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

Compiled by John McDonald

Danger in Sochi The countdown to Sochi was supposed be joyous, a celebration of all things Russian and the Olympics, too.

Instead it’s been nothing but a grim reminder that Olympic officials had no idea what they were getting when they bought into Vladimir Putin’s visions of surf and snow and handed him a Winter Olympics to call his own.

1 Photo: HBO

Photo: Timothy Cwiek

2

Every day seems to bring a new threat or another warning. Every day strains the nerves more, to the point where some athletes are telling family and friends it’s not worth the risk to go, even for the most important moment of their lives.

The Sochi Olympics are scheduled for Feb. 7-23 with 204 nations participating.

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effort is documented in “The Case Against 8,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

The film follows the attorneys and plaintiffs in the lawsuit that resulted in the marriage ban being overturned last year.

Olson said the case was the most important thing he’s done “as an attorney or as a person.” The film will air on HBO in June.

Trans Litigant Seeks Punitive Damages Bobbie E. Burnett, a transgender library assistant who’s suing the City of Philadelphia for workplace bias, wants the opportunity to seek punitive damages.

But the city maintains Burnett shouldn’t have that opportunity, because the anti-bias law in effect during the relevant time period didn’t authorize punitive damages.

In civil-rights cases, punitive damages are awarded to promote social justice, and

because of their deterrent effect. They can be quite sizable, though they’re also subject to reduction on appeal.

Burnett, 57, has worked as a library assistant for the city for 22 years. She had gender-reassignment surgery in 2001, but her personnel records still refer to her as a male.

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Once Rivals, Now Partners Attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies once argued the Bush v. Gore case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, but they say fighting California’s law prohibiting samesex marriage is the most significant thing they’ve done.

The two courtroom veterans fought on opposite sides of the case that determined the 2000 presidential election, yet they joined forces to defeat California’s 2008 gaymarriage ban, Proposition 8. Their five-year

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“CLASH OF THE POTHEADS” COVER DESIGN BY DAVE GRIFFITHS South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com.

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3

News Briefs

Kluwe Meets with Investigators

Compiled by John McDonald

Gay Couple Welcomes Changes to TSA Questions

Former Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe has met with investigators hired by the team to independently assess allegations that an assistant coach made anti-gay comments.

Kluwe wrote in a Jan. 2 article on DeadSpin.com that special teams coach Mike Priefer made insensitive comments because of Kluwe’s outspoken support of gay marriage rights.

Kluwe’s lawyer, Clayton Halunen, told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that during a five-hour meeting Friday Kluwe identified kicker Blair Walsh and long snapper Cullen Loeffler as witnesses.

Halunen also says there are corroborating text messages from Walsh.

Halunen says Kluwe met with director

of player personnel Les Pico to complain before his May 2013 release. The team’s owners say they knew nothing of the allegations prior to Kluwe’s article.

Photo: CNN

Photo: CNN

On his way home from a trip to Colombia, marriage equality advocate Hunter Carter discovered another way to fight for his rights.

Carter and husband Cesar Zapata stepped up to the American Airlines ticket counter in Medellin, Colombia, expecting to undergo a preflight security screening together, just like heterosexual married couples.

That didn’t happen, even though the United States Supreme Court struck down part of the Defense of Marriage Act in late June, allowing for some federal recognition of same-sex marriage rights.

The Transportation Security Administration’s rules had not been updated when the couple flew home from Colombia on January 18, a story first reported in the Washington Blade. With the exception of husbands and wives, and parents and their children younger than 13, airlines flying into the United States from certain countries have to screen travelers individually under TSA rules.

That appears to be changing. The TSA is updating its language, an agency spokesman confirmed.

Because they were not a heterosexual married couple, American Airlines agents refused to screen Zapata and Carter together before issuing their boarding passes, Carter said. One rudely ordered Zapata back in line, Carter said.

“We knew this had happened to another couple but didn’t believe it could happen to us,” said Carter, a partner at the New York law office of Arent Fox. American Airlines confirmed the two men were screened separately. Employees were following TSA security rules, said Bob Witeck, president of Witeck Communications, who consults with American on LGBT issues.

Within hours of the incident, the couple took to Twitter and Facebook to report the incident. Carter also contacted the White

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House LGBT liaison and two members of Congress to ask the TSA to update its airline screening questions.

“TSA is working to make clear any confusion in language included in the Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program document,” wrote a TSA spokesman, via e-mail. “TSA policy is for every attempt to be made to accommodate all families traveling together.” The agency declined to discuss any more specifics of its security procedures.

“I’m thrilled how quickly people decided this is wrong,” said Carter. “It’s a sign of the times that American executives at the corporate level wanted to stamp this out fast.”

The change appears to be immediate at American Airlines, Carter said, citing an e-mail he received from an airline lawyer: “TSA has communicated to our Corporate Security folks that they are working on a technical change to its directive, and that, pending that change, we can immediately begin screening same-sex spouses together. We are working on communicating this change in procedures to our stations ASAP.” American is happy to implement the TSA change, said Witeck.

“For two decades, American Airlines has been a leader in LGBT equality, and now with DOMA’s repeal, outdated rules that treat married couples differently can come tumbling down,” said Witeck.

“A seemingly small but crucial equality milestone for all travelers.”

It won’t be too long before Carter and Zapata will test the change. They have a second home in Colombia, and they’re flying back in March for a wedding.

“I expect us to be treated like every other legally married couple,” said Carter.

“When they ask, ‘Why are you together?’ I will say, ‘We’re legally married.’ We expect them to give us our boarding passes, and we’ll move on.” soflagaynews //

SD Senator: Gay Rights Activists Going Too Far Two bills filed in the South Dakota Legislature seek to protect clergy, church officials and businesspeople who refuse to take part in gay marriages or receptions because of their religious beliefs.

The South Dakota Constitution and states laws already ban gay marriage, but Sen. Ernie Otten, R-Tea, said he proposed the bills because courts could overturn the ban as they have in other states. Lawsuits in some states have threatened businesses that refused to provide wedding cakes, flowers or other services for same-sex ceremonies, he said.

The bills would prevent clergy or businesses from being forced to perform or supply goods or services to anything related to same-sex marriages. It could allow a South Dakota business to refuse to host a reception for a gay couple legally married in another state.

The bills also say clergy and businesses could not be sued or charged with crimes if they refused to take part in gay marriages.

Otten said the measures are not intended to hurt gay people, but he believes gay-rights activists are going too far in suing people who refuse to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies or to provide services for such weddings.

“It’s unconscionable that somebody from the outside would come in and bring a family business to ruin over activism,” Otten said.

Don Frankenfeld, of Rapid City, a member of Equality South Dakota, said he believes the bill dealing with clergy is irrelevant because the constitutional separation of church and state protects clergy members from being forced to perform any ceremony that runs counter to their beliefs.

Porn Star Student Suspension Lifted An 18-year-old Florida student is set to returned to classes this week after he says he was suspended when school officials learned of his pornographic online photos and videos.

Robert Marucci, a senior at Cocoa High School in Cocoa, Florida, told CNN affiliate WKMG that he picked up his X-rated gig to help his mom pay the bills.

His mom, Melyssa Lieb, said when students discovered the explicit material online, her son became a target. “He was bullied, he was threatened.” Then, according to Lieb, her son was suspended, because the principal didn’t approve of his after-school activities.

Lieb told CNN affiliate WPLG, “I think that it is Dr. (Stephanie) Soliven’s morals and her personal beliefs and I don’t think that this is anybody’s business except for my son’s. The children at the school found (the porn), and she didn’t do anything to stop it.”

According to WPLG, Lieb said the principal told her, “He was expelled due to his explicit lifestyle career.”

SouthFloridaGayNews

Brevard County Schools spokeswoman Michelle Irwin disputed the mother’s account, saying that although a campus monitor overheard the chatter surrounding Marucci and his work, Marucci wasn’t suspended as a result of his explicit videos. Instead he was suspended because of an investigation of the teen and “possible threats” he made, she said.

Irwin told CNN Tuesday that Soliven, the principal, never had a conversation with Marucci’s mother indicating her disapproval of his lifestyle and only offered resources to the teen in support of his “alternative lifestyle.”

After a four-day suspension, school administrators cleared Marucci of any suspicion, and he returned to school, according to Irwin. Irwin also said that she wasn’t aware of any bullying of Marucci and that the student never filed any formal bullying complaints.

Irwin told CNN that the school district would never suspend a student for any legal career they pursue outside of school hours, saying if Marucci was “a drug dealer for instance, that would be a different story.”

news highlight

Grammys Go Gay John McDonald

jeanmichaelmcdonald@gmail.com

If I was gay I would think hip-hop hates me.

Have you read the YouTube comments lately?

– lyrics from “Same Love” by Macklemore and Lewis.

Macklemore and Lewis, a couple of virtually unknowns from Seattle who dominated the pop world with three huge hits that were wildly different, came away big winners at the 56th Grammy Awards Sunday in Los Angeles.

Macklemore and Lewis won three awards during the Grammys’ pre-telecast ceremony — rap song and rap performance for the comical “Thrift Shop” and rap album for “The Heist,” beating out Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z and Kanye West in that category before taking the major award for best new artist.

They’re just the third rap act to win best new artist, but their wins in the rap categories are sure to chafe average hip-hop fans — especially after Kendrick Lamar failed to win an award despite seven nominations. The Recording Academy’s own rap committee tried to exclude Macklemore and Lewis from the genre’s categories before being overruled.

The duo performed their gay rights anthem, “Same Love,” during an on-air wedding ceremony officiated by Queen Latifah, who

was certified by the state of California to perform the wedding ceremony. After the ceremony uniting both same sex and opposite sex couples, Latifah spoke out about rap being more inclusive.

“I think this is exactly what hip-hop is capable of. When I started rapping it was much more common for rappers to speak about different things going on in the world,” she said. “We’re part of the reason that apartheid (in South Africa) was changed. ...

Or violence in the communities or anything that was some type of social injustice we’ve always been able to talk about through hiphop.”

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5

news national Virginia AG Won’t Defend Gay Marriage Ban

Unprecedented move leaves opponents stunned Lisa Keen

KeenNewsService.com

No cheesy taglines, just results.

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// 1.29.2014 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

The attorney general of Virginia announced this morning that his office will no longer defend the constitutionality of the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.

At a press conference, Attorney General Mark Herring told reporters his legal analysis of the state’s constitutional ban has determined the law violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection and due process and that it discriminates against gay people on the basis of sexual orientation.

Addressing critics who say he should defend all state laws, regardless of whether he believes they are unconstitutional. Herring said that would be violating his oath and noted that his predecessors, including Republican Ken Cuccinelli, refused to defend other state laws they believed to be unconstitutional.

“Having determined after thorough and rigorous analysis that this unconstitutional law infringes on Virginia families,” said Herring, “I have a duty and authority to protect them and their rights. It does not mean the case will end or that the ban will go undefended or unenforced. Until the courts can rule on the matter, [the] state registrar Janet Rainey will continue to enforce the current ban, but neither she nor I will defend its constitutionality.”

The announcement comes fewer than three weeks after Herring was sworn in and just one week before a federal judge in Norfolk is set to hear arguments in the first of two lawsuits challenging the ban in federal court in Virginia.

A spokeswoman for Herring told the Richmond Times Dispatch, “We will file a brief that will change the commonwealth’s legal position and we will argue along with the plaintiffs.” The state’s solicitor general is expected to present Herring’s position when the court hears oral arguments.

Supporters of marriage equality were elated.

“It is a critical and important development when the attorney general—the keeper of the federal and state constitution in the commonwealth-- joins us in arguing that barring same-sex couples from marriage is clearly unconstitutional,” said Greg Nevins, counsel in Lambda Legal’s Southern Regional Office based in Atlanta. Lambda and the ACLU are representing same-sex couples in one of two lawsuits currently challenging the Virginia ban in federal district courts.

“This is a great day for the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Ted Olson, who is leading

SouthFloridaGayNews

the other Virginia lawsuit.

“Attorney General Herring’s actions today have brought Virginia that much closer to the quintessential American ideals of equality under the law and the freedom to pursue happiness. We are grateful for his leadership and look forward to working with him to strike down Virginia’s odious marriage ban.”

In another dramatic development, plaintiffs’ attorneys on Wednesday submitted Tuesday’s Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in SmithKline v. Abbott that found heightened scrutiny is required for cases involving disparate treatment based on sexual orientation. They ask the judge to apply that reasoning in the summary judgment hearing “or, in the alternative,” grant a preliminary injunction against enforcement of Virginia’s ban against the two plaintiff couples in this case.

Attorney General Herring’s announcement represents a climax in an intense political drama over same-sex marriage in Virginia in recent months. Democrat Herring, who voted for the ban when he served as state senator in 2006, won election last November against Republican Mark Obershain, who opposes same-sex marriage, by fewer than 200 votes.

In fact, Herring only last August shifted his position on allowing same-sex couples to marry, telling the Dispatch, “I would not want the state to tell my son or my daughter who they can and cannot marry.”

Just one day before Herring took office, then Republican Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli issued an official advisory opinion that the governor “may not direct or require any agency of state government to allow same-sex couples to receive joint marital status for Virginia income tax returns.”

Herring’s spokeswoman, Ellen Qualls, told the Dispatch, “The attorney general has a strong interest in the courts adjudicating this matter, which will ultimately be decided by the United States Supreme Court.”

On Thursday morning, Judge Arenda Wright Allen of the U.S. District Court for Eastern Virginia, is scheduled to hear arguments at a summary judgment hearing in Bostic v. Virginia.

Famed attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies, who led the American Foundation for Equal Rights’ successful challenge against California’s Proposition 8, are heading the Norfolk legal team. © 2014 Keen News Service. All rights reserved.

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news bites

by John McDonald

Collins invited to SOTU Speech

Openly gay NBA player, Jason Collins, is among the guests who will sit with first lady Michelle Obama Tuesday when President Barack Obama delivers the annual State of the Union address.

The first lady’s guests are often chosen because they symbolize an issue or policy the president is promoting. In April last year, 35-year-old Collins became the first active male athlete on a major American sports team to come out as openly gay. Collins played 12 years in the NBA, going to the playoffs nine times and making the league finals twice.

The President has said Collins’ announcement marked a point of progress for the gay community.

J

ason Collins

Photo: Wikipedia

Liberace Lover Sentenced

A former lover of Liberace who was the subject of an HBO film on the pianist’s life has been sentenced to eight to 20 years in a Nevada prison for failing another court-ordered drug test while on probation for burglary and identity theft convictions.

Washoe District Judge Patrick Flanagan sentenced Scott Thorson, 54, whose real name is Jess Marlow, after a string of bad drug tests capped by his failure to show up at a courtordered treatment facility.

Flanagan originally suspended the prison sentence in July and gave Thorson a second chance in September after testing positive for methamphetamine, but he failed tests twice in October and again on Nov. 1.

Aiken Prepping Congressional Run

Sources close to the pop singer ClayAiken confirm he is close to announcing a run for U.S. Congress. Aiken, a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, is considering running as a Democrat in the state’s second congressional district, reports Towleroad.com.

Aiken, 35, is best known for starring on the second season of the popular television show, “American Idol.” He has since released several albums for RCA Records. An official announcement concerning the singer’s political ambitions is scheduled for next month.

S

cott Thorson

C

lay Aiken

Photo: Wikipedia

Alaska Senate Leader: Gay Marriage inevitable

Senate Minority Leader Hollis French said the legalization of same-sex marriage across the country seems inevitable.

“If you can’t see it coming, your eyes are closed,” he said.

Over the last year, the U.S. Supreme Court has struck down a provision of the federal Defense of Marriage Act that prevented legally married same-sex couples from receiving a range of federal benefits. States like Hawaii and Illinois legalized same-sex marriage, and state constitutional bans in Utah and Oklahoma have been struck down by federal courts, though appeals are pending or expected.

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soflagaynews //

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H

ollis French

Photo: Wikipedia

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news local

Here Come the ‘Hookies’

Regional escort of the year contest this Saturday David-Elijah Nahmod On Saturday, February 1st, the Boardwalk Bar in Fort Lauderdale will host the Mr. Florida 2014 Regional Escort of the Year Contest. Hot, sexy male bodies will be on display, introduced by hosts Misty Eyez and Ryan Raz. FabScout Entertainment is producing the event.

The public is invited to, ahem, participate.

By attending, you can help in choosing Florida’s Best Stud. The winner gets to go New York City for Black Party Weekend to compete for the ultimate top prize in the annual Hookies Awards.

The delightfully sexy Nick Cross, who’s picture at Rentboy.com sports a devilish bat tattoo, is happy to be among this year’s nominees. His Rentboy page offers good company from a friendly guy, and his softspoken voice over the telephone certainly lives up to that promise.

“The contest is a chance to get my name out, to become better known,” he told SFGN. The young man, who also performs in porn, isn’t concerned with how others view his profession. His boyfriend Sean is also in the business. Both of them enjoy the work, and are keeping their eyes on the future.

“I just want to have a quiet, normal life with Sean,” Cross said. “With our family and kids.”

He admits to enjoying the on-the-job sex.

“If I ever have to work with someone I don’t like, I close my eyes and think of someone else,” he said with a laugh. “But it really doesn’t happen. I’ve been with a lot of great

passages

Thomas Daniel Kobermann

1959 - 2013

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soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

people, and some really hot models.”

Of course he hopes he’ll win, but says it’s the company that matters. He considers everyone to be winners.

“If I’m lucky enough to make it to New York, it’ll be so nice to see everyone again,” he said. “To swap stories with good people, old friends.”

We suspect though, that Cross would love to take home the grand prize. And who can blame him? Between his soft-spoken demeanor and his sizzling looks, he’s certainly a contender.

Visit BoardwalkBar.com or TheHookies.com for more information.

Daniel Thomas Kobermann, 54, passed away December 19, 2013 at his home in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Cause of death was congestive heart failure.

Dan and his partner of 32 years, Steven Lee, resided in Washington, DC for 28 years before moving to Florida.

Born in St. Louis, Mo., he grew up in Columbus, Oh and was a 1982 graduate of the University of Dayton, OH. He joined his partner in Washington, DC in 1987 and worked for numerous companies, specializing in marketing sales. Before moving to Florida he had been employed by Agence France-Presse and United Press International.

Previously he worked at Congressional Quarterly, Cambridge Scientific Abstracts, and Disclosure Inc. During his business career he was posted to and resided in Amsterdam, Holland and Singapore. Funeral services were held Dec. 23 in Columbus, OH. He was preceded in death by his mother and brother. He is survived by his father, three sisters, two brothers, several nieces and nephews and their pet, Tucker.

Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at NewcomerColumbus.com.

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column

‘Gender Identity Watch’ is a Sham

Petition started to encourage Southern Poverty Law Center to label them a hate group David-Elijah Nahmod

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soflagaynews //

History was made in a most unexpected way in late 2013 when the petition titled “Southern Poverty Law Center: Monitor Gender Identity Watch as a Hate Group” appeared at Change.org. At press time, the petition had garnered more than 7,000 signatures.

The petition raised many eyebrows, receiving an outpouring of support from within the transgender community. Gender Identity Watch (GIW) was founded and is run by Cathy Brennan, a Maryland based attorney with a long history of involvement in the radical lesbian feminist movement.

Brennan’s issue with the trans community is vague at best. She claims that transwomen are “erasing female identity and histories.”

SFGN could not reach Brennan for comment; the only way to reach her is at the public comments section of GIW’s website, or in the comments section of her blog, BugBrennan.com.

However, SFGN staff did encounter Brennan commenting on a transgender rights thread on Facebook. Her response at my attempt to converse with her: “BACK OFF MEN!” At the time, the banner of her personal Facebook page stated, “The bearer

Many of the comments posted in response to the Change.org petition accuse Brennan of outing transgender people to their employers, publishing the names and addresses of transgender people, and celebrating transgender suicides.

Brennan is profiled on RationalWiki.org, a website which, according to it’s homepage “analyzes pseudo-science and the antiscience movement,” as well as “documenting the full range of crank ideas.” Many of the individuals featured on RationalWiki.org are conservative, anti-gay Christians.

According to RationalWiki.org, Brennan claims that no transgender people were killed during the Holocaust because the word didn’t exist at the time. The site also claims that Brennan contacted a transwoman’s personal physician and further reports that Brennan has networked Pacific Justice Institute, a conservative Christian organization, in the Institute’s now debunked claim that a transgender teen was harassing other students at a girl’s restroom in a Colorado school. Pacific Justice Institute’s home page states its goals as “defending religious freedoms, parental rights, and other civil liberties.”

Scrolling through GIW’s homepage reveals posts in which transwomen are referred to as “men pretending to be women.” Lesbian identified transwomen are referred to as “pretendbians.”

of this card has been labeled transphobic and doesn’t give a fuck.”

“Southern Poverty Law Center has been aware of the Gender Identity Watch Petition from the beginning,” said Kim Rippere, president of Secular Woman, Inc., who posted the petition. “We know that they have an internal process for determining what groups are considered hate groups.

We assume they will make a decision based on evidence and their definition of ‘hate group.’ The petition does clearly show that thousands of people are supportive and think that GIW’s actions are within the definition of a hate group.”

Rippere said that she was pleased with the number of people who signed the petition and hopes more will sign on. “We think this sort of behavior sets back women and that ignoring this behavior only serves to further alienate populations.”

Two prominent members of the transgender community spoke to SFGN regarding GIW. Sandra Dunn made headlines when she ran for mayor of Amarillo, Texas in 2011. She currently sits on the board at Transgender Education Network of Texas. “This is not a choice,” Dunn told SFGN. “It is something we struggle with daily for all our lives. For me the struggle I face is more from others than within.”

Dunn said that she supported women’s

SouthFloridaGayNews

“The bearer of this card has been labeled transphobic and doesn’t give a f**k.”

– Cathy Brennan’s Facebook Page rights such as equal pay and choice as well.

“I did not step down from a higher plane of hierarchy as some might think. I see it as a step up. I stepped up to who I am. I am focused on elevating women to a place [they] we belong. The impression I get from Gender Identity Watch is the opposite.”

While Cristin Williams, managing editor of Transadvocate.com, a site which seeks to give a voice to the transgender community had this to say.

“I would assert that it is demonstrable that Brennan and her groups participate in harmful behavior that put vulnerable people at risk. It is a fact that 51 percent of bullied [transsexual children] attempt suicide. It’s a fact that Cathy Brennan outed a trans-kid at school. It is a fact that Brennan worked with an ex-gay group in targeting a 16 year old trans-youth who was later put on suicide watch. It’s a fact that Brennan has attempted

to intervene in the medical care of transpeople. I do know of a transsexual who was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after Brennan and her groups got done with her. Brennan and her groups will track down your family, friends, employer, school or medical provider and out you and/ or attempt to tangle them in her various campaigns targeting both trans-adults and children.”

Dunn also cites, “a lack of medical research,” in reference to GIW. The obvious question might be to wonder what motivates Cathy Brennan. “I don’t have any opinions as to who Brennan is as a person or why she chooses to engage in the behavior she exhibits,” said Cristin Williams. “I am only concerned with her harmful actions and the harmful actions of the groups she administers.”

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.29.14 //

13

opinion publisher's editorial

Forecast for a Fifth

SFGN celebrates four-year anniversary Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

Our newspaper enters its fifth year, an impressive achievement in an emerging digital age.

Let me share with you some fundamental facts about our mission and motivation.

We survive because we have credible content, and a continuing commitment to you and the LGBT community.

We are media partners with the Sun Sentinel and CNN, members of the Associated Press, and the Florida Press Association. And we have a partnership with nationally known Keen News Service, who covers national LGBT politics. This week we added a new news partner, the Tallahassee-based News Service of Florida, to assist us with statewide issues in this congressional election year.

Our news writers are journalism school graduates and members of the Society of Professional Journalists. Our entertainment writers and critics are accredited members of validated associations that produce independent and genuine reviews.

Our freelance writers are anything but free. They are all compensated, independent writers, many of whom are members of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association. In its four years, the SFGN and its journalists have won numerous awards for critical writing.

In four years, we have published more than 200 issues, printed 10,000 stories online and in print. We cover the full range of LGBT life from breaking news to thoughtful columns; lifestyle and entertainment features, sports and finance. Our headlines are e-blasted to thousands of viewers three times weekly, and our full time website director updates news stories daily.

We also feature a full time social media campaign, posting our stories on Twitter,

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// 1.29.2014 // SFGN.com //

Facebook, and a host of emerging sites.

As part of our community outreach, we partner with local non-profits to publish their newsletters as inserts in our paper. We have done this in the past year with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the Pride Center, the Poverello Food Bank, Compass, and SunServe. If you want your foundation to reach 15,000 people and nearly 550 locations, see us.

Our magazine, The Mirror, is published quarterly, and is high in content and culture.

Our Arts and Entertainment Guide is biannual, highlighting and featuring the evergrowing cultural plateaus that South Florida is reaching.

And then there’s our ‘Guide to the Drive’ featuring Wilton Manors; one of America’s leading gay cities. It provides locals and tourists with a handy pocket pack to popular local venues.

Most importantly, SFGN has become a voice for gay advocacy, illuminating the success and sometimes sadness, in our community. Truly though, it’s been a blessed 48 months. Our LGBT community has thrived, politically and publicly. Sure, there are warts and wounds, and no credible newspaper can look the other way. Still, we are empowered by continued victories for marriage equality and same sex marriages. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell? Already history.

Personally, I am proudest of our ongoing commitment to keep HIV awareness in the news. We publish a bi-annual insert ‘The Spirit’ focusing on the latest news in the HIV community. But even in between we regularly highlight the good works and noble undertakings of our community’s bank of HIV resources. Vigilant we must remain.

Significantly, the newspaper’s success is

soflagaynews //

measured by your remarkable support.

Over these past years, these pages have featured more than 500 individual advertisers that have invested in us. It’s not charity. You get bang for your buck. From dentists to lawyers, from realtors to roofers, thank you. Our paper is free. We only make it to the newsstand because of you.

Personally, I get lots of the credit for SFGN. But I have not done this alone. My business partner, Piero Guidugli, has provided guidance and counseling, financing and fiscal solvency since day one. From our first managing editor, Joey Amato, to our current Associate Publisher, Jason Parsley, we have been empowered by a great staff.

But you can’t ever let up. Each week is a new challenge, dealing with everything from a delivery van’s flat tire to a defaced news box, from a last minute breaking news story to a misplaced ad lost at deadline. Our staff repeatedly rises to the occasion. Last year, while I was out ill, our editorial and advertising teams published a 104page edition, not just the largest LGBT paper in the southeastern United States, but the largest in America.

This is a continuing journey. It is a challenge I relish; an opportunity I cherish. Thank you for allowing us to share it with you. Don’t ever be afraid to tell us how we are doing.

We still publish letters to the editor in print and there is a comments section under every article posted online.

Finally, I hope to see you at our anniversary party next month from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 24, at Tropics.

SouthFloridaGayNews

column latinos salud

Latinos Salud Celebrates Five Years From Latinos Salud

Latinos Salud, a local non-profit providing HIV prevention, testing, counseling and linkage services, celebrated their 5th anniversary with two events this month.

The agency’s Anniversary Bash was held at Georgie’s Alibi on January 24th.

“We’re very grateful to the Alibi for their support. They partnered with us to make sure every detail was covered for a great event,” said Stephen Fallon, PhD, Executive Director.

On January 28th, Michael Murphy Photography Studios celebrated its 23rd anniversary, and chose to turn its own anniversary into a benefit for the agency.

“I decided to help raise funds after I watched Latinos Salud grow from a youth based Latino outreach program to a multifaceted community based HIV program.

They’ve come a long way in 5 years,” said Murphy.

Latinos Salud opened its doors in January 2009 with its SOMOS program, which provides HIV prevention education for Latino gay men 18 to 30 years old.

“The state had released a report showing

that new HIV infections among gay Latinos had increased 185 percent, and most of that increase hit the younger age brackets,” said Rafaelé Narváez, Director of Health Programs, and the agency’s co-founder. “So there was an urgent need to serve this community, especially reaching those who emigrated to the U.S. from countries that have little safer sex education.”

Since Broward’s HIV rates are also high among older Latinos, in 2010 the agency expanded its services to Latino guys of all ages through its JUNTOS program. “JUNTOS teaches guys to take a leadership role, and talk with their peers about HIV and STDs,” Narváez said.

The small agency quickly found its space was not large enough to serve all the guys coming in. They moved in late-2010 to the Wilton Drive storefront location.

“While we focus on the Latino community, it wasn’t long before clients asked us to expand our roster again to serve their partners and friends, too, many of whom are not Latino,” Fallon said. “During the past three years,

Submitted Photo

we’ve added four new programs and services, including two types of Life Coaching, the Free, Safe & Proud outreach program to local clubs and gay guesthouses, free HIV rapid testing (which is now mobile), and Linkage services for anyone living with HIV,“ noted Johnathan Medina, Counseling Services Coordinator.

Narváez added that currently about onein-five of the agency’s participants are nonLatinos.

Describing the linkage services, Linkage Specialist Gregory Timmer said, “In some instances, a client just needs a friendly face to lend moral support on a first doctor’s visit.

Some clients had been afraid to access Ryan

soflagaynews //

White services, because they thought they had to prove their immigration status. In those cases, we act as a bridge to the area’s Ryan White providers.”

Local guys surveyed have been excited about the free programs that the agency offers. They listed the benefits they got from the agency’s programs: being more involved in the community, living a healthier life, learning new things, making new friends, and spending time with people they can relate to.

The agency is open on Wilton Drive, Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Check out their website at LatinosSalud.org

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.29.14 //

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Chris Reina

Wow! Compared to the near continuous inactivity of the past seven months, these last three weeks have been a whirlwind. I am writing this from a federal correctional institution (FCI) in Louisiana, where I will be residing for at least the next 15 months (no sign of Sukie, Bill or Eric as of yet).

approximately 1,800 or so inmates housed here at FCI Oakdale, roughly 450 of us are sex offenders, or as we are known in the prison vernacular, ‘chomos’ (rhymes with homo, stands for child molester).

Regardless of what sex offense a man commits, in the prison hive mind, he is a chomo, period. Chomos are restricted by the unwritten prisoner’s code to use only certain showers, to watch television only from certain chairs, to sleep in certain bunks and eat at certain tables.

On the prison social totem pole, chomos are at the very bottom. Interestingly, the black and Latino inmates have, for the most part, a “live

First I traveled from Miami to the transit center in Oklahoma City for a week stay, courtesy of “ConAir.” Worst flight ever!

Actually it’s not so different from your average airline; same type of plane and a snack was even served. Only there are no screaming infants.

You’re shackled in your seat, the cabin smells like urine, and the crew wears tazers. The last time I flew on a low-cost carrier I only wished the flight attendant was packing high voltage to use on the jerk seated next to me.

Thankfully, I can report that I am safe here.

FCI Oakdale (my new home in Louisiana) is a low security facility, meaning that while there is a razor wire topped double fence around the perimeter, inmates are free to move about to certain areas, though only at hourly schedules 10 minute intervals. This means that I am free to spend parts of my day in the library, recreation yard and even the chapel. Low security facilities house mainly white collar, drug and sex offenders. Inmates with a history of violence have had to be well behaved long enough to work their way down to here from higher security facilities; a process that can take years. The absence of violence here is no doubt due to the fact that no one is looking to be moved to a more restrictive environment.

There is safety in numbers. Out of the

and let live” approach to the chomos. It’s the white inmates that spew the most invective.

Several times already I have caught snippets of conversation among white inmates that referred to their desire to ‘smash’ (beat up) a chomo. With that said, I have been assured by many of the more seasoned inmates that as long as I act respectfully I have very little to worry about in that regard.

What I do worry about is how I am going to cope with how ridiculously crowded it is here. There are six of us grown men in one 15 by 12 foot ‘open bay’ cell. We are literally living on top of one another. My bunk is five feet off the ground and if I sit up in it my head touches the ceiling. These bays were designed to only hold four people. Each bay is separated by a full wall, and the interior facing wall is only three feet high with a wide opening, so at least I no longer have to hear the demoralizing slam of a locking cell door. But with 250 men it’s extremely loud in the unit, so it’s a definite trade-off. Of the six of us, one other of my ‘cellies’ is also a chomo. He was found guilty of the same charge as mine, but he received a 20 year sentence followed by lifetime sex offender supervision.

Although I am imprisoned, I am reminded daily how much worse it could have been for me #50095-004.

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

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New FX Series ‘Chozen’ Breaks Stereotypes

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Jesse Monteagudo The success of the FX TV series “Archer” proved that there is a market for an adult animated cartoon series on prime time, cable television. “Chozen,” FX’s new animated series, premiered on Jan. 13, immediately after “Archer.” Created by Grant Dekernion, “Chozen” is described by FX (FXnetworks. com/chozen) as “an animated comedy about a gay white [and bearish] rapper fresh out of prison. Armed with a new message, Chozen is on a quest for redemption and to claim his rightful position as the world’s top rap artist. His music and lyrics take aim at the stereotypes of machismo and misogyny that is synonymous with rap music. And his new worldview has been shaped by his time in prison.”

Voiced by Bobby Moynihan, of SNL fame, Chozen is not the kind of guy you would take home to mother. He is not gay in the political sense of the word. Though not in the down low, Chozen is a MSM — a man who has sex with men — who does not identify himself as gay and who is not a part of the LGBT community. His homosexuality was shaped by his years in prison: it is brutal, violent and had well-defined sex roles. Chozen is definitely a top and he treats other dudes the same way that some straight rappers treat women.

Chozen says what he means and means what he says. He is lewd, crude and often violent. But he is a welcomed change from the respectable, responsible, distinguished gay men who usually represent our kind on TV. He even looks different from the norm: he is big and bold and intends to stay that way.

Though billed as a comedy, “Chozen” is often serious and sometimes disturbing.

In the pilot episode, we learn that a decade ago a young and naive Chozen was framed for multiple crimes

by Phantasm (the voice of Method Man), a former member of his group.

Now out of prison, Chozen reunites with his old band mates Ricky (Michael Pena) and Crisco (Hannibal Buress) in order to resurrect his career and give Phantasm his due.

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Though Chozen does not face Phantasm in this pilot episode, the stage is set for an eventual confrontation. Meanwhile Chozen moves in with his sister Tracy (Kathryn Hahn) and proceeds to embarrass her with his antics. And of course we hear a lot of rap. Though critics who know more about hip-hop than I have criticized Chozen’s performances, they seem to be adequate for an artist who strives for rap domination.

“Chozen’s” flash animation is very similar to the one used in “Archer,” which is no surprise since it was produced by the same team that gave us the older series. All in all, “Chozen” is sure to offend viewers of all persuasions who expect political correctness but delight those of us who know how to take a joke - and enjoy a darn good animated series.

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.29.14 //

17

feature cover story

My Business Partner Must Be a Communist

WIN TWO TICKETS TO SEE CHER PERFORM LIVE AT SFGN’S 4TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY AT TROPICS RESTAURANT ON MONDAY, FEB. 24, FROM 5 - 7pm.

SEE PAGE 25 FOR DETAILS

Norm Kent

Here we are, in the most glorious American week of the year, and my business partner writes a column celebrating soccer, the sport that is as exciting as watching paint dry.

Come on, why do you think Americans have a ‘Bowl’ and the rest of the world just has a ‘Cup.’ We are bigger, better, and should be.

Appropriately, the 111 million people watching the ‘Weed’ Bowl this weekend will also be watching a magnificent game between the two top teams, each from a state where marijuana is now legal. No one will care who wins. The game brings a new dimension to the ‘Bud’ Bowl. But not for Pier, who demeans and disgraces this superb contest on a page adjacent to my own. Shocking.

As a matter of fact, five pro-marijuana billboards are supposed to be set up around Met Life Stadium for the Super Bowl. The activists are doing it themselves, and promise that at least three of the billboards should be up by Feb. 3.

The ‘Stoner’ Bowl matchup between the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks even has the Colorado and Washington NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) organizations engaged in a friendly wager. It’s John Denver’s ‘Rocky Mountain High’ versus Seattle’s Jimi Hendrix ‘Purple Haze.’

This is a holy day for masculinity, a national, secular holiday celebrated globally.

And my business partner celebrates kickball

18

// 1.29.2014 // SFGN.com //

played by men in shorty shorts instead?

Forgive me, dear readers. He has so sinned.

Masculinity is clearly not his middle name.

Let’s face it, football is the sport of men, real men; hot, sweaty men in skin sticking compression jerseys fit ever so well upon their rippled chests. Throwing the ball to their hard and fast tight ends, in good and bad weather. Football players have deadlines, clocks to watch, and two-minute warnings.

Football is a real game, with banging helmets and loud tackles, not cardboard penalty cards.

As George Carlin said, football is all about masculinity and combat, leading your team with a sustained aerial assault, targeting short bullet passes and long bombs; puncturing holes in the defensive line with mounting ground attacks, even if it takes a shotgun.

Refs have to watch out for illegal hits, not just Richard Sherman’s post game rants. This is a game for men about men, not queens shedding their sweaty shirts after a game.

Still, think for a moment what Madonna did for gay rights equality with her electrifying performance in the half time show two years ago. She promoted not just hyper sexuality, but homosexuality. Homoerotic performances paved the way for marriage equality, even at the Grammys. Now gay men, hand in hand, can go into bars and drink with their lovers.

We even have a pro gay quarterback on a soflagaynews //

team in Green Bay, but only his ex-boyfriend will admit to it. On a serious note, thanks to Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo, last year’s Super Bowl became a cause celebre’ for the protection of gay athletes that still carries weight today.

NFL teams are joining in the campaign for tolerance.

The Super Bowl commercials are an equally compelling entrepreneurial show of manliness. Marketed for millions of dollars, they exhibit excellence in advertising, creative visualizations, and masculinity on parade. This year’s Super Bowl ad breaks will feature appearances from a full squad of stars, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Scarlett Johansson, James Franco, Jerry Seinfeld, Tom Hiddleston and Stephen Colbert. Even the gay one is a macho macho man. Who amongst you would deny yourself a night with James Franco?

The most celebrated Super Bowl commercial of recent times was Volkswagen’s 2011 spot, “The Force,” featuring a boy in a Darth Vader helmet. The most shared ad of all time, it now has about at least 60 million YouTube views, almost as many people as read SFGN last week. Obviously, he was also the son to Daft Punk. Only a socialist or Marxist would not appreciate the venture capitalism of one minute long, $2 million commercials.

How many people are going to go out

SouthFloridaGayNews

drinking today and Bieberize their day, by drag racing and scoring a DUI? Sports bars and sports media do more business during football season than the rest of the year combined. The Super Bowl is a marketing bonanza for them too. What gay boy does not want to consume a big brew next to a real hunk in a manly sports bar?

And supermarkets? Ever try to buy a bag of chips or hot dogs at a Publix on a Super Bowl Sunday? This year, it’s the ‘Blunt’ Bowl, and Doritos are already at a premium price markup.

The bottom line is that Super Bowls help America’s bottom line, while creating family days at home, along with eventful programming and a pleasant evening by the television set, whether with your friends or colleagues. Get your partner drunk or stoned, and then absolutely take advantage. Only a communist at Sochi would not appreciate that.

The Super Bowl is John Wayne, the Green Berets, and soldiers in combat. Gay ones, too! It’s American flags and jets flying over the stadium, security cameras in them, and bags being searched. It’s even being played in the garden state, headed by a governor who clearly has had one potato chip too many. Just kick back for the day and enjoy some on your own. If you order in a hurry, you can get some sativa-saturated ones from Boulder.

feature off the wall

The XLVIII Super Brag Pier Angelo

We are a country of excess. We are obsessed with size, quantity, speed, guns, monster trucks; with the Big Gulp, the economy pack, the party size, two-for-one regardless of what it is, the Whopper, the quadruple Big Mac and all-you-can-eat-buffets. We put foodstuff inside foodstuff. And we brag about it. It’s an accepted part of the American obsession with supposedly being number one in everything, believing we’re bigger, stronger and faster permeates many of our thoughts.

This brings me to this year’s Super Bowl.

Mercifully the NFL season will soon be over and the day after The “Night of the Living

nobody else even plays the sport is a peculiarly American thing. Throwing “World” in because you’ve decided, without ever trying to prove it, that you’re so much better than everyone else that you shouldn’t have to prove it, is just arrogance and frankly makes the teams who claim that title a bit of a laughing stock in front of the rest of the… world.

Brazil, Italy, Germany, Argentina have won multiple World Cups in soccer, the real football, in grueling tournaments. The preliminary competition for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil saw a total of 204 entries across six continents competing for 32 available spots.

Bored” people will only remember and talk about the ads. I, instead, will be left with the usual nagging question. A question that has probably been asked many times before: why do American sports fans feel comfortable with calling the winners of the “Super Bowl,” the winners of the NBA and MLB titles “World Champions”? Barely anybody else even plays these sports. The Australian Football League winners don’t call themselves “World Champions” of Aussie rules. The winners of the Irish Gaelic Football league don’t call themselves “World Champions.” The winners of the Indian Kabaddi title don’t call themselves “World Champions” of Kabaddi.

So why is the team that wins the Super Bowl called the world champion of a sport almost nobody plays elsewhere in the world?

Shouldn’t they at least have to beat the winner of the Canadian League in order to partially claim that title? “Super Bowl Champions” or “NFL Champions,” would suffice and it is about as technically accurate as you can get.

Calling one’s team “World Champions” when

The winner will surely deserve the title of World Champions. For the last FIFA World Cup in 2010, 200 teams played a total of 853 matches, over the span of 4 years, as 32 teams qualified for South Africa. Even after 30 years of being an American Citizen I can’t watch an NFL game. I’ve absorbed almost everything “American.” I am very proud of my adopted country but its sports are anathema to me. I must be missing that gene. I did try. I thought it would make me seem straight or butch. Now I do not care. I just don’t get it.

The spectacle is reminiscent of the barbaric gladiator fights of ancient Rome. Musclebound specimens in helmets and heavy armor hell bent on trying to kill or maim their opponents. A match played in five seconds increments, probably because they can remember or execute only one play at a time. The game is constantly broken up by loud commercials and field interruptions.

After 3 hours of terminal boredom the score is probably 21 to 6. A goal/touchdown sometimes counts for 6 points sometimes for

7, another ingenious American way of creating high scoring games. 21 to 6 in soccer lingo is simply 3-1.

Football players are referred to as athletes but they seem to be running out of stamina whenever called upon to run more than 60 yards at a time going constantly back to the sidelines for a Gatorade or an oxygen refill.

And supposedly they are not allowed to use imagination or burst into spontaneous plays.

The coaches do all the thinking and they have to draw them on paper for the players to understand them. I prefer the symmetry, geometry, creativity and dance like coordination of soccer. It’s a beauty to watch unfold as inevitable as the waves of the ocean.

By the time this column goes to print there will be approximately 5 months left before the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 13.

The single biggest sporting event on earth.

More than 750 million people watched the

soflagaynews //

final game in 2010. That’s almost ten times the number that watched the Super Bowl that same year.

Come June 13, I’m taking off from work, I’m taking off from activism, I will not answer the phone or tweet, and my social and personal life will be put on hold until the winners, the real, true, World Champions lift the cup on July 13. Italy, my Azzurri, are four times World Champions. It will be extremely difficult to win a fifth title but let me dream for a few more months, or until they are eliminated. If and when that happens don’t talk to me, don’t call me, don’t come looking for me — unless you have an extra large supply of Xanax and a Blue Ray copy of “Bend it Like Beckham.”

Bill Shankly, a Scottish coach, once said: “Some people believe soccer is a matter of life and death. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.”

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.29.14 //

19

lifestyle gay history This Week in Gay History January 29 – February 5 Quistapp.com

Jan. 29, 2007 — First Gay Couple Registered in Israel

Feb. 2, 2005 — Formation of Transgender Europe

Following a Supreme Court ruling, Avi Founded in Vienna during the first and Binyamin Rose register as a couple in European Transgender Council, this NGO Jerusalem. works “to support or work for the rights

of transgender/transsexual/gender variant people.” It also runs the Trans Murder Jan. 30, 1946 — Blue Monitoring project, which records and Discharges Report Issued The House Committee on Military Affairs reports the many people who are killed each issues a report called “Blue Discharges.” year as a result of transphobia.

The committee finds that the use of the

Feb. 3, 1988 — Butchie blue discharge is discriminatory and singles out the Veterans Administration for special Awarded Certificate of Honor Cameron “Butchie” Tanner is a bartender criticism for denying blue discharge holders and drag performer in San Francisco and had G.I. Bill benefits. been elected “Empress of San Francisco.” He

is awarded a Certificate of Honor by the City Jan. 31, 2011 — Zach Wahls Addressed Iowa House of San Francisco on this day.

Judiciary Comm.

The son of lesbian moms, Wahls’s testimony brings national attention to the proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage in Iowa and launches his role as a national activist.

Feb. 4, 1934 — Eleanor Roosevelt Writes to Female Love

Roosevelt writes to journalist Lorena Hickok from the White House: “Someday perhaps fate will be kind & let us arrange a life more to our liking [but] for the time being we are lucky to have what we have. Dearest, we are happy together and strong relationships have to grow deep roots.”

Feb. 1, 2009 — First Openly Lesbian Gov’t Leader in Iceland

Feb. 5, 2005 — IRIN Report “Iraq: Male homosexuality still a taboo” Issued

The Integrated Regional Information Networks, based in Kenya, states that “honor Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir becomes the killings” by Iraqis against gay family members first female prime minister of Iceland, and are common and given some legal protection. the world’s first openly lesbian head of The article also states that the 2001 government. amendment to the criminal code stipulating

the death penalty for homosexuality “has not been changed,” despite Paul Bremer’s clear order that the criminal code to go back to its 1980s edition.

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SouthFloridaGayNews

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21

lifestyle gay car geek

60 Second Car Reviews 2014 Buick Regal GS AWD

2014 Buick Regal GS

Base Price (including destination): $37,830 (FWD); $40,195 (AWD) Power: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (259 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque) Tranny: 6-speed automatic with manual shift control Fuel Economy, city/hwy: 19/27 mpg

Steve Siler I know that many of say you’ll never be able to take Buick as seriously as BMW. But it’s worth noting that Buick is no longer building; nowadays, Buicks — and the Regal GS in particular — are tuned much more like Audis than the floaty lux-o-barges of our youth.

This is especially true of my particular test car: a performance-oriented, top-of-the-line Regal GS, with grippy all-wheel drive that helps get all of its 259 horespower to the ground without sending the front wheels spinning like the freshly out-of-the-closet Brian Boitano performing a triple axle.

The GS’ automatic transmission, however, needs some shift paddles if it’s truly going to be taken seriously as a sport sedan, so in that regard, the Germans retain their edge.

That said, most BMW drivers I know couldn’t tell a shift paddle from a soap dish; to them, interior styling and comfort are more important, and the Buick’s intimate cabin

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Or you could buy: is surprisingly stylish and high tech, with excellent sport seats to boot.

Of course, there’s a cache deficit, but to some contrarians, that’s even more reason to consider it. All told, I’m impressed with this Buick. And I’m even more impressed with anyone brave enough to buy one.

2014 Buick Regal GS www.Buick.com

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

• Audi A4 • BMW 3-Series • Acura TSX

lifestyle books “The AIDS Generation:

Stories of Survival and Resilience”

By Perry N. Halkitis Terri Schlichenmeyer Some of the best experiences you had last year were with your friends.

When you think back about the highlights, you remember dancing together, eating together, late-night bull sessions, parties, travels and idle man watching. Those shared experiences are the glue that forever hold your friendship together.

Or maybe, like the men in “The AIDS Generation” by Perry N. Halkitis, your bond is that you’re survivors.

The history of AIDS is vast and can’t be told without the stories of the people lost to the disease and the ones they left behind. Of the latter, says Halkitis, “… all the gay men of my generation, infected or not, are long-term survivors...”

Those are the men who came of age in the 1980s when “the promise for sexual freedom and sexual expression existed…” They are the men who, in the prime of their lives and when they should’ve been the picture of health, watched their friends and lovers die and who

were told, upon their own AIDS diagnosis, that they, too, would probably be dead within two years.

But of course, that wasn’t necessarily true.

This book, the culmination of a large-scale project on gay men who have lived with AIDS for decades, pulls together 15 survivors who were “still alive to tell their stories as middleaged men.”

Some of them don’t remember when they learned of their diagnosis, while some remember the day clearly. Regardless, all exhibited “the pause,” as Halkitis calls the stress reaction to remembering that time.

Some of the 15 knew, deep-down, that they’d been infected; one said it would’ve been “a miracle… not to be positive.” For others, it came as a surprise. Some got sick, while others waited for illness that never really came. All are “resilient,” says Halkitis, and are now surprised and amazed to experience the kind of normal health issues that men in middle age endure.

“I’ve been at the worst of this virus,” one of the men told Halkitis, “and now I’m in the golden years of this virus. This virus has taken me halfway around the world, and I’m still here.”

At first blush, “The AIDS Generation” may seem like it’s more academic than not.

That assessment is true; there is plenty for academics in this book, but casual readers will find something here, too.

As one of the “AIDS Generation,” author Perry N. Halkitis knew, specifically, which questions to ask of his subjects in order to get the memories and emotions he pulled from them. That questioning leads to a fresh sense of heartache in the telling of tales, and

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a distant theme of horror that bubbles with anger and ends with a general awe for life and an appealing sense of triumph. Despite linguistic stumbles that might’ve been better off edited out, that makes them compellingly readable.

I believe there are two audiences for this book: long-term survivors who count themselves among the warriors, and younger men who need to learn. If you fall into either category, then reading “The AIDS Generation” will be a worthwhile experience.

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.29.14 //

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lifestyle finance

The High Cost of Retirement Savings

Beware of fees, mirror funds and more Ric Reily

Full Charge Bookkeeping Services

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Employer sponsored retirement plans, like your 401(k), have an administrator who is usually a company employee overseeing the plan for participants. The financial company that actually holds the assets and makes investments is the manager.

The sponsor, your employer, pays a fee for each participant and management fees, either a fixed annual amount or a percentage of the total assets of the plan. This is important to understand; either the employer is paying a one time annual fee, or the manager is reducing the return to everyone in the plan to pay the fee, or both. Over your 40-year career you can lose tens of thousands of dollars in fees or even upwards of double that depending on the structure of your plan.

While serving as tacit administrator of an employer-sponsored plan at a past employer I began to question rates of return that just didn’t seem right. The plan manager representatives were of no help, either they really didn’t know or they didn’t want me to know how returns and fees were calculated.

Either, in my mind, is a dereliction of duty.

Hence I ran my own test. On the first day of a calendar quarter I made an investment in my personal mutual fund account in the exact fund I held in my retirement account. At the end of the quarter I had a significantly better return in the personal account than I did in the retirement account.

The largest fee charged, and the real reason that big banks and insurance companies are in the retirement fund management business, is a portion of the yield of each participant’s investment. This is the number I ferreted out in my test and it was a big number, about one half of one percent. Doesn’t seen big? If you save $10,000 each year for 40 years you will have about $125,000 less. That’s a big number.

This charge to participant’s savings through reduction of returns is systemic and no plan manager is going to readily alert anyone, though the amounts are all disclosed in the plan documents. According to the ICI 2013 Fact Book employer sponsored retirement plans hold about $5 trillion, which yields about $25 billion in returns stripped as fees by plan managers from participants each year.

Finding the discrepancy in our plan sent me to the plan managers’ representatives for an explanation. All of sudden they turned SouthFloridaGayNews

from my best buds into marble mouthed idiots. They spoke over and around the point and could not, or would not, say how it all worked. Though it took months of research I found out that the plan used mirror funds.

This is the same kind of mirror you use to model your new gay threads, a reflection.

A mirror fund is a vehicle that is essentially a copy of an existing name brand mutual fund.

Rather than investing directly into the actual fund, your retirement money is invested in another account that is then used by the plan manager to buy into the actual mutual fund.

The benefit of this concept is that there are no entry or exit fees and plans with many participants making many trades can be sold the idea that overall costs will be lower. A mirror fund is generally not as profitable as it originally seems because the management fee can be substantially higher than the mutual fund it reflects. Mirror funds can easily be a false economy.

Employer sponsored retirement plans can be as difficult to grasp as the guy you pursue around the gay bar. Weighing the benefits of tax deferral and employer matches against excessive fees and limited access to your money can be a tough call. Like any investment decision, approach your employer sponsored retirement plan with knowledge and understanding.

Ric Reily is the author of two books, “Money Is The Root Of All - Skip The Debt Habit,” and “Gregory’s Hero”; His firm CFO On Call provides small business finance and operations consulting. Ric is married to John, his partner of 26 years, and lives in South Florida with their Havanese dog, Buckley. You can reach Ric at ricreily@ gmail.com.

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outeats

Special Advertising Section

Dining on The Drive Dave Griffiths

For many people who travel to the sunny “Venice of America,” convenience and getting a good deal is important. Fort Lauderdale offers so many wonderful areas of interest, full of great dining and entertainment venues, however, for many travelers who come here without transportation, getting around can be a bit of a hassle.

So, for those people who are staying locally at The Cabanas, or Ed Lugo Resort, or the recently opened Calypso Inn in Wilton Manors, there are a lot of different dining opportunities for them to enjoy.

For example, Bill’s Filling Station may seem like a “bear” bar to most people, but they have some of the best burgers I’ve ever tried. There’s Rumors, which serves food and snacks as well as their full-liquor bar.

Then there is the delicious New York Grilled Cheese Co., or for a higher-end type of cheese, you can opt for Naked Grape and get a glass of wine too!

Of course, we have so many old favorites, like dining on the Alibi or Rosie’s patios, or stopping by for dinner at Tropics Restaurant & Piano Lounge. If you’re interested in Thai

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SouthFloridaGayNews

or Sushi, you have plenty of options, and if you’re in the mood for something Italian, there’s Bona Pizza or there’s Humpy’s Pizza in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors.

For a more intimate evening, you can enjoy Galanga or the fabulous Le Patio with your sweetheart. If you’re looking for a quick stop for a coffee and a muffin, there’s Java Boys, which was voted by your peers in SFGN’s “Best of South Florida” issue as the best coffee in town!

No matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s something for you on The Drive!

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.29.14 //

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SFGNITES F O R

T H E

W E E K

O F

J A N U A R Y

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-

F E B R U A R Y

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2 0 1 4

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

J.W. Arnold

jw@prdconline.com

THUR Cabaret

1/30

“R” returns to the Andrews Living Arts stage, 23 NW 5th St. in Fort Lauderdale, by popular demand. “R” is an unpredictable burlesque, driven by an ensemble of engaging female vocalists performing a wide range of musical genres en route to a glimmering finale. Musical numbers will take you from Old Berlin cabaret and Off Broadway to Hollywood, Las Vegas and even, perhaps, Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Stick around for “X,” an American view of sex as told through music and dance. Tickets are $24.99 for each show at AndrewsLivingArts.org.

FRI Music

“Once,” the 2012 Tony winning Best Musical,

comes to the Arsht Center, Feb. 4 – 9. The story of a Dublin street musician features a cast that performs their own instruments on stage.

1/31

The South Florida Symphony, under the direction of Maestra Sebrina Maria Alfonso, performs its second program of the season, “Doublespeak and Hidden Meanings,” including works by Liszt and Shostakovich and featuring pianist Christopher Taylor performing Prokofiev’s fiery Piano Concerto No. 3. Enjoy the music tonight, Friday Jan. 31, at the Broward Center; Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center; and Monday, Feb. 3 at the Delray Center for the Arts. Tickets start at $35 at SouthFloridaSymphony.org.

SAT

Comedy

2/1 SUN

For a decade, “Seinfeld,” was an anchor of NBC’s “Must See Thursdays.” It’s hard to believe the sitcom has been off the air for 15 years, but South Florida fans will get an opportunity to experience the comedy of Jerry Seinfeld live tonight at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Resort in Hollywood. He’ll bring his unique brand of observational humor to South Florida for two shows only, Friday, Jan. 31 and Saturday, Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $79 at HardRockLiveHollywoodFl.com.

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Photo Courtesy of Joan Marcus

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Theater

2/2 MON Music

Zoetic Stage offers its first musical production, “Assassins,” through Feb. 23 at the Carnival Studio Theater in Miami’s Arsht Center.

With a stylish score from Stephen Sondheim and a provocative book, “Assassins” brings to the stage a musical gallery of some of history’s most notorious players—the men and women who have attempted to kill American presidents, including John Wilkes Booth, John Hinckley, Lee Harvey Oswald and Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme. Both serious and satirical, the show explores the motivations behind their actions. For tickets and show times, go to ArshtCenter.org. soflagaynews //

2/3 TUE

The Palm Beach Symphony presents “Tubes & Pipes” tonight at 8 p.m. at the historic Bethesda-By-The-Sea Episcopal Church, 141 S. County Rd. The program will feature the brass and percussion of the symphony, along with organist Harold Pysher on the church’s grand organ. The program will include a world premiere fanfare by Nico Muhly, one of the country’s leading young composers.

Muhly, who is openly gay, has collaborated with Björk and Usher and composed the score to the 2008 film, “The Reader,” starring Kate Winslett. Tickets are $50 at PalmBeachSymphony.org.

SouthFloridaGayNews

Theater

2/4

The Tony Award-winning Best Musical of 2012, “Once,” comes to Miami through Feb. 9 as part of the Broadway Across America season. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, “Once” tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights. Tickets start at $26. For show times, go to ArshtCenter.org.

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t h r o u g h

A Story of Love in Exile

by GIUSEPPE VERDI

F e b r u a r y

8

The historical tale of Nebuchadnezzar is used as the background for a romantic and political plot about the exile of the Hebrews from Babylon.

Verdi’s blockbuster Nabucco is a tale of forbidden love between two young people from different beliefs. Faith, family, and fate, are at the center of this biblical tale.

per formances at

www.FGO.org • 800.741.1010 Photo: Nabucco © Scott Suchman for Washington National Opera

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.29.14 //

29

a&e comedy

‘Dixie’s Tupperware Party’ Brings Laughs to South Florida J.W. Arnold

She’s back! Dixie Longate is bringing her hilarious, gender-bending take on the traditional Tupperware Party back to South Florida.

No ordinary Tupperware “lady,” Longate (the drag alterego of Kris Andersson) has traveled the world hawking the newest products from the iconic kitchenware company and is setting up shop this week at West Palm Beach’s Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

Her outrageous show, “Dixie’s Tupperware Party,” landed Longate the top spot in company’s sales rankings twice as Dixie introduced the wonders of Tupperware to customers from Atlanta to Australia.

We caught up with Dixie to catch up on her busy career and the miracle of Tupperware’s food preservation technology: Are you looking forward to your return to South Florida?

I can’t wait….I love Florida. It’s one of my favorite places. It’s so sunny and welcoming and relaxed. It’s sort of like being on vacation.

Everybody likes cocktails and that leads to too much overdrinking, which leads to crazy sex and then to the best stories you’ll ever share at church.

I can’t minimize the importance of good food storage. Without it, the world will slip into degradation and I wouldn’t get to have sex with any of those good people. You Florida people just never know when another one of them hurricanes might come raging through and you will be left scrambling around trying to make sure that you have enough well-stored food to get you through until all the clean up happens.

How many children do you have? Is it a challenge balancing your glamorous sales career with motherhood?

I’ve got three—16, 10, and 3—do you want one? If you buy some Tupperware, I’ll give you one with your purchase. It’s like the Estee Lauder counter at the shopping mall, you get a free gift like a lipstick with every purchase. My daughter comes with her own lipstick.

I know the South Florida audiences are excited about your appearances.

Well, when they ask me to come, I’m always gonna come. I believe in coming. It’s a service to this great country. I think that’s important.

You’ve been one of the leading Tupperware sales ladies for years. Will your products be available for purchase at the Kravis Center?

I think most people aren’t convinced that I really sell Tupperware. Even though I make sure that everyone has a catalog and an order form, and I demonstrate how to fill out the form during the show, and I make sure to give each item number so people can circle their favorite products, people still look at me in awe when they find out they can really buy it.

Will your show at the Kravis Center be similar to “traditional” Tupperware parties?

You know, I just love being in people’s homes.

I love being intimate and getting my hands dirty. But in a theater, I get to share the good wholesome message of Tupperware products with everybody and share a jello shot with them, too. Look at it like this — it is like I took the Tupperware party from your grandmama’s house and brought it right onstage. There are games and prizes and raffles and fun, but I kicked Grannie to the curb so we could really have some fun!

You’re really doing people a service by taking your business on the road, aren’t you?

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SouthFloridaGayNews

IF YOU G What

Dixie’s Tupperware Party

When

Through Saturday, Feb. 1 at 7:30pm, Thursday & Saturday at 1:30pm

Where More Info.

Kravis Center, West Palm Beach Tickets $35 at Kravis.org

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.29.14 //

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a&e interview

Once You’re Out, You’re In!

SFGN talks to ‘G.B.F.’ star Michael J. Willett Erik R. Caban From a Little Debbie commercial to a number of roles on the small screen, Michael J. Willett, who many may remember as “Lionel Trane,” on the Diablo Cody Showtime series “United States of Tara,” has added a new title to his ambitious resume.

The 24-year-old actor and singer stars in the breakout hit “G.B.F.” The story follows “Tanner” (Willett), who’s longing for the spotlight and is convinced coming out will make him instantly

in the living room.” I was always a creative kid and everyone sort of knew. So, my coming out was kind of like an evolution. In high school, I was a lot like “Tanner” in that I was just that creative kid that stayed under the radar. I didn’t have a lot of friends. I didn’t know who the popular kids were. It was pretty normal. I got bullied but no more than any other kid. I was not popular — except in my own head.

[Laughs]

popular. Begrudgingly outed, he becomes the hottest, new, must-have accessory — the “gay best friend” — skyrocketing him to the top of the social food chain.

Much to the chagrin of spurned friends, “mean girls” battle for Tanner’s attention, all while he grapples with being defined by his sexuality. Directed by Darren Stein, best known for the 1999 cult hit “Jawbreaker,” the film features an all-star cavalcade of LGBT favorites, including Natasha Lyonne (“But I’m a Cheerleader”), Megan Mullally (“Will & Grace”), Sasha Pieterse (“Pretty Little Liars”) and Andrea Bowen (“Desperate Housewives”).

Audiences of all persuasions have embraced this heartfelt timely adaptation of the high school movie, which opened in limited theatres nationwide Jan. 17.

Amidst a busy press schedule and filming a new series for MTV, Willett made time to talk with SFGN about coming out, his fierce costars and his first album.

How much, if at all, do you relate to the character “Tanner”?

I was much more of a shut-in in high school.

I always hung out with the anti-punk kids and the artists.

What was your high school coming out experience like?

I didn’t really “come out.” I like to say that, in the words of Rufus Wainwright, “I was born

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SouthFloridaGayNews

How did you land this role?

While doing “United States of Tara,” George Northy [the writer of G.B.F] saw me playing “Lionel” and thought I could potentially play the character. He showed me the script and I loved it. I had been offered different scripts for other things but this one, I felt, was so acceptable and relevant, fun, not tragic. It didn’t feel like it was trying too hard, like a lot of the scripts I had been reading. Once I read it, I felt like it was mine. So, I did several readings — including one at L.A. Outfest – and I got to know Darren Stein and the character so well that I developed a strong, personal relationship to this project. I fought for it.

The flurry of attention this film has received (even before its nationwide release) has been amazing and all positive.

Were you expecting that?

I think that everyone knew, once they read the script, how relevant, fun and relatable it

was. As much as it’s poppy, it’s also heartfelt and meaningful, which I think surprised people. So, it doesn’t surprise me that it’s popular, even though it’s sweet and sugary.

It’s timely in that even the name itself is an acronym, which is a product of the next generation.

What was your favorite part of this project?

It was great to go to prom and have it be way better than any real prom. [Laughs] There was way less craziness. It was way more organized.

It was so much fun coming to set every day and seeing what everyone was going to be wearing.

That was a big deal. Though the budget wasn’t massive for the costume department, they really made it look like a big budget.

What do you hope viewers take away from the film?

The biggest thing I hope is that everyone watching the movie has a really great time.

[I want viewers to] realize that these issues that were previously considered taboo or uncomfortable are not a big deal. We addressed these topics in a lighthearted way. [We’re trying to show] that we’re all just people. Everyone feels like they’re stereotyped at one point or another and don’t want to be.

You’re surrounded by some pretty fierce ladies in the movie, like Sasha Pieterse, Megan Mullally and Natasha Lyonne. What was it like being surrounded by so much fabulousness?

[Laughs] Everyone was so amazing. I feel like everyone got along. As much as there were these beautiful divas on set, there were no “divas.” No one was egotistical, selfcentered; everyone was happy to be there and hilarious. We had a lot of fun.

While more and more leading actors are stepping into LGBT roles, were you concerned about playing another gay character and/or being typecast?

No. That’s not even my reality. I want to play all different kinds of people; gay or straight. For example, when you go in to play a serial killer, you don’t question if it meets your physical or moral standards. You disregard that and play the character. I didn’t question it. I want to play all different kinds of characters and hope to continue to do so.

I saw that you’re filming a new MTV series, “Faking It.” Can you tell me more about the series and your character?

I play “Shane.” He’s the hot, popular kid in school that sets the trends; tells people what causes to support, what’s cool. He’s got wicked style – and he’s openly gay. What’s cool about it is that [the concept] flips the highschool scenario on its head. It’s completely un-stereotypical. [Part of the story involves] these two girls who are trying to figure out how to become more popular. They get outed as lesbians but they might just be “faking it.”

More Inf Who What When

Twitter

Michael J. Willett G.B.F. Jan. 17, 2014 (Limited release) @misterwillett

soflagaynews //

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33

a&e television

‘Project Runway’ Redux:

Contestants go ‘Under the Gunn’ in the new Lifetime series Erik R. Caban From the creators of “Project Runway” comes the latest fashion competition series. With a new Emmy Award in hand, Tim Gunn takes the reigns as host of Lifetime’s “Under the Gunn,” which premiered January 16.

In this behind-the-scenes esque spin-off, America’s favorite mentor, Gunn, passes the torch to PR alumni, “Project Runway” season 8 runner-up and “Project Runway: All-Stars” season 1 winner Mondo Guerra, season 9 winner Anya Ayoung-Chee and season 2 contestant Nick Verreos, who have shown their prowess on the runway as contestants, but now must prove they have the vision and business savvy to mentor and manage a fashion empire with 15 new up-and coming designers under their watch.

The twist: Each mentor will have a team of four designers they must manage, coach, cheerlead and - when necessary - knock down with tough love in order to lead them to runway success.

The designers and mentors must prove to esteemed panel of judges Rachel Roy, celebrity stylist Jen Rade, and TV fashion correspondent and Marie Claire Senior Fashion Editor Zanna Roberts Rassi that they can “make it work.” A surfeit of celebrity guest judges this season include Heidi Klum, Neil Patrick Harris and Macklemore.

SFGN talked at length with the “Godfather of Fashion,” Tim Gunn, to discuss his role on the show, what it means to him both personally and professionally, and the future of “Project Runway.”

How did the concept for this show come about?

I’m nothing if not transparent about everything and I will be really honest with you.

When we were conducting auditions, it was for “Project Runway” season 13, it was not for “Under the Gunn.”

At the time we were conducting the auditions, UTG didn’t even exist. Lifetime’s plan was to do season 13 immediately following the finale of season 12 but Heidi wasn’t available.

Heidi and I have a pact, which is we won’t do the show without the other. So, there was a scramble and this whole new concept was born. The designers who were preliminarily selected for Runway, we went back to them and said, “you know, it’s a new show. If you want to back out and wait for Runway you can.” No one did. Everybody wanted to come to UTG. I was pleased with that.

How you select designers for the show? Do you have your eye on diversity or do you reach out to those people who maybe wouldn’t have the advantage or the ability to maybe break in to the industry otherwise?

Yes, we’re always looking for diversity.

Diversity in points of view, diversity in

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background, and – I will say this - you never know how a designer’s really going to perform until they’re on the show.

In the first episode, you see that we present them with a challenge in the workroom, which is something we have never done. That was so the mentors could really get a much stronger idea of how these designers would perform given the demands that we put on them.

After so many years of doing the show, do you still continue to be impressed with the fashion talents? Are there still things that they can come up with that just shock and dazzle you?

Well, I don’t know that I will say “shock” but I will say “dazzle.” I think I’ve been unshockable since the 1960s.

But, yes, certainly, what dazzles me is what the designers are able to achieve in this incredibly tight time frame. It’s quite remarkable, which is why when the judges start getting testy and overly critical about some matters, I really get my back up because I want to say to them, “You try it.”

What makes a good mentor?

From my point of departure, a good mentor is a coach, a cheerleader, a truth teller. My own particular approach is to pummel people with questions. I need as much of a context as possible to understand what their point of departure is and what they are trying to achieve.

I would never just walk up to someone and start speaking and offering critical analysis of their work without fully understanding, or understanding as well as I can, what that designer is really trying to achieve. Those are elements that I believe are important. I found that out quickly when I began Runway almost 10 years ago. I noticed quickly how different mentoring is from teaching. When you are teaching, you can tell people what to do.

And when you are mentoring, that is not a good idea. You really want the designer to be fully responsible for tier decisionmaking.

Have you ever seen worse work than our menswear challenges ever? [Laughs] I haven’t. There was talk at one point about a menswear season. I said, “Great, we will have six people show up for the auditions.”

SouthFloridaGayNews

There is another dimension that this, is if we were to do that, and frankly I would be very interested in it, but if that we were to do it, there is no way we could use the same time constraints. We’d have to at least double the amount of time - because at the core of any good menswear is tailoring and it just takes time.

We actually have a menswear designer on the show this season and you will see what happens with designer’s work; it’s interesting. We don’t have any menswear challenge in this season. I would have completely freaked out and said, “Are we crazy? We know this is going to be bad.”

What was the best and most difficult part about having your own show?

The best part and the most difficult part are the same. Saying that I have my own show; it sends terror through me, to be perfectly honest. On the one hand, I’m actually thrilled about it. On the other hand, I feel very exposed and I’m nervous about how people are going to respond to it.

I feel that when critical barbs are thrown, and I’m sure they will be, I’m the full target. There is no one to bob and weave around or to share it with. So I feel very exposed.

You’ll see some dimensions of me that you don’t see on Runway — especially my temper. I hope people just recognize that I’m a real person and some things can really push my buttons. People constantly come up to me on the street and say, “You’re such a lovely man. You’re always so evenkeeled.” And suddenly, it’s like, “well, guess what?”

But you know, it’s humanizing and I always think that that’s a good thing.

What do you hope you will find in terms of a fashion designer that’s going to fill a void that we currently have?

You know, I have to tell you, I really come to this completely and totally unencumbered. I want to be wowed and dazzled but I really don’t know what that is. This is such a conundrum of sorts. I would say to my students, “the two easiest things to do are to create dumb clothes and make jokes.” Dumb clothes for me, is a T-shirt; the world doesn’t need you to make a T-shirt. There are plenty of them out there. And jokes for me are those things that we see walking the runway during a Paris Couture Week.

Those two polarities are so easy to design for.

Yes, it’s easy to make a T-shirt. It’s easy to make a float in the parade but to make real clothes that are innovative and believable is a huge challenge, and it’s why when people do it well, the world cheers.

Most of what’s out there is not very innovative.

I’m always making the distinction between clothes and fashion. We need clothes; we don’t need fashion. We want fashion and we have fervor for it but we don’t need it. When it comes to fashion, we want something new, we want something that lifts us just a couple of inches off the ground spiritually.

FEBRUARY 16 Broward Center

The Broward Center and Pride South Florida Present

BIG & TALL with

BRUCE VILANCH and

JUDY GOLD FEBRUARY 1

FEBRUARY 28

Broward Center

Parker Playhouse

For tickets and group discounts, call Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office at 954.462.0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org soflagaynews //

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35

a&e theater

Florida Grand Opera Celebrates Verdi Anniversary with Glorious “Nabucco” J.W. Arnold

D

ario Solari stars as the title role in the Florida Grand Opera production of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Nabucco.”

All season long, opera companies around the world have celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of Giuseppe Verdi. Florida Grand Opera pays tribute to the Italian composer with its own grand production of Verdi’s first major success, “Nabucco.”

The Biblical tale of the sacking of Jerusalem and Hebrew exile in Babylon serves as the inspiration for the 1842 opera, named for the Assyrian king, Nabucco (Nebuchadnezzar, in English). Tomistocle Solera’s libretto expands upon the story, quickly revealing palace intrigue as Nabucco’s daughter, Abigaille (Maria Guleghina), plots to steal the throne from her sister, Fenena (Mabel Leto), who has fallen in love with the young Israelite, Zaccaria (Kevin Short) and renounced the Assyrian god, Baal. Nabucco (Dario Solari), weakened by the battle to capture Jerusalem, initially falls for Abigaille’s plot before summoning his strength to regain his throne.

The Russian soprano, Guleghina, brought cheers from the audience at the end of each and every challenging aria, the downfalls of many a singer, with very high tessitura. Even the great Maria Callas only sang the role three times in her long career. Equally impressive, on the opposite end of the range, was the thunderous bass of Martin Nusspaumer, as the Hebrew priest Ismaele who warns of the wrath of the God of Israel.

One after another, the principals amazed with technical dexterity and musical excellence, but unlike other operas, “Nabucco” prominently places the 40-voice chorus on stage in nearly every scene, portraying the defiant Hebrews.

The highlight of the opening night performance came after a sumptuous performance of the chorus, “Va pensiero,” as conductor Ramón Tebar turned around to lead the audience in a repeat of what became the unofficial national anthem of Italy by the

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late nineteenth century.

The stage direction of Leigh Holman is melodramatic—almost over the top—and reminiscent of the silent films made by Cecil B. DeMille in the 1920s, complete with his trademark casts of thousands.

Unlike silent movies, there are no cards with the dialogue, just the brilliant music, led by Tebar and the full opera orchestra, punctuated by colorful, almost vintage sets designed by Thaddeus Strassberger.

It was easy to imagine this production, in Italian grand opera tradition, thrilling the crowds at La Scala in 1842. There were even a few “deus ex machina” (“God from the machine”) effects, including bolts of lightning and the explosion of the pagan altar, courtesy of lighting designer Mark McCullough. Similarly, the costumes by Mattie Ulrich were rich, whether clothing Hebrew worshipers, royalty, legions of soldiers or the mysterious priests of Baal.

It’s been 32 years since Florida Grand Opera performed “Nabucco” in Miami. Let’s hope audiences don’t have to wait another 32 years for this brilliant opera.

IF YOU G What

“Nabucco” by Giuseppe Verdi, Florida Grand Opera

When

Jan. 29, 31, Feb. 1, Arsht Center, Miami and Feb. 6 and 8, Broward Center, Fort Lauderdale

More Info.

Tickets at FGO.org

T

heater

The Kinsey Sicks 2014

Feb. 1 at 6 and 9 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The “dragapella beautyshop quartet” celebrates its 20th anniversary in their theatrical attempt to make it on “America’s Got Talent.”

Tickets $37.50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

Datebook

Christiana Lilly, Calendar@SFGN.com

* Denotes New Listing

Broward County

Arctic Monkeys

Jan. 30 at 8:30 p.m. at the Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. The British indie rock band tour with tunes like “Do I Wanna Know?”, “Leave Before the Lights Come On” and more. Tickets $27.50. Call 305-673-7300 or visit FillmoreMB.com.

Assassins

Jan. 30 to Feb. 23 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. A journey through time and the lives of nine assassins. Tickets $45. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

Shen Yun

* Double Speak and Hidden Meanings

* The Kinsey Sicks 2014

Nabucco

Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Classical Chinese dance, music and acrobatics are brought to life by this New York City-based company. Tickets $60 to $200. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. American pianist Christopher Taylor performs pieces by Prokofiev, Liszt and Shostakovich. Tickets $35 to $55. Call 305-466-8002 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

Feb. 1 at 6 and 9 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The “dragapella beautyshop quartet” celebrates its 20th anniversary in their theatrical attempt to make it on “America’s Got Talent.” Tickets $37.50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

Through Feb. 1 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Verdi’s famous opera chronicling the journey of the Jews and their exile. Tickets $25 to $133. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Once

Feb. 4 to 9 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. An Irish musician and a Czech immigrant meet and bond through music. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* John Prine

Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. The two-time Grammy Award winner has performed with the likes of Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, John Denver, Carly Simon and more. Tickets $43 to $63. Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.com.

* Nabucco

Feb. 6 and 8 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Verdi chronicled the plight of the Jews in Babylonia in this opera, performed by the Florida Grand Opera. Tickets $21 to $200. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Jeff Berlin Trio

Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. at the Miniaci Performing Arts Center, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

Jeff Berlin was heralded by Jaco Pastorius as being a better bass soloist than he. Tickets $40. Call 954-262-5480 or visit SouthFloridaJazz.org.

Secrets of the Trade

Through Feb. 9 at the Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. A kid whose dream is to make it big on Broadway encounters his hero, who may or may not be his ticket to fame. Tickets $30.

Call 954-519-2533 or visit IslandCityStage.org.

Laffing Matterz: With a Vengeance...

Through March 22 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Hailed as the best dinner theatre by local critics, night after night this gang of performers will have you cracking up. Tickets $63 to $69. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

Palm Beach County Haifa Symphony Orchestra

Jan. 28 and 29 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The Israeli orchestra makes its US debut. Tickets $25 to $85. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

Jackie Mason

Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The “equal opportunity offender” comedian that has had people laughing for decades. Tickets $25 to $120. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* The Sounds of Simon

Jan. 29 to March 9 at the Delray Square Performing Arts, 4809 W. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. A revival of the hit South Florida musical featuring the music and lyrics of Paul Simon. Tickets $35. Visit DelraySquareArts.com or SoundsofSimon.com.

* Capitol Steps

Jan. 30 at 5:30 and 8 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach.

The comedy group takes headlines and turns them into song parodies and skits. Tickets $40. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org

* Susan Egan

Jan. 30 and 31 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The Belle of Broadway performs Broadway favorites. Tickets $35. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* See the Music

Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Moving performances by the Miami City Ballet. Tickets $20 to $175. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Old Times

Jan. 31 to March 2 at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. Kate is surprised when her friend, Anna, visits after 20 years. Tickets $60. Call 561-514-4042 or visit PalmBeachDramaworks.org.

Dixie’s Tupperware Party

Through Feb. 1 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The Tupperware Lady throws a good old fashioned Tupperware party, all while telling hilarious stories of her trailer park days.

Tickets $35. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* You Can’t Take it With You

Feb. 1 to 16 at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW Ninth St. in Delray Beach. Martin Vanderhof hasn’t paid taxes in 35 years and when his granddaughter falls in love with a man in New York’s high society, he must find a way to bridge the gap. Tickets $30. Call 561-272-1281 or visit DelrayBeachPlayhouse.com.

The Hummingbird Wars

Through Feb. 2 at the Arts Garage, 180 NE First St. in Delray Beach. When a soldier returns home from Afghanistan, he finds that his home has become the new battleground in this play examining the attack on the middle class. Tickets $30 to $45. Call 561-450-6357 or visit ArtsGarage.org.

Ain’t Misbehavin’

Through Feb. 2 at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. in Lake Worth. The classic musical brings alive the soul of 1930s Harlem and Thomas “Fats” Waller’s rise to fame. Tickets $23 to $35. Call 561-586-6410 or visit LakeWorthPlayhouse.org.

* Merle Haggard

Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The Country Hall of Famer is known for his classic American tunes. Tickets $20 to $100. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Dress Casual

Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The actor and singer shows off his multifaceted talent with Broadway and classical performances. Tickets $25 to $125. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

Free Friday Concerts

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

Miami-Dade County Brian d’Arcy James

Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. Best known for his role on SMASH, the Broadway performer plays rock ‘n’ roll favorites. Tickets $39.50. Call 305-466-8002 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

* Queens of the Stone Age

Feb. 5 at 8:30 p.m. at the Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. Get ready to jam out to “No One Knows,” “Little Sister” and more.

Tickets $39.50 to $55. Call 305-673-7300 or visit FillmoreMB.com.

* Soweto Gospel Choir

Feb. 5 at 8:30 p.m. at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Kicking off Black History Month as well as paying tribute to Nelson Mandela, the South African choir has performed with the likes of Robert Plant, Aretha Franklin, Bono, John Legend and other musical powerhouses. Tickets $35 to $55. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* The Second City: Happily Ever Laughter

Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. Hilarious improv and sketch comedy by the troupe that launched the careers of Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, and other big time comedic actors. Tickets $39. Call 305-466-8002 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

* Next Fall

Feb. 7 to March 2 at the Main Street Playhouse, 6766 Main St. in Miami Lakes. Adam, an atheist, comes to odds when his his partner, Luke, a Christian actor, goes into a coma and his family comes into the picture.

Tickets $18 to $25. Visit MainStreetPlayers.com.

End of the Rainbow

Through Feb. 9 at Actors’ Playhouse, 280 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. The stage takes you to 1968 with Judy Garland poised to make a comeback and examines her inner struggles. Tickets $15 to $55.

Call 305-444-9293 or visit ActorsPlayhouse.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.

Visit SFGN.com/datebook

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C

ommunity Datebook

Christiana Lilly, Calendar@SFGN.com

Broward County

* Queer Spirituality

Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. The Rev. Lori Cardona and Bishop S.F. Makalani-MaHee discuss the difference between being religious and spiritual.

Visit PrideCenterFlorida.org.

* Latest Trends in Container Gardens

Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. at the Fort Lauderdale Garden Club, 3109 E. Sunrise Blvd. Designing living walls, edible gardens, and other ideas. Free. Contact Pam Schrimsher at 954-683-3271 or FLGardenClub@gmail.com.

Snap Judgment: Morgan and Marvin Smith

Through Feb. 28 at the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

African American twins Morgan and Marvin Smith photographed the Harlem Renaissance – one was gay, and the two kept that information a secret. Free. Call 954-763-8565 or visit StonewallNationalMuseum.org.

Dear Abby: Letters and Advice on Homosexuality

Through Feb. 28 at the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

Read Abby Van Buren’s letters and advice on sexuality, showing how forward thinking she was for her time. Free. Free. Call 954-763-8565 or visit StonewallNationalMuseum.org.

e u g a e L

l l a b t

Sof

Pride Center Flea Market

First Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors.

Scour through arts and crafts from area vendors every month. Call 954-463-9005.

Introduction to Modern Buddhism

Mondays 6 to 6:30 p.m. at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 140 W. Prospect Road in Fort Lauderdale. Join a guided meditation and instruction with Western Buddhist teacher, Jay Radin. Free. Visit MeditationinFortLauderdale.com.

Man2Man Discussion

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

Contact Gerald Hirschtritt at 954-849-6738 or regh46@aol.com. Visit PrideCenterFlorida.org

PFLAG

Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Southwest Ranches. A support group for parents of LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and locations.

SunServe Youth Group

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

Gender Bender Youth Group

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

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GayWrites

Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at the Stonewall Library, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Come join us and write your memoir, poem, blog, novel or short story.

Free. Email garri1@earthlink.net

Survivor Support

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

Palm Beach County Vinyl Record Giveaway

Through Jan. 31 at the FAU’s Wimberly Library, 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. The school is hosting its third annual giveaway of thousands of records from the 1940s through the 1990s, spanning all sorts of genres.

Cassette tapes and CDs will also be in the giveaway. Call 561-297-0080, email SoundArchives@fau.edu, or visit FAUJSA.FAU.edu/jsa/send_records2.php.

ELVIS: Grace & Grit

Through Feb. 2 at the Delray Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Dozens of beautiful photographs of Elvis performing and candid moments shot by CBS photographers. Tickets $6 to $8. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.

FLASHBACK: A Retro Look at the ‘60s and ‘70s

Through Feb. 2 at the Delray Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Step back in time with an exhibition of music, movie, sports, political and lifestyle memorabilia. Tickets $6 to $8. Call 561243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.

* First Impressions: Frank Verlizzo

Feb. 4 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. An interview with the brains behind some of the most famous Broadway posters, including “The Lion King” and “Sweeney Todd.” Tickets $20. Call 561-514-4042 or visit PalmBeachDramaworks.org.

Miami-Dade County 3rd Annual “State of our Community” Networking Luncheon & EXPO

Jan. 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail in Miami. Local civic leaders and representatives from various LGBT organizations will discuss their plans for 2014. Tickets $50 for members, $65 for non-members. RSVP to GayBizMiami.com, rsvp@gaybizmiami.com or 305-673-4440.

* Junkanoo Street Parade

Jan. 31 at noon through downtown Miami. Take part in this Caribbean festival, starting at HistoryMiami, 101 W. Flagler St. Free. Visit HistoryMiami.org.

* Miami Beer Festival

Feb. 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Sun Life Stadium, 2269 NW 199th St. in Miami Gardens. More than 50 local breweries will be showing off their latest beers, as well as live music, food trucks and other entertainment. Tickets $40 to $50. Visit MiamiBeerFestival.com.

N

ightlife

Datebook

Christiana Lilly, Calendar@SFGN.com

Broward County

Alibi ★

2266 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Best and longest happy hour; Wednesdays $2 domestics and $1 Schnapps after 9 p.m. Call 954-565-2526 or visit GeorgiesAlibi.com.

Hunter’s Ft. Lauderdale

The people that have brought you Hunters Palm Springs and Hunters Chicago now bring to you Hunters Ft. Lauderdale loated at the old BOOM in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors at 2232 Wilton Drive.

Enjoy Latin Fridays with DJ Richie Rich and halfpriced drinks for Happy Hour. For more information call 954-630-3556 or visit HuntersNightclubs.com.

H.G. Roosters

823 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. The city’s oldest gay club, with hot male dancer, free BBQ and karaoke. Call 561-832-9119.

Vita Ultra Lounge Saturdays

1225 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. LGBT Saturdays with the best drag queens around. Call 561-835-8482 or visit VitaUltraLounge.com.

Miami-Dade County Azucar

2301 SW 32nd Ave. in Miami. Jock night Wednesdays, drag Thursdays, girls night Fridays and more. Call 305-443-7657 or visit AzucarMiami.com

The Club Fort Lauderdale

Club Space

Johnny’s

Discotekka

The Manor

Eros Lounge

Naked Grape Wine Bar & Tapas

Score

110 NW Fifth St. in Fort Lauderdale. A gym oasis with a pool, steam room, hot tub and half-priced rooms on Tuesday nights and half-priced lockers on Thursdays. Call 954-525-3344 or visit TheClubs.com.

1116 W. Broward Blvd in Fort Lauderdale. Sixty hot dancers with drink specials to make it even sweeter.

Call 954-522-5931 or visit JohnnysBarFL.com 2345 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Dance club Friday and Saturday nights. Call 954-626-0082 or visit TheManorComplex.com.

2163 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. A casual, hip bar to try out all sort of wines. Happy Hour all night on Thursdays. Call 954-563-5631 or visit NakedGrapeWineBar.com.

Rumors Bar & Grill

2426 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Come check out Rumors Bar & Grill. Call 954.565.8851 or visit RumorsBarWM.com.

Infinity Lounge

Located in the Gables Complex, this upscale boutique bar offers Martinis and specialty cocktails, featuring fresh fruit concoctions in an intimate, chic, setting with sexy, jazzy, lounge music. For more information, call 754-223-3619 or visit InfinityLoungeFL.com

Sidelines Sports & Video Bar

2031 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Relax with a cold beer for some friendly competition on the pool table.

Call 954-563-8001 or visit SidelinesSports.com.

Swinging Richards

1350 SW 2nd St, Pompano Beach, FL 33069. Fully nude male dancers for the best shows in the South.

Call 954-357-5521 or visit SwingingRichards.com.

Village Pub Wilton Manors

2283 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Never miss out on a happy hour, as the pub is serving up two-forone drinks Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, hit the dance floor with world class VJs. Call 754-200-5244 or visit VillagePubWM.com.

Palm Beach County The Cottage

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

Fort Dix

6205 Georgia Ave. in West Palm Beach. A great place to mingle and relax with DJs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Call 561-533-5355.

34 NE 11th St. in Miami. Come out for a night at the infamous nightclub known for crazy all-nighters to the best live electronic dance music. Call 305-3501956 or visit ClubSpace.com.

950 NE Second Ave. in Miami. Come on Saturday nights for some of the best DJs around. Call 305-3509084 or visit Discotekka.com.

8201 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Bingo Tuesdays and Born to be a Drag Fridays. Call 305-754-3444 or visit ErosLoungeMiami.com.

1437 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. Located in the heart of South Beach with hot male dancers, F#*K’N Classy Thursdays, Filthy Gorgeous parties Fridays, and different DJs and entertainers each Saturday. Call 305-535-1111 or visit ScoreBar.net.

Twist South Beach

1057 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. Multiple rooms to give you the music you want, muscle boy dancers, and never a cover. Call 305- 538-9478 or visit TwistSoBe.com.

The Palace Bar ★

South Beach’s popular Palace Bar is right in the middle of one of the most fun parts of Miami Beach’s famed Ocean Drive. Its known for their fabulous drag shows and Sunday brunch. Call 305-531-7234 or visit PalaceSouthBeach.com

Key West

801 Girls Cabaret

801 Duval St. in Key West. The island’s only daytime drag show. Call 305-923-9296 or visit 801Girls.com

Bottlecap Groove Lounge

1128 Simonton St. in Key West. Thursday pool tournaments and dance parties Friday and Saturday nights. Tips during Happy Hour on Fridays will benefit a different nonprofit every week. Call 305296-2807 or visit BottlecapKeyWest.com.

The Bourbon St. Pub

724 Duval St. in Key West. Get a taste of New Orleans with the best video bar with live DJs every night. Call 305-296-1992.

Club Aqua

711 Duval St. in Key West. Dueling bartenders on Mondays as they sing, shake and stir their way to victory. Call 305-294-0555 or visit AquaKeyWest.com.

★ A Great Place for Brunch! soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.29.14 //

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Classifieds accommodations

PERFECT VACATION RENTALS! Winter rates from $595/week. Award Winning Gay Hotel. Beautiful Studio, 1 & 2 BR Self Catering Apts. with Full Kitchen.Clothing optional heated pool, laundry, private parking. Central to Wilton Manors &Haulover Nude Beach. Includes Wi-Fi utilities, cable, tel. Gay Owned & Operated. Pets Welcome. Celebrating 16 Years. Call Joe or Jack at (954) 927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com *Four Week+ Relocation Discounts Offered* LOOKING FOR LODGIING NEAR SUNLIFE STADIUM? Completely furnished luxury 1/BD/1BA Condo. Easy access to public transportation and major express ways.

Shopping and dining are in walking distance.

Gated Community and private parking.

Reasonably priced @$375 a week or $1,500 a month plus $400 processing and move in fees.

Call 305-793-8650.

air conditioning

HONEST, RELIABLE AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING SERVICES Gay owned and operated company, Eiland Air, Inc. 24 hour service. Reasonable prices.

Licensed & Insured #CAC1817222 Call Mike 786-247-6022

cleaning services

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

Call Manny 954-560-4443

counseling/psychotherapy

LICENSED CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR Dr. Saul Thermidor, FACCT # LCCP 0365011212 Licensed Christian Psychologist provides Christian counseling on LGBT, anger, violence & personal issues. I speak English, French and Creole.

Call 305-407-9397 day, evening & weekends!

HOME AND COMMERCIAL CLEANING Residential and Commercial cleaning.

Experienced with references and provide free estimates. Call 305-896-7494 or 214-356-0684

computers COMPLETE COMPUTER REPAIR FREE ESTIMATES - No extra charge for in-home.

FREE Computer tune-up with any service.

Replacement of laptop screen & key board.

Viruses, spyware, data recovery, lockouts & more. SAME DAY SERVICE - LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE Call Ernesto: 754-234-5598

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

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

Call 954-986-1316 www.gaycomputerwiz.com

dentist

antiques/collectables

employment ENTRY LEVEL SALES EXECUTIVE Full time Sales, Client Services, Direct Marketing, Lead Generation, Telemarketing & Email Services.

Microsoft Word & Excel experience. Competitive Salary plus Commission, Medical/Dental, 401k & Profit Sharing. Email Resume to aleen@lighthouselist.com

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

MOVIE POSTERS WANTED Private collector buying vintage movie posters, lobby cards, film stills, photography and other old entertainment memorabilia. Call for a free appraisal to find out what your stuff is worth! All calls confidential. Ralph (800) 392-4050 email: sell@ralphdeluca.com

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attorneys

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

FINANCIAL OFFICER Responsible for maintaining financial, accounting, admin. and personnel services in order to meet legal requirements and support organizational operations. Email denise@lgbtcenters.org for more information!

HANDYMAN NEEDED! Seeking Semi retired mature male for an upscale Mobile home community maintenance man in East Fort Lauderdale. 30HRS a week, Monday thru Friday.

The address is 3001 S.W. 18TH Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315. Call 954-522-7478 for more details.

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THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICES, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED OR REDUCED SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.

soflagaynews //

employment PERSONAL ASSISTANT & MALE COMPANION SEEKING a part-time job as a personal assistant & male companion in Broward County. Will take you to doctors appointments. Help you w/ your grocery shopping. Refill or pick up medications.

Will drive you to do all your errands & assist w/ daily household chores. Great driving record, honest, professional, reliable, trustworthy, & always willing to help and assist. If you have any further questions please call 954-548-1798 or email Ltn69@yahoo.com Thank you.

EXPERIENCED FULL SERVICE TRAVEL AGENT Agency is located on Wilton Drive. Full time position possible for the right person. Must have good internet and communication skills and be well traveled. Ability to assist clients with airline tickets, hotels, cars and cruises and tour packages. Call 954-565-2345 for an initial phone interview. May consider a sharp administrative/ sales person willing to learn the industry.

COMPANION FOR ELDERLY GENTLEMAN WANTED - In-home care. Patient suffers from mild dementia. Position is part time to start.

Exceptional working environment and conditions.

Must have clean background check, mature, good natured and in good health need apply.

Submit resume with cover letter, including references and pay requirements to: P.O. Box 2213, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33303

ACCOUNT MANAGERS, BOOK KEEPERS AND SALES REPRESENTATIVES Work your own flexible schedule! Pays $1500 to $2000 monthly plus benefits. Must be computer literate, have 2-3 hours access to the internet weekly. We are looking for efficient and dedicated people who are at least 21 years of age. Contact us for more details. If you are interested and need more information, send your resumes to ruthmace7@gmail.com

HANDYMAN NEEDED!!! Part time handyman needed to with building projects. Painting, Tile work, Electrical, Construction. Wages based on experience. Call 954-892-0494

SFGN.com

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

SWINGING RICHARDS NOW HIRING Quality Male Dancers & Waiters. Full nudity/upscale club environment with great income potential.

Please text (865)385-9568 or email photos/info to roman@swingingrichards.com

SouthFloridaGayNews

flood/fire

furniture repair

interior design

licensed massage

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

STEVEN JAY’S LOVING WAYS PET CARE! I care for your pet in my home. One client at a time if requested. Multiple pets and all pets welcome! I have a very clean home and low rates! Call Steven Jay at 954-565-1996

UNDER Y UR RUFF

handyman

HUSBAND FOR RENT! Is he procrastinating home repairs? He says he will do it tomorrow?? After the football game?? We fit right in - In the house or the yard, small or big jobs: Tiles, Dry walls, paint, Plumbing, Roof leaks, broken furniture, Irrigation, Fences, wood decks, trash compost bins & more. It doesn’t cost to hassle us to see the work - so why wait? Neat, clean work for reasonable price. Call Haim at 954-398-3676, Sidnalll@yahoo.com

home care HEART TO HEART HOMEMAKER AND COMPANION If you or your loved one are elderly, or temporarily, or chronically disabled, we can help you with home chores (cooking, light-house cleaning, laundry) and be your companion for home or where you need to go.

We will work with you to find the plan that fits your needs. 954-226-4660. Right in the heart of Wilton Manors.

home improvement THINGS YOU NEED TO ACCOMPLISH? Minds at ease, A+ handyman service. Prompt, Reliable & Honest. Call Keldon Keller at 954-551-3127 or email krkeller@aol.com TOP NOTCH CONTRACTING Knows all and does all!! Many years of experience and easy on the eyes! Remodeling, Trimming, Ground molding, Drywall, Painting, Landscaping, Roofing, Tile work, Electrical, Windows, Doors and more. Very reasonable rates and free estimates. Call Shawn 954-549-8243

human resources WE GOT YOU COVERED! Advocates for student needs. Specializing in helping foster students and others transition into responsible, independent Adults. We are here to help find resources and outlets for stable and healthy adult lives. Call 786-793-8650 for more information.

Need a Job?

Contact SFGN’s Associate Publisher Jason Parsley at Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com Florida’s Largest LGBT News Publication 2520 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-530-4970

SFGN.com

pet care

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

landscaping

954-214-0841

IRRIGATION SYSTEM REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE 19 years experience, excellent work, referrals upon request. Call Roberto 954-383-8980

underyourruff.com

licensed massage RECESSION RELIEF $40 per 90 MIN - Out calls higher. Swedish, Deep Tissue, Specialty Back, Lower Body & Feet. Couples Discounts.

Seniors Welcome. Delray Beach. 16 years experience. MA18563 Dennis 561-502-2628 AFFORDABLE AWESOME MASSAGE BY JIM Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and LomiLomi Massage for Men; in a very comfortable, relaxed and Private Massage Studio, NOW conveniently located in Wilton Manors on NE 26th Street, with plenty of free parking. Same Day appointments are welcome; please call Jim, 954-600-5843 email: info@massagebyjim.com or visit my website for testimonials, rates and more. GREAT OPENING SPECIAL NOW AVAILABLE! www.massagebyjim.com Licensed and Certified MM22293 INCREDIBLY AWESOME BODYWORK in WPB! Incalls @ private studio, 15 min. due west of PBIA. Intuitive, experienced LMT offers affordable rates 7 days, early to late. ASK ABOUT WEEKLY SPECIALS! Calls only, 561-254-8065 for the very best massage experience you can get, HANDS DOWN! WILTON MANORS MASSAGE Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports. $59 Swedish Hour. Call or text Chris Tunkus at 954-258-8779 1322 NE 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL www.WiltonManorsMassage.com THE BRITISH POUND John Maroussas LMT Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Trigger Point, Swedish, Salt or Sugar Scrubs.

Private Studio w/ Shower. Wilton Manors location near Bill’s. Lic#MA51123 Call 954-999-2240

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

FREE!

piano lessons

Dependable • Reliable Service Delivered with Love and Respect

954-297-5336

some restrictions apply

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.

Advertise with SFGN Online & In Print!

Dog Walking: $10.00 starting at Pet Sitting: $40.00 In House Pet Sitting: $45.00 Training: $10.00 starting per visit Pet Taxi (FTL Area): $20.00

Serving Broward Since 1999

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

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www.greendogpetservices.com

Lic# 11000106488

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condo for sale MANOR GROVE CONDOS Spacious 2/2 corner unit, w/ wood laminate flooring, new paint throughout & huge master walk-in closet. AC 2006, new water heater & rolladen storm shutter protection. Walking distance to The Drive. Low maint. fee of $316/ mo. Small pet under 20 lbs. okay. Call Jeff Sullivan, EWM Realtors, 954-383-2117 CO OP FOR SALE, CORAL RIDGE TOWERS 2BD /2BA, 2 blocks from the beach, Olympic size pool! Top floor Northview. For sale by owner. Call for more details. 718-624-2976

rent/lease ft. lauderdale

LAKERIDGE FURN. GARDEN STUDIO Central to beach/downtown/Wilton Drive.Clean newly ren. 1 rm and bath. Lg. private fenced courtyard. private entry with parking,laundry onsite, water and electric included. $765/mo. 1st and security with lease. Avail March 1st call 941-548-7989 MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE Remodeled 1 Remodeled 1 BDRM w/ granite/stainless kitchen, updated bath, pool view, & private patio. Small pet okay/ no smoking. Available 1/6/2014 w/ credit/background checks/ assoc. approval. $925/mo., first, last, security, 1 yr. lease. Call Jeff Sullivan, EWM Realtors, 954-383-2117 HUGE 2/2 POOL DUPLEX - POMPANO BEACH Updated, Lushly Landscaped, East of Fed Hwy 1 Mile to Beach, D/R, Sep. Laundry W/D, Fab Lrg Pool, New Central AC, Tile Floors, Small Dog or Cat ok. $1390, Available 2/1/13 Call Tim: 754-235-2911 1BR/1BA Condo Oakland Park Near Wilton Manors. Pet Friendly. Recently remodeled bathroom. Wood and tile floors.

Dixie Hwy. $775/mo. Call 305-304-8405 2BR/2BA MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE Charming 2 Bedroom 2 Bath with Gated Private Back Yard, Front Yard, Tile Floors, Vaulted Ceilings, Washer and Dryer, 2 Private Off Street Parking Spaces and Pet Friendly. Walking distance to Wilton Drive. Centrally located and convenient to downtown, beach/shopping. $1200/mo. move in/$2800 By appt only. Call Mark at 954-614-6603 TWO STORY VILLA – OAKLAND PARK Use as 2/2 or 3/2, Kitchen, Living Room, TV room, Balcony, Sundeck, over 1500 sq. ft. W/D included and pets are ok. 4001 NE 14th Ave $1,800/mo Call 954-485-9440 HOUSE FOR RENT, OAKLAND PARK Beautiful 2200sf, house, 4BR/2BA. Open concept. New kitchen/Laundry/Tile/Central air/ heat. Fenced yard, patio, Mango and Avocado trees $1900. Must see! By appt. 954-629-2884 MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE Remodeled 1 BDRM w/ granite/stainless kitchen, updated bath, pool view, & private patio. Small pet okay/ no smoking. Available 1/6/2014 w/ credit/ background checks/ assoc. approval. $925/mo., first, last, security, 1 yr. lease. Call Jeff Sullivan, EWM Realtors, 954-383-2117 BEAUTIFUL EAST FORT LAUDERDALE Mobile Home Park (not your grandparent’s trailer park) located East of 95, minutes to Wilton Manors and Beaches. Currently has 2 Bedroom 2 bath homes available for purchase starting at $28,000.00 Call Chris at 954-522-7478 or email sblauderlakes@bellsouth.net Please see us on facebook at LauderLakes

SFGN.com

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rent/lease ft. lauderdale 2BD/ 2BA ON CANAL Condo is surrounded my canals and parks. Quiet, gated community with 24 hour guard house, Jacuzzi and Spa tub, pools and gym. Small pets ok, Close to Wilton Manors $1200, first, last and security. Call 954-401-1305 RIVER SHORES CONDOS 2 bedroom 2 bath condo in River Shores. Heated Pool, Fitness Room, River Views From Patio Balcony, and also includes water, Cable TV, and Internet. $1350/mo Call to set a time to visit. Ana 954-607-7557

rent/lease wilton manors

LARGE 2BR/1 BA Beautiful wood floors, private yard, single family home with canvas covered parking, amazing bonus room, washer/ dryer. Quiet neighborhood walking distance to Wilton Drive/restaurants, clubs, etc. Background check/credit check required. Available NOW!!! $1,650month Please call Terri Wright with Sea Island Realty, Inc. at 954-401-4918

real estate for sale

KEY WEST BUNGALOW - SOUTH MIDDLE RIVER Charming 3/1 sits on lushly landscaped lot just steps from Wilton Drive. Huge screened lanai overlooks garden and 150-foot Royal Palm. Call Peter Cowan Realtor, BH&G FL 1st. 954-234-8365.

Virtual Tour available at Realtor.com – MLS 1266462

spiritual

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

rent/lease pompano beach

PALM AIRE Affordable and ready to move in.

Beautiful 1 bedroom King Apt. 1.5 bath, new flooring and freshly painted walls. Can be furnished or unfurnished. A great place to live!!

Call Myron 201-214-3992.

NEWLY RENOVATED 2BR APARTMENT Very private location, all stainless appliances, tile throughout, minutes from beach, small dogs and cats ok, includes gas, water and electric $1300/ mo, first and security. For more information, call Sean at 954-621-7009

roommates LAUDERLAKES ROOMATE WANTED Share a 2/2 on lake w/ hot tub, private bath, W/D, dishwasher, central a/c and cable. $400/ mo includes utilities & internet. Looking for a mature professional. 1st & security deposit.

Background check req. Call Gary 954-803-0885 MALE ROOMMATE WANTED Male roommate wanted for 2/1/13. Beautiful WPB 2BD/2BA apt to share $650/Mo. Water, Elect, Waste Mgt included. Deposit + 1st. mo.

Required. Call 561-316-7236 ROOM FOR RENT Nice 3 bedroom home w/pool in Wilton Manors. Must be dog friendly. $650, includes all utilities. Contact Gary 954-268-6547

rent/lease west palm beach

PB COUNTY - LAKE PARK 2/1 CONDO 2nd Floor Corner - Next to Kelsey Park across from Intracoastal Great Locations. $750 per month • 1 year Lease • No Pets • No Smoking • 1st & Security. Call 561-310-0615 POMPANO BEACH - 2/2 Condo - East of U.S.1, pool, elevator, 2nd fl. end unit, F.L. & Sec., Application/min. 1 yr. lease, $1,100/mo. Call 954-806-8821

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To place an ad in SFGN’s Classifieds call

954.530.4970 soflagaynews //

BUYING? SELLING? RENTING?

DAYTONA BEACH Gay rental complex for sale 2br home + 5 detached rental units beach side.

Owner financing real estate, trade or cash down. $420k DaytonaGayComplex.com

SouthFloridaGayNews

I CAN HELP!

KEN EUNICE, REALTOR® CALL

770.862.9397

KenEunice.com

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.29.14 //

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