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November 12, 2014 // vol. 5 // issue 46
Wakefield POOLE & toby ross THE SFGN INTERVIEWs Page 14-15
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Monday during which transgender activists noted that surgery requirement for birth certificates had been dropped in California, Oregon, Vermont, Rhode Island and Washington, D.C.
The City of Cape Coral is now the first municipality in Lee County with a domestic partnership registry for its unmarried couples whose relationship is not recognized by the State of Florida. The
Cape Coral Commission voted 5-3, last week, in favor of domestic partnerships for homosexual and heterosexual couples in a bold move for Southwest Florida residents.
Gay Vets March in Boston Parade For the first time in its history, the City of Boston’s Veterans Day Parade included an LGBT group. OutVets, a group of nonpartisian, nonpolitical LGBT veterans,
Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com
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Jesse Monteagudo • Tony Adams
FALL 2014
• Vol. 3 Issue
TAKING BROADWAY BY STORM
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took part in the parade Tuesday. Boston Mayor Martin Walsh called OutVets’ participation, “a groundbreaking historic moment.”
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ASEXUALITY & AGENDERISM
GAY PLAYS & QUEER COMICS BROADWAY BAB TRANS ADULTS ES &
Fall 2014
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Correspondents
Cape Coral Approves Domestic Partnership Registry
On Stands NOW!
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Compiled by John McDonald
NYC Weighs Birth Certificate Changes Transgender New Yorkers are asking the City to eliminate a requirement that they must have gender-reassignment surgery to change their designated gender on their birth certificates. The request was made at the City Health Council committee meeting
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news highlight
Country Song Breaks New Ground
John McDonald
Kacey Musgraves says you only have a few trips around the sun so enjoy it. “Say what you think. Love who you love,” sings Musgraves in the hit country song “Follow Your Arrow.” The number captured Song of the Year honors at the 48th Annual Country Music Association Awards last week in Nashville, Tenn. Written by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, the song embraces a no regrets, pro-equality, you only live once philosophy. “Do you guys realize what this means for country music?” Musgraves said from the stage after accepting the award. In “Follow Your Arrow” Musgraves croons about rolling up a joint and kissing boys and girls. The song is part of her Grammy winning album, Same Trailer Different Park. It won CMA Song of the Year despite not receiving heavy radio airplay. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) applauded Musgraves and encouraged followers on Twitter to show their appreciation for the song’s message by using the hashtag, #FollowYourArrow.
IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS Get a Lung CT screening for just $150.
Lung cancer may be one of the most fatal cancers, but it’s also one of the most treatable. During November, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Broward Health is offering lung CT screenings for $150. Low dose CT lung screenings are quick, easy and have minimal radiation exposure. To qualify for the $150 rate, you must meet the following “HIGH RISK” criteria: • Between 55-74 years old • Current smoker or have quit within the past 15 years • Smoke at least a pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years
Visit BrowardHealth.org/LungCancer to take the risk assessment and see if you qualify. Criteria based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines.
Please call 954.759.7500 to schedule your appointment. The $150 rate is only valid during the month of November. A prescription is required.
BrowardHealth.org/LungCancer soflagaynews //
SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 11.12.2014 //
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News Briefs Compiled by John McDonald
Official: NC Magistrates Duty-Bound to Marry Gays
The chief administrator of North Carolina’s courts told a top legislator that magistrates are duty-bound to marry gay couples and he’s seen no federal law or rulings exempting them based on religious beliefs opposing same-sex marriage. Administrative Office of the Courts Director John W. Smith wrote this week in response to a letter from Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, and more than two dozen other Senate Republicans. The
E
quality TV Campaign Begins in Mississippi
M
alaysian Muslims Win Bid To Cross-Dress
Three Malaysian Muslim transgender people won a landmark court ruling against a religious law banning them from crossdressing in what activists called a victory for human rights in a conservative Southeast Asian nation. A three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals unanimously ruled Friday that the Shariah law in Negeri Sembilan state was discriminatory as it failed to recognize men diagnosed with gender identity issues. It said the law deprived transgender people of “the right to live with dignity.” “This is degrading, oppressive and inhumane,” said Judge Mohamad Hishammuddin Mohamad Yunus. Hishammuddin said the Islamic law was aimed at curbing homosexual and lesbian activities that led to the spread of HIV. The present case “has nothing to do with homosexuality,” but was about Muslim men with a medical condition, he added. A lower court dismissed the case in 2012, saying the three transgender people must adhere to Islamic law because they were Muslim and born male. The three, who have been certified by doctors to have gender identity issues, appealed the decision. The state’s Islamic Religious Department could still appeal the ruling at the top Federal Court, although it wasn’t immediately clear if it plans to do so.
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Mary Jane Kennedy considers herself a conservative Christian Republican, and she’s led Bible studies in her native Mississippi for decades. She’s also the mother of two gay sons and one of the faces in a new advertising campaign aimed at softening religious opposition in the Deep South to equal rights for people who are LGBT. The Washington-based Human Rights Campaign is taking on the region’s longstanding church-based opposition to homosexuality in a series of groundbreaking television commercials, direct-mail messages and phone-bank operations designed to promote equality and legal protections for LGBT people in Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi. TV commercials began airing Monday in Jackson, the state’s largest city and prime media market, with Kennedy featured as a mom who struggled to understand her own sons’ sexuality and believes God loves them, just like everyone else. The commercials also will be available online, as will banner ads on websites. Other commercials may follow in Alabama and Arkansas depending on the reception and results of the Mississippi campaign. The Mississippi effort - which will cost $310,000 - is part of an $8.5 million, three-year effort launched six months ago in the three states.
G
olfer Apologizes for Gay Slur
Patrick Reed hasn’t received this much attention since he pressed his finger to his lips in Scotland to quiet the Ryder Cup crowd. This time it was his own mouth that got the 24-year-old American into trouble when he berated himself with swearing and a gay slur. Reed apologized on Friday for his outburst at the HSBC Champions, which was captured on live television during the opening round of a World Golf Championship. “Yesterday, I made a stupid error,” Reed said. “Sorry for definitely the words that I said and everything that went on. Never should have happened. Unfortunately, it happened to me and all I can do is just learn from it and move on, hopefully continue playing well and keep giving fans something to watch.” He was on his 10th hole (No. 1) at Sheshan International in the opening round when he missed a 5-foot putt. Microphones caught him using the F-word twice and capping it off with
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Oct. 24 letter asked Smith to revise a directive ordering magistrates to perform civil weddings for gay couples or face losing their jobs. Several magistrates have quit rather than perform same-sex marriages since two federal judges last month blocked enforcement of the state’s gay marriage prohibition approved by voters in 2012. The rulings came when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear a case that overturned Virginia’s similar ban.
Carl DeMaio (REP)
“Faggot!” in a fit of rage over his three-putt bogey. Golf Channel analyst Frank Nobilo immediately apologized to viewers.
Gay Republican Concedes
Republican Carl DeMaio on Sunday conceded defeat to incumbent Scott Peters in one of the nation’s most hotly contested congressional races to represent a large part of San Diego, ending a bitter campaign that was rocked by claims that he sexually harassed a former staffer. DeMaio, who is openly gay, said he will work within his party to make it more inclusive, echoing a theme of his campaign. He was not more specific about his plans but said the campaign was “incredibly painful” and left him wary about electoral politics. “It’s clear that we are falling short in the vote counts and I wish Mr. Peters the best because I care so much about the interests of San Diego,” he told The Associated Press. “I’m incredibly proud of the inclusive and diverse campaign coalition that we forged and I remain committed to challenging the Republican Party to become more inclusive and more positive in its efforts to build a governing majority.” Peters, a moderate Democrat, leads with 51.3 percent of the vote compared DeMaio’s 48.7 percent, with nearly all votes counted. The Associated Press called the race for Peters, 56, on Friday. DeMaio’s campaign was upended in its final weeks when Todd Bosnich, former policy director, said he was harassed by his former boss and offered $50,000 to stay quiet. DeMaio vigorously denied the allegations and called them a “false smear.”
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news bites
by John McDonald
international Eric Brinker, son a former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, is advocating for LGBT equality in the conservative Central European country. Brinker spoke recently at the “LGBT Night of Inclusion” at the U.S. Embassy in Budapest in cooperation with the Harvey Milk Foundation.
national
Photo: Facebook
Lambda Legal is suing the Social Security Administration on behalf of a gay Chicago widow. The national organization is representing Dave Williams, a widower formerly of Arkansas, now living in Chicago, who was denied spousal benefits after the death of his husband, Carl Allen.
state
Miami Beach legislator David Richardson is the last man standing in Tallahassee. Richardson, 57, a Democrat, is a certified public accountant and the lone openly gay member of the Florida legislature.
Photo: Facebook
local Equality Florida, the state’s largest civil rights organization, is coming to Fort Lauderdale for its annual fundraising gala on Nov. 16. Questions are sure to be on attendees’ minds in the election aftermath which did not bode well for the LGBT community.
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N A H T E R O M s 50 locat ion
. E G N A R IN
With more than fifty locations across Broward County, there’s always a Broward Health doctor’s office, urgent care center, or top-ranked hospital within range. Maybe even closer than you think. To find the Broward Health facility nearest you, visit us online at BrowardHealth.org, or call 954.759.7400.
Ryan Tannehill
PRO QUARTE RBACK
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news analysis
The Long and Winding Road to the Supreme Court Lyle Denniston SCOTUSblog
Depending upon how fast lawyers choose to move, the issue of same-sex marriage could be back before the Supreme Court in a matter of days. So far, only one option has been closed off. The remaining options have some, perhaps considerable, chances of success. The decision Thursday by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, upholding bans on same-sex marriage in four states, has clearly increased the prospect that the Justices will now take on one or more appeals — perhaps even in time for decision in the current Term. Already, lawyers representing some of the same-sex couples involved have promised a swift appeal to the Supreme Court. A direct challenge to the Sixth Circuit’s ruling is one of a handful of potential ways to try to persuade the Court to step in now. When the Court on October 6 turned down seven petitions from five states, there was then no split in final decisions among federal courts of appeals in the most recent round of same-sex marriage lawsuits; all had struck down state bans. But the actual date of those denials is now decisive in taking away one option to appeal to the Court. Under the Court’s rules, a lawyer in any one of those cases could have asked the Justices to reconsider the denial. That is a tactic that almost never works, but there is an important modern precedent for doing so: after the Supreme Court had turned down a major case on the rights of war-onterrorism detainees at Guantanamo Bay in 2007, it changed its mind, accepted review, and went on to issue a major constitutional ruling in 2008. 8
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Before the Sixth Circuit’s ruling on samesex marriage, such a rehearing plea probably would have been futile. The option is no longer available: the Court’s Rule 44 says that a petition for rehearing of the denial of a petition must be filed within twenty-five days after the denial order was issued. And the rule specifies that the time “will not be extended.” So, for the seven petitions, that cutoff date has come and gone. What other options remain? There is the option of asking the Sixth Circuit itself to reconsider its ruling before the full bench (“en banc”) as a prelude to going on to the Supreme Court, but that would slow down the process considerably and very likely would delay the issue beyond the Court’s current Term. And, it appears, at least some of the lawyers and their clients have already ruled that out. Assuming a direct approach to the Supreme Court, here are some alternatives: Option 1: File one or more petitions for review, focusing on the Sixth Circuit’s ruling. While the Court’s rules allow ninety days before such a petition must be filed, no one expects any lawyer interested in prompt review to take that much time. Petitions could be filed very quickly because the lawyers involved are fully familiar with the issues, and need not write an exhaustive petition at this stage. It basically would be a matter of rearranging arguments already advanced in lower courts and then getting the documents printed — tasks that can be done very rapidly. Lawyers handling the several cases will be planning jointly, but that, too, need not take much time. Option 2: File a petition for review soflagaynews //
of a ruling by a different federal appeals court that has not yet been appealed to the Supreme Court and for which the ninetyday filing deadline has not yet been reached. There was not much promise of gaining Supreme Court review of such a case when there was no split in the appeals courts; now there is. Cases decided in the Ninth Circuit, for example, would be open to this option, particularly a case from Idaho. That is an option that might well be attracted to officials in a state who want to continue to strongly defend their same-sex marriage bans. Option 3: Ask the Supreme Court to grant review now of a case that is now pending in a federal appeals court, but has not yet been decided there. Such a petition for “certiorari before judgment” is allowed, as long as the case has formally been filed in a federal appeals court. That is already the situation for cases from Louisiana and Texas, in the Fifth Circuit; from Kansas, in the Tenth Circuit, and from Florida, in the Eleventh Circuit. It will soon be true in other courts of appeals, such as a Puerto Rico case in the First Circuit. Among those three options, Option 1 might have the most promise of gaining Supreme Court review because the Sixth Circuit’s decision is the one that broke the pattern, because it involves an array of cases from four states, raising the constitutionality of bans on both new same-sex marriages and the official state recognition of outof-state same-sex marriages, because it was written by a highly respected court of appeals judge (Jeffrey S. Sutton), because it brought a stirring dissent by another well-
SouthFloridaGayNews
regarded jurist (Senior Circuit Judge Martha Craig Daughtrey), and because the opinions swept across all of the issues that have been raised in case after case — even the rather obscure question whether a refusal to recognize an out-of-state same-sex marriage violates the constitutional right to travel, and the emotional question of whether a death certificate for a same-sex spouse who has now died should show that there was a surviving spouse. The time to prepare the papers in pursuing any one of the three options would not vary much between them. One thing, though, needs to be stressed: the Court itself still retains the option of choosing not to get involved. However, a month after it made that choice on October 6, the situation has changed dramatically, and that option has certainly diminished, if it hasn’t actually lapsed as a realistic matter. If any petition gets to the Court within the next few weeks (at the outside), it could be put before the Justices in time for a hearing and decision in the current Term. The seven petitions denied on October 6 were moved along at a much faster pace than normal. Update: Lawyers representing the challengers in all six of the cases decided by the Sixth Circuit Court have agreed, legal sources said Friday, that they will each go directly to the Supreme Court, bypassing en banc review requests. Petitions in the Supreme Court may be filed as early as late next week, according to those sources. That probably would head off any vote, called at the request of any judge on the Sixth Circuit, on whether to move to en banc review. Reprinted with from SCOTUSblog.com.
news analysis
Sixth Circuit Rules Against Gay Marriage
Lyle Denniston
First appeals court to do so
SCOTUSblog
Breaking ranks with a wide array of other federal courts, and coming close to setting up almost certain review by the Supreme Court, a divided federal appeals court in Cincinnati on Thursday upheld bans on same-sex marriage in four states. Dividing two to one, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit overturned lower-court rulings in cases from Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. Probably the only way that this ruling would not predictably lead to Supreme Court review, it appears, is if there is a request for en banc review in the Sixth Circuit, and that request is granted. The decision was based largely on the two-judge majority’s view that the question whether to move the nation toward samesex marriage in every state is for the people or the states, and not for judges applying the national Constitution. Circuit Judge Jeffrey S. Sutton, the author of the main opinion, wrote: “When the courts do not let the people resolve new social issues like this one, they perpetuate the idea that the heroes in these change events are judges and lawyers. Better, in this instance, we think, to allow change through the customary political processes, in which the people, gay and straight alike, become the heroes of their own stories by meeting each other not as adversaries in a court system but as fellow citizens seeking to resolve a new social issue in a fair-minded way.” The opinion was joined by Circuit Judge Deborah L. Cook. Senior Circuit Judge Martha Craig Daughtrey dissented, calling the Sutton opinion “an introductory lecture in political philosophy,” but one that failed, as an appellate court decision, “to grapple with the relevant constitutional issue in this appeal.” At this point, the decision conflicts directly with federal appeals courts in the Fourth, Seventh, Ninth, and Tenth Circuits — precisely the kind of division of judgment that ordinarily will lead the Supreme Court to step in to resolve the split, especially on an issue of fundamental constitutional significance. So far, the Court has passed up review of any of the lower-court decisions striking down state bans that it has considered, and it has even refused recently to put lowercourt decisions on hold until appeals could be filed and decided by the Justices. In widely reported public comments, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has indicated that the main reason the Court had bypassed the cases up to this point was that there was no current split among the courts of appeals. Now there is a split, and it is a stark one. In one sweeping decision, the Sixth Circuit has given all of the states in its geographic
region a victory for their bans on both initial marriages of same-sex couples and official recognition of such marriages performed outside of the couples’ home states. By contrast, other federal courts have nullified identical bans in thirteen states just over the past few months, with the prospect that the number would soon rise to sixteen — for a total of thirty-five states, plus Washington, D.C., allowing such marriages. The Sixth Circuit’s majority opinion reached its result through these specific steps: * It ruled that the Supreme Court’s oneline decision in the 1972 case of Baker v. Nelson, saying that a challenge to a state ban on same-sex marriage did not raise “a substantial federal question,” is a still intact precedent, and it binds the lower courts. * It found that the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision in United States v. Windsor, striking down a part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, did not disturb that 1972 precedent. * It relied upon the Supreme Court’s comment in the Windsor decision that the Court was not providing an answer to the basic question of state authority to impose bans on same-sex marriages. It also interpreted that decision as being primarily about federalism, and the need to respect the prerogatives of the states to define marriage.
* It commented that the Justices’ October 6 refusal to grant review of any of the samesex marriage appeals before it then does not end the debate over state authority in this field. * It rejected the reasoning of all of the other federal court rulings striking down state bans, and it said that they involve a wide array of reasoning. And it rejected the theories of the challengers in bringing those cases, saying that “not one” of those “makes the case for constitutionalizing the definition of marriage and for removing the issue from the place it has been since the founding: in the hands of state voters.” * It said it was guided by the history of state power to define marriage, which it said was an unbroken definition that this was open to opposite-sex couples, from the founding of the nation right up to 2003, when the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court struck down that state’s ban. * It declared that the state bans were
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to be evaluated using the “rational basis” test — the most lenient of the constitutional standards for judging claims of discrimination. It conceded that this test set a “low bar.” And it concluded that state bans have at least two rational foundations: first, the regulation of sex between men and women, with the promotion of marriage between them as a way to establish stable family relationships; and, second, a state’s desire to wait and see before changing the norm of opposite-sex marriage. * It found that none of the bans adopted by voter-approved ballot measures in the four states involved in the cases had been enacted out of hostility (“animus”) toward gays and lesbians, but rather sought only to codify long-standing social norms about marriage, already reflected in state laws. It also commented that it was difficult to assess the motives of the 8.6 million people in the four states who voted for those measures. * It concluded that what the same-sex couples were seeking was a fundamental right to “gay marriage,” and that does not exist under the Constitution. The route of recognizing gay marriage through the Constitution, it said, “does not exist.” It thus rejected the argument of advocates of same-sex marriage that they were seeking only an equal right to enter an institution open to others. Even the Supreme Court’s 1967 decision in Loving v. Virginia, for the first time allowing couples of different races to marry, did not provide a new definition of traditional marriage, it said. * It ruled that bans on same-sex marriage would not violate the constitutional ban on discrimination based on gender. Gays and lesbians, it said, have not been recognized by the Supreme Court as a discrete class deserving of special constitutional protection as historic targets of discrimination. * It concluded that it was up to the nation’s people, not to its courts, to decide when “the time is right to recognize” a new and more expansive interpretation of rights under the Constitution. “The federal courts,” it said, “have no long-lasting capacity to change what people think and believe about new social questions.” Victories by gay rights advocates through initiatives and legislation, it remarked, would lead to “greater acceptance” of those goals. * Finally, turning to the question of state authority to refuse to officially recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states, it found that “states have always decided for themselves when to yield to laws of other states.” Reprinted with SCOTUSblog.com.
permission
SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 11.12.2014 //
from
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news local Democrats Lost Big in Florida So what’s that mean for LGBT rights? Jason Parsley
Around the country Democrats lost big on election night and there was no exception in Florida where openly gay democrat Joe Saunders lost his state house seat and Republicans gained a super majority in the state house. And then of course there is the re-election of Rick Scott for governor and Pam Bondi for attorney general, both of whom continue to oppose marriage equality. But what does this all mean for LGBT rights in Florida? “In light of the outcome of this November’s midterm election, the LGBT community will need to focus on a local strategy to advance pro-equality measure through city and county ordinances,” said Democrat activist Michael Rajner. “Little hope awaits our community in the upcoming sessions of a GOPcontrolled US Congress and Florida State Legislature.” Tony Lima, executive director of SAVE (formerly SAVE dade), agreed that any successes over the next years will be seen at the local level. “We may have lost some battles, but the fight for full equality still continues — and in the wake of the results it’s very clear that we must fight harder,” he said. “Our pro-equality wins at the local level bring hope for our community. I’m very much looking forward to working with them towards a more equal future.” Even if Democrats had had a strong showing in Florida it probably would not have mattered in the battle over gay marriage since Attorney General Pam Bondi is refusing to give up the fight and her re-election was almost a foregone conclusion. It would have taken more than a strong showing for Democrat George Sheldon to defeat Bondi. He only received 42 percent of the vote, with Bondi taking 55 percent. In comparison Rick Scott received 48 percent of the vote while Charlie Crist received 47 percent. The race for attorney general was never close. Now gay marriage is almost certain to remain in the hands of the judiciary. “Our last line of defense continues to
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be the judicial branch of government at the federal and state levels,” Rajner said. “However, in Florida, Governor Rick Scott will appoint 4 new Florida Supreme Court Justices within the next 4 years, and that should be a grave concern to LGBT and fair-minded Floridians.” Gay Republicans, such as the Log Cabin Republicans, though are much more optimistic. “We are very aware of the importance of marriage equality to Floridians and have always stood on the right side of history on this issue. Our state is in the process of becoming one of the next states to allow the freedom to marry for committed same-sex couples. Ironically, it is because we defend our national and state Constitution that we and the courts have the ability to bring marriage equality to the forefront and ensure that freedom prevails,” said President of Miami LCR Mimi Planas. “Log Cabin Republicans of Miami is confident that marriage equality will not be an issue in the near future. The courts will decide and Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi will ensure that, moving forward, the Constitution will continue to be protected, as they are sworn to do, and marriage equality will be one of those rights they will be defending.” Unlike Democrats, Planas is quite happy with the results in Florida. “Although Log Cabin Republicans of Miami are happy with the results of the recent elections. We are not now nor will we ever be single-issue voters. We look at what is best for our country and our state as a whole,” she said. “For this particular election cycle, Governor Rick Scott was clearly the better choice for Florida as a whole. What is important to us is ensuring that the LGBT community as well as everyone in general, has the opportunity to find jobs, to grow their businesses (many gay businesses included), for our state to be debt-free, to allow people to flourish and not be burdened with higher taxes.”
feature
Winners and Losers
Here is your guide to who won and who lost in South Florida SFGN Staff
Photo: Chris Audick/CNN
Who won? Who lost? Here is the list of the winners and losers from the endorsement list from South Florida’s major non-partisan LGBT rights groups, SAVE, Palm Beach County Human Rights Council and Equality Florida.
SAVE Action PAC Endorsements Federal
U.S. Congressman (Dist. 23), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz U.S. Congressman (Dist. 24), Frederica Wilson U.S. Congressman (Dist. 26), Joe Garcia
Statewide Governor - Charlie Crist Attorney General - George Sheldon
Miami-Dade County State House State House District 112, Rep. Jose Javier Rodriguez State House District 114, Daisy Baez State House District 117, Kionne McGhee State House District 100, Joseph Geller (DEM)
Miami-Dade Municipal Enid Weisman for Mayor of Aventura Denise Landman for Aventura Commission, Seat 2 Marc E. Narotsky for Aventura Commission, Seat 6 Shelley Stanczyk for Mayor of Palmetto Bay Karyn Cunningham for Palmetto Bay Village Council, Seat 1 Henry T. Clifford for Palmetto Bay Village Council, Seat 3 Claudia Cubillos for Mayor of El Portal Adam Old for El Portal Village Council, Seat 1 Harold Mathis for El Portal Village Council, Seat 4 Peggy Bell for Mayor of Cutler Bay Mary Ann Mixon for Cutler Bay Town Council, Seat 1 Connie Leon-Kreps for Mayor of North Bay Village Mario Garcia for North Bay Village Commission North Miami Mayor, Kevin Burns (NPA)
Broward County Broward County Commission District 4, Kenneth Keechl (DEM) Wilton Manors Mayor, Gary Resnick (NPA) Wilton Manors City Commission, Justin Flippen Oakland Park City Commission At-large, John Adornato III (NPA) Oakland Park City Commission At-large, Shari McCartney (NPA)
Ballot Initiatives YES on Amendment 1 Florida Water and Land Conservation Initiative
Green = Won Red = Lost
Powell State Representative (Dist. 89) - Bill Hager School Board (Dist. 4) - Erica Whitfield Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners (Dist.4), Steven Abrams (Rep) OR Andrew “Andy” O’Brien (Dem.) Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners (Dist. 6) - Melissa McKinlay Palm Beach County Port Commissioner (Group 5) - Peyton McArthur Palm Beach County Soil and Water Conservation District (Group 5) - Karl Dickey
YES on Amendment 2 Florida Right to Medical Marijuana Initiative NO on Amendment 3 Florida Prospective Judicial Vacancies
The Palm Beach County Human Rights Council Voters Alliance Endorsements Federal
U.S. Congressman (Dist. 18) - Patrick Murphy U.S. Congressman (Dist. 20) - Alcee Hastings U.S. Congressman (Dist. 21) - Ted Deutch U.S. Congresswoman (Dist. 22) - Lois Frankel
Statewide Governor - Charlie Crist Attorney General - George Sheldon Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Atwater (Rep.) OR William “Will” Rankin (Dem.)
Palm Beach County State Senator (Dist. 34) Ellyn Bogdanoff State Representative (Dist. 82) - Mary W. Higgins State Representative (Dist. 86) - Mark Pafford State Representative (Dist. 88) - Bobby
Ballot Initiatives: Amendment 1 - Florida Water and Land Conservation Initiative - YES Amendment 2 - Florida Right to Medical Marijuana Initiative - YES Amendment 3 - Florida Prospective Judicial Vacancies - NO Countywide Question 1 - Children’s Services Council Reauthorization - YES Countywide Question 2 - Ad Velorem Levy for School Operational Needs - YES
Equality Florida Statewide
Governor- Charlie Crist Attorney General- George Sheldon
Palm Beach County State House District 86, Mark Pafford (DEM) State House District 89, Bill Hager (REP) State Senator District 34, Maria Sachs (DEM)
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Broward County State House State House District 100, Joseph Geller (DEM) State House District 93, Scott Herman (DEM) State House District 96, Kristin Jacobs (DEM) State Senator District 36, Oscar Braynon (DEM) State Senator District 34, Maria Sachs (DEM)
Broward County Broward County Commission District 4, Kenneth Keechl (DEM) Broward County Commission District 8, Barbara Sharief (DEM)
Broward County Municipal Margate City Commission 3, Lesa “Le” Peerman (NPA) Oakland Park City Commission At-large, John Adornato III (NPA) Oakland Park City Commission At-large, Shari McCartney (NPA) Wilton Manors City Commission, Scott Newton (NPA) Wilton Manors Mayor, Gary Resnick (NPA)
Miami-Dade County State House State House District 112, Jose Javier Rodriguez (DEM) State House District 114, Daisy Baez (DEM) State House District 117, Kionne McGhee (DEM) State Senator District 36, Oscar Braynon (DEM)
Miami-Dade Municipal North Miami Mayor, Kevin Burns (NPA)
SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 11.12.2014 //
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cover
Long Ago and Far Away
Gay Porn auteur Toby Ross remembers Photo credit of Toby Ross.
David-Elijah Nahmod Long ago and far away, decades before marriage equality was even a dream, San Francisco was the Land of Oz. The City by the Bay was the one place where “misfits” could go and find a welcoming sanctuary. In those days, misfits often meant hippies, drag queens, and gay teen runaways, many of whom had been thrown out by their families. In San Francisco they could reinvent themselves, and be who they really were, or who they wanted to be. In those days, porn was shot on film and played in cinemas. Many of the earliest purveyors of gay porn viewed themselves as filmmakers, putting their personal artistic stamps on films that became more than just “f**k films”. It was an unparalleled time of free expression. In the new, feature length documentary “Toby Ross and the 70s,” Toby Ross, one of the era’s leading gay porn directors, recalls walking up to young boys in donut shops and asking them if they want to be in a movie. He also recalls things that aren’t often associated with porn, such as using lighting to create an atmospheric mood, or of his filmmaking style being influenced by European art film directors. Ross fondly recalls the models themselves, some of whom became personal friends and lovers. He obviously cared about his boys as much as he cared about the films themselves. Toby Ross has been somewhat neglected by film historians and by gay culture. Perhaps that will change with the release of “Toby Ross and the 70s.” Both the film and a same-named companion e-book are now available on Amazon. Toby Ross speaks to SFGN about his life and work during an era whose like we’ll never see again.
Tell us where you’re from, about your childhood, your coming out story?
I was born in a small town called Landsberg am Lech to a Jewish mother and a Catholic father. By the age of 8 my mother married an Austrian Jew and we all moved to Israel where I went to school and did two years in the army. I always loved films. In Israel they were very cheap and I went
to as many as I could. The triple features were especially popular and I was drawn to the sword and sandal type films. I was particularly fascinated with clever, witty dialogue, something which stayed with me for life. Those theaters were already extremely crowded at 11 a.m. with lots of men out of work looking for a thrill and I was only 13-14. Once in a while one of these men would sit next to me and feel me in the dark. It was a sleazy experience that I always look back to.
How did you find your way to San Francisco?
After finishing school in LA I started hearing stories of how wild and free San Francisco was and at that time LA got old, so I went to the City by the Bay and checked into the YMCA and freaked out when I witnessed the divine debauchery that engulfed the city. It was perfect for a nihilist such as myself and I instantly formed alliances and friendships.
Describe what San Francisco was like in those days.
It’s very hard to describe but for me it was a euphoric high that lifted me on a magic carpet and floated me through beautiful soft clouds with thousands of dicks raining down on you as you smile with joyful bliss. It was wild, playful, you could be whoever you wanted to be and the margins of what “gay” was were wider. The mainstream was in the Castro with its clones and that was one scene among many, and yes, there were many others. Now all the fringe types have to fit into what the cookie cutter scene is. In the 70s there were many small communities with their own centers who sometimes had very little in common.
What drew you to the gay porn industry?
The idea of manipulating sexuality and making films that are very personal in a way where instead of only turning one person in bed I have a chance to turn on thousands. I always preferred filming a hot man then having sex with them, sex is
gone and eventually forgotten, films stay forever. So the lens became my dick, mouth and ass.
What is it about European art cinema that influences you?
I loved the lighting and the attitude in the early Michaelangelo Antonioni. I only do erotic story movies now since I have not made a hardcore film in ten years. My movies are very sexy but without the insertions and framed by a very sexual narrative. You see dick and erections and to me that’s enough. I have great scripts, all I need is an investor. Hello? Anybody out there?
What is the historical significance of these early films and how can people be convinced that they are worthy of preservation?
These are time capsules of a certain era and certain places. There are pictures, sure, but the films tell a bigger story. It is also interesting to see how sexuality has changed and how gay people have changed.
Why did you leave San Francisco and what are you doing now?
I left SF because there were a lot of legal problems with people I knew and I decided to work in Europe for a year. Philosophically speaking I’ve always felt that the Harvey Milk assassination can be equated with the JFK assassination. One was the end of innocence for America and all the “good stuff” (love, trust, joy) was getting squandered. The other murder symbolizes the end of the “party,” wildness and innocence as well. AIDS sealed this farewell party and things started changing. Someone asked me the other day if I had the choice to go back in time for a short period where would I travel back to? Old Greece? Hollywood in the 1920s? My answer was San Francisco from 1968-78. That decade was a colorful acid flash that temporarily lit the skies and many people’s lives. As we know things that good usually do not last.
Many of Toby Ross’ films, past and present, including “Toby Ross and the 70s” are available for viewing and purchase at his website: www.BigDikFactory.com. Membership is required. 14
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cover
An Interview With Wakefield Poole
Porn director, ballet dancer, and choreographer Gary M. Kramer
akefield Poole first came to prominence as a dancer W in the Ballet Russes. He performed
and choreographed on stage, but also worked in television and Broadway. Yet Poole is best known for his work behind the camera, as the director of “Boys in the Sand” and other gay adult film classics, like “Bijou.” Poole recently spoke to South Florida Gay News about his film career — how he got started, his successes, failures, and why he stopped making films. You were a dancer with the Ballet Russes. How you came to have a career in cinema? I guess the main thing is that it came into my life. I had an 8mm camera, and did some home movies. I had fun with it. I was given a 16mm Bolex wind up with one lens. I started shooting with that. I did a multimedia gallery show and ran it all by hand, and it was a live show, different every time. I was enamored of it. When I saw bad porn, I thought someone should make a porno with an aesthetic to it —
one you should be proud to watch. But I don’t even own a camera now. It’s like when I stopped dancing. I miss the central part of it. I don’t miss filming, I miss the mental process of it.
How was making porn different “back in the day?” Now they cast as tops and bottoms and know what they are going to do going into it. No tension, no uneasiness in it. There was a lot of insecurity in my films, having sex with someone for the first time, so there is a lot of playing and role searching, and that keeps the tension going.
You dared to put your name on your films in an era where it was illegal to make pornographic works. Why were you so willing to risk your life for your art? There weren’t a lot of people who were out. Just seeing my name above the title on a theatre made its impact. Hundreds of people saw “Boys in the Sand” and came out after seeing the film. I think that was one of my big contributions to the gay community, though I’m not recognized for that in gay history. I did have a lot to do
with the attitudes of gay people after the film. Cockrings weren’t the norm, and dildos and the things I threw in because of my lifestyle and what I was aware of. Suddenly everyone was doing it, including straight people.
What can you say about the fiasco, The Bible? The film wasn’t a creative flop, but a financial flop because we closed it after 10 days, because the New York Times, which was supportive of “Boys in the Sand,” didn’t support us. David Byrd did the tongue in cheek poster because the film is tongue in cheek, and he wanted folks to know it wasn’t hardcore sex film. We had to revise the ad, and we had no ad campaign. People who did come didn’t know what they were going to see, and it wasn’t hardcore and they were disappointed.
Did the failure of “The Bible” stop you from making films? The reason I stopped making films was the AIDS situation. I lost my fanbase to AIDS. I saw them all die. It’s a miracle I’m not dead. Cocaine saved my life. I did so much coke, I couldn’t have sex.
Stillframe from “I Always Said Yes: The Many Lives of Wakefield Poole”
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column off the wall
Voulez-Vous Coucher A Vec Moi? Pier Angelo
Here we go again. Monica Lewinsky is back in the news. Is it possible we cannot swat this annoying fly? The little puppet of the Republican Party, “la femme fatal” of the never ending All American tragicomic soap opera, is popping up all over the news. Big surprise. After all Hillary Clinton is running for President and since her popularity is sky high the only way to bring her down is with the Monica heat seeking missile. Twenty years gone and we are still forced to visualize the hug, the blue dress, the cigar and the most famous BJ in history. As if Bill Clinton had molested a minor instead of being just a reckless horny male relieving the stress of the presidency with a consenting infatuated intern star struck with the most powerful man on earth. Fox News has a field day. Hours of “political” chatter worthy of The Enquirer. I lack the mental energy and the stomach to endure what one could hardly call “news.” In this country we have two national obsessions: Jesus and Sex. On paper they are both beautiful things. In reality their are both twisted and bastardized. The U.S. has made up the idea that we are better and holier than thou and that men of
power must be held to standards bordering sainthood. Jimmy Carter got in troubled waters for even admitting that he “committed adultery in his heart many times.” By the way most hypocritical Republicans and sanctimonious Democrats went after Bill Clinton one would think the Office was exclusive to men of impeccable Faithfulness. If that is the case we should make our Presidents not only Commanders in Chief but also Heads of the Church. Bill Clinton was caught with his pants down but no one can accuse him of the sin of hypocrisy. He never promised us a monogamist in the Rose Garden. How many family- values-preaching sinners are out there aspiring to higher office? The more pious the politician, the greater the hypocrisy. We are a ridiculous and pathetic laughing stock. Those who are laughing louder than anybody else are the French. Of course they have history on their side. Sex and power are an integral part of their culture. Napoleon loved his wife Josephine but he considered his many liaisons a legitimate perk of his position. Felix Faure president of France from 1895 to 1899 died, in the presidential palace, at age 58,
in the arms of his mistress after having taken a potent aphrodisiac. Talk about fatal orgasm. Valerie Giscard d’Estaing, president from 1974 to 1981, in his first year in office totaled his Ferrari while fooling around with a woman not his wife. His presidency continued through 1981. It was also rumored that he had a fling with Princess Diana. Francoise Mitterrand, president from 1981 to 1995, had a double life and a child out of wedlock during his tenure. His mistress, and mother of his daughter, attended his funeral along side his wife. Jacques Chirac (1995-2007) had bountiful affairs while president. In the inner circles of the palace he was known as “five minutes, shower included.” Nicolas Sarkozy (2007-2012) already divorced from his first wife, leaves his second a few months after being elected President and shortly after goes public about his relationship with an ex model. Not to be undone by his predecessors, the current president of France, Francois Hollande, follows the script and cheats on his wife with an actress 20 years his junior. Either the French are oversexed or know how to enjoy themselves. Perhaps they just
?
?
?
don’t give a damn about what people think of their private lives. Obviously they would find something like the Defense of Marriage Act utterly ridiculous. Luckily for them the media and the public lose interest very quickly. They are allowed to continue unscathed in doing what they are elected to do, running their country. We instead cannot let go. We have to rehash every single detail,ad nauseam, even though Bill Clinton has left the White House eons ago. Doesn’t Hillary Clinton have the right to leave the scandal behind and have her identity separate and distinct from her husband? Good ole Monica says that she wants to “take on the shame game.” Hardly. She is giving Hillary’s opponents, on both sides of the political spectrum, free ammunitions. They don’t have to spend any energy, or suffer possible backlash, in reminding the voters of the seedier aspects of Bill Clinton’s presidency. And she can milk the public’s sympathy by playing the role of former slut now in search of redemption. I am pretty sure that if she wasn’t Jewish she would have, by now, found Jesus. I can hear Ken Starr giggle in the background.
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column letters to the editor
Progressive Political Activists Blast Democratic Party I sincerely hope that all of the “leaders” (both elected and self-appointed) of the Florida Democratic Party who forced the rank-and-file to accept the Republican Party’s recycled garbage as our “best hope to win back the Governorship” will learn from their HUGE mistake. Not only did they discourage candidates from challenging Charlie (and treat Nan Rich -- a true Democrat -- so poorly when she did not step aside), but also they mad sure that Charlie sucked out all of the campaign contributions from major donors, leaving the other cabinet candidates to fend for themselves. If it wasn’t for these “leaders”, George Sheldon -- another true Democrat -- would have had enough money to purchase television ads, allowing him to easily defeat the weakest Republican in the
LGBT Florida Democrats, in the next few months, the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus will be electing its leadership. As a member of the board, I’m sadden to report we did so little as an organization to help get out the vote and its time for a change of leadership in the organization. It was only 2 weeks ago when the Board of Directors learned that our Caucus President Sally Phillips abandon ship sometime ago and took a leave of absence to manage a loosing county commission race in Hillsborough County. Our Caucus vice president failed to step up and provide the leadership necessary and throughout the election, only one message went to our membership about the race and that was prompted after I notified Florida Democratic Party leadership of the Caucus failure to even engage and message to LGBT Floridians. No notice went out to remind Floridians of critical voter registration deadlines or how to engage races around 18
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cabinet: Pam Bondi. The time has come to make the Florida Democratic Party democratic again. Encourage candidates to enter primaries. Encourage debates and discourse. Listen to Floridians -- not just to pollsters. The way the election was run and the elections results have done nothing to move the Republican Party of Florida towards the center. I do not look forward to the changes that will take place over the coming years because of the strategy embraced by the “leaders” of our party, and imposed on all Floridians. — Rand Hoch Palm Beach County Human Rights Council
the state. I am also sad to report we did little to nothing to support the re-election of openly gay State Representative Joe Saunders. The loss of Joe in the Florida State Legislature is devastating to our community. He served with dignity and gave it his all while in Tallahassee fighting for us. If you want to participate in our upcoming elections, please make sure you join the organization as soon as possible to ensure you can vote in the upcoming election to support fresh new leadership. — Michael Emanuel Rajner LGBT Activist
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column publisher’s editorial
Our Fund Hits A Home Run Norm Kent
norm.kent@sfgn.com
A news story about the 4th Annual Leadership Forum will appear in next week’s SFGN. It was the fourth annual Leadership Forum at the Museum of Art, and once again the event on Monday evening in Fort Lauderdale featured a distinguished panel of outstanding guests, hosting a calm yet passionate discussion of the issues facing the LGBT community as we enter the winter of 2014. More significantly, the overflow audience spoke volumes of what the LGBT community represents in South Florida. We gathered again as business owners and professionals, perhaps overlooking and taking too much for granted the remarkable things we have achieved together. None of those victories depended on Rick Scott. One of the panelists was Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. An advocate for the LGBT community for many years, she has worked for two decades in a congress more repressive than righteous. So too has Equality Florida emerged as a force in Florida with a legislature more right wing than right. As its director, Nadine Smith’s tasks after the last election are no different than they were in 2002 when Jeb Bush was the governor. The powers that exist have never favored us. Despite that, the LGBT community has been determined, not deterred. We have worked to end discrimination in the military, and we saw that day come. Not only do same sex couples have the right to serve, military commanders are openly gay. We spoke out, came out, and the world is still on its axis. The gay community makes history every day just by being who we are. We may not get there with legislative enactments in Florida, but we have an army of lawyers to help move the judicial needle for equal rights. Yes, Florida was the last state to allow gays to adopt. We can thank Anita Bryant for that. But in the audience on Monday at the Museum of Art, there were many gay fathers. Yes, Florida has banned gay marriages through a constitutional amendment. We can thank Jeb Bush for that. But in the audience on Monday, thanks to Our Fund, there were many married same sex couples. Even in the days when AIDS was raping and rupturing gay lives, we had national leaders fighting not the virus, but people with the virus. We are a community nurtured in adversity. It has not stopped us. It has not beaten us. From the days of Stonewall, we have been aware that the police and power don’t always protect us. We have to do that ourselves. We were the ones who have demanded an end to bullying.
We are the ones that formed GLSEN and PFLAG. Our Fund’s meeting at the Museum of Art was not just about distinguished panelists lending insight into tomorrow’s LGBT community. This meeting demonstrated how wholesome and worthwhile our lives have become. Yes, our community knows how to party, whether it is on Miami Beach during the Winter Festival or on Wilton Drive for Halloween. But we have become so much more. The LGBT community is no longer about hedonism and recklessness. It is about hope and responsibility. It is about equality in Florida and dignity in our lives. It is about a Smart Ride for AIDS this weekend, and gay city commissioners being elected to office last week. We have come so far. Ain’t nobody gonna stop us now. We reaffirm this fundamental principle with each paper we publish every week. This week, SFGN sponsors its ‘Best Of’ issue, and we salute silly things like the best pick up bars and bistros, and more subtle things like our best local activists. The truth is greater though than the sum of its parts. We are living in a community where we can actually do a 40-page insert celebrating open and out gay establishments and people, organizations and businesses. We do so with a free paper because open and out businesses sponsor us, knowing they get bang for their buck. We thank them and hope you support them. You are holding in your hands today a paper that is again the largest LGBT weekly in America, yes, larger than the Washington Blade or anywhere else. It isn’t easy, and the budget is tight. Just like most of your businesses, it’s me and one business partner that manage the dollars and the distribution. Like your business, we know that there is still work to be done. Like you, we know we can’t be complacent. We have to work hard every day.
Fortunately, we are living in a community where we gather not in the shadows or the shade, but in the sunshine and at museums. In our own community, we have a museum for AIDS and the Stonewall Library. How remarkable is that? After all, when Art Serve hosted a spring exhibit for marriage equality in Broward County’s main library, it did so in the same building where a gay man had been fired from his job 30 years before when it was discovered he had HIV. We may have a mayor in Fort Lauderdale who wants to treat the homeless like lepers and gays like second class citizens, but we have a body politic ready to censure and condemn his senselessness. We have a gay city commissioner willing to stand up to his nonsense. We have organizations like Sun Serve and the Pride Center at Equality Park generating change and fostering respect. We have lawyers in court fighting for equal rights and doctors in hospitals fighting to end disease. When you can live in a community that can put together the kinds of alliances that Our Fund has, we have much to be thankful for. As we approach Thanksgiving, we all have a lot more to celebrate than condemn. We live in a good time that a lot of you have made better. Be proud. You have won that right.
Check out SFGN.com/Out50 - Nominate your choices for 2015’s OUT 50 at SFGN.com/out50Nominations 20
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SouthFloridaGayNews
find out inside who you picked as your favorites this year
2014
and the winners are...
Best Bar Best Restaurant Best Drag Queen Best City Best Burger And More!
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Best Of Gay South Florida
Fall 2014
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Fall 2014
publisher’s column
SouthFloridaGayNews.com
Best Of Gay South Florida • 2014
SFGN’s 2014 Best Of
And the winners are... In September we asked you, our readers, to vote for your favorite restaurants, hangouts, and charities — from your favorite burgers and desserts to the Best Place to Pick Up a Guy, or Girl. We received more than 9,500 votes in 69 categories. Some of the establishments continue to win year after year like Humpy’s for Best Pizza, Royal Palms for Best Guesthouse, Sebastian Beach for Best Beach and Wilton Manors for Best City — all four of whom have won four years in a row. Others though are new to our list like To The Moon for Best Place to Shop, Hunter’s for Best Nightclub and Bears of South Florida for Best Social Group.
This year we had divisions for our readership in Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade to showcase gay friendly establishments outside of the Wilton Manors area. Remember folks these are your opinions — not ours. Don’t agree with the winners? Well then make sure to vote in next year’s contest. Only those votes that came with valid email addresses were counted and duplicates were discarded. So without any further ado here are this year’s winners…
Thanks to all of our contributors for this special issue...
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2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305
SFGN.COM //
Best Of Gay South Florida
— Jason Parsley
Jesse Monteagudo, Mike d’Oliveira, Natalya Jones, Dori Zinn, Dennis Jozefowicz, John McDonald, Christiana Lilly, Andrea Dulanto, Jillian Melero, J.R. Davis
Fall 2014
Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com
Editorial
Art Director • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Senior Creative Designer • Bob Reilly sfgn@bobreilly.com Online Producer • Dennis Jozefowicz dennis.jozefowicz@sfgn.com Social Media Director • Sergio N. Candido sergio.candido@sfgn.com Arts/Entertainment Editor • JW Arnold jw@prdconline.com
Sales & Marketing
Director of Sales and Marketing • Mike Trottier mike.trottier@sfgn.com Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Cindy Curtis cindy.curtis@sfgn.com Sales Assistant • Jason Gonzales jason.gonzales@sfgn.com Distribution Services Manager • Brian Swinford Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Copyright © 2014 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
column staff picks Fall 2014
Staff’s Picks
For this year’s Best Of edition we decided to give the staff an opportunity to choose their favorite places and picks.
Best appetizer Calamari from Mojo 4140 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale 954-568-4443 MojoFL.com
Best place for a first date Christina Wan’s 664 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale 954-527-0228 ChristinaWans.com
Best post-gym refuel meal Strawberry Samba and BLT from JuiceBlendz 2248 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors, FL 954-358-0772 JuiceBlendz.com
Best bar to take an out-of-towner Alibi 2266 Wilton Dr. Wilton Manors 954-565-2526
AlibiWiltonManors.com
Best authentic Italian pizza pie Margherita from Lucarella’s 4165 N Dixie Hwy Oakland Park 954-630-8855
CucinaCarusoOaklandPark.com
Best bar to discover a new drink 13|Even 2037 Wilton Dr. Wilton Manors 954-565-8550 13-Even.com
photos: facebook
Best cappuccino Santa Lucia’s Ristorante 2701 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale 954-396-0930
Best Chicken Sandwich PDQ 3359 N. Federal Highway Oakland Park, FL 33306 954-874-8528 EatPDQ.com
Fall 2014
Best Gyro Chris’ Taverna 4774 Congress Ave Boynton Beach 561-223-2868 ChrisTaverna.com
Best Twin Lobster Volcano Roll Tee Jay’s Thai Sushi 5975 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954-771-4447 TjThaiSushi.com
Best Weekly Pool Party We Love Sundays at Royal Palms Resort 717 Breakers Ave. Fort Lauderdale 954-564-6444
Best Gourmet Donut Rhino Doughnuts and Coffee 107 Commercial Blvd Lauderdale-by-the-Sea 855-744-6674 RhinoDoughnuts.com
Best Of Gay South Florida // SFGN.COM
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Fall 2014
broward county
Wilton’s Manor Doggie Daycare
Best Dog Groomer & Walker
Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday closed
Josh Meneses says a big part of what makes Wilton’s Manor Doggie Daycare the best dog groomer and walker is convenience. With dogs already at Wilton’s Manor, Meneses says it’s easier for customers to just leave their furry friends for grooming as well. “The walking happens here. So, it pretty much makes it easier and more affordable to add grooming. It cuts out a lot of the back and forth.” Wilton’s Manor features 900 square feet of indoor doggie playground, 1,200 square feet of outdoor recess area, including a doggie pool, grass, running
2155 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors 754-223-4776 WiltonsManor.com
photo: facebook
The Cabanas
2133 NE 26th Street, Fort Lauderdale 954-565-2307 TheCabanasGuesthouse.com
Hours: By appointment
photo: facebook
Richard’s Men’s Hair Shop 2164 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-630-1671 Facebook.com/Pages/Richards-Mens-Hair-Shop
Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday
photo: facebook
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Best Of Gay South Florida
Fall 2014
space, fans, misters, shade and more for daily or over night boarding. And, of course, there’s the experienced groomer. “Our groomer, Jodie Arrington, has been a groomer for over 15 years. She brings a lot of experience, which helps. She’s our 100 percent go to groomer,” said Meneses, who owns Wilton’s Manor with Alan Aghazadian. “She has a degree in animal science. She really knows animals, not just the grooming aspect.” — Mike d’Oliveira
Best spa Are you looking for a day away from the office? A place to renew your spirit? Or just a pampered escape from life’s daily grind? Look no further than The Cabanas Spa. “We go the extra mile to provide services for your every need,” said spa owner Norman LaChance. Such amenities at this European styled spa range from massages to facials in a relaxed, comfortable environment. Licensed massage therapists David Morais, Rick Boyett and Mauricio Pradera are trained in Swedish and deep tissue as well as hot stone, reflexology and Swe-Thai.
The facials are given by Brandon Kelly, a young man with keen insight as to the process of anti-aging. Kelly, a licensed esthetician, is superb in applying creams and lotions to the neck and a hot towel to the face. He enjoys what he does and you will too. The spa itself is part of the Cabanas Guesthouse complex, located on one of Fort Lauderdale’s many famed canals. The grounds are lush with pools, a Jacuzzi and steam room and plenty of room to roam in a clothing-optional climate. — John McDonald
Best Hair Salon At Richard’s Men’s Hair Shop, some of the best things are a bit old fashioned – including the hot shaves and the customer service. “You’re always welcomed with a ‘hello, how are you?’ and with a smile,” said David Krombholz, manager. “We offer extreme professionalism in a nonjudgmental environment.” Open on Wilton Drive for 15 years and at The Gables Wilton Manors for the last nine months, Richard’s, owned by Richard Wexler, also offers haircuts, beard trims, colorings, waxing, manicures and pedicures.
All of it done by a diverse staff – David, Joey, Carlo, Big Six and Donald – made up of gay and straight staff members. “We’re lively and energetic and love what we do. Our diverse staff is really into cutting hair and barbering. We have straight and gay employees who are lively, energetic and very, very talented and really, really friendly. We welcome any walks of life. And we welcome walk-ins.” — Mike d’Oliveira
broward county
Tie!
Fall 2014
Best gay-friendly straight bars SFGN’s 2014 new category for best gay-friendly straight bar saw a three-way tie among the colorful, Key West inspired Flip Flops Dockside Eatery, the not-unpleasantly-trendy Tap 42 in downtown Fort Lauderdale, and the playful Funky Buddha brewery.
Flip Flops
3051 NE 32nd Ave. Fort Lauderdale 954-567-1672 FlipFlopsDocksideEatery.com
photo: facebook
Tap 42
1411 S Andrews Ave. Fort Lauderdale 954-463-4900 Tap42.com
photo: facebook
Funky Buddha Brewery 1201 NE 38th St. Oakland Park 954-440-0046 FunkyBuddhaBrewery.com
photo: facebook
Flip Flops is exactly the kind of place you imagine when you think of a Key West bar. It’s somewhere you can get day-drunk and dance without a partner. Dockside dining means guests have access from the road, or from the Intracoastal Waterway. The local water taxi makes Flip Flops a regular stop. Server Jose Sama says what sets Flip Flops apart is their monthly Sunday night tea dance hosted by Drag Queen Amanda Austin. “Amanda performs and she brings friends. She plays games with the audience, we give away prizes, and DJ Silvio plays music between all the sets.” Sunday’s drink specials feature some brunch time classics,
While Tap 42 has yet to host regular gayfriendly events, there’s never a bad time to enjoy this trendy gastro pub complete with crafted cocktails, and what Tap 42 refers to as their Gastro Grub. Tap 42 is part indie hipster loft and part new school gastro pub. With layers of warm woods, textured leathers, and industrial metal details accented with gas lanterns and exposed lighting coils, the vibe is both hip and cozy. Patrons can settle indoor bar side, or around the superspacious outdoor patio and dining area. Even on a Thursday night, the buzz in Tap 42 is
The Funky Buddha brewery turns a visit to the neighborhood bar into a trip through Willy Wonka’s brew house. The scene is part taproom and part playhouse with a bar that highlights their view of the train tracks as a feature and not a flaw. Funky Buddha’s Oakland Park brewery hosts the local Bears for Beers group every Tuesday night according to server Katrina Valentine and the monthly Proud to be Funky meet up every first Tuesday. The events are made even more memorable by the assortment of beers available; a playful nostalgia bomb of seasonal favorites like the Pumpkin Porter Latte, full of coffee and pumpkin spice aromas and the No Crust PB & J with a full nose of your childhood favorite jar of Goober striped peanut butter and jelly.
Fall 2014
$3 bloody marys and mimosas. Sama says Friday night karaoke and Sundays see the most business at Flip Flops, when their $3 happy hour specials run all day long. Flip Flops features daily menu and drinks special Tuesdays through Sundays and is closed Mondays. Their $3 happy hour includes beer, wine and well drinks and runs from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. daily. Flip Flops monthly tea dance, happens every first Sunday from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
— Jillian Melero
undeniable. The noise-level makes the indoor bar better for a group of rowdy friends, but the wrap around patio has plenty of seating areas to carry more intimate conversation. Tap 42’s menu showcases craft beers as ingredients as well as for drinking. The Drunken Goat features an Arbita Purple Haze infused raspberry jam, the Left Hand BBQ Short Rib burger features Left Hand Milk Stout pulled pork, and the Angry Orchard pulled pork sliders feature, of course, Angry Orchard hard cider.
— Jillian Melero
Besides the liquid whimsy, The Funky Buddha has games. In addition to the sports on screen, the corridor beside the bar houses a game room where patrons can check out board games: Monopoly, Life, Trivial Pursuit. That’s the kind of place you’re settling into. While the Buddha’s Brewery does not have its own kitchen, it does have a rotating line up of food trucks operating out-front daily. On a weekend you may find anything from Chaco’s Chinese Tacos, rivaling those of El Jefe, to the baked goods of Flour Power food truck. A quick visit to Buddha’s website will show you the latest line up of food truck treats ready to satiate all your craft beer, craving induced needs.
— Jillian Melero
Best Of Gay South Florida // SFGN.COM
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Fall 2014
Scandals Flash Softball Team ScandalsFash.Sfaaa.net/Team
The official softball team and sponsees of Scandals Saloon, Scandal’s Flash Softball Team, is comprised of 14 males and has a pretty impressive record. For one, the team won playoffs last season and placed 25th out of 56 in the World Series in Dallas this year. So after all that hard work, how does it feel to be the best LGBT sports team? “It feels real good, it speaks to what we tried to create,” said James Mack, right center and one of the founders of the team. “We wanted to center a team around friends and fun…we wanted to
Photo: scandalsflash.sfaaa.net
Herbie James
“Ask any gay man in South Florida about DJ’s in our community, more often than not, the name Herbie James always comes up.” I wrote this line over four years ago when I started at SFGN. And it obviously still holds true today, as his fans came out in support of the local icon, and voted him the Best Local DJ in Broward County. Back in 2010, he spoke with me about being recognized in the community. “How honorable is it to have won any award that comes from votes from your peers and fans. I am truly blessed to be a part of this great community here in South Florida. ” With his own unique style of music,
Thursday, Friday: 10 p.m. at the Ramrod Second Saturday of the month: 9 p.m. at Bill’s photo: facebook
2 Guys On A Mic Karaoke The Stable 205 E Oakland Park Blvd. Oakland Park 954-565-4506
Fridays 8 p.m.
photo: Dennis Jozefowicz Best Of Gay South Florida
— Natalya Jones
Fall 2014
affectionately known as “Herbicidal,” he mixes soulful house music, progressive and tribal, into a sound that people come from all over to hear. Herbie’s current DJ Residence is at RamRod bar, 1508 NE 4th Avenue, Thursday and Friday nights starting at 10 p.m. He also plays every second Saturday of the month at 9 p.m. for “DILF” at Bill’s, 2209 Wilton Drive. Our runner-up this year is DJ Jason Gonzales who plays at Royal Palms Resort & Spa, 717 Breakers Ave., every Sunday from 2 p.m. -6 p.m. — Dennis Jozefowicz
Best Karaoke Night Ricky and Andy, also known as “2 Guys On A Mic”, are quite well known in Broward, as they have hosted many karaoke nights all around town over the years, and still do. But this year, hands down, their Friday night at The Stable won the “Best Karaoke Night” over all others. It’s such a unique situation of having Ricky bartending and participating, while Andy MC’s the show and sings along as well. All in a neighborhood bar small enough that everyone can get a turn on the stage, and large enough to handle all your friends. A great group of regulars, an extraordinarily friendly atmosphere, and generously poured cocktails are just some of the reasons it won. Their computerized karaoke system has a
stablefla.com FaceBook.com/StableFla
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create a sense of friends to come out, drink beer and have fun.” Mack started the team four years ago after talking with a group of friends who also wanted to play. One of his best friends used to play in the D division. “We’re best friends and we play on different teams,” reminisced Mack. “[We thought] why not all play together?” You can catch this team playing all over South Florida or enjoying a nice brew post game at Scandals Saloon.
Best Local DJ
Ramrod Bar 1508 NE 4th Ave. Fort Lauderdale
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Best LGBT Sports Team
catalog of over 100,000 songs, so you’re bound to find something to sing, no matter how obscure you think it might be. And because it’s computerized, there are no little slips of paper or song numbers. The system can keep track of your singing history, and is easy to use. If you’re into karaoke, or just want to try it for the first time, you might want to try this very unique and fun experience. As Andy will always tell you, “It’s not a competition,” so don’t be shy, give it a try! Our runner up this year was Hunter’s Tuesday Night Karaoke, 9:30 p.m., in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. (2232 Wilton Drive) — Dennis Jozefowicz
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Best Local LGBT Activist
Michael Rajner
Even with marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples seemingly inevitable, local LGBT activist Michael Rajner knows there’s still plenty of progress to be made. “There’s a tremendous amount of work to be done. It’s still legal for people to be fired just for being LGBT.” He adds that “the legislature won’t even consider the needs of LGBT Floridians.” The work, he says, can be “emotionally draining” but all worth it when he sees the lives he helps change and improve. One change he already helped make was advocating that the Broward County Schools officially recognize LGBT History Month in October. “It was something I brought to the school board. It helps our youth have an opportunity to learn about
their culture and the contributions of gays and lesbians in a positive way.” In addition to working with Equality Florida and The Human Rights Campaign, Rajner is also a regular at Wilton Manors Commission meetings. Rajner, originally from Brooklyn, New York, moved to Wilton Manors in 2000. After a five-year residence in Pompano Beach, he moved back to the city because it just seemed like a natural fit. “Being a single gay man, Wilton Manors is kind of the heart of it all.” — Mike d’Oliveira
photo: facebook
Misty Eyez
Facebook.com/ImaMistyEyezFan MistyEyez.net
3 Time Winner!
photo: facebook
Jennifer McClain Cabaret Performer
Best Drag Queen
Let’s be honest with ourselves: friends can convince you to do really stupid things. On the other hand, they can also push you in the right direction. Take Misty Eyez, for instance. On a spooky Halloween night, she decided being a drag queen was the way to go after a friend convinced her to dress in drag. Since then, this diva has quite a few accolades under her sparkly belt, such as 2004’s Miss Stonewall, Fiercest Drag Queen in 411 Magazine, 2012 Best Show Hostess in South Florida from Besties, City Link’s Best Entertainer and more. Also, this isn’t her first time winning “Best
— Natalya Jones
Best Local Celebrity Sure, there are plenty of celebrities you can think of in the local scene, but EVERYONE knows Jennifer McClain. And for this year, her fans came out in support of her as the “Best Local Celebrity” in Broward County. And if you’ve ever seen her show, “This deserves a shot of Jäger!” Jennifer has been performing her perky style of entertainment in the local gay bar scene for 16 years. When I asked her how she labeled herself as a performer, she said, “I would probably label myself a cabaret performer. I try to be funny, but I don’t quite reach the level of comedienne (yet).” But anyone that’s seen her show will tell you, it’s fun, it’s funny, and it’s very upbeat. She definitely knows her niche. Wilton Manors isn’t the only place she performs. She ventures out now and then for special events in very well known places.
photo: Dennis Jozefowicz
Drag Queen” in SFGN. Of course, you can see the beautiful drag queen at numerous events in South Florida, but she has weekly events with tons of opportunities to see her in action. Sundays mark the Trannie Palace at Bill’s Filling Station, Wednesdays she hosts Bitch Bingo at Lips, Thursdays she emcees at Boardwalk and finally, Saturday nights she serves at Lips. “South Florida is my home and it is an honor to be respected by the community that I love,” the diva said on winning Best Drag Queen. Bet Misty Eyez thanked her friend profusely, huh?
Fall 2014
“I’ve performed all over the country and on cruise ships, but most recently and regularly... In NYC at the historic Stonewall Inn, Key West for NYE under the Big Shoe, and Fire Island at Cherry’s and with Porsche at The Ice Palace.“ She has quite the schedule with plenty of chances to catch her shows! You can see her locally Monday nights at Bill’s, 2209 Wilton Drive at 10:30 p.m. for her “Cast Party”, Saturday nights at The Alibi, 2266 Wilton Drive starting at 8 p.m., every first and third Sunday of the month at The Alibi for “Broadway Brunch” noon to 3 p.m., and every second and forth Wednesday at Bill’s for Wicked Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. “Congratulations Jennifer, have a Jäger, you earned it!” — Dennis Jozefowicz
Best Of Gay South Florida // SFGN.COM
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Women In Network (WIN) 954-564-4946 WomenInNetwork.com
When you’ve been around town for 27 years, people tend to recognize you. That’s the case for Women In Network. WIN has been a South Florida staple since 1987 and has now won this accolade three of the last four years. Lynn Glover, WIN Treasurer, has been involved in the organization since 2000 and said the commitment to the community is important to their members. “Throughout the years, WIN has donated tens of thousands of dollars to local and national charities through
3 Time Winner!
photo: facebook
The Galleria Mall GalleriaMall-FL.com
Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm Sun: 12pm - 6pm photo: galleriamall-fl.com
Lips
1421 Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale 954-567-0987 Tue - Thu: 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. Fri: 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. Sat: 6 p.m. - 2 a.m. Sun: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. photo: facebook
Best Of Gay South Florida
Public opinion polls and sales receipts suggest that Broward County’s most popular shopping destination is Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise. Though this might be true for straight suburbanites, SFGN readers have better taste than that, and they agreed that Fort Lauderdale’s Galleria Mall is Broward’s Best Shopping Destination. Unlike the Sawgrass’ outlet mall-like atmosphere, The Galleria Mall is distinctly elegant, upscale and, if I may say so, gay. Even a cursory list of shops at the Mall indicates its popularity with queer shoppers:
3 Time Winner!
LipsFLA.com
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events like our annual golf tournament, the back-to-school drive, the annual toy drive and more,” Glover said. WIN is free for anyone who wants to join, not just women. Glover said WIN is looking for volunteers with e-marketing and is hoping to add two more board members soon. “Getting involved with WIN and being engaged in community events is a very fulfilling endeavor,” Glover said. — Dori Zinn
Best Shopping Destination
2414 East Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale
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Best Group for Women
Fall 2014
Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, Brookstone, Godiva Chocolatier, GUESS, Louis Vuitton, Macy’s, Mayors, Neiman Marcus, Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma, just to name a few. Adding to the Galleria’s popularity in our community is the fact that there are enough LGBT people working at the Mall for it to hold its own Pride Parade. The Galleria Mall is also the home of several first-class dining establishments, including Blue Martini, Capital Grille, P.F. Chang’s and Truluck’s. — Jesse Monteagudo
Best Drag Show When attendees go to Lips, they’re in for a real treat. Picture elaborate makeup, heels so high they’ll make you wince and enough glitter to stay on your clothes for months. Top it off with lots of raunchy humor and killer dance moves, and you have the perfect diva-licious drag queen show. With shows running six days a week, there are plenty of different themes and dances to tickle your fancy. Omitting Monday, shows include Gospel Brunch, Dragalicious Show, Bitchy Bingo, Diva’s Glitz and Glamour Review and Dining with the Divas, an impersonation show
dedicated to big divas like Cher, Madonna, Britney Spears and more. Birthdays and bachelorette parties are even more entertaining – the guest of honor is usually called on stage, picked on (of course) and told to take a blowjob shot (enter vulgar joke about fellatio here). Just remember that IDs will be scanned and checked thoroughly for drinking, so leave underage siblings at home. According to the site, they are “as serious as a pair of six inch heels.” — Natalya Jones
Thank You, South Florida!
Annual Holiday
Best HIV/AIDS Charity! and Best Thrift Store!
is Underway
Since 1988 The Poverello Center has provided life-saving food and basic essentials for low-income, Broward County residents living with HIV/AIDS. Operating one of the oldest and largest specialty food pantries in the region, Poverello serves nearly 2,600 individuals each year, providing them with food for nearly 1.5 million meals. Your support of Poverello - either financially, through donations to our thrift store, or by volunteering - provides food, nutrition and wellness services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Thank you very much for your support.
www.poverello.org
Fall 2014
Best Of Gay South Florida // SFGN.COM
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Village Pub
3 Time Winner!
2283 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 754-200-5244 VillagePubWM.com
Best Bar and Best Happy Hour The first time Village Pub won SFGN’s Best Bar award, they had just barely opened their doors to the public in 2012. This year, they are celebrating first place three years running. The same goes for SFGN’s Best Happy Hour. “We consider our customers first and foremost in the building,” said Village Pub owner Greg Phelps. “Our regular customers and Happy Hour group view us as ‘their bar.’ We always tell customers that this is their bar.” Phelps attributed the awards to his staff. “They are amazing,” he said. “They get to know our customers on a personal level. They know what their customers are drinking
Sun-Thurs 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Fri/Sat 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. photo: Dennis Jozefowicz
Hunters Fort Lauderdale 2232 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-630-3556
— Dori Zinn
Best Night Club When Patrick Volkert and Mark Hunter took over the old Boom nightclub, they knew exactly what they were doing. So much so, that our readers voted Hunters as the “Best Nightclub” in Broward county. It’s an awesome, new vibe on the drive that will get you shaking your booty on the weekends, and relaxing during the week. The remodeled lounge side is a flavor of greater taste and sophistication, while the dance floor side is a little bit louder, and with a better utilized lighting package than its predecessor, making it a much more energized dance experience. Their motto is
HuntersFtLauderdale.com Facebook.com/HuntersFL
before they come to sit down.” The standard 2-4-1 at the Village Pub is already amazing, except they also offer it on Saturdays. From 11 a.m.-9 p.m., six days a week, you can get your Happy Hour drink on. Happy Hour isn’t just for weekdays anymore. But that’s not all. You can have a drink at one of two stellar bars, lounge in the open air patio, or dance your butt off on the 400 sq. ft. dance floor. Get to the bar any day of the week, with Dragacide Mondays, Show Tune Tuesdays, and Karaoke Wednesdays. Drink specials are featured daily.
“Spirits Elevated”, and they certainly live up to it. A personal favorite for many is the ultimate in disco, the Classic 54 Hi Tea Dance, Sundays from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., featuring the best in disco played by none other than DJ Richie Rich. Check their web site and Facebook page for a complete guide to their weekly and special events. This year’s runner-up is The Manor, 2345 Wilton Drive, which is open Fridays and Saturdays 11p.m. -4 a.m. — Dennis Jozefowicz
photo: Dennis Jozefowicz
Best Guesthouse
Royal Palms Resort 717 Breakers Ave. Fort Lauderdale Beach 954-564-6444 RoyalPalms.com
4 Time Winner!
Open 24/7
photo: facebook
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Best Of Gay South Florida
Fall 2014
Good things are happening at the Royal Palms. For the fourth consecutive year, the Fort Lauderdale Beach resort was voted Best Guesthouse by SFGN readers. That’s in keeping with the positive vibes at the Royal Palms. “We are all about peace and happiness here,” said Royal Palms General Manager Philip LaFond. The property is on ideal real estate just one block from the beach with easy access to surrounding restaurants, shops and the historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. This neighborhood is changing and revitalization is apparent with Royal Palms leading the way.
The resort recently opened its doors to women and cancelled its clothing-optional policy. LaFond said this is a reflection of the equality movement, explaining, “How can we say we are for equal rights and yet not welcome women to our events?” Royal Palms has more than 50 rooms styled in modern South Florida chic, with two pools, a restaurant, bar, spa and fitness center. On Sundays, the resort hosts a fourhour party (2-6 p.m.) featuring the music of DJ Jason Gonzales which draws hard bodies and the latest swimsuit fashions. Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week. — John McDonald
In memory of
Sal DeFalco
Salvatore DeFalco (Sept. 9, 1958 – Oct. 31, 2014)
“My life is a stage.”
broward county
Fall 2014
Best Male Bartender The skill, Sal DeFalco said, is in the smile. “Give them a big ass grin,” said DeFalco, when asked his secret to bartending success. “It melts their heart.” DeFalco was, without a shadow of doubt, a legend of the night. He passed away on Friday, Oct. 31 at the age of 56. A regular on the New York club scene during the 1970s at the height of disco, Studio 54 and the gay liberation movement, DeFalco saw it all – and showed it. “My life is a stage,” said DeFalco from his Fort Lauderdale home just days before his passing. DeFalco’s stage in South Florida was Hunters in Wilton Manors and readers of the SFGN recognized that by voting him the Best Bartender this year. “Wilton Manors is a lot like Greenwich Village,” DeFalco said. “There is a family spirit to it. There’s community. It’s a well kept secret.” DeFalco and his longtime lover Claude Tant moved to South Florida in 2007 after living in North Carolina. The couple was together for 25 years. Their house contained photos of the two from the society pages in New York and Atlanta and on the front page of the Miami Herald. “We came down here because we knew there would be a lifestyle,” DeFalco said. That lifestyle, however, came with costs. DeFalco lamented the promiscuity he observed in New York during the AIDS crisis. “And they are still doing it,” he said with tears in his eyes. DeFalco was undergoing chemotherapy when he died. He said he was suffering from three tumors, one of which had developed in his brain and required an operation to remove. “Fuckin’ witch doctor on Oakland Park,” he said, with bitter disgust. That was Sal, said his bartending friend Joe Beasley. “He never took shit from anyone.” Beasley worked with DeFalco for four and a half years at Hunters and, under the bar’s former name, Boom. He said DeFalco was well liked and had an “amazing following.” “He was always happy here,” Beasley said. “He made people feel welcome.” DeFalco was not happy when he spoke to SFGN for the last time. He cried several times during the interview and felt the doctor he was seeing did not listen to him and accurately diagnose his ailments. He had been HIV positive for 35 years. “If you really feel sick, don’t wait,” DeFalco said.
Fall 2014
“Go to the hospital. Don’t go and wait in a doctor’s office.” DeFalco grew up in the housing projects outside Newark, N.J., the son of Italian immigrants. “I’m 100 percent whop,” he liked to say. Pictures show a handsome young man with chiseled features, a full head of thick black hair partying it up in 1970s New York City – on roller skates no less. “I was 20 years old thrown into a world of sex, drugs and disco,” DeFalco said. “Holy shit the drugs were everywhere. They were serving cocaine on trays.” The parties at Studio 54 – in its heyday – are notorious and legendary for the appearances by A-list celebrities and the antics of former club owner, Steve Rubell. “In those days they were all having sex with each other,” said Steve Rothaus, who covers the gay scene for the Miami Herald. “That was before AIDS and there were a lot of people having sex with different people…different partners. The club scene in New York during that time was full of promiscuity.” DeFalco claimed he slept with several celebrities, including some prominent musicians and songwriters during that period. One of which took him on drug binged getaways and he fondly recalled the time they were at the airport in New York when Carole Bayer Sager wrote the lyrics to “Arthur’s Theme.” “We were flying back and forth to the Bahamas high on Quaaludes, cocaine and alcohol,” DeFalco said. “It was a mess.” DeFalco settled down when he met Tant, a real estate broker. They were together for 25 years. At Saturday’s “Celebration of Life” ceremony, fellow bartender Joel Slotnick delivered DeFalco’s eulogy, stating “Sal was so proud of Claude. He let everyone know that was his man.” DeFalco recalled their love affair in New York with Tant meeting him once at Penn Station with three-dozen yellow roses in his hand. “That silver hair and those blue eyes,” DeFalco said. “He was so handsome. He still is.” More than 400 people paid their respects to DeFalco at All Saints Episcopal Church in Fort Lauderdale at the ceremony. After a moving service complete with a choir performance, prayers and incense circulating throughout the church, a long line waited to get a few words with Tant. “I think Sal would have approved,” Tant said. — John McDonald
Best Of Gay South Florida // SFGN.COM
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Rosie’s
Best Restaurant and Best Burger
2 Time Winner!
2449 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-563-0123 RosiesBng.com
Some people may consider changing it up. Maybe the routine gets tiring or old. They may branch out to other places, but they always come back. They always come back to Rosie’s. For the second year in a row, Rosie’s Bar and Grill has won SFGN’s Best Burger award. With nearly two dozen options, who needs to try anywhere else? Rosie’s has enough to choose from that you’ll feel like you’re in a different place every time. Try the 2013 Riverwalk Burger Battle winner, the Bacon Bitty Bang Bang: bourbon bacon jam, chipotle bang bang sauce and creamy brie. Or try the Sofonda Elvis: crunchy peanut butter and fresh slices of banana. Or maybe the Hellena Bun: crumbled bleu cheese, fried jalapenos, and “Smack My Cheeks and Make ‘em Rosie” sauce.
photo: Dennis Jozefowicz
Humpy’s HumpysPizza.com
Mon - Wed: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thu - Sat: from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sun: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
4 Time Winner!
photo: Dennis Jozefowicz
Stork’s
At Humpy’s Pizza, it’s all about choices. You can go with a traditional pizza or you can try something new. “We offer a wide variety of pizza choices and toppings,” said co-owner Steve Dejong. Traditional pizza lovers can go with meat lovers, cheese, pepperoni and others. Those looking for something new and different can try some of Humpy’s specialty pizzas – including wild mushroom with caramelized onions, shrimp scampi, chicken and broccoli on a honey wheat crust, veggie on a honey wheat crust or buffalo chicken with blue cheese and green onions. “It appeals to a wide variety of people,” said Dejong.
2 Time Winner!
2505 NE 15 Ave. Wilton Manors 954-567-3220 Monday to Friday: 6:30 a.m. to Midnight Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to Midnight Submitted photo Best Of Gay South Florida
Although this is Humpy’s fourth year winning the award for Best Pizza, and open for almost eight years by Dejong and Dennis Godfrey, Humpy’s is also more than just pizza lovers slinging pies. Those not in the mood for pizza can order sandwiches, garlic rolls, salads, flatbreads, calzones, sliders and more. One of the delicious items included in “more” are cupcakes, which, says Dejong, “continue to grow in popularity.” For the Halloween and fall season, try the pumpkin spice cupcake with vanilla cream cheese frosting. It should go down well with any of the pizzas, traditional or specialty, offered at Humpy’s. — Mike d’Oliveira
Best Dessert
When it comes to making some of the best desserts in South Florida, Stork’s pastry chef Peter Dekaj starts with the best ingredients. “Everything is made from scratch.” From there, he can make great modern European desserts, including pastries, cheesecakes, tarts, cakes and specialty cakes. “But we’re very well-known for our baked pies.” Those looking for a pie can choose from apple crumb, apple cranberry walnut, perfect pumpkin, strawberry, southern pecan, peach almond crumble, strawberry rhubarb and coconut cream. That’s just the beginning; or, it can be
StorksBakery.com
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— Dori Zinn
Best Pizza
2244 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-566-2722
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Not in the mood for a burger? Rosie’s has you covered everywhere else, since they also won this year’s coveted Best Restaurant, beating out J. Mark’s, the winner of the last three years. Maybe it’s their famous brunch, served Sundays starting at 10 a.m. featuring top-notch Bloody Marys and piles of waffles and pancakes. Maybe it’s their insane list of fresh appetizers, sandwiches, and awesome daily soups. Maybe it’s their friendly staff and adorable decor. Maybe it’s absolutely everything about Rosie’s that keeps you coming back, because no matter how many different places you try to change it up and branch out, you will always come back to Rosie’s.
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the end of the meal. “A lot of people think we’re just a bakery, but we sell as much food as we do dessert,” said Dekaj. Before you indulge in dessert, Stork’s offers a wide variety of menu items, including soups, salads, lasagna, sandwiches, smoothies and more. Opened in 1997, Stork’s has been chosen as Best Dessert twice. To go with one of their sweet tooth-satisfying offerings, Stork’s also offers tea and eight different freshly-roasted specialty coffees. — Mike d’Oliveira
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
POMPANOBEACHARTS.ORG
TICKETMASTER LOCATIONS
ONLINE@ TICKETMASTER.COM
PHONE 800.745.3000
NOV 28| 8PM
Fall 2014
Best Of Gay South Florida // SFGN.COM
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Sebastian Beach
Intersection of A1A and Sebastian Street Fort Lauderdale 4 Time Winner!
photo: floridastateparks.org
L.A. Fitness Multiple locations
3 Time Winner!
LAFitness.com
Steel Gym
2270 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors 954-318-3900 SteelGym.com
4 Time Winner!
photo: facebook SFGN.COM //
Best Of Gay South Florida
Like Wilton Manors (see “Best City to Live”), Fort Lauderdale’s Sebastian Beach has been voted the best in its field each and every year since SFGN began its annual “Best of” issues (2011). Though the section of Fort Lauderdale Beach across from the intersection of A1A and Sebastian Street is no different from other portions of the Beach, its population sets it apart from that of its neighbors. As you enter Sebastian Beach from an adjacent beach, women and children disappear, and men’s bathing suits get noticeably shorter. Sometimes a clueless heterosexual tourist might drop a towel
Fall 2014
on Sebastian Beach, only to discover to his or her dismay Sebastian’s unique demographics. In addition to its central location and its eye candy appeal, Sebastian Beach is conveniently close to many of our LGBT guest houses and resorts, which only serves to draw gay and lesbian tourists from around the world. Long-term couples, groups of friends and sex tourists alike frequent Sebastian Beach for its combination of sub-tropical climate, sandy beaches, warm waters -- and hot men. — Jesse Monteagudo
Best Large Gym Unlike gyms that are super centers, small clubs or franchises, L.A. Fitness is the gym that will satisfy your needs, no matter who you are and what your goal. L.A. Fitness has a highly trained staff that can make any workout effective while having fun doing it. They also offer full locker facilities and a babysitting zone called the Kids Klub if you can’t find someone to watch your kids during your workout. Their club in Oakland Park is a
photo: facebook
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Best Beach
haven for gay guys so if you like being surrounded by lots of gay men there’s no better place to go. Check each club’s hours, but generally they are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays. This is the third time L.A. Fitness has won SFGN’s Best Of competition. — SFGN Staff
Best Boutique Gym Tucked away off Wilton Drive in a shopping center known for its nightlife is where you’ll find Steel Gym, voted best boutique gym, for the second year in a row by readers of the South Florida Gay News. Owner Ken Hunt welcomed the award and said Steel Gym continues to be “community oriented.” “Our whole philosophy is to make people feel better about themselves,” Hunt said. “Whether you want to bulk up, trim down or maintain, our staff and facility is here to help. We take a personal interest in our members.” Steel Gym offers free weights, machines, towel service and a dry sauna. A variety of Yoga classes are also offered and once
your workout is complete, a protein packed smoothie bar awaits for those seeking to add weight and body mass. The Wilton Manors Steel Gym is one of just three in the nation with the others being in New York and Miami. The franchise was voted as one of the top six U.S. gyms by Muscle and Fitness Magazine. Steel Gym is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. But voters may not be able to enjoy Steel Gym much longer because they recently filed for bankruptcy protection in U.S. District Court. — John McDonald
broward county
J. Mark’s Restaurant 1490 NE 23rd St. Pompano Beach 954-782-7000 1245 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale 954-390-0770 JMarksRestaurant.com
Submitted photo.
Rumors
2426 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-565-8851 RumorsBarWiltonManors.com
photo: Dennis Jozefowicz
Ramrod
1508 NE 4th Ave. Fort Lauderdale 954-763-8219 RamrodBar.com Facebook.com/ RamrodFortLauderdale
2 Time Winner!
Fall 2014
Best Restaurant for a Date For the second year in a row, our readers voted J. Mark’s as the “Best Restaurant To Take A Date” in Broward County. J. Mark’s has long been a favorite of the community, as it continues its tradition of outstanding cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and excellent service. It’s no wonder it’s a great place to take your special someone. The menu has a great mix of steakhouse favorites, New-American selections, and a great lunch menu. Pastas, chicken, shrimp, and so many more options to choose from make it easy for anyone to find something they
like. They have a full service bar, with a “twice daily” happy hour from 2-6 p.m., and from 9 p.m. to close. Along with happy hour are appetizer and lunch specials. The slow roasted prime rib sliders are one of the most popular and highly recommended menu items. J. Mark’s is open between 11:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Friday, 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Sunday. — Dennis Jozefowicz
Best Place to Pick up a Girl If you’re a single lady and it’s Thursday night, there’s a strong likelihood you’re at Rumors. Voted best place to pick up a girl, Rumors picked up many local ladies when New Moon closed its doors. Yes, they won for best place to pick up a girl, but Rumors isn’t limited to just one sex. “We are so honored to have been recognized for this award,” Rumors Owner and General Manager Brendan Corman said. “We want to be
recognized as a place where all facets of the community can feel welcome and included.” Aside from Ladies Night on Thursday, Rumors has a game night every Tuesday with poker and pool leagues as well as a karaoke night every Wednesday, featuring dollar drafts and cocktails. Fridays feature drag shows and an extended happy hour. — Dori Zinn
Best Place to Pick up a Guy Every major city has a leather/Levi/ uniform bar, and here in South Florida, ours is the Ramrod. Located just a few blocks south on Wilton Drive, which turns into 4th Avenue, Ramrod is everything you would expect. It’s dark, edgy, and when they have a DJ, it’s quite loud, and packed with sweaty shirtless men. And that’s why our readers, and their fans, have overwhelmingly voted Ramrod “The Best Place To Pick Up A Guy”. Notable nights include the insane Muscle Bear Fridays with world famous DJ Herbie James, (who happens to be this year’s “Best Local DJ” winner,) Saturdays are “Packed to
the Rafters,” bringing caged hunks dancing at midnight, “Rock Hard Undies Night” on Tuesdays brings rock music and men in underwear, and lots more. Of course, smoking is permitted, and cigars and pipes are very common! Hugely popular monthly events include “Pig Dance” on the first Saturday of the month, and Enforced Dress Code (EDC) on the patio every third Sunday of the month 9 p.m. to midnight. Check out their website for a full schedule, and their Facebook page for daily happenings and announcements. — Dennis Jozefowicz
photo: facebook
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Empire Stage and Island City Stage 1140 N. Flagler Drive Fort Lauderdale 954-678-1496 EmpireStage.com IslandCityStage.org
Best Live Theatre
Tie!
2 Time Winner!
photo: facebook
While there’s plenty of large performing arts centers for one to go to, it’s Empire Stage and Island City Stage that have the hearts of theatre lovers. Empire Stage was purchased five years ago from the Soul Theatre by David R. Gordon and other producing partners, and ever since, it’s been pumping out productions in conjunction with Island City Stage, which rents the property and produces its own works part of the year. “I feel like I’ve been jettisoned into the Westside Theatre,” Gordon says, describing the black box theatre and the ones he’s performed in up in the Big Apple. Earlier this year, Empire Stage brought “Jamaica Farewell” to the stage, and last season,
The Classic Gateway Theatre 1820 E. Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale 954-763-7994 ClassicGateway.com
4 Time Winner!
photo: facebook
Java Boys
2230 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-564-8828
photo: facebook SFGN.COM //
“We’re a smaller, more quaint theater,” said George Kaspriske, one of Gateway’s managing partners. “We pay more personal attention to our customers and our programming reflects a sophisticated audience.” Inside the lobby at the Gateway is a trip down memory lane with many vintage movie posters and autographed pictures from the stars. It should be noted the AMC Coral Ridge finished second in the voting, receiving a surprisingly large number of votes and nearly dethroning the Gateway’s four-year reign. — John McDonald
Best Coffee House In the age of cold corporate coffee houses, Java Boys is that fresh cup of Joe. Nestled in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors just off Wilton Drive, Java Boys is a mainstay in the South Florida gay scene since 2002. What’s the secret? “There’s something special in the Java Boys experience,” explains Nicki Rose, the coffee house’s co-owner. “It’s more than a trendy coffee bar. It’s where human connections are made. It’s where a local community exists. It’s that place between work and home.” Along with the coffee, Java Boys
Hours: Sun - Thur: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fri - Sat: 7 a.m. to Midnight 18
— Christiana Lilly
Best Movie Theater
Four years running now, the Classic Gateway Theatre has earned Best Movie Theater honors by readers of the South Florida Gay News. The theater opened in 1951 and made its mark by hosting the world premiere of famed Spring Break flick, Where the Boys Are, a film that placed Fort Lauderdale firmly on the tourist map. Nowadays, the Gateway caters to a niche market, showing independent and foreign films that cannot be found in the mainstream big box theaters. The theater located near the Victoria Park neighborhood on Sunrise Boulevard also hosts the annual Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.
3 Time Winner!
Island City Stage won six Carbonell Awards for its production of “The Timekeepers.” While the productions span topics of all kinds, many of Gordon’s choices cater to the LGBT community -- “Making Porn” was a hit and the Island City Stage is currently performing “POZ” through Nov. 23. “My main goal is that people come out and have a good time. I’m not trying to be political, not trying to make a statement,” Gordon said. “When people aren’t working or going about their daily activities, they want to enjoy themselves.”
Best Of Gay South Florida
Fall 2014
offers a variety of eats from gourmet pies and cakes to bagels and muffins. There are sandwiches and paninis as well and the “Java Scrambler,” an egg and bacon mix on your choice of bagel or English muffin, a bargain at $3.50. As Rose notes, Java Boys is a community gathering place. The coffee house offers free Wi-Fi access, employs friendly staff, who advise visitors where to spend their tourist dollars and is a landing spot for numerous print publications. — John McDonald
J.Marks is proud to have been voted by you as the 2014
Best Restaurant for a Date! Fall 2014
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Wilton Manors
4 Time Winner!
www.WiltonManors.com
photos: facebook
Holiday Park
photo: FortLauderdale.gov
Bears of South Florida BOSFL.org
— Jesse Monteagudo
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programs as well as adult programs in ballroom dance, pickle ball, Tai Chi and Zumba. The Activity Center hosts classes in Aikido Martial Arts, the Art of Yoga by Mark Roberts Yoga, and Fort Lauderdale Stars Gymnastics. Pride South Florida holds its annual Pride Fest at Holiday Park; the next one scheduled for February 28-March 1, 2015. Also located at or near Holiday Park are the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center (JETC), War Memorial Auditorium, Parker Playhouse, Stonewall National Museum and Archives, and ArtServe. — Jesse Monteagudo
Best Social Group Do you want to volunteer for local charity and have fun while doing it? Well listen up, bears and cubs – there is the perfect social group for you! A non-profit IRS 501(c)(3) charity which raises and donates funds to local charities, the Bears of South Florida raise an average of at least $5,000 in yearly donations since their start in 2002. In addition to raising charitable funds, the social group allows opportunities for social and fraternal interaction among all its members. What makes this the best social group is the fact that members of any type are accepted. Political agenda is nonexistent of the group. “Fun”-raising events include pot lucks, holiday parties, pool parties, day trips, nights at the theatre, and more.
photo: Dennis Jozefowicz Best Of Gay South Florida
“It is our diversity that makes Wilton Manors such a great place not only to call home, but also to do business and to visit.” Vice-Mayor Julie Carson agreed, adding that “our walkable city nurtures a vibrant business community and night life; acres of park space and open waterways; a top ranked elementary school; and residents who are committed to neighborliness and a sustainable, fiscally sound future.” In 2014 Wilton Manors became a center of LGBT culture with the opening of the World AIDS Museum & Education Center and the Stonewall National Museum and Archives’ Wilton Manors Gallery.
Since time immemorial, men-loving men have used public parks as places to socialize and cruise for sex. While Fort Lauderdale’s Holiday Park is a fine place to cruise (at your own risk), this is only one of many reasons why SFGN readers voted it the Best Park in Broward County. Among the Park’s facilities and amenities are: a pavilion, playground, open play area, lighted athletic fields, roller hockey rinks, racquetball courts, picnic area, shuffleboard, volleyball, walking and jogging trail, fitness stations, bridge club, recreation center, social center, activity center, restrooms, concessions and a gym. Holiday Park hosts all kinds of youth
FortLauderdale.gov/ CityParks/Holiday
SFGN.COM //
Like Sebastian Beach, the City of Wilton Manors has been voted the best in its field each and every year since SFGN began its annual “Best of” issues (2011). In 2014, Broward County’s “Island City” continues to be South Florida’s “gay village” and an ideal place for LGBT people to live, work and play. The “second gayest city” in the United States (next to Provincetown, MA), Wilton Manors is also the second US municipality to elect an openly gay majority to its city government (after West Hollywood, CA). “Our entire City has worked hard for many years to make everyone not only feel safe and supported in our beautiful Island City, but thrive on our diversity,” Mayor Gary Resnick said.
Best Park
1150 G Harold Martin Drive, Fort Lauderdale
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Best City to Live
“We are very honored and excited about being voted as ‘Best Social Group’ in the South Florida Gay News,” said Warren V. Milbourne, Treasurer. “We sincerely appreciate the support from our community.” Program costs are created to be kept at the bare minimum due to the fact that all members, volunteers and sponsors donate both materials and time at no cost to the club. In other words, it’s easily affordable for those who want to join. Join the Bears of South Florida for new friendships, positivity, and some good ol’ community lovin’. — Natalya Jones
Interest FREE Financing Available! * MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT 270-286 NE 39th STREET MIAMI, FL 33137 305.572.1222
DORAL 1777 NW 72nd AVE MIAMI, FL 33126 305.599.0340
FORT LAUDERDALE 4000 N. FEDERAL HIGHWAY FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33308 954.530.5650
www.mh2g.com Fall 2014
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Pink Submarine 2041 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-566-2219 ThePinkSubMarine.com
As the proprietors of the “mom and mom shop,” The Pink Submarine, Dawn Holloway and Lori Tanner have the “fiercest subs on The Drive.” With their nautical-themed name and aptly named-menu, which boasts 14 different subs – with six more on the way – such as The Admiral, The Buoy, Full Steam Ahead and The Starboard, the restaurant has a five-star Yelp review made up of 65 posts. “We’re very different than any other sub shop. We’re not a deli. We’re just a very unique sub shop,” Holloway said. “We’re very close to our customers. They
Best Sub
become like our family.” Opened four years ago, Holloway and Tanner start with the base of the sandwich: the bread. “Our bread is delivered fresh daily,” Holloway said. From there, they only use Boar’s Head brand products for their meats and “all our veggies are handpicked from local markets.” But what good is a great sub without great gourmet sides – all of which are homemade ate Pink Submarine. There’s the pasta salad, cucumber salad and more but the most popular is the loaded baked potato salad. “On Yelp, they
refer to it as crack. I’m not a fan but I get what they’re trying to say.” And don’t leave without checking out their desserts including cookies, chocolate covered twinkies, brownies, custards and an assortment of different types of Oreo cookies – lemon cream, watermelon, fruit bunch, Resee’s and more. Hours of operation are Monday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m. — Mike d’Oliveira
photo: facebook
Scandals Saloon
Best Weekly Event
3073 NE 6th Ave. Wilton Manors 954-567-2432
With happy hour pricing all day, $10 all you can drink domestic draft beer, and music on the outdoor patio, it’s no wonder that the Scandals’ Sunday T-Dance earned the title of Best Weekly Event. Located at Scandals Saloon, it’s the only gay country western bar in South Florida. But if you’re worried about listening to repeats of country twang, don’t be - there is a great variety of dance and disco music. DJ Katastrophy
ScandalsFLA.com
photo: Dennis Jozefowicz
To The Moon
If you stop by To The Moon and you don’t find what you’re looking for, you either didn’t look hard enough or it doesn’t exist anymore. With hundreds of different kinds of candy, chocolate, gum, licorice, greeting cards, gag gifts, novelty items and more, To The Moon has plenty to choose from. Owned and operated by Antonio Dumas, To The Moon opened on Wilton Drive in 2005. It features candy from 87 different countries, over 100 sugar free products, 35 types of sodas in glass and made with sugar cane instead of corn syrup, over 100 types of dark chocolate bars, 80 to 90 types of milk chocolate and 100 types of black licorice.
ToTheMoonMarketplace.com
Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. photo: tothemoonmarketplace.com SFGN.COM //
Best Of Gay South Florida
— Natalya Jones
Best Place to Shop
2205 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 954-564-2987
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plays everything to get you movin’ and grooving’, and once a month, the famous DJ Howard Merritt (Casablanca Records) plays your disco favorites. This wild event is from 4-11 p.m., equaling a grand total of 7 hours of fun. And don’t forget, they start karaoke at 9PM inside for more fun. Judging by the sound of this event, you may want to call out sick on work Monday.
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“You can’t find black licorice anywhere,” said Dumas, who prides himself on selling items you can’t find anywhere else in South Florida. Dumas also sells marzipan. “Nobody can find it so they always come here. One item he particularly prides himself on is Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream Sandwiches, from Columbus, Ohio. “We sell 56 sandwiches a week,” said Dumas. But no matter what you’re looking for, if you find it at To The Moon, you’re bound to “have a sweet day,” as Dumas says to customers exiting his store. — Mike d’Oliveira
broward county
Gay & Lesbian Business Exchange (GLBX)
512 NE Third Ave. in Fort Lauderdale 954-462-6000 ext. 8775 FTLChamber.com/GLBX
photo: facebook
Wicked Manors WickedManors.org 2 Time Winner!
photo: J.W. Arnold
Poverello
2056 N. Dixie Hwy. Wilton Manors 954-561-3663 Poverello.org
Submitted photo.
Fall 2014
Best Business Group Taking in a win for the third year in a row, the council in the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce is all about business. For six years now, GLBX has worked with other councils to create an open space for communication while also bringing together LGBT businesses and allies to better the economy, not just in Fort Lauderdale, but in all of Broward County. “We’re all about building better business -- building bridges with ally companies and ally business owners,” said Chad Thilborger, GLBX board chairman. By being actively involved with the other groups in the chamber, including
the Beach Council and the Downtown Council, businesses big and small have opportunities to make those all important networking connections. As of now, there are 162 businesses of all sizes involved in the GLBX council, making it one of the fastest growing in the chamber. GLBX meets second and fourth Thursdays 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. throughout Fort Lauderdale. The council’s Business Advantage Referral Group meets first and third Wednesdays 8 to 9 a.m. at the chamber. — Christiana Lilly
Best Gay Event Seemingly taking a cue from American Horror Story’s newest season, Wicked Manors took place this Halloween with a freak show theme. The annual event first started in 2007 and has been a hit ever since. “Think circus sideshow meets Halloween street festival and you’ve got Freak Show – Wicked Manors 2014 promises to be bigger, better and freakier than ever before!” said Doug Cureton, Wicked Manors Co-Founder and Event Chair. “From the moment you arrive on Wilton Drive, you will be transported to a magically freakish celebration with over the top costumes, décor, music, flash mobs and costume contests with our main stage diva emcee, Miss Misty Eyez.” The fun event featured eight costume contests on the main stage as well as contests in the various bars and nightclubs. Music from DJs had guests
shimmying in their costumes with all the other freaks that attended. Proceeds from this wickedly awesome event went to support vital programs and services granted by the Pride Center at Equality Park in Wilton Manors. As if all that wasn’t enough, this year marked the second annual Wicked Manors flash mob, and was even more fabulous featuring songs such as Rick James’ “Super Freak” and “Le Freak” by Chic. Tito Abdelredo once again choreographed the event with stellar dance moves. This is the second year in a row the event has taken home the prize of best gay event in Broward County. We’ll see if this year’s freak show theme was enough to win again next year. — Natalya Jones
Best Thrift Shopping When Richard Claycomb hunts for antiques sells books, furniture, clothing, shoes, DVDs, or just something he wants around the house, CDs, VHS, electronics, art, picture frames, he makes sure to stop by the Poverello Thrift Tupperware, board games, Christmas lights Store. “I don’t like to buy things that are and ornaments, dinnerware and more. made in China. And the only way it seems to Special sales are also a regular occurrence support the local economy is if you buy pre- at Poverello. One deal is for seniors, 55 and owned.” over, who can get 33 percent off items they But he’s not just a seeker of antiques. buy on Thursdays. Purchases and donations Claycomb hunts for pottery, glass and more. also help benefit Poverello’s AIDS and food “Sometimes, they have nice art books. If I pantry programs. find something really good it goes on the Hours of operations are Monday to to set up your internet.” 1. Go to http://vote.local10.com/signup Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 12 to Thanks to Poverello, those looking for deals 5 p.m. account. don’t need to go online to find what they’re 2.addition Votetoevery for Poverello Thrift Store looking for. In antiques,day Poverello — Mike d’Oliveira
A) Click on the Shopping Icon B) Click Thrift Fall 2014 onBest Of Gay South Florida // SFGN.COM C) Click on “P” and go to the 2nd page
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Pride Center
Best Non-Profit
2040 N. Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors 954-463-9005 PrideCenterFlorida.org
The Pride Center at Equality Park is a place but also a part of the lives of many of South Florida’s LGBT community. Home to 60 meeting groups each month, from health and exercise to support groups for LGBT individuals to non-LGBT groups, The Pride Center offers help to meet the economic, health and spiritual needs of the LGBT community. The Pride Center also hosts a monthly yard sale, HIV testing and counseling, art gallery openings, musical festivals, health symposiums, holiday celebrations and more. Pride Center officials estimate more than
3 Time Winner! photo: facebook
Sunshine Cathedral 1480 SW Ninth Ave. Fort Lauderdale 954-462-2004 SunshineCathedral.org
2 Time Winner!
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Best Of Gay South Florida
— Mike d’Oliveira
Best Spiritual Center Founded in 1971, for decades the church has provided solace and comfort to people of all walks of life. Currently run by senior pastor, the Rev. Durrell Watkins, and his partner, the Rev. Robert Griffin, the church is a part of the Metropolitan Community Churches, known for its roots in the LGBT rights movement. “We hold a variety of beliefs, and individual beliefs are likely to change over time,” the Rev. Watkins wrote on the church’s site. “We affirm that each of us is a divine child of God, intrinsically good and blessed to be a blessing to our world.”
The church opens its doors to those even beyond the front steps of the church, with online sermons, college outreach, worship at assisted living facilities, collecting food for the hungry, and music ministry. Because of its standing for LGBT rights, during the Supreme Court’s hearing of DOMA, the church hosted a community event with music and prayer for the justices to be lead in the right direction. Also, the church shares a campus with SunServe, which serves LGBT youth and their families. — Christiana Lilly
Best AIDS Charity
Poverello
2056 N. Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors 954-561-3663 Poverello.org
17,000 adults and youth attend each year and outreach activities directly impacted 26,262 South Florida residents last year. “The Pride Center is the ‘kitchen’ of our community. Everybody gathers here. They offer countless services for LGBT individuals, couples and families,” said Chris Caputo, local business owner and Pride Center Board Member. Hours are Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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The young, old, male, female, black, white. Whatever the skin color, gender or background, Poverello’s efforts to feed and assist those with HIV or AIDS extend in all directions. With one out of every six HIV/AIDS diagnosed households in Broward County going hungry, Poverello’s HIV/AIDS-related efforts are needed now more than ever. Organizers are pledging their continued support. For over 25 years, Poverello has been assisting individuals and families who struggle with HIV/AIDS. Currently, more than 2,500 individuals benefit from their services, including the food pantry, educational programs and the Live Well
Center, which offers a gym and other programs. The ultimate goal is that no one diagnosed with HIV/AIDS will go hungry. The recent economic downturn and other factors seemed to have made it a tougher task to complete. “We are also seeing an increase in clients’ need for food due to the fact that other food pantries are experiencing cut backs,” said Brad Gammel, Poverello’s food bank quality manager. The shortage comes as the holiday season approaches, a time when families struggling with food issues feel it even more. — Mike d’Oliveira
TO THE MOON MARKETPLACE
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Over 15,000
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“WHEN I GO SHOPPING, I GO TO THE MOON!” 2205 Wilton Drive (934) 564-2987
tothemoonmarketplace.com THANKS READERS FOR VOTING US “BEST PLACE TO SHOP”
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CM
• Best Live Theatre SFGN—2014 • 6 Carbonell Awards including Best Production of a Play—2013 • Silver Palm Award Best New Theatre Company—2012 • Silver Palm Award Best LGBT Production—2013
MY
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CMY
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SEE WHAT YOU’VE BEEN MISSING!
“POZ” Oct 23rd ~ Nov 23rd
“OCTOPUS” “THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED” Jan 29th ~ Mar 1st Apr 16th ~ May 16th
“DANIEL’S HUSBAND” May 28th~ Jun 28th
www.islandcitystage.org • 954.519.2533 28
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broward county photo: facebook
Tie!
Best Female Bartenders
Vickie Bennett Vickie Bennett has been around the block and she knows her turf. As a bartender at Broward haunts Bill’s and the Boardwalk, Bennett sees many colorful faces and displays great composure when dealing with her customers, some who can be unruly at times. “I see a wide array of personalities,” Bennett says with a smiling grin. Seeking sun, palm trees and the love of being near the water, Bennett moved to South Florida from her native Ohio in the 1970s. She started serving drinks in downtown Fort Lauderdale – at places like Backstreet and Copa -- when that scene was thriving and lively. Her secret?
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photo: facebook
“I make everything with love,” said Bennett. “That’s why I’m still here today. This is a profession, not a career.” And sometimes that means serving up a cool glass of water with just as much care as a bottle of Stella Artois. Bennett says she knows how to make a good drink and readers of the South Florida Gay News agree, voting her best female bartender. Martinis, she says, are her forte. Away from the nightlife, Bennett and her girlfriend of 15 years, Josee, enjoying fishing, and cruising in the car down to the Florida Keys. “I love Key Largo,” she says.
Lisa Radwan Lisa Radwan loves what she does and readers of SFGN do too. Radwan was voted Best Female Bartender in Broward County, tying with Vickie Bennett of Bill’s and The Boardwalk. Radwan, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., is a veteran of the gay bar scene, starting her career at George’s Alibi some 10 years ago after moving down from the north to escape the cold. “It’s never dull,” she says of her time behind the bar. Radwan can be found working
happy hour at the Village Pub in Wilton Manors where she enjoys being a part of the good part of folks’ day. “The after work crowd is fun to be around and we do a great job at the pub of creating that atmosphere,” said Radwan. Radwan is married to her wife, Suzanne. The couple has been together for 14 years and lives in Fort Lauderdale. — John McDonald
— John McDonald
miami dade
SAVE
4500 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami 305-751-7283 SaveDade.org
Best Nonprofit This year, the mission of SAVE (formerly SAVE Dade) has come close to full circle. Serving Miami-Dade’s LGBT community for 21 years, one of the agency’s original projects was creating a human rights ordinance for gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. Two decades later in 2014, they’re working to add additional protections for the transgender and non-gender conforming communities to that very same ordinance. “It’s a very exciting time that everyone in Miami-Dade will have the same freedoms and protections,” said Tony Lima, executive director.
SAVE is extremely active in politics, recognizing and endorsing candidates from the local to state level and educating the public about LGBT issues. Besides the human rights ordinance at home, another one of SAVE’s missions is to see marriage equality in Florida and across the country -- something that might be happening very soon. “We’re educating people why it’s important for everyone to have the same rights,” Lima said. — SFGN Staff
photo: facebook
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Best Gym
Equinox
520 Collins Ave., Miami Beach 305-673-1172
Anything South Beach screams gay so it’s no wonder why readers voted Equinox Best Gym in Miami. According to their website: “Located at the epicenter of Miami Beach’s trendiest shops and restaurants, just one block from the sand and surf, this sexy, social club is more than a fitness center — it’s a SoBe destination. Tropical hues meld with sleek materials to create a hip yet timeless space. See, be seen, and work up a sweat along the way.” And that’s just the location. As for the actual gym there’s so much to love about the place. One reviewer on Yelp couldn’t stop writing about the…bathrooms. “Best gym bathroom I’ve ever been in. They
www.Equinox.com/ Clubs/Florida/SouthBeach
photo: facebook
Best Restaurant
Tie!
City Hall Restaurant
— SFGN Staff
This year two restaurants in Miami get to share the prize of Best Restaurant 11th Street Diner and City Hall Restaurant.
11th Street Diner
2004 Biscayne Blvd Miami 305-764-3130 CityHallTheRestaurant.com City Hall Restaurant is a two-story, 6,000 square foot eatery, featuring a chic ambiance, with lacquered concrete floors, floor to ceiling windows, an 80 ft. long light box mural across one wall, dark walnut and black-varnished wood tables and chairs, leather banquets, with original art and Art Deco accents complementing the decor. The restaurant opened up in 2011 and serves brunch, lunch and dinner. “The food was great. Their legendary bread with sweet butter was delicious! I had their shrimp salad and ate every morsel,” said one yelp reviewer. Another
have fresh towels for you, private mirrors stations with outlets, blow dryers and gel. Premium shower stalls, soft floors no cheap wall tiles and scum soap. Natural Kiehls products that you can use for your hair, face and body.” The lockers rooms: “The locker room (as with the rest of the gym) is always immaculately clean.” The staff: “This is my one year anniverary at Equinox and the best part of the gym is the staff. They are very friendly and supportive.” The clientele: “Eye candy is abundant and a selling point.” But at close to $150 a month it’s quite the exclusive club.
one commented: “The food starting with the bread with the pecan butter, to the crab cakes and clams, were outstanding. Did I say the bread was to die for? Or was it the butter...simply wow.” But their gospel brunch is a must attend event. “Out of all the brunch options in Miami this one sets itself apart with a gospel sideshow featuring Maryel Epps. She has an impressive voice, numerous costume changes but the volume is kept so you can still chat with your companions.
1065 Washington Ave. Miami Beach 305-534-6373 EleventhStreetDiner.com South Beach might be all about the glitz and glamour, but sometimes you just need to kick back with a hot meal. That’s where 11th Street Diner comes in, whether it be to get a fix of breakfast for lunch or a late-night snack after a night of partying. “We’re the only one of its kind on South Beach,” said Mark Grimsley, the manager of the 22-year-old restaurant.
Reminiscent of a blue-collar diner, in its original Art Deco architecture, the menu is far from simple. Try their famous roasted turkey dinner, or the apple- and raisin-reduced pork chops. Open 24 hours a day, they’ll always have the right drink or plate for whatever it is you’re craving. — SFGN Staff
— SFGN Staff
photo: facebook photo: facebook
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Burger and Beer Joint 900 South Miami Ave. Suite 130 Miami 305-523-2244 2 Time W inner! 1766 Bay Road Miami Beach 305-672-3287 BNBJoint.com photos: facebook
miami dade
Best Burger
With two locations in South Beach, Mary Brickell Village and another in Pembroke Pines, it’s perfect for a happy hour meal or during a night out. But these aren’t your ordinary burgers -- using toppings like shrimp, wagyu beef, brie and foie gras, it’s burgers gone classy. However, don’t worry about donning your best suit at Burger and Beer Joint. It’s a totally laid back vibe to relax with friends and family, but without the sacrifice of quality food. And this is the second year in a row Burger and Beer has won Best Burger in Miami-Dade. “B&BJ is the best place in Miami Beach for
Pizza Rustica 863 Washington Ave. Miami Beach 305-674-8244 Pizza-Rustica.com
photo: facebook
Ice Box Café 1855 Purdy Ave. Miami Beach 305-538-8448 IceBoxCafe.com 2 Time Winner!
Photo: facebook
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Burgers and Fun. The burgers are off the charts and come in more varieties than you can imagine,” said one reviewer on Yelp. Another one commented: “Probably the best burgers in Miami Beach! They are just so good you will not go anywhere else for authentic burgers.” One of customers’ favorites is the Mustang Sally, a half pound of wagyu beef topped with red onion marmalade, brie, and sliced prosciutto sandwiched between a brioche bun. — SFGN Staff
Best Pizza
Pizza Rustica has several locations across the globe, but the original can be found on Washington Avenue in Miami Beach. Inside a modest corner store is where the pizza is made fresh and served with sass. Readers of the SFGN voted Pizza Rustica Best Pizza in Miami-Dade County. The franchise dethroned 2013 champion, Spris. At the Washington Avenue & Ninth Street store, first opened in 1996, a customer can buy a slice or a whole pizza and choose from a variety of flavors from cheese, vegetable and meat. Complement your order with a cold beer, soda pop or caprese salad. For those fueling up before a night at the
clubs, Pizza Rustica is the perfect place to take in the local scenery. Grab a table on the sidewalk or sit on bar-like stools in front of large glass windows and watch the South Beach characters stroll by. Two can easily eat here for $15 dollars (tip included). Supporting Pizza Rustica allows the company to continue its generous giving to charitable organizations such as the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force Winter Party Festival, AIDS Healthcare Foundation and Best Buddies International. — John McDonald
Best Dessert In 2006 Oprah featured Ice Box Café on her show as a part of a Best Cakes in America series, so it’s no wonder they took home the award for Best Desserts in Miami for a second year in a row. “Pastries and desserts have always been the backbone to our business,” said Owner Robert Siegmann. “We first started off with a small lunch place with a crazy line of desserts that I had created. The place really caught on and became a watering hole for all of the locals.” If you visit, Siegmann recommends the Chocolate Delight cake, an “over the top chocolate explosion.” (It was once called the ‘Bomb,’ but apparently the airports didn’t like the name). If chocolate isn’t your thing try the Carrot Cake. “Hands down we have the best carrot cake out
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there, much lighter and easier to eat a lot of, than the Bomb.” But really if you do visit Ice Box you can’t just have one dessert. Ordering the Icebox sampler is a must for any patron. It features either 3 or 5 half portions of any of their desserts. Oh yeah, they also serve food, but eat light because you’ll want to save a lot of room for the happy ending. Siegmann said he’s thankful for the gay community’s patronage over the years. “The attention and the persistent of the gay community, especially in the beginning, kept us afloat and I’ve always been very thankful for that.” — SFGN Staff
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Score
Best Nightclub
1437 Washington Ave. Miami Beach 305-535-1111 2 Time ScoreBar.net
What better present for Score’s Sweet 16 than being ranked the best nightclub in Miami -- again? “Nowadays a lot of the nightclubs don’t last very long, so after 16 years, it feels really good to feel the love,” said Luis Morera, coowner of Score. For years, the club was nestled in the middle of happening Lincoln Road on Miami Beach. Then two years ago, Morera and his business partner, Billy Kemp, decided to move the popular spot to Washington Avenue into a larger space. Customers have been loyal and are still packing Score night
Winner!
photo: facebook
Tiffany Fantasia
photo: facebook
The Palace
2 Time Winner!
photo: facebook
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— Christiana Lilly
Best Drag Queen
2 Time Winner!
1200 Ocean Drive Miami Beach 305-531-7234 PalaceSouthBeach.com
after night, whether it’s for EDM, hip hop, live DJ sets, or Latin night, fit with drag queens and muscle boys flooding the dance floor. “Since we’re open more than two nights a week, we want to give our guests a different experience,” Morera said. And this coming year is going to be even better, with hot DJs and big-name artists already lined up for 2015. Morera’s keeping his lips sealed, for now, so keep your eyes open for announcements in the near future.
For 11 years Tiffany Fantasia has been entertaining the LGBT community in Miami and nowadays she can be found at the iconic restaurant the Palace on South Beach three days a week. And she’s ready to do more — a lot more. “There’s so much I want to do with drag that I can’t wait to do in the near future,” she said. “I can’t wait for it to happen and everybody to see. I’m loving what I do.” This is Tiffany’s second year in a row being voted Best Drag Queen. “It is so awesome to win two years in a row! It brings me great joy to be loved by my
community,” she said. “I think the readers chose me because I’m funny, professional, and free spirited, and will stand up against things that I believe are wrong in this community.” While Tiffany may come across as freespirited things haven’t always been so easy for the entertainer. “It’s been a struggle and a journey, but it’s been well worth it,” she said. “This business is not easy at all. And I thank your readers and the audiences to being able to entertain them for so long.” — Jason Parsley
Best Drag Show and Best Weekly Event Ask any real estate agent — and God knows, there are plenty in South Florida — the secret to success for any business is location, location, location… well, The Palace, South Beach’s Ocean Drive gay bar has got that! Just across the street from the beach, The Palace offers the perfect sunny spot to see and be seen. But, that’s not enough for General Manager Nelson Cardona and his hardworking staff. Sunday brunch, dubbed Bunchic!, is one of the most popular events of the week and Breakfast Club Saturdays offer the same delicious eats if you prefer to sleep in on Sundays. The divas of The Palace are second to none,
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providing gender-bending entertainment into the wee hours of the night. And, after a relaxing day on the beach, The Palace’s tea dances provide the perfect transition from sunny sojourn to midnight madness, courtesy of some of the Beach’s most popular DJs. So it’s no surprise that The Palace has taken home the trophy for Best Drag Show for a second year in a row as well as winning Best Weekly Event for their Sunday brunches. Also be sure to catch Tiffany Fantasia, who has won Best Drag Queen in MiamiDade two years in a row, regularly performing there. — SFGN Staff
miami dade
Twist
Best Bar
1057 Washington Ave. Miami Beach 305-538-9478 TwistSoBe.com
Joel Stedman and Richard Trainor opened Twist in 1993 and the rest is history. South Beach’s longest running gay club is still a hot attraction in Miami and readers of the SFGN agree, voting Twist the best bar in Miami-Dade County. Located in the heart of the National Art Deco Historic District, Twist is mere blocks from the neon lights of Ocean Drive, the waves of the Atlantic Ocean and high end shopping on Collins Avenue. Seven themed rooms await you into this journey of a nightclub. Twist
photo: facebook
Lincoln Road
welcomes all walks of life, gay or straight and there is sure to be eye candy on a weekend night. Hard bodies dancing in the Bungalow Bar, friendly bartenders serving bottled beer and cocktails upstairs, Latin salsa mixes downstairs and outdoors showings of music videos on a big screen – Twist has it all. And the best thing? No cover, just a groove. Twist is open daily from 1 p.m. to 5 a.m. and you must be ages 21 and older to enter. — John McDonald
Best Shopping Destination With art, entertainment, fashion, food and hospitality, Lincoln Road is the shopping destination in Miami-Dade County for readers of the SFGN. Located in Miami Beach between West and Washington Avenues, Lincoln Road is a pedestrianonly promenade that is renowned for its people watching and sidewalk cafes. There is 10 blocks of shopping and something for everyone. Tech geeks can update their gadgets at the Apple Store and pretty boys and girls can pick out their apparel at several top of the line stores such as LaCoste, Zara, Armani, Penguin, H&M, American Eagle, Banana Republic, Gap and J. Crew. Looking for a bite to eat, grab a table at one of the
photo: facebook
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30 plus restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating available. Visiting Lincoln Road is an experience into the work of Miami Beach architect Morris Lapidus, of the Fountainebleau fame, who was commissioned to develop the space in the 1950s. Lincoln Road’s thoroughfare was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011 and is home to the recently restored Colony Theatre. Gay travelers may want to book a night at Hotel Gaythering near the mall’s bayside for an extended shopping stay. — John McDonald
Perfect Gifts South Beach 1516 Washington Ave. Miami Beach 305-397-8097 Facebook.com/ PerfectGiftsSouthBeach 2 Time Winner!
Best Place To Shop For those shopping in Miami Beach, Perfect Gifts South Beach is the place to find that special present for loved ones and friends. Voted best gift shop in Miami-Dade County for the second year in a row by readers of SFGN, the store is known for its colorful greeting cards, novelties and pet accessories, but also has a concept says owner Perry Martino. “Get a gift, get it wrapped and go on to your party,” Martino explained. Perfect Gifts South Beach has a
beautiful selection of candles and fragrances and their greeting cards, Martino notes, range from naughty to nice. The shop also contains books, holiday decorations and the work of Brazilian-born artist Romero Britto. Formerly the Pink Palm on Lincoln Road, Perfect Gifts South Beach is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. — John McDonald
Photo: facebook
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Haulover Park
Best Beach
10800 Collins Ave. Miami Beach
The Best Beach in Miami-Dade County is also the Best Beach in the State of Florida for nudists and naturists. Only the northern end of Haulover Beach Park is clothing-optional; and only the northern end of the clothing-optional section is gay. Nevertheless, this magic strip of beach is enough to attract residents and tourists of all ages, races, sexual orientations and gender identities. Even “official” Miami-Dade County recognizes it as such, noting in its Web site (www.miamidate.gov/parks/haulover.asp) that “this family-friendly portion of the beach has been listed as one of the best in the nation to
HauloverBeach.org hes t o Cl is No nd th o bey oint p
Miami Beach
SAVE’s Annual Halloween Event SaveDade.org
Birdcage, Miami Beach is everything it’s “cracked up to be” and then some. It’s a place where being LGBT is to be just another face in the crowd. On any given day, residents of this beachside haven can be seen soaking in the sun on miles of pristine, worldrenowned beaches (complete with pride flags adorning the vintage lifeguard towers), indulge in a meal of nearly any ethnic derivation, and top it all off with a trip to one of the
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cities innumerable LGBT clubs such as Twist and Score among them. Miami Beach is also home to the ever-growing Miami Beach Gay Pride event that’s going into its sixth year. In 2013 the event attracted more than 80,000 people and has quickly become one of the largest gay pride events in the state despite being much younger than the others. — SFGN Staff
Best Gay Event In its 20th year of throwing the biggest Halloween bash year after year, there’s no better year for SAVE’s annual spooky fete to win the hearts of our readers. Starting initially as a small house party in Belle Meade two decades ago, it’s since become the premier event of the year with top notch DJs and performers at exquisite locales. “It’s not a circuit party,” said Tony Lima, executive director of SAVE. “It’s everybody. It’s men, women, older, younger -- it’s everybody coming together to celebrate and
photos: facebook
— Jesse Monteagudo
Best City to Live
With over 80,000 residents packed into a more than seven square mile area, the city of Miami Beach is not only jammed with people but boasts an equally robust cultural and recreational presence to its visitors and residents alike. Defined by its trademark 20’s and 30’s themed architecture and immortalized as a bonafide LGBT watering hole in films like the Robin Williams/Nathan Lane classic, The
2 Time Winner!
swim and sun-bathe without clothing.” At its best, on a warm, sunny day Haulover Beach is what heaven would be like if God was a gay nudist: full of friendly naked men (and women); an almost-idyllic weather (except when it rains); a well-kept beach; and the reassuring presence of the folks from South Florida Free Beaches (who made it all possible). As if that is not enough, Haulover Beach is conveniently located and within short-driving distance of most anywhere in Miami-Dade or Broward counties.
in a banner year for equality when we’re so close to marriage equality.” This year, Once a Midnight Scary was hosted at the historic Alfred I. Dupont Building, with drinks flowing from bank vaults and the guests gussied up in their best costumes. It’s estimated more than 1,000 people attended the event this year. “There’s a lot to celebrate,” Lima said. “We’ve made strides.” — Christiana Lilly
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Lake Worth
Best City
LakeWorth.org
While it may be many years before Lake Worth is known nationally as a hot spot for gays, it’s easily the gay friendliest city in the county. So it’s no surprise that readers voted Lake Worth as the Best City to Live — for the second year in a row. It currently hosts Compass, the gay and lesbian center of the Palm Beaches, Lambda North, a gay 12-step recovery clubhouse, Studio 205, the only gay themed retail store in the county, and the Zoo Health Club, a gay owned gym. In addition it was the first city in Florida to
2 Time Winner!
photo: LakeWorth.org
Lake Worth Playhouse 713 Lake Ave. Lake Worth 561-586-6410 LakeWorthPlayhouse.org
2 Time Winner!
photo: submitted.
With 80 percent gay clientele it’s not hard to figure out why the Zoo Health Club in downtown Lake Worth won for Best Gym — two years in a row. The franchise location opened up 4 years ago by Dawn Malega and her partner. “We’re a friendly gym. We don’t judge anybody here. People feel comfortable about their sexuality here,” Malega said. “We’re involved in everything, from gay pride to
2 Time Winner!
photo: facebook SFGN.COM //
Best Of Gay South Florida
Other productions include the introspective Black Box Series at the Playhouse’s Stonzek Theatre as well as independent films, children’s shows, acting classes, and limited engagements such as the Divas Holiday Party. “Our theater aims to have something for everyone. Our goal is to provide a sense of belonging and to be a place where ‘the community comes to play,’ ” says Nicole Laing, Director of Marketing, PR & Advertising. “We’re really excited to be chosen by the readers of South Florida Gay News. It means a lot to us to receive this honor.” — Andrea Dulanto
Best Gym
Lake Worth 561-547-6348 ZooGym.com
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— Jason Parsley
Best Live Theater
For the second consecutive year, SFGN readers voted the Lake Worth Playhouse as the best live theater in Palm Beach County. From Burt Reynolds to “Mame”—the Playhouse has offered the stage to a variety of actors and productions. In 2012, this nonprofit community theater celebrated sixty years of contributing to the performing arts scene. Reynolds, an actor at the Playhouse in the 1950s, was honored during this celebration. Recently, the Lake Worth Playhouse opened its 62nd season with the Broadway classic “Mame.” The 2014-2015 season also features “The Odd Couple,” “South Pacific,” “Arsenic and Old Lace,” and “Cabaret.”
Zoo Health Club
fly the rainbow flag to commemorate PrideFest — and that was back in 2000. “Recognition of Lake Worth as the Best City to Live by SFGN is not a surprise. You don’t have to be gay to enjoy our municipal beach, dock, golf course and parks,” said Tony Plakas, executive director of Compass. “Our center has been in Lake Worth for nearly [six] years, and the local community has embraced us as much as we’ve embraced our new home.”
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supporting Compass and hosting mixers. We try to support the community and they support us.” The 2,700 square foot gym is 24 hours featuring state of the art equipment, personal trainers and several group classes including circuit training. — SFGN Staff
Melissa St. John
photo: facebook
Howley’s
4700 S Dixie Hwy West Palm Beach 561-833-5691 Sub-Culture.org 2 Time Winner! photo: facebook
Grease
213 Clematis Street West Palm Beach 561-651-1075 GreaseWPB.com 2 Time Winner!
palm beach county Fall 2014
Best Drag Queen This year readers voted for long time iconic drag queen Melissa St. John as Best Drag Queen in Palm Beach County. For most of the gay community in the county St. John has been around forever. And there are no signs of her slowing down anytime soon. “It means a great deal to be voted in this category, I hold much respect for all those entertainers within in the Palm Beach LGBT community to uphold and
represent in what we believe,” St. John said. “As a sisterhood sometimes known as ‘The Palm Beach Drag Society’ I’m honored to be recognized for the many years I’ve dedicated my life not only entertaining, but remaining on the forefront for equal rights and fundraising. You can catch her at HG Roosters every Saturday night at midnight. — SFGN Staff
Best Restaurant
This iconic restaurant/diner has been around since 1950 so it makes sense this little gem on the corner is such a standout. This is the second year in row they’ve won for Best Restaurant. Howley’s features an eclectic mix of food, with breakfast all day. One of the standouts, according to manager Nicole Nichols includes the Brady Burrito, a flour tortilla stuffed with brisket, cheese, mashed potatoes, tomato corn salsa, smothered with a spicy sauce, jack cheese, an over medium egg, jalapeno, sour cream and guacamole — that’s a mouthful for sure. “All of our food is fresh and homemade,” Nichols said. She also recommends the crab cakes which she calls “amazing, definitely the best.”
One reviewer on Yelp said: “It’s such a hip, cool place with local art hanging all over the walls. But this burrito they have blows my mind. It’s by far my favorite.” But besides the food it’s the atmosphere that helps take this eatery to the next level. “Our servers are a bit on the sassy side and fun and hopefully attentive and great,” she said. And if there’s still room for dessert try the chocolate peanut butter pie or cupcakes. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday; and they close at 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. — SFGN Staff
Best Burger Last year Grease ended up in a three-way tie with Relish in West Palm Beach and Shula Burger in Delray Beach. This year though there was no contest, Grease was the clear favorite for Best Burger in Palm Beach County. At Grease its name lives up to its burgers — messy, juicy and oh so good. Some of their specialties include the Brother From Another Mother with home-made meatloaf applewood bacon, Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, BBQ sauce and red onions; the Burger From Hell with sautéed jalapenos, habanero hell sauce, queso blanco cheese, and grilled onions; and
the Honey Blue-Blue with blue cheese, apple, honey, red onion, arugula, and onion jam. “Wow. This place is heaven. Screw the diet and order up. Truffle Parmesan fries are incredible. The southern burger was fantastic. Juicy and cooked perfectly with crispy bacon, jack cheese and sweet BBQ sauce,” one reviewer on Yelp said. While another person commented “The grease beast is the best burger I have ever had. The black and bleu burger is also amazing.” — SFGN Staff
photo: GreaseWPB.com
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palm beach county
Best Neighborhood Bar, Best Drag Show and Best Weekly Event
Roosters
823 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach 561-832-9119 RoostersWPB.com
Friendly. Intimate. Cozy. It’s a no brainer residents of Palm Beach County would choose Roosters as Best Neighborhood Bar for the second year in a row. They just celebrated their 30th anniversary and the iconic bar is a staple in Palm Beach County. They’re always hosting community events. “In the past year, during the run up to our 30th Anniversary celebrations, we have done some significant renovations to make Roosters an even better place,” manager Arthur Vale said. “We are happy that the community has responded so enthusiastically and awarded us this honor.” For the second year they also took home the
2 Time Winner!
photo: facebook
Best Gay Event
PrideFest of the Palm Beaches
compassglcc.com/pf.html
More than 15,000 people attend Pridefest of Lake Worth and the Palm Beaches each year. Not only is it the longest running LGBT event in Palm Beach County, but it’s by far the largest. It first launched in 1992 and today showcases more than 140 gay friendly businesses. But the real highlight is the Sunday parade that marches through downtown Lake Worth. Next year’s event will take place March 28 and 29 from noon to 6 p.m. at Bryant Park in downtown Lake Worth. — SFGN Staff
Downtown Pizza 608 Lake Ave. Lake Worth 561-586-6448
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Thanks for voting! McLaughlin & Stern CityPlace Office Tower 525 Okeechobee Boulevard, Suite 1530 West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
561-659-4020
Ms. Dienstag, has focused her practice on marital and family law since 1989 and expanded her specialization to include domestic partnership matters. McLaughlin & Stern, LLP is a full service law firm providing a diverse range of legal services to individuals and businesses. McLaughlin & Stern, LLP was established in 1898 and has offices in: New York, New York Milbrook, New York Great Neck, New York Naples, Florida Miami, Florida
McLaughlin & Stern photo: facebook
Best Of Gay South Florida
— SFGN Staff
Is pleased to announce that Cynthia J. Dienstag has joined the firm as a partner in our West Palm Beach, Florida office.
Downtown Pizza is easy to miss. But don’t let its small size fool you. The location may be tiny, but the pizza is big and flavorful, so it’s no surprise that it won for Best Pizza in Palm Beach County. “Downtown Pizza has to be my favorite local spot for pizza. Can I just say it has to be by far the most delicious pizza I’ve had in Florida,” said one reviewer on Yelp. “This is the best NY style pizza around, no question. This is coming from someone whose family was in the pizza business in NY and FL for 50 years. I’m familiar with the ingredients they use and they’re the best you can get.” — SFGN Staff
award for Best Drag Show. And this year they won a third award for Best Weekly event for their Monday night bingo. “You can have a great time any night of the week at Roosters. Since Daizee DuLuxx began hosting Monday Night Bingo our customers have been thrilled and this award proves it,” manager David Hazen said. “With Valerie Dior headlining our Thursday night ‘el Gallo Latino’ and Melissa St John presenting her Saturday Night Showcase, we are excited to bring the best drag shows to Palm Beach County.”
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www.mclaughlinstern.com
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column
This week’s question is “how do you think the election results will affect LGBT rights over the next two years? Or any other takeaways from last week’s results.” 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:
“
The pendulum has begun to swing back, and there’s no longer a unanimous clean sweep by judges in favor of marriage equality. I fear that a ruling by the current federal Supreme Court would result in a 5-4 “Plessy v. Ferguson” -like ruling, establishing the constitutionality of statewide gay-marriage bans. “Separate and not equal,” in our case.” — Toni Armstrong, Founder/Director of BLAST Women of WPB
“
The recent election has far less impact on gay and transgender lives than the work multi-national corporations are doing on LGBT issues without the approval of Congress. We’ll secure marriage and workplace equality through the courts, not the House or Senate.” — Brian McNaught, noted columnist, author and LGBT activist
“
Florida’s LGBT community lost 1 of only 2 openly gay elected state legislators this past Election Day. In his service in the legislature, Joe Saunders was a true activist, champion and public servant. I’m incredibly grateful for his service and representing us in Tallahassee.” — Michael Rajner, community activist
“
Hopefully folks will take responsibility for the results of the election, which were due to lack of involvement of people who knew what was on the line. The next two years will tell, but if oppressive laws are passed it will be no one’s fault but our own.” — Noah Kitty, Rabbi and Executive Director of Congregation Etz Chaim
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. soflagaynews //
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lifestyle
Tacos & Tiaras
A Look Back on Julian’s 2014 Annual Reverse Quinceanera J.R. Davis
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Design by Josue Alejandro
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lifestyle history
HOMO HISTORY
Timothy “Tim” Cook born November 1, 1960) is the CEO of Apple Inc. He joined Apple in March 1998 as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Operations — he was named CEO on August 24, 2011, when he succeeded Steve Jobs. Last week he became the first CEO of a Fortune 500 company (ranked #1) to publicly identify as gay. For Tim Cook, a shy and private man, this was a commitment to make life easier and better for others. The first backlash comes from Russia where a statue of …Steve Jobs was taken down in St. Petersburg and the Government barred him from entering the country. Nevertheless the announcement is both historic and powerful and will have great resonance all over the world. His decision might open the closet doors of the business world. Because Tim Cook is the most influential voice in global business his coming out has taken center stage and the limelight shines
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imothy “Tim” Cook is the CEO of Apple Inc. He is the first CEO of a Fortune 500 company (ranked #1) to publicly identify as gay.
Photo: CNN, Apple Inc.
Pier Angelo
People:
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on him, however we should not forget other courageous, and less famous executives, who have come out before him.
Trevor Burgess, right here in Florida, is the CEO of C1 Financial. He became the first openly gay CEO of a New York Stock Exchange bank when C1 Financial, which is based in St Petersburg, Florida, made a $44.7 million public offering in August 2014. In the company’s initial public offering filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission he disclosed that his husband, Gary Hess, held some shares thus confirming his sexuality in the disclosure. The couple married in the 1990s and live in St. Petersburg with their 4-year-old daughter. He has been featured in Bloomberg Business Week’s “Out on the Street” and in the book, “The G Quotient-Why Gay Executives are Excelling as Leaders.” In 2013 he won Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award in Florida’s financial services category.
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Honorable mentions go to the following openly gay world executives: 1. Antonio Simoes, HSBC; CEO UK and Head of retail banking and wealth management for Europe. 2. Beth Brooke, EY; Global vice chair, Public Policy. 3. Paul Reed, BP; Chief executive. 4. Joseph Evangelisti, JP Morgan Chase; Chief communications officer. 5. Charles Allen, The Lord Allen of Kensington, 2 Sisters Food Group, ISS, Global Radio, Endemol; Chairman, nonexecutive director. 6. Claudia Brind-Woody, IBM; Vice President & Managing Director, Global Intellectual Property Licensing. 7. Colin Walsh, American Express; Executive vice-president, proprietary card services. 8. Robert Hanson, American Eagle Outfitters; Chief executive.
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9. Anthony Watson, Barclays Bank; Managing director & chief information officer, Europe Middle East retail & business banking. 10. Mary Jo Abler; 3M Unitek, President.
Facts:
In 2012 the Human Rights Campaign noted it was still an issue to be LGBT in the workplace. “U.S. Companies can still legally fire a worker for being gay in 29 states, and many subtle biases remain in the workplace. Former BP chief John Browne noted that homophobic corporate cultures and board of directors keep people in the closet, with a corporation’s level of conservativeness rising with the company’s size. Case in point: Allan Gilmour was Chief Financial Officer and board member at Ford’s. He kept his sexual orientation a secret but because he was single and unmarried there were always rumors. He retired in 1995, at age 60, after he was twice passed over for the top job.
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outeats
SFGN Staff
Diana’s Floral Boutique
NOW OPEN ON WILTON DRIVE Beautiful Flowers for Any Occasion!
Diana’s Floral Boutique 68
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Fresh Flowers Blooming Plants Holiday Centerpieces Weddings Funeral Arrangements Gifts & Decorations
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Bistro 1902
When you meander around downtown Hollywood, you have nearly endless dining options, but you really don’t need them since Bistro 1902 should be your only stop. For the last three years, Bistro 1902 has been dishing out high quality French cuisine to not only locals, but international visitors as well. Much of the staff speaks a variety of different languages, including Spanish, Russian, French, Portuguese, and English. The French décor is charming. The French music is delightful. But it’s the tasteful wine list and authentic French menu that is worth visiting. Start off with the baked brie ($13): it’s topped with caramelized apples, a balsamic reduction, and a side of mixed greens. If you come with a small group, you may want to get two—it’s so good you may not be willing to share. It pairs nicely with Riesling. If you can’t contain yourself, the French onion soup gratiné ($7) and the lobster bisque ($9) are also delicious starters. For your entrée, you can’t go wrong with the duck comfit ($25). Served with mashed potatoes, a vegetable medley, and topped with a porcini mushroom sauce, this is one of the biggest guest favorites. Another favorite is the salmon filet ($22). Pan-seared, finished in the oven, and topped with a caramel pistachio sauce, the salmon is also served with rice and a vegetable medley. It’s cooked to perfection, and the pistachio sauce is a delicious compliment. If you still have room after
Available for delivery
954-451-5433
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your baked Brie, you must get the salmon. Do not leave without dessert. It’s practically a must, since one of the most prized possessions of Bistro 1902 is an order of macarons. Flavors include vanilla, raspberry, pistachio, coffee, and chocolate, with six to an order. This French pastry is practically a delicacy. Eat them slow and enjoy them fully. Don’t be surprised when you open your eyes and see they are all gone. If macarons aren’t your thing, definitely indulge in the French praline cake ($10). With a creamy hazelnut filling, topped with whipped cream, powdered sugar, and strawberries, this dessert may very well be your entire meal. And that’s not a bad thing. While you may visit downtown Hollywood for so much of its charm, you’ll want to squeeze Bistro 1902 into your visit. With amazing food, friendly staff, and quaint décor, you won’t find anything more authentic and delicious as this French bistro.
If You Go:
Bistro 1902 1902 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, FL 33020 954-689-2229
www.bistro1902.com
Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Sunday, Noon-1 a.m.
Men’s Night! EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT 2 for 1 dinners* and drink specials all night long *with drink purchase
Santa Lucia Ristorante 2701 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
(954) 396-0930
SantaLuciaRistorante.com
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F O R
T H E
J.W. Arnold
S F G N ITES
jw@prdconline.com
THU music
W E E K
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W W W . S F G N . C O M
11/13
The South Florida Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 2014-15 season tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Amaturo Theatre in the Broward Center with “Expressive Virtuosity.” This program will include cellist Zuill Bailey performing Prokofiev’s “Sinfonia Concertante for cello and orchestra,” the overture to Verdi’s grand romantic opera, “Nabucco,” and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4. Ian Fraser will offer an informative pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m. in the theater. The program will be repeated on Saturday at Delray Beach Center for the Arts. Tickets are $35-75 at BrowardCenter.org. For more information, go to SouthFloridaSymphony.org.
FRI
music
11/14
It’s a fantastic weekend for classical music in South Florida! The Cleveland Orchestra opens its annual winter residency in Miami tonight at 8 p.m. at the Arsht Center with the talented — and very handsome — young guitarist Miloš Karadagli performing Rodrigo’s passionate “Concerto de Aranjuez.” The program, conducted by Giancarlo Guerrero, will also include Tchaikovsky’s “Capriccio Italien,” Respighi’s colorful “Fountains of Rome,” and Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Capriccio Espagnol.” The program will be repeated on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Knight Concert Hall. Tickets start at $41 at ArshtCenter.org.
SAT
concert
Submitted Photo.
11/15 SUN
James Taylor and his All-Star Band are coming to the BB&T Center in Sunrise tonight for one memorable concert. As a recording and touring artist, Taylor has touched people with his warm baritone voice and distinctive style of guitar playing for more than 40 years. A celebrated song-writer and singer, Taylor has sold more than 100 million platinum, gold and silver albums, won multiple Grammy awards and been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame. Tickets start at $30.75 at Ticketmaster.com.
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ooper Grodin and Julia Udine star in the reimagined production of Andrew C Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera,” coming to the Broward Center, Nov. 18 – 30. Credit: Matthew Murphy
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event
11/16 MON event
Today is the final day of the Miami Auto Show, which opened at the Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr., on Nov. 7. In addition to the latest models from around the world, check out special exhibitions, including “Topless in Miami,” a collection of iconic convertibles; “Havana Classics,” a nostalgic drive down Memory Lane; and “Cars Meet Art,” featuring cars as canvas for some of Miami’s leading street artists. Most days the show is open until 11 p.m. Sunday, the show runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 at MiamiAutoShow.net. soflagaynews //
11/17 TUE
The Pride Center continues its November observances of Transgender Awareness Month tonight at 7 p.m. with the Trans Equality Awards Ceremony at the Richardson House in the Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve, just off Wilton Drive and north of the Middle River bridge. This event acknowledges and honors those South Floridians who have advanced transgender equality. Suggested donation is $15. Additional events during Transgender Awareness Month include Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20 and a lifestyle panel on Nov. 25. For more info, go to PrideCenterFlorida.org.
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theater
11/18
The longest running show in Broadway history, “The Phantom of the Opera,” makes yet another stop at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale tonight through Nov. 30. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s melodic score and the opulent, Tony Award-winning costumes are the same, but the rest of the show has been reimagined. We’re not talking nip and tuck cosmetic changes, but a complete reworking of the sets and special effects to update this classic for new audiences. Tickets start at $34.75. For a full schedule of performances and tickets, go to BrowardCenter.org.
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Friday, November 14 at 9:00 PM New World Center
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The best in classical, contemporary and electronic music, all in one night at the New World Center!
NOVEMBER 19-30
Christian Reif, conductor Panic Bomber, DJ/composer Julia Bullock, soprano D.J. Sparr, electric guitar
TICKETS STARTING AT $34.75!
BROWARD CENTER
BrowardCenter.org • 800.745.3000 For Groups: 954.660.6307
tickets@nws.edu | www.nws.edu | 305.673.3331 by arrangement with the really useful group
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a&e theater
Miami Book Fair Spotlights LGBT Issues, Authors
J.W. Arnold
Thousands of book lovers will hit the streets of downtown Miami for the Miami Book Fair International, the nation’s largest literary event, opening on Sunday, Nov. 16. Submitted photo.
Miami Book Fair International, the nation’s largest literary event hosted annually by Miami Dade College, will again highlight issues and authors of interest to the LGBT community. The fair, Nov. 16 – 23, will open with Theodore B. Olson, the former Bush administration solicitor general, who successfully argued with David Boies against California’s Proposition 8 before the Supreme Court. Olson will discuss their book, “Redeeming the Dream, the Case for Marriage Equality,” on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. in the college’s Chapman Conference Center. Olson will be joined by two of the original plaintiffs in the landmark case, Kris Perry and Sandy Stier, for an up-close account of the most important civil rights issue before the Supreme Court since Brown v. Board of Education. The presentation is free, but tickets are required. The fair’s popular “Evening with….” series also presents several authors popular with LGBT readers. Anne Rice, the creator of the immensely popular cult series, “The Vampire Chronicles,” will once again summon up her irresistible world of the undead with a discussion of her latest novel, “Prince Lestat,” on Monday, Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. Iconic gay filmmaker John Waters (“Hairspray,” “Polyester”) will discuss his unforgettable experience chronicled in “Carsick: John Waters Hitchhikes his Way Across America,” Saturday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. in the Chapman Center. Armed with wit, his signature pencil-thin mustache and a cardboard sign that read, “I’m Not Psycho,” he traveled across America from Baltimore
to San Francisco, braving lonely roads and treacherous drivers. Tickets for both sessions are $15. “From the beginning, the fair has always been inclusive of all voices,” said Mitchell Kaplan, co-founder and co-chair of Miami Book Fair International, including the LGBT community. During the festival, a number of additional LGBT authors will discuss their writing in a wide range of panel discussions, readings and presentations. Achy Obejas, a Cuban-American writer and journalist who frequently writes regarding her sexuality and nationality, and is the recipient of the Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian fiction, will participate in a panel with Edwidge Danticat, Roberto G. Fernández, M. Evelina Galang and Emma Ruby-Sachs called, “Immigrant Voices: 21st Century Stories,” on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 11:30 a.m. Stephen Snyder-Hill, “Soldier of Change: From the Closer to the Forefront of the Gay Rights Movement,” Sean Strub, “Body Counts: A Memoir of Politics, Sex, AIDS and Survival,” and poet Saeed Jones, “Prelude to a Bruise,” will conduct readings on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 1:30 p.m. The highlight for thousands of book lovers is the street fair on the college’s downtown Miami Wolfson campus, featuring stalls filled with new titles from local and international publishing houses, university presses and boutique publishers. Admission to the fair is free on Friday, Nov. 21 and $8 for adults on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22-23.
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Feel Us!
See us... Hear us...
MASTERWORKS CONCERT I
“Expressive Virtuosity”
Thurs., Nov. 13, Fort Lauderdale, Amaturo Theater Sat., Nov. 15, Delray Beach, Delray Center for the Arts PROGRAM Verdi: Nabucco Prokofiev: Sinfonia Concertante for Cello and Orchestra Zuill Bailey, cello Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 Pre-concert talks with Ian Fraser
$35 – $75
www.SouthFloridaSymphony.org Broward: 954-462-0222 Delray: 954-522-8445
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Datebook
Theater Christiana Lilly
Calendar@SFGN.com
broward county
palm beach county PIAF
Nov. 12 to Dec. 14 at the Delray Square Performing Arts, 4809 W. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. Edith Piaf, who was allegedly raised in a brothel by her grandmother while her parents worked as performers, lived in a life in the spotlight. Tickets $37.50. Call 561-8880-0319 or visit DelraySquareArts.com.
Tom McTiernan
* Bobby Collins: Mellowing with Age… Voices of the Island: A Caribbean Fantasy “on the inside” Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. A part of the Aventura Comedy Series, Collins performs bits on his stage observations and characterizations. Tickets $39.50 to $44.50. Call 305-466-8002 or visit AventuraCenter.org.
Through Nov. 22 at the Miami Theater in Miami Shores. Caribbean shamanism and magic is the focus of this performing arts feature, including audience participation. Tickets $20. Call 305-7519550 or visit MTCMiami.org.
* Atlantic City Boys
Through Nov. 23 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. A couple gets to know the new neighbors next door, soon to find out it will threaten their lives they way they know it. Tickets $45. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.
Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. The quartet perform hits from ‘60s groups like The Beach Boys, The Drifters, and of course Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Tickets $40 to $45. Call 305-4668002 or visit AventuraCenter.org.
Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. Delray Center for the Performing Arts, 51 Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. One of Bill Allred Classic Jazz Band the cleanest comedians in the business, he has Nov. 12 at 7:45 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW performed in clubs across the country. Tickets $20. Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A part of the Gold Coast Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayCenterfortheArts. Jazz Society series, the band performs jazz from org. * Green Porno Bourbon Street to Big Band. Call 954-462-0222 or visit Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. at the Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 BrowardCenter.org * Casting Crowns Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. The Sundance Nov. 15 at the Cruzan Amphitheatre, 601 Sansbury film about animal sex goes on stage. Tickets $61.50 * Robin Trower Way #7 in West Palm Beach. The Christian band is to $126.50. Call 305-673-7300 or visit FillmoreMB. Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. at Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth partnering with World Vision. Tickets $62 to $676. com. St. in Fort Lauderdale. Trower is considered one of Call 561-795-8883 or visit CruzanAmphitheatre. the best guitarists in the British blues rock genre. net. * Madama Butterfly Tickets $37.50 to $57.50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit Nov. 15 to 22 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne ParkerPlayhouse.com. * Danny Bhoy in “Dear Epson” Blvd. in Miami. The Florida Grand Opera performs Nov. 15 to 17 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee the classic tale of an American sailor who marries * The Kings of Chutney Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The Scottish comedian a young geisha. Tickets $25 to $229. Call 305-949Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. at the Miramar Cultural Center, brings his humor to American stages. Tickets $35. 6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org. 2400 Civic Center Place in Miramar. KI and Ricki Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org. Jai, the soca chutney stars, share the stage with * The Beatles’ US Invasion: 50th their bands. Tickets $35 to $45. Call 954-602-4500 * The Orchid City Brass Band Anniversary or visit MiramarCulturalCenter.org. Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Come Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Fifty years ago, a British * Patti LaBelle see South Florida’s only British style brass band. rock band called The Beatles made their debut Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Tickets $15. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org. performance in the US on the Ed Sullivan Theater Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The legendary in New York. The Miami Symphony Orchestra and songstress hits the stage with fan favorites like Rodgers and Hammerstein’s the New Birth Baptist Church Choir come together “Lady Marmalade” and “The Right Kinda Lover.” Cinderella to commemorate the historic moment in music. Tickets $39.50 to $139. Call 954-462-0222 or visit Through Nov. 16 at the Kravis Center, 701 Tickets $38 to $119. Call 305-949-6722 or visit BrowardCenter.org. Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The ArshtCenter.org. Broadway giants bring the fairy tale to the theater. * The Phantom of the Opera Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org. Hedda Gabler Nov. 19 to 30 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Through Nov. 16 at the Miami Theater Center, Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The beloved Broadway * Russian State Symphony Orchestra 9806 NE Second Ave. in Miami Shores. Hedda musical of an opera house’s phantom and his Nov. 18 at 19 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee has returned from her honeymoon with her new obsession with up-and-coming singer Christine. Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The Russian academic husband, a man she never loved, to a Tickets $34.75 to $124.75. Call 954-462-0222 or musicians performs compositions by classical home where her she thinks about how her youth visit BrowardCenter.org music’s greatest composers, including Mozart, is over. Tickets $35. Call 305-751-9550 or visit Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninoff. Call 561-832- MTCMiami.org. * Evil Dead -- The Musical 7469 or visit Kravis.org. Nov. 20 to 23 at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE * Mike Birbiglia Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. Over the top gore * Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam Nov. 20 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 in this hilarious musical of five college students Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Birbiglia has no shame on their way to an abandoned cabin in the woods. Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The in sharing his embarrassing stories, from being Tickets $36.50 to $73.50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit member of Traffic performs the band’s hits. arrested in New Jersey to fending off zombie rats. ParkerPlayhouse.com. Tickets $20 and up. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org. Kravis.org.
POZ
Through Nov. 23 at Island City Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. A young man with tuberculosis discovers that he could be covered by insurance if is HIV+, so he sets out to date an HIV+ man. Tickets $30. Call 054-678-1496 or visit IslandCityStage.org.
The Marvelous Wonderettes
Through Nov. 23 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Head to Springfield High School’s 1958 prom where four girls, the “wonderettes” sing hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s as they dream of their future. Tickets $45. Call 954462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org
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Free Friday Concerts
Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Call 561-2437922 or visit DelrayArts.org.
Detroit
PAMM Outdoor Music Series
Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Free with museum admission. Call 305375-3000 or visit PAMM.org.
The Big Show
Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com.
* Murder Ballad
Through Nov. 2 at the Actors’ PLayhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. Sara is living in the Upper West Side, but her past as a downtown girl comes back to haunt her. Tickets $15 to $53. Call 305-444-9293 or visit ActorsPlayhouse.org.
The Cuban Spring
Through Nov. 2 at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center’s New Theatre, 10950 SW 211 St. in Cutler Bay. Family drama is started by secrets, intensified by generational differences, and highlights the sacrifices to live in a democracy. Tickets $26 to $31. Call 305-443-5909 or visit newtheatre.org.
PAMM Outdoor Music Series
Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Free with museum admission. Call 305375-3000 or visit PAMM.org.
The Big Show
Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com.
‘The Beatles’ US Invasion: 50th Anniversary on Nov. 16 at the Arsht Center will be performed by the Miami Symphony Orchestra and the New Birth Baptist Church Choir.
miami-dade county * The Anomaly Tour
Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. Christian hip hop artist, Lecrae, is joined by Andy Mineo and DJ Promote. Tickets $41.50. Call 305-673-7300 or visit FillmoreMB.com.
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* Denotes New Listing
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Would You Like To Be Part Of Gay History?
Send us your every day photo & celebrate with us Dancing * Jogging * Laughing * Sleeping * Swimming * Tanning * Singing
Join SFGN on Saturday, Nov. 15 in capturing one day in the life of Gay South Floridians.
Submit your photos to Jason Parsley at Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com. Please include the time the photo was taken, complete names, city you live in and a short description of what’s taking place.
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SouthFloridaGayNews
Leaves change with the seasons but you can always count on EDGE to bring you the best in LGBT news, entertainment and sexy photos!
edgeonethenet.com
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SFGN Classified$
To place a Classified Ad, call Jason Gonzales at 954.530.4970 or visit SFGN.com announcement counseling church WANTED FOR MAYOR - Less crime, lower taxes. Visit my website! www.MayorBoyd.com
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employment - full time Police Adminstrative Manager: Highly responsible professional position directs efficient and effective delivery of police administrative services including grant program oversight and implementation, budgetary and purchasing responsibilities, fleet maintenance, and direct coordination with City departments. IT Manager: Professional position responsible for strategic guidance and administrative and technical work in network administration, operating system installation and configuration, and end-user training. Visit www.wiltonmanors.com and follow CAREERS link to all position descriptions and application and submission instructions. Deadline 11/10/14.
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employment - part time
AUTHOR SEEKING AN ASSISTANT: Admin. asst, PART-TIME Miami Beach. Take dictation into computer for Author. Computer savvy important. Requires working in Miami Beach and should live near Miami Beach. Call Bob 305-673-6151 or e-mail resume to rs312000@aol.com
BUTLERS IN THE MANOR: 25 years of cleaning experience. Our cleaners are the best in the area. Customizing your visit from cleaning to laundry to pet care, Butlers in the Manor We’re waiting for your call 239-233-1221 www. butlersinthemanor.net 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
employment - full time CITY OF WILTON MANORS JOB OPENINGS Code Compliance Supervisor: Technical position supervises the daily work assignments of the department’s code enforcement officers and administrative staff, including prioritizing investigations and ensuring proper procedural follow through at all levels
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licensed massage Place an ad in SFGN’s Classifieds
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MASSAGE BY DENNIS $50/90 MIN (DELRAY BEACH) I give a fantastic Swedish massage for $50/90 min, out calls higher. 20 years experience, all clients are welcome including seniors, as human beings we all need to be touched in a therapeutic, loving, and nurturing way. I do body work without the attitude. Please call me at 561-502-2628.
pets/supplies
licensed massage AFFORDABLE AWESOME MASSAGE BY JIM Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and LomiLomi Massage for Men; in a very comfortable, relaxed and Private Massage Studio, NOW conveniently located in Wilton Manors on NE 26th Street, with plenty of free parking. Same Day appointments are welcome; please call Jim, 954-600-5843 email: info@massagebyjim.com or visit my website for testimonials, rates and more. GREAT OPENING SPECIAL NOW AVAILABLE! www.massagebyjim.com Licensed and Certified MM22293 INCREDIBLY AWESOME BODYWORK IN WPB In-calls at a private studio 15 minutes west of PBIA. Intuitive, experienced licensed massage therapist offers affordable rates 7 days, early to late. ASK ABOUT WEEKLY SPECIALS!Calls only 561-2548065 for the very best massage experience you can get HANDS DOWN! #MA51008 MASSAGE BY STEVEN JAY: Very private and quiet. Swedish, Deep Tissue or Reflexology. Great Massage and low rates. Hour or 1/2 hour avail. Call Steven Jay at 954-565-1996 Lic #MA16988
professional services EXPERIENCED HANDYMAN: Reliable, reasonable, experienced in most aspects of home repair and maintenance including electrical, plumbing, pressure cleaning, no job too small. Joe 954-224-4049 THIRD GENERATION PAINTING: Quality work by an experienced, reliable professional. Fully insured, free estimates, excellent references. Painting, plastering, wallpaper removal, color coordinating and more. Call Steve at 954-804-6026 or email twilopainter@ aol.com
rentals fort lauderdale LARGE 2 BD/1 BA HOUSE W/POOL BIG house. Raised living room, family room, eat-in kitchen, screened porch by pool. Must be gainfully employed. Fenced large back yard. $1250/mo. F/L/S Call Butch 954-632-6639
piano lessons WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE PIANO? Learn from an experienced teacher. All levels and ages welcome. Learn to play classical, popular, jazz, or show tunes. Visit www.edwinchad.com or call 954-826-9555 for more information.
roomates
GAY WHITE MALE TO SHARE 2BD/2BA GATED CONDO Furnished room, W/D, TV in room, pool, must have steady income and own transportation, 1st-Last $675/month, utilities included, no pets no drugs. Call 954-401-8431 or 954-765-3665
vacation rentals
DAYTONA BEACH: Beach side, elegant 1929 Historic Spanish Mansion, private walled pool area. four blocks to beach. Near boardwalk, shops, bars and restaurants 386-248-2020. www.thevillabb.com
On Stands NOW! Check out
The Mirror Fall 2014
FALL 2014
• Vol. 3 Issue
3
TAKING BROADWAY BY STORM PAGE 48
ASEXUALITY & AGENDERISM GAY PLAYS & QUEER COMICS BROADWAY BAB TRANS ADULTS ES &
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Axe Tax the
*
All Outdoor Furniture on Sale with Savings up to 60%
FREE
Assembly White Glove Service on all outdoor furniture
FABRICS
To Suit Your Style
In Stock Cushion Options or Quick Delivery available on many of our collections.
PLUS...
A
4-PC SETS starting at $ 99
3499
No Interest for 12 Months, No Down Payments
Fabric Choices Quick Delivery
On purchases of $1000 or more
Save over 45% +Axe the Tax A. TANGIERS
4 piece All Weather Wicker Seating Group
Our reg. low 7499 99 | SALE
399999
Ottoman, end table & firepit sold separately at an upcharge.
Save 45% +Free Chair +Axe the Tax B. VALENCIA
5 piece 71-103˝x 44˝ Cast Aluminum Dining Set
Our reg. low 4999 99 | SALE
269999
Seat pads, umbrella & umbrella weights sold separately.
Save 55% +Axe the Tax
B
5-PC SETS starting at $ 99
1399
In Stock Cushion Options
4
Table Shapes & Sizes
**Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period or if you make a late payment. The Fortunoff Backyard Store credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank. Special terms apply to purchases charged with approved credit. Regular minimum monthly payments are required during the promotional period. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date at the regular APR if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period or if you make a late payment. For newly opened accounts, the regular APR is 27.99%. The APR may vary. The APR is given as of October 1, 2014. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. Special orders require a 50% deposit. Umbrella and umbrella weights sold separately. * Receive an additional discount equal to the percentage of sales tax you would have paid on the original purchase price. State and local tax authorities will still get their share; applicable sales tax will be added to the reduced purchase price in accordance with applicable laws. Most Items available for immediate delivery within 5 business days. Excludes custom orders. See Sales Specialist for details. Fortunoff Backyard Store is a registered trademark and is being used under a license from the Fortunoff Brands. © 2014 Fortunoff Backyard Store. Prices effective through November 23, 2014. †Complete assembly free of charge on all grills $499.99 and up. Excludes Weber Island models. *$45 delivery charge in our standard delivery area.
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C
+FREE CHAIRS
5-PC SETS starting at $ 99
499
9
C. HIDEAWAY 7 piece 72˝x 42˝ Sling & Aluminum Slat Top Dining Set Our reg. low 2699 99 | SALE 1099 99
Table Shapes & Sizes
Umbrella & umbrella weights sold separately.
VISIT OUR LOCATIONS BOCA RATON
STUART
PALM BEACH GARDENS
601 N. Federal Hwy (561) 886-4500
2280 NW Federal Hwy (772) 403-1060
2843 PGA Boulevard (561) 410-7300
FORT MYERS
FORT LAUDERDALE
11521 S. Cleveland Avenue (239) 425-1455
2930 N. Federal Highway (954) 315-6331
STORE HOURS MON–SAT 10AM-9PM, SUN 11AM-6PM | (855) 337-8785 soflagaynews //
visit us online at Fortunoffbys.com
SouthFloridaGayNews 11/4/14 12:15 PM