8/6/14 V5i32

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August 6, 2014 // vol. 5 // issue 32

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newseum shocks with lack of gay news • 16 Broward County Overturns Marriage Ban • 18

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

Compiled by Nicole Wiesenthal

High Court Won’t Duck Gay M(AP)arriage Cases said in her wood-paneled office on the court’s The Supreme Court won’t duck the

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main floor.

She predicted that the justices would not delay ruling as they did on interracial marriage bans, which were not formally struck down until 1967.

“I think the court will not do what they did in the old days when they continually ducked the issue of miscegenation,” Ginsburg said. “If a case is properly before the court, they will take it.”

by International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), of the 15,414 reported penis enlargement surgeries that took place in 2013, one in five of them happened in Germany. Five times as many people were undergoing the surgery in Germany than anywhere else in the world.

“Penis enlargements are now in seventh

men,” said Sven von Saldern, the president of the German Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in 2011. “That surprised even us.”

Top 10 Countries by Penis Enlargement Procedures include Germany 2,786; Venezuela 473; Spain 471; Mexico 295; Columbia 266; Italy 256; Brazil 219; Argentina 73; United States 61; and Iran 12.

Germany Wins Title of ‘Penis E(EDGE) nlargement Capital of the World’ place among aesthetic surgery procedures for According to data recently released

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issue of same-sex marriage the next time a case comes to the court, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said.

The 81-year-old Ginsburg said in an interview with The Associated Press that she expects a same-sex marriage case to be heard and decided

by June 2016, and possibly a year earlier.

Attitudes have changed swiftly in favor of same-sex marriage, which is now legal in 19 states and the District of Columbia, Ginsburg

First Ever White House Global LGBT Human Rights Forum The White House hosted its first ever forum to expand the rights of LGBT people around the world.

At the Global LGBT Human Rights Forum in June, leaders from the private sector, activists, faith leaders and others were invited to participate in the discussion.

“The goal of the forum was to bring these various parties together to have a cross-sector conversation about this important issue,” said Ned Price, assistant press secretary and director

for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council.

Topics of discussion at the forum (http://1.usa. gov/1oecNfc) included how to eliminate laws around the world that infringe on LGBT rights, responding to human rights cases, protecting refugee and asylum cases and more. Part of the process is reporting on human rights issues around the world — the U.S. Department of State releases country reports on human rights practices annually.

Breaking News

Palm Beach County Judge Rules Florida Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional

On the heels of a Broward County judge ruling the ban on gay marriage in Florida unconstitutional on Monday, on Tuesday a Palm Beach County judge issued a similar ruling.

In Judge Diana Lewis’ ruling she relies on last year’s United States v. Windsor decision, which overturned the Defense of Marriage Act as well as Loving v. Virginia, which overturned bans on interracial marriage in 1967.

Scrutiny is often cited in these cases and debates rage over which level of scrutiny the Supreme Court will eventually use to decide

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gay marriage.

Lewis writes: “Moreover, even if no heightened level of scrutiny is applied to Florida’s marriage recognition bans they still fail to pass constitutional muster.”

This case involves a probate case surrounding the death of Frank Bangor, who was to married W. Jason Simpson in Delaware, where gay marriage is legal. Bangor owned property in Florida and under Florida law, a spouse is recognized as a personal representative of an estate provided the outof-state marriage is recognized as valid under soflagaynews //

state law.

So Lewis concluded, “The State of Florida has not offered, and this Court cannot find, any compelling state in denying the Decedent’s choice for his Personal Representative to serve in the State of Florida. ‘The Marriage Laws’ unnecessarily discriminate against this ‘spouse’, who is recognized by other states as a ‘spouse’…. Same-sex couples are entitled to respect, dignity, and protection as any other spouse requesting to be a Personal Representative.”

SouthFloridaGayNews

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

August 6, 2014 • Volume 5 • Issue 32

2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com

Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli

Editor In Chief • Nicole Wiesenthal wiesenthal1225@gmail.com

Associate publisher • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com

Editorial

Art Director • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Online Producer • Dennis Jozefowicz dennis.jozefowicz@sfgn.com Social Media Director • Sergio Candido sergio.candido@sfgn.com Senior Creative Designer • Bob Reilly sfgn@bobreilly.com Arts/Entertainment Editor • JW Arnold jw@prdconline.com News Editor • John McDonald jeanmichelmcdonald@gmail.com News Intern • Nicole Wiesenthal

Senior Features Correspondents

Jesse Monteagudo • Tony Adams

Correspondents

Andrea Richard • Donald Cavanaugh Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • Sean McShee Dori Zinn • Gary Kramer • David-Elijah Nahmod

Contributing Columnists

Brian McNaught • Dana Rudolph • Wayne Besen Ric Reily • Steve Siler • Bil Browning Terri Schlichenmeyer

Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing

Director of Sales & Marketing • Mike Trottier mike.trottier@sfgn.com Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Sales Assistant • Jason Gonzales jason.gonzales@sfgn.com Distribution Services • Brian Swinford National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Covers: HIV Pornstar Blue Bailey, and Kim Ehly, lesbian playwright covers by Bob Reilly and Brendon Lies 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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Copyright © 2014 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

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Buying a Home? Re-Financing?

Gay Activist Sues China for Electric Shock Therapy Nicole Wiesenthal

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Last week, a Chinese gay rights activists sued a counseling center for its gay conversion therapy, as well as a website for advertising the therapy center.

Yang Teng launched the first lawsuit of its kind, which he hopes will institute a change in policy regarding regulations and restrictions for practices dealing with homosexuality, according to the Washington Post.

China now classifies homosexuality as a sexual orientation disease. In 1997, though, it was a punishable crime, and in 2001, it was listed as a mental disease.

Though China has seen progress, Teng wants to end shock therapy.

According to the Washington Post, Teng’s parents pressured him into getting therapy after they saw an ad on Baidu.com, China’s equivalent of Google.

Activists rallied outside of the courthouse.

According to National Post, Teng’s lawyer, Li Duilong, said, “According to the law, both sides should sign an agreement before

electric shock or hypnosis is carried out, but (the clinic) did not offer. The staff told my client the electric shock felt like ‘being bit by a mosquito’ but it turned out not to be.”

Li said a judgment should be given within six months, according to National Post.

Until then, the Chinese LGBT community and advocates will continue to fight against the abusive practice as best they can with the limitations of their restrictive government.

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News Briefs Compiled by SFGN Staff

(SFGN) “Most of you know that I have been living with HIV for 25 years, since I was 20.”

So begins HIV activist Jack Mackenroth’s explanation for why he decided to bike to raise money to fight HIV/ AIDS Mackenroth will be riding 95 miles a day for three days on a route from Boston to New York as part of the organization Braking AIDS ride. Though Mackenroth admits in a youtube video that he had never been much a cyclist, he has been training for hours to prepare for the bike ride.

Mackenroth hopes to raise $50,000 through fundraising to benefit HousingWorks, an organization that provides people who have contracted HIV/AIDS with housing resources, medical and dental care and other resources.

In his video and on his fundraising website, Mackenroth explains how he became so deeply involved in HIV activism. Mackenroth details his boyfriend’s death and talks about his own realization that he had AIDS.

A

ttorney: Appeal Coming In NJ Gay Conversion Suit (AP) NEWARK, N.J. – An attorney for a New Jersey couple says he’ll appeal the dismissal of a lawsuit that challenged the state’s ban on gay conversion therapy.

The unnamed couple and their teenage son filed the suit last year. It claimed their constitutional rights were being violated because the ban prevents them from seeking treatment for their son.

A federal judge in Trenton dismissed the lawsuit in a ruling released Thursday.

Attorney Demetrios Stratis (STRAH’-tis) says he will appeal the ruling to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia.

The court is considering an appeal in another challenge to New Jersey’s law filed by a group that includes two licensed therapists who practice the therapy. A ruling in that case is pending.

O

hio’s Same-Sex Marriage Debate Goes Beyond Courtroom

(AP) COLUMBUS, Ohio – Debate over Ohio’s ban on gay marriage extends beyond its courts to libraries, community centers and city streets.

Supporters of same-sex marriage are holding town hall meetings and house parties to try to sway more Ohioans to their side.

Other backers have circulated petitions at festivals and parades in a push to get the issue before voters. Meanwhile, opponents say their volunteers and 10,000 churches are ready to counter the efforts A federal appeals court in Cincinnati will hear two challenges to the state’s gay marriage ban on Aug. 6, along with cases from Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Groups in Ohio have been mobilizing for action beyond any court decision.

Ohioans approved a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in 2004 with 62 percent of the vote.

MT C

an harged with DC Metro ransgender Teenager

Stabbing of

(AP) WASHINGTON — A man has been charged with stabbing a transgender girl on a Metro train.

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Famous HIV Activist Hopes to Raise $50,000

// SFGN.com //

WTOP reports the Metro Transit police say 24-year-old Reginald Klaiber has been charged with stabbing a 15-year-old on a southbound Green Line train as it approached the Fort Totten station at around 4:30 Wednesday afternoon in the District of Columbia Police say he stabbed her in the back after making “biasmotivated remarks about the victim’s transgender status.”

She was taken to a hospital with a stab wound that was not life-threatening. Klaiber has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon. He could face additional penalties for a hate crime.

M

an

Charged In Death Of Trans Woman

(AP) Fort Myers – Police reports in southwest Florida indicate a man accused in the slaying of a transgender woman may have been angry she outed him on Facebook.

The News-Press of Fort Myers reports police arrested 45-yearold Terry Lynn Brady on Tuesday. Officers say Brady shot 31-year-old Yaz’min Shancez, then lit her on fire and left her to die behind a store on June 19.

Officials say they spoke to a witness who said Shancez had posted on Facebook that Brady liked to “be with” men. Officers say surveillance footage of Brady near the crime scene at the time of the killing and bullets matching a gun he owned tied him to the death.

Brady is being held in the Lee County Jail without bond. It’s unclear whether he’s retrained an attorney.

C

hallenge to

NJ Gay Conversion Ban for

Minors is Dismissed

(AP) TRENTON, N.J. – For the second time in nine months, a federal judge in New Jersey has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on gay conversion therapy.

The ruling filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Trenton rejects the claims of a New Jersey couple who said their constitutional rights were being violated because the law prevents them from seeking treatment for their 15-year-old son.

Last November, the same judge dismissed another challenge to the law filed by a group of plaintiffs that included two licensed therapists who practice what are called “sexual orientation change efforts.”

Gov. Chris Christie signed a law last year banning gay

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SouthFloridaGayNews

He asks his audience to contribute in any way they can by either riding with him or donating. His cycling team is called #themackpack, and Mackenroth invites everyone to join, even if they have never trained before.

“I’m a novice biker. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing, so if I can do it, you can do it,” he says in his video.

If people cannot spare the time to ride or don’t have the physical abilities, Mackenroth asks them to donate towards the cause. He and his team will be auctioning off a bike to those who raise more than $100.

Mackenroth realizes that the fundraising goal he set is exceptional, but he’s determined to reach it.

If you’d like to donate or participate in the bike ride, visit the fundraising website. To learn more about the bike race or get involved, visit brakingaids.org.

If you’d like to follow Mackenroth and his team’s progress, you can find them on Instagram and twitter as @jackmackenroth and on Facebook under Jack Mackenroth’s name.

conversion therapy, saying at the time that the potential health risks trumped concerns over the government setting limits on parental choice.

M

an Accused

Of Threats To Gay Magazine

(AP) ST. LOUIS — A St. Louis man is facing charges and will undergo a psychiatric exam after allegedly threatening to “exterminate” those involved with a magazine for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch ( http://bit.ly/1s6XCWB ) reports that 40-year-old Darryl L. Jackson is charged with harassment motivated by discrimination to frighten or disturb another person. He is jailed on $10,000 bond. Jackson’s attorney declined comment.

Jackson has previous convictions for harassment and was put on probation both times.

Police say several people and organizations had been received threatening and intimidating emails since April. Among those receiving threats was Vital Voice magazine.

Police believe Jackson was using a computer at the Forest Park campus of St. Louis Community College to send the threatening emails.

D

el.

Pride Festival Moves To State Capital

(AP) DOVER, Del. — Organizers of Delaware’s Pride Festival have moved the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender event to Dover for the first time to thank lawmakers for enacting marriage equality.

The News Journal (http://delonline.us/1p2piuS ) reports the festival was held in the state capital Saturday for the first time and drew a crowd of about 1,000 people to the lawn in front of Legislative Hall. The festival included drag shows, vendor booths and other entertainment.

This was the 17th year for Delaware Pride. The festival has long been held in Rehoboth Beach or New Castle County.

Steve Newman says the location change was also meant to create a more central location so everyone in the state can attend. He says the festival will return to Dover next year.

news briefs

C

For SC Gov. Differ On Gay Marriage Ban

andidates

(AP) COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gov. Nikki Haley’s Democratic challenger says South Carolina should `pause’ in defending a lawsuit trying to overturn the state’s gay marriage ban.

Camden Sen. Vincent Sheheen’s statement comes days after a federal appeals court ruled Virginia’s similar ban is unconstitutional.

South Carolina is in the same judicial circuit, but Attorney General Alan Wilson said his office will continue defending state law. Haley quickly agreed.

E

ffort To Repeal Houston Anti-Bias Ordinance Fails

(AP) HOUSTON - Officials say opponents of Houston’s new anti-bias protections for gay and transgender residents have failed to collect enough valid signatures to force a repeal vote in November.

The City Council in May adopted the discrimination bans in housing, employment and services provided by private businesses.

Critics contend the ordinance impedes on religious liberties.

www.edwardjones.com

Sheheen’s campaign manager said Monday the senator would monitor the proceedings. On Thursday, Sheheen said the state should pause in its legal battles and await a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Petition candidate Tom Ervin said Tuesday that government does not belong in the bedroom and further action wastes taxpayers’ money.

All three say they personally believe marriage is between a man and a woman.

Those backing a repeal referendum needed 17,269 signatures, or 10 percent of the ballots cast in the last mayoral election, to put the issue to voters. They recently claimed to have collected 50,000-plus signatures.

But City Attorney David Feldman said Monday that less than half of the 5,000 pages of signatures submitted to city officials were valid. Signers had to be verifiable as registered Houston voters.

Feldman said that meant only 15,249 valid signatures were collected.

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Giovanni’s Room Sale Still Pending

Plans are still pending on the fate of the nation’s oldest LGBT bookstore, Giovanni’s Room.

Various media outlets have reported that the sale of Giovanni’s Room would be finalized by Aug. 1; however, owner Ed Hermance said such information is inaccurate and premature.

“The reporter who I talked to agreed she would not post anything until something is signed,” he told PGN. Hermance announced last year that he planned to retire and sell the business and buildings, at 12th and Spruce streets. Unable to finalize a sale agreement, he closed this past spring but later announced he was in talks to sell the business to an LGBT-related organization, which he has declined to publicly identify.

Hermance told PGN this week that the sale could be finalized by September pending the potential buyer’s plans. He is still in talks with the organization to smooth out the terms of the agreement.

Hermance added that his lawyer is also on vacation for two weeks, which is further delaying efforts to reopen the store.

The LGBT bookstore was founded in 1973 and carried more than 48,000 titles. Giovanni’s Room remains closed until a decision is reached. From our media partner: PGN-The Philadelphia Gay News.

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news local

Broward Judge Latest to Strike Down Gay Marriage Ban Dan Sweeney Sun Sentinel

Broward Circuit Court Judge Dale Cohen on Monday became the third judge in less than a month to strike down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. But just as in the previous two cases, actual marriages between gay and lesbian couples will have to wait.

The judge ruled on a legal question that arose in the divorce of Heather Brassner from Megan Lade. The two were granted a civil union in Vermont in 2002 but separated in 2010.

Brassner wished to divorce Lade, but since Florida does not recognize same-sex marriage, there was a question as to whether the judge could grant a divorce. So, instead, Cohen ruled on the constitutionality of the same-sex marriage ban.

“To discriminate based on sexual orientation, to deny families equality, to stigmatize children and spouses, to hold some couples less worthy of legal benefits than others based on their sexual orientation,” Cohen wrote, “is against all that this country holds dear, as it denies equal citizenship. Marriage is a well recognized fundamental right, all people should be entitled to enjoy its benefits.”

Brassner hugged her new girlfriend, Jennifer Feagin, upon hearing Cohen read his ruling in a courtroom at the Broward County Courthouse.

“It’s what I was hoping to happen,” Brassner said. “Now, we get ready for the appeal, I guess.”

Cohen granted an automatic stay of his ruling pending an appeal by the state. State Attorney General Pam Bondi has already appealed two previous decisions overturning the state’s same-sex marriage ban, one in Monroe County and another in Miami-Dade.

“We expect that this is going to take time,” said Nancy Brodzki, Brassner’s attorney.

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“We are confident that the Florida Supreme Court, when it finally gets to rule in this case, is going to rule in exactly the same way that Judge Cohen ruled.”

However, neither the Brassner case nor the other two lawsuits is the first to get to the appeals stage. A case in Palm Beach County, Dousset v. Florida Atlantic University, is already before the court of appeals. As with Brassner, the Dousset case hinges on whether the state must recognize same-sex marriages performed in areas where they are legal, as opposed to the Monroe and MiamiDade cases, the crux of which is whether Florida must grant same-sex marriages to gay and lesbian couples who live in Florida.

The state must respond in the Dousset case by Aug. 20. But in the meantime, the Brassner case was the first of its kind in Broward County.

“This was a big step forward for Broward,” Brodzki said. “I think that it is entirely possible, maybe even likely, that the Florida Supreme Court will allow all of these cases to skip the Court of Appeals.”

Whether or not the court of appeals will allow the Brassner case to bypass the court and go straight to the state Supreme Court -- a process called pass-through jurisdiction -- lawyers in the Miami-Dade and Monroe cases have already asked the court of appeals to do so for them.

Brodzki also raised the possibility that her case may be consolidated with the Monroe and Miami-Dade cases. Lawyers in those two cases have already filed motions asking for the cases to be consolidated.

For Brassner, while the divorce is still far off, the judge’s ruling today was its own victory.

“I’m prepared to do whatever I need to do to bring equality here,” she said. “It’s not just about me.”

news local

Going Gender Neutral

Which LGBT facilities offer bathrooms for all?

Wesley Wright

This past April, a Palm Beach County gay and lesbian community center called Compass made its bathrooms gender neutral.

The bathrooms were originally designated by gender, but were converted. Ryanmarie Rice, Youth Services Coordinator at Compass, referenced “an influx of transgender youth” as a deciding factor in the change of the facilities.

Many have spoken well of Compass and its decision, including Robin Schwartz of the Aqua Foundation for women, an organization that provides resources for lesbian, bisexual and transgender women. “[The] Aqua Foundation applauds Compass’s decision to have gender neutral bathrooms,” Schwartz said. “We encourage all LGBTQ spaces to do the same.”

Members of the Aqua Foundation use the public bathrooms in their building, and Schwartz says that Aqua will put genderneutral signs on the bathrooms of their events whenever possible.

Stephen J. Fallon of Latinos Salud, Latinos Salud, an organization that provides help and resources for gay Latino men, praised the center not just for what they did a few months back, but for their work over the past couple decades.

“Compass has been around for 20 years; they do good work,” Fallon said. “I’m sure they thought through both the de-stigmatizing benefits of gender neutral and the logistics to address.”

Regarding gender-neutral bathrooms, the nation’s capital may have been the most proactive of any region in our country.

According to Vincent Villano of the National Center for Transgender Equality, Washington D.C. has really been ahead of the curve as far as establishing transgender bathrooms.

“Law now requires new facilities being built to have gender-neutral restrooms available,” Villano said. “And any building that already has single-user restrooms that are labeled “men” and “women” are required to rename them to be gender neutral.”

Gender-neutral bathrooms benefit not only transgender folks, but also the general public said Victor Diaz-Herman of Pridelines Youth Services.

“Of course, one of the major pros to a gender-neutral restroom is that it eliminates the stress that trans or queer people face when having to decide whether to use the ‘Mens’ or ‘Womens’ restroom,” Diaz-Herman said. “By eliminating that stress and honoring that not everyone identifies with the gender they were assigned at birth, we ultimately create safe and affirming spaces and environments for trans and queer folks.”

Diaz-Herman added, “Additionally, genderneutral restrooms allow families with young children, or caregivers tending to a person who is handicap, to occupy the same restroom.”

Anyone can use any bathroom on the Pridelines property. Diaz-Herman said the bathrooms are intended for one person (regardless of gender) to use at any given time.

Kristofer Fegenbush runs the Pride Center, which has offered gender-neutral bathrooms since 2009. The center also provides bathrooms meant solely for men and solely for women. For Fegenbush, it all boils down to keeping patrons satisfied.

“Our mission is to provide a welcoming, safe space—an inclusive home—to our whole community,” he said. “Providing bathroom facilities that provide comfort and sensitivity is a part of that mission.” soflagaynews //

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feature

Life After Porn

Controversial Blue Bailey talks HIV and barebacking David-Elijah Nahmod In Treasure Island Media’s shocker of an XXX film “Viral Loads” gay porn star Blue Bailey allows a jar of white liquid to be poured into his body. The film horrified as many people as it titillated. Viral Loads has been accused of fetishizing HIV. Bailey, 27, who is now in the process of moving away from the porn biz as he prepares to attend law school, spoke to SFGN intelligently and matter-of-factly about his status as an HIV positive porn star with no qualms about indulging in risky on-camera behavior.

Tell us about your off-camera self.

Unfortunately, I was born and raised in Las Vegas.

I hated living there, and moved to go to school in San Francisco as soon as I graduated. In terms of coming out, I see three stages: being gay, testing positive and doing porn. My family has always been open minded, so coming out as gay was a non-issue. My mom goes out to the gay clubs with her gay best friends.

Does your family know that you did porn?

I never intended on telling my family that I did porn. I broke up with a guy, and he decided to get in touch with my dad afterwards and told him about my other job. I preemptively reached out to my mom so she could hear the news from me. Again, my family is very open, and while this was not their preferred route for me, they are accepting and supportive of whatever I do. My mom was even my date this last year for the Hustlaball [deemed the world’s most hedonistic dance party] in Las Vegas.

What brought you to porn? Did you enjoy the sex or was it just work?

A fuck buddy of mine did porn, and he approached me about doing a scene for the company he worked for. For the most part I enjoy the sex, but at times it can certainly be work. My last work would vacillate from monogamous to open, back and forth, and porn certainly offered a way to have sex with hot guys outside of my relationship. As I switch gears away from porn, I’m really only picking scenes that seem fun and enjoyable to me. I’ve accomplished everything I set out to do in porn. I don’t regret my porn career, but the reality of the situation is that others may not be as accepting of this career as I am.

Do you have second thoughts about appearing in films of that nature as opposed to films with condoms?

I absolutely do not have second thoughts about making bareback porn. I prefer to play bareback in my personal life, so filming bareback is a natural expression of my sexuality. On the contrary, while it is not my preference, I am not opposed to playing with condoms.

Being HIV positive and undetectable, I have little to fear other than occasional minor STI infections. However my partners may not feel the same. I approach sex at a level that is consensual and all comfortable for both and/or all parties.

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What do you say to people who condemn the film “Viral Loads”?

I am a sex positive and a sex conscious individual. I chose to be part of that scene knowing that nothing posed a serious risk to my health. It provides a fantasy outlet to enjoy the bareback experience from afar. One can participate masturbatorily without any risk to their health. The videos created for porn are created for fantasy. I find it amusing that as a porn model, I have to deal with the stereotype of people assuming I’m vapid and uneducated, and at the same time held as a sexual educator for youth. The causation argument that bareback viewership causes bareback participation is unproven. People don’t usually go out and mass murder people after a slasher movie. For one that does, I think the problem is much deeper rooted than his or her media viewing habits.

Do you think your porn career might affect your future relationships or any mainstream career?

I don’t think my porn career would affect my future relationships. I am not built for monogamy and do not seek out a partner that is. I would think that a partner who is open sexually and/or polyamorous would not mind that I have done porn. As for affecting my legal career, I don’t think my porn past will have a negative affect. I do not plan to work in politics or government.

What draws you to the legal profession and what kind of law do you want to practice?

I will be starting law school next month at UC Hastings in San Francisco. I studied Broadcast and Electronic Communication Art at SF State originally wanting to work in video and media production. I took an elective course in Law and Regulation of broadcast media and discovered that I liked that aspect of media much more than production. I’d like to specialize in entertainment law or work in broadcast regulation, particularly with First Amendment rights. This is an area of the law where my porn career may really work to my benefit.

How do you keep yourself healthy?

I take my meds regularly, go to the gym six days a week, and I try to eat healthy. The last part is probably the most difficult because I like to eat a lot.

Blue Bailey on Twitter: @BlueBaileyXXX

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

A TIP ABOUT SECONDHAND

SMOKE

IF YOU WANT A SINGING CAREER, STAY AWAY FROM SECONDHAND SMOKE.

Ellie, Age 57 Her partner, Karen Florida

Ellie’s severe asthma attacks were triggered by secondhand smoke at work.

She and her partner have to live with its effects forever. If you or someone you know wants free help to quit smoking, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. #CDCTips soflagaynews //

www.cdc.gov/tips

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

8.6.2014 // 13

feature

Jason Walker

Sexy, Soulful Dance Artist Comes to the Manor David-Elijah Nahmod His intensely soulful voice sounds like he jumped out of an old episode of Soul Train and into the present. Jason Walker, however, didn’t come from an era of Afros and flamingo pink vests. Walker is a young, gay white man with soul, trying to make it as an artist in a time when most people with dreams like his play guitar for coins on the street.

Because of the Out Music Award winner’s impressive vocal range, which gives the singer/songwriter’s disco musical style a deep emotional edge, Walker manages to recall the 70s, but keep his music current, allowing him to stand out amongst his peers.

On Aug. 10, this youngblood will bring his heartfelt sound and passion to The Manor in Fort Lauderdale. His set will include his new reimagining of the Taylor Dayne classic “Tell It To My Heart.”

As he prepares for his SoFla appearance, the talented Walker chatted with SFGN about his life and his music.

SFGN: Tell us more about who Jason Walker is. Can you share your coming out story?

Walker: I’m originally from Pittsburgh, Pa., but for the past twelve years I’ve lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. As far as a coming out story, I was going through a tough time trying to conceal who I was and just coming to terms with who I was. So I wrote a letter to myself, just to write, to feel better. Since I really couldn’t talk to anyone this was the only way to feel better.

After I wrote it, I hid it. My mother, being the snoop that she was naturally concerned about her child and did what any mother would try to do to figure out what was wrong. Since her child wouldn’t let her in, she rifled through my things until she found something: the letter.

So when I was faced with the question of whether I was gay, I just told the truth; I felt so much better.

SFGN: How did your family react to this? Were you bullied?

Walker: It was rocky for a minute, but when the dust settled, everything was fine. As far as being bullied, that’s hard for me to discuss. I was bullied from the time I was in the fourth grade until the day I graduated high school.

It was, at times, hell on earth. Like I said, it’s

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tough to discuss, and if I did, it would have to be far more than a paragraph. But the point is that I survived, and it wasn’t easy, but I got through it because of music.

SFGN: Do you face any prejudice/ problems as an out music artist today?

Walker: Of course. It really sucks at times, but at the end of the day, I’m just a musician and a writer. I feel that we are making great headway as far as moving past the issue, but we still have a way to go. The prejudices aren’t always from the straight community; it also comes from our community.

Gay men can act catty towards other male performers; I’m not sure why, but it does happen; that’s when I have to just go out there and let them have it.

SFGN: What drew you to music and who are your musical influences?

Walker: I’m not sure what drew me to music, it just happened. It’s like asking someone why they breathe—It’s innate; they just do. As for inspirations, it’s the soul divas: Aretha, Patti, Whitney, Rachelle Ferrell and Kristine W. SFGN: What can people expect from your Ft Lauderdale show?

Walker: VOCALS, BABY! I have never been this excited about a record. Taylor Dayne is one of my favorite singers of all time and “Tell It To My Heart” is a classic.

SFGN: What’s next for Jason Walker?

Walker: Well, aside from live shows, I have a couple of songs coming out with Tony Moran [a famous house DJ], a record with Temporary Hero, and I am wrapping up the recording of my next soul album, which is turning out to be really awesome!

Look for Jason Walker, live in the flesh, bringing back soul, at The Manor in Ft Lauderdale on Aug. 10.

More info: http://www.themanorcomplex.com David-Elijah Nahmod: journalist, film critic, celebrity interviewer, star struck kid. soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

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column off the wall

Almost All The News That Fit Pier Angelo

A couple of months ago I went to the Newseum in Washington D.C. It is an interactive museum of news and journalism featuring 15 theatres and 14 galleries on six levels. Its mission is “to help the public and the news media understand one another better” and to “raise public awareness of the important role of a free press in a democratic society.”

The operations of the Newseum are funded by the Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan foundation dedicated to “free press, free speech and free spirit for all people.” Well, almost all people.

Artifacts include sections of the Berlin Wall and historic front pages dating back to the Civil War. The Newseum’s largest gallery tells the history of news, spanning over a period of five centuries with more than 300 historic front pages, and explores diverse topics ranging from women in media to war reporting.

There are students and civil rights movements galleries, a world news gallery, a Journalists Memorial, Pulitzer prize photographs, front pages from the civil war, a 9/11 section chronicling the attack on America. The Newseum covers presidential assassinations, presidential elections, the heartbreak of war, achievements in sports, entertainment, front pages from across America and around the world. Anything you can think of. Well, not exactly.

It is very hard to find anything related to the gay struggle, the gay revolution, Stonewall and Gay marriage. You can go through all six floors of the museum and never see the word homosexual or gay on any of the displays.

While I was fascinated by the museum, I was annoyed when I could not find anything about our lives; we have been in the news quite a lot, at least since 1969. I decided to stop at one of the desks, and asked point blank where I could find references about gay people in the news.

The nice gentleman behind the computer was taken aback by my question.

He did a few searches coming up with blanks and with a sincerely surprised and rattled expression on his face tried to apologize; he said he had no idea why

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SouthFloridaGayNews

Photo: newseum.org

his search didn’t come up with results and handed me a visitor comment card, inviting me to write to the museum about my concern. I decided to write this column instead; perhaps I should start a hash tag, something like #nogaysinthenewseum.

Newspapers are a critical part of our democracy. They are the watchdogs for the public interest. Editorials can stimulate thinking and generate proposals for progress, change and reforms. The founding fathers called newspapers “the market place of ideas.” Sadly, just as we saw video kill the radio star, we see reader’s apathy, economics, political bias and business interest kill the newsprint journalist. Americans spend over 150 hours a month watching TV. Newspapers are no longer the predominant go-to news source; the Internet overtook newspapers as a news outlet a few years ago. Some of the largest websites are aggregate news sites, meaning they pull news from other sources often without checking for truth or accuracy.

The writing is on the wall of the Newseum: Newspapers are taking their place among the relics of the past.

At SFGN, we want to prove that profiting off of newspapers is still do-able. Over the last five years we have featured international, national and local news; entertainment and theater reviews; editorial columns and breaking stories. We have exposed crooks and injustice, making you part of all this by allowing your comments to be read by all as if it were an open forum. With yours, and our advertisers’ support, we are not finished yet. Remember, an uninformed and ignorant society is easy prey for dictatorship.

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8.6.2014 // 17

PEACE

opinion bil of rights

PIPE

What Your Anniversary Can Tell About You Bil Browning

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

An interesting facet of LGBT life in America is that the LGBT community from one era is easily distinguished from another. Our history has been marked by distinctive milestones that, not only, dramatically changed how society viewed us, but also acted as definitive markers, aiding us in identifying when an LGBT person lived.

When do you think a gay man was called a “confirmed bachelor?” If you guessed preStonewall riots, you’d be correct. Do you recall a time when a lesbian woman or gay man was considered a brave activist for coming out and being openly gay, when LGBT activists pushed for employment protections for government employees or teachers? They’d probably have been around when Harvey Milk went into office.

Did they die young in the late 80s? AIDS crisis.

Did they go to jail for being gay? They might have been having sex with someone of the same-sex before the fall of the sodomy laws. Was the LGBT person drummed out of the military because of their orientation? They likely served during Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. What if they served without issue? They had enlisted after the fall of DADT. Now marriage equality has become the latest benchmark, a symbol of, not only, when the person lived, but, in many cases, where too.

As same-sex marriage has become legal in a patchwork of states, we’ve seen gay and lesbian couples flocking in great numbers to the altar.

Whether it’s through legislative action or court rulings, we’ve seen the same pattern play out in state after state: As soon as marriage is legal, couples rush to get hitched as quickly as possible.

When Massachusetts became the first state to enact marriage equality, videos and pictures of happy gay and lesbian couples getting married quickly bombarded the newsrooms. As each state has begun to validate our relationships, you see the same phenomenon take place over and over again. Scads of happy couples rush to the altar as quickly as they can to certify their love in the eyes of the law.

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Now lawsuits challenging state same-sex marriage bans have swept the nation, and the result is the same. In states like Michigan, Arkansas, Utah, Indiana and Wisconsin, couples made a mad dash for their local clerk’s office as soon as the ruling was announced and before it could be put on hold for a higher court to review.

These couples’ anniversaries match those of hundreds of other gay and lesbian couples in their state. If your anniversary is July 25, 26 or 27, statistics say you’re most likely from Indiana.

March 22? Chances are high you live in Michigan.

As my partner and I prepare to get hitched, one of the more difficult questions we’ve had to decide upon is when we should actually get married. Our anniversary, like those of many other gay and lesbian couples, is up to us to decide. Should it be the day we went on our first date? The day we formally agreed we were boyfriends? We picked our first date as the most important date and have celebrated on that day each year.

But now we’re getting married. Thankfully, we live in D.C. (which has had marriage equality for years), so we don’t have to rush to beat a judge’s gavel. How does that affect our anniversary?

We’ve been together for 15 years already, celebrating the same day each year. Changing to a different day seems ridiculous, so we opted to make things official on our already established anniversary - October 6. Our 16th anniversary will also be our first.

Deciding our date is a luxury many of our friends and colleagues around the nation cannot afford this year. Though it’s unfortunate, it makes sending anniversary cards to them easier; they’ll just go out in batches.

Bil Browning is a long-time gay activist and writer. He is the founder and publisher of The Bilerico Project. Known for his political and social commentary, Bil does consulting work for political communications and new media projects.

column chamber chat

Four Marketing Tips with Promising Rewards Jorge Richa

Marketing & Programming Director; MiamiDade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Regardless of the size of your business, your business plan should include a solid marketing strategy to communicate your product and / or services. Many things should be considered when developing effective marketing initiatives.

Featured below are just a few, invaluable marketing tips outlined by Justin Bell, CEO of Arc + Arrow Creative Group (www.arcandarrow.com), a local agency based in Miami, which will help you reap promising rewards. These four easy tips will surely simplify your life and maximize your marketing.

Schedule thirty minutes everyday to market your business.

It’s human nature—especially when we’re busy—to put off working on tasks that look too big or overly complicated.

Don’t let your marketing be part of this procrastination black hole. Instead, block off thirty minutes of time every day to focus on marketing your business. People who don’t respect their scheduled time will secure no reward– so be strict and ensure you dedicate this time to growing your business.

Use automation tools.

Many entrepreneurs think of social media as free marketing. But is social media actually without cost? No. Think about the many hours you spend crafting perfectly worded posts or sharing stories you think are relevant to your clients. That’s a lot of time, and as you know...time is money! Upgrade to social media automation! There are numerous no-cost automation platforms that allow you to easily schedule, respond and monitor posts across all social platforms via one dashboard! Hoot suite, Buffer, IFTTT...the list goes on-and-on. Don’t forget to automate your email newsletters as well, saving yourself time and money! With a little research, you’ll find an automation tool right for your business.

Refresh, Reuse, Recycle.

The digital age we live in today is all about sharing. But who has time to constantly create content to share on their blog or on their Facebook? The key to creating content is Refresh, Reuse and Recycle! Every blog you write and every infographic you create takes time. Don’t be afraid to dust off those old marketing assets and put them to use when appropriate.

Be relevant.

The final and most important tip is to always be relevant in your marketing. Posting content that is off topic or irrelevant to your business is not only a waste of time for you, but also inconveniences your audience and puts what equity you’ve developed with that audience at risk.

Before crafting your next Facebook post, ask yourself: “Will this post bring value to my customers?” If yes – post away. If no, take a step back and utilize your time elsewhere.

These four tips will certainly help you maximize your time and lend stronger returns for your business. Still feeling overwhelmed?

Don’t be afraid to tap the expertise of a marketing agency to show you the ropes.

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

8.6.2014 // 19

column

Sound Bite Q Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

Welcome to Sound Bite Q, the column that thanks advertisers who support SFGN. We invite you to support them, because without their outreach to us, we would not be here to reach out to you. More importantly, local papers only survive in our busy world because we are all

connected to each other. For me, this column does more than encourage you to patronize one of SFGN’s advertisers. It lets you know a little more about our friends and enables you to feel a little more comfortable using their services with the limited dollars you have.

4 Men, Clothing and Beyond Silk Laser + Aesthetics Centre

Silk Laser and Aesthetics Centre is nestled between Victoria Park and Wilton Manors and offers the latest technology in laser hair removal, laser aesthetics and PhotoFacial. From the fairest skin to the darkest complexion, Silk’s lasers can safely and effectively resolve unwanted hair anywhere on your body. At Silk, treatments are performed by our Board Certified Medical Doctor, Joseph A Astaphan, MD or our qualified Physician Assistants.

If you are looking to tame dynamic wrinkles, fill in deep lines or restore lost facial volume, Dr. Astaphan is an advanced injector of Botox, Dysport, Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm Ultra and Voluma, Belotero, Radiesse and Sculptra Aesthetic.

All our products are purchased directly from their manufacturers here in the United States. All consultations with the doctor are complimentary. Come experience our tranquil setting and friendly staff while rejuvenating yourself. We pride ourselves in our customer service.

On Saturday August 16 (from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Silk Laser and Aesthetics Centre invites you to their SFGN Botox and Juvederm Event.

They are running two specials that day that you don’t want to miss.

1. Botox BFF - bring a friend (new to Silk)

on 8/16 and you each receive 20 units of Botox free when you each purchase 20 units of Botox at $13/unit. Limit 1 friend referral per patient.

Robert Bolen opened 4Men Clothing four years ago. He says that many customers come in and say that they were unaware that he was there since the store is on NE 4th Ave, south of what’s known as “The Drive.”

He said many customers are pleasantly surprised to see how many good stores are opening in that area, essentially expanding “The Drive” southward, closer to Sunrise Boulevard.

“We want people to know we’re here and that more and more businesses are opening up on the south end of Wilton Drive (technically 4th Ave)” said Bolen. While 4Men Clothing carries athletic wear, t-shirts,

underwear and beyond, they also carry one of the biggest selections of swimwear at some of the lowest prices, so if you haven’t found that perfect swimsuit yet this summer, stop in and see what they have. Prices at 4Men Clothing are competitive, said Bolen, “We will match anyone else’s price... just bring proof”

4 Men, Clothing and Beyond 1208 NE 4th Ave Fort Lauderdale, 33304 954-522-1362

2. Juvederm Special - buy 1 ml of Juvederm Ultra or Ultra Plus and get an additional 1 ml of equal or lesser value for 50 percent off!

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SFGN is proud to announce that Eric DesVaux, the Silk Laser and Aesthetics Centre in office Skin Care Specialist, will be doing a monthly Skin Care column in SFGN starting this fall. Erik received his license in Esthetics from the Florida College of Natural Health. Prior to his esthetics schooling, Erik worked for several department store skin care lines. Look for Erik’s columns this fall!

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Check out SFGN.com/Out50 - Nominate your choices for 2015’s OUT 50 at SFGN.com/out50Nominations 20

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SouthFloridaGayNews

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

8.6.2014 // 21

column ptsd memoirs

If You Could Read My Mind: A PTSD Memoir Entry #1: In the Beginning David-Elijah Nahmod

I am a survivor of gay conversion therapy and of the mental abuse that’s often associated with religious fundamentalism.

Many have often asked me how I can possibly have PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). The condition is often associated with people who’ve served on the front lines in the military, survivors of sexual assault and other forms of violence or those who have suffered from other kinds of extreme physical trauma. I am none of those people.

I am fortunate enough to have never been subjected to violence of any kind. Sure, I’ve been in a few minor car accidents here and there, but none of them were in any way life threatening. I walked away from all of them without a scratch.

How then, could I have PTSD? I always tell people: If you could see the storms that have gone on in my head because of what I was subjected to, if you could read my mind, you wouldn’t ask that question.

In 1964, when I was eight years old, my parents had me committed to the psych ward at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

I was subjected to electro-shock therapy and put on medications like Thorazine.

My doctor, Dr. Herbert J. Levowitz, wore a yarmulke at all times and quoted the Torah to me, in Hebrew no less, during our sessions. According to his 2006 obituary, Dr. Levowitz was “a devoted and innovative child psychiatrist.” I often wonder how many

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other kids were harmed by his backward and barbaric techniques.

If I ever acted “out of line” at Mt. Sinai, i.e. behaved like a normal eight-year-old, I was wrestled to the ground and injected with a variety of powerful anti-anxieties (I don’t even know what I was given during those incidents).

When I went into the hospital, I was a happy and imaginative eight-year-old. When I was released three months later, I was a nervous wreck. I remained so for decades.

Years later I asked my mother why they had put me in that hospital. “We were advised to do so by the Rabbi” was the reply.

In Orthodox Judaism, the Rabbi’s word is law. I often wondered what might have happened if the Rabbi had told them to walk down the street naked with carrots sticking out of their asses. Hey, if the Rabbi tells you to do it…

For years after that nightmarish hospitalization, I was forced (against my will) to take powerful medications which were actually causing the mental health issues I was told I suffered from. Today it is illegal to give many of those drugs to children, yet throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s, my system was bombarded with them. I remember having an allergic reaction to one of the drugs and temporarily losing part of my eyesight. For weeks the world was an out-of-focus blur as I struggled to

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do ordinary tasks like read a book or write a note. My full sight returned after I was taken off of that drug, but I still relive the memory of the terrifying and traumatic situation I experienced as a 12-year-old.

Then there were the lectures. I endured endless speeches about how sick I was, how offended God was by my behavior and how I was ruining everyone’s lives. These tirades could go on for up to an hour and happened almost daily for years. I was often in tears, sobbing and begging my parents to stop; they would respond by hovering over me, raising their voices and upping the rhetoric.

I recall periods when I endured several of these lectures every single day. I can recall times when the talks began as early as 7 a.m. and continued well into the night. Leaving the house and taking long walks by myself was the only peace I enjoyed. Long, solitary walks have remained my solace to this very day. This was my childhood.

By the time I was twenty years old, I was barely functional. For many years I couldn’t make friends, couldn’t hold a job, couldn’t think clearly.

And yet, I was still gay.

When I came out as gay in 1976, there weren’t TV shows like Glee or politicians like President Obama who supported LGBT equality. Same-sex couples couldn’t hold hands on the street. There were no equality laws of any kind; people were free to

SouthFloridaGayNews

discriminate against us as they saw fit. I came out into such a world surrounded by gay men and lesbians who, like me, had grown up in similar backgrounds of intolerance and hate. In about five years, the AIDS epidemic would begin and people around the world would tell us that AIDS was our punishment from God for being who we are.

The gay community I knew from 1976 onward was a sad collection of lost souls who took their hate for themselves out on each other—many people from my generation live that way to this very day.

We all have PTSD. PTSD, according to Web MD and other sources, is caused by extreme trauma. Symptoms include reliving the trauma repeatedly, which can lead to severe depression, psychotic breakdowns and suicide.

This column will serve as a memoir of my forty-year journey of living with, fighting against and largely overcoming PTSD. I still have my moments, but the symptoms are, for the most part, behind me. The column will also offer my thoughts and observations about an entire generation of LGBT people who were as traumatized as I was by my past, covering how living as gay in such a hostile world affected us and what we did to each other as a result.

There will also be commentary on how the world views and judges us. I am not a mental health care provider; I’m just me.

Welcome to my world.

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

8.6.2014 //23

lifestyle speak out

column

What LGBT issue do you feel is underreported and/or underemphasized in public awareness?

SFGN Staff

SFGN’s “Speak OUT” is a weekly feature giving a regular voice to South Florida LGBT leaders.

Below are some of their answers:

“

A national study found that 17 percent of youth aging out of foster care identify as LGBTQ and approximately 40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ. Family rejection on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity was the most frequently cited factor contributing to LGBT homelessness. The next most frequently cited reason for LGBT youth homelessness was youth being forced out of their family homes as a result of coming out as LGBT. It’s estimated that South Florida’s statistics are even greater.”

— Anthony Timiraos, CEO/President, OUR Fund

“

Gay and Lesbian people are barely represented in government. This means that our issues and protections are relegated to the whim of those not affected by the laws they make. One of the foundations of our country is “no taxation without representation,” therefore, we should be represented.”

— Meredith L Ockman, SE Regional Director of NOW; VP Florida NWPC & President of S. Fla Women’s Health Foundation

“

The primary emphases in recent years have been on marriage equality, trans visibility/rights, and pushing for corporate and governmental equal protections. In the 1970s-1990s, massive amounts of activism was fueled via cultural avenues, especially for lesbians - music festivals, recordings, film projects, bookstores, publications, radio shows, GLAAD media monitoring, choirs and choruses, etc. I would like to see a rediscovery/revival of - and a re-emphasis on - the countless ways cultural activism changes the course of LGBT history while enriching our lives.”

— Toni Armstrong, Founder/Director of BLAST Women of WPB 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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column

Sex Offender — A Lifetime Label

By Chris Reina

Christopher Reina is serving 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 close to his heart.

Entry 7 — August 6, 2014 A word of warning - some of you reading this column should prepare to have your feathers thoroughly ruffled. Here goes: I take issue with the term ‘sex offender.’ Murders have murdered, embezzlers have embezzled and drug traffickers have trafficked drugs. So sex offenders have sex offended? Nobody says that. Offended sex? That doesn’t even make sense. There is no past tense for the term ‘sex offender.’

This is more than just a trifle of semantics.

Labels, for better or (mostly) worse, are important in our society. The suffix -er in sex offender locks that individual into the present for perpetuity as someone who ‘is’ or ‘does.’

There is no allowance for ‘was’ or ‘did.’ Once a drug dealer, always a drug dealer? Of course not. But once a sex offender, forever a sex offender. The term intentionally reinforces the myth that former sex offenders cannot or will not change. The term holds no prospect for redemption, offers no chance for rehabilitation.

Another problem with the term ‘sex offender’ is its indiscriminate characterization.

Sex offenders are the 750,000 people and counting in this country who were convicted because they: exposed themselves or had consensual sex in public, raped someone, hidden video cameras or peeped into windows, created, distributed, traded or possessed child and underage pornography, rubbed up against someone inappropriately in public or molested or enticed someone underage.

In some states, men who have solicited a prostitute and mothers who have breastfed their child in public view have been required to register as sex offenders. My point is that the term ‘sex offender’ encompasses an overly broad range of crimes that carry a broad range of severities. Let’s face it, ask the average person to imagine a sex offender and chances are good that they will picture a sadistic child rapist who kidnaps and murders his victim. However, statistics show that such a criminal represents only .05 percent of those prosecuted for sex offenses.

You might also find it interesting to know that the largest group of underage pornography producers today are the children and teens

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themselves, with their underdeveloped privacy boundaries and 24 hour access to cell phone and web cameras.

There are more than 4,000 children in the state of Texas alone who have been required to register as sex offenders before the age of 14. I don’t bring up these facts in order to blame the victims. Rather, I am questioning the common sense of placing the label ‘sex offender’ on these not-yet fully formed human beings. A label which will follow them forever and bring with it a lifetime of punitive consequences.

I am not trying to down play the seriousness of sex crimes committed against children, or my part in committing one. These crimes shatter trust and can cause lasting, sometimes irreparable damage to their victims, and I am quite guilty of temporarily lacking compassion and empathy for those victims. And yes, certainly there are some former sex offenders who require close monitoring for many years.

But is it cost effective to spend those resources on the many former sex offenders who have been clinically evaluated to be at a low risk for reoffending? Sex offenders in general have a lower recidivism rate compared to other types of criminals, and are evaluated, monitored, counseled, lie detected, till the cows come home, not to mention rejected, scorned, isolated, and humiliated. Perhaps that’s OK for the former offender as far as some of you are concerned, but what about the effects of such ostracizing on the partners and children who live with them?

I know that the years that I am spending in prison won’t be retribution enough for society.

When I am released I won’t be allowed to live with the person I love most in this world.

Restrictions on where I can live could make it more difficult to find employment and access the specialized medical care I need, not to mention the mental health and spiritual support my continued sobriety will require.

Does this make kids safer? The fact is that public registration of former sex offenders has had little to no effect on the number of sex crimes committed, according to a 2009 study by the New Jersey Dept. of Corrections and Rutgers University. For that .05 percent, the soflagaynews //

sadist

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ubiquitous 2,500 ft. restriction imposed on former sex offenders around places children congregate doesn’t do much more than give communities a false sense of security.

Draconian laws haven’t worked in the war on drugs, so why do people think they’ll work for sex crimes?

Many would say that I lost my right to be upset about being labeled a sex offender and the harsh penalties that go with it when I

SouthFloridaGayNews

er

downloaded that first illegal image. Be that as it may, it doesn’t change the fact that as far as many, many former sex offenders are concerned, the current policies and laws are overzealous and misdirected. Social controls that spring from hysteria and hatred always are. Unfortunately, things won’t change until people on the outside of this issue begin to call for reasonable reforms.

Volume 1 • Issue 1

WILTON MANORS

August 6, 2014

Etz Chaim Moves Back To Wilton Manors

By Jesse Monteagudo According to the Bible, the Children of Israel wandered for forty years before they reached their Promised Land. This year, Congregation Etz Chaim turns 40, making it the thirdoldest LGBT group in South Florida (The Sunshine Cathedral is 42 and the Stonewall National Museum and Archives is 41).

Like our Biblical ancestors, Cong. Etz Chaim (CEC) has had many homes in its four decade history. Since 1974, CEC has moved its operations from a Lutheran Church on Biscayne Boulevard to the YWCA in downtown Miami (1976); an art studio in North Miami Beach (1977); and a storefront in Aventura (1978) before it finally crossed the border into Broward in 1995. CEC then settled down at the UnitarianUniversalist Church in Oakland Park for a decade before it moved (2005) to “a home of our own” in Wilton Manors. On June 1, 2011, this “spiritual home for LGBT Jews and our friends” moved west, to the campus of Temple Beth Torah in Tamarac. (Full disclosure: I am a long-time member of Congregation Etz Chaim; and currently serve as President of the Congregation.)

At the time, the move to Tamarac was thought to be a good idea. The Synagogue was strapped for funds and it could not afford to maintain the Wilton Manors storefront.

And we believed that the move to Tamarac would attract congregants from West Broward. Unfortunately we were wrong. Not only did the move to Tamarac fail to attract people from the suburbs but it alienated our base in Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale, and Oakland Park. Though the decline in membership was due in part to greater acceptance of LGBT Jews by “mainstream” Reform, Conservative and Reconstruction synagogues, the fact remains that many of our members refused to travel west of the Florida Turnpike

in order to attend services. In a sense this reluctance made no sense: after all, suburbanites like me made the trip east, week after week, for Temple services or other activities. But Wilton Manors was our community’s comfort zone, and few wanted to go out of it.

It was only a matter of time before CEC’s Board of Directors, and our Executive Director, Rabbi Noah Kitty, realized that our Synagogue had to move back east; or cease to exist. Like the Jews who were exiled in Babylonia after the destruction of the First Temple, Congregation Etz Chaim was “exiled” in Tamarac, away from the gayborhood of Wilton Manors. Happily, Rabbi Kitty contacted the Rev. Tita Calzada of Wilton Manor’s Unity Church, who offered to host CEC. The members approved the move at a congregational meeting in May, the same meeting in which they, in recognition of her services, officially elected Noah Kitty, Rabbi of Congregational Etz Chaim. The Board later met to plan the Temple’s return to Wilton Manors, and scheduled the first service for Friday, July 12.

Congregation Etz Chaim’s return to Wilton Manors was a huge success. Over 80 people, many of them former Synagogue members, attended the first service, conducted

by Rabbi Kitty and Cantor Jerry Berkowitz. Vice Mayor Julie Carson, representing the City, joyfully announced her intention to renew her membership, as did other people.

“Etz Chaim is home again,” Carson told a reporter.

“Tamarac was just too far for me.” Others saw a possibility for Wilton Manors to expand its outreach to include Wilton Manor’s heterosexual Jews. After all, Etz Chaim was and is Wilton Manors’s only synagogue. In addition to the weekly Sabbath services, the Synagogue leadership plans to take

advantage of the Unity Church’s lavish facilities to hold our High Holy Days services there; making it the first time that CEC won’t have to go outside for HHD services since our days at the U-U Church.

Like everyone else, Rabbi Kitty was thrilled by her synagogue’s successful move back to the center of South Florida’s LGBT community: “The move back to Wilton Manors has been exciting and energizing. At our first Sabbath service in our new home we saw folks we haven’t seen in a long time, as well as several people new to our community. We are delighted to open our doors to all those, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who are seekers of a spiritual and social life. We offer a warm and supportive community, a participatory Shabbat service with lots of singing, and an easy way to make new friends and be with the ones you already have.” Congregation Etz Chaim holds services every Friday night, at 8 p.m., at the Unity Church, 1501 N.E. 26 Street, in Wilton Manors. There is ample parking in the back of the building. For more information, contact CEC by phone (954564-9232) or by e-mail (congregation@etz-chaim.com).

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • WWW.WMGAZETTE.COM • • • • • • • • • • • • • • soflagaynews //

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What is your favorite song from the year 1990 and back?

“Dancing Queen By ABBA released in 1976.”“Anything from Erasure but to pick one, Chains of Love released in 1988.”

How did all you guys meet?

“Rudy!” (blue shirt) who recently was awarded Wilton Manors most sleaziest server.

What was the saddest moment in your life so far?

“The saddest moment in my life was when my father passed away, I was really close with him and I wasn’t able to make it to the funeral in Thailand which was very sad for me.”

What is the favorite thing you Love about the other person the most?

“I love that he loves me unconditionally no matter what. I love that she is Intelligent and has a business sense otherwise I would be completely lost without.”

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soflagaynews //

What has been the happiest point in your life so far?

“So far I would have to say moving back to florida and starting my life here, meeting my girlfriend of 2 years now as well as finding a new job to be a flight attendant the whole package”.

SouthFloridaGayNews

On the Dawn of the ‘Gazette’

By Norm Kent As many of us living here are aware, Wilton Manors has become the epicenter of gay life in South Florida since the year 2000.

What was once a small trailer park greeting visitors with twin towers at Five Points, has now become a thriving same-sex community, home of a dynamic LGBT community center, AIDS foundations, and social service organizations. Our nightlife is thriving too, and The Drive has become home to a host of professionals, from those writing wills, drilling teeth, or pouring beer.

It’s all happening right here in Wilton Manors, home of the Express Gay News in 1999, and birthplace of the South Florida Gay News, in 2009. There is a popular saying that “No matter where you go, there you are.”

There is no question that Wilton Manors has a wealth of gay news in it, but it also

August 6, 2014 • Volume 1 • Issue 1

2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com

Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli

Associate publisher • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com

Editorial

Art Director • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Online Producer • Dennis Jozefowicz dennis.jozefowicz@sfgn.com Senior Creative Designer • Bob Reilly SFGN@BobReilly.com News Intern • Nicole Wiesenthal

Correspondents

Andrea Richard • Donald Cavanaugh • Steve Bower Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • Sean McShee

has a plethora of straight lives, families, and businesses supporting growing commerce and communities, integrating and enhancing population cores. We think there is enough growth to publish a twice-a-month newspaper focusing and highlighting not just our diversity, but the breadth and depth of our activities and accomplishments.

Welcome then to our own little ‘Gazette,’ your hometown community newspaper, soon to be standing alone, but today proudly inserted into the SFGN centerfold.

So whether you are interested in country square dancing or city zoning and planning, there’s a good chance the ‘Gazette’ will be here to tell you more about it, from our Green Market to our local and home grown dry cleaners.

Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Sales Assistant • Jason Gonzales jason.gonzales@sfgn.com Distribution Services • Brian Swinford Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping 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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Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing

Director of Sales & Marketing • Mike Trottier mike.trottier@sfgn.com

Copyright © 2014 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

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Wanted: Feedback on Highlands Improvements

By Steve Bower More sidewalks, a dog park, a kayak storage unit – these are some of the possible ways city officials could spend the $63,300 in Community Block Grant Funding they received for the Highlands Estates neighborhood.

Before officials can decide what to do with this year’s money though, they will have to hold one more public hearing to solicit ideas from residents.

In addition to more sidewalks and a dog park, resident Michael Rajner said the money might be used to buy hurricane shutters for seniors on a fixed income. The idea of more sidewalks caught the attention of at least two commissioners, Tom Green and Ted Galatis, who agreed with Rajner. Galatis suggested new sidewalks might be built near or around the Kids In Distress complex.

Green added that the possible addition of shade canopy over the playground at Island City Park Preserve. “It’s almost a crime not to provide shade over a play area,” said Green.

Also suggested by residents was a kayak storage shed and fitness equipment for Island City Park Preserve. Residents can submit suggestions on spending the funding during the next commission meeting on Aug. 12.

They can also submit ideas to city hall before then.

One of the few restrictions on the money is officials are prohibited from spending it on social programs because the county has already allocated money for that purpose.

The only area in the city to qualify, the Highlands has received Community Block Grant Funding in the past for a drainage system, street resurfacing, the rebuilding

of a sewage lift station and an emergency generator and floating dock at Island City Park Preserve Recently, Community Block Grant Funding was used to buy an empty lot near Island City Park Preserve.

The new parcel, located at 811 NE 28 Street, has 14 parking spaces, a passive recreation area, estate-style fencing, solar lighting, landscaping and irrigation improvements. Commissioners held a grand opening event on July 29 to officially open the new lot.

Patrick Caan, director of the leisure services department, said it will be an additional park space for residents to enjoy but it will also serve as overflow parking for Island City Park Preserve. It will also give the city more parking for special events, including Stonewall. On July 29, city officials held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the expansion.

Recently, commissioners added more parking closer to Wilton Drive. In April, they cut the ribbon on the 42-space parking lot located on the corner of Northeast 26 Street and Northeast 8 Terrace.

At the ribbon cutting, Mayor Resnick said the new lot cost an “inordinate” amount of money but was necessary to help relieve the parking problems on Wilton Drive, especially on the north end. According to the city’s finance department, the cost of buying the land and paving it was about $788,000.

The funding came from the city’s $1.1 million parking fund. In 2011, commissioners borrowed that money specifically to pay for parking improvements along Wilton Drive.

Mickel Field to Get $1.4 million

By Steve Bower With $1.4 million in city money set to be allocated to improving Mickel Field, Mayor Gary Resnick promised the park would be the “gem” it once was. “This is going to benefit the whole city.”

Recently, commissioners agreed to spend $1.4 million to make improvements to Hagen Park, located on Powerline Road, over the next two years.

Plans include: new bathroom, walking trail, shade canopies, fitness equipment, pavilion, estate-style fencing, volleyball court and police substation. The small baseball diamond will be removed but the large one will remain. Originally, city officials discussed the possibility of spending about $2.1 million.

For months, residents have demanded improvements to the park – improvements they say will increase its use by residents and visitors and decrease its use by drug dealers and criminals. One resident said the park, which is often empty, was even used as a

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staging ground by burglars to break into his home more than once. Officials and residents, including Westside Association of Wilton Manors President Sal Torre, also believe Mickel’s redevelopment will help spur other improvements in the area.

Plans include new bathroom, walking trail, shade canopies, and fitness equipment Officials have also asked the Florida Department of Transportation to reduce the width of Powerline Road in order to make it more bicycle and pedestrian-friendly.

The park, which may be renamed Mickel Park, was originally used by the city’s youth baseball leagues. But changing demographics and competition from baseball programs in Fort Lauderdale, including nearby Mills Pond Park, has meant fewer and fewer soflagaynews //

Calendar Of Events City Commission Budget Workshop #3 August 12, 6:30 p.m. at City Commission Chambers located at 2020 Wilton Drive City Commission Meeting August 12, 7 p.m. at City Hall Commission Chambers located at 2020 Wilton Drive Planning and Zoning Board August 11, 7 p.m. at City Commission Chambers located at 2020 Wilton Drive Dog Obedience Class August 7 and 14 - 6:30 p.m. at Hagen Park (Basketball Court) All Breeds Welcome Beginners Obedience Class. Registration at 6:30 p.m., class begins at 7:30 p.m. Rally Obedience Class - Skill Building, Drill Class - Class starts at 8 p.m. $5 per class Square Dancing August 7 and 14 - 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at Island City Park Preserve The South Florida Mustangs is the first GLBT International Square Dance Club organized in 1980. Positively no previous experience required. We’ll teach you the ropes beginning with an allemande left and a do-si-do. All you need is a desire to have fun. Questions? Feel free to call Ken 305343-1710; Randy 305-458-1649; Tom or Chris 954-525-8365. Dance fee only $5.

Visit Caller4u.com.

Wilton Manors Green Market August 9, 10 and 16, 17 - 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park Wilton Manors Green Market every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.– 2 p.m. in the Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park parking lot. The Market features Organic Produce, Regular Produce, International Baked Goods, specialty items, children using the facility.

Patrick Caan, director of the Leisure Services Department, said it’s been decades since Mickel has seen significant improvements.

“We’ve let [Mickel Field] go to hell. It’s time to fix it,” said Commissioner Ted Galatis to applause from residents in the audience.

Galatis drew applause again when he criticized his fellow commissioners for hesitating to spend money on Mickel when they approved $390,000 on two residential properties. The properties, located next to Hagen, may be used in the future to expand the park. Galatis and Commissioner Scott Newton were the only no votes against the Hagen properties. Vice Mayor Julie Carson, who supported the purchase, said the city could always sell the properties if it didn’t find any use for them.

Borrowing half the estimated cost – from a bank, such as the commission did when it

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spices & herbs, soups, cheeses, coffees & tea, bagels, Nuts & dried fruits, baked goods, and various other international and local vendors. The Market gives residents and visitors to Wilton Manors an exciting shopping alternative and a chance to view, sample and purchase products. For more information on The Market or to become a vendor, visit GreenWilton.com or contact Frank and Ron at 954-531-5363.

Preschool Storytime August 11 and 18 - 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library 500 NE 26th St. For ages 2 - 5. Caregivers must remain with their children.

Zumba Fitness August 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 - 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Island City Park Preserve Are you ready to party yourself into shape? Forget the workout, just lose yourself in the music and find yourself in shape at the original dance-fitness party. Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Before you know it, you’ll be getting fit and your energy levels will be soaring! It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating. Join the Party!

Brains and Balance Past 60 August 13, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Hagen Park Brains and Balance Past 60 is designed for the unique needs of active older adults who know the importance of staying mentally sharp and physically stable. Researchers no longer believe that falling or losing your mental capacity are inevitable parts of the aging process and this fascinating class series operates based on the premise that specific exercises will decrease the risk of falling while increasing mental acuity. borrowed to pay for parking improvements – was the chief concern amongst commissioners. Finance Director Bob Mays said the other half of the money would come from a mix of general funds, grants and impact fees.

Said Carson, “Maybe get the money a different way.” Resnick suggested more grant money, some possibly from the county’s $400 million parks bond, could be used and the amount of money borrowed could be reduced. City Manager Joseph Gallegos assured commissioners that more grants would be obtained - $55,000 has already been secured.

The interest payments over the span of the 15-year loan are about $40,000. Mays said he might be able to negotiate a better interest rate than 2.95 percent he submitted to the commission. “A $5,000-a-month loan payment is very doable for this city,” said Resnick.

lifestyle books

A Conversation with Johnny Diaz Two Cubans Talking Jesse Monteagudo

I met Johnny Diaz at the Barnes & Noble in Coral Gables where, not surprisingly, I found him working on his next novel. Though we only met once before, we soon got into a lively conversation about writing, living in South Florida and being a gay Cubano.

Soon our talk got louder and livelier, to the extent that a man sitting next to us had to come over and ask us to lower our voices.

The main topic of discussion was “Looking for Providence,” Diaz’s fifth novel.

Diaz was born in Miami and studied at Florida International University. He first became famous as the then-boyfriend of “Real World: Miami” cast member Dan Renzi. Diaz later moved to Boston, where he worked as a feature writer for the “Boston Globe.” While in Boston Diaz wrote his first four novels: “Boston Boys Club” (2007), “Miami Manhunt” (2008), “Beantown Cuban” (2009) and “Take the Lead” (2011).

All of Diaz’s novels are connected and feature many of the same characters. “Take the Lead” was translated into Spanish (as Tomar la Iniciativa) where it became a bestseller on Amazon.com. Diaz is now back in South Florida, where he works as a Features Reporter for the Sun-Sentinel as well as a novelist.

“I moved back two years ago. I wanted to be close to my parents who were getting older and flying back and forth was getting

expensive. And every time I came down here I felt bad because you know, they were getting old (viejitos). And it turned out I got a job at the Sun-Sentinel as Features Reporter so I got everything lined up.” Though Diaz is no longer a “Beantown Cuban,” his blog (www.beantowncubanito.blogspot.com) retains that now-famous name. “I don’t know what else to call it,” he admits.

Though Providence, Rhode Island is the setting for “Looking for Providence,” Diaz never lived there. “But I always wanted to live there. When I was in Boston I went there over the weekend. It’s like a mini-Boston.

There is plenty of parking, beautiful red brick buildings. It’s like 45 minutes from Boston, and I would take my bike and go biking along the river there and go out to the clubs. In the other books, I always put a chapter in Providence. And I always wanted to put a book there.” In fact, “Looking for Providence” is the first known novel ever set in Providence, Diaz soon found out. “I asked people. I looked it up at the Library there. No one has done a whole book about it.”

Unlike his previous novels, “Looking for Providence” was published by Diaz himself, through Amazon CreateSpace. “I wanted to see what the process was like, from beginning to end, because some of my favorite authors did it. And I was curious. I have seen my publishers design my book covers. I have

seen them copy editing it. I really didn’t know anything about formatting. And I was like, let me do it. So I explored CreateSpace in Amazon, and I started doing it. It was a good education. I would come here on Saturdays and Sundays, and I would sit here and I would just edit or design the cover.

They actually walk you through it so I just wanted to see what it was like.

“The other reason I did it was because I needed a distraction when my Mom, who passed away in November, got sick and I had to be with her at Mt. Sinai and Mercy (hospitals). So I kept her company while she was watching television, and I always had my laptop with me. And I worked as a therapeutic distraction.”

Some of the characters in “Looking for Providence” previously appeared in other Diaz novels. And, as in his previous novels, some of the events in this new book are based on Diaz’s own life experiences. In “Looking for Providence,” Diaz has two main characters, Ronnie and Elias.

“I am more like Ronnie,” Diaz admits.

“The main theme that I explore in this book is the economy and losing a job and having a job reassignment where you had the job you wanted and then they give you another job and how you deal with that. So the two characters have their own job issues. Ronnie is a features reporter in Providence. He loves

soflagaynews //

it, but because of the economy they made him a business writer and he is like, what is this, I am not a business reporter?”

“Now Elias worked for a Latino cable network, Latino TV. And he got laid off from his job. He was a producer, a videographer, and he has to move back to his mother’s house. And he is trying to figure out how to start over. So both characters are trying to find their way professionally and, at the same time, they each have a romance because I like writing about love. Ronnie lives in Providence. Elias lives here [Miami] and then goes to Germany. He ends up volunteering for a project and decides it might be a good thing for him.”

And what was Johnny Diaz writing when I met him? “Since gay marriage is so topical I am thinking of taking all of my characters and marrying them. A lot them are already paired up. But then there is this guy, the Tommy Perez character, who goes to all their weddings. Will Tommy find a love of his own?

The new Diaz book is still a work in progress.

“The first wedding is in Provincetown, but I don’t know where Tommy is going to live. All my characters live in Boston, here, and now Providence. I need another city. Maybe New York. Or Atlanta.” We will see.

“Looking for Providence” is available at Amazon.com.

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

8.6.2014 // 31

lifestyle bata’s beats

Bright Light Bright Light Life Is Easy John Bata Don’t get Rod Thomas confused with Rob Thomas from Matchbox 20. Rod, a gay Welsh singer, also known as Bright Light Bright Light (named after a quote from the film Gremlins) dances to a beat that keeps on going.

His single “Love Part 2” created waves in the UK back in 2011. His current sound is centered confidently in the lush 90s aesthetic that make dance/pop timeless. He continues the musical concept on his new LP, “Life Is Easy.” Think Pet Shop Boys’s “Very” era meets Living Joy meets Seal.

There was a warmer quality to dance/pop in the 90s. It reflected the positive outlook generated by confidence in an economy growing exponentially, yet, at the same time, tapped into the collective yearning within the queer society to be accepted.

HIV/AIDS was still ravaging the community that as a whole was misunderstood by a much larger portion of “mainstream” society

than is the case today. This gave many a need to go out and exorcise their demons and seek solace on the dance floor. The music was liberating and emotionally powerful.; it relied more on positive affirmations, textures, strong baselines and piano stabs.

“Life is Easy” feels timeless.

Bright Light Bright Light shows his strengths when he creates complex melodies on “I Wish We Were Leaving.” “In Your Care” could be a “Smalltown Boy” for 2014, only the character is no longer running away from home.

He is leaving peacefully to pursue his dreams. “I Believe” tiptoes dangerously close into the shallow waters of E.D.M., but it has depth to it and is still more emotionally complex than most in the genre.

There are moments on “Life is Easy” when the percussion is too subdued — I’d love for him to work with Trevor Horne — but his lyrics make up for it. Thomas captures the

G a l l e r i a

GalleriaMGroup@Gmail.com

R e a l

essence of romance and heartache without it feeling like schlock. He makes breaking up even sound romantic. His music is a time machine to remind us of the best parts of our past while bringing us into the future. “Too Much To Say” clearly stands out in the LP with a more complex, distinct and modern sound. I disagree with the album title. Life is not that easy, but it doesn’t have to be as hard as we make it. Bright Light Bright Light offers hope for the future of pop music.

E s tat e

997 E Oakland Park Blvd | Oakland Park, FL 33334

Purchase Life Is Easy on iTunes.

John Bata is from Denver, Colorado and a local resident of Fort Lauderdale since 2013.

He is a published poet and music aficionado.

Currently he DJs at Ramrod on Sundays.

He has been a disc jockey since 1992 and jockey in Washington, DC, New York City and Fort Lauderdale. One of his passions is to spotlighting the latest in indie and underground dance music.

S e r v i c e s Fax: 954.533.2327

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954.849.5544 SouthFloridaGayNews

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Born in Fort Lauderdale and Raised in Broward County • Graduated from Pompano Beach High School Single Dad, three sons • Trying cases for close to 30 years Spent first half focusing on prosecuting rapists and career criminals Joined his father's law practice, Bailey, Bailey & Bailey as a criminal defense attorney Defended numerous cases from misdemeanors , to major crimes- including capital cases Served as Chair of the ESE Advisory Commission as well as representing numerous students with special needs before the School Board • Handled Federal Civil Rights Cases, 2002- 2007 Member of Autism Society of America/Broward Chapter Supported by Emilio Benitez, Esq., Rae Chorowski, Esq., and Joanne Lewis, Esq. Cell 954-668-1078

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8.6.2014 //33

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lifestyle lifestyle history history

Gay History 101 Pier Angelo

The Oldest Known Gay Graffiti: Found on the Greek island of

Important People: David Michael Pallone (born October 5, 1951 in Waltham, Massachusetts) is a former Major League Baseball umpire who worked in the National League from 1979 to 1988. On April 30, 1988, Pallone was involved in a highly controversial confrontation with Cincinnati Reds manager Pete Rose. The incident led to fans throwing garbage on the field, temporarily stopping the game and causing Pallone to be taken out of the game to ease tensions. In September of that year, Pallone was forced to resign. He was “outed” in a New York Post article later in the year. Pallone later wrote his autobiography, Behind the Mask: My Double Life in Baseball, about his experiences as a gay man working in baseball. His autobiography became a New York Times best-seller, and he now spends his time working with gay youth, speaking to corporations and athletes with the NCAA about diversity in regard to sexual orientation, and is preparing to launch the EBook version of Behind the Mask: My Double Life in Baseball.

Interesting Facts:

T

he Greek have been known for open homosexuality for hundreds of years.

Photo: Wikipedia

Santorini, formerly Thera. The inscription dates date from the sixth century B.C. and appears to record homosexual acts performed as rites of initiation.

The First English-language Dictionary of Sexual Information: “The Encyclopedia of

D

Sexual Knowledge”, edited by the Australian homophile Norman Haire in 1934 .

avid Michael Pallone Guido Westerwelle

(born December, 27 1961) is a German politician who served as the Foreign Minister in the second cabinet of Chancellor Angela Merkel and was Vice Chancellor of Germany from 2009 to 2011. He is the first openly gay person to hold either of those positions. He had been the chairman of the Free Democratic Party of Germany (FDP) since May 2001, but stepped down in 2011. A lawyer by profession, he was member of the Bundestag from 1996 to 2013.

Dates to Remember: 1836: The Last Execution for Homosexuality in Britain: The death penalty for sodomy would, however, remain on the books until 1861.

1968: The first complete sex-change operation: Performed

in the U.S. by Dr John Money of John Hopkins University.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

8.6.2014 //35

outeats

Special Advertising Section

Summer Gazpacho Jay Rinaldi

This cool & refreshing soup is always a crowd pleaser, or an individual indulgence poolside with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio,

as I am currently while thinking of you my peeps.

So, in order:

2 slices of white bread cut into squares with the crust removed 4 garlic cloves 2 tbsps fresh oregano leaves 2 tbsps fresh parsley ALL INTO FOOD PROCESSOR TO FINE CHOP...then add on low speed 5 tbsps extra virgin olive oil & 5 tbsps red wine vinegar and blitz to a puree...then pour contents into a large bowl.

Then, in same food processor, add 2 large cleaned red bell peppers and puree. Add 2 chopped red onions and puree, and add a chopped hothouse cucumber and puree.

Then add this to the above large bowl.

In food processor, add 2 seeded tomatoes (I love heirlooms for this), 3/4 cup of

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SouthFloridaGayNews

kalamata olives, 4 tsp sea salt, 2 tsp pepper, and puree...add to bowl.

Add 46 oz of tomato juice to bowl...I often use V8 spicy...mix, cover with plastic and refrigerate for 3 hours.

When serving garnish with feta and chive sprigs.

Its super simple and decadent my peeps... enjoy and taste the love!

Jay Rinaldi is a great cook, avid SFGN reader, and local bartender extraordinaire.

C’mon Get Happy HAPPY HOUR MON-FRI 4pm - 7pm

Beefcakes

$5 Flatbreads

Bacon, Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese BBQ Chicken & Smoked Gouda Prosciutto, Arugula & Mozzarella Smoked Salmon Tostada

$5 wines

Sartori ~ Pinot Grigio Kato ~ Sauvignon Blanc Calling All Angels ~ Chardonnay Soul Sister ~ Pinot Noir Hella Fine ~ Merlot

Open daily @ 4pm ~ 2037 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors ~ 13-even.com

So, in order:

Wilton Manors’ Premier Wine Bar Happy Hour Daily Until 7pm

Half-priced

Bottles All Night Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

$ $5 Summer Snacks

All Night - Every Night

Our Kitchen is Always Open Late!

Flight Night Tuesday Facebook Friday

Tues - Thurs 4pm-12am • Fri 4pm-1am • Sat 2pm-1am • Closed Sunday & Monday

Naked Grape Wine and Tapas soflagaynews //

Follow us on Twitter @TNGWB

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

8.6.2014 //37

F O R

S F G N ITES

T H E

J.W. Arnold

jw@prdconline.com

THUR MUSIC

W E E K

O F

a u g u s t

7

-

a u g u s t

1 2 ,

2 0 1 4

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

8/7

If you played in the high school marching band, we’ve got an event for you. Each summer, thousands of young musicians travel the country competing with drum and bugle corps before converging in Indianapolis for the Drum Corps International world championships in August. Tonight, the top 15 groups will face off with extraordinary programs of pageantry and precision, and the event is being broadcast live in movie theaters across the country. Tickets are $18. For a list of local theaters and tickets, go to DCI.org.

FRI

CABARET

8/8

After six years of variety showcases, Conundrum Stages presents its first full production tonight at 8 p.m. at the Sunrise Civic Center Theatre, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd. Spotlighting both cabaret and coffee house acts, “Café Conundrum” will feature local stage actors, comedians, musical soloists and performance poetry, all in an effort to recognize the wide range of talent in South Florida. Performers include singers John Lariviere ad Jeanne Lynn Gray, actors Fern and Barry Katz and Skye Whitcomb and comedians Rhett Thompson and Pam Bruno. Tickets are $12 at SunriseFL.gov

SAT

FUNDRAISER

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and Live” broadcast on Thursday, Aug. 7 at theaters across the country.

Photo: DCI

8/9 SUN

Poverello hosts its 24th annual Bowl-a-Thon today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sawgrass Lanes, 8501 N. University Dr. in Tamarac. Beat the summer heat while making an impact on the lives of Broward County residents living with HIV/AIDS and who cannot afford to buy adequate, nutritious food. It’s not too late to put together a team of five to compete in the tournament or sign up to be a virtual bowler and support the effort with your financial contribution. For more information or to sign up, go to Poverello.org.

38

he Cadets are one of 15 top drum T and bugle corps featured in the Drum Corps International “Big, Loud

// SFGN.com //

THEATER

8/10 MON

“Shorts Gone Wild 2,” South Florida’s “adult” short play festival returns to Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Dr., Thursday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 7. A collaboration of Miami’s City Theatre and Island City Stage, the production takes six actors, seven playwrights and five directors and whips them up into the cast and crew for eight short plays with an LGBT bent. Some highlights include Tony Finstrom’s “The Last Time I Saw Bathhouse Betty,” Michael McKeever’s “Sarah Stein Sends a Selfie” and “The Emperor is Naked!” by Michael Leeds. Tickets are $30 at Island City Stage.org.

soflagaynews //

CABARET

8/11 TUE

The Plaza Theatre, 262 S. Ocean Blvd. in Manalapan, continues its summer cabaret series with “Oy Vey, It’s Broadway!” This one-man show featuring Wayne LeGette explores the influence of Jewish composers on the Great White Way. The incredibly talented singer performs songs by Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hammerstein and Stephen Sondheim and other legends who helped mold and continue to shape the sounds of modern day Broadway. Enjoy the show on Saturdays and Mondays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. through Aug. 18.

Tickets are $25 at ThePlazaTheatre.net

SouthFloridaGayNews

TELEVISION

8/12

They’re back! After a successful Kickstarter fundraising campaign, the hit Internet television series “Where the Bears Are” is back for a third season. The comedy/mystery series follows the misadventures of three gay bear roommates living together in Los Angeles as they attempt to solve the serial murders of young porn models. The suspense will be “unbearable” (pun intended). This season consists of 22 seven-minute episodes posted every Monday and Thursday and includes several guest stars, including the dashing Tuc Watkins (“Desperate Housewives”). To watch the latest episodes, go to WhereTheBearsAre.TV.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

8.6.2014 //39

a&e web No ‘Clit Tease’ for Island City Stage

Local playwright furious after theater cuts lesbian play

By J.W. Arnold

Photo credit of John Manzelli

Lesbian playwright Kim Ehly angrily took to social media after learning producers of “Shorts Gone Wild 2,” an LGBT-themed short play festival opening this weekend, pulled her play, “Clit Tease,” from the line-up.

“Shorts Gone Wild” is a co-production of Miami’s City Theatre and Island City Stage in its second season featuring a handful of 8- to 10-minute short plays performed by a cast of six actors. All the plays have LGBT or adult themes.

Ehly said she initially received praise for her play in a text message from producers after the first reading: “Your play is very good. It’s sexy, very funny and has an important point to make.” Then, she was contacted two weeks later by producers who told her the play was pulled because two straight female actors in the small cast refused to perform the play, citing personal reasons.

Ehly wrote on her blog and posted to Facebook: “This is a play inspired by a meld of women from over 26 years of being a lesbian.

Their behavior is the inspiration for this piece... it is a matter of telling the lesbian perspective of the habit of ‘straight’ women that like to toy with lesbians for sport. It is a common occurrence. If that makes them look bad, that is only a result of their own behavior.

“The play also explores Narcissistic Personality Disorder. I take it as a huge compliment that there are such strong reactions to the play and that it is assumed to be based on truth rather than fiction.

This play is meant to stir emotions. That speaks to an ability to write from a place of connecting to something far below the surface of things.”

Andy Rogow, artistic director of Island City Stage and co-producer of “Shorts Gone Wild 2,” called the entire situation “unfortunate.”

“We can be accused of a lot of things, but it came down to a choice between a play or two actors. Both sides were right, but they couldn’t be reconciled,” Rogow said.

Ehly pledged to produce the short play with her own company, Kutumba Theatre Project, which focuses solely on lesbian themes.

Ehly, who is in New York City for the debut of her play, “BabyGirL,” at the New York Fringe Festival, said, “A company can’t claim to represent the LGBT community if they leave the ‘L’ out.”

“Shorts Gone Wild 2” opens Thursday, Aug. 7 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 7 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Dr. in Fort Lauderdale. For tickets and show times, go to IslandCityStage.org.

K

im Ehly

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SouthFloridaGayNews

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

8.6.2014 // 41

a&e film

Alan Brown

AMERICAN TAX & INSUR ANCE Meet the Director of “Five Dances” “e safe return of your money is our top priority.”

David-Elijah Nahmod

Transfer Your Money to a Guaranteed Return Fixed Annuity

10

“Five Dances” is a lovely low-budget independent film from director Alan Brown, which SFGN recently reviewed.

Now Alan Brown talks to SFGN about his beautiful coming-of-age film, which centers around Chip (Ryan Steele), a young gay man who comes out and finds first love as he searches for his footing in the dance world.

SFGN: You seem to know the dance world well. Are you or have you been a dancer?

Alan Brown: I’m an OK social dancer, but I’ve never been a professional dancer. I’m an enthusiastic dancegoer. My love of dance inspired the film. I included a small dance segment in my film “Super Heroes.” I really loved working with the dancers and that put the idea for “Five Dances” in my head.

SFGN: Is the film at all autobiographical, such as the coming out/first love storylines?

Brown: Not at all. It’s a sweet, very romantic coming out story—don’t we all wish we had that story? I was inspired to create the story by having the guys in my cast. They’re really sweet guys, and the story was created for them.

SFGN: What about Chip’s overbearing Mom? Brown: My mom was very lovely and loving, but I have plenty of friends who have nightmarish moms. I just made the mom in the film up.

SFGN: Do you mind if we ask whether or not you’re gay?

Brown: I’m a gay filmmaker. It’s important to

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SouthFloridaGayNews

deal with gay film subjects because there’s not enough of them out there. It’s important to have positive gay love stories. Older gay men have told me they wished they had these when they were younger.

SFGN: It was interesting, and strange, in the film, to see the dancers rehearsing to silence. I think most audience members expect to see dancers moving to music.

Brown: Our choreographer created the pieces to silence, which is very frequent in contemporary dance. Rehearsals are usually done in silence so the choreographer can talk to people and go into explain things. “Five Dances” is a peek into the reality of the dance world.

SFGN: How difficult can it be to market a low-budget niche audience film?

Brown: I don’t directly deal with marketing.

When I make my films I know they have a limited and specific audience. Financing is the most difficult aspect of it; I would make many more movies if the financing were easier. My films don’t require much money, and I’m lucky to be in New York City. There’s a great talent pool willing to work for little money. If you’re going to sign on for my films, you do it because you actually like the process of it; the creative process is very satisfying.

SFGN: How has the film done?

Brown: It’s done well. It’s played overseas in Europe and Asia and won prizes. For a tiny little film, I’m very gratified. It makes me particularly happy because the dancers worked so hard. I can give back to them.

“Five Dances” is now on DVD.

a&e tv

“Youthful Daze”

Popular Web Soap Introduces Gay Love Triangle and Cast Members From “Days of Our Lives” David-Elijah Nahmod

Photo: youthfuldaze.com

Note for Note | Cut for Cut

Elton John Greatest Hits AUGUST 14

Bryan James plays many roles off screen, but on set of the web series “Youthful Daze.” He’s the creator, star, writer and one of the executive producers. The enthusiastic young man is in love with the creation, and his positive energy is infectious, pulling people into the deliciously naughty world he’s created.

Buzz surrounds “Youthful Daze” as the series’ newly introduced gay love triangle gets underway. Two performers from the iconic daytime soap “Days of Our Lives” have signed on; Jen Lilley (“Days’” Theresa) and Jade Harlow (Sheryl) will be seen throughout the entire third season of “Youthful Daze.” Harlow is also fondly remembered for her three-year stint as Jessica on the Dark Shadows/Bewitched hybrid soap “Passions.”

As the third season gets underway, Bryan James speaks to SFGN about his gem.

SFGN: Can you describe the premise of “Youthful Daze”?

James: It’s “Beverly Hills 90210” meets “Cruel Intentions.” It’s about rich, rich, rich kids in Southern California who have too much money but no morals. “90210” was where it was at for me during the 90s. I build the characters so you’ll end up caring about them.

You care about their interpersonal relationships, which includes storylines about blindness, abortion and now a gay love triangle.

I’m treating the gay storyline as though it were a straight storyline. Johnny, Oliver and Drew are gay; I’m committed to that.

SFGN: What moves you to support gay rights and present gay storylines as a straight person?

James: I’m very liberal. It’s so sad to me that kids are killing themselves over who they are.

The entertainment industry can change that.

SFGN: Can you describe your story writing process?

James: I’m finding issues that teens deal with and finding the balls to do it. I’m an actor and an artist. Let’s find the truth in each scene.

SFGN: What moved you to pursue acting and the entertainment industry?

James: We moved around a lot when I was a child. When you move around you don’t get to build relationships. I wouldn’t be here talking to you if I hadn’t needed to find a way to connect. I found my outlet through TV & film.

Experience Elton John’s most beloved songs as you remember them from the album Elton John Greatest Hits featuring all your favorites including “Your Song,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Rocket Man” and “Candle In the Wind.”

Prince I Purple Rain SEPTEMBER 11

SFGN: Are you able to pursue other roles/projects while you work on this series?

James: “Youthful Daze” is my full-time job. I’m self-financing this. I’ve taken out three loans so far, and I believe there is potential to make money from the show. I’ve made a small amount of money from Bullet TV and Webisodes Network. It’s becoming like a real soap opera.

Season two had twenty-two episodes; season three will offer forty-two episodes, I think we’re the first web series to produce so many episodes.

Season three episodes will run concurrent with holidays, so we’ll release a Christmas episode at Christmas time.

SFGN: Anything else you’d like to say about Youthful Daze?

Purple Rain, the album that made Prince a superstar is one of the most exciting rock & roll albums ever recorded with hits such as “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy” and “I Would Die 4 U.” Don’t miss this electric night of music.

James: If this was the End of Days [rapture], what would the last generation of teens be like?

More info about Youthful Daze, and complete episodes, can be found at: http://www. youthfuldaze.com The gay love triangle commences with the season two episode “Pretty Little Liars.”

For tickets and group discounts, call 954.462.0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.com Follow us:

BrowardCenter

soflagaynews // SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // Classic4.875x10.75.indd 1

8.6.2014 //43 7/23/14 12:32 PM

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a&e theater

Sexy Musical Still Making Audiences Blush J.W. Arnold Forty years after its Off Broadway premiere, Earl Wilson, Jr.’s musical, “Let My People Come,” still has audiences snickering and blushing at its frank sexual content.

This weekend, the show celebrates that landmark anniversary in a new production at Andrews Living Arts (ALA).

For ALA director Robert Nation, the production is special. Nation first saw the show as a young man in New York and went on to serve as stage manager for a Philadelphia production soon after.

“The show is a potpourri of everything we laugh about behind closed doors,” said Nation, “and, of course, there is nudity.”

When it comes to sexuality, no topic is off limits with songs that continue to poke fun at societal sexual morays four decades later.

Among Nation’s favorites is “Fellatio 101,” an instruction in the art of oral sex offered by a teacher performed in drag. The teacher hands the “students” bananas to practice and reminds them to peel them because they’re not Jewish (circumcised).

Other songs celebrate gay and lesbian sex,

perhaps the only topic that is talked about more openly since the musical’s premiere.

The biggest difference over the years is in how young people court each other.

“I’m also a teacher and what I’ve found in high school is kids are driven by their cell phones,” Nation said. “Relationships are started and ended with texting. Touch, eyesight, smell and tone of voice are lost. We are losing those senses when it comes to our sexuality.”

To open the production, Wilson, will be in Fort Lauderdale, rekindling a friendship Nation struck with the composer and lyricist decades earlier.

“He’s a pretty important person to have in our little town of Fort Lauderdale and a little theater like mine,” explained Nation.

One of the strengths of the show, Wilson said in a telephone interview from his Fort Lauderdale hotel room, is its continuing evolution.

“It’s been in development for 40 years,” said Wilson. “I’ve added and taken away from it, it’s never the same thing twice.”

Wilson still enthusiastically recalls the origins of the show: Nudity was still novel on Broadway

with the success of “Hair” and “Oh, Calcutta!” and one of the producers called Wilson and dared him to write his most outrageous song about sex in just 30 minutes.

“I had a wonderful affair with a woman he had introduced me to a year earlier and thought about a situation that happened with this woman,” Wilson said. “It was such an enlightening and enriching experience, I wrote it down and ran to his apartment with the tape recorder.”

That song? “Come in My Mouth.”

“We treated the whole thing as a joke. We just did it one song at a time,” he said, but soon the project was becoming serious.

“Oh, Calcutta!” had been written by famous Broadway talent who refused to have their real names attached to the show, and once Wilson committed to finishing the project, he needed a cast to inspire the remaining songs.

Knowing some of the performers might balk

at appearing on stage naked, he invited them to his parents’ home for a rehearsal and greeted them in the living room at the piano in his birthday suit.

“Half took their clothes off at the door and the other half refused,” he said.

The cast worked out their own issues and the show opened to sold out audiences at the small Village Gate theater in Manhattan. The cast album earned Wilson a Grammy nomination and the show would tour the world for 20 years.

And now the show is seeing new life, first at Andrews Living Arts and next year in a big Las Vegas production.

“Let My People Come” will be performed at Andrews Living Arts, 23 NW 5th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, Thursdays – Saturdays at 8 p.m. through Aug. 30. Tickets are $29.95 and can be reserved by calling 800-838-3006.

All Positions Wanted!

Come join South Florida’s largest LGBT sports organization celebrating over 20 years of community New Sunday Softball season starting soon!

Ratings Clinic* and Draft for New ALL skill levels welcome for men and women

Members

Sunday, August 3rd and

Sunday, August 10th Registration each day begins at 9:15 am Ratings Assessment starts at 10:00 am

Mills Pond Park 2201 N. Powerline Road Fort Lauderdale 33311

*Every new member must be rated at one of our ratings clinics prior to league play.

For more information or to sign up, go to www.sfaaa.net or call (954) 465-8559 soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com //

8.6.2014 //45

Datebook

Theater Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com

broward county Crosby, Still & Nash

Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The awardwinning band has rocked the world since their debut in 1969. Tickets $49 to $99. Call 954-4620222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* The Queen of Melody

Aug. 9 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Singer Shreya Ghoshal sing her memorable hits from Bollywood films and pays tribute to musical legends. Tickets $39 to $169. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Elton John Greatest Hits

Aug. 14 at 8 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. Talented musicians pay tribute to the singer’s portfolio with hits like “Bennie and the Jets,” “Candle in the Wind,” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” Tickets $25 to $49.

Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.org.

* Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis in Concert

Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The tribute artist performs The King’s greatest hits with an eightpiece band and dancers. Tickets $51.47. Call 954462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

Palm palm beach county

Paisley: Country Nation World Tour: will bump and Brad grind Aug 16th at 7pm at the Cruzan Amphitheatre.

Facebook.com/SunsetCoveAmphitheater.

Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden * OneRepublic Native Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. at Cruzan Amphitheatre, Summer Tour with The Script 601 Sansburys Way #7 in West Palm Beach.

Nine Inch Nails performs in support of their 2013 album, “Hesitation Marks,” joined by Soundgarden in a duo show that hasn’t been seen since 1994. Tickets $52 to $429. Call 561795-8883 or visit CruzanAmphitheatre.net.

* The Summer Nationals Tour

Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. at Cruzan Amphitheatre, 601 Sansburys Way #7 in West Palm Beach.

Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Metropolitan Community The Offspring will be celebrating the 20th Church of the Palm Beaches, 4857 Northlake anniversary of “Smash” with bands Bad Religion Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens. A part of the and Pennywise. Tickets $47 to $1,007. Call 561church’s monthly “Soul Search,” Christian 795-8883 or visit CruzanAmphitheatre.net. recording artist Shawn Thomas will perform.

Free. Call 561-775-5900 or email info@ * Slightly Stoopid mccpalmbeach.org.

Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 20405 Amphitheater Circle in Boca Raton. The Carnivores Tour: Linkin Park, reggae rock band will be opened by Stephen 30 Seconds to Mars and AFI Marley and G. Love & Special Sauce. Tickets Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. at Cruzan Amphitheatre, 601 $34.50 in advance and $40 day of show. Visit Sansburys Way #7 in West Palm Beach. The http://tinyurl.com/n88f7s3. three heavyweight rock bands hit the stage for a night of great music. Tickets $52 to $429. Call * Brad Paisley: 561-795-8883 or visit CruzanAmphitheatre.net.

Shawn Thomas

Country Nation World Tour

Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. at Cruzan Amphitheatre, On the Roxx 601 Sansburys Way #7 in West Palm Beach.

Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater, The country singer will be joined by Randy 20405 Amphitheater Circle in Boca Raton. Dress Houser, Leah Turner & Charlie Worsham. in your best ‘80s gear for music from the era of Tickets $37 to $256. Call 561-795-8883 or visit hair bands and “Sixteen Candles.” Free. Visit

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CruzanAmphitheatre.net.

soflagaynews //

Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. at Cruzan Amphitheatre, 601 Sansburys Way #7 in West Palm Beach. The pop rock bands take on the summer in their tour.

Tickets $42 to $319. Call 561-795-8883 or visit CruzanAmphitheatre.net.

miami-dade county Miami

out to his daughter, he finds she’s turned into an unhappy teen. Tickets $42.50 to $45. Call 305446-1116 or visit GableStage.org

Becky’s New Car

Through Aug. 17 at the Main Street Playhouse, 6766 Main St. in Miami Lakes. Becky takes a job at a car dealership, and when a customer mistakes her for a widow, she goes along with it and leads a double life. Tickets $18 to 25. Call 305-558-3737 or visit MainStreetPlayers.com

* Centralia

H2OMBRE

* Mid-Life 2!

(The Crisis Continues)

PAMM Outdoor Music Series

Through Aug. 17 at the Actor’s Playhouse, 280 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. Sketch and musical comedy pokes fun at growing old and midlife crises. Tickets $45. Call 954-444-9293 or visit ActorsPlayhouse.org.

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

The Whale

The Big Show

Aug. 14 to 31 at 8 p.m. at the Miami Theater Center, 9816 NE Second Ave. in Miami Shores.

An underground fire in the ‘60s is still burning 20 years later, and all but three residents of the town decide to leave. Tickets $30. Call 866-8114111 or visit MadCatTheatre.org.

Through Aug. 17 at the Biltmore’s GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Ave. in Coral Gables. A 600-pound gay man lives as a recluse in his disheveled apartment teaching English composition online When he wants to reach

SouthFloridaGayNews

Through Aug. 31 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. More than 6,000 gallons of water is used in this incredible show melding aerial feats, thumping music and visuals. Tickets $50 to $125. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

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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Datebook

Community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com

broward county * Prints of the Realm

Aug. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. John F Madeiros shares his photography from his travels around the world. Show runs through Sept. 5. Call Emilio AponteSierra at 954-463-9005, ext. 207 or email galleries@ pridecenterflorida.org..

* Monster Jam

Aug. 15 and 16 at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. An annual tradition at the arena, mega monster trucks return to battle it out.

Tickets $30.30 to $37.45. Call 800-745-3000 or visit TheBBTCenter.com.

* Gay Nuptials: A Wedding Showcase

Aug. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hagen Park Center, 2020 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Engaged same-sex couples can meet with weddings vendors for their special day. Tickets $20, benefiting the Pride Center.

Visit MyGayWeekend.org.

* Dance Underwear Auction

Aug. 17 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Swinging Richards, 1350 SW Second St. in Pompano Beach. Enjoy drink specials and hors d’oeuvres as you browse the auction items, then, the dancers hit the stage for the event of the night! Benefits the Pride Center. Call 954-876-1129 or visit Florida.SwingingRichards.com.

In Pieces

Through Aug. 17 at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, 1650 Harrison St.in Hollywood. The visual artist uses solely LEGO bricks to create works of art that will have you look at that childhood toy a whole different way! Free with center admission. Call 954921-3274 or visit ArtAndCultureCenter.org.

Research & Development: Concerning Belonging

Through Sept. 14 at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, One E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

Student artists from NSU address homelessness and belonging in this exhibit. Call 954-525-5500 or visit MOAFL.org..

Gender Bender Youth Group

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

Man2Man Discussion

Mondays 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. A weekly informal discussion group among gay men of all backgrounds.

Contact John Beuscher at 954-202-4469 or email johnnybushwick@aol.com.

PFLAG

Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Southwest Ranches. A support group for parents of

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LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and locations.

in Lake Worth. A support and discussion group for female recovering alcoholics. Visit LambdaNorth.net.

L.I.F.E. Project

Out of the Closet NA Group

Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Get the tools you need to treat your HIV positive diagnosis and live a full, productive life. Free. Call 954-463-9005 or visit PrideCenterFlorida.org.

GayWrites

Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at the Stonewall Library, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Come join us and write your memoir, poem, blog, novel or short story.

Free. Email garri1@earthlink.net

SunServe Youth Group

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

Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and times.

Safe “T” Transgender/ Gender Variant Group

Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at SunServe South, 2312 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Those who consider themselves to be transgender, transsexual or gender queer are invited to join this drop in support group. Call 954-764-5150 or visit SunServe.org.

POZitive Attitudes

Wednesdays 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. A support group for gay and bisexual men who are infected or impacted by HIV/AIDS. Visit PozitiveAttitudes.com

STD/STI Testing

Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Do you know your STD status? Get tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis in a safe environment. Call 954-566-3553 or email freeHIVtest@pridecenterflorida.org.

Survivor Support

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

palmPalm beach Beachcounty Summer Sushi & Stroll

Aug. 8 from 5:30 top 8:30 p.m. at the Morikami Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach.

Stroll through the gardens with taiko drumming, sake tastings, bites from Cornell Cafe, and sno cones.

Tickets $8 adults, $6 kids. Call 561-495-0233 or visit Morikami.org.

Zumba Fitness

Mondays at 6 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Get moving with a certificated Zumba instructor for an infusion of exercise and dance moves. Donation of $5 or more. Call 561-3241626 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

Positive Connection

Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Men who are HIV positive are invited to come together for support, education, and advocacy. Closed group. Call 561-324-1626 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

Sober Sisters

Mondays at 6:15 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. J St. soflagaynews //

Mondays at 7 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. J St. in Lake Worth. A support and discussion group for LGBT recovering addicts. Visit LambdaNorth.net.

Yoga Among the Orchids

Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at the American Orchid Society, 16700 AOS Lane in Delray Beach. Practice your yoga in the presence of beautiful, calming orchids. $20 a class.

Call 561-404-2011 or visit OrchidWeb.org.

Voices of Pride

Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Join the Gay Men’s Chorus as they practice every week. Free. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com

Overeater’s Anonymous

Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A safe place to discuss their eating habits and goals. Free. Call 561533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com

Coming Out Support Group

Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. a Compass GLCC of the Palm Beaches, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth.

Get support as you explore your sexual identity and be your true self. Call Forrest at 561-479-8313.

Rapid HIV Testing

Mondays and Thursdays from 4 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Knowledge is power, and you can find out your status in less than 20 minutes. No need to make an appointment. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

Shutterbugs

Third Mondays at 7 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Love photography?

Join BLAST and other women to explore the art of digital photography. Free. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com

Green Market

Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon at West Palm Beach Waterfront, 101 S. Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach. A relaxing morning of shopping through green vendors and live entertainment. Contact Katrina Resch 561822-1520 or KResch@wpb.org.

Rusty Gordon GLBT Democratic Caucus

Third Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Meet other like-minded people in this group open to the public. Free. Call 561533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com

PFLAG

Third Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Temple Shaarei, 9085 Hagen Ranch Road in Boynton Beach. A support group for friends and family of LGBT youth.

Call Carole 561-716-9464 or Joyce 561-292-3273.

LGBT Bereavement Group

Second Mondays at 6 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Join bereavement specialists and others experiencing loss. Free. Call 561533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

PBC Gender Support

First and third Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A support group for transgender individuals of all ages. Contact

SouthFloridaGayNews

Heather Wright at A1AHeather@aol.com.

Miami county miami-dade * Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders Dolphins Kickoff Luncheon

Aug. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the InterContinental Downtown Miami, 100 Chopin Plaza in Miami. Have lunch with all the players and coaches of the Miami Dolphins, followed by a Q&A, silent auction, performance by the cheerleaders, and more.

Tickets $125, $110 for chamber members; includes lower level seating at the Sept. 21 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Visit Dolphins.com/lunch.

Masquerade Ball

Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at theBiltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave. in Coral Gables. A Venetian-style gala supporting Pridelines Youth Services. bring your elaborate masquerade mask -- Beatnix in South Beach will take 20 percent off if you mention the gala. Tickets $150. Visit PridelinesMasquerade.com.

HIV Support Group

Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at South Beach AIDS Project, 1234 Washington Ave. Ste. 200 in Miami Beach. A support group for those who are HIV positive.

Free. Call 305-535-4733, ext. 301 or email support@ sobeaids.org.

Rainbow Circle

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

Modern Buddhist Meditation

Mondays and Tuesdays at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Find inner peace with instruction on meditation with Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Nurbu. Cost $10 and $5 per class.

Call 786-529-7137.

Book Study

Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Nurbu, will lead classes on learning the foundations of Buddhism. Call 786-5297137.

Prayers For World Peace

Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon at he Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Buddhist teacher, Todd Ellenberg will lead prayers and meditation. Cost $10. Call 786-529-7137.

Community Yoga Series

Third Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. at jugofresh Wynwood Walls, 222 NW 26th St. in Miami. Yoga instructor Dawn B. Feinberg leads a monthly yoga class in the middle of Miami’s art district. Mats are available, but yogis are encouraged to bring their own. Free. Call 786-472-2552.

Miami Log Cabin Republicans

Fourth Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. at Casa Larios, 7705 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Meet with other like-minded people and hear from speakers in the community. Visit LogCabin.org/chapter/florida-miami.

Sex Talk

Second and fourth Thursdays at Pridelines, 9525 NE Second Ave. #401 in Miami Shores. Conduct outreach events, record video messages, participate in a series of performances, and organize special events with a purpose. Free. Visit Pridelines.org..

* Denotes New Listing

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SFGN Classified$

To place a Classified Ad, call Jason Gonzales at 954.530.4970 or visit SFGN.com home & garden attorneys employment/jobs licensed massage 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.

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

FAST A/C REPAIRS! Lic and insured, CAC057837. A&H A/C. 954-392-1301. We focus on repairs, not selling you new equipment. 24 Hour Service. Evening Appointments Available.

POOL SERVICE Mention this ad and receive your first month

FREE!

home health care

some restrictions apply

counseling

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

Serving Broward Since 1999

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

Treating Drug and Alcohol Addiction for 38 years, since 1976

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 954-398-3676, sidnalll@yahoo.com

• Facilities in

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

piano lessons

561-736-6501

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.

www.beachcomberoutpatient.com

cleaning services CLEAN IT RIGHT! The best cleaning for your buck. 1BD $50, 2BD $60, 3BD $70. Excellent rates & references. 10 years in business. Serving Broward, North Miami Dade & S. Palm Beach.

Call Manny 954-560-4443

computers

pets/supplies home & garden

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

Call 954-986-1316 www.gaycomputerwiz.com

licensed massage

employment/jobs

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

HAIR STYLIST/BARBER WANTED Professional motivated Stylist/Barber for Booth rental position or commission opportunity in upscale Wilton Manors Salon. Please send Resume to info@scissorium or call 954-563-1981

50

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SFGN.com SFGN.com

SouthFloridaGayNews

pets/supplies Dependable Reliable Service Delivered with Love and Respect

furnished housing **PERFECT RELOCATION RENTALS** *4-WEEK+SPECIAL FROM $295/WEEK* Award winning gay apartment hotel. All the comforts of home. Beautifully furnished & fully equipped studio, 1 & 2 BR apartments with full kitchens. All men, clothing optional, heated pool, laundry, private parking. Central to Wilton Manors & Haulover Nude Beach. Wifi, utilities, cable TV, and phone included. Long term monthly rates available for 3 months+. Pets always welcome.

Gay owned & operated. Celebrating our 17th year. Call Joe or Jack at 954-927-0090 or visit www.libertysuites.com

ron@ronspradlin.com Ron Spradlin

LIC # 11000106488

real estate business opportunities GAY APARTMENT RESORT HOTEL PERFECT FOR WORKING RETIREMENT Rare opportunity to enter the booming Fort Lauderdale Gay Accommodations Market.

Owners retiring and offering the award winning Liberty Apartment Suites in Dania Beach, with 11 beautifully furnished apartments with full kitchens.

Established 17 successful seasons with high repeat and referral guests. Currently operated as self-catering, limited service, vacation & extended stay resort hotel-potential for growth and expansion. Immaculate Condition, Turn-key business, All Inclusive. Offered at $950,000.

Qualified Buyers Only - For info, contact: Joe Van Eron 954-383-5548 or Joe@LibertySuites.com

rent/lease fort lauderdale

MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE: 1/1 $750/month, all tile, eat in kitchen, W/D. May be able to help w/ move in costs, call for details. 954-527-9225 LAUDER LAKES: 2/1.5 in 55+ community.

Immediately available, fully furnished, 2 car parking, private yard, new appliances.

Clubhouse with pool, laundry, sauna and more.

Small pets allowed. $1,200. Call Cosmo 954205-7514. www.lauderlakes.com

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8.6.2014 // 51

Talk beforeyou...

Protect yourself and your partner. Talk about testing, your status, condoms, and new options like medicines that prevent and treat HIV. Get the facts and tips on how to start the conversation at cdc.gov/ActAgainstAIDS/StartTalking

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facebook.com/StartTalkingHIV

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@TalkHIV