2/12/14 V5i7 by South Florida Gay News

YOUNG GAY MAN MISSING; HELP FIND HIM! • 18

GENDER IDENTITY WATCH RESPONDS TO CRITICS • 7

local name, global coverage

february 12, 2014 // vol. 5 // issue 7

Six Couples File Suit Against the Sunshine State for the Right to Marry Pages 30 & 31

Will Michael Sam Be the First Out Gay Man in the NFL? LIZA MINNELLI COMES TO SOUTH FL • 38

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YOUTH PRIDE BAND FIGHTS BULLYING • 42

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BROWARD HOUSE SPIRIT OF HOPE AWARDS • 32

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FEBRUARY 12, 2014 • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 7 2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305

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

Photo: Wikipedia

Justice Dept. Goes Gay U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder told a Human Rights Campaign audience in New York over the weekend that he “will – for the first time in history – formally instruct all Justice Department employees to give lawful same-sex marriages full and equal recognition, to the greatest extent possible under the law.” But there have been some mixed assessments of how big this news really is. Holder said his new policy is a response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling last June in U.S. v. Windsor. Many of the federal government’s agencies have issued new regulations in response to that ruling, striking down the key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Holder said the new policy would have “important, real-world implications for same-sex married couples that interact with the criminal justice system.” Specifically, he noted same-sex spouses would now have the same rights as spouses in heterosexual marriages not to testify against their spouse in a civil or criminal trial. Same-sex couples will be able to file bankruptcy jointly. Federal prisoners with same-sex spouses will be eligible for visits from their spouses, escorted trips to attend their spouse’s funeral. And public safety officers with same-sex spouses will receive the same benefits as their heterosexually married peers.

Photo: Wikipedia

Top NFL Prospect Comes Out

Photo: Twitter

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Michael Sam, an All-American defensive lineman from the University of Missouri, publicly revealed that he’s gay Sunday, creating the possibility he’ll be the first openly gay player drafted by the National Football League. “I came to tell the world I’m an openly proud gay man,” he said in an interview with ESPN. He said he told his Missouri teammates in August and suffered no repercussions. He said he was surprised to discover many people in the media already knew he was gay. “I understand how big this is,” Sam said in the ESPN interview. “It’s a big deal. No one has done

this before. And it’s kind of a nervous process, but I know what I want to be ... I want to be a football player in the NFL.” Sam also spoke about his sexual orientation Sunday to The New York Times, saying: “I just want to make sure I could tell my story the way I want to tell it. I just want to own my truth.” Sam, at 6-foot-2 and 260 pounds, starred in college football last season. Besides being first team All-American, he was named the top defensive player in the Southeastern Conference, considered the nation’s best league. Teammates named him the team’s most valuable player.

Piers Morgan Has Trans Meltdown CNN’s Piers Morgan lashed out at critics who accused him of sensationalizing an interview with transgender activist Janet Mock, making a number of personal attacks against transgender activists and dismissing his critics as hysterical, dishonest, and “stupid.” Following a February 4 interview with Mock about her new memoir Redefining Realness, Morgan was criticized for his overemphasis on Mock’s body, physical appearance, and romantic relationships with men. Throughout the segment, on-screen text described Mock as being “a boy until age 18.” In an interview with BuzzFeed, Mock accused Morgan of “trying to do info-tainment” and criticized

him for sensationalizing transgender people while avoiding a substantive discussion about her book — a sentiment that was echoed by many critics. Mock didn’t accuse Morgan of being transphobic — rather, she challenged him for asking the same kinds of questions that are repeatedly used to objectify transgender people’s bodies. Morgan spent the next day lashing out at Mock and her supporters on Twitter, describing himself as an ardent supporter of transgender equality. That night, Morgan invited Mock back on his show for an interview during which he repeatedly played the victim, talked over Mock, and refused to apologize for his comments, saying he was “viciously abused” by the transgender community.

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South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law ofﬁce, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright © 2014 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

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News Briefs Compiled by John McDonald

Fla. Gay Man Murdered; Killer Confesses Daniel Alvarez

A young man named Robert Glenn Hucks — also formerly known as Ryan Morrison, of the gay porn site BoyCrush Studios — ventured into The Metro, a well-known gay bar of Jacksonville, Fla. on Jan. 17. When he left with another man, U.S.P.C. worker Jeremy Christian Pittman, age 34, it would be the last time anyone would ever see Hucks alive. The BoyCrush Studios model was found dead along the Georgia-Florida state line on Jan.31. According to FirstCoastNews.com, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s office announced on Jan. 31

Sitcom Disney Criticized

Peter La Barbera, the director for Americans for Truth About Homosexuality, an anti-gay organization, condemned the Disney Channel for running a recent episode of their family sitcom “Good Luck Charlie” that featured a subplot with a child with two mothers. Speaking on the American Family Association (AFA) radio show with host Sandy Rios, LaBarbera suggested the U.S. might institute a law similar to Russia’s homosexual propaganda law in order to prevent such programming. “Look at the Disney show, they are promoting lesbianism to kids who don’t even know what sex is yet. How are kids going to process that information of two moms? This is not horrific legislation.” LaBarbera said, praising the Russian law further calling it “acceptable and a good idea” to which Rios agreed, calling the law “common sense.” LaBarbera and Rios are not alone in their criticism of the Disney Channel’s decision to run the “Good Luck Charlie” episode. AFA offshoot media watchdog group One Million Moms ran an unsuccessful campaign to have the episode shelved, only to have the program air as scheduled. LaBarbera also told Rios that he has plans to travel to Washington, D.C. to speak out in favor of Russia’s anti-gay policies in front of the Russian Embassy. Accompanying LaBarbera on the D.C. trip will be Pastor Scott Lively, author of the universally debunked book “The Pink Swastika.” Last year, Lively (who claims to have influenced the Russian law) was charged by a U.S. District Judge with crimes against humanity for his involvement with officials in Uganda that lead to the introduction of the African nation’s notorious “Kill the Gays” bill.

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that Pittman had been arrested under suspicion of Huck’s murder, and was booked into Duval County Jail. After his mother made a missing-person’s report on Jan. 18, police did a wellness check at his apartment house, but they did not find Hucks nor did they see any evidence of foul play. Further investigations revealed that Hucks and Pittman left the bar together, which ultimately led to the involvement of the J.S.O. homicide department and to the discovery of the body. Chief Adam Brown of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said that after the two men left Metro, they returned to Pittman’s residence. An argument ensued, with Hucks wanting to be taken home.

Rejected in Settlement Police Brutality Case

A man who contends he was the target of antigay police brutality several years ago recently rejected the City of Philadelphia’s settlement offer, the Philadelphia Gay News reports. Luis Berrios is suing the city and a number of Philadelphia police officers in regard to a 2010 incident in which he and his thenpartner were arrested for a domestic-violence incident. Charges against both men were later dropped. Berrios field suit in 2012 in the U.S. District Court for Eastern Pennsylvania, alleging civil-rights violations occurred during the arrest. Named as defendants were the city, Officers Robert Tavarez and Michael Gentile, Detective Robert Newbert and 13 unnamed officers. At a Jan. 13 settlement conference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lynne A. Sitarski, the city solicitor’s office offered Berrios $2,000 and then $3,000, which he rejected. Berrios is pursuing a jury trial, which has yet to be scheduled. The suit charges excessive use of force, false arrest, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution, bystander liability, conspiracy, assault and battery and other state and federal civil-rights violations. A city attorney declined to comment. Berrios’ attorney, Rania Major-Trunfio, said the case highlights the need for standard LGBT sensitivity training throughout the criminal-justice system. “Not only does the city solicitor’s office seriously undervalue what Mr. Berrios went through as a result of the police officers’ wrongful actions, but it also undervalues the fact that, in a broader sense, this case epitomizes the reasons we need to have sensitivity training for anybody in the court system, including police officers, who come into contact with members of the LGBT soflagaynews //

Instead, Pittman murdered him, later dumping his body in Browntown, a wooded part of Camden County, Ga. on Jan. 31. “Somewhere in between the suspect’s and the victim’s home, the suspect murdered the victim,” Brown told reporters at the news conference. Brown

community,” she said. Berrios and his former boyfriend, who was intoxicated at the time, got into an altercation at Berrios’ home in the 4500 block of North Seventh Street in the early morning of Dec. 28, 2010. The complaint alleges that several officers called Berrios and his partner “faggots” and “niggers” and, after the partner allegedly cursed at the officers, began beating him with their batons.

Couples Sue For Ohio Marriage Rights

Four legally married gay couples filed a federal civil rights lawsuit Monday seeking a court order to force Ohio to recognize samesex marriages on birth certificates despite a statewide ban, echoing arguments in a similar successful lawsuit concerning death certificates. The couples filed the suit in federal court in Cincinnati, arguing that the state’s practice of listing only one partner in a gay marriage as a parent on birth certificates violates the U.S. Constitution. The plaintiffs include three lesbian couples living in the Cincinnati area who were recently married in states that have legalized gay marriage. One woman in each of those marriages is pregnant through artificial insemination, and their babies all are due to be born this summer in Cincinnati hospitals. The fourth couple lives in New York, where gay marriage is legal, and last year adopted a boy who was born in Ohio. The couples’ attorney is the same one who represented two gay married couples in their lawsuit last year that successfully sought a court order forcing Ohio to recognize samesex marriages on death certificates. The state is appealing the ruling, issued in December by federal Judge Timothy Black. “At both ends of our lifespans, a marriage is a marriage,” said Cincinnati civil rights attorney

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has also said that this was not the result of a hate crime. Pittman has confessed to the crime and has been cooperating with the police. According to xbiz.com, BoyCrush director Andy Kay offered the studio’s deepest condolences for Hucks, who also performed with the stage name Ryan Ray Gibson. “One of our models who was with us and a great friend of the studio for years was recently murdered in Jacksonville, Florida,” Kay said. “It’s an incredibly sad situation and very sad news to us at Boycrush Studios.” On his Twitter bio, Hucks stated that he had retired from porn over a year ago, and was working towards his GED. He wanted to do something that helped kids. He was twenty years old when he was murdered.

Al Gerhardstein. “Ohio must recognize samesex marriages and the families founded on those marriages throughout life.” A spokesman for Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, whose office will fight the lawsuit, did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the latest lawsuit. From our media partner, Edge Fort Lauderdale.

Fire Star Chicago Says She’s Bi

Chicago Fire star Monica Raymund revealed she is bisexual on Twitter Sunday when she tweeted an article about a Norwegian artist’s protest against Russia’s gay propaganda law. Raymund tweeted, “So proud to be Bi and excited about this movement during the Olympics.” Raymund has a devoted lesbian following playing the Assistant State Attorney who connived and flirted with Kalinda (Archie Panjabi) on The Good Wife for a season before moving on to play strong, sexy paramedic/ firefighter-in-training Gabriela Dawson on NBC’s smoking hit Chicago Fire. Unsure of what Raymund was expressing in her tweet, one fan pointedly asked if Raymund had just come out as bisexual, to which Raymund replied, “Yup. Hey Ladies ;P.” And in case there was any question remaining, Raymund pointedly tweeted, “Nope I didn’t just come out — you just late to the party. But I have drinks for all y’all.” She then hashtagged that she’s been out and proud for 10 years. But for those women thinking there’s a new eligible out celebrity out there to fantasize about, Raymund has been happily married to a man for a while. New episodes of Chicago Fire begin airing Feb. 25 on NBC.

news highlight

Dutch Lesbian Takes the Gold John McDonald

jeanmichaelmcdonald@gmail.com

Ireen Wust held up three fingers. One nail was painted red. The others were white and blue. Gold would’ve worked, too. Wust claimed a speed skating gold medal at her third straight Winter Olympics, knocking off defending champion Martina Sablikova in the 3,000 meters Sunday in Sochi, Russia. That made the Netherlands 2-for-2 at Adler Arena, the world’s dominant speed skating nation living up to his billing through the first weekend of the Games. “Seventeen million Dutch wanted me to win,” said Wust, who painted her nails in the colors of the Dutch flag. “Now the extreme pressure is off, and I can win more.” Skating in the next-to-last pairing on sealevel ice that wore down some other top contenders, including Germany’s Claudia Pechstein, the winner looked strong all the way through. She won with a time of 4 minutes, 0.34 seconds, easily beating the number Sablikova had just put up in the previous pairing. “The relief is immense,” Wust said, “and the satisfaction even greater.” Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima were again in the crowd, just as they

were the day before when Sven Kramer took gold in the men’s 5,000. The royal couple saw another winning performance by their speedskating-mad country. The Dutch now have captured 29 Olympic golds, pulling even with the United States for the most victories in the sport.

peed Skating Gold Medalist, Ireen Wust Photo: M. Smelter/Wikipedia

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news bites

by John McDonald

Chevrolet Features Gay Families * Must present this coupon at time of purchase to receive discount Cannot be combined with any other offer or coupon. First time customers only. One time use only.

The world of advertising is finally catching up with its LGBT audience. During the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics, Chevrolet — one of the world’s largest car brands — aired two new advertisements with diverse casts that include gay families. The spots blend news clips, social media and real-life events to show that even though the world is changing, the things that matter most remain the same. “Chevrolet has nailed it with ads that truly reflect the fabric of our nation, which today includes gay and lesbian families,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.

Photo: Chevrolet

Winter Party Seeks Volunteers

From the internationally acclaimed Beach Party, to a progressive shopping night on the world-renowned Lincoln Road pedestrian mall, to electrifying events exclusively for women, the 2014 Winter Party Festival promises a six-day, non-stop lineup of events and activities. Organizers of Winter Party Festival in Miami Beach are seeking hundreds of volunteers to help with a variety of tasks including assisting with nightclub and social events, staffing the welcome center, event production, finance and media relations, among others. Various shifts are available from Monday, March 3, through Monday, March 10. Interested volunteers can apply online at http://bit.ly/1kwtGAF and follow the instructions.

Photo: WinterParty.com

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The dispute among United Methodists over recognition of same-sex couples has lapsed into a doctrinal donnybrook, pitting clergy who are presiding at gay weddings in defiance of church law against proponents of traditional marriage who are trying to stop them. The intensity of the conflict was laid bare over the last several months, when the church tried, convicted and defrocked Frank Schaefer, a Pennsylvania pastor who presided at the wedding of his son to another man. Schaefer has since been traveling the country giving talks and sermons on gay acceptance.

New Gay Pool Party Launching in Vegas

Following a $200 million renovation, the updated Tropicana Resort and Casino, now called The New Tropicana Las Vegas, is launching an LGBT pool party in just a few months. Called Xposed!, the weekly Saturday party will feature a pool area with waterfalls, palm trees, daybeds, cabanas, DJs, go-go dancers,

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Photo: Facebook

Photo: Tropicana Las Vegas

celeb performers, two Olympic-sized sand volleyball courts, two heated pools, and lots of half-naked people ready to mingle. “We are a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community,” Fred Harmon, chief marketing officer for The New Tropicana Las Vegas, said in a statement.

news national

‘I am not a bigot’

Says Gender Identity Watch’s Cathy Brennan

Blogger fends off hate group accusations John McDonald

jeanmichelmcdonald@gmail.com

A feud between gay rights activists has exploded underneath the LGBT umbrella. Cathy Brennan, a Maryland based attorney with the blog, Gender Identity Watch, is being accused of inappropriate and insensitive acts. Brennan maintains she has done nothing wrong. “I’m a 43-year-old woman,” said Brennan in a telephone interview on Monday. “I’m very comfortable in who I am.” Brennan is openly a lesbian and has represented people who have identified as LGBT. She says she has a 20-year professional career in the gay community. “I am not a bigot nor a homophobe,” Brennan said. Others disagree. A feminist group called Secular Woman is promoting a petition to have Gender Identity Watch monitored and labeled as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. “Southern Poverty Law Center has been aware of the Gender Identity Watch Petition from the beginning,” Kim Rippere, president

of Secular Woman, Inc. told SFGN. Heidi Beirich is the director of the Intelligence Project at the Southern Poverty Law Center. Beirich said the center does not track blogs. “We don’t list them (GIW) as a hate group because it’s a blog and we don’t compile a list of hate websites anymore, largely because it was becoming impossible to track what was

happening on the Web,” Beirich said. The Web is where this feud appears to have escalated with Brennan trading barbs between journalists and advocates from the transgender community who claim Brennan and her blog are insensitive. “I believe the petition served to clearly demonstrate that many thousands of feminists view the GIW team to be a hate group,” said Cristan Williams, editor of Transadvocate.com. “I think that it also offered a chance for Brennan’s victims to connect with many others and understand that they were not alone.” Brennan discounted Williams’ accu-sations as “nuts” and said “Cristan has an axe to grind and let her grind it.” Meanwhile at the Southern Poverty Law Center, where the Intelligence Project has been heralded by the National Review as “one of the most respected anti-terror organizations in the world,” Beirich

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acknowledged there have been some issues with Gender Identity Watch, but refused to deem it a hate group. “It’s not that we don’t consider some of the things that have happened there to be really ugly,” Beirich said. “It doesn’t qualify as a hate group under our definition because a hate group has to have some membership, like a group.” Brennan said the definition of Gender Identity Watch is “horrendously overbroad” but assured there is “nothing hateful about it.”

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feature off the wall

Who Gives a Flying Duck? Pier Angelo

I had no idea, until recently, that watching trailer trash on a “reality” show had reached such heights. If it hadn’t been for the controversy ignited by a group of bad ZZ Top look alikes, I would have never heard of “Duck Dynasty.” I guess that was the intended purpose of the whole thing. Gays have become an integral part of the national dialogue that bashing us guarantees the offender instant notoriety. Bigots have a field day; it reminds me of a line from a Tom Robinson’s song

from the 70’S that goes “…the buggers are legal now what else are they after…” We live in the age when bigotry and racism are disguised as freedom of speech. Just ask Obama. So why do so many people, from any walk of life, still spew homophobia? One theory is that homosexual urges, when

repressed out of shame or fear, can be expressed as homophobia. Freud called this process a “reaction formation” — anger against the outward symbol of feelings that are inwardly being repressed. Not all those who campaign against gays secretly feel same-sex attractions. But at least some who oppose homosexuality are likely to be struggling against their inner selves. Most likely, in this particular case, it is a well-orchestrated stunt. There is no bad publicity after all. The patriarch, the Big Duck, who never apologized for his remarks, was reinstated after fans protested and corporate sponsors stuck by the show. “Duck Dynasty” co-star Phil Robertson criticized gays during a magazine interview, but he didn’t stop there. He also made inflammatory comments about blacks during the Civil Rights era. Then a clip showing Robertson advocating marrying underage girls surfaced on YouTube adding to the furor. In the footage Robertson offers what he calls “river rat counseling,” and tells men to marry girls who are still in their teens. “You got to marry these girls when they are about 15 or 16. They’ll pick your ducks. Excusez-moi? We are bordering pedophilia here. Among Robertson’s other dating advice: “Make sure that she can cook a meal” and “make sure she carries her Bible. That’ll save you a lot of trouble down the road.” He married his wife, Kay, when she was 15. All of this done while wearing the red necks’ version of theatrical drag. Behind the façade they are millionaires posing as white trash. And of course the

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GOP, true to form, ate it all up and jumped on the wrong bandwagon, again. U.S. Rep. Vance McAllister, R-Swartz, brought Willie Robertson, one of Phil’s sons, as his special guest at the last State of the Union Address. Willie was seen sitting in the audience wearing his famous American flag bandana. If any other liberal, artist or actor, had done that, Fox News would have gone ballistic calling it “disrespectful” toward the flag. The more these bozos talk, the more they make people stop and think. Many may come to the conclusion that they do not want to be associated with these asses and their levels of tolerance increase. The bigoted blabbering keeps us out of the closet and into people’s conscience. Though “Duck Dynasty” was expected by some to return to its biggest ratings yet after its huge controversy last month, the Louisiana-based reality show returned to lower viewership than its previous two years. Down 28 percent from its recordsetting fourth season debut in August (11.8 million). It’s also slightly down from the show’s third season premiere in February last year (8.6 million). Maybe there is such a thing as bad publicity. I have to thank Anita Bryant for who I am today. She was the catalyst that sparked my activism. My coming out process started with her. I was appalled by her bigotry and she made me realize that if I wanted to fight for equality the first thing to do was for me to be open, out, vocal and visible. I will be forever grateful to her even though we are still paying for the damage she inflicted on gay couples wanting to adopt. Perhaps these ducks will inspire other closeted gays to come out, fight back and be counted. The bottom line is; Controversy gives conversation an invaluable national platform. Sometimes even an international platform. Thank you Mr. Putin!

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news local

Starting the Year Off Right

Lauderdale’s Campbell Foundation makes first grant of 2014 Sasha Razumikhin

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

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

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ampbell Foundation Trustee Bill Venuti (left) and Program Director Ken Rapkin (right) during a 2012 fundraising event.

Photo: Doug Blevins

Vermonters researching a cure for HIV just got almost $80,000 to further their cause, thanks to a South Florida group. The Campbell Foundation awarded $79,954 to Vermont’s White River Junction VA Medical Center in the form of a grant. The money will specifically go to to support research designed to improve the anti-HIV and anti-Herpes (HSV-2) activity of the antiretroviraldrug Tenofovir. “The Campbell Foundation and its peer review board receive numerous applications annually from highly qualified researchers from around the world striving to discover better treatments for those with HIV,” said the foundation’s Program Officer Ken Rapkin. “Our peer review team was impressed with what these co-researchers have discovered thus far. After passing scientific evaluation, the foundation is pleased to play a role in their continued research that hopefully will lead to enhanced protection of women from HIV infection.” The research team at White River developed strong preliminary data to show that HSV-2 (the herpes simplex virus) exacerbates HIV due to a molecule (called CXCL9) that increases the number of HIV target cells, which in turn reduces the effectiveness of Tenofovir, an effective HIV drug. “This funding will allow us to understand

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whether, by blocking the inflammatory factor CXCL9, which is activated by the sexually transmitted virus herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2), we can decrease HIV-1 infection in women and improve the efficacy of Tenofovir,” said Susanna Asin, Ph.D., a coinvestigator with the granted research. “Given high infection rates by the herpes simplex virus in young sexually active individuals who are at risk for HIV-1, the findings from our studies will be important for the development of new therapies. These new therapies, when used in combination with HIV-1 microbicides, will likely improve the protective effect of these compounds, which will greatly benefit the HIV-1 community as a whole.” The Campbell Foundation was established in 1986 by the late Richard Campbell Zahn (the chemist who brought you Herpecin-L lip balm) as a private, independent nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting clinical, laboratory-based research into the prevention and treatment of HIV/ AIDS. Itfocuses its funding on supporting alternative, nontraditional avenues of research. In its 19th year, the Campbell Foundation has given away over $9 million dollars, with about $2 million going to direct services. For more information, please visit their website at CampbellFoundation.net.

Maltz Fundraiser Huge Success

news local

Brian Stokes Mitchell helped bring in more than $100,000 Donald Cavanaugh Brian Stokes Mitchell’s January concert at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre netted $60,000 for the Maltz and $60,000 for the Actors Fund of which Mitchell is board president. “South Florida is an important area for the arts,” said Mitchell during the concert. “We also want people who work in the performing arts down here to know that they can call on the Actor’s Fund for assistance. You don’t have to live in New York to benefit from our services.” Mitchell donated his time to the program and the two non-profits reaped the benefits of the star’s reputation. On stage Mitchell pointed out that Florida was a pleasant place to be, away from the low temperatures and snowfall in the north in January. A sell-out crowd enjoyed the evening of Broadway classics performed by the multiaward winning singer/actor including songs from Company, Camelot, Porgy and Bess, Les Miserables, Fiddler on the Roof, and more. Arrangements were from his latest album, Simply Broadway.

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A formal VIP dinner was offered to more than seventy attendees who dined in the Theatre’s new second-level Green Room and returned there after the show for dessert and to meet and be photographed with Mitchell. Mitchell was accompanied by pianist Tedd Firth who collaborated on the arrangements for the album. Mitchell praised his musical partner several times during the performance. “The concert was a tremendous success, and we are so honored that the Maltz Jupiter Theatre was selected as the co-beneficiary and the second of only four benefit concerts in the country. The first was in New York City at Lincoln Center and the third and fourth will be in Chicago and Los Angeles,” said Tricia Trimble, the Theatre’s managing director.“

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opinion column

Michael Sam Tackles NFL Homophobia by Coming Out Norm Kent

Sunday night, Missouri defensive end Michael Sam announced that he is gay. With the NFL Scouting Combine just around the corner, Sam is set to become the first openly gay player in the NFL. Of course, he is not the first gay pro football player. Dave Kopay has written a book about his life as a gay man who played pro football. He was with OutSports.com editor Cyd Ziegler this past week for Sam’s announcement. So was Wade Davis, who wrote a column in this week’s Sports Illustrated praising Sam. Davis came out after his career ended, explaining that homophobia kept him in the closet. ESPN recently featured Jerry Smith’s history as a gay Washington Redskins tight end in the 1970’s. Smith died of AIDS in 1986, and his uniform has become part of the AIDS quilt, but he never publicly acknowledged he was gay. Head coach Vince Lombardi, who had a gay brother, demanded a homophobiafree locker room but not even the legendary Lombardi could insulate him from the mentality of the era. “I just want to make sure I could tell my story the way I want to tell it,” Sam told The New York Times. “I just want to own my truth.” Good for him, and it’s great that some

NFL executives have responded maturely. For example, one time pro star John Elway, now a VP with the Denver Broncos said “I applaud Michael Sam and wish him the very best as he continues the pursuit of his NFL dream. We will evaluate Michael just like any other draft prospect — on the basis of his ability, character and NFL potential. His announcement will have no effect on how we see him as a football player.” Sam, a unanimous All-American selection, was the Southeastern Conference’s coDefensive Player of the Year. He notched an SEC-best 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss last season. He is a lock to be drafted. No matter what Elway said, the NFL has been a haven for homophobia. Sam’s candor could impact his draft number, simply because team owners might opt out of the media attention his selection will induce. Just last week New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma expressed his fear that the closed minded nature of some

athletes will generate a level of resistance. There’s former Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe now charging that he was fired because he supported gay marriage publicly. Also, San Francisco 49er Chris Culliver last year threatened that gays better not even think about coming out in the NFL anytime soon. (Tough break, buddy.) You know what it is- straight vanity; the thought that every gay guy in the shower is staring at you. Frankly, the locker room culture can be brutal. All you have to do is witness what happened with the Miami Dolphins this

season. It is a macho environment, which presumptively concludes anyone who can’t cut it is a ‘faggot.’ Gay slurs are commonplace in these environments. I lived with them for years. Michael Sam’s forthright candor will help alter that mindless dynamic. The guy is a leader who can cut it. He is creating a path for others by his courage today. I wish I had done more when I was younger. Maybe it would have moved the needle sooner. It does not matter if pro football is ready for an openly gay player just yet. The decision is not theirs to make. It is going to be acceptable a lot sooner than later because Michael Sams are emerging in every sport. They win, like Ireen Wust in Sochi this week, because of their athletic prowess, not bedroom art. I have always felt the game is all about who can help you win. If you can throw a game winning pass or knock in the winning run, pro athletes will want you on their team, even if you drink, smoke, or go down on other guys. It will be more so in years ahead because of athletes like Michael Sam. They will be judged solely by their performance on the field with their teammates, as it should be, and as it should always have been.

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opinion publisher’s editorial

Gay Student Goes Missing Nobody uses the ‘G Word’ Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

The now socially and politically correct media needs to say something about the young man that went missing after the Super Bowl that they have not. Ryan Uhre, 23, of Weston is gay. He was last seen Sunday, Feb. 2, at around 8:30 pm at a Tallahassee bar where he was reportedly watching the Super Bowl with friends. If he was anything like me in college, he left the bar alone, but did not necessarily go home. If you are a young gay man hanging out with Alpha Delta Phi frat brothers in a straight sports bar, the end of that game is the beginning of your night. You are not going home with a girl, and you don’t want to go home alone. So you go somewhere else, and don’t tell any of your straight friends. Having published the Express Gay News for four years from 1999-2004, and then operating SFGN from 2010 to today, this type of story is neither unusual nor surprising. It happens. Gay kids disappear. Unfortunately, not all the stories have a happy ending. In fact, this week we have another story about a young kid from Jacksonville recently murdered after turning a trick. That could be the nightmare ending for Ryan. But I have seen lots of kids turn up in other states unwinding from a week long binge too. You never know. You can only hope. However, here is the deal. Ryan is gay. He graduated St. Thomas Aquinas. He came out to his gay high school teacher a few years ago when he was living in South Florida. Unfortunately, I have no idea whether he was living an openly gay life in Tallahassee or whether there is an

// 2.12.2014 // SFGN.com //

openly gay life to live there. But damn, I have watched seven news reports and read a dozen stories and no one wants to use the word ‘gay’ in their stories. It’s a journalistically unsound approach and flat out foolish. This is an investigation into someone’s disappearance. Cops need as many clues as possible, and from reading these new stories, right now they have way too few. Investigators say they have little too go on, but what they have has brought them to our doorsteps in Wilton Manors and South Florida. Was it Ryan that was in fact seen in Wilton Manors? If so, the journey to invisibility may be self-generated. We may all look like fools if tomorrow he is found safe, but you don’t take that chance. What if he came here voluntarily, but something has gone awry since? Unfortunately, you always think the worst first. You hear that his phone was turned on and quickly off here in Pompano Beach. Why? Was it just lost and found, and picked up randomly? Or did someone with more sinister motives use it? Is it evidence of a greater crime? Or could it have been found near where the young man’s body might be? Isn’t there the possibility he just tossed it himself, in order to disappear from the world for a week or two? We all feel that way sometimes.

soflagaynews //

Anyone with information about Ryan Uhre is urged to contact the Tallahassee Police Department at 850-606-5800, 24 hours a day, or call CrimeStoppers at 850-574-TIPS to remain anonymous. Information that leads to Uhre may be eligible for a reward.

We don’t know. We just don’t know. As a publisher, I have seen this story play out too many times. There have been both good and bad endings. Either way, it’s a story we have to write. Unfortunately, there are things we have to say which may make friends and loved ones feel uncomfortable. This is one of those days. The bottom line for us is that right now a decent, good-looking kid, with devastated parents, and loving friends has gone lost, is missing, and needs to be found. The word on the street is that someone of his likeness appeared at Rosie’s Bar and Grille in Wilton Manors a few days ago. If that’s the case, maybe you saw him at the Alibi or Sidelines. Maybe someone you know saw him. Maybe it’s a false alarm, but it’s worth a second look and your time. We have a brother, a family member, missing and lost. More than anything, if the image of someone going into Rosie’s is in fact Ryan Uhre, and he was in South Florida, then other local venues, straight or gay, will have his image too. Everyone has cameras, secretly recording our every move. Take a look. You may find a clue that could save the kid’s life. It seems like you

SouthFloridaGayNews

can’t go to the 7-11 without someone taking a picture of you, so you have got to think somewhere somehow someone has seen or gotten a picture of Ryan or someone he may have been with. The young man seems too responsible to have just voluntarily vanished. He graduated FSU last December, and has taken some post grad courses. He scored an internship in the legislature. He was part of a fraternity. But there is a woeful lack of information being released about who Ryan knew or where he may have gone. Every news story is painfully short of facts, beyond that he was seen leaving Andrew’s Capital Grille and then a convenience store, in Tallahassee, alone. And no one is using the ‘gay word,’ which is sheer stupidity. It is the clue that could help us find him, or at the very least, give us a place to look. Tragically, even his own father, traumatized by his son’s disappearance, won’t discuss his son’s sexuality. Three times on Tuesday, he hung up on me, stating that a discussion of this sort “won’t help anything.” Yes, it might, dad. Unfortunately, pained though you are, this lead could very well help open up hidden doors. Young gay men and women have been hiding behind them for too long. Meanwhile, in a lonely section of Weston on Monday, on a deserted road, bystanders found the charred unidentifiable remains of a human body in the trunk of a burning car. As the medical examiner goes to work, one day soon some mother or father will have to face up to a horrible loss. It won’t matter then whether the person was black or white, straight or gay. But another human being will have been murdered in South Florida, and our community will be diminished just the same.

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.12.14 //

letters to the editor Three Couples. Three Marriages. Three Stories.

Traveling to tie the knot – the ‘underground railroad of marriage equality’ Frank Marin

PoloInWM@gmail.com

In June 2013 the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision, which essentially struck down significant parts of the federal Defense of Marriage Act and recognized the marriages of same sex couples that were married in states where such marriages are allowed by law. Subsequent efforts based on the decision allowed for same sex couples to be considered married for federal tax purposes, to receive military benefits and much more. This led many same sex couples from South Florida to make simultaneous travel and wedding plans. As you might assume, many of those are part of our community. On November 22, 2013 Sunshine Cathedral Metropolitan Community Church, a local LGBTQ affirming congregation, held a reception in their Graham-Fasana Chapel for members who had responded to the Supreme Court decision by getting married. Ten couples participated in the reception, hosted by the Rev. Dr. Robert Griffin. Once the initial socializing wound down Rev. Griffin asked the couples to gather in front of the stage and to volunteer to come up and tell their stories – how they met, how they proposed, where and the circumstances of how they ended up getting married. A champagne toast, cake and more socializing (it’s a gay group, after all) concluded the festivities. Without delay and with great enthusiasm couples began approaching the lectern, spontaneously telling a wonderfully enter-taining, moving and diverse collection of stories. Here we share three of those stories:

another ceremony in 2003, right after the New Jersey Domestic Partnership Act passed. They were among the first in Burlington Township, NJ to “receive our papers.” When the civil union law went into effect in New Jersey they decided to wait until they could get legally married. There would be no more half steps for them. And get legally married they did — on December 27, 2012 they got married in the New York City Clerk’s Brooklyn office with Kevin’s sister as witness. Both families joined them for a celebratory dinner. They’ve raised Michael’s oldest grandchild. Kevin is proud to say that they had the perfect “nuclear family.”

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know “when?” What Brad had meant was that there was a likely possibility of marriage rights that would matter in Obama’s second term. Once that possibility came, with the Supreme Court decision, they set out to plan a wedding.

the desserts. They love to travel and have been to Canada, as well as countries in Central and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and many Caribbean countries.

They got married in D.C., since places they have lived in in Virginia and currently Florida don’t support same-sex marriage. They were married at the MCC church in D.C. with 130 friends and family in attendance. The picture of them was taken on their wedding day in front of the Supreme Court. Brad and Tedd will have been together 34 years in May of this year. Brad says that: “We have never come anywhere close to splitting up…it’s never entered our minds”. They’ve lived in different cities their first four years together — Philadelphia, New York, Dallas, finally ending up in D.C. In November 2013 they moved to a house in Wilton Manors, which they call their permanent residence, though they plan to spend time in D.C. as well. They say they are kept busy by their two dogs and a cat. Tedd is an artist and loves anything to do with music and Brad is an avid gardener, adjusting to south Florida gardening. Tedd is a special events planner for galas and balls for non-profit organizations. Brad is an Executive Coach and Leadership Development Consultant. They are looking forward to filing their first joint tax return this year. People ask them if it feels any different being married since they’ve been effectively married for 33 plus years. Their response is “yes, surprisingly it does!”

Brad Sterl and Tedd Davis met in Philadelphia,

Rev. Kevin L. Tisdol and his partner Michael Mitchell met on

December 7, 1987 in Brooklyn, New York at Royal Video, a Blockbuster style video rental store. This is the date that they embrace as their anniversary. Michael asked Kevin about a movie he was thinking about renting and one thing lead to another. As they were leaving the store Michael offered Kevin a ride back to his home. They talked all the way there. They exchanged telephone numbers and made a date for the following week. They met in December and moved in together the following March. And they joke about lesbians and U-Hauls! Kevin and Michael had three ceremonies celebrating their relationship. They’re not sure if they really proposed marriage one to the other. In December 1992 they had a commitment ceremony, which they call “symbolic but …important to us.” They had

profile life-saving rescues. He retired from Verizon in June 2012 and is currently working for a large retail chain, providing leadership in their cash-room operations. Kevin and Michael have been living in South Florida, in Lighthouse Point, since June 2012. They love to entertain. Kevin credits Michael for being an exceptional cook, but he says that Michael makes

Kevin is the Minister of Administration at Sunshine Cathedral. He is currently a seminarian at Episcopal Divinity School. He expects to graduate in 2017, with a Master of Divinity degree and be ordained for the Metropolitan Community Church. This is a second career for Kevin, who worked for 26 years for MTA New York City Transit, advancing to Chief Support Officer and retiring in 2011. Michael is an accountant by trade, serving in that capacity for 13 years with the Marriott Corporation. He also worked for Ernst & Young & Verizon Wireless, where he served as a Court Order Clerk, working with law enforcement agencies, often assisting them by providing information that lead to high soflagaynews //

Pennsylvania in the spring of 1980. They both worked at what they refer to as “the hottest (straight) night club/restaurant in Philadelphia.” Tedd was a nighttime bartender and Brad was a lunch waiter. They used to pass each other in the break room between shifts. One night they both happened to have seen each other in a gay bar and started talking; and they’ve been together ever since. They lived together in McLean, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C., for 30 years. When marriage became legal in Washington, D.C. Tedd suggested the possibility. Brad felt that they should wait until it actually meant something, since there were no rights or privileges associated with a marriage from a place you did not reside in. Before President Obama was re-elected Brad said: “If Obama gets re-elected I think we will get married.” The day after the election Tedd wanted to

SouthFloridaGayNews

Larry (a.k.a. Polo) Poole and Frank Marin met through an online dating site

that a friend of Frank’s insisted he join. Frank was attracted by Polo’s “cuddle me” online moniker; Polo by their background and interest in Catholic religious life and spirituality. “Not that there’s anything wrong with sexual attraction,” Frank says, “but we weren’t looking to hook up, as such, but for a meaningful relationship.” They met in March 1999 and by May of that year were participating in a commitment ceremony at our Lady of Wisdom Old Catholic Church in West Palm Beach. Again, how is it that lesbians are the ones who get the reputation of coming to the first date with a U-Haul? This is our second example of male couples quickly deciding to commit! They lived in Lake Worth, later moved to Broward County and currently have a home in Wilton Manors. They were pioneers — among the first couples to register as Domestic partners when Broward County officially opened its registry in 1999. Frank & Polo closely followed the marriage equality movement. They mutually decided that an affirmative decision by the Supreme Court would lead to their seriously considering getting married in a state that supported marriage equality. Polo’s birthday at the end of June gave Frank an opportunity to propose and he included “will you marry me” as part of a birthday greeting. Polo said “yes, of course!” They then kept playfully proposing one to the other and things were set in motion.

The planning began for where to go to get married and they quickly determined that the best option would be to contract marriage in New York City, since Frank had a connection to the city, having grown up in Brooklyn. They traveled to New York the second week of October 2013 and stayed at a charming Bed & Breakfast on Staten Island, got their marriage license at Staten Island Borough

Hall, where the official was extremely friendly and encouraging; and got married at the Manhattan City Clerk’s office the next day, a memorable anniversary date, 10/10. It was a three-hour wait during which countless same sex couples participated; from couples in traditional wedding attire to those in shorts and t-shirts. Their friend Paul Makuch from Pennsylvania joined them as their Best Man and witness. They would like to make it a regular tradition to celebrate their anniversary in New York City every year, with much more time to tour and enjoy the city. Frank and Polo followed their civil marriage in New York City with a religious wedding ceremony at Sunshine Cathedral during the first Sunday of Advent service on December 1 with some 30 friends, colleagues and family members joining the congregation. They have been blessed with an incredible outpouring of love and support since they got married, even from the most unlikely and unexpected of places. A waiter at La Guardia Airport in New York offered to serve them champagne to celebrate. When he asked how long they’d been together and Polo responded with: “How did you know we were together?” the waiter said with typical New York wit and without missing a beat — “you’re wearing wedding rings and carrying matching Tommy Hilfiger luggage… hello!” Note to Frank – shop for different luggage and remember to remove rings when traveling in parts of the country that are not so gay-friendly. That might be when they travel to Las Vegas this summer for a conference and postponed honeymoon. They both work for Broward County, at different Regional Libraries. For Polo it’s a second career as a computer specialist, having earned a master’s degree in social work and worked as a therapist most of his life. Frank has a master’s in Library Science and heads two sections at his library. Other than being a librarian for most of his adult life Frank’s only other occupation was that of a Benedictine monk, for seven years. Polo’s hobby is photography. Although he’s always being complimented and told he should go into business with his photography and the greeting cards that he creates with his pictures he says that he simply enjoys the pleasure that comes from making people happy with them. Frank’s pastimes are reading and writing. A recent toast at a holiday party to the

cont’d on next page soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.12.14 //

column chamber chat

It’s Time To Get Educated! Jorge Richa

Marketing & Programming Director The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) is one of the largest and most active business chambers of its kind in South Florida. Since its inception over 12 years ago, we have taken pride in successfully promoting and supporting opportunities for the LGBT and allied community through its role as a grassroots business and professional association. Networking and educational opportunities are a few of the things that the MDGLCC helps coordinate for its members and welcomes the community at large to participate in. Below is one upcoming opportunity for the month of February that you might want to consider exploring and attending.

On Friday, Feb. 28 join us for a Networking Breakfast with Dale Carnegie Training entitled “Sell more in 2014.” At this interactive and engaging seminar participants will learn how to: sell with increased confidence, connect quickly and easily with prospects and customers, build relationships so prospects and clients want to talk about their interests, understand the power of following a sales process, understand how a positive attitude contributes to sales results, incorporate best practices for results oriented appointments.

Space is limited to 50 people and will be held at Soyka Restaurant (5556 NE 4th Court, Miami) from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Members ($35), Non Members ($45). RSVP at www. gaybizmiami.com, rsvp@gaybizmiami.com or 305-673-4440. If you have any inquiries on the above events or are interested in joining the MDGLCC, please feel free to reach us at info@gaybizmiami.com, 305-673-4440 or at www.gaybizmiami.com.

letters to the editor

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// 2.12.2014 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

newly married couple, contained the hope that “one day marriage equality will be the law of the land everywhere, including Florida, and there will be no need to go out of state to get married”, what the Rev. Dr. Robert Griffin of Sunshine Cathedral echoes and called “ending the underground railroad of marriage equality” in a recent homily. The Supreme Court did us no favors by striking down the Defense of Marriage Act while stopping short of mandating marriage equality in all states. This left in place a patchwork of state laws, no recognition for marriages performed in states where it’s legal by states where it’s not. The positive side of the decision is that it has given steam to the marriage equality movement, given it legal justification through case law that is helping to continually add states to the marriage equality column. In less than a year the number of states where marriage equality is now the law has doubled from 9 to 18… and counting! It has also resulted in the strengthening of public support. According to a recent Gallup Poll 52 percent of Americans would vote to legalize gay marriage. Interestingly this includes 60 percent of Catholics and 30 percent of Republicans. Fifty-four percent SouthFloridaGayNews

cont’d from pg. 21

think marriages between same-sex couples should be recognized as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages. This is where the Supreme Court needs to go next, seeing and ruling on same sex marriage nationally as a matter of equality under the law, recognizing it as inherently unequal that a same-sex couple can marry in New York but that their marriage is not recognized back home in Florida; that the marriage of a straight couple is recognized in all 50 states, regardless of where they married but not that of a same-sex couple. Sunshine Cathedral had 10 couples in the Graham-Fasana chapel for their recent wedding reception for couples that married in 2013. We have featured 3 of those couples and their interesting and touching stories here. We look forward to reporting a large increase in those numbers in 2014, perhaps a much larger celebration at the Cathedral’s larger worship center, celebrating Florida and the remaining 31 states joining the ranks of states where marriage is available to all, regardless of the gender of the spouses. I welcome your comments and can be reached by email at PoloInWM@gmail.com.

No cheesy taglines, just results.

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.12.14 //

lifestyle the book worm

“Don’t Be So Gay” by Donn Short

Terri Schlichenmeyer You really didn’t want to talk about it. Sometimes, you thought it might even be just a rite of passage: everybody endures name-calling at one time or another, right? Everybody’s bullied at some time. You didn’t want to talk about it, but you always wondered if you should’ve. When faced with bullies, is keeping quiet better — or, as you’ll see in “’Don’t Be So Gay!’” by Donn Short, are there better ways for gay teens to stop bullying? For about the last 35 years, schools and institutions have been concerned with bullying; more recently, the issue of sexuality has come into the conversation. Of all the antibullying programs he’s seen — the ones that help ensure the safety of gay teens — Donn Short says that Toronto has one of the best. But how good is the Safe Schools Act? Over the course of three months, he interviewed gay students and advocates, and teens who “did not identify as queer but who were, nonetheless, subject to homophobic harassment by their

peers” to find out. Interviewees came from several different schools in the Toronto area; some were teachers. Many of those teachers didn’t think the policies were working. Students, Short notes, still used negative epithets, and at least one teacher spent considerable time scolding those students who did. He was also told that teachers were often “surrounded by homophobic colleagues.” Interestingly enough, though the policies instituted in the Safe Schools Act were meant to ensure safety of LGBTQ students, the students didn’t seem impressed. They were often “more familiar with safe-school and equity policies than most other students” and knew when something wasn’t working. Many had experienced homophobia from teachers. One young man — who wasn’t gay but was bullied as if he was — sued. Overall, LGBTQ students strongly suggested that anti-bullying policies would work better if administrators asked the students they’re

Let’s Be

trying to protect where flaws are in the system of protection. Students also believed that bullying would stop if the “entire” culture were changed, along with attitudes of homosexuality and the ubiquitousness of heternormativity. “It’s too late for my generation,” says one teen. “We need to be working on the kids in kindergarten.” There’s a lot of good in “’Don’t Be So Gay!’” — and a lot otherwise. First, the otherwise: though author Donn Short mentions anti-bullying policies in other countries, his admitted focus is on a few schools in Toronto which, though the range of interviewees is wide, narrowed the information here; it didn’t help that he wanders off-topic quite often, and into racial issues rather than the subject at hand.

Blunt.

If you need legal help, We can help.

The Law Ofﬁces of Norman Kent & Russell Cormican

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Furthermore, casual readers may find the info more academic than not. To the good, Short spent considerable time with the teens he interviewed, which allowed him to get unabashed answers to his questions. That kind of honesty – and the well-considered thoughts from LGBTQ teens – is what makes this book so good. This is by no means a front-of-the-fireplace book. It’s going to take some digging to get the nuggets of info you’ll need from it. But if you’re concerned about what’s going on with your child and in your school, “’Don’t Be So Gay!’” might spark some talking.

lifestyle gay car geek

60-Second Car Reviews

2014 Jeep Cherokee — You can have it your way, but don’t get crazy

2014 Jeep Cherokee

Base Price (including destination): $23,990 (FWD); $25,990 (AWD) Power: 3.2-liter V-6 (271 hp, 239 lb-ft of torque) Tranny: 9-speed automatic with manual shift control Fuel Economy, city/hwy: 19/27 mpg

Steve Siler We gays love our Jeeps. Whether it be a classy Grand Cherokee or a doorless, ragtop Wrangler, there’s something masculine and cool and eminently Gaychic about owning a Jeep. That said, there’s a lot of space between those two vehicles, which Jeep is filling with its new Cherokee compact crossover. First, it looks, um, different, with a controversial constellation of front-end lights (that I love, but not everyone else does). It also checks all the boxes in terms of space, interior ergonomics and available features, including a ton of safety equipment like drift prevention, collision mitigation, radar cruise control and more that’s found primarily on luxury cars. But Jeep may have overshot the mark on the equipment parade in the case of my Limited grade test vehicle, which came loaded with pretty much everything but a sunroof, bringing the sticker price to at an eye-watering $37K!

At that price, the Cherokee needs to feel less like a RAV4 inside and more like a Mercedes, and alas, it doesn’t. Not helping matters is its nine-speed automatic, which is indecisive, and the optional 3.2-liter V-6 is a tad gruff. As a luxury-inclined crossover, the Cherokee is unconvincing; me thinks the sweet spots for the Cherokee are in its less-pricey midgrade trims, or the more macho-looking, offroadworthy Trailhawk edition. Or you could buy: • Ford Escape • Nissan Rogue • Mazda CX-5

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee www.jeep.com

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lifestyle gay history This Week in Gay History February 12 – February 18 Quistapp.com

Feb. 12, 2004 — San Fran Mayor Ordered Marriage Licensed Be Granted to Gay Couples

Feb. 15, 2009 — Canadian Premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” is an American Gavin Newsom makes the order to the reality TV series that features RuPaul as host City and County of San Francisco despite and mentor for aspiring “drag superstars.” the lack of legal recognition by the state of Feb. 16, 1886 — First Use of California or the United States. Del Martin and Phyllis Lyons are issued a marriage the Term “Boston Marriage” license on this day. Henry James uses the term in The Bostonians, a novel which involves a longFeb. 13, 1953 — Christine term co-habiting relationship between two Jorgensen Returns to New unmarried women. York She had been in Denmark receiving the first sex reassignment surgery by Dr. Christian Hamburger.

Feb. 14, 2053 — Del Martin and Phyllis Lyons Moved In Together

Feb. 17, 2012 — Emo Killings in Irag Begin

The series of killings targets young men who appear outside of the mainstream, especially gay and “emo” youth. Emo is a style often marked by fashions like skinny jeans. On this day Saif Raad Asmar Abboudi, 20, was beaten to death with a brick.

The couple met in 1950, got together in 1952, and on this date got an apartment on Feb. 18, 1940 — Entry Castro Street in San Francisco. Martin and in Henry David Thoreau’s Lyons were the founders and leaders of the Journal About Same-Sex Love Daughters of Bilitis and made many other Thoreau that “all romance is grounded historical contributions to the LGBTQ rights on friendship.” This is only one of many movement. references in his writings to love and friendship between men.

he wedding of Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon in San Francisco CA, City Hall by Mayor Gavin Newsom. This is the first same sex marriage performed in SF after the ban was struck down by the California Supreme Court.

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

Photo: Wikipedia

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KELLER WILLIAMS

daniel.pye

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lifestyle finance Which is the Right Bank for You? Tips on choosing the right one Ric Reily

ricreily@gmail.com

As the Wells Fargo Bank branch in Wilton Manors unveils their gay themed mural I am reminded of the actual business of banks. The business of a bank is much different than most bank customers think it is. Many think that when they deposit their money in the bank, the bank has that money for their use, on their demand. Nothing is actually further from the truth. The bank does not make money holding your money, they make money lending and investing your money. That being said, robbing a bank is generally a bad idea because contrary to popular belief, there is actually very little money in a bank. Once you hand over your money to the bank you are a depositor, more accurately a creditor. The bank owes you the money, and in the normal course of business provides it upon demand. That didn’t happen in the Great Depression when a national run on banks created a panic in long lines of depositors attempting to get money the banks didn’t have. The bank run was ended by a governmentimposed bank holiday, a cooling off period that allowed depositors to chill and the banks to restock cash. In the shadow of that fiasco the Federal government created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, FDIC, to insure deposits. Banks pay premiums to the FDIC, which will step in when a bank fails and make depositors whole, up to the limit of the coverage. At the moment the FDIC is broke. In today’s world the FDIC gets a strong bank to merge the bad bank into their business and disguise the failed bank. In reality it has created a less strong bank under the banner of a strong bank. During the Great Recession beginning in 2007 many of those weakened banks were merged with big banks creating banks that have since been deemed ‘too big to fail.’ These banks are so big that the Federal Reserve has been pumping hundreds of billions of dollars into them knowing that the failure of one will likely mean the failure of most; far exceeding the governments wherewithal to step in and save one — let alone several. In the event of a big bank meltdown, at best your deposits will be held up for an extended period of time while a solution is worked out; a solution that could come in any form and a Greece style solution is no longer

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incomprehensible. What can an individual do to protect their deposits? Actually, several things. First, visit BauerFinancial.com and check the star rating of your banking institution. Settle only for a five star bank, preferably a medium sized local one. A small bank may be very strong on paper, even five star strong, yet if you have access to their balance sheet you may find that they have a large exposure to one borrower. That one large borrower may be financially strong and current on its obligations, but things can change fast. A large bank may also appear strong yet in the event of a major financial upheaval unwinding the mess is going to take time; time you may not have. Second, have several banks not just one. Several five star banks will help you sleep nights. Even in the event that one of them goes bad you still have access to the others. For instance you can use one for your everyday prefunding and spending, one for your emergency savings and one for your capital savings. Give particular scrutiny to banks that advertise teaser rates to get your deposits; they may turn out to be too risky. Third, you could use a mix of banks, credit unions and Treasury Direct. Banks and credit unions are insured by different organizations and Treasury Direct is a facility of the U.S. Treasury where insurance is unnecessary. Though banks are building new branches on every available lot of land and painting pretty murals in modern lobbies, responsibility for your hard earned deposits remains yours and diversification of those deposits is your best tool. 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.

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feature valentine’s day

Six Couples Sue Florida for Right to Marry

Last month six couples sued the State of Florida for the right to marriage. “Today the majority of Floridians stand with us as we take this historic step toward marriage equality in the Sunshine State,” said Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida Institute. “These couples have been embraced by their families and communities, but every day, Florida laws are denying them the protections and dignity that every family deserves. These harmful laws are outdated and out of step.” Summer Greene, a real estate agent who lives in Plantation with her partner of 25 years, Pamela Faerber had this to say about their decision to participate in the lawsuit. “As Pam and I get older, it worries me that we do not have the legal protections

that marriage provides in case one of us becomes ill or dies.” Joining Greene and Faerber as plantiffs in the lawsuit are Catherina Pareto and Karla Arguello; Dr. Juan Carlos Rodriguez and David Price; Vanessa and Melanie Alenier; Todd and Jeff Delmay; and Don Price Johnston and Jorge Isaias Diaz. They are represented by the law firm Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, attorney Elizabeth F. Schwartz, attorney Mary B. Meeks and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). For this week’s Valentine’s Day issue SFGN wanted to take a closer look at these six couples. And so on the next two pages you’ll find their stories, stories of love, commitment and hope.

Karla Arguello & Cathy Pareto

Vanessa & Melanie Alenier

Not all romances start with love at first sight, and that was the case for Karla Arguello and Cathy Pareto of Coconut Grove. “We worked on a project together and frankly, I didn’t like her when I first met her,” Pareto laughed about Arguello. “I didn’t really give her the time of day.” Today, she gushes that her partner is smart, can talk about anything, is well traveled, and has “the most captive” eyes. Arguello says her partner is the most genuine person she’s ever met. Together, the two love to host dinner parties, going to the movies and concerts, eating out, and catching a performance at the theater. The women have also been around the world, with some stand out trips including Mallorca, Spain, the French wine country, and a precarious volcano hiking excursion in Mexico. However, their lives have been less spontaneous since they adopted their 16-month-old son, Enzo, when he was born. Arguello was at the peak of her career when she decided to stay at home to raise their son, since the two didn’t want to leave him with a stranger. “I don’t think we slept the whole night when he came home with us because we were just staring at him,” Arguello said. “Now that we have Enzo, it’s ‘Enzo’s World.’” Today, the couple has been together for 14 years and are yearning to complete their family and be married in the eyes of the law — and those of other LGBT families. “We’re just like so many other couples, gay or straight. We’re doing this for each other and we’re doing this for our family and other families to have that protection under the law,” Pareto said. y

Vanessa and Melanie Alenier are a normal family living in Hollywood with their 5-yearold son. The three love spending the day out on the boat, hitting the beach, barbecuing by the pool, and going to their son’s sports games. Their story began started eight years ago when the two met through a mutual friend. However, it would be another year before finally deciding to have a platonic lunch date. Luckily, the service was so slow it gave them a lot of time to talk. “I just felt sparks,” Melanie said. “It was just so easy talking to her and the conversation just flowed. We didn’t even think we were going out as a date. It was after the fact that we realized, wow, we had so much to talk about and we just really got along.” Ironically, the two initially shared a vision of their lives without children — that changed three years later when both of them felt a yearning to expand their family. They started making plans for either adoption or pregnancy, and after a romantic trip to New York City, they got a call that their son was born. Vanessa summed up meeting their son for the first time with one word: amazing. However, as gay parents, it was far from easy. Although he was born to a family member, Vanessa was only considered a guardian by the state since Florida had a gay adoption ban (it was overturned in 2010). The couple fought for a year before they were legally their son’s adoptive parents and Melanie was legally recognized as his second parent. The next big goal for the family is for Melanie and Vanessa to get married in the state both of them were raised in and call home. They’ve discounted getting married out of state for this reason. “We’re just two people in love and committed to each other on every level, and we have a son who also wants his parents married. I hope that change will occur so that we can get married in Florida,” Melanie said. y

Christiana Lilly

Pictured are the six couples who have taken a historic step towards marriage equality in Florida (L to R as couples): Juan Carlos Rodriguez & David Price, Todd & Jeff Delmay, Vanessa & Melanie Alenier, Summer Greene & Pamela Faerber, Karla Arguello & Cathy Pareto, and Jorge Diaz & Don Johnston Photos provided by Equality Florida or submitted by the couple.

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Christiana Lilly

feature valentine’s day

Jorge Diaz & Don Johnston Denise Royal

Jorge Diaz and Don Johnston seem destined to be together. The Florida natives have only been a couple for one year. They were friends for three years prior to that. But it was fate (and match.com) that brought them together romantically. After joining the online dating site, they each received emails from match.com stating they were a 94 percent match. That was all it took! They never looked back and have fallen head over heels in love. At the end of last year, Johnston proposed to Diaz. Both felt the time was right not only to get married, but also to wed legally in Florida. “It seems like Florida is ripe for this. It’s a natural progression,” Diaz said. The families of both men have deep political roots in the state. Diaz is the younger brother of former Miami mayor Manny Diaz. Their father was a political prisoner in Cuba, who was later released and joined his family in Miami. Johnston’s grandfather was a longtime chair of the Leon County commission in the Florida panhandle. His father was a county judge. “Both families are willing to throw their political weight behind this fight,” said Johnston. “We have the Cubans and the Cracker vote.” Both men feel love can conquer all obstacles. “The fact that we are even having this national debate is a direct result of so many LGBT trailblazers who sacrificed so much so that the generations in the future can experience Valentine’s Day and their love just like anyone else,” Diaz said. “Our role is a small one but it serves to remind us and all those who know us and meet us that the torch of change is upon us; our sacrifices and those made before us were not in vain. The time is now, the State is Florida. We ask all of your readers to believe in love, hope and the very meaning of Valentine Days – a day to profess publicly the love for the most important person in our lives, “ said both Johnston and Diaz. y

Juan Carlos Rodriguez & David Price Christiana Lilly

Summer Greene & Pamela Faerber John McDonald

After 25 years together, Valentine’s Day becomes everyday for Summer Greene and Pamela Faerber. “We’re home bodies,” admits Greene. The couple met while attending choir practice at Nova Southeastern University and their mutual love for singing is what started this romance. “Pam will tell you it was the smell of the shampoo in my hair and my voice,” Greene quips. “We enjoyed becoming friends.” Summer has a successful career in real estate and is regional manager at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Florida 1st. Pamela is a portrait artist and together the women raised Pamela’s daughter from a prior marriage and now have two grandchildren, ages 10 and 17. Despite all the happiness through the years, the one thing missing from their life is marriage. “As Pam and I get older, it worries me that we do not have the legal protections that marriage provides in case one of us becomes ill or dies,” Summer said. “Getting married in Florida will provide us with those important protections and it will allow us to celebrate that joyous occasion with all our family and friends, just as other couples can.” Summer said she feels confident the legal challenge to Florida’s same-sex marriage ban will be successful. “The temperature is changing,” Summer said. “Going through the court system is very promising and there is real momentum on our side. Just look what is happening in Utah. So, it’s like, come on Florida, let’s not be the last one.” In their spare time, the couple enjoys renovating their house in Plantation and boating. They are also proud owners of two poodle dogs. y

Living in Broward’s ranching community of Davie, Dr. Juan Carlos Rodriguez and his partner David Price actually met in Colombia. Price was living as an expatriate in Bogota as a sales and market manager for the Latin sector of his company while Rodriguez was in medical school — the two met on a trip to the country with mutual friends. Rodriguez noticed Price’s outgoing personality, cute face and that he was learning Spanish. “[I noticed] how tall, dark and handsome he was,” Price said of his partner. “Literally. He’s very tall and he’s dark and very handsome. That sounds like a cliché from a movie, but that’s exactly what ran through my head.” After a year of dating, Rodriguez moved to the coast for a year of social service and the two met frequently in Cartagena, where they got their SCUBA certification. Then, Price moved to the U.S., followed by Rodriguez a few months later, which included issues with immigration until Rodriguez was able to stay on an asylum visa. Sixteen years later, Rodriguez has his own medical practice where Price is the office manager, and they’re the fathers of twin 3-year-old children, Christian and Sofía, born through a surrogate. That also included immigration battles. “That was another issue we encountered, mainly because of not being able to marry,” Rodriguez said. “We had to go through 10,000 things and years and money to be able to have the kids. We’re very lucky that we have the resources.” Price says Christian looks like his side of the family, while Sofía favors his partner’s. Christian loves all things boy, while Sofía is all about pink princess dresses. The two are fluent in Spanish and English, calling their parents daddy and papi, and they both love going to birthday parties with their friends from school. “Families are different. Our families is different, but we’re a family,” Price said. “The responsibilities as every other family. We laws just need to recognize that and allow really want this to change for all families in us to be together with the same rights and Florida.” y

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Todd & Jeff Delmay John McDonald

Todd and Jeff Delmay are raising a 4-year-old son together and bracing for one of the biggest legal battles in the State of Florida. “We feel honored to be a part of the lawsuit,” said Todd Delmay, a travel agent who is originally from Michigan and now lives in Hollywood with his partner of 11 years, Jeff. The Delmays met while Jeff was working at the Mandarin Oriental, a luxury resort in Miami. “It sounds so cliché, but we see each other across a crowded room and there were real sparks and chemistry there,” Todd recalled. The Delmays proudly stood in front of a throng of television cameras and news reporters at last month’s press conference in Miami Beach, announcing the lawsuit. “You could feel the excitement in the air,” Todd said. “Everyone there was so supportive. We have a new set of amazing friends.” Six couples are part the Equality Florida Institute lawsuit, a fight that Jeff Delmay says is essentially about the future and raising children, like the couple’s adopted son, Blake. “Like all parents, making sure that our son is safe and secure is our top priority,” Jeff said. “Unfortunately, because the State of Florida will not allow us to get married we cannot provide the level of protections that opposite-sex married couples are able to give to their children. Beyond those critical protections, we want the opportunity to celebrate our love and commitment to one another in a wedding ceremony and have it mean something, which the state is currently denying us.” For Valentine’s Day, the Delmays anticipate a low-key occasion as the special day for lovers falls on a big business week with the Miami Boat Show. Todd and Jeff own and operate Delmay and Partners, a company that provides housing services for large events. y

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lifestyle people

On Saturday, Feb. 8, Broward House celebrated their 25th Anniversary by giving out their annual Spirit of Hope Society Awards at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel.

Photos by J.R. Davis

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outeats

Special Advertising Section

Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village featuring MasterCard Grand Tasting Tents and KitchenAid® Culinary Demonstrations

Enjoy a little bit of everything under the MasterCard Grand Tasting Tents on the beach at the Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village. Remove your sensibilities as you enter a world devoted exclusively to sampling bold cuisine, stylish wines, and carefully creative spirits. Take a refreshing stroll through an unending array of smells and tastes while celebrating this year’s achievements in the culinary, wine and spirit world. For the second year, attendees will be able to text to vote for their favorite dishes and decide which restaurant will win the Miami New Times’ “Short Order’s Best Bite on the Beach” award. Catch all of your favorite Food Network & Cooking Channel chefs, authors and culinary personalities in their own 45-minute segments on the KitchenAid® Culinary

Demonstration stages. Afterward, don’t miss the chance to exchange a few personal words and receive a signature with the rock stars of the culinary world at the Food Network Book Signing Tents with on-site retailer Books & Books selling these superstars latest cookbooks.

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outeats

Special Advertising Section

Artisan Cheese in the United States Caleb Ben-Avram

Proprietor of Naked Grape Wine & Tapas

In the early history of our nation, all cheese making was artisan because it was all made on local farms from the milk from cattle, sheep, and goats raised on private farms. Commodity cheeses that we see and are so familiar with at our local supermarkets just did not exist. Consumers bought their cheese at local farm stands and farm markets. After the dawn of the Industrial Era and especially after World Wars I and II, cheese making began to move into factories. Large amounts could be mass-produced, and improved refrigeration allowed the cheeses to be shipped and stay on store shelves for a longer period of time. At the forefront of domestic cheese making is the state of Vermont. Since the early 1800’s when farmers realized that conditions were ideal for breeding, raising, and grazing of cows, high quality milk products – including cheese – became integral to Vermont’s economy. By the late 19th century, 58 cheese factories had sprung up in Vermont, with every farming community of any significance contributing its wares to the state’s economy. Some of those historic cheese makers are still in business today. Two of the current Vermont cheese makers that are prominent in the return to artisan and farmstead cheese are Cellars at Jasper Hill and Vermont Creamery. Jasper Hill Farm was begun in 2003 when the Kehler Family fell in love with the Vermont

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landscape. Their goal was to produce highquality cheese and to find a way to bring it to a large-scale market. They have seven underground vaults that are temperature and humidity controlled and calibrated for different styles of cheese. Vermont Creamery was started 30 years ago by two partners who met at a dinner celebrating Vermont’s agricultural products. Allison Hooper and Bob Reese both shared a passion for artisan cheese making. Their first cheese was a traditional goat’s milk chévre that they sold at farm markets and to French chefs. Today, their cheeses have won more than 100 national and international awards. Fresh goat cheese in the traditional log – the chévre so familiar to most of us – is among the freshest cheeses in Vermont. It is clean and versatile. It can be enjoyed on its own or used in a vast array of recipes. Bonne Bouche is an ash-ripened goat cheese. It is made with fresh pasteurized goat’s milk that is handladled and sprinkled with ash then aged just long enough to develop a rind. As a young cheese, the rind has a pleasant yeast flavor surrounding a creamy interior. It becomes softer and more piquant as it ages. If you are a Cheddar fan, then Jasper Hill’s Clothbound cheddar is a cheese not to miss. It is a natural rind traditional cheddar, bandaged with muslin and aged for a minimum of 10 months. It has a signature tang with a caramelized nuttiness and a rustic, crystalline texture that becomes creamy on the palate. It has won several awards. These are just a few of the current crop of artisan cheeses coming out of Vermont. They are all available at the Naked Grape. They will also be among the cheeses that will be sampled at our next cheese tasting held on Saturday, February 15, 2014, from 2:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. Advance reservations — 954-653-5631 — are necessary in order to attend the cheese tasting as space is limited.

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F O R

T H E

J.W. Arnold

SFGNITES

jw@prdconline.com

THUR ART

W E E K

O F

F E B R U A R Y

1 2

F E B R U A R Y

1 8 ,

2 0 1 4

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

2/6

Channel your inner Michelangelo, Picasso or Matisse at the monthly men’s drawing class, tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at LeatherWerks, 1226 NE 4th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A nude model will be provided for both short and long poses, but you’ll need to bring your own art supplies. Whether you prefer pencil, watercolors, oils or chalk, this is an opportunity to explore your creativity. Internationally recognized artist Ira C. Smith will be coaching participants. Cost is $25 in advance or $35 at the door. To reserve your spot, email MensArtEvent@AOL.com.

FRI

NIGHTLIFE

2/7

More than 3,500 men will be arriving in South Florida tonight in preparation for Saturday’s departure from PortMiami of the RSVP cruise on the MSC Divina. Bars and clubs from Miami Beach to Wilton Manors will be rolling out their red carpets and serving up plenty of drink specials to welcome passengers. We have no doubt cruisers will be wowed by the sights of Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and the Bahamas, but suspect most of the real action will be taking place onboard ship. It’s not “The Love Boat,” but could come close!

SAT

THEATER

Photo Courtesy of Joe Camosy

2/8 SUN

Ronnie Larsen’s cult play, “Making Porn” returns to Fort Lauderdale’s Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Dr., Feb. 10 — March 16. Set in San Francisco in the early 1980s, the comedy focuses on the lives of six people involved in the gay pornography industry. Jack Hawk, a straight, out-of-work actor is hired by gay porn producer, Arthur Mack, to star in his newest porn movie entitled, “Cops.” Complications arise when Jack’s wife, Linda, finds out about his new career. Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets are $30 at EmpireStage.com.

he pageantry and passions of times long past are celebrated at the Florida Renaissance Festival, weekends through March 16 at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach.

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MUSIC

2/9 MON

Pianist Gordon Roberts, an incredible talent best known as the dynamic conductor of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, joins dazzling soprano Kristin DiNonno for “Showtunes and Cocktails,” tonight at 4 p.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 2511 N. Ocean Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. This intimate concert in the round will feature light opera arias and the best of Broadway, as well as sophisticated libations, to benefit the music ministry at the church. Tickets are $15 at the door or reserve seats for $10 by calling 561-482-8262.

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FESTIVAL

2/10 TUE

Merlin’s magic crystal ball will once again illuminate the festivities of the 22nd Florida Renaissance Festival, weekends through March 16 (including President’s Day) at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach. Kings and queens, knights and knaves, lords and ladies, and dozens of musicians and magicians will again be on hand for the largest festival in the Southeast. This year, a special “Game of Thrones” theme will be inaugurated, along with the new “Mystery Quest” interactive search. Admission is $20 for adults. For tickets and more information, go to Ren-Fest.com.

SouthFloridaGayNews

CABARET

2/11

Long before his hit daytime television talk show, Regis Philbin was a song and dance man, the playful television sidekick to Rat Packer Joey Bishop on “The Joey Bishop Show.” Philbin, the suave crooner, will debut on the stage at the storied Royal Room in Palm Beach’s swanky Colony Hotel tonight to sing some of his favorite pop standards, including songs from his 2004 album, “When You’re Smiling.” He’ll be performing through Saturday, Feb. 22. Make your reservations for prix fixe dinner and a show at TheColonyPalmBeach.com.

Simply Liza FEBRUARY 16 Broward Center

Broward Center and WPBT Present

Broward Center and Pride South Florida Present

BIG & TALL with

PAUL BYROM Ireland’s premier young tenor of Celtic Thunder fame

BRUCE VILANCH and

JUDY GOLD MARCH 20

FEBRUARY 28

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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iza Minnelli performs at the Broward Center on Feb. 16

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If Liza Minnelli had her way as a girl, she would have been a figure skater. “I loved it,” the singer recalled in a phone interview from her Manhattan apartment. “My dad (director Vincente Minnelli) would take me to the ice show every year and I would practice and practice.” But, her childhood dreams changed at age 14 when her equally famous mother, Judy Garland, took her to see a production of “Bye, Bye Birdie” on Broadway. Even though she grew up surrounded by Hollywood celebrities and made a cameo appearance in 1949 as a toddler in one of her mother’s films, “right then I knew that was what I wanted to do. Sing and dance, mostly dance. I hadn’t sung anything up until then, I just liked Broadway,” Minnelli said. Soon, the entertainer was on a trajectory to international stardom that would earn her coveted Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony and Golden Globe awards. She would study with “France’s Frank Sinatra,” Charles Aznavour. “I couldn’t breathe for hours after I saw his show. I went to Paris, introduced myself and asked him to take me on as a student,” she said. She also launched a lifelong collaboration with composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb that would take her to the Broadway stage for the first time in 1965 and earn her a Tony for “Flora, the Red Menace,” soon followed by the iconic role of Sally Bowles in the duo’s musical and film, “Cabaret.” This Sunday, Minnelli, 67, returns to Fort Lauderdale to kick off her latest tour, “Simply

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Liza” at the Broward Center. She’s tight-lipped about the program, but teases that her song list was compiled from hundreds of requests she received in the mail from fans. Were any of the requests a surprise? With a throaty chuckle, she elaborated, “I couldn’t believe anybody could remember anything! I was so pleased.” Minnelli looks forward to her trips on the road, a lifestyle she got used to early, traveling and later performing around the world with her mother. “It’s funny, I get to see places and I’ve made so many friends in each place I go,” she reflected. “I love Fort Lauderdale. It’s so peaceful and fun there.” When she’s not traveling, Minnelli revels in the comfort of her apartment and the company of her three dogs. In addition to a busy schedule of rehearsals and performances, she continues to be active with a number of charities, including HIV/AIDS causes she has long supported. She admits a guilty pleasure: “Television. I love the TV. It’s so interesting to watch, if you’re a performer, to see what (the public) is in to.” Having reached the pinnacle of her career, Minnelli is also eager to share her craft and experiences, carving out opportunities in her schedule to train aspiring performers. A superstar who has lived her entire life in the public eye, including bouts with addiction, four marriages and plenty of health challenges, Minnelli’s advice to her students is simple, “Always be true to yourself.”

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LIVE IN CONCERT Come see Rare Earth performing their hits “I Just Want to Celebrate,” “Get Ready,” “Hey, Big Brother” and more! Opening Act: IKO-IKO ARTSPARK AT YOUNG CIRCLE, DOWNTOWN HOLLYWOOD Lawn seating. Bring a blanket or beach chair. Info: 954-924-2980 • GoHollywoodFLA.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 • 8PM • FREE soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.12.14 //

a&e film

Honoring the Pink Triangle David-Elijah Nahmod

On January 27, people around the world commemorated one of the saddest events in history: International Holocaust Remembrance Day recalled the millions upon millions who were killed during Adolph Hitler’s reign of terror. The Holocaust is generally associated with the Jewish people. In his quest to create and perpetuate a “master race,” Hitler and the Third Reich sought to wipe the Jews from the face of the Earth. Six million Jews — entire towns — were slaughtered in death camps like Auschwitz and Bergen Belsen. As it’s now documented in many films and at museums around the Globe, Hitler had his eyes on anyone he viewed as “undesirable.” Gypsies and the disabled were among the groups he targeted. It’s believed that 100,000 LGBT people were arrested at the hands of the Nazis, with 15,000 of those sentenced being incarcerated in Nazi concentration camps. During the Holocaust, LGBT people were required to wear a prominent pink triangle as an identifying symbol. Historians now claim that the total number of Holocaust dead, all groups combined, is 11 million, but many believe the number to be much higher. We may never know the actual body count. Here are a couple films, which recall the fate of LGBTs during the Third Reich.

Cabaret (1972) 124 minutes Warner Home Video This dark, Oscar winning musical is set in 1931 Berlin. The Wiemar Era, that glorious time in between the World Wars when artists, bohemians, and gays converged on Berlin to live open, authentic lives, is drawing to a close. The Nazis are beginning their stranglehold on German society. As the culture of art, music, dance, and free love begins to collapse, the dark cloud of the Third Reich looms on the horizon. Sally Bowles (Liza Minelli) is a free spirited

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prostitute and showgirl at the Kit Kat Club. She strikes up a close friendship with Brian (Michael York), a conservative academic. She tries to seduce him, but he’s gay. At a wildly decadent weekend they spend with wealthy, bisexual Max (Helmut Griem), it becomes unclear who’s seducing who. Cabaret isn’t a traditional musical: the characters don’t burst into song in the middle of scenes. The highly stylized musical numbers are set on stage at the Kit Kat Club: they stand as a metaphor for what’s happening in the world around them. As Sally gleefully flaunts her bohemian lifestyle, the Nazis slowly close in. Cabaret is a brilliant and unforgettable portrait of a society in turmoil. We see what Germany briefly was, and what it was about to become.

Paragraph 175 (2000) 81 minutes New Yorker Video Paragraph 175 was the provision in the German penal code, which criminalized homosexuality. Passed in 1871, it was largely ignored during the Wiemar era. In 1935 the Nazis expanded the law’s scope in order to justify the imprisonment of “perverts.” Haunting and unforgettable, Paragraph 175 the film gives gay survivors of the Holocaust a rare opportunity to share their stories. Through the use of countless archival photos, the filmmakers recall the glittering gay community, which flourished in 1920s Berlin. More than a half century later, gay men in their 80s and 90s recall the unimaginable horrors they endured. These men are tortured by their memories. Yet they persevere, determined to make sure that the world knows what happened. One man wipes away tears as he remembers the last time he saw his lover, who was killed at Dachau at age 21. Another recalls the physical and emotional wounds he endured: after the war he retreated to the closet, marrying and raising a family. As his life draws to a close he can finally admit without fear that he’s a gay man. We learn that Paragraph 175 wasn’t repealed until 1994. In 2000, Germany’s gay community finally received a formal apology for what was done to them.

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.12.14 //

a&e music Fighting Bullying Through Music Youth Pride Band continues to grow J.W. Arnold

White Out the New World Symphony Joshua Gersen, conductor Laura of Miami, DJ FEB 21 @ 9:00 PM New World Center www.nws.edu/pulse

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Three years ago, organizers of the Youth Pride Band of South Florida could never have predicted the success of the program. Following shocking reports of anti-gay bullying and suicides, the Youth Pride Band was founded by the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble, the region’s LGBT and allied concert band, in 2012 to promote better understanding through music. “We could never have anticipated that the Youth Pride Band would be so successful,” said Adam DeRosa, coordinator of the program. The first group attracted 25 high school aged musicians from MiamiDade, Broward and Palm Beach counties and performed to a sell-out crowd at the Broward Center. In the second season, the number of students doubled to 50, drawing musicians from as far away as Loxahatchee in northwest Palm Beach County and Hendry County. This year, more than 90 musicians applied to participate, including nearly all of last year’s members who had not graduated. They range from freshmen to seniors, identify as straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual and even pansexual, and most know someone in their schools who has been bullied or have experienced bullying themselves. “The program is something they all want to come back to,” explained DeRosa, who added, “They’re coming back and they’re bringing their friends. We’re definitely experiencing growing pains in a good way.” In previous years, adult musicians from the Pride Wind Ensemble were required to fill out most instrumental sections, but this year only a couple were required. The Youth Pride Band will share the stage with the older musicians again this year and there won’t be much room on the Amaturo Theatre stage. Titled, “Let’s Dance,” the concert will feature internationally acclaimed composer and conductor Robert Sheldon, who will lead the group in several of his dance themed compositions, including the well known “Choreography.” Sheldon is a former professor and band director at Florida State University in Tallahassee and now serves as instrumental music editor for Alfred Publishing Company, one of the largest publishers of school band and orchestral music. He maintains a busy schedule conducting honor bands across the country, including the Youth Pride Band. Pride Wind Ensemble Artistic Director Dan Bassett prepared the students for the concert in a series of three weekend rehearsals, noting the talent of the students continues to impress

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as word spreads to the best musicians in the region’s strongest school music programs. Just as participation has increased, DeRosa stressed community support has also grown in the first three years. In addition to support from the Broward Cultural Division, Community Foundation of Broward and Pride South Florida, the program received its first statewide

grand this year from the Cultural Foundation of Florida. Several outstanding students will also receive $1,000 scholarships. While the band guarantees five awards, private donors have stepped up each year to fund additional scholarships. Many of these private donors participated in band and music programs while they were in school and enthusiastically accepted the opportunity to reward the students. DeRosa hopes to award 10 scholarships this year. Other logistical issues have been challenging with such a large group this year, DeRosa said, pointing out the challenges of uniforming, equipping and feeding more than 100 musicians and support staff. He particularly thanked Humpy’s Pizza for their assistance. In future years, the program may need to be reevaluated. The 700 seat Amaturo Theatre nearly sold out as soon as tickets became available, although a handful of seats are still available for purchase online. “We’re looking at what we’ll have to do to accommodate the interest and still provide a quality experience for each of the kids,” DeRosa said. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great problem to have, especially only three years into the program.”

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.12.14 //

Old Times

heater

Through 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.

Datebook

Christiana Lilly, Calendar@SFGN.com

The Sounds of Simon

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

* Denotes New Listing

Broward County Freddy Cole Quartet

Free Friday Concerts

Feb. 12 at 7:45 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The group performs pieces from “Love Songs from the Great American Songbook.” Tickets $40. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

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.

Making Porn

Miami-Dade County

Feb. 13 to March 16 at Empire Stage, 11540 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Jack, a straight actor looking for work, is hired by a gay porn producer. Tickets $30. Call 954-678-1496 or visit EmpireStage.com.

Lewis Black

Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. at the Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. Screw love this Valentine’s Day, laugh out loud with the raucous comedian. Tickets $29.75 to $45. Call 305-673-7300 or visit FillmoreMB.com.

* Los Vivancos

Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The flamenco dance company is known to set the stage on fire, perfect for Valentine’s Day. Tickets $35 to $115. Call 954-4620222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Andrea Bocelli

Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. The Italian tenor returns for a special Valentine’s Day concert. Tickets $80 to $380. Visit TheBBTCenter.com.

* Darlene Love

Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. A night of love songs with the singer behind “He’s a Rebel.” Tickets $37.50 to $47.50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.com.

* The Love Rule

Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. After a tragedy, Ruthie moves back home only to discover hurtful family secrets. Tickets $20 to $42. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra

Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Featuring pianist Denis Kozhukhin. Tickets $30 to $90. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Trisha Yearwood

Feb. 19 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A night with the country music superstar. Tickets $42 to $200. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Salon Concert with Opera Star Leona Mitchell Feb. 20 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, One E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Mitchell has captures American opera enthusiasts since her debut in “Carmen” in 1975. Tickets $45. Call 954-709-7447 or visit VenetianArtsSociety.org.

Miami City Ballet: Triple Threat

Two Gentlemen of Verona

Laffing Matterz: With a Vengeance...

Anne Feeney

Feb. 21 to 23 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Performances of Balanchine/ Webern, Tchaikovsky, and West Side Story. Tickets $20 to $175. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

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 Out of My Hands

Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The NPR host and pianist performs pieces by REM, Portishead, Pink Floyd, and other unique bands. Tickets $30. Call 561832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Winds of Romance

Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. at FAU’s University Theatre, 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. Pianist Heather Coltman performs with the Florida Wind Symphony. Tickets $20. Visit FAUEvents.com.

* Keigwin + Company

Feb. 14 and 15 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. An electrifying performance mixing theatre and dance. Tickets $28. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* HAIR

Feb. 14 to 16 at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. A rag tag group of hippies in the ‘60s must make the decision to follow with the draft in Vietnam or fight against it. Tickets $45. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org

* Megan Hilty with Seth Rudetsky War Horse Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. Hilty of “Smash” and “Wicked” and Broadway pianist Rudetsky. Tickets $31.50 to $126.50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.com.

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Feb. 12 to 16 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The story that has captured audiences, a boy’s horse is used World War I in the play using life-size puppets. Tickets $25 to $69. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org. soflagaynews //

Feb. 14 to 23 at FAU’s Studio One Theater, 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. Shakespeare’s earliest play, Valentine and his friend, the married Proteus, fall in love with the same woman while on a trip to Milan. Tickets $20. Call 1-800-564-9539 or visit them online at FAUEvents.com. Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Boca Raton, 2601 St. Andrews in Boca Raton. A fundraiser for peace action, also featuring Pinkslip and the Raging Grannies. Tickets $15 to $25. Call Bob Bender at 954-531-1928 or Phyllis Shamis at 305-725-7260.

* Irish Rovers Farewell Tour

Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The band is hanging up their hat after dozens of albums. Tickets $18. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

You Can’t Take it With You

Through Feb 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.

* Kristin Lee, Violin

Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. A member of the Lincoln Center’s music society, as a soloist she is praised for her “mastery of tone and rare mood.” Tickets $30. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Sweet Pea and the Duke

Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. at Palm Beach State College Duncan Theatre, 4200 S. Congress Ave. in Lake Worth. Tuesday Nite Big Band pays tribute to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Tickets $15. Call 561-868-3309 or visit PalmBeachState.edu.

* SPANK!

Feb. 18 to 23 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. A parody of the beloved Fifty Shades of Grey series. Tickets $40. Call 561-8327469 or visit Kravis.org.

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* The Harvey Nevins Yiddish Swim Orchestra

Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. The orchestra will have you up on your feet with traditional Yiddish songs and more modern Jewish American tunes. Tickets $25 to $30. Call 305-466-8002 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

* Blondie

Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. at the Fontainebleau Hotel, 4441 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach. In another exciting show in the BleauLive series, celebrate 40 years of Blondie with an intimate concert with the band. Must purchase room packages to attend. Visit Fontainbleau.com.

* The Girl from Ipanema: 50 Years of Bossa Nova

Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. Beatriz Malnic puts a modern interpretation of Bossa Nova and Samba. Tickets $34.50 and $36.50. Call 305-466-8002 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

* Free Gospel Sundays with Dottie Peoples

Feb. 16 at 4 p.m. at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. “Songbird of the South” by the vibrant and renowned gospel singer. Free. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Amy Schumer

Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The star and writer of “Inside Amy Schumer” has performed her standup on “Conan,” “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,” and other shows. Tickets $37.50 to $45. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.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.

* Ham: Slices of a Life

Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. A night with singer, songwriter, and Broadway actor Sam Harris. Tickets $39.50. Call 305-466-8002 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

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