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Body Builder could be First Trans Man on Men’s Health Cover

Trans activist and body builder Aydian Dowling, 27, is ranked first in the Men’s Health “Ultimate Guy Search” and he’s not only winning, he’s killing it. The contest guidelines say that the fitness magazine is looking for a man who is “fit and fearless, a doer who gives back and leads by example."

themirrormag.co Aydian Dowling. Facebook.

HUNGARY FACES A HISTORIC STRUGGLE

SEX POSITIVE CULTURE CHALLENGES ETHICS

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Winter 2015

Suspect In Shooting Of Gay Man Alleges To Have Previous Victims Kenneth Morgan Stancil was arrested in Daytona Beach on Tuesday the 14th for the shooting of Ron Lane. Lane was an employee at Wayne Community College in North Carolina and was also openly gay. Stancil gave an exclusive interview to WRAL, Raleigh last Wednesday. In the interview, Stancil claims that Lane made sexual advances toward his

younger brother. Stancil also claims to have neo Nazi affiliations, to be anti gay, anti “race mixing,” and says he has stabbed three other victims including two black men and one Hispanic man. School officials say there were no complaints filed against Lane. Police have not been able to confirm any victims matching the descriptions given by Stancil.

Supreme Court Prepares to Hear Gay Marriage Cases

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As of April 20, Dowling dominated the leader board with 46,825 votes, with second place bringing in 9,893. Last year’s winner was Noah Galloway, an Iraq war veteran who lost his left arm and leg in an explosion during service.

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WINTER 2015 • Vol. 3 Issue

On April 28, the Supreme Court will begin hearing arguments from both sides of the gay marriage debate. The questions at hand will be whether or not the Fourteenth Amendment requires a state to license a marriage between two same sex people, and whether or not it requires states to recognize same sex marriages lawfully performed in another state. The original case, Obergefell v. Hodges

was filed in 2013 when Ohio resident Jim Obergefell sought to be listed as the surviving spouse on the death certificate of his ailing partner, John Arthur. The two had married in Maryland; the marriage was not recognized in Ohio. Since then the case has been MEMBER consolidated with three other cases, Tanco v. Haslam, DeBoer v. Snyder, and Bourke v. Beshear. See in-depth story on page 20.

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Wisconsin writer Tim Clausen will read passages from his new book, “Love Together: Longtime Male Companions on Healthy Intimacy and Communication,” on Saturday, April 25 at Outwords in Milwaukee. Clausen’s appearance at the gay bookstore is scheduled for 4 p.m. CT at the shop on 2710 N. Murray Ave. In his book, Clausen writes of gay men in long term relationships. One of those couples is John McNeill and Charlie Chiarelli, who live in Fort Lauderdale. McNeill, 91, is a World War II veteran and founder of the New York chapter of Dignity, a gay Catholic group. McNeill spoke to SFGN via telephone about his military service in Europe. He said he was captured by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge, imprisoned in a concentration camp and shrunk down to 80 pounds before being rescued by the Allies. “They were trying to starve us to death,” McNeill said. In an excerpt from the couple’s chapter, McNeill describes how he and Charlie found a spiritual home at Sunshine Cathedral. “So we go to Metropolitan Community Church,

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News Briefs

Barbara Kinney/Hillary Clinton/Facebook

Flip-Flop or Not: Hillary Clinton's 8-Year Political Evolution (CNN) Hillary Clinton is making a double-feature debut in New Hampshire on Monday: Her new presidential campaign and her new policy positions. As she begins the second week of her candidacy, Clinton has clarified -- or cleaned up -- where she stands on a few touchstone issues of the Democratic Party like gay marriage and immigration. Far more complicated is her view on trade, where she's now taking a cautious approach on a sweeping Pacific trade agreement that she fully supported as secretary of state. Clinton intends to keep the conversation focused squarely on the economy during her two-day visit to New Hampshire. She is not expected to respond to a critique from potential Democratic rivals that her new views were made just in time for her second White House bid. While Clinton has been a strong supporter of gay rights, she

said last year that same-sex marriage should be a state-by-state fight. Her campaign said she now believes gay marriage should be a constitutional right for everyone. She did not explain when or why her view changed, relying instead on a brief statement from her campaign to outline her new position. In her first campaign appearances last week in Iowa, Clinton did not publicly discuss gay marriage or another new view she now holds: undocumented immigrants should be allowed to receive driver's licenses. She also revealed that new position in a written statement, a change from her 2008 view that they should not have the right to obtain driver's licenses. Clinton must now decide when -- or whether -- she will openly discuss and elaborate on these changes or other views that have evolved since she ran for president eight years ago.

He said he's not asking customers about their sexuality, but same-sex couples who exhibit affectionate behavior openly will not get service. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is not prohibited in Michigan, but some municipalities have laws against it, according to the affiliate. Grandville is not one of them.

Dieseltec. Facebook.

Auto Repair Shop Says Yes Michigan To Gun Owners, No to Homosexuals

(CNN) -- A Michigan car repair shop owner says openly gay people are not welcome at his business. And gun owners are. Brian Klawiter owns Dieseltec shop in Grandville. In a statement this week on his company Facebook page, he urged gun owners to visit his business, promising a discount for those who do. "Enough is enough," his post said, declaring that the voices of conservative Americans are getting drowned out. He pledged to operate his business the way he sees fit. "I am a Christian. My company will be run in a way that reflects that. Dishonesty, thievery, immoral behavior, etc. will not be welcomed," he said. "I would not hesitate to refuse service to an openly gay person or persons. Homosexuality is wrong, period." In a follow up post, he said those who oppose his views can do so -- without threatening to kill his family and friends. "I will stand firm on my views and will not back down," he said. Klawiter said conservative Americans are entitled to free speech, too. "Apparently if you are white (or close to it), you have a job, go to church, and own a gun ... That translates into racists, privileged, bigot, conspiracy theorist. Too many of us say nothing. Well, freedom of speech isn't just for liberals." Klawiter told CNN affiliate WOOD TV he had to contact local authorities after protesters showed up at his home. He said he's received death threats and hundreds of calls from all over the country.

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

GOP Candidates Are Willing These To Attend Gay Weddings

(CNN) Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker told reporters Saturday night although he doesn't support same-sex marriage he attended a wedding reception for a gay relative. "Even though my position on marriage is still that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defined as between a man and a woman, and I support the constitution of the state but for someone I love, we've been to a reception," he said at the end of the GOP Summit in New Hampshire. Walker was asked if he would attend a same-sex wedding after finishing his remarks at a dinner in Nashua, New Hampshire -- a key primary state in the upcoming presidential election. Walker responded by saying it is a "personal issue" and cited the fact that the reception he went to was for a family member. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, told CBS' Bob Schieffer on Sunday's "Face the Nation" that he does not think being gay is a choice, and that states should have the leeway in deciding the legality of same-sex marriage. "I also don't believe that your sexual preferences are a choice for the vast and enormous majority of people," he said. "In fact, the bottom line is that I believe that sexual preference is something that people are born with." The first-term senator added that he doesn't believe samesex marriage is a constitutional right. "I believe the definition of the institution of marriage should be between one man and one woman," Rubio said. "States have always regulated marriage and if a state wants to have a different definition, you should petition the state legislature and have a political debate. I don't think courts should be making that decision." Same-sex marriage will likely be an issue in the 2016 campaign, with many in the Democratic field arguing there's a constitutional right to marriage for gay couples, and the GOP position ranging for direct opposition to arguing the right should be determined by individual states. And the Supreme

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Court is expected to rule soon on a case that would affect the right of same-sex couples to marry, likely furthering the political rhetoric on the topic no matter which way the case falls.

oter Initiative to Legalize Marijuana in Arizona Filed

(AP) A group that hopes to get voters to legalize recreational use of marijuana filed an initiative with Friday with the Arizona Secretary of State's office and will start a signature-gathering campaign to get it on the ballot. The Marijuana Policy Project and several other activist groups that filed the initiative need to gather more than 150,000 valid signatures by July 7, 2016 to get the initiative on the November 2016 ballot. The initiative would allow people age 21 years and older to grow and consume small amounts of marijuana. It also would set up a regulatory system allowing licensed businesses to grow and sell marijuana and let local governments oversee or prohibit pot businesses. Marijuana sales would be subject to Arizona sales tax plus a 15 percent tax to fund education. Carlos Alfaro, Arizona political director for the Marijuana Policy Project, said there were hurdles to overcome to get the initiative ready for filing but groups worked together to come up with solutions. "We are united in this effort to end marijuana prohibition and replace it with a system in which marijuana is regulated and taxed similarly to alcohol," Alfaro said. Arizona voters approved sales of medical marijuana in 2010 by a narrow margin of about 4,300 votes.

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News Briefs Continued

Bill Walker.

Gay Rights Groups Ask Alaska Gov. to End Marriage Ruling Appeal (AP) Alaska LGBT rights organizations have formally asked Gov. Bill Walker to end the state's appeal of a federal judge's decision overturning the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. The groups, including Identity Inc. and Alaskans Together for Equality, delivered the letter to Walker's office on Thursday. Besides ending the appeal, it also asks that state remove its name from a brief filed with U.S. Supreme Court in support of states that have defined marriage as between a man and woman. Caitlin Shortell, one of the attorneys who successfully

ay Chinese Activist More Determined After Lockup

(AP) The most prominent of five recently released Chinese women's rights activists feels her dedication to the cause has grown stronger after spending 37 days in detention with interrogators who blew smoke onto her face and insulted her sexual orientation, her girlfriend and her lawyer said. Li Tingting, 25, an openly lesbian campaigner for women's issues, has been at the center of an international outcry over China's detention of activists. Her girlfriend, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition she be identified only by her English name of Teresa, relayed comments from Li for the first time since the activist's conditional release from a Beijing jail last Monday. Teresa spoke in the presence of Li's lawyer Wang Yu, who also confirmed Li's comments. "'Feminism is my soul,'" Teresa quoted Li as saying. "'I thought a lot and came to believe what I do cannot be wrong. My belief is firmer. Feminism will surely be inseparable from me.'" Li and four other women, ranging in age from 25 to 32, were detained in a criminal investigation for their plans to hand out stickers and flyers denouncing sexual harassment, in a case reflecting the Chinese leadership's deep distrust of any efforts to organize civil action in a group outside the ruling Communist Party's control. Known for colorful, high-profile protests — from "potty parity" sit-ins to street theater denouncing spousal abuse — the five women drew what has been, for recent years, an unusual amount of attention overseas. Foreign governments, rights groups and luminaries including U.S. presidential candidate

Photo: Amnesty International.

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

sued to overturn the state's plan, told The Associated Press in an email that an online petition she started has more than 1,200 signatures. Those will be presented to Walker with another letter. Walker recently said he would have declined joining the brief filed with the Supreme Court if it were up to him. But it was his attorney general, Craig Richards, who moved ahead by adding the state's name to the brief. That has upset Democrats ahead of Richards' confirmation hearing on Sunday.

Hillary Clinton criticized the arrests as an overreaction by a repressive Chinese government, and urged Chinese authorities to drop the investigations against the women. China's Foreign Ministry has responded by saying the detentions are an internal affair being handled according to law, and urging foreign countries not to interfere. The five were released, but remain under investigation and have been told not to travel outside their home cities or meet journalists.

ourt Rules in Favor of Houston's Equal Rights Ordinance

(AP)A judge has knocked down a conservative court challenge to new protections Houston officials granted gay and transgender residents. State District Judge Robert Schaffer ruled Friday that the city of Houston was within its rights to reject a petition circulated by conservative activists that would have referred the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance to city voters. Schaffer agreed with city officials that the petition bore insufficient valid signatures to compel a referendum. Schaffer's ruling comes after a Harris County jury verdict that also sided with the city against the conservative activists. Houston Mayor Annise Parker, who is gay, hailed the ruling as "a great victory" and "a great day for civil rights in Houston." Andy Taylor, the petitioners' attorney, says his clients aren't giving up and plan to appeal the ruling.

ay Homeless Man Asks For Public Toilets

(John McDonald )Raymond Cox just wants a place to pee. That’s all. The homeless man is asking the City of Fort Lauderdale provide portable toilets downtown. “That’s my topic,” Cox said. “We need porta potties for the homeless.” Cox, 61, says he is a gay man who has lived the homeless life in Fort Lauderdale since 1980. He said he is a recovering alcoholic who was arrested in March of 2012 for urinating on the lawn in front of his apartment complex. “I had about four malt liquors in me,” he admitted. And so he just needed to pee. “[Anti-homeless] laws are passed in response to downtown commercial districts, homeowners being upset at property values decreasing, and the tourism industry,” said Tristia Bauman, a soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

senior attorney the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty. So she added, “the criminalization of homelessness has increased. These laws perpetuate homelessness and do not fix the problem.” Cox said he attends Fort Lauderdale City Commission meetings regularly as a homeless advocate. At his last appearance before the commission, Cox said, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler had police remove him from the meeting for speaking beyond his allotted time. Cox says he sleeps across from City Hall in a homeless camp with about twenty other people. He said Fort Lauderdale police have issued him a ticket for trespassing on public property, which amounts to a notice to appear in court, Cox said. Mike Lee, a public affairs officer for the City of Fort Lauderdale, said public restrooms are available at Mills Pond Park, Holiday Park and City Hall. Lee said he was not aware of any public restrooms open 24 hours in the downtown zone. Meanwhile, Cox said he lives in fear of the Fort Lauderdale police. “Our Fort Lauderdale cops are bullies with badges,” Cox said. “I’m not going to deal with them. It’s not safe.” By providing no public places to urinate downtown, and then arresting those that have to take a leak, it forces homeless people out of the area. But that doesn’t fix the problem. “Rather than resolving the heart of the issue, which is housing, they are abusing the criminal justice system,” she said. “It’s a temporary mask on the problem.”

news briefs

Continued

Porn Star Takes Own Life After Gay Allegedly Shooting At Restaurant

Christopher Luke McAteer. Facebook.

(EDGE) Kentucky police confirmed earlier this month that Christopher Luke McAteer, a model for the gay porn website Corbin Fisher where he performed under the name "Clay," committed suicide after he allegedly fired rounds at the restaurant where he worked, Str8UpGayPorn (NSFW) reports. He was 18. According to WECT news station, police from Owensboro, Ky., said that McAteer died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after employees at Ninki's Japanese Restaurant said McAteer and another worker got into a fight on April 5. McAteer was fired after making threats, and employees said he drove by the restaurant minutes later and fired five shots at the building. No one was hurt. According to authorities, McAteer was

later found dead after the incident. Str8UpGayPorn reports Corbin Fisher removed scenes featuring McAteer, where he appeared in three movies this year. According to the teen's obituary, McAteer was from Tennessee and "was reared in a Christian home where he was taught about the love and sovereignty of God." Str8UpGayPorn writes: "It's highly unusual for a gay porn studio to completely remove a performer's scenes from their website, regardless of what he may have done or how he may have died." The site notes of Corbin Fisher's model "Sean," who died of an apparent drug overdose in 2012, are still on the website.

ov. Jindal Vehemently Defends Religious Objections Bill

Bobby Jindal. CNN.

(AP) Gov. Bobby Jindal on Thursday gave a full-throated defense of a divisive religious objections bill that critics say could sanction discrimination against same-sex couples in Louisiana. The Republican governor's comments doubling down in support of the legislation came one day after computer giant IBM sent Jindal's office a letter signaling "strong" opposition to the bill. Jindal, speaking to reporters in a wideranging interview, attempted to flip the script on opponents by describing the bill as an antidiscrimination measure designed to protect Christians who are morally opposed to samesex marriage in an increasingly permissive society. "Religious liberty is not just about the ability to pray a couple of hours a week," said Jindal, who has presidential ambitions built on an appeal to evangelical Christians and social conservatives. "Religious liberty is about being able to live your life seven days a week according to your beliefs." The letter from IBM - which has plans for an 800-worker facility in Baton Rouge - cuts into

the business-friendly reputation Jindal has sought to cultivate and frequently touts. "A bill that legally protects discrimination based on same-sex marriage status will create a hostile environment for our current and prospective employees, and is antithetical to our company's values," wrote James M. Driesse, a senior state executive for the company. "IBM will find it much harder to attract talent to Louisiana if this bill is passed and enacted into law." As written, the "Marriage and Conscience Act" - a cornerstone of Jindal's legislative agenda - would prohibit the state from denying any resident or business a license, benefits, or tax deductions because of actions taken "in accordance with a religious belief or moral conviction" about marriage. Jindal and the bill's sponsor, Rep. Mike Johnson, R-Bossier City, say the measure would in no way condone discrimination against LGBT couples. But what exactly the bill would accomplish is the subject of heated debated, with critics and some legal experts arguing the bill would allow discrimination should gay marriage become legal in Louisiana. soflagaynews //

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rench Court Oks Adoption By Lesbian Partners

A French court approved adoption requests by four lesbians to adopt children born to their wives abroad through artificial insemination. While France has legalized same-sex marriages and adoptions, only heterosexual couples were permitted to use medically assisted fertilization. “One more small bastion falls,” said Catherine Clavin, an advocate for one of the couples through an interpreter. The decision to grant lesbian couples abroad fertilization rights came in an appeals court in Versailles, overturning a lower court ruling from a year ago. In that case, the court ruled lesbians committed fraud by having artificial insemination in Belgium.

gay

Reﬂects On Lost House Aiken Campaign

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Singer and recovering politician Clay Aiken appeared on the Real Time with Bill Maher show last week. Aiken, a gay man, was defeated last November in his first campaign for U.S. Congress. “The Republican party does a great job of demonizing someone,” said Aiken, 36, who is best known for his recording artist talents. Aiken, a Democrat, was criticized by Maher and other analysts for refusing to stand by the policies of U.S. President Barack Obama during the midterm elections of 2014. A native of North Carolina, Aiken told Maher the voting districts in his state are “gerrymandered to hell.”

Clay Aiken.

bisexual ichigan Man Detained Egging Incident

A bisexual man, attempting to vandalize a Michigan auto body shop, was detained by police and eventually let go with a warning. Patrick McElwee, told reporters that as a bisexual man he was angered by a Grandville, MI business owner’s decision to refuse service to openly gay people. McElwee, reportedly, took a carton of eggs to the shop to smear the business known as Dieseltec. One of Dieseltec’s regular customers confronted McElwee and kicked the carton of eggs out of his hands. McElwee told reporters he was detained by police and likely faces a fine for littering. Patrick McElwee, Facebook.

transgender Birth Certiﬁcate Bill Colorado Dies In Committee

A Colorado senate committee killed a bill that would have allowed transgender people to change the gender on their birth certificates even if they did not have surgery. The bill passed Colorado’s Democratically-controlled House, but fell on a 3-2 vote in the Senate’s Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. “Our bill died on a party line vote because a few Senate Republicans put party politics ahead of the lives of transgender Coloradans and their families,” One Colorado Executive Director David Montez told the Denver Post. Proponents of the bill said it would have put Colorado in line with federal regulations for changing passports.

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

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news election 2016

community announcement

White House Watch:

Compassion Conquers Hate Through Song and Dance

Lincoln Chafee

Phillip Collins

John McDonald

Former Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee is who SFGN is keeping tabs on in this week’s edition of White House Watch. The 62-year-old Rhode Island native was once called America’s No. 1 RINO (Republican In Name Only) but has since joined the Democratic Party. Chafee announced last week he was exploring a possible campaign for the U.S. Presidency, but it remains unclear if he has filed papers with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC). If Chafee runs, he would join former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the Democratic field. Chafee is already on record as saying Clinton is “a little too close to Wall Street.” Chafee’s political career is often referred to as an odyssey. He served in the U.S. Senate as a Republican, appointed to the seat after the sudden death of his father, John Chafee. As a Senator, Chafee earned his RINO reputation by refusing to get in line behind then President George W. Bush’s wartime agenda and blasting the Bush

administration over environmental policies. In 2011, Chafee won the Rhode Island governorship as an Independent but abandoned re-election plans in the face of low approval ratings. He officially switched to the Democratic Party in May of 2013, the same month in which he signed into law same-sex marriage in Rhode Island, the nation’s smallest state. “I am considering a run for the Presidency so that we can better direct our energies toward an age of lasting peace,” Chafee says in a video message on his website chafee2016.com.

What does it mean to a high school student body and town when one of its students cell phones his boyfriend, and discovers he has committed suicide because he is gay? Does anyone truly care? What does it mean to our South Florida community when two well established organizations dedicated to supporting the well- being of all join in community partnership outreach to support the selfempowerment of our youth? As Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney would say, “they put on a show,” to explain it all. This is exactly what is happening Saturday evening, May 9 at 8 p.m. when The Center For Spiritual Living (1550 NE 26th Street, Ft. Lauderdale) and The Lovewell Institute Coproduce the 45 member song and dance cast of “Find A Way.” The Lovewell Institute is the organization that produced the world acclaimed production of “Weight of Words,” dealing with bullying in our school systems. Under the guidance of the Lovewell professionally trained theatre staff, the student cast, ages 14-18, in a Broadway style production tell the story of a group of high school students grappling with the

demands of modern society – issues of sexual identity, self worth, domestic abuse, bullying, terrorism, hate crimes, violence on the street and racial discrimination are everyday occurrences for these kids. For 25 years Lovewell Institute has been empowering students, teachers, and artists to explore the creative process as a vehicle for social transformation. The Fort Lauderdale Center for Spiritual Living has been a cornerstone of spiritual support for our community for over 50 years. The Center provides spiritual tools to transform our personal lives and help make the world a better place. Following the production there will be an opportunity for the audience to interact with the cast. This large 45-member cast live theatre production is supported by the Broward School System, Broward Cultural Affairs. Tickets prices are $12 for adults and $5 for students and can be ordered at www.cslftl.org or purchased at the door. All proceeds go to support scholarships at Lovewell Institute and The Fort Lauderdale Center for Spiritual Living.

Contact Phillip Collins, 917-863-9184 or phillipecollins@aol.com.

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I refuse to let HIV get in the way of my busy schedule. I even have a cell phone app that reminds me to take my HIV meds. When I’m not working, I keep busy with boot camp, swimming, weight lifting, meditation, traveling and — oh yeah — karaoke. I know that the more control I have over my HIV, the less power I give to the virus. I take control by taking my HIV medication every day.

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

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“Think you can slow me down, HIV? Not in this lifetime.” Yuri - Miami, FL Living with HIV.

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news local

Miami Takes One Step Closer To Cure

Annual AIDS walk a time to reflect and refocus John McDonald

Photos: J.R. Davis.

The Miami event has helped bring awareness to the community for years.

In the smash Broadway hit musical “Rent,” as the actors struggle with a script detailing homelessness, poverty and disease, they sing a moving song. “No day but today, forget regret or life is yours to miss,” is one of the more memorable lines from the Jonathan Larson’s musical. For those who have been living with HIV/AIDS for decades, the song rings true. Survivors of a disease, that has claimed the lives of more than 39 million people globally since the first cases were reported in 1981, are often grateful for every new day. The World Health Organization states HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is the world’s leading infectious killer. Those who have lost friends, family and loved ones to AIDS are gathering Sunday in Miami Beach for the 27th Annual AIDS Walk Miami. This year’s theme is “One Step Closer to a Cure” and it steps off promptly at 9 a.m. at the Miami Beach Convention Center. “We walk together in unity,” said David Bromstad, grand marshal of the 2015 walk. In a press release issued by the walk’s presenting sponsor, Care Resource, Bromstad, a celebrated television personality known for his colorful design shows, struck a key balance in the walk’s purpose. “When we walk we walk for those who have died, for those who are suffering, for those who have lost loved ones,” Bromstad said. “But we walk for a promising tomorrow, when a cure wil finally put an end to HIV and AIDS. Let each step bring us closer to that day!” Robbin Simmons, an Emmy Award winning news reporter, joins Bromstad out front as the walk’s “master of ceremonies.” Simmons, coanchor of weekend editions of 7 News, stated the importance of testing. “Early detection and treatment can prolong

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

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lives for many,” Simmons said. “We can truly change the course of this epidemic when we're all in it together. Let's make the 2015 AIDS Walk Miami the biggest, best and most profitable!” In a February 2014 surveillance report released by the Florida Department of Health, an estimated 27,035 people were living with HIV/AIDS in Miami-Dade County. The walk of 3.1 miles begins promptly at 9 a.m. at 1901 Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach. To register, visit www.AIDSwalkmiami. org. Single registration is $25. Organizers are hoping to raise $250,000 at this year’s walk. “As Former Vice Mayor of Miami Beach it was always my pleasure to welcome the many volunteers and participants to the AIDS Walk every year. I have lost many friends over the years to this horrible disease,” said Michael C. Gongora, former Vice Mayor of Miami Beach. “Now we have more hope than ever for a cure as researchers have announced major steps forward in the battle against AIDS and the HIV virus. While we wait for a cure there are still millions impacted by AIDS and HIV. It is my great hope that this global pandemic, which has killed so many be eradicated in the near future. I urge you to join me at the AIDS Walk and in pledging your support.”

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// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (April 20, 2015) – Direct from New York City, renowned performance artist and cabaret singer Joey Arias will take the stage at the inaugural Diversity Honors, co-presented by the Harvey Milk Foundation and The Pride Center at Equality Park, and hosted by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 9. This milestone event will recognize national honorees Judy and Dennis Shepard, co-founders of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, plus several South Florida leaders who have made a significant impact on improving the quality of life for the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community. A fixture of New York City’s vibrant downtown performance scene for over 30 years, Joey Arias is a bona fide NYC icon. Arias lived and worked with legendary musician Klaus Nomi until Nomi’s death in 1983. Since then, he has gained fame in his own right as a performance artist, cabaret singer and drag artist. From outrageous performances at seminal New York nightclubs Jackie 60 and Squeezebox to the now-legendary nights at Bar d’O where he held court with Raven-O and Sherry Vine, Arias has distinguished himself with scandalous wit, sleek style and an extraordinary voice evocative of Lady Day, yet, uniquely his own. In a recent review by the New York Times, author Stephen Holden lauds Arias’ performance of Billie Holiday as “full of enthusiasm” and his up tempo songs “conveyed a kittenish delight that brought the program’s darker moments into sharper relief.” Time Out London shared “Eerie, entrancing, filthy and phenomenally talented, Arias is not to be missed,” Time Out New York gushed, “Joey Arias is a demigod of the demimonde” and the New York Daily News proclaimed Arias as a “…romantic, post-modern, transgender wonder.” Emceed by WSVN-TV’s Craig Stevens, the Diversity Honors gala will also celebrate South Florida forces for change including President and Founder of the Palm Beach County Human

Rights Council Rand Hoch, nationally recognized teen activist and honorary co-founder of the Transkids Purple Rainbow Foundation Jazz Jennings, celebrity entertainer Elaine Lancaster (James Davis), CEO of Planned Parenthood of South Florida Lillian Tamayo, 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida Miami Judge William Thomas and Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Dean Trantalis. Another highlight of the evening will be a compelling speech about the need for more education, greater acceptance and advocacy for equal rights delivered by Stuart Milk, co-founder and president of the Harvey Milk Foundation and nephew of the late civil rights icon, Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States who was assassinated shortly after winning a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Milk has spearheaded or played a vital role in award winning programing in 47 countries in support of the LGBT community and human rights. For more than a decade, he has been recognized with numerous global awards for his tireless volunteer leadership in some of the most challenging human rights environments on five continents. Honorary event hosts will include Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Senator Bill Nelson, City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler, Broward County Mayor Tim Ryan and City of Wilton Manors Mayor Gary Resnick. Diversity Honors sponsors include Serendipity Foundation, Ketel One, Whole Foods, Johnnie Walker, GPR | Goodman Public Relations, Over the Top Rental Linens, Mark Griffis, Metro Media Works and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Media sponsors include South Florida Gay News, Hotspots Magazine, Agenda, Genre Latino, Guy Magazine, Mark’s List, She Magazine, The Mirror, Wire and WSVN. Tickets for Diversity Honors are $150 per person. For reservations, visit www.diversityhonors.com.

About The Harvey Milk Foundation

Winter Arts Guide Editio GUIdE bEGINS ON PAGE 21

community announcement Joey Arias to Headline Inaugural Diversity Honors Gala on May 9

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The Harvey Milk Foundation is a global non-profit NGO that promotes Harvey Milk’s inspiring legacy through human rights education and global outreach. In 1977, Harvey Milk (1930-1978) became the first openly LGBT elected official to a major office in the United States. He was assassinated in San Francisco’s City Hall 11 months later. The all-volunteer run foundation was founded by Harvey's nephew, Stuart Milk, and Anne Kronenberg, Harvey's campaign manager and political aide. Today, the Harvey Milk Foundation provides on-the-ground support and award-winning programing to struggling and emerging LGBT communities on 5 continents with over four dozen dedicated volunteer leaders and long term partnerships in 31 nations. For more information, please visit www.milkfoundation.org.

About The Pride Center at Equality Park

For more than 20 years, The Pride Center has provided a welcoming, safe space – an inclusive home – that celebrates, nurtures and empowers the LGBT communities and our friends and neighbors in South Florida. The Pride Center’s programs and services meet the distinct socio-economic, health, spiritual, and safety needs of the LGBT community. It hosts more than 60 regular meeting groups each month and more than 35,000 adults and youth attend activities at the Center, each year. Outreach activities over the past year directly impacted 50,000 residents and visitors to South Florida. The Pride Center is a major site for HIV testing and prevention, education and counseling and offers holistic and comprehensive support programs for persons living with HIV/AIDS, including the nationally acclaimed PALS Project. For more information, visit www.pridecenterﬂorida.org.

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2056 North Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-561-3663

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Poverello

www.Poverello.org

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .22.2015 //

news national

Intersex Surgeries Spark Move Away From Drastic Treatment By Lindsey Tanner Associated Press

She was born to a young Chicago couple, named Jennifer, and grew into a beautiful long-lashed child with wavy dark hair, big brown eyes and a yearning, youthful desire to be just like all the other girls. Only she wasn't. Doctors first noticed her slightly enlarged genitals, and then discovered she had testes inside her abdomen and male chromosomes. And so began a series of surgeries to make things "right." Jennifer Pagonis was born intersex, an umbrella term for several conditions in which an infant's reproductive anatomy doesn't conform to standard definitions of male or female. The physical effects can be subtle, or very obvious. A century ago, intersex adults were top draws at circus sideshows. Then, as surgical techniques for ambiguous genitals evolved, doctors began performing surgeries on affected infants and encouraged parents to raise children as the sex they visibly resembled. Many families kept the conditions hidden, fearing stigma and shame. Pagonis' parents knew nothing about the conditions or about the surgeries' troubling risks, including damage to sexual function, satisfaction and psyche later on. Now, efforts are underway to change the way intersex children are treated. "The way that we took care of things in the past ... where there was a fair amount of secrecy, where there was surgery done in the infant state, and potentially irreversible surgery, is probably not the best way to go about things," said Dr. Earl Cheng, who runs the 2-year-old sex development disorders program at Chicago's Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital. The program is one of several nationwide that employ a team of specialists including surgeons, hormone experts, genetic counselors, psychologists and ethicists. The team helps families weigh their options, including whether surgery should be considered at all. Intersex activists advise against it and urge tolerance for affected kids. There's even an intersex character on television, introduced this season on MTV's "Faking It" series. It's a fitful evolution and a sign of the times, perhaps the natural next step in the gender-blurring evolution, with feminism and the gay- and transgender rights movements helping pave the way for more acceptance of people who don't fit the typical male or female mold. Intersex conditions are often confused with gender identity

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

issues, but they're different. Gender orientation refers to whether someone identifies as male, female, or something else; intersex involves reproductive anatomy. Some affected children have typical male or female chromosomes, but genetic glitches and hormonal problems that begin in the womb, cause genitals to resemble those of the opposite sex. Others have a malefemale blend of sex chromosomes and reproductive organs. Prevalence estimates vary, from more than 1 in 1,000 newborns, which includes conditions that involve mildly atypical genitals, to about 1 in 5,000 for more obvious cases. Experts say there's no evidence numbers are increasing, although rising awareness has led more families to seek treatment at specialty centers like the one in Chicago. The new treatment approach stems partly from a 2006 consensus statement on intersex disorders by U.S. and European medical specialists who advocated against knee-jerk surgeries and said older patients should be involved in some decisions. That year the American Academy of Pediatrics retired an old surgery-focused policy. The evolution is part of a trend in U.S. medicine toward better communication and more patient-focused treatment. With intersex conditions, these interactions can be fraught with emotion and controversy, and not all families are ready to embrace the change. Some still choose Jennifer Pagonis. Twitter. surgery, fearing that without it, their children will be considered freaks. "There was some angst about getting surgery done when she was an infant. I wouldn't let anyone baby-sit for her or change her diapers, other than my mom. I didn't want other people to know," says a suburban Chicago woman who agreed to speak with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to protect her 8-year-old daughter from possible public scorn. The girl has congenital adrenal hyperplasia, an intersex condition that caused boyish-looking genitals. It involves overproduction of male hormones and can be deadly unless lifelong hormone treatment is started quickly. Her parents agreed to a clitoris reduction. "I definitely had second thoughts about were we doing the right thing," her mom said. "I still feel like we made the right decision. Time will tell." Pagonis has a different condition involving male hormones - androgen insensitivity syndrome - but also had a clitoral reduction, and more. Undescended testes were removed to

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prevent them from developing cancer; some doctors now think affected children can be monitored instead. Pagonis was born without a uterus and a partial vagina that surgeons later extended so that as an adult she might have normal sexual intercourse, but Pagonis says she learned as a teenager that it was almost impossible. Pagonis knew her body was different, but didn't learn the full truth until a college instructor described the hormone syndrome. Pagonis phoned her mom after class to find out the name of her condition. "I was like, 'Oh. My. God! That's the thing the teacher was talking about ... ," said Pagonis, now 29. "And then I went into like a freefall." Pagonis struggled with depression and angst until meeting young intersex adults who've embraced their differences. Pagonis now uses the first name "Pidgeon," doesn't identify as female or male and works as an artist and intersex activist against surgery. Pagonis' advice for parents with intersex infants? "Take them home and love them ... just the way they are." Alice Dreger, a Northwestern University ethicist and author, says it makes sense for parents to raise affected kids as boys or girls. "But sometimes we get that gender assignment wrong. And in those cases it's particularly important that we've not done unnecessary interventions." A Columbia, South Carolina, couple who adopted a child with a condition similar to Pagonis's filed a landmark medical malpractice lawsuit over surgery performed after the birth parents lost custody. Doctors and social services authorities decided on operations to make him look like a girl, the 2013 lawsuit says. Representatives for the state and doctors declined comment. Pam and Mark Crawford, the adoptive parents, raised the child as a girl until he insisted he was a boy. The Crawfords worried that the gender switch "would offend people's sensitivity in the Bible Belt but that has not been the case at all," Mark Crawford said. He said their child, now 10, has been welcomed as a boy at school and church, and is doing well. An appeals court in January dismissed their federal complaint alleging the boy's constitutional rights were violated. The Crawfords' state lawsuit is likely to go to trial later this year. "What happened to our son is something that is pretty devastating. We feel like this is the only way we can have an influence on it not happening again," Pam Crawford said.

Online National Library of Medicine: http://tinyurl.com/26f7l5 Treatment guidelines: http://bit.ly/1CptvzA

news local

Impulse Group Accused Of Age Discrimination Outrage over pricing spreads like wildfire

John McDonald

Ride& ay

Impulse Group.

Age discrimination charges are being leveled against a local LGBT organization following a highly publicized pool party in Miami. Last week Impulse Group South Florida hosted a flashy event at the recently renovated Vagabond Hotel bringing their educational efforts to the historic location. Young men and women in swimsuits posed for pictures and videos, which were plastered all over social media sites for the event, titled “Get Wet.” Most of the postings included the hashtag, #JudgementIsDirty. Dirty or not, judgment came quickly when word spread of the party’s door charges. Those wishing to attend the event who were under the age of 40, were admitted free into the Vagabond, but if you were a 41-year-old or older then a $50 donation to the group was required. SFGN received numerous complaints both leading up to the event and all through the weekend. “I’m amazed at the invite I just received – free admission up to 40 years of age and $50 over 40,” writes Ed Stevens, in an email to SFGN. “In addition to whether this is even legal, it’s a shocking and blatant attempt to exclude mature people and another instance of how people in our community should know better, given the discrimination and judgements we face in the mainstream world. And I was looking forward to going back to this beautifully restored landmark.” Impulse Group is an organization that focuses on HIV education and prevention as well as the sexual and overall health of the gay community. It was founded and funded by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and has nine chapters, seven in the U.S, and two internationally.

SFGN contacted a member of Impulse Group South Florida, who said they would be issuing a statement addressing the age issue. SFGN though has yet to receive it. The group, however, is not the only LGBT organization to attempt to divide people by generations. Pride Center of Equality Park Chief Executive Officer Robert Boo defended his organization’s decision to charge less to younger people at a February event. Billed as “Evening In Paradise: Mykonos, Gods & Goddesses,” the event cost $125 per person — unless you were ages 18 to 35. In that case the ticket price was $50 per person. Boo said the discounted price had nothing to do with age discrimination, but rather encouraging younger people to join in community causes. “We offered a discounted price to get them more involved and to get that age group to participate more in community events,” Boo said. For Impulse Group, this decision is not a new policy. Last year on Fort Lauderdale Beach, the organization also charged older people more money for its pool party. This trend is what has so many people crying foul. More than 100 comments were posted on the Facebook event page for “Get Wet.” Many of which addressed the issue. “The distinct impression is not that they want older folks to fund the party, but that they don’t want them to attend at all. Just young, beautiful people, right? What’s next, keeping fat folks away?,” wrote Tori Bertran. Another commentator, Scott Pluto, defended the $50 cover charge, “Who wants old trolls there staring at young guys. It’s a young mans group….So what if they want to charge old people.”

Get on board for a day of fun

Saturday, April 25

Gather your friends and family to ride Tri-Rail and explore popular attractions in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Show your validated train ticket or current EASY card on this day to enjoy special admission prices and offers, plus family entertainment on two select trains.

Ride and Play at these popular venues: • Bayside Marketplace • CityPlace • Gulfstream Park

• Museum of Discovery and Science • Norton Museum of Art • Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

For special offers and train schedule, visit tri-rail.com or call 1-800-TRI-RAIL. Weekend train fares are $5 roundtrip; children under 5 ride free.

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Part of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .22.2015 //

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Campbell Foundation Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Staff Report

Photos: Campbell Foundation.

The Campbell Foundation, a Fort Lauderdale nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research into a cure for HIV, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a cocktail reception for supporters at the Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. More than 100 people were in attendance. A silent auction and raffle with items that included Miami Heat tickets, a spa day at Bloomingdale's and several pieces of original artwork and prints helped to raise approximately $20,000. Dr. Michael Sension, Medical Director of the Comprehensive Care Center gave the keynote address. A number of other nonprofit organization leaders who serve

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

Sean McShee

On April 3, 2015, SFGN interviewed Tami Haught, SeroProject Criminalization Conference Coordinator to discuss the HIV Criminalization Task Force in Florida.

Men have used the threat of these laws to keep HIV positive women from leaving them. After a break up, people have filed complaints based on these laws as revenge.

Could you deﬁne “HIV criminalization” for the readers of SFGN?

Could you discuss how HIV criminalization has worked in Florida?

“HIV criminalization” is the wrongful use of HIV status in a criminal prosecution, even when transmission was unlikely or impossible (a condom was used, the PLWHA had an undetectable viral load, or the behavior posed no risk of transmission, such as in biting, scratching, or spitting).

There have been 250 charges filed in Florida and 153 convictions in Florida from 1998 to 2012. So far, the project has not been able to get breakdowns by race, gender, or sexuality. Lambda Legal and the ACLU are involved in this project.

In discussions of HIV criminalization, “intent” has a similar importance to “consent” in discussions of sexual behavior. Could you explain how important “intent” is in this discussion?

the gay and lesbian community were on hand including those from Tuesday's Angels, Broward House, Latinos Salud and The Poverello Center. Many of them have been recipients of the Campbell Foundation's annual "holiday hug." In addition to funding research, each year the foundation hands out funding to nonprofit organizations that serve the HIVAIDS community year-round. Last year, 19 organizations around the country each received $2,000 to be used in whatever way they see fit. Since 1995, the foundation has been funding innovative and groundbreaking research by scientists around the world who are trying to find a cure for AIDS. It was founded by the late Richard Campbell Zahn who was a chemist and who died of AIDS — this is his legacy. During its 20 years, the Campbell Foundation has given away more than $9.5 million dollars, with about $1 million going to direct services.

For more information go to: CampbellFoundation.net 18

Interview with Tami Haught on HIV Criminalization

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The lack of intent is much easier to prove than intentional transmission. The lack of intent can be proven if you are doing everything right, like so many people living with HIV are. You’re taking your medication, you’re virally suppressed, or you’re using protection. Those defenses show that you are not intentionally trying to transmit HIV, because you are protecting yourself and your partner by taking your medications and using protection. Any of this would indicate an interest in not transmitting the virus, but under current HIV criminalization law, using a condom, or adhering to a medication regimen are irrelevant. These laws appear to be based on a “protectionist” model of sexuality rather than an empowerment model. Could you discuss how the “protectionist” model has the potential to harm the very people it’s supposed to beneﬁt?

When people think of sexual protection, generally it’s women being protected from men. Women, however, go to the doctor more often, and are more likely to take the HIV test than men are. These laws only target people who have taken the test and gotten their results.

You’re in Florida to set up an HIV Criminalization Task Force. Can you describe what you hope that Task Force will do?

The task force should include diverse people willing to advocate but also to reach out to legislators in Tallahassee for the reform of these laws. Floridians need to decide on how you want your laws to be modernized and what your political reality is. There will come a time when Floridians have to determine what is the minimal change that you will accept. We have to reach out to faith based communities, everyone. It is not an easy conversation to have. It often takes more than one conversation. We’re going to have to be ready for the long haul, be persistent, and never give up. Because it can be done, but it’s definitely not easy. Is there anything else you would like to say to the readers of SFGN?

We need your voices. We need your stories. Not just to legislators but also to other community members. It is by touching people’s hearts that we can make a difference to change the law. If people wanted to ﬁnd out more about the Florida HIV Criminalization Task Force, how could they?

To get involved with the Florida HIV Criminalization Task Force, people can email me at tami.haught@seroproject.com and I can get you added to the google group.

Fort Myers Event on HIV Criminalization On Monday, April 27, 2015 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., a forum on HIV criminalization will occur at Florida Department of Health in Lee County, 83 Pondella Rd., North Fort Myers, FL 33903. RSVP to Tami Haught at: tami.haught@seroproject.com

SouthFloridaGayNews

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Treasure Coast Pride

Jillian Melero

Sunday April 26 Photo: Facebook.

this event for me. It brings me so much hope for our future! The one thing I hope people get out of this event is a stronger sense of community as a whole,” Taylor said. The event's sponsors, Treasure Coast Pride Inc., have previously supported local LGBT groups and community organizations such as PFLAG of Vero Beach, Treasure Coast PFLAG, and the Council on Aging of St. Lucie. However this year the organization looks to restructure itself as ONE Treasure Coast, with a more inclusive organization, focused C on community outreach and education. To that end board president Cory Pfister, M and board director Julie Roberto say they’re most looking forward to breaking groundY on a new community center this year. One that can be a shared space for social outreach, CM education, and gathering. “I think breaking ground on MYthe community center is the biggest thing for our community right now. Over the years CY there have been so many different groups trying to accomplish this one goal and CMY I would love to see it happen,” Taylor said. K

After years of attending all of those other weddings...

it is finally time for you to say

Photo: JAG Studios www.jagstudios.net

The LGBT community along the Treasure Coasts boasts a small town feel with big heart and big hopes for the future. “Although we are by no means a big metropolis, we still have all the same diversity of people within our community. We have all walks of life, and we are proud of that,” said PrideFest co-host Shelita Taylor. Taylor has lived and worked on the Treasure Coast for 10 years. The Treasure Coast 11th annual pride fest is happening Sunday April 26 from noon to 6 p.m. It’s the areas only major pride festival, averaging between 3,000 and 4,000 guests on a good year. It’s free, and open to all ages. “Seeing all the kids having a great time always makes this event for me,” Shelita said. “I am hoping that this year's event connects with the youth of the Treasure Coast.” The Port St. Lucie Civic Center on the corner of US1 and Walton Road has hosted the event since 2009. The 7-year-old Civic Center is a 100,000 square foot facility that includes an art gallery, an outdoor plaza where the stage will be. A full liquor bar will be available. And an 800 space parking garage is adjacent. The day’s line up will include performances from DJ Joshua Atom, Jennell Eve and Random Play, Dominique Taylor, Mr. Unlimited FMI Shook ByNature, Organized Khaos, Buddy Love, Alyssa Monroe. More than 50 food and craft vendors will be on hand. Although she’s performed at the event before, this will be Shelita’s first year hosting the event, alongside friend and previous host Kelli Randell. “I am excited to be able to connect with everyone on a more personal level... Seeing all the kids having a great time always makes

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .22.2015 //

feature

Next Week Supreme Court Will Hear Marriage Cases

By Lisa Keen

Here’s everything you need to know

When the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments next Tuesday about marriage for same-sex couples, there is much more on the line than whether states can ban the licensing and recognition of marriage for same-sex couples. The court could also decide what level of judicial scrutiny must be applied to laws that seek to disadvantage LGBT people. At a time when some states are seeking to pass laws that enable people to discriminate by simply expressing a “religious” motivation, such a ruling could have far-reaching implications. And even beyond the law, a ruling that allowed discrimination against LGBT people under some circumstances or in some places could stall momentum that has been clearly building in favor of greater acceptance of LGBT people and their families. To help readers prep for the April 28 argument and the crush of media reporting on the case, the following is a quick guide to the issues, the attorneys, and what to listen for:

For states seeking to retain the bans: Joseph Whalen is one of two associate solicitors general for Tennessee. Whalen argued for Tennessee’s ban before the Sixth Circuit, saying it is rational to limit marriage to opposite-sex couples because only opposite-sex couples can procreate accidentally. This is his first time arguing before the Supreme Court. (45 minutes)

Attorneys Arguing Question 2:

Questions Posed By The Court

The court broke the issue into two questions: Question 1: Does the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution require a state to license a marriage between two people of the same sex? Question 2: Does the 14th Amendment require a state to recognize a marriage between two people of the same sex when their marriage was lawfully licensed and performed out-of-state? Petitioners bringing the appeal: There are 28 plaintiffs (called “petitioners” when appealing to the Supreme Court) from four states. The Michigan case arose when a lesbian couple sought to adopt children together but were prevented from doing so because that state’s law allows only married persons to adopt children. The Ohio lawsuit involves 12 plaintiffs denied rights in three different circumstances: while seeking a death certificate that identified the deceased’s spouse, while seeking a birth certificate that listed both legal parents, and seeking recognition of marriage licenses obtained in other states. The Tennessee lawsuit was brought by three same-sex couples who married while living in other states, then moved to Tennessee. And the Kentucky lawsuit was filed on behalf of four same-sex couples married in other states who sought recognition from Kentucky.

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

Bob Kovach. CNN.

Petitioners Bringing The Appeal

There are 28 plaintiffs (called “petitioners” when appealing to the Supreme Court) from four states. The Michigan case arose when a lesbian couple sought to adopt children together but were prevented from doing so because that state’s law allows only married persons to adopt children. The Ohio lawsuit involves 12 plaintiffs denied rights in three different circumstances: while seeking a death certificate that identified the deceased’s spouse, while seeking a birth certificate that listed both legal parents, and seeking recognition of marriage licenses obtained in other states. The Tennessee lawsuit was brought by three same-sex couples who married while living in other states, then moved to Tennessee. And the Kentucky lawsuit was filed on behalf of four same-sex couples married in other states who sought recognition from Kentucky.

soflagaynews //

Attorneys Arguing Question 1:

For same-sex couple plaintiffs: Douglas Hallward-Driermeier, partner at prominent conservative-leaning Ropes & Gray and head of its Supreme Court practice. He served as Assistant to Republican Solicitor General Paul Clement during the administration of President George W. Bush and handled Supreme Court litigation for the U.S. Department of Justice. An article in the Journal of Law for Emory University School of Law said Hallward-Driemeier ranked 26th among the most frequent Supreme Court advocates between 2000 and 2012, having argued 13 cases. (30 minutes) For states seeking to retain the bans: John Bursch, special assistant attorney general and former solicitor general of Michigan. Bursch did not argue the case before the Sixth Circuit. Michigan’s primary argument has been that the democratic process allows “the people get to decide what marriage is.” Bursch has argued eight cases before the Supreme Court and is fond of bow ties. (30 minutes)

For same-sex couple plaintiffs: Mary Bonauto, civil rights director of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders. Bonauto led the successful lawsuit that established the right to marry for same-sex couples in Massachusetts, the first state to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. History Behind The Appeal This is her first time In early June 2013, arguing before the only 12 states had Supreme Court. (She paved the way for Question 1: has 30 minutes) same-sex couples Does the 14th For the United to obtain marriage States: U.S. Solicitor Amendment of the licenses. On June 26 General Donald U.S. Constitution of that year, the high Verrilli is expected require a state to court made that 13 by to present the U.S.’s license a marriage letting stand a Ninth position against Circuit ruling against between two people state bans on sameCalifornia’s ban. It of the same sex? sex marriage. In did not rule whether 2013, Verrilli argued California’s ban was against the Defense of unconstitutional; it Marriage Act in U.S. v. Windsor and against ruled only that the party who brought an California’s ban on same-sex marriage in appeal seeking to defend the ban did not Hollingsworth v. Perry. (15 minutes) have legal standing to do so. That prompted

SouthFloridaGayNews

FOLLOWING THE CASES ing ppeal beour a e h T : of f me Case Na a consolidation Hodges is heard Obergefell v. Ohio; cases, o. 14-556) fromNo. 14(Case N. Haslam (Case DeBoer Tanco vom Tennessee; 14-571) 562) fr er (Case No. urke v. v. Snydichigan; and Bo 4) from from M (Case No. 14-57 Beshear y. Kentuck

marriage equality supporters to file lawsuits in every other state that had a ban, with the aim of putting another case in front of the Supreme Court seeking a ruling on merits. Four federal appeals courts ruled that the state bans are unconstitutional, and the Supreme Court declined to hear those appeals last fall. But then one circuit, the Sixth Circuit, ruled the bans to be constitutional, and that essentially forced the Supreme Court to step in and resolve the conflict among the appeals courts.

What Are The Stakes?

The decision in this case has the potential to reach far beyond marriage in two ways. First, if equal protection applies to samesex couples under marriage laws, then LGBT people could presumably rely on existing laws for equal protection in other arenas, including employment, public accommodations, and adoption. , And, second, in deciding this case, the court could dictate what level of judicial scrutiny all courts must apply to laws that discriminate against people based on sexual orientation. The argument brief submitted by Verrilli and the Department of Justice urges the court to use “heightened scrutiny,” an intermediate level of judicial review that is easier to meet than “strict scrutiny,” but much more difficult to satisfy than mere “rational” review, which most courts use now.

om ril 28, fr nts p A , y a d e ues um When: T DT. The oral arg t there E u . 10 a.m broadcast, b n and are not many televisioporting will be ews outlets re oon as radio n arguments as s 12:30 on the e completed at g and they ar audio recordinnts will p.m. An t of the argumeupreme transcripable on the S . be availwebsite by 2 p.m Court’s

THROUGH THE SUPREME COURT

Questions posed by the Court: Question 1: Does the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution require a state to license a marriage between two people of the same sex?

ates y: Whether st Issue in pla ate against samecan discrimin the licensing and sex couples inf marriage. recognition o

Question Amendmen2: Does the 14th recognize t require a state to two people a marriage between their mar of the same sex when licensed anriage was lawfully d performe state? d out-of-

States De the Bans: Kentufending Ohio, and Te cky, Michigan, are among nnessee. They that still the 13 states against sameenforce bans But if the ba -sex marriage. another 10 ns are upheld, likely re-star states would of bans that enforcement struck by oth t have been er circuits.

Four federal appeals courts ruled that the state bans are unconstitutional, and the Supreme Court declined to hear those appeals last fall. soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .22.2015 //

feature

CIA Pitches Tent At Miami Beach Gay Pride Part 3 of SFGN’s 4-part series on LGBT in the CIA

John McDonald

Why Pay More?

DECADES Past & Present Home Furnishing

To see inventory 22

The parade flowed along Ocean Drive in a festive theme. Shirtless men and bikini-clad women were everywhere. Temperatures climbed into the 80s. This was Miami Beach Gay Pride in a view from under a tent inside Lummus Park. A tent sponsored by the CIA. The intelligence agency joined the event last Saturday, setting up a table and handing out brochures about working for the nation. This was another effort by ANGLE, the LGBT employee resource group at the Central Intelligence Agency. Angle was created by Tracy, who identifies as a lesbian, in 1996. Tracy spoke with SFGN during the pride parade, watching carefully the activity around her. Some of the chatter around the tent related to parade grand marshal, Mario Lopez and the straight actor’s selection to headline this annual gay event. Tracy, who works in the agency’s Directorate of Science & Technology, said it would be wrong to criticize Lopez’ inclusion. “We should be accepting of all,” Tracy said. Lopez is married to a Broadway actress, Courtney, and the couple have two small children. His story converged with that of more than 130,000 people who descended on Miami Beach last weekend. The CIA tent and outreach efforts caught some off-guard, said Chris, an officer for the agency. Chris, a 40-yearold gay man, works at the CIA’s Center for Mission of Diversity and Inclusion. He joined Tracy and SFGN under the tent during Sunday’s parade day. Chris had recently returned from Oregon where he participated on a panel discussion, which featured a medical prodigy, who was developing a test for early cancer detection. Chris said he found the young man interesting. “I’m a liaison to our recruiters,” he said. “My job is to establish a relationship for our national recruiter in the midAtlantic area.”

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Chris said the agency looks for every skill set when making a hire. “We have so many positions at the agency,” he said. One of 17 U.S. Intelligence agencies, CIA is responsible for collecting, analyzing and disseminating information to top U.S. government officials. Their presence at Miami Beach Gay Pride is the result of ANGLE. And just a few feet away, on Saturday, ANGLE saw its opposition. Standing behind barricades, with police all around, protestors with bullhorns blasted Bible readings. It is usually part of the script at gay prides, although as LGBT life becomes more accepted in America, the protests have shrunk. “They’re just looking for a reaction,” Tracy said. For lesbians at CIA, Tracy said ANGLE provides support through meetings, conferences and field trips. She said she was particularly fond of the Pacific Northwest region of the country and remarked how Seattle had a naked cycling event and Washington was home to beautiful national parks. The CIA’s display at Miami Beach Gay Pride was an effort to let the LGBT community know the federal government is accepting of LGBT people in the workplace and in hiring. This move to equality did not happen overnight, said Chris, but was assisted by previous generations. “We have a lot of senior champions at the agency,” Chris said. “There has definitely been a change in the culture. Before, a lot of people, were scared to say they were gay.” For the CIA, members of Angle are looking forward to the next Pride gathering. Chris said the Washington, D.C. parade is typically in the evening when cooler conditions make work all the better.

Next week, read part four of four in our series. Read SFGN's CIA series online at SFGN.com/CIA

Decades Jerry Chafﬁ

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

Photo: J.R. Davis.

SouthFloridaGayNews

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .22.2015 //

guest editorial

Keith Stroup

It’s 420 Again! Let’s Proudly Celebrate!

Legal Counsel, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws

As Joe Cocker famously pleaded in 1969 at Woodstock, “Let’s go get stoned.” Happy 4/20 to marijuana smokers throughout the land. Today is our annual holiday, an occasion to celebrate all things related to marijuana and marijuana smoking. Legalizing marijuana is serious business, and it requires the cumulative, ongoing effort of thousands of hard-working, committed citizen-activists to end prohibition and change state and federal policies that have been in place for more than 75 years. More than 700,000 Americans continue to be arrested each year on marijuana charges, needlessly damaging the lives and careers of these otherwise law-abiding citizens who prefer to smoke marijuana when they relax in the evening, just as millions of other Americans enjoy a beer or a glass of wine when they relax. And certainly the need to stop arresting responsible marijuana smokers must remain our top priority. But these occasional cultural celebrations, including the High Times Cannabis Cups, the Seattle Hempfest, and the Boston Freedom Rally, as well as scores of smaller celebrations all across the country, also play a valuable role in the broader legalization movement. Admittedly those elected public officials who continue to cling to their outdated, biased anti-marijuana views will not likely be converted by these public demonstrations of popular support. But these celebrations are aimed inward, to our own culture. They remind us that, while marijuana smoking remains risky behavior legally in many states today, as smokers we are not alone, nor should we feel embarrassed or defensive about our use of marijuana. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the responsible use of marijuana and these events provide us a chance to come out-of-the-closet and stand tall and proudly proclaim our support for legalizing marijuana. They have become powerful

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

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celebrations of personal freedom. Following 75 years of prohibition, the tens of millions of marijuana smokers in America (and tens of millions more across the globe) feel a personal connection, based on our common use of a forbidden substance, despite some personal risk to all involved. By prohibiting marijuana, the government has inadvertently created a bond of trust among all of us who smoke; they have created a community in which the definition of who belongs is whether you smoke marijuana. As a result, these events reinforce our sense of community, and will continue long after marijuana has been legalized throughout the country. Marijuana smokers, now that we have tasted a bit of personal freedom, are not about to go back into the closet, and we will continue to find comfort in public gatherings with like-minded citizens, to celebrate marijuana. We need to use these public events to demonstrate that our culture is a significant and growing part of the broader community, and one that is entitled to be heard on matters affecting our lives. And as we move forward, with bigger and bigger crowds wanting to share in these public demonstrations against prohibition, marijuana smoking will continue to become more acceptable and more mainstream. So today, on 4/20, the national holiday for marijuana smokers, let’s relax and proudly celebrate marijuana with our friends and family and colleagues. Even those committed to social change occasionally need a day off, to relax and have fun. And let’s pledge to return tomorrow with new energy to the hard work that lies ahead, as we again refocus on ending marijuana prohibition, stopping the arrest of smokers, and establishing a legally regulated market where consumers can obtain their marijuana in a safe and secure setting. But for today, as Cocker implored, "let’s go get stoned"!

Gazette Wilton Manors

Volume 2 • Issue 8 April 22, 2015

Twice-Monthly Neighborhood Outlook

Page 2 Thank You Wilton Manors

Page 3 Real Estate Geek

Page 6

House Fix-Up Underway

Page 7 Bike Safety Awareness

Page 8 Calendar

Stonewall Festival On June 20 Wilton Manors hosts inclusive festival to celebrate history Page 5 Stonewall at Miami Pride. Facebook.

Concerns Over Shopping Center Page 4

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Opinion

Thank you . Wilton Manors…

By Sal Torre

Gazette Wilton Manors

APRIL 22, 2015 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 8 2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

PUBLISHER • NORM KENT NORM.KENT@SFGN.COM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER • PIER ANGELO GUIDUGLI ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / EXECUTIVE EDITOR • JASON PARSLEY JASON.PARSLEY@SFGN.COM

Editorial

ART DIRECTOR • BRENDON LIES ARTWORK@SFGN.COM ONLINE PRODUCER • DENNIS JOZEFOWICZ DENNIS.JOZEFOWICZ@SFGN.COM EDITORIAL ASSISTANT • JILLIAN MELERO JILLIANMELERO@GMAIL.COM

Correspondents

MICHAEL D’OLIVEIRA • CHRISTIANA LILLY • DENISE ROYAL • NATALYA JONES • JOHN MCDONALD • JAMES OAKSUN

Staff Photographers

City of Wilton Manors. Facebook.

After a busy week of work, community meetings and social engagements, I am grateful to be home tonight writing this column and having a chance to relax. As I sit and wonder what to write about, the two words that keep coming into focus are community and thankfulness. A few different words might have been used earlier in the week as I scrambled to accommodate all that needed to be done. This community we call Wilton Manors has so much to offer, along with many wonderful people from all different paths that grace us with unimaginable energy, history, generosity, and hope. From people who serve on City Boards and Committees, to sports leagues, neighborhood associations, social groups, the Pride Center, and much more, we engage on a daily basis with so many different people who are very happy to call Wilton Manors home. Last Thursday night at the Westside Association meeting, we did not have angry residents showing up to complain and look for city officials to blame. We had residents coming together to hear about the positive changes taking place in our neighborhood, thanks to the hard work of so many in our community and the commitment by our city leaders and staff. We received updates on the re-purposing of a neglected facility to the new Mickel Park for all city residents to enjoy, updates from Code Enforcement on changes recently implemented to make the department more responsive to residents’ concerns, a very enthusiastic update from our Police Department on how recent initiatives have decreased criminal activity and made noticeable differences throughout the Westside. All of this is a direct result of community activism, of a community coming together to find ways of moving forward, and not by just pointing fingers and laying blame. That is why I find myself tonight

feeling very thankful; because this community has come together with a common goal of making this place we call Wilton Manors the best community in South Florida. As we all look ahead to enjoy the upcoming weekend, let us not take this whole process for granted. Community service and community activism take time, commitment, frustration, and a lot of hard work. It also requires each and every one of us to become involved in some manner. However, the rewards one reaps are far greater than the labor put forth. I urge residents to join their neighborhood association as a first step in becoming an engaged citizen of our community. There are three different neighborhood associations depending on where you live: East Neighborhood Association, Central Area Neighborhood Association and the Westside Association of Wilton Manors. You can get more information on the neighborhood associations from the city’s website, www. wiltonmanors.com. While you are visiting the city’s website, take a few minutes and look at the various boards and committees residents serve on, what is happening around town, and all the great information that the site has to offer. A community is not just people who live in a defined area. Community is the interaction of various kinds of individuals who share a common interest while living together in a defined area. With so many residents volunteering, participating, and taking an active interest in our city, this community we call Wilton Manors has a lot to be thankful for. WMG

J.R. DAVIS • POMPANO BILL • STEVEN SHIRES

Sales & Marketing

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

Associated Press

The Goals and Objectives Workshop begins at 6:30 pm on April 7. Meetings are held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, and all are welcome to attend. Parking is free during all city meetings.

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SouthFloridaGayNews April 22, 2015

Real Estate Geek

How to Identify Emerging Neighborhoods By James Oaksun

Flickr User: WoodleyWonderWorks.

In my last column I began a multi-part series on affordable housing. Let's be honest – valuations in the “demand” neighborhoods of South Florida are high, driven in large measure by people relocating here from even stronger real estate markets or from outside the U.S. I suggested a two-pronged strategy of finding areas that might be poised for price appreciation above the market average, and investing “sweat equity” in making certain improvements that will increase the property value by more than the cost of the improvements. Let's start with macro neighborhood evaluation. Understand that I'm not going to give away my trade secrets. (There is always a price, of course. Let me know.) Because of my long background in analyzing very large datasets, I have constructed a proprietary database of neighborhoods at a very granular level (much more specific than city, or even zip code). I constantly work at refining this data, adding variables, seeking better information, better predictions. Considering Miami-Dade and Broward Counties as a whole, there are roughly 850 neighborhoods in my dataset. Some of these, in my opinion, represent excellent long-term values for buyers and investors, based on the fact that they share certain common

characteristics with neighborhoods that already have relatively stronger valuations. Oftentimes, all one has to do is buy and wait. The catalysts of appreciation are present, and in my opinion will be recognized by the market, eventually. No it's not a “sell in six months for big profit” strategy. It can be rewarding, however, to get there first, and be part of a renaissance that probably will be coming. The first and most important point is that in my opinion Broward County has the best long term appreciation potential in southeast Florida. Parts of Palm Beach County are workable, but I think the potential in Broward is greater. It's not that I dislike or disapprove of Miami-Dade; quite the contrary. I spend a lot of time there. But my quest is in finding value and potential, and I think the opportunities in select parts of Broward are superior. Of course Miami-Dade is an easier sell, particularly to international buyers. This is changing, though, and that change will accelerate. I have found that, all other things being equal, prices of comparable properties can be 30-50 percent higher in Miami-Dade than in Broward. Unless one is independently wealthy, that adds pressure to affordability that can be mitigated with consideration of Broward. Let's consider another factor useful in identifying diamonds in the rough – proximity to the water. What “sells” Florida for many people is the nearness to the ocean (or Gulf, if you're on the Left Coast). All other things being equal, people are going to want to live closer to the water than farther from it. But it's a balancing act. I say this for two reasons. When you are east of Federal, for example, many of the properties have deep-water access and no fixed bridges to deal with. Consequently they are desirable for people with large yachts and large checkbooks. As I constructed GeekVal(SM), my proprietary pricing model, I found a huge premium for waterfront properties with no fixed bridge access. A waterfront home east of Federal can

City of Wilton Manors. Facebook.

sell for several hundred thousand dollars more than a comparable home down the street that does not have water access. There is also the matter of flood risk to consider. No, I'm not going to get all political with you, just to say that reasonably-priced flood insurance for at-risk areas comes to us through the continued good graces of the Federal Government, with the “assistance” of the National Association of Realtors. And political winds can be, well, variable. Still, my research suggests there is a “sweet spot” where properties are close enough to the water to be attractive to a wider resale market, but without necessarily having to pay the premium for ocean access or bear extraordinary flood risk. So in wrapping up, we have the first two ingredients in the Broward's Real Estate Geek(SM) Guidebook for Great Values in South Florida Real Estate: Focus on Broward County; and don't get too far away from the ocean. The next column will describe the three other ingredients. WMG James Oaksun, Broward's Real Estate GeekSM, is a Realtor with the Wilton Manors office of RE/ MAX Preferred. In addition to having degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a graduate of the Realtors Institute (GRI).

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Business

Mayor Calls Shopping Center An “Eyesore”

No plans in the works to ﬁx up property By Michael d’Oliveira

A lack of landscaping, degrading pavement and fading parking striping at the shopping center on Northeast 26th Street and Northeast 15 Avenue has caught the eye of city officials. “The property is a tremendous eyesore and it’s causing businesses not to relocate in the city. We’ve got lots of calls from residents complaining,” said Mayor Gary Resnick at a previous commission meeting. Vice Mayor Scott Newton disagreed with Resnick that the shopping center’s condition was causing businesses not to open in the city. “I wouldn’t say that. It hurts the businesses located there now,” Newton said. Either way, Resnick said he’d like to try and “put some pressure on them” to fix-up the property. But pressure is all the city can do for now.

According to Roberta Moore, director of Community Development Services, the shopping center, officially known as Manor Gates, predates the city’s code rules and city officials can’t force the owner to make improvements. “We can’t cite them because they’re grandfathered in,” Moore said. She added that the only way the city can force improvements to be made is to deny building permits if the owners apply for them. Lori Cobb, property manager for Manor Gates, said there are no plans for redevelopment of the property. Originally built in 1959, the shopping center is home to Lotus Chinese Kitchen, Jimmie’s Chocolates and the Wilton Theatre Auction Gallery. It was sold in July of 2014 for $4.2 million to Martin and Constance Silver. Old Florida Seafood was also located there until it closed recently. WMG

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SouthFloridaGayNews April 22, 2015

Stonewall Festival Set for June 20

Community

Parade will begin at 6 p.m.; parking will cost $15

By Michael d’Oliveira Residents and business owners who spoke out against a proposed 11 a.m. start time for this year’s Stonewall festival parade will get their wish. It’s now scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Scheduled for Saturday, June 20 along Wilton Drive, attendees can start checking out the vendors at 1 p.m. and stay for the 6 p.m. parade. The festival, normally two days, was scaled back to one day this year. At the March 24 commission meeting, the Stonewall Entertainment Committee, a group of residents and business owners appointed by the city to help organize the event, originally suggested an 11 a.m. start time for the parade. Other business owners and residents disagreed and suggested 7 p.m. was a better time. Nick Berry, co-owner of Shawn and Nick’s Courtyard Café and Rumors, both on Wilton Drive, said 7 p.m. is a “great time” to have the parade. Having it earlier, he said, could mean less participation because people might go home after an earlier parade and not stick around to patronize the bars, restaurants and other businesses along Wilton Drive. “Do you want people drinking for five hours or seven?” he asked commissioners.

Victor Sepka, owner of Boardwalk in Fort Lauderdale, said an earlier parade would mean his bartenders, who work late, and make up an important part of his parade entry, would not be able to participate. “[Having it at 11 a.m.] it’s just too long of a day for everyone,” said Paul Hugo, owner of The Venue on Wilton Drive. Resident Doug Blevins said the heat and weather would also be a factor for an earlier parade and proposed keeping it at 7 p.m. “Having worked on a couple of these events, it’s the best time.” The cost of parking is also changing, from $10 to $15. Commissioners approved the increase 4-0 at their April 14 meeting. Commissioner Tom Green was absent. Originally, it was suggested by the committee that the cost of parking might be doubled to $20 but commissioners were uneasy with such a large increase. “$20 sounds high but that’s up to you,” said Mayor Gary Resnick in March. Parking will be available at Richardson Park, 1937 Wilton Drive, and Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive. Private lots will also offer parking. Wilton Drive will be closed from 4:30 a.m. on June

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20 to 4 a.m. on June 21. To close the street, the city has budgeted $4,000 and is waiving the $2,000 event permit fee and the $2,500 building permit fees. The cost to provide security is about $15,000. Business, non-profits and other organizations can rent booth space. As for the event itself, Sterling said the entertainment acts would be announced within a couple weeks. Jeff Sterling, executive manager of the Entertainment Committee, said he’s very positive about the event and, as a resident and business owner, he’s glad the city is organizing it. WMG For more information, visit WiltonManorsStonewall.com.

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Business

Dilapidated House Sees Improvement Residents have been complaining for over a year

By Michael d’Oliveira

ADVERTISE IN THE

GAZETTE AS LITTLE AS $75

The windows are still boarded up, wires hang unsecured and trash is strewn in front of and around the sides of the house here at 832 NW 30 Ct., located near the corner of Oakland Park Boulevard and Powerline Road. But with a new roof and cleaned-up pool, neighbors and nearby residents say they’re glad to see some progress finally happening after years of neglect. “That [new roof is] a start. Hopefully, that will not be the end of it,” said John Bell, who lives across from the house. He added that a lot of homeless people loiter on the property. “It’s a nice piece of property, if it were done right.” Sal Torre, president of the Westside Association of Wilton Manors, said he’s ecstatic that, after years of neglect, the house is finally being fixed-up. “It’s moving along. No longer will it be an eyesore.” That optimism is in stark contrast to statements made at a commission meeting last year. At that meeting, residents of the northwest section of the city complained that city officials had ignored the house’s problems and their entire area of the city. One resident even threatened to sue the city if it didn’t take action. Commissioner Julie Carson said the

EACH ISSUE!

house’s neglected state was something found elsewhere in the city and not unique to the western portion. “Our goal is to make sure it happens nowhere,” she said. Officials promised action and directed the city attorney to start foreclosure proceedings to force the sale of the home to a new owner who would make it habitable and more aesthetically acceptable. The city filed a foreclosure complaint with Broward County in May of 2014. In January, the house was purchased by Jazbrowhomes for $140,000. The new owners have also filed a permit for electrical work. As for further improvements, Lori English, a representative for Jazbrowhomes, declined to give details. WMG

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Community

Bike Safety Day on May 2

City pushes to become more bike-friendly By Michael d’Oliveira

When Isaac Brooks experienced his third near miss of a bicyclist, he knew it was time to try and do something about it. “I had been in the area and almost hit two or three people at night that didn’t have lights on their bicycles,” Brooks said. So Brooks, a resident and member of the Wilton Manors Community Affairs Advisory Board [CAAB], suggested CAAB hold an event to promote bicycle safety. “We’ve got to at least try and do something to get the residents to follow the law and make it safe for them to ride their bikes.” Out of that, Bike Safety Day was organized and will be held on Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Hagen Park parking lot, 2020 Wilton Drive. The event coincides with National Bike Safety Month and includes an obstacle course, bike safety inspections, presentations, helmet and light giveaways and bike registration by the police department. Participants must be Wilton Manors residents and provide a driver’s license or city utility bill. Michael Rajner, chairman of CABB, said the event is “a great way to highlight what’s going on in the city” in terms of the new bike lanes that were added recently along Dixie Highway north of Five Points. The city has received $1 million to improve Dixie Highway south of Five Points to the Middle River and

preliminary approval for $1 million to improve Northeast 26 Street between Andrews Avenue and Five Points. Both projects will include improved bike lanes along with improvements for pedestrians. The Dixie project has already been approved but the Northeast 26 Street project has to receive final approval from state officials. But rather than create wider bike lanes to make the road safer for bicyclists, state officials have, as they did with Dixie Highway, added shared lane markings to the road. The markings, a bicycle symbol with two lines above it, mean bicyclists have the right to use the entire traffic lane.

ADVERTISE IN THE

GAZETTE AS LITTLE AS $75

EACH ISSUE!

WMG

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Calendar of Events

Compiled from the Wilton Manors website

"Tip a (WMPD) Cop" at Courtyard Cafe to Beneﬁt Special Olympics April 3, 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Shawn and Nick's Courtyard Café hosts Wilton Manors Police Officers as celebrity waiters to benefit the Special Olympics Florida in their "tip-a-cop" fundraising drive. Join our amazing Officers as they give new meaning to "protect and serve"!

Free Tax Assistance April 4, 11 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library

Wilton Manors Green Market April 4, 5 & 11, 12 & 18, 19 & 25, 26 — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park

Wilton Manors Green Market every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.– 2 p.m. in the Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park parking lot. The Market features Organic Produce, Regular Produce, International Baked Goods, specialty items, spices & herbs, soups, cheeses, coffees & tea, bagels, Nuts & dried fruits, baked goods, and various other international and local vendors. The Market gives residents and visitors to Wilton Manors an exciting shopping alternative and a chance to view, sample and purchase products. For more information on The Market or to become a vendor, visit GreenWilton.com or contact Frank and Ron at 954-531-5363.

Free face-to-face tax help for those of low to moderate income from the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.

Island City Foundation - Entertainment Committee Meeting April 4, 11, 18 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Sterling Tax and Accounting Services, Inc. The Island City Foundation Entertainment Committee will meet to discuss planning of the Stonewall Parade and Street Festival.

Westside Association of Wilton Manors (WAWM) Annual Meeting April 9, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Hagen Park Community Center

Friends of the Library Book Tent Event April 11, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Hagen Park At the Friends’ Book Tent Event, part of the monthly City Yard Sale, you’ll find used books, CDs, audio books, DVDs, and videos in exchange for a small donation. Top sellers range from books-on-tape to children’s DVDs, from cookbooks to gardening manuals. All donations benefit the Richard C. Sullivan Public Library of Wilton Manors. The Friends will also take your donations of books and audio and video materials.

Island City Yard Sale April 11, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Hagen Park / City Hall The City of Wilton Manors sponsors seven City-Wide Yard Sales each year at Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive, on the second Saturday of November 2014 – May 2015. For space reservations at Hagen Park and information, please call the Leisure Services Department at 954-390-2115 or 954-390-2130. Each yard sale is free to the public.

City Commission Meeting April 14, 7 p.m. at City Hall Commission Chambers 2020 Wilton Drive

Economic Development Task Force April 15, 5:30 p.m. at City Hall Commission Chambers 2020 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Central Area Neighborhood Association (CANA) Meeting April 15, 7 p.m. at Hagen Park Community Center

Wilton Manors Historical Society April 16, 7 p.m. at City Commission Chambers

Photo: J.R. Davis

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 32

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8 •

SouthFloridaGayNews April 22, 2015

column

This week’s question:

Name one story that sticks out in your mind this week? 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:

“

Florida Republicans are trying to pass an anti-gay bill #‎HB7111 that would allow adoption agencies — whether religiously affiliated or not — to refuse to make placements with qualified families for reasons so broad that it could effect more than just the LGBT Community. In the bill they can deny placements to parents of different faith than the agency, if they don't attend church, or because they are single or divorced."

— Lee Rubin, Blogger and Community Organizer

“

In a TMZ and Kardashian controlled media environment, I am concerned about the Bruce Jenner interview with Diane Sawyer. It will be watched by millions and for most viewers, what will be said will help to frame their understanding of this topic. My hope is that Diane is schooled to stay away from sensationalistic issues and concentrates her questions on helping us understand the struggle Bruce has lived and how this change will lead to a better and truer self." — David Jobin, executive director of The Stonewall National Museum & Archives

“

I'm very concerned about the rise in violent attacks on LGBT people, which seems to rise along with the number of victories we win in civic and legislative arenas. The crimes that are part of this backlash are sometimes recognized by law enforcement as hate crimes, and prosecuted accordingly, but sometimes they're not. The three people in Philadelphia who attacked a gay couple in the street are a good example of criminals who are not being charged with hate crimes even though the attack was clearly prompted by homophobia. We need to keep up the pressure on authorities to prosecute these violent criminal acts appropriately." — Judy Ireland, Assistant organizer for BLAST Women of WPB

“

I think it’s important to focus on the bills being masked as religious protection but are really discrimination against the LGBT community. I have asked the question of many people and nobody can tell me how religious freedom has been curtailed or limited by freedom to love."

— Meredith L. Ockman, a director of NOW; V.P. Florida NWPC & President of S. Fla Women's Health Foundation

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

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .22.2015 //

opinion seeing in the dark

Sometimes, I Forget I’m Blind Belo Cipriani

When I mention this to friends, they laugh and suggest the same interpretation for my confession. “Maybe,” they begin, their voices pensive, “you’re not always conscious of your blindness because you have no light perception -- there are no fuzzy images and there’s no light to remind you of what you can’t see.” Although I don’t completely dismiss their analysis, I believe the main reason why I can live alone, teach, write and go about my business without dwelling on my blindness is because of technology. I have an app that decodes paper money, another that describes the colors and patterns on my clothing, and I even have a talking microwave that always wishes me a great day. I’m constantly texting and emailing as my guide dog, Oslo, and I mosey through the city, and I’m only conscious of being blind when someone with vision points out my lack of sight. One day, I had just finished my lunch at a diner in downtown San Francisco, and was about to put a few bills on the table, when I heard an older woman say, “Let me get your lunch.” Puzzled, I shifted my face towards the unfamiliar voice and asked if she was the manager. She answered in the negative and explained she was just a customer. “You shouldn’t carry cash,” she continued. “You’re gonna get ripped off.” Her comment braced my nerves. Yet, I reminded myself that, like most people, she was probably not familiar with adaptive technology. So, I decided to give her a demo. I took my phone out, scanned a bill and heard my cell read the currency. “Let me pay for your lunch. You’re blind and you need my help,” she said. Wondering if the volume on my cell was too low, I shook my head and asked Oslo to find the register. As I paid for my meal, I heard the woman speak from a few feet behind me, “I know how to help you. My favorite movie is The Miracle Worker.” I felt my face go hot. Helen Keller may have done some great things in her life, but as a modern man in the 21st century, I find it incredibly irritating to be compared to someone born in 1880. Not to mention, being deaf and blind is a completely

different journey, as missing two senses is not the same as missing one. “I don’t need your help,” I huffed, walking towards the exit door. “I have Siri.” Weaving around a crowd on the sidewalk, I wondered why some people are unable to make the connection that, because of technology, being disabled is not what it used to be. The next day, I arrived at my Capoeira studio early and caught the tail end of an AfroBrazilian dance class. Feeling inspired by the live drumming, I had Oslo sit next to the wall as I joined the samba session in the middle of the room. Smiling, I swayed back and forth, recalling my clubbing days in Rio. The music came to an end and the class was adjourned. Ambling my way back to Oslo, I felt a hand on my shoulder and heard a guy say, “You dance well. You remind me of that movie Dancer in the Dark.” “I hate that movie,” I said dryly. “It’s not accurate at all.” “But it won so many awards,” he defended. “Are you sure we’re talking about the same movie? It had Bjork in it.” I assured him we were referring to the same movie and then dove into what I didn’t like. “The character is not a believable blind person. I know plenty of blind people and I have never met one who walks on train tracks to avoid getting lost, or one that could fool their employer into believing they can see,” I said. “Well, how are people supposed to know what’s real and what is not?” he asked. I paused for a few seconds, unsure of how to answer. Flashing back to the woman from the diner, I said, “Well, one of the reasons why there are so many bad disability movies is because directors don’t cast real disabled people.” After class, Oslo and I arrived home and I began to scan my snail mail. As my laptop read an offer from my local pizza parlor, I realized that it isn’t just movies contributing to a false perception of disability, but also the lack of disabled faces in popular culture at large. Maybe someday there will be a hip show with a funny, romantic or even slutty disabled protagonist. But, until then, I’ll just keep flashing my tech toys around.

Belo Cipriani is a freelance journalist, the award-winning author of Blind: A Memoir and Midday Dreams, a spokesperson for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and the career expert for the Ed Baxter Show on Talk Radio San Francisco 910AM. Learn more at BeloCipriani.com.

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

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SouthFloridaGayNews

column letter from the editor

Has God Removed His Blessing from America? Jason Parsley

God has removed his blessing from America and this great nation is on the edge of ruin. Well that’s according to one of my family members who said this to me after a heated back and forth discussion of politics and religion on Facebook: “We turned our backs on God and he has removed his blessings and protection. This is why it's over.” The only thing “over” was that conversation. When someone spouts something they can’t back up with facts or logic there’s no point in continuing the debate. But it got me thinking about God’s blessing. My family member isn’t the first to claim such nonsense. Many religious leaders have made such claims over the years. Here is just a sampling of such quotes: “AIDS is not just God's punishment for homosexuals; it is God's punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals.” — Jerry Falwell, Southern Baptist pastor and televangelist “For the United States to get into a deal where they’re trying to split Jerusalem and take it away from the Israelis and split up their capital — huge mistake. You are asking for the wrath of Almighty God to fall on this nation and when it falls it won’t be fun, it won’t be fun.” — Pat Robertson, former Southern Baptist minister and chairman of the Christian Broadcasting Network.

“It seems clear that the prophetic times I have been expecting for decades have ﬁnally arrived. And even worse, it appears that the judgment of America has begun.”

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— Hal Lindsey, evangelist and Christian writer If God has removed his blessing, when exactly did God bless us to begin with? Was it during the Salem witch trials where executed 20 women accused of witchcraft? Or was it during the era of slavery? Did we perhaps have God’s blessing during segregation? Did we have God’s blessing during the forced internment of over 100,000 JapaneseAmericans during World War II? Did we have God’s blessing during the Mexican Repatriation where we forced a half million American citizens of Mexican descent to relocate to Mexico? Did we have God’s blessing during the trail of tears where we forced thousands of Native Americans from their homes to a distant part of the country, many of whom died along the way. The religious right has used the scare tactic of God’s blessing over the heads of Christians for many years to manipulate them into doing what they want. But America, throughout its history, has committed egregious acts against its own people and yet the Christian majority never calls those acts into question. Instead it's only when there’s a threat to their own power, influence, moral beliefs, etc. that they decide God has abandoned America. So the next time you hear someone say “God removed his blessing from America” the question should be “when exactly did we have it to begin with?”

B U S I N E S S

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .22.2015 //

column off the wall

The Commandments Restoration

Pier Angelo

“Christian” is shorthand for “trying to be kind; trying to care about others; trying not to be selfish; trying not to be judgmental.” In short, it amounts to “trying to be a good person.”

While there are many progressive Christians around the world with a true sense of compassion and moral integrity, the oppressive Bible thumpers of mid America are the product of outdated, suffocating, traditional Christian values that prefer ritual to reflection, obedience to individual discernment, meaningless confessions to genuine atonement. In its highest form, Christianity is a test of one’s mettle, a challenge to live in the image of Jesus, the incarnation of all virtues. In its lowest form, it’s a spiritual Walmart, where absolution comes cheap and the swallowing of a wafer, a Sunday service, or a candle and a prayer are all it takes to even things out with God. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and many like it, sweeping the red neck states, is anything but Christian in spirit or intentions. In fact they are bigoted licenses to discriminate. They are bound to jeopardize decades of civil rights achievements in this nation and ultimately they will begin to unravel protections for religious people themselves. Slowly we are mirroring and becoming the same people this country despises. It is not difficult to hear put downs of Muslims for their outdated prehistoric beliefs and their laws based on religion. But the very people who do not think twice in denigrating the followers of the Koran brandish the Bible as their battle cry and would not hesitate in forcing the rest of us to follow “the sacred book” ignoring the fact that the separation of church and state is the fundamental principle upon which the melting pot of America is built. For the “Crazy Christers,” and their friends, I have uncovered a list of commandments; they are freely restored from the Bible itself. Keep in mind these are the tweets from God:

1. Lev.1:9. Burning a bull on the altar as a sacriﬁce creates a pleasing odor for the Lord. Most neighbors complain the odor is not pleasing. Should I smite them?

2. Lev. 11:6-8. Touching the skin of a dead pig makes a person unclean. Can they play football if they wear gloves?

3. Lev. 11:10 Eating shellﬁsh is an abomination like homosexuality. Are there 'degrees' of abominations?

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

How convenient for us, we could own Mexican and Canadian slaves.

4. Lev.15: 19-24. Men are not allowed to have contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual un- cleanliness.

9. Exodus 35:2 Those who insist on working on the Sabbath must be put to death.

The problem is how does one tell? Most women take offense when asked.

Should people in the service industry kill themselves, or should they ask the police to do it?

5. Lev.19:27. It is expressly forbidden for men to trim their hair, including the hair around their temples.

10. Finally, Leviticus’ gem remains the most popular but it has an added twist. With gay marriage and pot becoming legal, Lev 20:13 “A man who lies with another man should be stoned” begins to make perfect biblical sense. Our interpretation has just been wrong all these years.

How should they die? Should barbers be outlawed or executed?

6. Exodus 21:7 Thou can sell your daughter into slavery. How does one determine the price? Would it vary if she is a virgin or not?

7. Lev. 21:20. Thou may not approach the altar of God if you have a defect in your sight. Does vision have to be 20/20, or are contact lenses acceptable?

8. Leviticus 25:44. Thou may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are from neighboring nations.

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lifestyle history

HOMO HISTORY 101 Pier Angelo

arlon Brando, a cultural icon and among the greatest movie actors, was an activist for AfricanAmerican Civil Rights. He was married three times, but open about his homosexual experiences.

Walt Whitman (1819 –1892) was an American poet, essayist and journalist. A humanist, he was a part of the transition between transcendentalism and realism, incorporating both views in his works. Whitman is among the most influential poets in the American canon, often called the father of free verse. His work was very controversial in its time, particularly his poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which was described as obscene for its overt sexuality. Whitman's sexuality is often discussed alongside his poetry. Though biographers continue to debate his sexuality, he is usually described as either homosexual or bisexual in his feelings and attractions. Whitman was a religious skeptic: though he accepted all churches, he believed in none. God, to Whitman, was both immanent and transcendent and the human soul was immortal and in a state of progressive development. American Philosophy: An Encyclopedia classes him as one of several figures who "took a more pantheist or pan deist approach by rejecting views of God as separate from the world. Marlon Brando (1924 –2004) He is widely considered the greatest movie actor of all time, rivaled only by the more theatrically oriented Laurence Olivier in terms of esteem. Unlike Olivier, who preferred the stage to the screen, Brando concentrated his talents on movies after bidding the Broadway stage adieu in 1949. A cultural icon, Brando is most famous for his Academy Award-winning performances as Terry Malloy in On the Waterfront (1954) and Vito Corleone in The Godfather (1972), as well as influential performances in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), Viva Zapata! (1952), Julius Caesar (1953), The Wild One (1953), Reflections in a Golden Eye (1967), Last Tango in Paris(1972) and Apocalypse Now (1979). Brando was also an activist, supporting many causes, notably the African-American Civil Rights Movement and various Native American Movements. In his 1976 biography “The Only Contender,” Brando, who was married three times, openly admitted his homosexuality. He was quoted as saying, "Like a large number of men, I, too, have had homosexual experiences, and I am not ashamed."

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SouthFloridaGayNews

2000: The Oxford English Dictionary definition of marriage has included same-sex couples since the year 2000: “The term is now sometimes used with reference to long –term relationships between partners of the same sex”. 2003: Merriam-Webster recognized the increased discussion among supporters and opponents of gay marriage by adding the following to its earlier definition of marriage: “the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage.” The dictionary made the change one year before Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage.

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.

lifestyle photos

Miami Beach Pride

The parade was over, but the fun had just begun! J. R. Davis

Visit our Facebook page to see all photos from this event. soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .22.2015 //

lifestyle food

Dining Out For Life Broward County

Rick Karlin prevention, as well as ensuring access to medical care. In addition it provides a broad spectrum of housing (assisted living, transitional housing and independent apartments) to families and individuals impacted by HIV. It serves every age, race, gender, sexual orientation, and education level – HIV/AIDS is everywhere and so is Broward House. You can help support the work of Broward House by dining out at a participating restaurant (see list below) or go to www.diningoutforlife.com/ BrowardCounty on Thursday, April 30. To volunteer or find out more about this event please call Mary Schuch at 954-522-4749 x 1202.

You can make a difference in the HIV community just by dining out on Thursday, April 30 at a restaurant participating in Dining Out for Life (DOFL). Part of a national campaign, taking place in more than 60 urban areas, DOFL raises funds for agencies assisting those whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS. Broward House, an HIV/AIDS service organization with four services and 10 housing locations in South Florida, has served the community for more than 25 years and is the local organizer/beneficiary of the event. The agency provides social services such as; case management, substance abuse treatment, mental health therapy, intervention and

Restaurant:

Phone:

11th Street Annex 13 Even Dapur Asian Tapas & Lounge Hobo's Grill Hot & Soul J.Mark's Restaurant Fort Lauderdale

(954) 767-0269 (954) 565-8550 (954) 306-2663 (954) 565-8851 (754) 206-2155 (954) 390-0770

Mojo Restaurant and Lounge Moments In Time Bistro O-B House The Over Easy Cafe The Pink Submarine Pizza Fusion Fort Lauderdale

(954) 568-4443 (954) 263-0768

Donation:

Meals:

Donating 25% Donating 25% Donating 25% Donating 25% Donating 100%

Beverages Dinner Lunch, Dinner Lunch Dinner Dinner

(954) 561-1177 (954) 566-2219 (954) 358-5353

Donating 25% Donating 25% Donating 25% Donating 25% Donating 25% Donating 25%

Dinner Dinner Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch Breakfast, Brunch Lunch Lunch

Rosie's Bar and Grill Thirteen Tijuana Taxi Company Coral Springs

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DOFL was created in 1991 by an ActionAIDS volunteer in Philadelphia and now more than 3,000 restaurants throughout North America participate. In exchange for financial support, restaurants are listed in a city wide marketing campaign in an effort to increase customer traffic. All money raised in each host city, with the exception of an annual licensing fee of $1,150, remains with each local agency. Thanks to the more than $4 million raised from DOFL last year, licensed AIDS service organizations assisted more than 350,000 clients, delivered more than 1.8 million meals, provided housing for 8,097 clients, 5,572 patients received health

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

insurance, 5,491 received pharmacy assistance and 1,948 patients were given dental aid. As in previous years, Subaru of America is the corporate sponsor of the event. Over the years a number of celebrities have lent their support to DOFL, including Food Network host Ted Allen, actor Pam Grier, food celebrity Daisy Martinez and Project Runway’s Mondo Guerra, all of whom are doing so again this year. Broward House is also hosting “Dinner Under the Stars”, its gala reception including; cocktails, dinner, silent auction and live music, on Tuesday, May 19 at S3. Tickets are $150 per person and are available at www.BrowardHouse.org.

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SouthFloridaGayNews

Dishing Out Success The data below measures the successes of the past eight national DOFL events. The administrative expenses reﬂect those of the national organizing agency and do not factor in costs by local agencies, which vary from city to city. This year, with more than 60 urban areas participating the national organization hopes to raise more than $5 million.

2014

53 Cities ts tauran 3,134 Res Raised on $4.13 Milli penses x E % 15.4

2012 49 Cities 2,830 Restaur ants $3.66 Million raised 15.3% Expen ses

2010 48 Cities urants 3,148 Resta ion ill M $3.7 nses e xp E % 18.5

2008 44 Cities urants 3 2 3,0 Resta ill $3.7 M ion nses 14.3% Expe

2013 53 Cities 3,253 Restaur ants $4.27 Million raised 15.4% Expen ses

201 1

3,00 52 Cities 1 $3.4 Restau rants Millio 15.7 % Ex n raised pens es

2009 41 Cities 2,976 Restaur ants $3.5 Million 16% Expense s

200

2,35 34 Cities 9 Re $2.9 stauran ts M 13.1 % Ex illion pens es

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .22.2015 //

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// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

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F O R

SFGNITES

T H E

J.W. Arnold

jw@prdconline.com

THU

CONCERT

W E E K

4/23

O F

A P R I L

2 3

A P R I L

2 8 ,

2 0 1 4

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

They may be a little older, but the legendary band Chicago still rocks and will be performing their greatest hits on Thursday at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach.

Chicago is coming to the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. Hailed by former President Bill Clinton as “one of the most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era,” the legendary band with horns was named #13 on “Billboard” magazine’s list of Top 100 artists of all time, the highest ranking American band. One show only at 8 p.m. in Dreyfoos Hall. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear their hits live. Tickets start at $39 at Kravis.org.

FRI

COMEDY

4/24

Don’t mess with Kathy Griffin. She’s no longer on the “D-List,” with a Grammy and Emmy sitting on her bedside table, almost no one is off limits as she skewers Hollywood’s glitterati. If your last name is Kardashian or Cruise, well, look out, she’s coming after you! Griffin appears at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach tonight and at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, April 25. Both shows begin at 8 p.m. For tickets, go to Kravis.org and Broward Center.org.

SAT MUSIC

4/25 SUN

The Master Chorale of South Florida, under the direction of talented young conductor Brett Karlin, concludes its 201415 season with “Bach and the Best of the Baroque.” Enjoy the music of the master and his contemporaries on Friday at First Presbyterian Church in Pompano Beach, tonight at Trinity Episcopal Church in Miami and Sunday at the Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn University in Boca Raton. For tickets and show times, go to MasterChoraleOfSouthFlorida.org.

Submitted photo.

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

CABARET

4/26 MON

CABARET

For those of us in a certain generation, Molly Ringwald is the star of classic John Hughes teen-angst films like “Pretty in Pink” and “The Breakfast Club.” But, the actress has grown up and is also an accomplished singer and dancer. She performs songs from her latest CD tonight at 8 p.m. at Cabaret South Beach, 233 12th St. in Miami Beach in an intimate evening of classic jazz. Ticket are $60 general admission and $75 VIP at CabaretSouthBeach.com and there is a two drink minimum, also. soflagaynews //

4/27 TUE

Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale, presents the third installment of “Cabaret du Jour,” tonight through Thursday at 7:30 p.m. with David Meulemans and David Wood in a double bill. Meulemans will preview his new show, “Lucky to be Me,” which he will be taking to the Metropolitan Room in New York City next month, while Wood offers “Sentimental Journeys: A Cabaret Travelogue,” a musical staycation. Performances are at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 at EmpireStage.org.

SouthFloridaGayNews

PHOTOGRAPHY

4/28

Tonight is the “sneak peak” reception for “Living in Limbo,” a photography exhibit by Carolyn Sherer, at the Stonewall National Museum and Archives Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Dr. The moving exhibit, presented in partnership with the Birmingham (Ala.) Museum of Art, will be on display at the gallery through June 18. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet Sherer and discuss her experiences photographing the subjects. For more information, go to Stonewall-Museum.org.

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Tickets are being sold at http://dtta2015.bpt.me for 24hr ticket information call 1-800-838-3006

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .22.2015 //

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NOW ON SALE! MAY 5-17 TICKETS STARTING AT $34.75! BrowardCenter.org • 954.462.0222 For Groups 10+: 954.660.6307

ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT RODRIGUEZ

Chris Crawford and Michael Uribe star in “The Little Dog Laughed” at Island City Stage. Nearly a decade after its Off Broadway premiere, Douglas Carter Beane’s satire, “The Little Dog Laughed,” may be a little less plausible, but the latest production from Island City Stage still delivers the laughs, thanks to a first rate cast and direction. The play centers around the relationship between a rising and uncomfortably closeted movie star, Mitchell (Chris Crawford), and a gay-for-pay rent boy, Alex (Michael Uribe). Mitchell’s manager and the show’s narrator, Diane (Mia Matthews), is a shrewd and sometimes shrewish lesbian who has sacrificed the joys of love to cynically advance the best interests of her clients and, incidentally, her own career. She delivers the best line of the play, lecturing Mitchell after catching him in bed with Alex: “If a straight actor plays a gay man, it’s a stretch, it’s noble. If a gay man plays a gay man, it’s not acting, it’s bragging.” Ellen (Ashley Chang) is Alex’s girlfriend, who also is willing to overlook a few scruples in pursuit of the material comforts that come with pleasing a sugar daddy. Handsome Crawford, winner of a Carbonell Award this year for “Murder Ballad” at Actors Playhouse, and the svelte Uribe deliver fine performances as two men who develop a deep, emotional bond from a chance sexual encounter, both forced to make compromises in search of true love. But it is Matthews, a veteran of the Nickelodeon TV series, “Every Witch Way,” who delivers most of the stinging jabs and jokes and propels the sometimes tedious, twoand-a half hour-long show.

Ultimately, at Diane’s urging, the boy, Mitchell, chooses the glamour of celebrity and winds up with the girl, Ellen, while Alex is left to pursue his own happiness, anything but the typical Hollywood happy ending. Island City Stage’s associate artistic director, Michael Leeds makes excellent use of the intimate Empire Stage space and sets a fast pace, especially during the 75-minute first act, as the complex relationships are introduced and developed. Michael McClain’s elegant and clever set features a backward allusion to the famous Hollywood sign, suggesting the ugly side behind the façade of Tinsel town. Costumes are not usually a category that gets much notice in South Florida theater— except when lavish period musicals are on the bill—but Peter A. Lovello does a fine job outfitting this contemporary drama, especially the dresses and gowns worn by Diane throughout. We are constantly reminded that millennials are increasingly fluid in their definitions of sexuality and Beane’s comedy offers plenty of opportunities to ponder these sometimes arbitrary labels, even if through the lens of a dated setting. Island City Stage concludes its 201415 season at Empire Stage with the world premiere of South Florida playwright Michael McKeever’s “Daniel’s Husband,” May 28 – June 28, before making the move next fall back to the Island City and its new home, Abyss Theatre on Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors.

Island City Stage presents Douglas Carter Beane’s “The Little Dog Laughed” at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale, through May 16. Performances are on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets are $30 at IslandCityStage.org.

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

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SouthFloridaGayNews

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a&e theater Slow Burn Theatre to Hold Pride Night Fundraiser for AIDS Donald Cavanaugh

The Gay, The Young, and The Restless New overlapping dramas ‘Cucumber’ and ‘Banana’ Come to Logo

Slow Burn Theatre. Facebook.

David-Elijah Nahmod

Slow Burn Theatre announced that their Friday, April 24 performance of “Rent” will be a Pride Night fund raiser to benefit HIV/AIDS outreach programs at the Pride Center in Wilton Manors. “This is a first for us,” said theater cofounder Matthew Korinko. “But we think it’s important to support gay organizations that do important work – especially if the production has a connection like HIV/ AIDS and Rent.” People who wish to support the agency and the theater will use the code PRIDE when ordering tickets either online or verbally. Those thickets will be earmarked for the donation and the theatre sends the funds to the Center. “We’ve done this sort of thing before,” said Pride Center Director of Development, Roger Roa. “It’s a good way to publicize the work we do and, hopefully, get people to attend the theatre’s shows. It can be a real win-win.” According to both Korinko and Roa, there’s no way to anticipate how much money may be raised by these programs. “But the real issue is to help make people aware of us and the services we have to offer,” Roa said. Asked if he planned to make this an annual event, Korinko said, “We don’t have to limit ourselves to once a year. It’s conceivable we could do a benefit whenever a theme matches a service or project in the community.” “We’re moving to the Broward Center

for the Performing Arts and will have to discuss this with them. I’m sure we’ll do something. I’m just not sure what it will be.” Rent and the final show of the 2014/15 season, Little Shop of Horrors (Jun 5 to 28, 2015 – Fri and Sat at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.) will be performed at the West Boca Performing Arts Theatre at the West Boca Community High School, 12811 Glades Road where the company has performed since its founding in 2009. Slow Burn will launch its 2015/16 season at the Amaturo Theater at Broward Center. The season’s lineup is Big Fish by Andrew Lippa and John August (Oct 22 – Nov 8); Violet with music by Jeanine Tefori and book and lyrics by Brian Crawley (Jan 21 – Feb 7); Spring Awakening with book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Duncan Sheik (Mar 17 – Apr 3); and Heathers The Musical by Lawrence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy (Jun 8 – 26).

Tickets are available online at www.SlowBurnTheatre.org or by phone at 866-811-4111. Enter the word PRIDE (upper case).

Logo TV’s new gay comedic dramas, Cucumber and Banana: “Your weekly dose of veg and fruit is about to get a lot more exciting.” Russell T. Davies, who gave us the original British version of the sizzling hot gay soap opera Queer as Folk, returns to his Queer TV roots with a pair of interconnected gay comedic dramas now airing on Logo. The peculiarly titled Cucumber focuses on Henry, a restless, middle aged gay man in Manchester, UK, who can’t keep his wandering eyes off of younger men who have little interest in him. Every time Henry salivates over a younger man’s tight jeans, he envisions a large, hard cucumber slapping into his hand. Companion series Banana examines the lives of some of the younger gay men whom Henry is lusting after. Characters from each series wander in and out of both shows. As Cucumber begins, Henry (Vincent Franklin) has lived with Lance (Cyril Nri) for nine years. Their sex life sucks. After Lance brings a hot young guy home, all hell breaks loose. Henry is left to start his life anew as he moves into a loft with two twenty year old slackers. Cucumber will focus on Henry’s new life in a serialized format.

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Sister series Banana allows viewers to take a closer look at the lives of the young kids that Henry is so enamored with. The overlapping storylines are easy enough to follow providing viewers never miss any episodes of either show. One series featuring all of the characters might have been a better course of action for producer Davies to follow. That one issue aside, “Cucumber” and “Banana” are well worth a look. Alternately funny, serious and insightful, both shows are a no holds barred look at 21st century gay life. The language is graphic. In the first episode of Cucumber, Henry delivers a hilariously raunchy monologue about actor Ryan Reynolds’ cock. Things take a very serious and dramatic turn in Cucumber’s second installment when Henry deliberately sabotages his one chance to repair his broken relationship with Lance — he’d rather chase after a twenty year old blonde boy. It’s both heartbreaking and humorous to see how often we can be our own worst enemy. “Cucumber” and “Banana” are now airing on Logo.

“Cucumber” and “Banana” are now airing on Logo. SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .22.2015 //

a&e radio

South Florida Gay Radio Station Launched

Check out the new show Tuesdays 7-8 p.m. Donald Cavanaugh

“We’re open for suggestions,” Hantzarides said. “We want to deliver a show that’s as diverse and interesting as the South Florida gay community is.” “We pick a topic for the week and then explore it many different ways,” Hantzarides said. “Sometimes it’s with interviews, sometimes it’s call-in.” “We’re planning shows on honeymoons in South Florida, transgender issues, stereotypes, just to name a few,” he continued. The co-hosts are almost as diverse as the audience they hope to attract. Hantzarides is from New York and claims a “lifetime of radio.” Rumsey is from rural Georgia and co-hosts the show with a southern eye and occasional twang. Hantzarides opens the hour with “Five Things You Should Know!” and Rumsey closes it with “’Kendall’s Thing (pronounced “thayng), ’featuring whatever I want to share with listeners that day,” he said. Right now the show hosts are buying the time on the air but they’ve already had some advertisers sign on and they expect more. “The LGBT market is huge, diverse and loyal,” Hantzarides said. “This is a good way to reach that audience.” According to Hantzarides, listeners will have a variety of ways to hear the show outside of their AM radios. It’s available online at WBZT.com or through the iHeartRadio app for android and iPhones.

1230AM WBZT is an iHeartMedia radio station. The show will be broadcast live each week from iHeartMedia's studios in West Palm Beach.

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

Oxygen's 'The Prancing Elites' Project Reality series with a social conscious David-Elijah Nahmod

Photos: Facebook.

Photo: Facebook.

Co-hosts of GET OUT! South Florida Kendall Rumsey (left) and Tom Hantzarides. “Get Out! South Florida, took to the airwaves this month on AM 1230 – WBZT. According to founder and co-host, Tom Hantzarides this is the only LGBT radio show in all of Florida. “I was surprised when I got down here and discovered that even South Florida, with its large gay population, didn’t have a radio outlet specifically for our community.” This is actually the second launch for GET OUT! South Florida, which aired briefly on Saturday mornings at the end of 2014. “We’ve a stronger signal,” Hantzarides said. “And a better time slot. Audiences can now hear us from Port St. Lucie to Hallandale and we’ll be airing the show from 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays - not competing with weekend distractions.” The show has a mixed suite of offerings from interviews with South Florida LGBT movers and shakers to broadcasting from a variety of venues of interest to the LGBT audiences. Hantzarides mentioned that in its earlier incarnation, GET OUT! South Florida included broadcasts from the Palm Beach Opera and from the Maltz Theatre where the show was a sponsor of the annual “pride night” program. They were also on the scene of the gay marriage movement in Florida with an interview with plaintiffs Aaron Huntsman and William Lee Jones whose lawsuit against the Monroe County clerk precipitated the adjudication in favor of LGBT civil rights.

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In Oxygen's new reality series “The Prancing Elites Project,” a hearty dance troupe of effeminate gay black men in Mobile, Alabama dress up like female cheerleaders and dance in parades. Or at least try to. Though they are embraced by some, they are reviled by many. One woman expresses concern that children will see them. A straight man says that seeing men dressed like women makes him "uncomfortable.” And so begins the saga of “The Prancing Elites,” a reality series that plants its feet in the real world. The series comes to your TV screens with a lot of heart, soul and a social conscious. "All we want to do is dance," says group leader Kentrell Collins in the premiere episode, which airs on Oxygen on April 22 at 10 p.m. Their style is called J-Setting. These are the kinds of moves that Beyonce offered in her famous Single Ladies video. The Elites are every bit as talented as the superstar diva — they move in perfect unison to the hip-hop music which inspires them.

Their bravery is impressive. Viewers in the "gay safe havens" on the East and West Coasts are free to march through the streets of their respective cities, proudly proclaiming their sexual and/or gender identities. In Alabama it's not so easy. In addition to the scorn of the local populace, the Elites are "warned" by the police to be "respectful.” The Elites are not without their fans. Real Housewives star Nene Leakes tell the Elites how fabulous they are, and that they inspire her. Most movingly, a tearyeyed white girl, no more than five years old, tells the Elites that people should treat them better. The girl and her mom encourage the Elites to "keep doing what you’re doing.” As the dancers give the little girl some of their bracelets as a gift, viewers can only shake their heads with awe and pride and the strength and dignity of these wonderful dancers, who will not back down. They're going to dance, and they'll do it on their own terms.

The Prancing Elites Project is now airing on Oxygen.

SouthFloridaGayNews

a&e t.v.

You're not Maya, You're Myron!

Bold & Beautiful character Maya Avant outed as Transgender David-Elijah Nahmod Viewers of the popular daytime drama “The Bold and Beautiful” were no doubt surprised by the March 2015 revelation that the character of Maya Avant, a fashion model with a colorful love life, was revealed to be transgender. "Did you always talk like a girl?" asked Nicole, Maya's estranged sister. "How do girls talk?" Maya asked. "Why didn't you just wear the clothes?" Nicole said. "Being myself isn't an outfit I can put on and take off," Maya replied. "I was never a boy. This is the way I was born." As portrayed by actress Karla Mosley since January 2013, Maya promises to be part of the B&B canvas for some time to come. For the first year of her B&B tenure, Maya was believed to be a cisgender woman. Viewers enjoyed her often melodramatic romantic entanglements, as well as her glamorous life as a model. But last month Maya's long lost sister Nicole stumbled upon the truth about Maya's past: Maya was once known as Myron, a brother Nicole had lost track of. "I was nervous," Mosley told SFGN. "It kept me up at night. I was nauseous for three weeks, because I care about this story so much. I want to represent people correctly."

She said that friends of hers had to "toss me off the ledge" figuratively, so she could dive into the pool and play out this new storyline. "I do have friends who are trans," she said. "I turned to them for advice and inspiration." The storyline wasn't all that shocking to American viewers, who might have been prepared for it by the emergence of transgender celebrities such as Lavern Cox and Janet Mock. Mosley was quick to point out that “The Bold and the Beautiful” is seen in over one hundred countries, some of which do not yet have a visible trans community. "We're seen in places where being LGBT is still illegal," Mosley said. "It'll be interesting to see the ripple effect around the world. I hope we open people's hearts." The actress said that studying the works of feminist icons assisted her in preparing for her portrayal of the "new" Maya. "It's so wonderful researching this character by reading the works of modern feminist authors like Audre Lorde," she said. "And now it's exciting to see Maya living her life." Mosley reports that the response to Maya's outing has been 80-90 percent supportive. "I tend to engage with people online," she said. "I made a point to answer people's questions. I get the best tweets!"

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Screen grabs, off the TV screen, off Karla Mosley as Maya Avant. She said that some of her Twitter followers have told her that she's telling their story. "That means a lot," she said. Mosley realizes that some viewers might object to her being cast as Maya. "It's controversial for me to play trans when I'm cisgender," the actress said. "I want to do justice to Maya's story."

“The Bold and the Beautiful” airs weekday afternoons on CBS TV.

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .22.2015 //

Datebook

Theater Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com

broward county Australian Chamber Orchestra

April 22 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The orchestra performs music from Prokofiev, Mozart and Johnny Greenwood. Tickets $35 to $115. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Roberta Flack

April 24 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The Grammy Award winner performs hits like “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” Tickets $29.50 to $135. Call 954-4620222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Kathy Grifﬁn

April 24 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The Grammy-winning comedienne brings her laughs to South Florida. Tickets $20 to $100. Call 561-8327469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles

April 26 at 7 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Different from other

adventure of a lifetime to find his purpose. Tickets $25 to $70. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

about it, but it quickly gets out of control. Tickets $18 to $25. Call 305-558-3737 or visit MainStreetPlayers.com.

Free Friday Concerts

* Band Together for Survival

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

* Ballet Memphis

Kathy Grifﬁn comes to South Florida next week for two shows, April 24 at the Kravis Center in West Palm and the following night, April 25, in Ft. Lauderdale at the Broward Center. Tickets for both shows are still available.

April 25 at 8 p.m. at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211st St. in Cutler Bay. Considered one of Tennessee’s great cultural treasures, a twist on the old art form. Tickets $25 to $45. Call 786-573-5300 or visit SMDAC.org.

* Charanga

April 25 at 8 p.m. at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. A celebration of Cuban music of the ‘40s golden age. Tickets $55 to $150. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Kathy Grifﬁn

* Gilberto Gil

April 25 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The Grammy-winning comedienne brings her laughs to South Florida. Tickets $40 to $155. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Southside Johnny Ashbury Jukes

and

* The Robert Cray Band

April 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. The band is joined by Shemekia Copeland, the new Queen of Blues. Tickets $23 to $53. Call 954462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.com.

The Little Dog Laughed

Through 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 954519-2533 or visit IslandCityStage.org.

palm beach county * Chicago

April 23 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The band has given us songs like “If You Leave Me Now,” “You’re the Inspiration,” and “Hard to Say I’m Sorry.” Tickets $39 to $350. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

April 26 at 8 p.m. at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. This Brazilian musical mastermind has been performing since the ‘50s, and as time passes, changing up his style and taking on new instruments. Tickets $29 to $125. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

the

April 26 at 8 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. The Jersey boys perform their hits “It’s Been a Long Time,” “Love on the Wrong Side of the Tracks,” and other favorites. Tickets $39 to $69. Call 954462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.com.

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

April 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 N.E. 188 Street in Aventura. Jeffrey Gaines, Mary Jennings, and blues guitarist JL Fulks create music with in this concert benefitting The Women’s Breast & Heart Initiative. Tickets $39 to $85. Call 877-311-7469 or visit AventuraCenter.org

tribute concerts, Rain adds in a multimedia component to the show. Tickets $20 to $100. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

Short Cuts 5

Through April 26 at the Showtime Performing Arts Theatre, 503 SE Mizner Blvd. in Boca Raton. Short plays by local writers. Tickets $25. Call 954-592-0226 or visit ThePlaygroupLLC.com

Cabaret

Through April 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 561-5866410 or visit LakeWorthPlayhouse.org.

Buried Child

Through April 26 at Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. A dramedy by Sam Shepard about a young man who returns to what he remembers as his idyllic Midwestern hometown, but instead he’s met by dysfunctional family. Tickets $62. Call 561-514-4042 or visit PalmBeachDramaworks.org.

* Pippin

April 28 to May 3 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. A young prince goes on the soflagaynews //

miami-dade county Celtic Woman

April 22 at 7 p.m. at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Celebrating 10 years, the troupe of female Irish singers meld old Celtic traditions with new age sounds. Tickets $48 to $108. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Baba Yaya’s Traveling Theatre Wagon

April 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Miami Theater Center, 9806 NE Second Ave. in Miami Shores. A night of curiosities and acoustic music with artisans, refreshments, and music from Shira Lee, The French Horn Collective, The Kazmarikstan Turkish Jazz Project, and more. Tickets $20. Call 305-7519550 or visit MTCMiami.org.

* Jazz Legends

April 24 at 8 p.m. at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Al Jarreau and David Sanborn come together for an epic night of jazz music. Tickets $25 to $150. Call 305-9496722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* God of Carnage

April 24 to May 17 at Main Street Playhouse, 6766 Main St. in Miami Lakes. When two children get into a schoolyard fight, their parents try to have a civil conversation

SouthFloridaGayNews

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.

New Jerusalem

Through April 26 at GableStage at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave. in Coral Gables. It’s Amsterdam in 1656, and when a young philosopher is accused of atheism, he is shuttled into a synagogue amongst elders to defend himself. Call 305-445-1119 or visit GableStage.org.

* Rent

April 30 - May 3, Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. The Slow Burn Theatre Company performs the classic Broadway hit of a group of bohemians making ends meet during the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York City. Tickets $40 and $45. Call 800-745-3000 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

The Magniﬁcents

Through 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. 305-949-6722 or ArshtCenter.org. * Denotes New Listing

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Port charges, taxes and fees: f Port charges, taxes tax and fees: are $279.80 per person additional based on double occupancy and $469.80 for single occupancy and subject to change without noti notice. All Fees, taxes, and any surcharges imposed by the cruise line are subject to change without notice. Charges vary ffor singl single, e, triples, and quad quads. Ask for details. ** Rates not held in allotment and pricing subject to change. Complete

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

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .22.2015 //

Datebook

Community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com

broward county What Now? Protecting Your Assets After Marriage Equality April 22 at 6 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. A continuing discussion of navigating marriage equality, with experts discussing estate, financial, and gift planning. Wine and light snacks to follow. Free. RSVP to rsvp@ pridecenterflorida.org.

Financial Empowerment for Women - Taking Control of Your Financial Future

April 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hollywood Women’s Club, 501 N. 14th Ave. in Hollywood. David Treece of Treece Financial Group will lead a seminar to teach women about health care, Social Security planning, spousal protection, estate planning, and other financial topics. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served after. Free. RSVP to 305-7518855.

“Victim”

April 23 at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall National Library and ArtServe Auditorium, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. The first film in English to use the word “homosexual,” the closeted Melville Farr risks everything to battle with a blackmail ring that is threatening to expose gay men. Free. Call 954-763-8565 or visit StonewallMuseum.org.

* An Intimate Evening of Jazz with Molly Ringwald

April 26 at 8 p.m. at The Cabaret South Beach, 233 12th St. in Miami Beach. Known for her work in films and plays, Ringwald released a jazz album in April 2013 and has since traveled around the world. Tickets $60 to $75. Visit TheCabaretSouthBeach. com, buy tickets at BrownPaperTickets.com/ event/1388435.

“As Seen on TV: An Exploration of LGBT Characters: 1954-1979”

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.

* An Evening with Electrolysis

April 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Lise-Anne Jensen of Serenity Skin will talk

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

about electrolysis. RSVP to Judith Reichman at 954-213-0610 or judith.reichman@ flhealth.gov.

* "Living in Limbo: Lesbian Families in the Deep South" VIP Reception

April 29 at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall Museum Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. The opening of the exhibit featuring photography by Carolyn Sherer, who will be at the event. The exhibit is on display through June 28. Free. Call 954-7638565 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. RSVP to David Jobin at David@Stonewall-Museum.org or 954-7638565.

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. 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.

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.

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

* Arte Cuba!

April 24 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Rolando Chang Barrero Fine Art Gallery, 711 Lucerne Ave. in Lake Worth. A celebration of Cuban art by Pedro C. Ortiz. Call 786-521-1199 or email rcbfineart@gmail.com to RSVP. soflagaynews //

* Jamie & Adam Unleashed: Jamie’s Farewell Tour

April 25 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Send Jamie off in true “Mythbusters” style for a night of on-stage experiments and the audience’s chance to be a test dummy. Tickets $35 and up. Call 561832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* April Mixer

April 29 at 6:30 p.m. at The Colony Palm Beach, 155 Hammon Ave. in Palm Beach. A mixer with the Pride Business Alliance. Cost $10 nonmembers, free for members. Visit and RSVP to pba-april.eventbrite.com.

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.

Out of the Closet, Into the Light

Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at MCC of the Palm Beaches, 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens. AA for the LGBT community. Free. Call 561-775-5900 or visit MCCPalmBeach.org.

Voices of Pride

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

Out of the Closet NA Group

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

Positive Connection

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

miami-dade county * Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival

April 24 to May 3 throughout Miami. In its 17th year, 75 films from 26 different countries will be screened showcasing the many faces of LGBT people around the world. Plus, cast parties, a gala, and other celebrations of gay and lesbian film. Visit MGLFF.com.

SouthFloridaGayNews

AIDS Walk Miami

April 26 at 8 a.m. at the Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive in Miami BEach. Grand Marshal David Bromstad will lead the 5K walk, culminating with a post-walk celebration at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. Proceeds benefit Care Resource and the Food for Life Network food bank. Registration $25. Call 305-7519255, email info@aidswalkmiami.org, or visit AIDSWalkMiami.org.

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. Purchase 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.

Rainbow Circle

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

HIV Support Group

Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at South Beach AIDS Project, 1234 Washington Ave. Ste. 200 in Miami Beach. A support group for those who are HIV positive. Free. Call 305-5354733, ext. 301 or email support@sobeaids. org.

Modern Buddhist Meditation

Mondays and Tuesdays at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Find inner peace with instruction on meditation with Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Nurbu. Cost $10 and $5 per class. Call 786-529-7137.

Book Study

Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Nurbu, will lead classes on learning the foundations of Buddhism. Call 786-529-7137.

Prayers For World Peace

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

* Denotes New Listing

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .22.2015 //

SFGN Classified$ attorneys

To place a Classified Ad, call Cindy Curtis at 954.530.4970 or email at cindy.curtis@sfgn.com

home care

health & body

SOUTH FLORIDA’S BEST LGBT HOME CARE LICENSED AND INSURED

GRATITUDE HOME CARE

employment - full time SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT-CITY OF WILTON MANORS, POLICE DEPARTMENT - Under general supervision, position provides routine to moderately complex administrative support to the assigned department. Responsibilities include creating and composing professional and accurate written communication and documents,appointment scheduling, and processing of conﬁdential information and paperwork. For application and submission information please visit www. wiltonmanors.com and follow the CAREERS link.

home & garden

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

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home care

employment - full time PERMIT TECHNICIAN-CITY OF WILTON MANORS - Administrative position assists citizens and contractors with the processes of application,review and approval for building permits and inspections,and compliance with State,County and City safety codes. Employee is responsible for administrative/clerical work in relation to regulatory standards,inspection activities, and permitting and licensing functions for building construction.For application and submission information please visit www.wiltonmanors.com and follow the CAREERS link.

PROFESSIONAL HOUSEMAN/ HANDYMAN NEEDED- An experienced and professional handyman is needed to work 5 days a week, year round for a home in Boca Raton. This is a handson position where the candidate will perform dayto-day duties to take care of the property, and supervise outside contractors.Must be experienced and be responsible for handling general repairs around the home,including HVAC, plumbing and electrical, car maintenance, do some pick up/ make deliveries and run errands.Dog walking. Ability to speak and understand English, neat appearance and professionalism are required, must be trustworthy,mature,speak good English, be authorized to work in the United States, and have a car with a clean driving record and valid driver's license. Contact by email: Atma4him@msn.com.

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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FAST RELIABLE DEPENDABLE SERVICE We show up on time. Walkways,Driveways or Pool areas.Refresh your property to look like new. Brad 954-515-6244

entertainment/dj's

WEEKEND LINE COOK - Weekend line cook/ kitchen prep help needed at all-male resort. May grow into full time position. Must have transportation. Food Handlers license great but not required. Call 954-701-2641 and leave a detailed message

LIVE JAZZ FOR YOUR NEXT PARTY OR SPECIAL EVENT - Have your next special occassion be extra special with live jazz. Jazz vocalist with over 30 years experience performing in South Florida.No tapes or tracks.I work with South Florida's ﬁnest jazz musicians to make your special affair one to remember. Reasonable rates. Call Cindy at 954-298-8158 www. myspace.com/cindycurtisandcompany.

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

FREE! some restrictions apply

Serving Broward Since 1999

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

Honest, Genuine Auto Maintenance and Repair

HARRY’S ELECTRIC RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL - Additions, renovations, service upgrades, breaker panels,FPL undergrounds, code violations, A/C wiring, ceiling fans, recessed, security & landscaping, lighting, pools, pumps, Jacuzzis, water heaters, FREE PHONE ESTIMATES 954-522-3357 Lic & Ins. www. harryelectrician.com

Mention this ad and receive your ﬁrst month

PARIS AUTO REPAIR

electrician

employment - part time

POOL SERVICE

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Complete in-house service Foreign & domestic including classic cars Same location since 1985 ONLY 4 BLOCKS from FAU main campus PARIS AUTO REPAIR

SouthFloridaGayNews

1801 NW 1st Ct Boca Raton, FL 33432

561-395-7765 Ask for John (“Curly”)

health & body - yoga

plumber

PRIVATE YOGA SESSIONS - Vinyasa "ﬂowing" yoga. All levels welcome. No experience necessary. Personal instruction to your level, including any physical limitations. $70 your space. $100@studio. Contact Drew @954-817-3021. www.drewmiller. biz - fb Drew Miller

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

INCREDIBLY AWESOME BODYWORK IN WPB In-calls at a private studio 15 minutes west of PBIA. Intuitive, experienced licensed massage therapist offers affordable rates 7 days, early to late. ASK ABOUT WEEKLY SPECIALS!Calls only 561-2548065 for the very best massage experience you can get HANDS DOWN! #MA51008

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.

licensed massage

MASSAGE BY DENNIS $50/90 MIN (DELRAY BEACH) I give a fantastic Swedish massage for $50/90 min, out calls higher. 20 years experience, all clients are welcome including seniors, as human beings we all need to be touched in a therapeutic, loving, and nurturing way. I do body work without the attitude. Please call me at 561-502-2628.

piano lessons

pets/supplies

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

self-help

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 561-3383157 $50 off when you mention ad!

painting

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

spirituality

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 561703-5533

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 soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 4 .22.2015 //

CMI_Full_Page_v4_Final_Print.pdf

3/3/15

9:20 AM

Grab a coffee, coffee take a survey,

change the world.

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Your information is confidential, used for research purposes only. You will not be contacted for marketing purposes.

// 4.22.2015 // SFGN.com //

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