

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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 jthoppy@gmail.com PERSONAL ASSISTANTS WANTED We are currently recruiting for Personal Assistants to organize and help. You must be fun, caring, and passionate about working as a personal assistant. Basic computer skills needed and must be good with organization. Salary/Weekly Rate: $582, Interested persons should contact for more info: frank.lafollette147@hotmail.com

models/casting $$$ MODELS NEEDED $$$ Wrestling Company in South Florida is seeking athletic models for planned video shoots in our new facility. Wrestling and/or performing experience is helpful but not necessary. Good pay. Contact us at TheBoss@bgeast.com for more information!

To place an ad in the Classiﬁeds call 954.530.4970 or visit SFGN.com 46

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The Power of a Specialized Medical Team is Clear Living with HIV can be a challenge. Decisions about your care and treatment can sometimes seem confusing. Choose a Medicaid plan with doctors who treat and understand you, with personal care managers to assist with your healthcare needs, and with additional benefits to help you live a long, healthier life.

For more information, call toll-free 1-877-777-7871 | TTY 711. To enroll in Clear Health Alliance, call Choice Counseling toll-free today at 1-877-771-3662 (866-467-4970 TDD) or go online to www.flmedicaidmanagedcare.com

Clear Health Alliance is a Managed Care Plan with a Florida Medicaid contract. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information contact Clear Health Alliance at 1-877-777-7871 (TTY:711). Limitations, co-payments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or 14-CHA-SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS co-payments/co-insurance may change. MMA updated April 2014.

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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

home health care

LGBT Senior Home Care

home & garden ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING BY MARSON Replacing breakers and panels, service upgrades, repairing code violations, installing fans and ﬁxtures, repairs, rewiring, remodeling, surge protection and lightning damage repairs. No job too big or small. Serving Palm Beach & Broward. Licensed & insured. 561-367-1556 or 954-784-7992 marson23@aol.com 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: tile, dry wall, paint, plumbing, roof leaks, broken furniture, irrigation, fences, and more!It doesn’t cost to hassle us to see the work - so why wait? Neat, clean work for a reasonable price. Call Haim at 954-275-0952, sidnalll@yahoo.com

PRIVATE DUTY

SWEDISH MASSAGE $50 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 www.massagebydennis.net 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 In-calls at a private studio 15 minutes west of PBIA. Intuitive, experienced licensed massage therapist offers affordable rates 7 days, early to late. SUMMER SPECIAL for new clients only, $40 for 1 hour! Calls only 561254-8065 for the very best massage experience you can get HANDS DOWN! #MA51008

Home Health Aide Personal Assistant FOR AN APPOINTMENT PLEASE CALL...

Kevin Fenn

licensed massage

954-256-1600

moving/storage

ultracarefl@gmail.com

EVANS HOME CARE Home Health Care - Free consultation. Certiﬁed and insured professional. Assistance with day to day activities, experience in disability, Alzheimer’s. Assistance with shopping, cleaning, doctor visits, bathing/shaving. Anything you need I can help! Call or email Jamie 561-685-5254 jamiejeep37@gmail.com

home & garden

real estate for sale BEAUTIFUL WILTON MANORS CONDO 2/2 completely renovated corner unit. Lots of amenities and centrally located. Sale $145K, negotiable. Pool, laundry, bike path, clubhouse and BBQ. Call 561-654-8708 for more details.

rent/lease fort lauderdale FOR RENT - FORT LAUDERDALE 1142 NE 4th Avenue, second floor, 1 bedroom/1 bathroom apartment. $700/month. Call George at 954-7640212 or 954-581-2573 NEWLY RENOVATED HOUSE FOR RENT Middle River Terrace - available June 1st - 2/2 house with den, huge fenced back yard with deck, brand new energy efficient appliances/ central air, led lighting, impact windows & doors. Close to downtown Wilton Manors and minutes to Fort Lauderdale Beach. Must be clean, nonsmoker, pets OK with deposit, background check required. $1900/month, call Lee at 561-483-6724 COMPLETELY RENOVATED: Super Large Fully Furnished One Bedroom With Den Facing An Amazing Butterfly Garden. Granite Counter Top, King Size Bed. Price Included Internet Cable TV Water And Electricity Great Central Location Min To Wilton Manors Night Life The Beaches. $1500 A Month Eli 954-638-7034 COMPLETELY RENOVATED: Studio Fully Furnished With A Full Kitchen, Granite Counter Top, Stand Up Shower, Gorgeous View Of The Butterfly Garden. Price Included Internet Cable TV Water And Electricity Great Central Location Min Drive To Wilton Manors Night Life The Beaches. $900 a Month 954-638-7034

pets/supplies

INTERIOR PAINTING No job too small! We offer great competitive rates. Call Gregg @ 617-306-5694 or Tom @ 352-322-7139. We are reliable and honest with references!

Dependable Reliable Ser vice Delivered with Love and Respect

pets/supplies

Angler Lawn & Landscape, Inc. Monthly Lawn Service

Install Hedges

Hedge Trimming & Removal

Install Trees

Debris Removal

Install Grass

Tree Trimming & Removal

Install Rocks & Stones

Stump Grinding

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Sprinkler Repair

Outdoor Lighting

Fence Repair

Fertilize Grass

Licensed and Insured

Free Lawn Analysis

954-448-6394 www.wiltonmanorslandscaping.com Serving The Greater Fort Lauderale Area Since 1995

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POOL SERVICE Mention this ad and receive your ﬁrst month

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piano lessons Serving Broward Since 1999

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

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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.

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spiritual DIVINE MERCY CHAPEL - A Special place to grow spiritually! 2749 NE 10TH Ave., Wilton Manors FL, 33334. 954-567-1930, Divinemercychapel.com www.facebook.com/divinemercychapel

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