4/8/15 V6i14 by South Florida Gay News

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April 8, 2015 // vol. 6 // issue 14

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Undercover agent reveals LGBT ties in Government Page 20

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See what news is breaking across the internet Compiled by John McDonald

Colorado Rejects Anti-Gay Cake Claim The Colorado Civil Rights Division rejected arguments from a man who said a bakery discriminated against his religion by refusing to make a cake with a gay slur. The state ruled last Friday that Azucar Bakery had a right not to

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ISIS Targeting Men in Skinny Jeans The Islamic State is declaring a new target – men who wear tight clothing. According to a report from the British tabloid, Daily Mail, ISIS is preparing to jail any man found wearing tight garment clothing in the Syrian city of Raqqa. Included in this proposal, U.K. informants

say, are jail terms for men caught with music on their cell phones, smoking American cigarettes or who are late for prayers. ISIS has repeatedly thrown gay men from rooftops and videotaped their death.

Indiana Clarifies Religious Freedom Restoration Act MEMBER

Indiana amended its highly controversial religious freedom law late last week to prohibit service providers from using the original version as a legal defense for refusing to provide services, goods, facilities or accommodations.

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make the cake on the grounds that the message on the cake could be considered derogatory. Officials said a man asked for a cake showing two groomsmen with a red “X” over them, along with Bible verses condemning homosexuality.

The amended law, approved by Indiana’s house of representatives and senate, bars discrimination based on factors that MBER include race, religion,M Edisability, sexual orientation, gender identity or United States military service.

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Cover: SFGN catches an exclusive interview with four CIA agents who reveal the program's strong ties with the LGBT community.

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

Top Mormons Outline Support For Marriage for Man-Woman Only (AP) — Mormon leaders have vowed during an important religious conference to be prominent advocates for the belief that marriage is an institution exclusive to a man and a woman. The comments in support of "strong, traditional families" came during a biannual conference that has been notable for a pair of rare occurrences. The first came when the conference kicked off without the usual welcoming address from church President Thomas S. Monson, 87, who days earlier also missed a meeting with President Barack Obama. Monson, who was present at conference, skipped

the speech as part of a decision to reduce the number of addresses he's giving this weekend, church officials said. He gave a short talk about the priesthood Saturday evening. The second unusual event came when five people stood up and yelled "Opposed!" during a part of the conference when attendees usually raise their hands in unison in a vote of support for church leadership. The protest drew gasps from surprised attendees. The dissenters represented only a handful of the 20,000 in attendance.

The San Francisco Police Officers Association earlier issued a statement saying the actions were not emblematic of individuals it represents.

Raised for Richland Florist $93,000 Who Refused Gay Couple

San Francisco Ofﬁcers Accused of Sending Racist, Homophobic Texts

(AP) Seven San Francisco police officers accused of sending racist and homophobic text messages have been suspended, and the police chief has recommended that they be fired. Chief Greg Suhr announced Friday that he has asked a police oversight committee to approve firing the officers. Six others face disciplinary actions that include reassignment to positions that don't have contact with the public. Another officer tied to the investigation already has resigned. The text messages "are of such despicable thinking that those responsible clearly fall below the minimum standards required to be a police officer," Suhr said in a statement. But the officers, who were not identified, violated department policy to varying degrees, Suhr said. Two officers who sent inflammatory texts were reassigned and will have their cases considered by the police commission, which can hand down penalties up to termination. The remaining four officers did not send text messages that included "hate speech," said Suhr, who will decide how to punish them. He can suspend an officer without pay for up to 10 days. Authorities say the texts targeting blacks, Mexicans, Filipinos and gay men were sent between 2011 and 2012. They were discovered by federal authorities investigating a former police sergeant, who was convicted of corruption and sentenced to more than three years in prison. Meanwhile, District Attorney George Gascon said his office will review all cases going back 10 years that were linked to the officers either by writing a report, submitting evidence or testifying in court. City leaders have raised concern that any prejudice by the officers could have led to unfair treatment, particularly in cases involving black defendants.

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(AP) A Richland florist fined $1,000 for refusing to sell a same-sex couple wedding flowers and also facing a consumerprotection lawsuit filed by the state has netted more than $93,000 in a crowd funding campaign. The Seattle Times reported that nearly half of the money on the gofundme.com page set up in late February for Barronelle Stutzman, 70, came in the last several days. Supporters compare Stutzman's benefit page to an Indiana pizza shop that raised more than $800,000 after closing when a co-owner expressed support for the state's new religious objections law to protect private business owners. The co-owner said the shop wouldn't cater a gay wedding. But Indiana legislators, facing mounting pressure, tweaked the law late last week to address concerns that it would allow discrimination against gays and lesbians. The Washington state law, Attorney General Bob Ferguson has said, "clearly prohibits discrimination against same-sex couples." Stutzman, owner of Arlene's Flowers and Gifts in Richland, Washington, was fined $1,000 in Benton County Superior Court in March after refusing to serve a same-sex couple in 2013. That's a violation of that state's anti-discrimination and consumer protection laws, the court ruled. The court's ruling also requires Stutzman's shop to make available to same-sex couples everything the shop sells to opposite-sex couples. But Stutzman said same-sex weddings go against her Southern Baptist beliefs. After she declined to agree to no longer

Photo: Facebook.

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discriminate, Ferguson said, his office filed the consumerprotection lawsuit. A note on the gofundme site for Stutzman said the site was set up by a friend of Stutzman who works for a legal organization, and that donated money is intended for potential legal bills. More than 2,000 people had made donations by Sunday, the website said.

Says He Would Veto Snyder Religious Objections Bill

(AP) — Gov. Rick Snyder warned Thursday that he would veto religious objections legislation unless lawmakers also send him a bill extending anti-discrimination protections to gays. The Republican for months has expressed skepticism with a proposed state-level Religious Freedom Restoration Act if there is no accompanying measure to amend Michigan's civil rights law by prohibiting discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents in employment, housing and places open to the public. On Thursday, as Indiana and Arkansas scrambled amid criticism over religious objections bills, Snyder went further and told the Detroit Free Press he would veto such a bill if it came to his desk as stand-alone legislation. "Given all the events that are happening in Indiana, I thought it would be good to clarify my position," he said. Michigan's religious objections bill won approval along party lines from the Republican-controlled House in December's lame-duck session but died in the GOP-led Senate. It was reintroduced in January and is pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee. It also is included majority House Republicans' two-year "action plan," though no House bill has been introduced yet. Supporters of the measure — which would provide a claim or defense to people who say their exercise of religion has been substantially burdened by the government — point to cases such as a suburban Denver baker who refused to make a cake for a same-sex wedding and is fighting an order requiring him to serve gay couples against his religious beliefs. Critics say the legislation would permit discrimination against gays. Equality Michigan, an LGBT advocacy group, said it "appreciates" that Snyder supports updating the 1976 civil rights law.

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News Briefs Continued

Photo: Facebook.

LGBT Inclusive Church Barred From Arkansas Easter Parade (Edge) If tolerance is "a two-way street," don't even think about holding a parade on it. An Arkansas church with a policy of welcoming LGBT congregants was allegedly barred from participating in an annual Easter Parade on Saturday over signs their marchers planned to carry that had an inclusive mention, Inquisitr.com reports. Signs with the message "Jesus loves all," proved to be too controversial for Eureka Springs, Arkansas' "Celebrate Jesus Easter Parade," when the town's First Methodist Church was informed by organizers that they were no longer welcome to participate in the annual event. According to Suzie Bell of the First Methodist Church, approval to participate in the parade was

udge Orders California to Pay for Inmate's Sex Change

(AP) A federal judge on Thursday ordered California's corrections department to provide a transgender inmate with sex reassignment surgery, the first time such an operation has been ordered in the state. U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar in San Francisco ruled that denying the surgery to 51-year-old Michelle-Lael Norsworthy violates her constitutional rights. Her birth name is Jeffrey Bryan Norsworthy. The ruling marks just the second time nationwide that a judge has issued an injunction directing a state prison system to provide the surgery, said Ilona Turner, legal director at the Transgender Law Center in Oakland, which helped represent Norsworthy. The previous order in a Massachusetts case was overturned last year and is being appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. In his ruling in California, Tigar cited testimony that the surgery has actually been performed just once on an inmate, an apparent reference to a person who castrated himself in Texas then was given the surgery out of necessity. Norsworthy, who was convicted of murder, has lived as a woman since the 1990s and has what Tigar termed severe gender dysphoria - a condition that occurs when people's gender at birth is contrary to the way they identify themselves. "The weight of the evidence demonstrates that for Norsworthy, the only adequate medical treatment for her gender dysphoria is SRS," Tigar wrote, referring to sex reassignment surgery. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials said they were considering whether to appeal the ruling. "This decision confirms that it is unlawful to deny essential treatment to transgender people" in or out of prison, said Kris Hayashi, executive director of the Transgender Law Center. "The bottom line is no one should be denied the medical care they need."

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initially granted, but organizers changed their minds a week before the event. "They wanted to know what our banner was going to say and it said 'Jesus loves all,'" Bell told local station KNWA. "They had decided that they did not want us in the parade." Bell says that their church is a "reconciling congregation" meaning that it publicly welcomes the LGBT community. She says the decision to exclude her group was "based purely on our love and acceptance of the LGBT community." Spokesperson for the parade Laura Nichols issued a statement in regards to this allegation, but neglected to mention the reason for the First Methodist Church's exclusion.

If the order stands, Norsworthy would be the first inmate to receive such surgery in California, said Joyce Hayhoe, a spokeswoman for the federal receiver who controls California prison medical care.

Rick Santorum

on religious freedom Santorum laws: 'Tolerance is a 2-way street'

(CNN) -- Rick Santorum says he'd hoped Indiana Gov. Mike Pence would veto the "fix" to his state's religious freedom law rather than limiting its scope. The law unleashed an intense backlash against Indiana, led by tech giants like Apple and Salesforce and sports organizations like the NCAA, amid concerns it would allow businesses to turn away gay and lesbian customers. Santorum, the former Republican senator from Pennsylvania, who is likely to mount another presidential campaign in 2016, said on CBS' "Face the Nation" on Sunday that Pence's decision to sign a follow-up bill -- which made clear the law couldn't be used to refuse services based on sexual orientation -- led to a "limited view" of religious freedom. "It doesn't really open the debate up on some of the more current issues," Santorum said -- a reference to gay rights issues. With the Supreme Court set to rule in June on whether

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same-sex marriage should be legalized nationwide, social conservatives like Santorum have asserted that Christian bakers, florists and wedding photographers shouldn't be forced to provide their services to same-sex weddings. The Indiana uproar drew nearly all of the GOP's 2016 contenders into the debate, with candidates like Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz rushing to Pence's defense. "Tolerance is a two-way street," Santorum said. "If you're a print shop and you are a gay man, should you be forced to print 'God hates fags' for the Westboro Baptist Church because they hold those signs up?" Santorum said. "Should the government force you to do that?" he said. "And that's what these cases are all about. This is about the government coming in saying, 'No -- we're going to make you do this.' And this is where I think we just need some space to say, 'Let's have some tolerance -- have it be a two-way street.'"

he Dr. Oz Show' Observes 'T World Health Day With Medical Marijuana & Trans Awareness

In recognition of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Health Day Tuesday, April 7, The Dr. Oz Show released a public service announcement intended to spur conversation and call attention to the most current and urgent issues in public health today: medical marijuana, the right to die and transgender awareness. Each of these topics have been covered on The Dr. Oz Show this season and represented a confluence of health news items which were not part of our national conversation until recently. The shift in cultural thinking around medical marijuana, the right to die and transgender awareness and acceptance is happening among people in their homes, work and on social media. The evolving public opinion on these issues also represent a cultural turning point where millions of people can potentially find relief from suffering, greater acceptance and live happier, more fulfilling lives. Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of the The Dr. Oz Show and world renowned cardiothoracic surgeon is asking that media outlets and individuals watch and share the video and post it on social media platforms in observance of World Health Day.

news briefs

Continued

ome in Georgia GOP Fear Harm from 'Religious Freedom' Issue

roups Aim to Further Expand Gay Rights at State Level

Photo: Facebook.

(AP) Gay rights advocates are hoping to parlay the momentum from their legislative victories in Indiana and Arkansas this week into further expanding legal protections for gays and lesbians in those states and others. Facing widespread pressure, including from big businesses such as Apple and Wal-Mart, lawmakers in Indiana and Arkansas rolled back their states' new religious objections laws, which critics said could be used to discriminate against gays. Amid the uproar, the Republican governors of Michigan and South Dakota urged their own legislatures to extend antidiscrimination protections to gays. "We're not going to let any of these people off the hot seat," said Kathy Sarris, co-founder of the gay-rights group Indiana Equality Action. "This ultimately is going to happen in Indiana." Most of the states without sexual orientation protections are in the South or the Plains, which tend to be more conservative. As public

opinion has become more supportive of samesex marriage and other gay rights in recent years, many businesses say such protections factor into their decisions about expansions and help them attract top employees. Indiana's Republican-controlled Legislature took a first step by adding language to its new religious objections law stating that service providers can't use the law as a legal defense for refusing to provide goods, services, facilities or accommodations based on sexual orientation, gender identity and other factors. It is now the first Indiana state law that explicitly mentions sexual orientation and gender identity. Arkansas' amended law only addresses actions by the government, not by businesses or individuals. The law's supporters say the changes would prevent businesses from using it to deny services to individuals, even though it doesn't include specific anti-discrimination language similar to Indiana's law.

(AP) The divide within the Georgia Republican Party on a religious free measure came into clear focus at a March rally opposing the bill. "I will not let a small minority of vocal legislators hijack my state," David Bachman told the crowd outside the Georgia Capitol. Bachman is a 26-year-old gay man who owns a tie-making company and has been involved with Republican campaigns since high school, personifying the split between his party's business wing and religious backers. The bill failed to get a House vote on Thursday as lawmakers adjourned for the year. It is likely to return in 2016. The stalemate lets Georgia avoid backlash following passage of laws with similar goals in Indiana and Arkansas. Meanwhile, supporters plan to raise the issue at the state party's convention in May as Georgia Republicans lead a push for more Southern state influence in selecting the 2016 presidential nominee. Republicans ranging from top GOP

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fundraisers to local county chairs are wary of what the continued debate will mean for their party. "I'm a member of a growing majority of conservatives who are against any legislation that would discriminate," Bachman said this week. "These are our friends, family members, and we just don't see things the way our parents did." The Georgia bill would have forbidden government from infringing on a person's religious beliefs unless the government can prove a compelling interest. It would cover individuals, closely held companies such as Hobby Lobby and religious organizations. Opponents said it would provide a legal basis for discrimination against gays. The measure's sponsor, state Sen. Josh McKoon, on Thursday criticized the House for buckling under pressure. He said similar legislation in other states and federally has not been successfully used to defend discrimination.

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news briefs

Continued

exas Legislature Will have to Answer Questions over Religious Freedom

Sen. Donna Campbell.

(AP) — Could the uproar over religious freedom laws that engulfed Indiana and Arkansas be coming to Texas? The next couple weeks in the Legislature should provide the answer. Lawmakers in Indiana scrambled to clarify that state’s law amid complaints it could be used to promote discrimination against gay people. The Arkansas Legislature approved a similar measure, but backlash from top employers prompted Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson to hold off signing it. In Texas, a proposed state constitutional amendment by Tea Party-backed state Sen. Donna Campbell, of New Braunfels, would have essentially the same effect. But Campbell and many Republicans in the Legislature argue it’s necessary to keep

government from infringing on religion. Campbell’s bill is awaiting a hearing before the Senate State Affairs Committee. If that doesn’t happen soon, it will be difficult for the proposal to clear committee and the full Senate in time to pass the Legislature before session ends June 1. A similar measure in the House by Fort Worth Rep. Matt Krause faces even longer odds. That’s because its original sponsor, Dallas Republican Rep. Jason Villalba, pulled his bill amid objections from Texas’ business lobby. Krause, another Tea Party favorite, resurrected Villalba’s proposal. But it has yet to have a hearing before the House State Affairs Committee and will run out of time if there’s not movement soon.

ason Collins Praises NCAA for Speaking Out Against Indiana Law

Photo: Jason Collins, Twitter.

(AP) Jason Collins says he is proud of the NCAA’s “bold” leadership against Indiana’s religious objections law, and the association should avoid putting future Final Fours in states that do not protect the rights of LGBT individuals. Collins, the first openly gay NBA player, spoke at a news conference in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday with representatives from gay rights groups Athlete Ally and Lambda Legal. He was joined by Derrick Gordon, the first openly gay Division I men’s basketball player. The now-retired Collins said the revision of Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act was an important step to decrease civil rights threats to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, but more needs to be done in Indiana to protect against discrimination. “The NCAA, they took a bold step,” Collins

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said. “I think bold leadership is what’s needed. I’m very proud of the NCAA taking such a stance and moving forward they definitely need to make sure the fans, the teams, the players, everyone involved with sporting events, when they go to these venues, when they go to these states, these cities, that all members of the community are protected by the laws there. “The sports world is watching.” The men’s Final Four is being held in at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis this weekend, not far from NCAA headquarters. The NCAA was among the first sports organizations to come out against RFRA and call for it to be changed. NCAA President Mark Emmert said the association would consider moving future sporting events out of the state and even relocating its offices if the Indiana law wasn’t revised to its satisfaction.

news highlight

Young Activist Forms AIDS Campaign

John McDonald

Aaron Darr is a popular young man on the Florida political circuit. “People always want to talk to me about HIV,” said Darr, 24, who disclosed he was HIV positive in a SFGN cover story last year. “I got a lot of young guys reach out to me and send me friend requests on Facebook after that article was published.” Now Darr is leading an educational effort to decrease stigma associated with HIV. As founder and president of the Florida Student Global AIDS Campaign, Darr is preparing to take his message of hope and success throughout the Sunshine State. “My biggest thing is fighting back against stigma,” said Darr. “So many people are lacking knowledge about HIV and let’s face it, sex education in schools is controversial.” Through the Florida Student Global AIDS Campaign, Darr is seeking to reach out to college campuses and civic organizations across Florida to speak about HIV prevention and treatment. His story is inspiring, raised by a single mother in Ohio, Darr was diagnosed HIV positive his junior year in high school. He identifies as gay and lives in Largo, Fla. with his partner Dale

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GRATITUDE Badway, a Broadway producer. The Florida Student Global AIDS Campaign, Darr says, is a non-partisan organization whose board members are all under the age of 30. Admittedly, a dedicated Hillary Clinton supporter, Darr acknowledges the role former U.S. President George W. Bush played in combating AIDS in Africa. “I consider George W. Bush to be the AIDS President,” he said. “I think that will go down in history as a positive part of his legacy.”

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news bites

by John McDonald

lesbian

tudent To Miss Prom Over No Tux Rule

A Louisiana high school student said she plans to skip her senior prom because the principal refuses to grant her permission to wear a tuxedo. Claudetteia Love, a senior honor student at Carroll High School in Monroe, La., told USA Today she is stunned and hurt by principal Patrick Taylor’s decision to ban her from attending the April 24 celebration in a tux. “Girls wear dresses, boys wear tuxes, that’s the way it is,” Taylor allegedly told Love, who openly identifies as a lesbian. Taylor maintains the school’s ban on girls wearing tuxedos is a dress code rule and nothing personal against Love.

Tammy Baldwin.

gay logger Trashes Fashion Designers

Is Perez Hilton becoming a political commentator? The gay blogger, who built a reputation with scandalous postings, appeared on the MSNBC morning program, “Daily Rundown,” last week to chime in on the on-going legislative efforts in Indiana. “The conversation has changed,” said Hilton. “Marriage equality is inevitable across the country so they are trying to find new ways to hate.” Hilton included fashion designers Dolce & Gabbana among those haters, saying the gay Italians have “very small minded and archaic views.” Hilton, 37, is no stranger to controversy and widely believed to have forced celebrities Lance Bass and Neil Patrick Harris out of the closet.

Perez Hilton. Photo by Paparazzo Presents.

bisexual

‘C

abaret' Actor Bisexual Label

Prefers

Award-winning stage and screen actor Alan Cumming recently stated he prefers to identify as a bisexual. In an interview with The Advocate Magazine, Cumming, who is married to a man, stated, “I see a worrying trend among LGBT people, that if you identify yourself in just one way, then you close yourself off to other experiences. My sexuality has never been black and white; it’s always been gray. I’m with a man, but I haven’t closed myself off to the fact that I’m still sexually attracted to women.” The 50-year-old Scotsman presents a solo show, April 11, at Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale.

Alan Cumming. Photo: gdcgraphics.

transgender

Tweeting Manning Military Prison

From

Convicted U.S. Army solider Chelsea Manning has opened a Twitter account (@xychelsea) and is dictating her tweets from a landline phone inside Fort Leavonworth military prison. Manning, 27, was found guilty in July of 2013 of violations of the Espionage Act. She is currently serving a 35-year prison sentence and is eligible for parole in seven years. Manning is transitioning to female. As Bradley Manning, the army intelligence officer leaked thousands of classified documents and videos to the international journalism organization, Wikileaks. Manning was assigned to an Army intelligence unit in Iraq during 2009, which gave him access to highly classified databases.

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Chelsea Manning.

news election 2016 White House Watch:

Martin O’Malley

John McDonald

We go to Maryland this week to profile former governor Martin O’Malley in this week’s edition of SFGN’s White House Watch. O’Malley, 52, served as the Maryland Governor for two terms (2007-2015) and was Mayor of Baltimore in the years prior, taking city office in December of 1999. O’Malley, a Democrat, has earned a reputation as a tough crime fighter who took to the streets of Baltimore to confront hopelessness brought on by ruthless drug lords. “He didn’t make a campaign promise to make the city safer, he made a pledge and he kept it,” says the narrator of a video on O’Malley’s political action committee (O’PAC) website. In a Democratic field desperately in need of a candidate to challenge presumptive nominee, Hillary Clinton, O’Malley looks poised to fill that role. Appearing on the ABC television program “This Week,” O’Malley said the U.S. Presidency is a campaign about democracy and not “some crown to be passed between two families.” Speaking to reporters in Concord, New

Hampshire on April 2, O’Malley said, “people are hungry for new leadership in our country.” O’Malley’s progressive credentials include programs that raised the quality of public education, reduced violent crime and worked to rid the Chesapeake Bay of pollution -- all while decreasing public spending. As governor, O’Malley understood the dignity of all human life and the pursuit of happiness when signed into law same-sex marriage in 2013. O’Malley received his bachelor’s degree from Catholic University and his master’s from the University of Maryland. He is married to Katie, a district court judge and the couple have four children.

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‘FIRST COMES LOVE’ PHOTO FEATURE news local

See editorial on page 28.

Gay Polo Tournament Returns Natalya Jones

One of the most noteworthy events of the year is here and now, we’re not talking about Tortuga Music Fest or any of the recent elections. Rather, it’s an equestrian event that is occurring: the 6th Annual Gay Polo Tournament will take place at the International Polo Club Palm Beach-Isla Carroll Fields. The tournament is from Thursday April 9 until Sunday, April 12. Festivities kick off with an elite, private VIP Party on Thursday. Friday’s festivities include a GPL Polotini Party that commences poolside at the Mallet Grille International Polo Club Palm Beach. Saturday is finals, which is at the International Polo Club Palm Beach-Isla Carroll East Field. On the same day is a tailgating competition. A polo brunch poolside at the Mallet Grille International Polo Club Palm Beach will wrap things up on Sunday. The Gay Polo Tournament is presented by the Gay Polo League, which is comprised of members worldwide. Members are of numerous ages, occupations and skill levels ranging from those of high expertise to others who have never mounted a horse before. According to the website, the club’s purpose is to give

MVP Talbot Logan of Polo Gear Palm Beach Rox Juan Bollini and Jack Hoffman of Gamma Mu. its members an “enjoyable, supportive, and competitive experience”. The three levels of membership include Social for $100, Full for $250 and Patron for $500. SFGN reached out to the tournament’s media relations company, Phelps Media Group, to schedule an interview, but they did not respond. Prices for the event range from $25 for general admission (no parking included) to $1,200 for VIP (this includes seating for the six center field, open bar, food and tableside service). To learn more about the Gay Polo League, visit GayPolo. com. Parking is not included in the tickets and requires an additional ticket unless stated otherwise.

IF YOU GO: 6th Annual Gay Polo Tournament LOCATION: International Polo Club Palm Beach-Isla Carroll Fields. PRICES: $25 (general admission, parking not included), to $1,200 for VIP TO PURCHASE TICKETS: GayPolo.com/the-event.

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The Mirror

Winter 2015

WINTER 2015 • Vol. 3

Issue 4

Winter Arts Guide Editi GUIdE bEGINS ON PAGE 21

‘FIRST COMES LOVE’ PHOTO FEATURE SEX POSITIVE CULTURE CHALLENGES ETHICS

HUNGARY FACES A HISTORIC STRUGGLE

themirrormag.co m

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Bigots Donate $850,000 to Pizza Joint Two counter campaigns spring up in response Jason Parsley More than 29,000 people donated to a crowdfunding campaign to help Memories Pizza stay in business after the owners allegedly had to close their doors amidst a backlash for saying they would not cater a gay wedding. More than $840,000 was raised, in only 4 days, to support the Indiana-based business. Two counter campaigns have sprung up in response to the overwhelming support for the business. “Support LGBT Youth In Indiana” is looking to raise money for the Indiana Youth Group, an LGBT organization that supports LGBT youth in the state. “Take a minute and, instead of trolling Memories on Yelp and being angry about it on Facebook and Twitter, donate $10; do something positive that will have a direct impact on LGBT youth in the state of Indiana,”

the founder of the GoFundMe campaign wrote. So far the campaign has raised more than $23,000 from 788 people. Another campaign “Virtual Pizza…Give a Slice of Hope” has raised more than $25,000. “We find the idea of rewarding bigotry silly and shameful, so in response, Planting Peace urges you to join us showing support to the LGBTQ community by donating to our virtual pizza fundraiser. Buy a virtual slice online and the money we raise will go to support beds for LGBTQ homeless,” states the CrowdRise campaign website. “While one family is being supported with nearly a million dollars for acts of bigotry, there are LGBTQ people being rejected by their families and society because of these very acts of bigotry. Don’t let acts of hate overshadow acts of love and compassion; please take a stand with Planting Peace and donate here.”

Online: Support LGBT Youth In Indiana: bit.ly/1IkhSx6 and Virtual Pizza…Give a Slice of Hope: CrowdRise.com/lgbtpizza.

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IGLTA Tightlipped Over Resignations The board of the foundation resigned en mass in December; details are scarce Jason Parsley

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association is feigning ignorance in response to SFGN’s questions over the group’s foundation’s resignations in December. “Really not much to report. A couple of the Foundation board members switched roles with IGLTA and are now serving on the association board instead starting in April,” said LoAnn Holden, media relations director for IGLTA. “Some of the others had completed two-year terms and moved on.” Except that’s not that true. Richard Gray, who sat on the foundation board last year who now sits on the IGLTA board said: “I also sat on the IGLTA Foundation Board that resigned due to a different vision,” he said. Gray is also the Managing Director for the LGBT Market for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. SFGN reached out to former President Jeff Guaracino, who confirmed he, along with others, did resign in December. Guaracino had nothing more to tell SFGN. “I have no further comment at this time,” he wrote. When further questioned he wrote, “I am unable to comment.” When SFGN questioned Holden specifically about Guaracino’s resignation, she said, “I'm not sure what your point of reference is, but Jeff moved on and we wish him well.” SFGN also reached out to most of last year’s board for additional information. “I was the on the IGLTA Foundation Board last year and resigned in December,” Brianna Murphy wrote. “Unfortunately I don’t have any further information or updates on the current status of the foundation.” Murphy did not respond to a follow up email asking for additional details. While Rebecca Rittgers added: “I’m no longer associated with the IGLTA Foundation. As you are aware, the full inaugural board of the Foundation resigned as of December 31st, 2014. I did not come to this work from the travel side, but continue to believe strongly that the potential for cultural and economic empowerment that the travel industry represents can make a significant impact on the lives of LGBT people around the globe. I applaud the IGLTAF as it continues to pursue these important goals.” The only other former board member who responded was Gregg Kaminsky of R Family Vacations. SFGN reached out to his business to find a direct contact for him. Kaminsky responded

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within three minutes with his email address. But when SFGN followed up with questions about the board resignations Kaminsky went silent and has not responded to follow up emails. According to its website the foundation’s purpose is: “The IGLTA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, the leading member-based global organization dedicated to LGBT tourism. The Foundation supports the mission of IGLTA and its membership.” Its priorities include three areas: Scholarships: In order to support the next generation of LGBT tourism leaders, the IGLTA Foundation will offer Annual Global Convention scholarships to expand educational opportunities for students in tourism/hospitality and small business owners in destinations that lack LGBT tourism support or have anti-gay governments. Emerging Destinations: The IGLTA Foundation subsidizes association memberships for small tourism businesses in emerging destinations that may not yet have full government assistance. Research: The IGLTA Foundation will gather global research and data on LGBT tourism habits to assist members with strategic planning. SFGN examined the foundation’s most recent tax forms for a closer look into its activities. In 2012 they brought in $307,529 and spent $90,625 with one-third of their expenses being “administrative.” In 2013 they brought in $254,033 and spent $127,586 with $47,245 being “administrative.” In 2013 the foundation did grant at least four scholarships for a total of $11,003. The foundation’s new board includes Theresa Belpulsi, VP Destination DC; Selisse Berry, CEO and Founder Out & Equal; Reginald Charlot, VP of NYC & Company; Tanya Churchmuch, Founder of MuchPR; Terry Dale, President/ CEO USTOA; Steven Eidelberg, Sr. Director Accor Hotel Group; Jonathan Frolich, VP Hyatt Corp; Vicky Garcia, COO & Co-Founder Cruise Planners; Rika Jean-Francois, Commissioner Corporate Social Responsibility ITB; Michael McDowell, VP LA Tourism & Convention Board; Gary Murakami, Director, Global Sales, MGM Resorts International; Tom Nichols, CFO Arcus Foundation; Greg Takahara, Sr. VP TripMate; Scott Seed, Director Universal Studios; John Tanzella, President/CEO IGLTA; and Tony Tenicela, Global Leader IBM.

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feature miami beach pride

Lopez Marshals Pride Into Mainstream

Photos: J.R. Davis.

John McDonald

Gay America is going mainstream. So mainstream, event organizers of a gay pride event in Miami Beach have appointed a married straight man with children to serve as grand marshal. Mario Lopez, host of the gossip program ‘Extra,’ is your grand marshal for the 2015 Miami Beach Gay Pride, which is in full swing with parties, events and ceremonies planned from now through Sunday, April 12. SFGN requested an interview with Lopez, but was denied. Instead, his handlers sent us a b-roll interview between Lopez and NBC6 South Florida personality Roxanne Vargas. In the interview, Lopez said he and wife Courtney are eager to visit Miami for Pride’s Sunday climax on South Beach. “We love Miami,” Lopez told Vargas. “We love all the people and the culture and the Latinos down there and the food and I know it’s a beautiful time of year. So we’re really looking forward to the getaway and I know it’s a cool cause.”

Organizers are expecting attendance to surpass 125,000 people during the two-day festival held between Fifth and 15th Street in the historic Art Deco district of Miami Beach. The goal of Miami Beach Pride, officials say, is to bring together members of the LGBT community, their friends, allies and supporters in a celebration of the unique spirit and culture of the LGBT community. Lopez, known to many for his role as A.C. Slater in the high school sitcom, “Saved By the Bell,” said he was honored to be chosen grand marshal and accepted the invitation immediately. “Miami is one of the coolest cities in the country, just beautiful people everywhere there,” Lopez said. “It represents so much, not just on the entertainment side, but on the fashion side and just with the melting pot of folks that have congregated down there.”

Mario Lop

The action commences with a welcoming party at Hotel Gaythering, 1409 Lincoln Road, on Thursday, April 9 (5-7 p.m.) The gay owned and operated boutique hotel featuring interiors by designer Alexander Guerra is on the bayside of Miami Beach and hosts creative parties such as “Bears & Hares.” On Friday night, the stars begin to come out with celebrities sure to be making appearances at venues across Miami Beach. One of those is country music singer Steve Grand, who is part of a red carpet “angels” reception at Lummus Park. Grand, who is gay, grabbed the national spotlight with his song, “All American Boy.” The video is close to four million views on YouTube and Grand is eager to perform for his South Florida fans. SFGN spoke with Grand via telephone Monday night about his newest music video -“Time” – which was filmed in Grand’s native Chicago. “The video is basically about keeping an open mind about relationships,” said Grand. “It’s good to have experiences with different kind of people.”

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In the video, Grand has a romantic relationship with another young man, who happens to be black. When asked his response to people unaccepting of interracial, same-sex relationships, Grand said, “They can fuck off.” Standing up for the LGBT community is becoming Grand’s forté. Across his social media channels, he regularly calls out bigotry and was vocal in calling for a rewrite of Indiana’s religious freedom restoration act. “It is important to be your true, authentic self and to be unapologetic about who you are,” Grand said. Saturday’s Pride activities include a 5K run and electronic music from local DJs. On Sunday, the seventh annual Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade strolls down Ocean Drive beginning at noon. Lopez is also scheduled to participate in a press conference and a performance by Broadway actress Deborah Cox highlights Sunday's lineup with remarks expected from Miami Beach Mayor Phillip Levine. A fireworks show is slated for 9 p.m. on Sunday evening to close out the festivities.

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cover story

CIA Reaches Out to LGBT Community SFGN interviews four openly LGBT officers for four-part series

John McDonald In the culture wars griping America, it is the Central Intelligence Agency leading the way for positive change within the intelligence community. “CIA is definitely the leader on LGBT issues,” said one of the agency’s officers, who for security purposes gave just his first name – Charles. SFGN spent time with four CIA officers during a recent weekend in Miami Beach, learning more about life as gay men and transgender individuals at the independent civilian agency. All of the officers interviewed for this series agreed to speak on the record about CIA work on the condition only their first name is printed. The CIA is responsible for providing intelligence in a wide range of national security issues to senior U.S. policymakers. Charles, 36, is a senior analyst and a director of intelligence, originally from New York. “I was open before I came to the agency,” said Charles, who identifies as a gay man. That was ten years ago when the climate inside CIA was much different. Charles tested the waters during his first few weeks

inside CIA headquarters in McLean, Virginia. “My antenna was up,” he said. “(I was) looking for feelers to see if it was going to be a welcoming place.” The comments he was hearing did not indicate a measure of respect and understanding for LGBT people, Charles said, so he decided to keep his sexual orientation to himself. “I pushed myself back into the closet,” he said. “I was masking who I was.” Lyssa Asbill, CIA Media Spokesperson, said the agency is making tremendous strides to ensure employees feel comfortable being authentic at work and has created an employee resource group to aid those efforts. The group is called “Angle” and it is bringing like-minded individuals together to form an important support network. At Angle meetings, LGBT people gather to exchange ideas on how to improve the quality of life for colleagues. Chris, 40, a program manager, is an example of Angle in action. Chris travels the country in search of talented lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people to recruit to CIA. “It’s the focus of my work,” he said, “reaching out to the LGBT community to get the message out about misconceptions.” Chris identifies as a gay man and has been employed at the CIA for a decade. His father worked at the CIA and Chris says the agency “feels like a second home.” Born and raised in Maryland, Chris began working at the CIA in a summer program granted to legacy families. He worked hard and diligently and the agency took notice by helping him go through college at the University of Maryland in College Park. In his current role at the CIA’s Mission of Diversity and Inclusion, Chris meets with professional LGBT groups and organizations across America. “I want them to know that diversity is valued at the agency,” he said. And when he spots talent, Chris is a recruiter, who emphasizes the workplace freedom CIA offers. “They can have happy careers at the agency and be out and who they are and that’s what makes diversity a great thing,” he said. “They can be out and who they are and they don’t have to hide who they are.” The CIA is separated into four basic

components: the National Clandestine Service, the Directorate of Intelligence, the Directorate of Science & Technology and the Directorate of Support. Together, the four components carry out a cycle of intelligence, which is described as a process of collecting, analyzing and disseminating information to top U.S. government officials. Dan, 28, is a CIA cyber security officer in the Directorate of Science & Technology. A handsome, well built young man from Philadelphia, at first glance Dan blends in well with the muscular bodied scene in South Beach. He came to CIA from the Department of Defense, attracted to intelligence work out of a “sense of mission.” “Your integrity is everything you do … through actions not just words,” Dan said. “(CIA) is a great environment. I was almost a little bit floored when I stepped through the door.” All of the officers interviewed for this series said their deep love of country is the underlining reason for their work. Keeping the nation safe and secure is no small task and it can be dangerous.

In next week’s story, SFGN goes deeper into the mysterious history of this U.S. agency.

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The thought of aging scares a lot of people, but of course there’s no alternative. More than 39 million Americans are age 65 or older, including 1.5 million who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, according to the American Psychological Association. For many LGBT seniors, though, aging brings a whole range of issues that straight people don’t have to think about. LGBT older adults “are less likely to be partnered or married than heterosexuals, which may result in less social support and financial security as they age,” according to “The Aging and Health Report,” a study of gay older Americans conducted by a coalition of LGBT senior groups including SAGE and the Los Angeles LGBT Center, among others, and sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Aging. “Older adults who live alone are at serious risk of social isolation, which…is linked to poor mental and physical health, cognitive impairment, and premature chronic disease and death,” the report states. Additionally, senior gays may be be more vulnerable to neglect and mistreatment in aging care facilities. The picture isn't all bleak, however. As the GLBT population continues to be more visible — at all ages — LGBT senior care is coming in to the mainstream. The Obama administration even held a conference on LGBT aging issues in Miami in 2012. Given Broward County’s large LGBT population, it was only a matter of time before there was a need for LGBT-centered senior care. Enter Emerald Elite Senior Home Care, a Wilton Manors-based business providing home health aides, nurses, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and companions to Broward’s LGBT community. “There’s a definite demand for caregivers who know, understand and are a part of the LGBT community,” said Ernest Olivas, president of Emerald Elite. “We’re licensed caregivers first and foremost, but because we’re active in the LGBT community in South Florida we know our clients and their needs.” Emerald Elite serves a growing client base of Broward’s gay seniors, providing a range of services from companionship, transportation and light housekeeping to all the activities of daily living that often are troublesome for seniors — grooming, toileting, bathing, dressing, ambulating and providing assistance with medications. Whether working on an

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column

Rainbow Color Blind

Exploring gay families consisting of parents and children of different races Scott Kearnan Our community is built on celebrating diversity, not shying away from it. Many gay dads in transracial families assume that their children will grow up to be “color-blind” — somehow oblivious to different skin tones. But they soon discover that’s not possible. “He was about 4 or 5, and he’d be drawing our family with crayons,” explains Chris Thangaraj, a gay dad from Chicago, of the first time he noticed his eldest son, Noah, acknowledge the family’s transracial identity. Chris is of South Asian descent, and his sons are African-American; Chris’s husband is Caucasian. “When he would draw us, he’d reach for the brown crayon. For my husband, he’d reach for peach or yellow.” It’s a scenario that was described by several parents in transracial families: Crayon selection, evidently, is a pretty common first sign of kids acknowledging racial difference. And for Chris Thangaraj and his husband, Noah’s wordless observation opened a door for important discussions. “It gave us a chance to talk about different skin tones,” says Thangaraj. Their conversations have continued, at ageappropriate levels, ever since. In case you haven’t noticed, conversations about race are everywhere lately. In particular, headline-grabbing news stories are spawning serious, sometimes contentious discussions about race-related issues. Ferguson, Mo., has become a cultural case study in relationships – often fraught with fear, anger, and distrust – between communities of color and police forces. The shooting deaths of unarmed black teens such as Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown by white police officers have forced conversations about racial profiling of young black men. (Most recently, a Cleveland police officer shot and killed 12-year-old Tamir Rice when he was playing in a park with a toy gun. When he called in the shooting, the officer described the baby-faced boy as “maybe 20.”) Pop culture brings its own set of controversies, like the latest feud between rappers Iggy Azalea (she’s white) and Azealia Banks (she’s black) over hip hop music and cultural appropriation. And Starbucks even seized the zeitgeist as a marketing move. In March it launched a campaign, #RaceTogether, that encourages baristas to write the hashtag on coffee cups to instigate discussions about race. (The idea also instigated some snarky social media backlash.) For parents in transracial families, those who deal with the nuances of race on a daily basis, these larger discussions feel overdue. But they’re still not easy to have. “I was shocked and sad,” says Doug Kerr from Toronto, recalling an angry conversation about Ferguson that played out in a Facebook group for gay fathers. For Kerr, who is white,

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“We don’t make a big deal out of the race of our kids. My husband’s family is Irish. My parents were Portuguese and German. We don’t address that either.” - Gay with Kids Survey Respondent the discussion was profoundly personal: His husband and son are black, and he worries about raising his son in a world where he is more likely to be judged (including by guntoting law enforcement) by the color of his skin. Kerr says he was alarmed by the vitriol and prejudice the online discussion revealed from other gay white dads. And when the heated conversation reached a boiling point, he was banned from the Facebook group. Maybe it’s not relevant, if your kids are white. But for transracial families, it’s a different story, says Doug: Conversations about race are conversations about your child’s health and safety. Doug Kerr was eventually invited to rejoin the group, but declined. “I’m not going to be part of a group enforcing white privilege,” he explains. Kerr has since joined a group for transracial families, many of which happen to be headed by same-sex parents, where the conversations are more soflagaynews //

productive. These conversations can’t be ignored by gay families, especially when same-sex couples are more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to choose a transracial adoption in the first place. According to a 2009 study published in Adoption Quarterly by researchers at the University of Virginia, same-sex couples are significantly more likely than opposite-sex couples to complete a transracial adoption, namely 54 percent versus 30 percent. In part, suggest the researchers, that’s because samesex couples were more likely than opposite-sex couples to be in interracial relationships. These numbers jive with an informal survey GaysWithKids, a website by/for gay fathers, conducted among transracial families. In their survey, about half of respondents “strongly agreed” or “somewhat agreed” that having a transracial family was a deliberate choice. Dads’ reasons ranged: from wanting a family

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that reflected their interracial relationship, to expectations that the adoption process might move faster. That last point is worth considering, says Frank Ligtvoet, a white Brooklyn-based gay adoptive co-father of two African-American children. He bristles at how many white parents adopt children of color for ease and expediency, yet fail to consider the underlying issue: Why can’t these children be cared for by their birth parents? “It’s a very sad thing to give up your child,” says Frank Ligtvoet. “You have to ask yourself, ‘What were the circumstances? What are the social issues behind adoption? When people so often adopt transracially from poor communities, what does that say about the world we live in?’” To feel you are rescuing a child of color from impoverished circumstances, and analyze no deeper, is a selfcongratulatory savior experience, says Frank. True concern should recognize the historic, race-based economic and social inequalities that result in larger populations of prospective adoptees in the first place. In short, we need to recognize racism. And dare to talk about it. Yet in the Gays With Kids survey, only half of gay dads in transracial families “somewhat agreed” or “strongly agreed” that “being transracial is an important issue for our family.” “We don’t make a big deal out of the race of our kids,” remarked one Gays With Kids survey respondent. “My husband’s family is Irish. My parents were Portuguese and German. We don’t address that either.” It might be time to take off the rose-tinted glasses, says Johnny Cole, a gay dad and educator from Massachusetts. Cole is Asian and his husband is white; together they raise a Latino son and black daughter. He also teaches graduate-level courses that help school districts foster inclusive classrooms, and has led lectures and webinars about issues affecting transracial families for organizations such as the Family Equality Council. Cole says it’s important to acknowledge racial differences within families for a simple reason: They exist. And just as it does a disservice to a child to ignore her unique experience with gay parents in a hetero-normative society, it’s unfair to gloss over distinctions between races that inevitably will become part of that child’s reality. “At a certain point a child will hit the encounter stage, when they realize that they can be treated differently [due to race],” explains Cole. The encounter stage is one of five stages identified by Dr. William E. Cross, Jr., a leading theorist and researcher in the fields of clinical psychology and ethnic studies, in his model illustrating the development of racial identity in people of color. The encounter stage might be experienced in childhood or adolescence, says Cole. But when it arrives, it invariably leads

- Johnny Cole, Gay Dad to a multitude of emotions – from anger to distrust to sadness – that a parent should help his child navigate to ensure he or she develops confidence, a positive self-image, and pride in racial identity. For parents in transracial families, it’s only a matter of time before they encounter experiences that will force discussions of race. That’s because not all prejudices are blatant or even intentional, but often it’s their quiet pervasiveness that makes them dangerous. Cole recalls when his daughter was just 3 years old, and a white fellow preschooler remarked that her skin looked “like the color of poop.” Christopher Thangaraj describes how his son Noah intervened in a playground fight to play peacemaker – only to be assumed as the aggressor by a teacher who, perhaps, inadvertently revealed preconceived notions she had about the behavior of young black boys. And Frank Ligtvoet remembers when his daughter was asked to play an early American colonist in a grade school’s “colonial fair,” a figure who not only would have been white, but also most likely a slave owner. “There was no way I could allow that,” says Frank. “She can’t play a white person in colonial times when she’s a descendant of slaves. It’s demeaning. You have to be an activist and stand up for your child.” Some dads struggle to do that because they are afraid that acknowledging racial differences will somehow make them feel more profound, and create division instead of conversation. “I teach my son about only one race: human,” wrote one Gays With Kids surveyor who “strongly disagreed” with the statement “being transracial is an important issue for our family.” That kind of sentiment is, without doubt, well intentioned. But it’s not necessarily the best approach, say gay dads like Mark Hagland of Chicago, who speaks often about transracial adoption at events like the annual KAAN Conference, the Korean American Adoptee Adoptive Family Network Conference. Hagland was born in South Korea, but raised in a largely white community in Milwaukee, Wis., by Norwegian-American and GermanAmerican parents. Though Hagland’s parents were certainly loving, they never had

conversations with him about race, he says. And treating it as a taboo topic hardly helps when a child is constantly being confronted with a sense of otherness; in fact, it can reinforce a rejection of their very racial identity. “At school we’d be teased and taunted. If your parents were immigrants from the country you were born in, maybe you’d come home and they’d speak Korean; maybe you’d eat rice or kimchi. We’d come home and eat Swedish meatballs.” “I spent my entire childhood rejecting my Asian-ness, because the only messaging I got was that not being white was bad.” In time, of course, that changes. “In many ways, my journey in life as a transracial adoptee is very similar to my journey in life as a gay man,” explains Hagland. “It’s a similar journey of self-discovery and self-unfolding that requires a lot of strength.” In the Gays With kids survey, nearly 70 percent of respondents “somewhat agreed or “strongly agreed” with the statement “being gay or bisexual equips me to help my child deal with race-based discrimination.” Not so fast, says Johnny Cole. White LGBT parents may encounter certain forms of discrimination, they should avoid equating experiences with homophobia to the racebased prejudices their children of color may endure. “I tell parents, [homophobia] is the point of entry to conversation and a source of empathy, but it’s not the same,” says Cole. For one thing, it’s not possible to conceal race in the same way one can hide one’s sexuality. Also, being gay doesn’t inoculate one from unconscious isms; the LGBT community can be just as discriminatory as any demographic. According to the Gays With Kids survey, many of the gay fathers in transracial families pay close attention to issues surrounding race, and take certain considerations to ensure that their children of different races have access to resources that will help them develop pride in identity: from culturally comprehensive educations to role models – such as, say, a family pediatrician – of their own race. Most important, they keep conversations about racial politics going. They know that the solution isn’t to be “color-blind,” but to see the world, in all its color, more clearly.

Scott Kearnan is a Boston-based writer with extensive experience covering LGBT issues, travel, dining, and arts & entertainment for a variety of local and national publications. He is the Boston editor for Zagat.com, an East Coast contributor for HotelChatter.com (a Condé Nast Traveler publication), and lifestyle editor for the upscale LGBT magazine "Boston Spirit." His stories appear regularly in diverse publications, including Boston.com, the "Metro" newspaper, "The Improper Bostonian," "Ocean Home," "Boston Common” magazines and GayswithKids.com.

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Faith, Freedom & Family

Dana Rudolph

Photo: Wikipedia

I’ve been celebrating the spring holidays with my interfaith family and reflecting that Passover and Easter this year come in the shadow of new, spiteful “religious freedom” laws in Indiana, Arkansas, and potentially other states. These laws, widely seen as targeting the LGBT community, would allow people to cite their religious beliefs as a reason to discriminate against others. I have to remind myself, however, that we shouldn’t set religion and LGBT equality as necessarily opposing forces. My family is minimally observant, but in the past several years we have held enthusiastic, if informal, Passover seders—the traditional meal during which we retell the story of the exodus from Egypt. Even as some try to position freedom of religion as a tool for oppression, the holiday for me carries lessons that reinforce my LGBT advocacy work. At its heart, Passover is about a triumph of social justice—the freedom from slavery. It is a story of remembering the survival and determination of a people and a reminder of the modern freedoms that so many around the world are still trying to achieve. It is also a holiday of participatory storytelling. Jewish law mandates that we tell the Passover tale to our children. A Passover seder involves the narration of the long-ago exodus—Moses’ demand for freedom for his people, aided by his sister and brother, the 10 plagues that convinced the Egyptian pharaoh to let them go, and their hasty departure— guided by a text called a Haggadah. Usually everyone at the table, including the children, takes some part in the reading or responses, making it an interactive storytelling experience for all. It reminds me that so much of our power as an LGBT community also comes from telling our stories—and giving everyone in the community the opportunity to participate in that process. Passover also represents adaptability, embodied by the many different Haggadahs that exist today. Although all have the same basic elements, each sets out the story, blessings, songs, and ritual questions in slightly different forms, often with additional readings and commentary. There are Haggadahs and supplements geared towards children, as well as ones offering readings and discussion questions related to women’s experiences, the experiences of Jews of color, the LGBT experience, and more (and one can mix and match as those identities overlap). Many Haggadahs ask us to reflect on how the Passover story can help us understand

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and address modern oppressions and plagues and assist those still struggling for freedom. An increasing number also include elements recently introduced to the seder to acknowledge traditionally overlooked groups. Women’s roles in the freeing of the Israelites— and women’s roles today—are now often recognized through a glass of water designated as “Miriam’s Cup,” in honor of Moses’ sister, considered a prophet whose miraculous well and spirited songs helped sustain them in the desert. Women, LGBT people, and others often marginalized are also sometimes recognized by the addition of an orange—a very nontraditional item—to the seder plate of ritual foods. While we all use a similar framework to tell the Passover story, therefore, there are ultimately as many ways of holding a seder as there are families. Each family has its own style and chooses which parts of the story to emphasize and which to use as a springboard for further discussion. The common pieces of the ritual unite us, while the diverse manifestations of our storytelling reflect our diversity as a community. soflagaynews //

One common component of all seders is asking questions—traditionally, four questions that children are prompted to ask about the holiday, but expanded by many families to include questions about the deeper meaning of the observance and what we can do about injustices in the world. Questions are the first step in finding answers and in changing the status quo. A seder is, however, not only for reflection, but also for celebration, when the children embark on a hunt for a hidden piece of matzo, and everyone imbibes four glasses of wine (or grape juice) as part of the meal. Several traditional songs involve rollicking, repetitive verses that can get rather rowdy after the wine. Personally, I always ask my son to collect props representing the 10 plagues, which usually means plastic locusts and rubber frogs get flung across the table at some point. We celebrate survival, springtime, family, and community. We celebrate the triumph over oppression, not

denying that there are still oppressions to be overcome. This year, two days after the start of Passover, we hid Easter eggs in the backyard in acknowledgment of my spouse’s tradition and her faith’s message of hope and rebirth. We know that different faiths have their own ways of capturing similar concepts and instilling values of justice and love in their children. That’s what makes me the most upset when I think about those of any religion who try to use it to restrict others. Religion should help us overcome oppression, not to increase it. Most people of all faiths, I believe, realize that. A vocal minority, unfortunately, do not. At this time of holiness for so many of us, then, let those of us who profess a faith, whether in a higher power or in our own human selves, recommit to using it to create a more just and equitable world.

Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of Mombian (mombian.com), a GLAAD Media Award-winning blog and resource directory for LGBT parents.

SouthFloridaGayNews

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column

Mike Pence

This week’s question: This week Indiana is under fire for its so-called religious freedom law. What are you thoughts on religious freedom or the current controversy? And how can we strike the right balance between respecting the rights of the religious community, while at the same time respecting the civil rights and liberties of minorities. SFGN Staff

SFGN’s “Speak OUT” is a weekly feature giving a regular voice to South Florida LGBT leaders. Below are some of their answers:

“

Don't complain - ACT. The Indiana pizza place has received $846,000 in "we-support-discrimination" donations, and the Washington state florist has surpassed $95,000. To counter, we can all go to GoFundMe.com and donate to Cyndi Lauper's True Colors campaign to support homeless LGBT youth, and/or to the Indiana LGBT Youth Group, both now collecting on GoFundMe."

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

“

No one is telling self-identified religious people that they can't believe whatever they choose to believe, even if they each inherit a planet when they die, or that forty virgins are awaiting their arrival in the afterlife. But in the workplace, they are not allowed to impose their beliefs, or their personal code of conduct, on others. So-called Religious Liberty Laws are Trojan horses filled with bigotry. "

— Brian McNaught, noted columnist, author and LGBT activist

“

The premise of Christianity, pure and simple, is unconditional love. Our greatest teaching is to love God with all that we are (heart, mind, soul, strength). And if we love God, our second greatest teaching is to love our neighbor as ourselves. How can anyone love a neighbor by excluding availability of services, products, or even entry into a place of business? It is counterintuitive to the “real Christian heart.” To love our neighbors is to be God to them. That is how we serve, love, sacrifice, and shine a light into the lives of those around us who need that light. That is how we set our own selves aside and serve God…by serving people."

— Rev. Leslie A. Rutland-Tipton, Senior Pastor, Church of the Holy SpiritSong

“

These bills are nonsense reactions to irrational fear. Mostly they come from people claiming to be Christian. I too claim following teachings of Christianity or "love your neighbor.” My fiancé is Muslim and our conversations around faith and responsibility return the same result. We know it's care for, respect others, share goodness not hate those who disagree with us. I really don't like sweat potatoes. He's a health conscious chef. The argument is that sweet potatoes are healthy. To me they're rotten. Neither us would ever think of expecting our views to be held as others or force someone else to do the same. We have two businesses between us and most of our clients are queer. There's no way either one of us would turn away a non gay person with pagan ideals."

“

The laws respecting religious freedom have evolved in the U.S. There was a time, not that long ago, when religious, racial, and cultural minorities could be legally refused employment, housing, education, and services. Equality was hard fought for and won, and there still are those who are not happy about it. The entire current controversy centers around LGBT access, and especially services for same sex weddings. The current bills would be more accurately named, "Freedom to Discriminate.” We are not talking about religious institutions being forced to change their beliefs ("Even though I'm a Catholic I want an imam to marry me"), or even personal beliefs ("Jews must eat bacon cheeseburgers with milk"). We're talking about a bakery or a photographer or even a pizza joint deciding who they will or will not serve. We've had this discussion before, and if you are in a retail business then you must be prepared to serve the entire population. "

— Noah Kitty, Rabbi and Executive Director of Congregation Etz Chaim

“

I think that question makes a false assumption. Why is it that my status as a sexual minority has to have the same consideration as someone’s belief in passages out of a text that was written 2,000 years ago? I am not at all indicating that people don’t have the right to believe in organized religion if that’s their preference. But after watching the Scientology smackdown documentary, “Going Clear,” I was struck by the similarities in suspended disbelief that both Christians and Scientologists must possess. So I am no longer interested in a balance. I am interested in correcting the longstanding legal, financial and societal imbalances suffered by sexual minorities."

“

It’s time to tell it like it is. Leviticus has many interpretations. If you choose to be hateful then you “use” religious liberty to be hateful. If one believes in God then the primary message is “God created all of us in God’s image.” So, for those interested in interpreting that message, then God is a Homosexual too! And for those still puzzled..read “God vs. Gay” by Jay Michaelson. Our shared religious values favor equality for LGBT people." — Ruth Berman, LGBT activist

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

— R. J. Hadley, community activist

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—David Jobin, executive director of The Stonewall National Museum & Archives

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opinion jesse's journal

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From HBO'S 'Looking'

The last time (2005) we wrote about the topic, television by and about lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and trans people was dominated by LOGO, a basic cable network, and here!, a pay-per-view service. Ten years later, LOGO is a shadow of its former self, with one sure hit (RuPaul’s Drag Race) but otherwise dominated by reruns of situation comedies like The Golden Girls or Roseanne. And while here! seems here to stay (at least for now), its programming is but a fraction of its initial output. Television series about LGBT people have declined from the days of “Queer as Folk” or “The L Word,” Shows that center around our lives are few and far between; most notably HBO’s “Looking” (recently canceled) and Amazon’s “Transparent.” In spite of all that, LGBT characters are more visible on our television screens than ever before. According to GLAAD’s “Where We Are on TV Report” for 2014, released on October 1, out of 813 prime time broadcast scripted series regulars, 32 (3.9 percent) are LGBT. On cable, GLAAD counted 64 regular LGBT characters. “Television networks are playing a key role in promoting cultural understanding of LGBT lives around the world, and are now producing some of the best LGBT-inclusive programming we’ve yet seen,” GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement that accompanied this report. “As they move forward with new programs and storylines, networks must also keep an eye toward diversity and strive to include significant transgender content comparable to those efforts being made by their online competitors, such as Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black” and Amazon’s “Transparent.” Since October, some of the series considered by the GLAAD report have been canceled, while others have taken their place. Even so, the GLAAD report is optimistic about the future of sexual and gender minorities on American television. As a rule, LGBT characters, like other minorities, are most prevalent in series where they are part of a large cast. Shows like ABC’s “Modern Family” and Fox’s “Glee” (now in its last season) give us queer characters we can relate to while they appeal to the straight majority.

CMY

Afternoon soap operas, once the domain of stay at home moms, now feature lesbian and gay characters and situations. Meanwhile reality shows, where the whole thing began (1971’s An American Family, on PBS) feature LGBT people both negatively and positively, in competition against, or in cooperation with, their straight counterparts. Ideally, the LGBT content is higher on basic cable than on broadcast television; and higher still on premium channels. Public television, which used to have a higher LGBT content, declined as “In the Life” went off the air and PBS became more dependent on public subsidies and private donations. Even the most well-meaning broadcast or cable channel is dependent on the programs’ ability to attract advertisers; which among other things forced LOGO to go from an LGBT network to whatever it is now. There is also the possibility of a backlash from outraged heterosexuals; not just from the expected busybody groups but from viewers who will switch the channel if they see something they don’t like. Even gays were shocked by the sexual aerobics of Connor Walsh, the gay law student played by Jack Falahee in ABC’s “How To Get Away With Murder.” Though there were complaints, the show got away with sodomy because it’s on at 10 p.m., Connor is cute, and the show is produced by Shonda Rhimes, whom ABC considers to be a goddess. On the whole, lesbian activity is more acceptable than male homosexuality; as witnessed by the brouhaha caused by man-to-man kisses on Fox’s “Empire,” AMC’s “The Walking Dead” and Starz’s “Black Sails.” All in all, there is still work to be done. But I am generally hopeful about the future of television, a medium dominated by the likes of Andy Cohen, Anderson Cooper, Ellen Degeneres and Neil Patrick Harris. Even “The Flash,” the CW’s new super hero show, has a gay villain, The Pied Piper, played by the adorable (and openly bi) Andy Mientus. Like LGBT people in society at large, LGBT characters are fully integrated into much of American television, and things only promise to get better. K

Jesse Monteagudo is a freelance writer and journalist. He has been an active member of South Florida's LGBT community for more than four decades and has served in various community organizations.

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column publisher’s editorial

Norm Kent

Polo League Shoots Themselves in the Foot

norm.kent@sfgn.com

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million dollars a year in advertising. We can live without the polo league’s one thousand bucks — once a year. What this newspaper cannot live with is when one of these community organizations purposely lies to fulfill a self-indulgent or dishonest purpose. When Mark Hansen of Pride South Florida last year denied that its organization had lost it taxexempt status from the IRS, we simply exposed him by printing the truth, and a letter from the IRS revealing the facts. As to gay polo the letter to the editor suggested they said they could not advertise with us because they couldn’t afford to do so and so we were somehow retaliating against them by printing another letter criticizing the tournament. That simply is not true. No, it was because their ego was too great. Gay polo has advertised in multiple venues this year, and selectively, even foolishly, ignored the paper which gave them stature and acclaim for the past few years — SFGN. It’s their money and they can do whatever they want with it. But they can’t lie to you and escape the truth from us. Chip McKenney, the man in charge of the Phelps Media Group, the public relations firm duty-bound to market gay polo, wrote a letter to us in February stating that working with SFGN was dissatisfying last year. We are sorry, but a ‘public relations firm’ is supposed to work with the media, not antagonize, or abuse it. Regardless of any disputes between the SFGN sales department and the gay polo league, which may have existed, my executive editor Jason still moved forward with a planned preview of the tournament as he has done every year he’s worked here. I ordered that because news is news regardless of who advertises. A story is a story is a story. This year, however, the children that run gay polo refused to even return our writer’s phone calls to set up an interview. Consequently, what could have been yet another cover story turned out to be a simple event preview with no quotes or color. What fools; what fabulous fools. As clients of my law office have found when they see stories about their arrest on the pages of SFGN, this newspaper will not and does not shy away from publishing legitimate and newsworthy stories, no matter whom they are about. It just won’t happen here under my watch.

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SouthFloridaGayNews

This year, we shared with Mr. McKenney a history of our past coverage. He responded that he was finished with SFGN. Specifically, this anal public relations expert wrote, “This [will] be the last communication between us.” Really Chip? It’s almost shocking that a person, whose job it is to deal with the media, is telling an editor to not contact him again. This year’s polo sponsors deserve some acclamation, which they did not get in SFGN, due to the negligence of the not so prudent Mr. McKenney. So let me conclude this editorial by saluting Delta Vacations, Accurate Event Group, Weddings Illustrated, Palm Beach Illustrated, RBC Wealth Management, Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute, Wellington Preservation Coalition, Raymond Lee Jewelers, Mc Gladrey, J.P. Morgan, Gordon W. Ross Real Estate, and Discover The Palm Beaches. They all helped underwrite this growing event. Let me also say to them I am personally sorry we could not have done more to acknowledge and appreciate your effort. You have Chip McKenney to thank for that. AY

W S , N E

S T R A I G H T

F A C

SAVAGE SEX ADVICE

Page 20

April 11, 2012 • Volume 3 • issue 15

PoLo PaSSion! Wellington Hosts Third Ann ual Gay Page 36

Championships

submitted photo

For the past few years, SFGN has foolishly been promoting the international gay polo tournament in South Florida as if it was important. Negligently, we even ran their annual romp on the front page three years in a row. No newspaper in the country gave them the publicity and coverage we did. These choices were mine. I felt the polo dudes were making novel outreaches into the LGBT community. As talented gay athletes harnessing a rare and difficult sport, it made news. Fours year later, I am kicking myself. I should be swatting myself with one of their polo mallets. You see, this year I began playing in the gay softball league again. OK, so maybe it should be called the gay senior league. Anyway here’s the thing, the LGBT softball leagues are not a once a year event, where some rich guys pop in and out of town with their hard sticks. The softball leagues are day in, week out, and year round. These leagues feature hundreds of players sponsored by dozens of local businesses playing in the Hurricane Thanksgiving tournaments and the Gay World Series. Our community owns Mills Pond Park on Sundays, from players between the ages of 18 and 70. We are truly ‘out’ there. Therefore, this newspaper owes an apology to all of you. We should have been writing more about you, your leagues, and your enthusiasm in the community. There are gay sports teams all over South Florida, from the Nadadores swimming team to a flag football league. We have to do a better job of covering your participation in our community. Having said that, there are no ads for Gay Polo this year. It is not because we did not want to write about them. But their self-centered, self-serving, and cocky leadership decided to move in ‘another direction’ this year. In what can only be described as the height of unbridled arrogance, their leadership team refused to talk to or advertise with SFGN because their titular namesake, Chip McKenney is a petulant child who embarrasses and humiliates his ‘international organization.’ As you may have read in this past month’s earlier editions, SFGN did not sponsor, or partner with, this year’s Gay Polo Tournament. There are apparently rumors as to why. One letter to the editor suggested it was because of money; that they refused to advertise with us this year. Nonsense! SFGN does close to a

PLUS: MarLinS find a MagicaL hoMe in MiaMi page 39

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

page

Meth Users More Likely to Get HIV

page

Gay Firefighter Breaks Stereotypes

page

How Gay Was the Titanic?

page

Key West Brags:

We Have the Biggest

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feature

My Experience at This Year’s Creating Change Deborah Romero Creating Change, hosted by the National LGBTQ Task Force. Credit: creatingchange.org. In February Denver hosted thousands of LGBT people for Creating Change, the annual conference put on by the National LGBTQ Task Force. I attended for the first time and I must admit that it was a stretch for me: financially, time-wise and even emotionally; but I returned to my home in South Florida all the better. It was an experience that has inoculated me with a renewed desire for community involvement and I’m going to plant the seeds of new ideas here at home. I want to share my experiences and observations so that you might be inclined to start a discussion within your community to go to next year’s conference in Chicago. First off, let me make clear that I am not affiliated with the National LGBTQ Task Force or Creating Change in any way. I am a 52-year-old progressive Latina queer who burned out with her activism in the 1990’s and is now returning to political work, with a healthier foundation and a lot of life lessons under my belt. While my former activism revolved mostly around anti racism efforts and campaigns, I am now seeking to reengage with community activism within the LGBTQ community. I chose to spend my money to attend Creating Change because of its reputation for progressive politics as well as social connections. With a couple thousand attendees, hundreds (I think) of workshops covering close to thirty topics, and scores of social gatherings to choose from, I was able

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to create an experience that suited my particular interests. Several times, I wished I could be in two places at once because the workshops were so varied and interesting. Indeed, I went to the conference with a rough idea of what topic tracks I was going to attend (anti racism, bi organizing, arts and activism), only to change workshop tracks radically (anti racism, sexual freedom, body politics, aging). I opted to arrive early to take part in two all day intensives: the Racial Justice Institute and the Desire Mapping Institute. As a person of color, I was glad to see the conference addressed racial justice work throughout the meeting from the starting Institute, the opening plenary and its own workshop track. I was also happy to see young, queer and trans activists of color in attendance who disrupted plenaries with demonstrations in response to a local police shooting of Latina queer youth Jessica Hernandez and the perceived lack of involvement of the Ferguson organizers from the opening plenary discussion about Post Ferguson political climate. I cannot point to one single thing that I most benefited from at Creating Change; but the energy I brought back to South Florida is singularly more connected to the larger LGBTQ community than I have felt since my early ‘baby dyke’ years. The frank discussions about sexual desires explored with others in Desire Mapping, the trust body exercises with a partner in the Exploring Justice in the

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Body workshop, the impromptu rally and vigil for Jessica Hernandez and seeing the large number of white queers working with other white queers to tackle the issue of white privilege, all coalesced to move me in a way I could not get to in any other way than with a large venue such as this. This is why gatherings such as these are important to join. We cannot get that refueling and political expansion from blogs and our usual modes of interactions alone. We need to be pushed beyond our comfort zone by movements, by people who are allies but with whom we may never engage with in our daily lives. We need to witness and inhale the fervor of those involved in the vast arrays of political advocacy and change making in the LGBTQ community. We need to be there, with others. Not surprisingly, conferences such as this have a large contingent from college campuses, the birthing bed of political activism for most organizers. I talked with

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a lot of college youths and heard that many were sent via their schools through one fund or another. And that is as it should be. But it got me thinking about how those of us out of school and supporting ourselves could get support and assistance to attend this type of venue. Wouldn’t it be great if we could work with our local community groups to fundraise to help send some members to activist oriented conferences such as this? Collectively, our community needs to invest in activist retention and training and venues such as this could go a long way in those regards. I urge all LGBTQ people to think about how they could benefit their community by going to next year’s Creating Change; start a discussion with other activists about fundraising to help us send people. We need to continue growing in our political awareness and commitment to fight the anti-LGBTQ right that is ever stronger in the U.S. today. It is an investment in our community.

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column

Letter To The Editor Your article in last week's SFGN edition regarding few Republicans supporting Gay marriage is typically biased and misleading to your readers. Consider these so-called homophobes among the many conservatives who are on record in supporting same-sex marriage in the past several years: • Former President George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush • Laura Bush and the Bush Twins • Vice-President Dick Cheney and Mrs. Cheney • Ambassador John Bolton • George W. Bush's evangelical pro-life former Solicitor General, Ted Olsen, who won the California and US Supreme Court cases outlawing bans on same-sex marriage • Miami Congressman Carlos Curebelo • Miami Congresswoman Illeana Ros-Lehtinen • Former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown

• Grover Norquist -- No New Taxes Pledge Founder • Ohio GOP Senator Rob Portman • Utah Governor and 2012 GOP Presidential candidate Jon Huntsman • Maine GOP Senator Susan Collins • Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger • Illinois Senator Mark Kirk Those who have expressed openness to domestic partnerships and civil unions: Senator Rand Paul Dr. Ben Carson Publisher Norm Kent did an outstanding job providing equal time in 2014 for Gay conservatives and libertarians, but he needs to demand that his editors dig deeper for the truth. Respectfully submitted, Kenneth Blunk West Palm Beach

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CALL TODAY: (800) 592-9058 www.AquafestCruises.com soflagaynews //

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lifestyle history

HOMO HISTORY 101 Pier Angelo

Audre Lorde (1934 –1992) was a Caribbean-American writer, radical feminist, womanist, lesbian, and civil rights activist. Lorde served as an inspiration to women worldwide, one of her most notable efforts being her activist work with Afro-German women in the 1980s. Her identity as a black lesbian gave her work a novel perspective and put her in a unique position to speak on issues surrounding civil rights, feminism, and oppression. Her work gained both wide acclaim and wide criticism, due to the elements of social liberalism and sexuality presented in her work and her emphasis on revolution and change. She died of breast cancer in 1992, at the age of 58.

udrey Lorde served as an inspiration to women worldwide, speaking on issues such as civil rights, feminism, and oppression.

becomes the first book ever printed in Montreal. The play is a three-part tragedy describing the thinly veiled homoerotic relationship between Jonathan and David in the Old Testament.

1782: Deborah Sampson, a descendent of Gov. William Bradford, is excommunicated from the First Baptist Church of Middleborough, Mass. for dressing in men’s clothes and for behaving “very loose and unchristian like.” 1846: Edward McCosker is dismissed from the NYC Police Department for making “indecent” advances to other men while on duty.

Roberta Achtenberg (July 20, 1950) is an American politician. She currently

serves as a Commissioner on the U.S Commission on Civil Rights. She served as Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development, becoming the first openly lesbian or gay public official in the United States whose appointment to a federal position was confirmed by the United States Senate. She worked for more than 15 years as a civil rights attorney, nonprofit director and legal educator. Her activity included co-founding the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

1629: The Virginia Court records the first incidence of gender ambiguity among the American Colonists. 1646: Jan Creoli, a black man, is executed by choking in New Netherland for sodomy. Manuel Congo, the ten year old whom Creoli allegedly sodomized, received a public flogging. 1646:

In Connecticut, William Plaine, one of the original settlers of the town of Guilford is accused of committing sodomy twice in England and of corrupting a great part of the youth of Guilford by masturbation. Plaine was executed in New Haven.

1721: Jesuit explorer Pierre Francois Xavier notes in his journal that “effeminacy and lewdness were carried to the greatest excess” by the Iroquois, the Illinois, and other Indian nations of the area that would become Louisiana. 1776: Fleury Mesplet, a friend of Benjamin Franklin, publishes the play “ Jonathan and David” or “ Le Triomphe de l’Amitie”, which 62

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1860: Walt Whitman publishes the homoerotic “Leaves of Grass”, which later inspires numerous gay poets.” 1870: Bayard Taylor’s “Joseph and His Friend” the first U.S. novel to touch on the subject of homosexuality, is published. 1896: For the first time on the American stage, two women hug and kiss in a scene of the play “A Florida Enchantment.” Though the play is not lesbian in content, the scene is so shocking and controversial that at intermission, ushers offer ice water to any audience member who feels faint. If you want to learn more about your gay heritage and those who paved the way, through activism, sacrifice, courage and civil disobedience to give us a better and freer life you can visit The Stonewall Museum & Archives in Wilton Manors. We should all know who our gay heroes are and be thankful for what they did on our behalf.

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SHOWCASES LGBT

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

Alexander McQueen and his fashions

“Fiction is a piece of truth that turns lies to meaning.” —Dorothy Allison

1Blues singer/songwriter Alberta Hunter (1895-1984) Science fiction writer Samuel R. Delany (1942)

Writer Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) Social critic Camille Paglia (1947)

Landowner Anne Lister (1791-1840) Marlon Brando (1924-2004): “Like many men, I too have had homosexual experiences and I am not ashamed.” Actor David Hyde Pierce (1959)

Actor Anthony Perkins (1932-1992) Television talk show host Graham Norton (1963)

Opera singer John Reardon (1930-1988) A Chorus Line creator Michael Bennett (1943-1987) Sean Kennedy (1987-2007), killed in gay bashing

9Sex and the City actor Cynthia Nixon (1966) 10 Landscape designer James Ogilvy (1750-1811) Scholar and editor of Men on Men: Best New Fiction George Stambolian (1938-1991) Actor/playwright Charles Ludlam (1943-1987)

11Novelist/diarist Glenway Wescott (1901-1987)

Bastard Out of Carolina author Dorothy Allison (1949)

6 Alabama Senator William deVane King (1786-1853), 12 Tony-winning playwright for As Is and The Ghosts of whom Andrew Jackson called “Miss Nancy.” King was eleced vice presidnet under Franklin Pierce. The Times of Harvey Milk and Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt filmmaker Rob Epstein (1955)

7Bisexual singer Billie Holiday (1915-1959)

The Lost Weekend author Charles R. Jackson (1903-1968) Founder of Mattachine Society Henry Hay (1912-2002) Singer Janis Ian (1951)

Versailles librettist William M. Hoffman (1939) Indigo Girls singer Amy Ray (1964)

14 Actor John Gielgud (1904-2000) 15 Artist Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519)

Blues singer Bessie Smith (c.1894-1937) Photographer George Platt Lynes (1907-1955)

16 British intelligence officer turned Soviet spy and

defector Guy Burgess (1911-1963) Dancer/choreographer Merce Cunningham (1919-2009) Pop singer Dusty Springfield (1939-1999) Poet/activist Essex Hemphill (1957-1995)

17Our Town author Thornton Wilder (1897-1975) If... film director Lindsay Anderson (1923-1994)

18 Philip II of Macedon (c. 383 BCE-336 BCE)

Author Kathy Acker (born Karen Lehmann 1947-1997)

19 Bewitched actor Dick Sargent (1930-1994) 20 Danish writer Herman Bang (1857-1912) Gay Spirit author David Loovis (1926-2008) Star Trek actor George Takei (1937) Author Andrew Tobias (1947) Singer Luther Vandross (1951-2005) Burlesque director Steven Antin (1958)

21Socialite Stephen Tennant (1906-1987)

Actor/writer/director John Cameron Mitchell (1963)

Madame Anne Louise de Staël (1766-1817) Filmmaker John Waters (1946)

23Fashion designer Roy Halston Frowick (1932-1990) 24 Author/composer Ethel Smyth (1858-1944)

Fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier (1952)

25 British king Edward II (1284-1327) 26 Painter Charles Shannon (1863-1937)

Film director William Desmond Taylor (1872-1922) Singer Ma Rainey (1886-1939)

27Choreographer Jack Cole (1911-1974) 28Ryan Skipper (1981-2007), murdered by bashers 29Poet/singer Rod McKuen (1933-2015)

Comedian Leslie Jordan (1955) Party promoter/convicted murderer Michael Alig (1966)

30 Gertrude Stein’s lover Alice B. Toklas (1877-1967)

Visit Stonewall National Museum & Archives Gallery at 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors to learn more about our gay heritage and those who paved the way—through activism, sacrifice and courage—to give us a better and freer life. ©2015 BY CHARLES L. ROSS + STONEWALL NATIONAL MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

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lifestyle food

Mexi-Can (And Can’t) Rick Karlin

It’s a sad fact that for most Americans Mexican cuisine is defined by Taco Bell. While I’ve nothing against Taco Bell (great drunk food late at night), there are more authentic options available. While South Florida may not have as many immigrants of Mexican descent as Texas, Arizona, Los Angeles or Chicago, there are enough to support restaurants at a variety of price points. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular local spots with more than one location. In a later column we’ll look at stand-alone spots.

Cantina Laredo 501 Silks Run Hallandale 954-457-7662 CantinaLaredo.com Owned by the same chain that operates III Forks, Cantina Laredo does a very good job serving up food that is not only well prepared, but reasonably priced (compared to its parent company’s other restaurants). Cantina Laredo specializes in the cuisine of Mexico City (which oddly, is more than 700 miles from Laredo, Mexico) with a modern twist. Friendly, efficient service and good food at reasonable prices more than make up for the corporatelooking décor. Start with the guacamole, made fresh tableside. The $10 portion is easily enough for four. Ceviche, a combination of shrimp and scallops on our visit is a steal at $9.49. For a

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light dinner or lunch, the Ensalada de Camaron y Fresa features micro greens topped with grilled shrimp, strawberries, jicama, pineapple, avocado, roasted walnuts and queso fresco. Entrée winners include two versions of chile relleno, one stuffed with shrimp, Monterey Jack, mushrooms, corn, spinach and zucchini, then topped with avocado and one with the pepper encased in a tender grilled steak. Avocado and artichoke enchiladas topped with tomatillo sauce on a bed of spinach are just one of many options for vegetarians. Don’t skip dessert. Either the Mexican apple pie, served on a sizzling platter, or the mango tres leches cake are good options.

Zona Fresca 1635 N. Federal Fort Lauderdale 954-566-1777 ZonaFresca.com

Co-founder Oscar de Armas moved to SoFlo from SoCal and had trouble finding decent Mexican food, so he started his own restaurant. The chain has locations in eight Florida cities, as well as New Jersey and New York, yet manages to feel like a Mom and Pop operation. As with The Whole Enchilada, you order your meal at a counter. Here, instead of delivering it to you, they call your number. Best

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bets include fish tacos (beer battered fish with shredded cabbage and a tangy dressing), the “Machaca” taco (shredded beef and queso fresco in a crunchy shell) or the “Cali-Wrap” (a burrito stuffed with a choice of chicken or steak, jack and cheddar cheeses, avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro and lettuce, tossed in lemony dressing). There’s an extensive salsa bar as well. A filling meal will cost $10-$15.

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The Whole Enchilada 745 N Federal, Ft Lauderdale 954-306-6218 4115 N Federal, Oakland Park 954-561-4040 8000 W. Broward, Plantation 954-314-7095 TweFreshmex.com

This mini-chain is what Chipotle should be. Everything is prepared fresh, not just assembled from steam table pans, and there’s a salsa bar with plenty of options from mild to kill your ass the next day. A favorite of ours is “Nacho Mama.” The classic dish is only six and a half bucks and makes for a meal or an app for up to four. Top it with grilled protein for $1.79 more. Of the salad options, check out the Mexican Caesar where seven bucks gets you the classic dish with Cotija cheese and a choice of chicken, steak, ground beef, pork or

tofu (fresh mahi or shrimp is $1.50 more). The best burrito by far is “One of Those” featuring jack and cheddar cheeses, salsa and guacamole with a choice of charbroiled chicken, steak, ground beef, pork or seared tofu for seven bucks. For a lighter option, check out the “Ensenada.” Although it’s a buck more, it’s stuffed with fresh mahi, jack and cheddar cheese, lettuce, avocado, tomato and a yummy cilantro sauce. Most dishes come with a side of warm chips. Prices are low, a full meal is less than $10.

La Bamba Mexican & Spanish Restaurant 4245 N Federal Hwy Oakland Park 954-568-5662 LaBamba123.com The Oakland Park outlet of this family owned mini-chain (there are also locations in Plantation, Margate, North Palm and Delray) is the gayest place in town on Monday nights, with crowds to rival most of the bars and clubs in town. Why Mondays? House margaritas are only $4.50 (if you order a meal). What amazes me is that anyone would return to this place after experiencing the rude attitude from the hosts, lazy service and mediocre food I experienced on my three visits. The first visit was when I first moved to South Florida. The crab nachos were adequate (although a bit skimpy on the crab), but only copious amounts of the margaritas made the rude service and hour and a half wait tolerable. I thought I must have caught them on an off night.

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Next time the same rudeness and a slightly shorter wait (because we arrived at 5:45) couldn’t compensate for the tuna melt tortilla. I specifically asked if the tuna was fresh and was assured it was. Not only wasn’t it fresh, it was canned (and made into a tuna salad). On their last chance visit, I ordered Palomilla, and got a tough sirloin steak topped with chopped onion and parsley. The wait was over an hour, but this time at least our server was friendly, if uninformed and inefficient. After three strikes, I won’t be going back. For the life of me, I can’t understand why the gay men in this town (and the crowd is overwhelmingly gay and male on Mondays) put up with this. There must be someplace else serving cheap Margaritas.

Photos: Facebook.

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(954) 396-0930

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F O R

SFGNITES

T H E

J.W. Arnold

jw@prdconline.com

THU

THEATER

W E E K

4/9

O F

A P R I L

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

You’ll be singing along to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical, “Oklahoma!” currently playing at The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton.

For a unique theatrical experience, head to Arts Garage in Delray Beach for a performance by Arts Garage Radio Theatre. The company presents the classic radio dramas—with all the bells and whistles— on the stage of the cool arts venue. This week, they conclude the season with, “You Can’t Take it With You,” a comedy about two eccentric families who must learn to get along after their children are married. Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and $30 at ArtsGarage.org.

FRI

CABARET

4/10

Miss Coco Peru is coming to the Cabaret South Beach, 233 12th St. in Miami Beach, for two performances tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the legendary storyteller and monologist who starred in the film, “Trick,” and has appeared on “Will & Grace,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Arrested Development” and “Dragtastic.” You won’t want to miss this latest collection of her favorite works. Tickets for her show, “Have You Heard,” are $25 at TheCabaretSouthBeach.com.

SAT

THEATER

4/11 SUN

Rediscover the Broadway classic, “Oklahoma!” at The Wick Theatre, 7901 N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton, through April 26. You’ll be singing along with all the timeless Rodgers and Hammerstein tunes in another grand production directed by Norb Joerder. And, as is always the case with any Wick production, the costumes are fabulous, drawn from the incredible Broadway Collection at The Wick Costume Museum. Tickets start at $58. For show times and tickets, go to TheWick.org.

Credit: Amy Pasquantonio.

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FESTIVAL

4/12 MON FILM

Hunky actor and LGBTQ ally Mario Lopez is the grand marshal for the Miami Beach Gay Pride parade down Ocean Drive at 12 noon today. Afterwards, check out the entertainment on the main stage as the Art Deco District goes from pastel to rainbow colored. Among the acts to check out is rising star Ivy Levan, who will be performing her hit single, “Biscuit.” She’ll be joined by talented drag performers, singers and dancers all afternoon. For info, go to MiamiBeachGayPride.com. soflagaynews //

4/13 TUE

If you missed “All Good People” at the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival last year, the screwball gay comedy starring Michael Urie (“Ugly Betty”) and Randy Harrison (“Queer as Folk”) is now available on video on demand and DVD. They play a gay couple who discover a secret room filled with cash while housesitting for a straight couple who die while out of the country. What would you do? Available from all cable providers, Ti unes, Amazon Instant, Google Play, Xbox and PlayStation.

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THEATER

4/14

Slow Burn Theatre presents songs from its current production, Jonathan Larson’s “Rent,” tonight at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall National Museum and Archives Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive. Meet the actors and hear songs from the awardwinning smash musical that transformed how LGBT lives and HIV were portrayed on the Broadway stage. The performance is free and complimentary bar and refreshments will be provided. For more information, go to Stonewall-Museum.org.

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a&e theatre

'There’s Magic to Do' in Updated 'Pippin' On Stage at The Broward Center thru April 12 J.W. Arnold

Photo Credit: Martha Rial.

Sam Lips stars in the title role of the touring production of “Pippin” currently playing at the Broward Center through Sunday, April 12. The most anticipated ticket in the Broadway Across America, Fort Lauderdale season at the Broward Center was the touring production of Diane Paulus’ Tony Award-winning revival of “Pippin” and audiences were not disappointed on opening night, March 31. The original musical, a fictionalized account of the lives of Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne and his son Pippin, debuted on Broadway in 1972 with a rock score by Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked”) and book by Roger O. Hirson. Bob Fosse directed the tale, set in the style of Faustian burlesque with jugglers and acrobats. Paulus, who also racked up Tonies for her successful revivals of “Hair” and “The Gershwins’ Porgy & Bess,” updated the setting utilizing the wonders of the popular cirque gymnasts and aerialists, while retaining many of those signature, sexy Fosse steps. Pippin (Sam Lips) has just returned from university but longs to make his mark in the world. He haphazardly decides to join his half-brother, the fey Lewis (Callan Bergmann), in their father’s army for a battle against the marauding Visigoths. The soft-hearted Pippin finds that battle does not suit his sensibilities and he becomes a champion of the peasants, usurping his father, Charles (John Rubenstein), only to discover ruling is not an easy task and wishing the heinous act away. Distraught, he flees to a peasant village where he meets the beautiful widow Catherine (Kristine Reese) and her son, Theo (Lucas Schultz). The monotonous life of a farmer doesn’t suit the young man, either, and he must dig deep inside himself to confront the meaning of true happiness and fulfillment in life.

Along the way, the audience is introduced to Pippin’s grandmother, Berthe (Adrienne Barbeau), who relishes the passions of youth, and his ambitious stepmother, Fastrada (Sabrina Harper), who dreams of a crown for her son, Lewis. The Leading Player is the musical guide, accompanied by a troupe of talented performers who observe and comment on the action as sort of gymnastic Greek chorus. On opening night, Lisa Karlin stepped in for Sasha Allen, best known as a finalist on NBC’s “The Voice.” Karlin infused the role with sexuality and proved to be a first rate singer and dancer, leaving absolutely no one in the audience disappointed. Lips is an attractive Pippin—washboard abs and all—with a pleasing voice and athletic prowess, but it was the performance of Rubenstein, who originated the role in the original Broadway production, who frequently stole the show, alternating between wise sage and comic foil. Barbeau, best known for her ‘70s roles on “Maude” and guest spots on “Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island” and “Battle of the Network Stars,” performed with spunk, at times singing Berthe’s signature number, “No Time at All,” as she dangled 10 feet above the Au Rene stage from a spinning ring. She earned cheers from the crowd, but still seemed too youthful and glamorous to be Charles’ mother. Of course, Irene Ryan (“Beverly Hillbillies”) set the standard for the role as the spunky old woman in the original production. Unlike some of the non-equity touring productions that have found their way on the schedules in South Florida, “Pippin” offers a big budget experience akin to its Broadway inspiration and is certain to please.

“Pippin” is currently playing at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale through Sunday, April 12. Tickets start at $34.75. For tickets and show times, go to BrowardCenter.org.

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The Contrast and Charisma of the

Alan Cumming Show

Broadway, Stage, and TV Star Entertains Saturday at Parker Playhouse Norm Kent

Alan Cumming. Story on page 72.

Publisher

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a&e theater Continued from page 71.

ess than two weeks after concluding a run as the EmCee in the Tony award-winning musical Cabaret, Alan Cumming is off and running again. He is kicking off a worldwide concert tour with a show at Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale, on Saturday, April 11, at 8 p.m. In between these roles, you get to see the Scottish born stage, film and TV star every Sunday evening in his compelling roll as Eli Gold in the CBS series “The Good Wife.” It’s a tenure that has earned him multiple Golden Globe, Emmy, SAG, and Critic’s Circle nominations. Oh, and the busy lad is an author, too. Cumming’s New York Times best-selling memoir “Not My Father’s Son” has been chosen as the Palm Beach Book Festival’s Memoir Of The Year. So on an early Saturday afternoon, before his show at Parker, he will do a book signing at the Norton Gallery of Art in West Palm Beach. “I do get time to rest and reflect, when I can I go to my little cocoon, a home in the Catskill Mountains, north of Manhattan,” he told SFGN. “I go there for one night, and it is like I have relaxed there for a week.” Another place for Cumming to chill is on long distance plane flights, where, he writes in his memoir, he is able to “shut out the rest of the world and focus on a good book.” In his own book, Cumming shares that acting was his “salvation,” a break away from an abusive father and horrible upbringing. “Acting is something I enjoy and I am good at, and Alan Cumming performing at the beneﬁt concert for the Ali Forney Center (2010).

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what I like about it most is that it provokes, entertains, and challenges people.” Cumming has faced challenges his entire life, but has emerged upon the American artistic landscape, showcasing his immense talents and extraordinary energy on stage and screen. Still, he remains an activist on causes that matter to the LGBT community. When he discovered that Indiana’s governor signed an anti LGBT bill into law recently, he promptly expressed his outrage. “It’s kind of horrendous, and easy for all of us to become too complacent. We have to be vigilant. It is absolutely galling at how many other American states are now trying to replicate Indiana’s law.” Cumming admits that a discussion about laws like the one in Indiana would never have made it to the dinner table as a child growing up in Scotland. He appreciates the world the way it is today, and his book is composed of vignettes comparing ‘then’ to ‘now.’ “The world is healthier with more equality and transparency,” he said. He is passionate about it, and as an openly bisexual man, he has been that way about himself. Cumming married his husband, graphic artist Grant Shaffer, in the United Kingdom in 2007, and for good measure, again in New York, in 2012. “My sexuality has never been black and white,” Cumming told Advocate last week, “it’s always been gray.” It is an understandable conundrum. Cumming spent 8 years married to actress Hilary Lyon, only to be followed with a 2-year partnership with another actress, Safron Burrows. As supportive as Cumming was about the advances in same sex marriage, he was equally adamant that the LGBT community needs to still progress from within, that we are: “too selective with equality; that we have left the ‘T’ part behind a bit.” That won’t be the case this Saturday night in Lauderdale. Cumming’s show features Dina Martina, one of the most original drag performers working in America today. Tickets for the show are online at browardcenter.org, Parker Playhouse and Ticketmaster. If you go, expect his show, “Alan Cumming: Uncut,” to be an unabashed and unadulterated pleasant night of deranged and exotic entertainment. Says the Los Angeles Times, “Cumming’s one man show unveils a naughty and comical visceral banter, balanced by kooky and mainstream songs.” For myself, I am just hoping he doesn’t pull me onstage to do an impromptu dance with him, as he did last month in the Roundabout Theater in New York City. “Oh, I will be seeing you next month in Fort Lauderdale,” I said. “Fort Lauderdale,” Cumming replied, referencing the elderly population, “I won’t be there for another 60 years.” But in truth, he likes South Florida, “oh, there may be some older people,” he remarked, “but there is also a lot of youthful gay people.” Nevertheless, two weeks later, Cumming will be receiving a Humanitarian Award in New York City from Safe Horizons, a not for profit group that empowers the victims of family and community violence to move from crisis to confidence. The cause is dear to his heart, and the central focus of his revealing memoir, “Not My Father’s Son.” The memoir is a book that sheds light on Cumming’s struggle to find out who his real father was, but simultaneously illuminates the frightening side of child abuse by a parent. It was a consuming read, transparently sharing that as a child he suppressed humor and lived in fear.

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Above photos: parkerplayhouse.org. Today, that is no longer the case. Today, fear is thrown to the wind as he parades on Broadway stages as the emcee of the world-renowned Kit Kat Club, while tweeting regularly at @ alancumming. A man of concerts and contrasts, who has gone from nervous breakdowns to international acclaim, Cumming is a performer worth seeing this Saturday, and it’s a lot closer than Wales, Ireland, New Zealand, or Australia, where this tour will also take him next month. Don’t try to book tickets for Sydney. They are already sold out.

Photo: gdcgraphics.

a&e film

Arts News: Big Season Ahead for LGBT Film Buffs J.W. Arnold

odd duCk Bazaar indie CraFt SHow

Photo Credit: Robyn Symon

Sat. & Sun., april 11 & 12, noon - 6pm Fred lippman multi-purpoSe Center 2030 polk Street, downtown Hollywood Annual 2-day, indoor, indie craft show complete with handmades, collectibles, live art & refreshments. More than 60 artists from near & far. First 50 guests receive a complimentary swag bag full of goodies each day! Admission $5 (children under 12 free)

Gloria Stein, the transgender subject of “Uncle Gloria: One Helluva Ride,” has an emotional moment during the ﬁlming of the upcoming documentary. The holidays may finally be over and the snowbirds returning north again, but for LGBTQ film buffs, the new season is just getting into full swing with festivals, special screenings and events. Here a few highlights:

Transgender Doc Producer Holding Fundraiser in Miami Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction— especially the darkly ironic story of Butch, a 67-year-old homophobic auto wrecker from Hollywood. During a nasty divorce more than a decade ago, he hid from the law by disguising himself in drag as a woman. But, in the process, he discovered his own transgender identity and made the transformation permanent, becoming transgender activist Gloria Stein. Shot over 20 years, the amazing story, “Uncle Gloria: One Helluva Ride!” is being documented by former Miami television producer Robyn Symon, who initially got a call years ago to film Stein’s reassignment process. The film explores her sex change, life as a dominatrix and eventual attempts to reconcile with her family. “Gloria is one of the most fascinating people I’ve ever met. She’s complex, but also very deeply caring with a wicked sense of humor,” said Symon of her subject. Symon will be hosting a fundraising reception to complete the project on Sunday, April 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Vagabond Hotel, 7301 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. A tax-deductible donation of $65 is suggested at the door and will include an opportunity to meet the cast and a sneak peak at the working cut of the film. Go to UncleGloriaFilm.com for more info.

Audience, Critical Favorite Coming to Cinema Paradiso

and form gangs, opens on April 10 at Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6th St., home of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. When the middle-aged, bourgeois Daniel approaches a boyishly handsome Ukrainian who calls himself Marek for a “date,” he learns the young man is willing to do anything for some cash. What Daniel intends only as sex-forhire leads to a violent home invasion and then an unexpectedly profound relationship. The drastically different circumstances of the two men’s lives reveal secrets hidden in the shadows of the city they both call home. 128 min., French and Ukrainian with English subtitles. For tickets and show times, go to FLIFF. com.

www.oddduCkBazaar.Com

ALAN CUMMING

Tickets on Sale for Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Tickets are now on sale for the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (MGLFF), April 24 – May 3, one of the first major events of the LGBT film festival circuit. In its 17th year, the festival will cover venues across Miami Beach, including the Colony Theatre, Miami Beach Cinematheque and Regal Cinemas South Beach Stadium 18. According to MGLFF president Mark Gilbert, programmers have selected more than 60 features, documentaries and shorts from the U.S. and around the world, including several world, national and regional premieres. The festival will again include the signature after parties, panel discussions and social events that have made it popular with LGBT film fans. The festival also welcomes first time presenting sponsor SHOWTIME Networks. For a complete list of events, films and show times, go to MGLFF.com.

Uncut

With Special Guest Dina Martina

APRIL 11

TICKETS at ParkerPlayhouse.com

Ticketmaster | 954.462.0222 • Group Sales | 954.660.6307

“Eastern Boys,” a moving drama from Robin Campillo about Eastern European immigrants who are driven to hustle on the streets of Paris

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BrowardCenter

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Datebook

Theater Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com

broward county Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio

April 8 at 7:45 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Smith is a master of the Hammond B-3 organ and has been featured on more than 70 jazz albums. Tickets $45. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

Tom Paxton & Janis Ian

April 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The two first performed together in 1964 and have put thought-provoking shows ever since. Tickets $45 to $69. Call 954-4620222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* The Read Live

April 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Coral Springs Center for the Arts, in Coral Spring. Kid Fury and Crissle perform a live rendition of their comedic weekly podcast discussing hip-hop and pop culture’s most trying stars. Tickets $33.92. Call 954-3445990 or visit CoralSpringsCenterfortheArts. com.

* Alan Cumming

April 11 at 8 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. The Scottish actor and singer is joined on stage by Lance Horne and cellist Eleanor Norton. Tickets $43 to $108. Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.com.

Why We Sing

Through April 12 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A performance by the 150-man Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. Tickets $62 to $85. Call 954-462-0222 or BrowardCenter.org.

Pippin

Through April 12 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A young prince goes on the adventure of a lifetime to find his purpose. Tickets $34.75 and up. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Boz Scaggs

April 13 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The singer is inspired by American roots music and toured throughout Europe in his early career. Tickets $25 to $69. Call 954462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Chris Botti

April 14 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center for

// 4.8.2015 // SFGN.com //

the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The trumpet player has performed alongside a litany of artists of many genres, including Yo-Yo Ma, Frank Sinatra, Andrea Bocelli, and Barbra Streisand. Tickets $35 to $125. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter. org.

* The Little Dog Laughed

April 16 to May 16 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Road in Fort Lauderdale. Mitchell Green is a movie star with a crush on a cute guy (who has a girlfriend) but his agent, Diane, keeps sending him back into the closet. Tickets $30. Call 954-519-2533 or visit IslandCityStage.org.

palm beach county Jimmy Buffett

April 9 at 7 p.m. at the Cruzan Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way in West Palm Beach. It always feels like the Keys when Buffett is in town with hits like “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Tickets $37 to $946. Call 561-795-8883 or visit CruzanAmphitheatre.net.

Cabaret

April 9 to 26 at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. in Lake Worth. At a Berlin nightclub in the 1930s, an American writer finds a bond with an English performer. Tickets $29 to $70. Call 561-586-6410 or visit LakeWorthPlayhouse.org.

* The Last Night of Ballyhoo

April 10 to 19 at FAU’s Studio One Theatre, 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. Set in December 1939, Atlanta residents and the Jewish Freitag family are celebrating the opening of “God With the Wind” while Hitler has just invaded Poland. The Freitags and other Jews in the community are not so concerned, but instead, are excited for the upcoming Ballyhoo social event. Tickets $20. Call 1-800-564-9539 or visit FAUevents.com.

* Tom Paxton & Janis Ian: Together at Last

April 12 at 7 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The two first performed together in 1964 and have put thought-provoking shows ever since. The show is at the center’s amphitheatre; guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Tickets $20. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

Memphis

Through April 12 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. It’s 1950s Memphis and a radio DJ crosses paths with an aspiring singer. Tickets $25 to $66. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis. org.

They’re Playing Our Song

Through April 12 at the Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW Ninth St.,Delray Beach. Inspired by the relationship between Marvin soflagaynews //

Hamlish and Carole Bayer Sager, young Sonia and Vernon are aspiring songwriters living in New York, working to make it to the top. Tickets $30. Call 561-272-1281, ext. 4 or visit DelrayBeachPlayhouse.com.

* BBC Concert Orchestra

April 13 at 8 p.m. and April 14 at 2 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The orchestra is led by conductor Keith Lockhart and joined by special guest pianist, Charlie Albright. Tickets $35 to $99. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Coco Peru “Have You Heard?”

April 10 at 8 p.m. at The Cabaret South Beach, 233 12th St. in Miami Beach. Coco is back for a performance of her top hits from monologues to songs. Tickets $25 to $35. Visit BrownPaperTickets.com/ event/1331462.

Points of Departure

April 10 to 12 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The Miami City Ballet takes a different direction with new, joyous pieces. Tickets $20 to $97. Call 305949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Boz Scaggs

* Eclectica

* Chris Botti

* Vincenzo Maltempo

Menopause the Musical

* MOZ-ART

April 15 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The singer is inspired by American roots music and toured throughout Europe in his early career. Tickets $25 to $100. Call 561832-7469 or visit Kravis.org. April 16 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The trumpet player has performed alongside a litany of artists of many genres, including Yo-Yo Ma, Frank Sinatra, Andrea Bocelli, and Barbra Streisand. Tickets $25 to $105. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org. Through April 19 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Four menopausal ladies meet at a lingerie sale and bond over hot flashes, night sweats, and sex. Tickets $43. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

Free Friday Concerts

Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Call 561-2437922 or visit DelrayArts.org

miami-dade county South Beach Comedy Festival

April 8 to 11 at the Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. Comedy from the likes of Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Michael Yo, Patton Oswalt, Mad Cat Theatre Company, and many more. Visit SouthBeachComedyFestival.com.

The Magniﬁcents

April 8 to May 3 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. A family of magicians’ fame starts to wane down, but the star of the show takes a young boy under his wing to carry on the tradition. Tickets $45. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

Stephen Guerra with the Studio Jazz Band

April 10, 8:30 p.m., South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211st St., Cutler Bay. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Call 786-573-5300 or visit SMDAC.org.

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April 11 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211st St. in Cutler Bay. An ensemble of funk, world, jazz, and classical arrangements. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Call 786-573-5300 or visit SMDAC.org. April 12 at 5 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. Hailing from Italy, Maltempo joins the Miami International Piano Festival with works by Czerny, Godowsky, Chopin, Schumann, and Alkan. Tickets $30. Call 800-745-3000 or visit AventuraCenter.org. April 12 at 6 p.m. at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211st St. in Cutler Bay. The Miami Symphony Orchestra plays with pianist Ignasi Cambra. Tickets $21 to $66. Call 786-573-5300 or visit SMDAC. org.

* Diana Krall

April 14 at 8 p.m. at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. As a singer, songwriter, and pianist the jazz sensation is truly a triple threat. Tickets $55 to $130. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Sister Act

April 14 to 19 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Deloris Van Cartier’s life is turned upside when she witnesses a crime and police tell her to hide -- in a convent! Tickets $26 to $96. Call 305949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* BBC Concert Orchestra

April 15 at 8 p.m. at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The orchestra is led by conductor Keith Lockhart and joined by special guest pianist, Charlie Albright. Tickets $50 to $130. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

Women Playing Hamlet

Through April 26 at New Theatre, 8567 Coral Way #355 in Miami. To be, or not to be? A cast of female actresses tackle the age old question. Tickets $26. Call 305-443-5905 or visit New-Theatre.org. * Denotes New Listing

paid advertisement

O RIGINAL G AY C HORUS

TRIUMPHS IN

L OUNGE -A RRAY F T L G M C P R E PA R E S

M USIC

SURPRISE

OF THE

Music lovers and entertainment enthusiasts were once again enthralled by the combination of musical excellence and entertainment appeal of the original Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus--the first gay performing arts organization in the state, and they said as much following this enthusiastically received show conducted by Founder and Director Dr. Gary Keating. On Saturday, March 14, at the NSU Art Museum, Fort Lauderdale, the Chorus presented a rousing cabaret-style show consisting of pieces from the music of merriment (and celebration): traditional drinking songs, lounge-act songs, ballads, and student songs, along with classical and Broadway pieces that complemented the theme. The first act opened with the wellknown “Stout-Hearted Men” by Romberg and Hammerstein and closed with the infectious “The Best of Times,” from the celebratory musical La Cage aux Folles. Some of the highlights in between included “Drinking Song,” by R. Vaughan Williams, Eric Whitacre’s entrancing “Sleep,” and Seeley and Littell’s “Marry Us,” the latter in recognition of the lifting of the ban on same-sex marriage in Florida, truly something to celebrate. Along with those and other choral numbers, Bradley Bush and Bruce Dory delighted us with their rendition of Don McLean’s classic “American Pie,” and Dave Matthews and Michael Shaffer touched us with their beautiful performance of “Come What May,” from Moulin Rouge. Reco Stackhouse, joined by the Chorus, wowed the house as he opened the second act with his sexy, seductive, and soulful performance of “24 Hours of Lovin’,” from The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Other chorus songs in the second act included Adler and Ross’s jazzy and infectious “Steam Heat,” the well-known Vive l’Amour, with the classy touch of the Whiffenpoofs, and a medley from stage and screen, “A Couple of Swells,” including a deftly done and amusing duet by R.J. Boon and Fred Johnson, (recalling Astaire and Garland). The irrepressible Tim Gibbs did

WITH

N IGHT

Peggy Lee proud with his rendition of the sexy classic, “Fever,” Tom Lilly entranced everyone with a true Irish-tenor rendition of “O Danny Boy,” Gary Hummel delightfully reminded us of “The Night They Invented Champagne,” by Frederick Loewe, and Mike Smith and Justin Knight gleefully amused everyone with “Better with a Man,” from Broadway’s A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. The Chorus’ musical guests were Dr. Keating’s delightful Starlight Singers from Dr. Michael M. Krop High School, who charmed everyone with “Sunday” from Sunday in the Park with George. The show closed with a rocking rendition of “Last Dance,” made famous by Donna Summer and performed by the Chorus with the energetic and wonderful Starlight Singers. Already the Chorus is looking ahead to closing its 29th season with its show, The Music of the Night, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, also at the NSU Art Museum, Fort Lauderdale. Although you would be correct to assume that show will certainly include music from Phantom of the Opera, it will range far beyond it to all kinds of music about the night, symbols of the night, and some of what goes on in the night(!). You can certainly imagine where the members of this irrepressible chorus might take you with those guidelines, but beware: being a group known for thinking outside the box, they may even take you beyond the “night” to places inhabited by “knights.” Wherever this Chorus takes you, you’ll be ecstatic at having been invited to come along.

Information about tickets or joining the chorus can be obtained by visiting www.theftlgmc.org. This content was paid for by Fort Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .8.2015 //

Datebook

Community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com

broward county art = antidote to hate

Through April 10 at ArtServe, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. A multimedia exhibition of work tackles themes of gender bias, bullying, political persecution, abuse, and racial and religious discrimination. Free. Call 954-462-8190, email information@ artserve.org, or visit ArtServe.org.

Sage Book Discussion Group: “Gaysia”

April 11 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Australian autor, Benjamin Law, shares his book chronicling gay lives in seven Asian countries. Free. Call Philip at 443-614-7135 or Alan at 561- 499-2913.

* Spring Car Show

April 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Festival Flea Market Mall, 2900 W. Sample Road in Pompano Beach. Hundreds of cars from new muscle cars to vintage will be on display, as well as live entertainment and car-related vendors. Contact Dick Barten at 954-563-4000 or BandSouth@bellsouth.net.

* Songs from “Rent”

April 14 at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall Museum – Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Meet the cast of and enjoy a performance of select songs by Slow Burn Theatre’s “Rent.” Free. Visit SlowBurnTheatre.org.

* Change the Channel: Television and the Emergence of LGBTQ Media

April 15 at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall Museum – Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. A Lavender Salon coinciding with the exhibit, “As Seen on TV.” Panelists include Matt Kane of GLAAD, UM Professor Wanhsiu Sunny Tsai, exhibit curator Charles L. Ross, and moderator FAU Professor Fred Fejes. Call 954-763-8565 or visit StonewallMuseum.org.

* Art of Wine & Food Series: Spain

April 16 at 6 p.m. at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, One E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale, Jose Luis Muguiro of Marques de Riscal will lead a Spanish wine tasting with light appetizers that pair well. Tickets $40 general, $25 for patron level members and above. RSVP to 954-262-0224 or moareservations@moafl.org.

// 4.8.2015 // SFGN.com //

“As Seen on TV: An Exploration of LGBT Characters: 1954-1979” Exhibit Opening Through April 26 at Stonewall Museum – Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. The exhibit explores gay characters in American network drama and comedy programs. Free. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org.

* Pablo Picasso: Painted Ceramics and Works on Paper, 1931 to 1971

Through Nov. 1 at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, One E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. The eccentric artist is mainly known for his paintings, but he also made art into rugs, sculptures, drawings, ceramics, and other media. Call 954-525-5500 or visit NSUArtMuseum.org.

* Movie Night

Last Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at the World AIDS Museum, 1201 NE 26th St. Suite 111 in Wilton Manors. Free movie nights once a month at the museum. Call 954-390-0550 or visit WorldAIDSMuseum.org.

The Art of Pop & Comics

Through May 23 at the Coral Springs Museum of Art, 2855 Coral Springs Drive in Coral Springs. An exhibition of works by more than 30 artists known for their contributions to comics such as “Superman,” “Batman,” “The Transformers,” as well as pop art. Artistrepcetion is March 5 at 8 p.m. Admission $6. Call 954-340-5000 or visit CoralSpringsMuseum.org.

BRAIN: The World Inside Your Head

Through May 3 at the Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW Second St. in Fort Lauderdale. Learn more about our mysterious brain, from how it works to disorders, with special effects displays. Entry $19 adults. Call 954-467-6637 or visit MODS.org.

Kahlo, Rivera & Mexican Modern Art

Through May 31 at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, One E. Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale. Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera created a new genre of Mexican artwork that is still influential today. Call 954-525-5500 or visit NSUArtMuseum.org.

Gender Bender Youth Group

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

PFLAG

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

GayWrites

Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at the Stonewall Library, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Come join us and write your memoir, poem, blog, novel or short story. Free. Email garri1@earthlink.net.

SunServe Youth Group

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

GLBX Business Advantage Referral Group

First and third Wednesdays from 8 t 9 a.m. at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, 512 NE Third Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-462-6000, extension 8775

Survivor Support

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

palm beach county “The Age of Ancient Weaponry” Opening

Through April 9 at the Griffin Gallery Ancient Art, 608 Banyan Trail in Boca Raton. Weapons from the age of the Patriarchs, Moses, and King David, including three bronze swords from the Holy Land. Call 561994-0811 or visit GriffinGallery.net.

* The Beauty of Blanc de Chine

April 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Griffin Gallery Ancient Art, 608 Banyan Trail in Boca Raton. A new exhibit of Chinese porcelain, including “Qing Dynasty Guan Yin Riding a Dragon.” Free. Call 561-994-0811 or visit GriffinGallery.net.

Delray Affair

April 10 to 12 in downtown Delray Beach. Twelve blocks of arts and crafts by artists from 30 states and 12 countries. Visit DelrayAffairs.com.

* Gay Polo Tournament

April 11 from 1 to 7 p.m. at International Polo Club Palm Beach, 3667 120th Ave. South in Wellington. The annual tournament returns to the polo grounds in Palm Beach County. Tickets $25 and up. Call 561-753-3389 or visit GayPolo.com

Afterlife: Tombs and Treasures of Ancient Egypt

Through April 18 at South Florida Science Museum, 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach. Explore the world of the

SouthFloridaGayNews

afterlife with a screening of “The Mummy,” activities, a mummy wrapping contest, and more. Tickets $20. Call 561-832-1988 or visit SFScienceCenter.org.

Zumba Fitness

Mondays at 6 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Get moving with a certificated Zumba instructor for an infusion of exercise and dance moves. Donation of $5 or more. Call 561-324-1626 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

Sober Sisters

Mondays at 6:15 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. J St. in Lake Worth. A support and discussion group for female recovering alcoholics. Visit LambdaNorth.net.

miami-dade county GALLA Luncheon

April 8 at 11:30 a.m. at City Hall the Restaurant, 2004 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The Gay & Lesbian Lawyers Association hosts a monthly networking program for attorneys, judges, and legal professionals with a discussion on immigration. Limited to 50 people. Cost $35 for members, $45 for nonmembers. RSVP to 305-673-4440, rsvp@ gaybizmiami.com, or GayBizMiami.com.

MTC AfterHours Gala

April 9 at 8:30 p.m. at Miami Theater Center, in Miami Shores. A celebration of 10 years of MTC with a samba show by Mano Santa and Broadway hits by Tonya Pinkins. Tickets $75. Visit MTCMiami.org.

* Log Cabin Republicans of Miami Fundraiser April 18 at 8 p.m. at the Ren Cigar Lounge, 10855 SW 72nd St. in Miami. A celebration of Cuban nostalgia, with speakers U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, State Sen. Anitere Flores, and State Committeewoman Liliana Ros. Music by Music Matterz, dancing, cigars, Republican memorabilia auction. Suggested donation $50. Visit Facebook.com/groups/ logcabinmiami.

Xu Bing: Writing Between Heaven and Earth

Through May 24 at the Frost Art Museum, 10975 SW 17th St. in Miami. The Chinese artist took four years to create a 5,000 square foot exhibit of writing and text, showcasing communication through the ages -- the piece is so large it can only be exhibited in select museums. Free. Visit TheFrost.FIU.edu.

Arsht Center Farmers Market

Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Fresh food from local farmers, including fruits, vegetables, meats, prepared foods, as well as chefs, live music, and cooking demonstrations. Free. Visit ArshtCenter.org/en/Visit/Dining.

* Denotes New Listing

Datebook

Nightlife Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com

Alibi

broward county

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

Bill’s Filling Station

2209 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Check out this huge bar and nightclub with drink specials to boot. Karaoke Tuesdays, GROWL Fridays, DILF Saturdays, and happy hour prices until 9 p.m. every day. Call 954-567-6969 or visit BillsFillingStation.com.

Cubby Hole

823 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. A unique butch bar for men. Underwear Wednesdays get 2-for-1 drinks from 9 p.m. until close. Call 954-728-9001 or visit TheCubbyHole. com.

Mona’s

502 Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. An eclectic bar with décor that will keep you entertained for hours. Thursdays is “In The Biz”. Call 954-5256662 or visit MonasBar.com.

Naked Grape Wine Bar & Tapas

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

Ramrod

1508 NE Fourth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The region’s leading Levi, leather and uniform bar and club. Every night if bear night and caged hunks on Saturdays. Call 954-763-8219 or visit RamroadBar.com.

Rumors Bar & Grill

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

Scandals

3073 NE Sixth Ave. in Wilton Manors. Gay and lesbian country western bar for a night of dancing to your favorite country tunes. Call 954567-2432 or visit ScandalsFla.com.

Sidelines Sports & Video Bar

2031 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Relax with a cold beer for some friendly competition on the pool table. Call 954-563-8001 or visit SidelinesSports.com.

Village Pub Wilton Manors

2283 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Never miss out on a happy hour, as the pub is serving up two-for-one drinks Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, hit the dance floor with world class VJs. Call 754200-5244.

palm beach county

Fort Dix

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

H.G. Roosters

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

The Mad Hatter

1532 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Cheap drinks, friendly bartenders and free pool from Sunday to Thursday. Call 561-547-8860.

The Palm Lounge

131 E. Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton. Tuesday country night, Wednesday karaoke, singers or tribute artists on the weekends. Call 561-672-7561 or visit PalmLoungeBoca.com.

Vita Ultra Lounge Saturdays

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

miami-dade county

Azucar

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

Club Space

34 NE 11th St. in Miami. Come out for a night at the infamous nightclub known for crazy all-

soflagaynews //

nighters to the best live electronic dance music. Call 305-350-1956 or visit ClubSpace.com.

Discotekka

950 NE Second Ave. in Miami. Come on Saturday nights for some of the best DJs around. Call 305350-9084 or visit Discotekka.com.

Eros Lounge

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

Mova Lounge

401 SW Third Ave. in Miami. For a night of dancing and cocktails made by the best mixologists around. Call 305-534-8181 or visit MovaLoungeMiami.com.

Score

1437 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. Located in the heart of South Beach with hot male dancers, Pop Fever Thursdays and Filthy Gorgeous parties Fridays. Call 305-535-1111 or visit ScoreBar.net.

Therapy

60 NE 11th St in Miami. An all-nude male cabaret, party it up with Latin Wednesdays, college night Thursdays, bear nights on Friday, men hitting the dancing poles on Saturday, and sophisticated Sundays with $9 martinis. Call 305-316-7150 or visit TherapyCabaret.com.

Twist South Beach

1057 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. Multiple rooms to give you the music you want, muscle boy dancers, and never a cover. Call 305- 5389478 or visit TwistSoBe.com.

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .8.2015 //

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home care

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cleaning services CLEAN IT RIGHT! The best cleaning for your buck. 1BD $60, 2BD $70, 3BD $80 and up. Excellent rates & references. 10 years in business. Serving Broward, North Miami-Dade & S. Palm Beach. Call Manny 954-560-4443 EMERALD IRISH CLEANING - Established for 30 years. 3 hours of cleaning for $60.00. Use time as you wish. English speaking *handscrub ﬂoors* Cleaning supplies included. Service guaranteed 954-524-3161

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GRATITUDE HOME CARE

Contact us for your free in-home evaluation today Phone: 561-685-5254 Email: gratitudehomecare@gmail.com http://gratitudehomecare.yolasite.com

PARIS AUTO REPAIR Honest, Genuine Auto Maintenance and Repair Complete in-house service Foreign & domestic including classic cars Same location since 1985 ONLY 4 BLOCKS from FAU main campus PARIS AUTO REPAIR

NOW HIRING 78

// 4.8.2015 // SFGN.com //

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1801 NW 1st Ct Boca Raton, FL 33432

561-395-7765 Ask for John (“Curly”)

licensed massage

painting

AFFORDABLE AWESOME MASSAGE BY JIM Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and LomiLomi Massage for Men; in a very comfortable, relaxed and Private Massage Studio, NOW conveniently located in Wilton Manors on NE 26th Street, with plenty of free parking. Same Day appointments are welcome; please call Jim, 954-600-5843 email: info@ massagebyjim.com or visit my website for testimonials, rates and more. GREAT OPENING SPECIAL NOW AVAILABLE! www.massagebyjim.com Licensed and CertiďŹ ed MM22293

GREGG'S PAINTING - Interior/exterior,great rates, friendliness, reliability, neatness. No job too small. Call Gregg at 617-306-5694 or 954-870-5972

lockout service

plumber

AAA BLOUNT PLUMBING Kitchen & Bathroom remodeling, sewers, plugged drains, new construction and underground leaks. Over 30 years of experience. 24 HR Service. Call Dan 954-980-7499 Lic# CFCO22525

piano lessons

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE PIANO? Learn from an experienced teacher. All levels and ages welcome. Learn to play classical, popular, jazz, or show tunes. Visit www.edwinchad.com or call 954-826-9555 for more information.

pets/supplies

spirituality

moving LOCAL AND LONG DISTANCE Icon Moving, your local licensed and insured moving company!Here to help with your moving needs,www.iconmoving. com for a free estimate! Can also do overseas 561-338-3157 $50 off when you mention ad!

rentals

MIKE THE RENTAL GUY NE Lauderdale/Wilton Manors/Oakland/Victoria Park-1/1 from $885 2/1 from $1090. Credit & Income Requirements-Pets okay with restrictions. Call for Details Mike 561-703-5533

rentals furnished housing

*PERFECT LOCATION RENTALS* 4 WEEK + SPECIAL FROM $395/WEEK - Intimate 7 unit Liberty Garden Suites offering all the comforts of home. Beautifully Furnished & Full Equipped Studio & One BR Apts. with Full Kitchens, in lush tropical resort setting. 5 Min south of Airport in Dania Beach. Central to Haulover Nude Beach & Wilton Manors. Incl. WI-Fi, laundry,private parking, utilities, cable, tel. Gay Owned & Operated. Longer term Monthly rates available for 3 months + Stays. Pets Always Welcome. Celebrating Our 18th Year. Call Joe or Jack at 954-927-0090 or visit www. LibertySuites.com

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .8.2015 //

// 4.8.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews