1/14/15 V6i2 by South Florida Gay News

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January 14, 2015 // vol. 6 // issue 2

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

Egyptian Men Acquitted in Bathhouse Raid An Egyptian court acquitted 26 men arrested during a raid of a Cairo bathhouse last month. The men were charged with debauchery and public indecency after police, tipped off by a pro-government, private television station, raided a bathhouse (hammam) in Cairo. Same-sex

relations are not explicitly prohibited in Egyptian law, although homosexuality is a societal taboo in the conservative, mostly Muslim, country. Barristers for the men were delighted with Monday’s acquittal, stating it represented progress in North Africa.

Florida Begins Offering SameSex Spousal Benefits The State of Florida will now recognize same-sex relationships in its benefit packages. With the advent of samesex marriage in the Sunshine State, the government is directing its employees to consider enrolling in a family plan. Suzetta Furlong, operations chief for

Florida’s Department of Management Services, said state employees with a qualifying status change have until March 6, 2015 to enroll their spouses in state coverage for health insurance and retirement plans.

Actor Dedicates Golden Globe to Transgender Community MEMBER

Actor Jeffrey Tambor accepted the Golden Globe for best actor in a TV series Sunday night for his role in the acclaimed series “Transparent.” In his acceptance speech, Tambor said, “Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your inspiration. Thank you for your patience. And thank

you for letting us be part of your change.” Tambor, known to many for his role as a corrupt family patriarch in “Arrested Development” takes on a different portrayal in “Transparent,” a MTF M E M B Eplaying R Transgender in the new Amazon series.

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news highlight

West Palm Beach a Top Queer City John McDonald

The Advocate released its “Queerest Cities in America” list for 2015 and holding the third position is West Palm Beach. The magazine’s website says this of the Palm Beach County city: “West Palm Beach has a trans-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance. Residents and visitors take advantage of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, home of the Miami City Ballet, the Palm Beach Opera, and touring Broadway shows like ‘The Book of Mormon.’ Denizens come together at trendy restaurants, such as the gay-couple-owned Table 26 and sing karaoke on Sundays at neighborhood spot Rooster’s.” Surprisingly, Wilton Manors, Provincetown and San Francisco were no where to be found on the Advocate’s queer list. With a population of 102,436, West Palm Beach is rising in the eyes of trendsetters, writes the Advocate’s editors, noting interior designer Jonathan Adler and his partner Simon Doonan now call the city home.

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Other Florida cities included in the Advocate’s list of 25 Queerest Cities in America were Gainesville (22) and Orlando (23). Dayton, Ohio took the top spot as the Queerest City in America.

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News Briefs Compiled by John McDonald

Russia Bars Transgender Drivers

New Russian road safety regulations bar transsexuals, transvestites and others with sexual “disorders” from driving. The new regulations have been criticized by rights activists, who see them as unconstitutional and part of Russia’s crackdown on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. The government resolution, dated Dec. 29, lists numerous medical conditions that make someone ineligible for a driving license, including “mental and behavioral disorders” as defined by the World Health Organization. The WHO classification includes “gender identity

disorders” such as transsexualism and “disorders of sexual preference,” including fetishism and voyeurism. Human Rights First called it an “alarming violation of the rights of the transgender community” and “just another example of the Russian regime’s methodical rollback of basic human rights for its citizens.” But Labor Union boss Alexander Kotov, head of the Professional Drivers Union, supported the ban. “We have too many deaths on the road, and I believe toughening medical requirements for applicants is fully justified,” Kotov told the BBC’s Russian Service.

The campaign aims to show that love comes in a variety of forms, Buckley said. “Nowadays, the road to marriage is no longer linear,” she said. “True love can happen more than once with love stories coming in a variety of forms.” Another photo shows a couple on their wedding day with their child, the company said, a nod to increasing rates of mothers giving birth outside of marriage. The rest of the images show couples in various romantic settings: on a city rooftop, driving in a convertible, at home on a sofa.

Bisexuals Will Want Huckabee: Two Spouses

Judge Allows Challenge to Georgia Marriage Ban Federal

A federal judge in Georgia has declined to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. Lawyers with the attorney general’s office had argued the state has a legitimate interest in “encouraging the raising of children in homes consisting of a married mother and father” and that the ban on same-sex marriage is rationally related to that interest. U.S. District Judge William Duffey wrote in his opinion that the state failed to address how those interests are furthered by the ban on same-sex marriages and the refusal to recognize legal marriages performed in other states. Between federal appellate rulings and a U.S. Supreme Court decision in October to turn away state appeals, the number of states allowing same-sex couples to marry has risen to 36.

Iconic Jeweler Runs Gay Ad

Jeweler Tiffany & Co., for the first time, is featuring a gay couple in an ad campaign. The new “Will You?” campaign, shot by fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh, features seven scenes of couples. One in particular is drawing widespread praise for showing a same-sex couple. The pair, shown sitting on a stoop in New York City, are a couple in real life, Tiffany spokeswoman Linda Buckley said. The 178-year-old jeweler best known for its little blue boxes says this is its first ad to depict a same-sex couple. The company joins a growing list of brands using same-sex couples in promotional materials, from Banana Republic to Target.

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Former Arkansas governor and Fox News pundit and potential GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee offered a new theory on why America should ban marriage equality: Because bisexuals will want to have two spouses - a man and a woman. In sections of Huckabee’s new book, “God, Guns, Grits and Gravy,” the 59-year-old politician suggests Jay Z is pimping out Beyonce and in another excerpt, he makes his insane case to ban same-sex marriage. “Shouldn’t a bisexual be able to have both a male and female spouse?” Huckabee writes. “Wouldn’t restricting that person access to both genders be denying the bisexual his or her marriage ‘equality?’” In another excerpt, Huckabee writes that gay marriage should be banned because we are unsure of how it will impact the future. “When advocates of same-sex marriage say, ‘What’s the harm?’ the honest reply is that at this point, we simply don’t have enough reliable accumulated data to be able to say,” he wrote. Last October, Huckabee made headlines after saying he will leave the GOP if some Republicans continue to support gay rights. “If the Republicans want to lose guys like me -- and a whole bunch of still God-fearing Bible-believing people -- go ahead and just abdicate on this issue, and while you’re at it, go ahead and say abortion doesn’t matter, either,” said Huckabee. “Because at that point, you lose me. I’m gone, I’ll become an independent. I’ll start finding people that have guts to stand. I’m tired of this.” It was reported more recently that Huckabee announced he was leaving Fox News as a talk show host as he considers whether to seek the Republican nomination for president. He said he will reach a decision in the spring.

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Couple Granted Oklahoma’s Lesbian First Same-Sex Adoption

An adoption decree granted to a married lesbian couple in Okmulgee County is believed to be among the first same-sex adoptions in Oklahoma, the women’s attorney says. Two young boys in state Department of Human Services care were adopted by the Tulsa women in a Dec. 19 proceeding conducted by Associate District Judge sfgn-, who has since retired, the Tulsa World reported Sunday. “I’ve been an attorney for 20 years, and I’ve done thousands of adoptions, and I’ve done adoptions for gay people before, but we could never adopt as a couple,” the couple’s attorney, Terri Craig, said. “They were excited to get their story out and let other gay couples know it is at least an option.” In October, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear appeals in cases from Oklahoma and other states, meaning same-sex marriages became legal in those states. The state’s adoption code hasn’t been rewritten since the decision, Craig said, and makes mention only of a “husband and wife.” Craig said state statutes “can be interpreted to allow same-sex (adoptions).” “An unmarried couple could not adopt in the state of Oklahoma. A married couple can. That’s what kicked the door open for us,” she said. Woodliff said he believes the adoption was appropriate. He had been familiar with the children since they were removed from their original living situation. The women declined to give their names because the boys had been in the custody of DHS, for which case information is not available to the public. The couple, who had been together 13 years and married in November, told the newspaper they’d been trying to adopt the boys for about two years.

news bites

by John McDonald

international

Couples Account for 13% Gayof Paris Marriages

Early data released by France’s INSEE national statistics office shows more than 13 percent of all marriages recorded in the French capital were same-sex. The office reported 1,331 same-sex weddings were performed in Paris in 2014, the vast majority of which were in districts (arrondissements) with Socialist mayors. The fourth district of Paris, home to the Marais district, recorded the most gay nuptials. “Our civilization did not crumble despite the alarmist predictions,” French politician JeanLuc Romero said. The INSEE is expected to release a full report on the state of same-sex marriage in France this week. France legalized same-sex marriage in May of 2013.

national

ffort Launched to Repeal Defense of Marriage Act

As the 114th U.S. Congress gaveled into session, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) introduced a bill intended to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. “The Supreme Court has ruled that section 3 of DOMA is unconstitutional, but Congress still must repeal the law in its entirety,” said Nadler. However, gay rights activists scoffed at what they viewed as a largely ceremonial move. “Now that the Democrats are a minority in both houses they are finally eager to put up the gay rights bills knowing they won’t pass,” writes Will Kohler, a blogger for the website back2stonewall.com

state

edical Marijuana Initiative Returns

Advocates for reforming Florida’s marijuana laws submitted an amendment to the state’s constitution calling for access to cannabis for medicinal use. The organization, People United for Medical Marijuana, offered its proposed amendment to Florida’s Secretary of State’s office last week and is launching a signature drive to get the amendment on the 2016 ballot. Orlando trial lawyer John Morgan is again financing the petition effort, telling the Miami Herald, “I’ve been through it once. I know how to do this. We made a lot of mistakes and we won’t make them this time.” Morgan’s group needs 683,149 voter signatures to get on the ballot.

Credit: CNN

local

ay Rep Announces Senate Candidacy

Florida Rep. David Richardson (D-Miami Beach) has announced plans to run for State Senate in 2016. Richardson, 57, is seeking to take the district 35 seat held by Sen. Gwen Margolis, who is hinting at retiring from public service. Margolis is 80. Richardson, a certified public accountant, was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012 and re-elected last year. He is currently the only openly gay legislator in Tallahassee. In a statement, announcing his senate candidacy, Richardson says he will serve as the Democratic Party’s Floor Leader in the House during the 2015 session. David Richardson (D-Miami Beach)

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news local

Catholics Divided By Same-Sex Marriage John McDonald

Valentines Day Charity Event To Benefit The Poverello Food Pantry

“Come dance, donate and help replenish Poverello’s food panty!” Date: Saturday February 14th, 2015 Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Doors open: 12:30. Includes classes at 1:00 & 2:30. Participants welcome to 1 or both. Cost: $12.00 (Suggested donation or non-perishable food items.) Location: The Pride Center at Equality Park 2040 N. Dixie Highway (Rear Building) Wilton Manors “Silent Auction included! Plan to bid on fantastic prizes!” “Food & Fitness: A Perfect Match.” Our instructor for the day is Salome Garcia Penido. She has been a fitness enthusiast and a dancer in Spain and the United States.

The advent of same-sex marriage is creating a riff in the state’s large Catholic population. In a statement, The Catholic Bishops of Florida said they were “deeply disappointed” in Judge Hinkle’s ruling ushering in same-sex marriage in the Sunshine State. “How society understands marriage has great public significance. Because of this, redefining civil ‘marriage’ to include two persons of the same sex will have farreaching consequences in society,” the Bishops warned. Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski went one step further, sending a letter to employees of the Archdiocese instructing them to exercise discretion when posting on social media sites. In the letter, Wenski said any public support that is “inconsistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church could lead to disciplinary action, including termination.” Wenski, appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, leads the Archdiocese of Miami, home to more than one million Catholics in MiamiDade, Broward and Monroe Counties. In 2012, Wenski called same-sex marriage,

She teaches Zumba, and other fitness classes in gyms, hospitals, recreational centers, dance studios and offers her own private classes too. Salome is so passionate about Zumba because every class feels like a party. Come join us. She guarantees all will have a blast and its for a good cause; helping raise funds for the Poverello food pantry serving people living with HIV/AIDS. Call to reserve your place: 954-561-3663 ext. 122

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“a recipe for tyranny” that if allowed to prevail would result in the “devaluation of all marriages with terrible consequences to society.” That rhetoric does not sit well with John Joseph Reid, an Irish Catholic originally from Boston, who called out Wenski for what he termed, “bullying.” “He can say whatever he wants and who listens to him anyway,” said Reid, who lives in Wilton Manors with his longtime partner Larry Turner. “The Roman Catholic Church has driven thousands of people away already and (Wenski’s) comments help those gay people who stayed there slam the door behind them.” Unlike Wenski, Reid is greeting the beginning of same-sex marriage with warm words and plans to marry couples all across South Florida. He welcomed gay couples to visit his Divine Mercy Chapel in Wilton Manors and offered a parting shot for the Archbishop. “He (Wenski) doesn’t get the message that he cannot bully gay people anymore,” Reid said.

news local

Suze Orman to Speak on LGBT Rights Monday

Christiana Lilly

Photo: Facebook

be Foxman, A the national director of the AntiDefamation League, will be giving opening remarks at the event.

uze Orman, a ﬁnancial guru, will be participating in the panel

Financial guru Suze Orman will be speaking and participating on a panel in Boca Raton on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Temple Beth El of Boca Raton is hosting the event with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to discuss the advancing rights of the LGBT community, even more relevant with the recent lifting of the ban on gay marriage in Florida. Orman, who is a lesbian, joined in the festivities in South Florida when thousands of same-sex couples were married across the Sunshine State. She lives in Fort Lauderdale with her partner. “We have a religious mandate as Jews to seek justice and pursue it,” said Rabbi Daniel Levin, senior rabbi at the temple. “I wanted to do something so that we as a community could begin to raise awareness of what the gay and lesbian community suffers in terms of their denial of civil rights and what we could do to change the way our society is in Florida, and God willing, our country.” Temple Beth El of Boca Raton is a reform Jewish temple, leaning liberal on the scale. Levin said that two years ago, a lesbian couple asked him to travel with them to New York City to conduct their wedding ceremony. He realized how frustrated he was that gay couples could not get married in Florida. Since then, the temple has been partnering with the ADL for events such as this. Orman showed interest in participating, and she will be joined by five other panelists: Mitchell Gold, a business owner and founder of Faith in America, Nadine Smith, the executive director of Equality Florida, David Barkey of the ADL Civil Rights Area Counsel, and Jamie

Schaefer, an activist and board member of Faith in America, and Levin himself. “She’s known for her being a guru in finance and the fact that she is gay and she is married and does want to speak on this issue is very special for our community,” said Hava Holzhauer, the regional director of the ADL. Another big guest is Abe Foxman, the national director of the ADL, who will be giving opening remarks. He has been with the group for 50 years and is retiring this July. With all the speakers and the spirit of the message, it made sense to host the event on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. Levin wanted to have a strong presence of those with faith on the panel to also show that the religious community is in support of LGBT civil rights. He shared the story on his Facebook of blessing an gay couple who were married at a Delray Beach courthouse, and he laughed that he got more likes than when his son had his Bar mitzvah. “This is not just a gay issue, it’s a human issue,” “When you see people who are sharing love and you see people who are realizing and getting their freedom in such fundamental and basic ways as wanting to celebrate and sanctify their love and their household, you change minds and you change hearts.” Holzhauer wants to remind people that although gays have the right to be married in Florida, the fight for equal rights is not over. Many municipalities offer LGBT protections, but until it’s statewide, that’s the next battle. “We also have to remember that the fight for LGBT equality and rights is far from over in Florida,” Holzhauer said.

If You Go:

What: A Panel on Advancing Civil Rights for the LGBT Community When: Jan. 19, 2015 at 7 p.m. Where: Temple Beth El of Boca Raton, 333 SW Fourth Ave. in Boca Raton How Much: Free More Info: RSVP to LWilk@adl.org soflagaynews //

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news local

GAY TENNIS PLAYERS

John McDonald

Compete in Miami Art Deco Open

Photo: Facebook (Miami Mavericks Tennis)

More than 250 participants are expected to take part in this weekend’s Miami Art Deco Open. A signature event for the Miami Mavericks Tennis Club, the Miami Art Deco Open is a tennis tournament sanctioned by the Gay & Lesbian Tennis Association (GLTA) and this weekend marks the tournament’s 20th anniversary. “Tennis is a great way to get out and meet people,” said Marc Brown, tournament organizer. “It’s a singular sport, but very social too. It’s great physical exercise and leads to a healthy lifestyle.” Held on the hard courts of Crandon Park in Key Biscayne where the pros gather every year for the Miami (formerly Sony) Open, the Miami Art Deco Open features five divisions of competition for women and men in singles and doubles play.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Brown said. A non-profit organization established in 1989, the Miami Mavericks Tennis Club exists to promote national and international tennis competition with a healthy lifestyle in Miami-Dade County. This weekend’s Miami Art Deco Open helps the club reach its goal of providing a safe and fun outlet to the youth and adults of the LGBT community through the sport of tennis. Those who follow the sport are aware of several professional tennis stars who are openly gay, most notably lesbians Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova and Hana Mandlikova. Navratilova, winner of 18 Grand Slam singles titles, recently wed longtime partner Julia Lemigova in New York.

? o G o t t Wan What: Miami Art Deco Open When: Friday, Jan. 16 to Monday, Jan. 19 Where:Crandon Park Tennis Park, Key Biscayne Cost: Free More Info: MiamiMavericksTennis.com

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news local

Bears Growling for Support

Photo: beachbearweekend.com

Event organizer feels underappreciated by convention and visitors bureau John McDonald A stalemate has set in as officials with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau and Beach Bear Weekend negotiate terms of a contract. Bob Young, a producer for Beach Bear Weekend – a gathering of mostly men ages 35 to 55 during Mother’s Day Weekend – feels his event is being inadequately funded. “I’m a whistleblower,” Young said in an exclusive interview with SFGN. “What’s going on here is not fair. I’m furious.” Young is accusing the Convention & Visitors Bureau of mismanagement and failing to properly recognize Beach Bear Weekend. Young says, Beach Bear Weekend is a homegrown local success and worthy of support from the CVB and Broward County based businesses. “The bear community is like a brotherhood,” Young said. “We all stick together and we give back to the community.”

Richard Gray is the managing director of the LGBT market for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. He has exchanged emails with Young concerning Beach Bear Weekend and provided such correspondence to SFGN. “Bob is a very difficult person to work with,” Gray said. Young’s current demand calls for the CVB to fund Beach Bear Weekend to the tune of $15,000 annually for three years. The contract has yet to be signed. “Bob is holding us hostage and we are not going to be held hostage,” Gray said. The CVB, Gray said, has already given Beach Bear Weekend in-kind donations in marketing equivalent of $50,000, including an estimated $4,000 in Facebook marketing. On top of those concessions, there is a current offer of $8,000, Gray said, which neither side has agreed on. Young decided to take his concerns

public after the CVB’s recent decision to roll out the red carpet for Gay Days Fort Lauderdale in that event’s first year. Young called the event, which was held at the W Fort Lauderdale Hotel over Thanksgiving weekend, “a flop.” Gray, however, said it takes time to cultivate a successful event. “The (Gay Days) brand itself has great value,” said Gray. “Over time this could become our signature LGBT event.” Meanwhile, Beach Bear Weekend recently announced Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach is returning as host hotel for the fourth year in a row. Young proudly notes the event has received international support from investors in Spain and proceeds are returned to the local community through organizations such as the Pride Center and Abandoned Pet Rescue.

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feature

Cowboy Wedding

DARA KAM

THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

Brings Tears, Laughter Photo: Facebook

earing cowboy boots and bolo ties, Steve Schlairat and Ozzie Russ exchanged wedding vows as they stood beside two saddles perched atop bales of hay on a chilly Saturday afternoon with friends and family looking on. The longtime duo are among hundreds of gay and lesbian couples who received marriage licenses or were married this week after a federal judge’s decision striking down Florida’s gay-marriage ban took effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. Saturday’s wedding overlooking a horse pasture and a plowed field in the Panhandle community of Chipley was a pared-down version of a lavish commitment ceremony Russ and Schlairat held nearly 15 years ago. Their wedding rings arrived on a Harley Davidson pillow carried by a young cowboy, as a flower girl sprinkled straw on the patio. Guests supped on pulled pork, chicken pot pie and scalloped potatoes that Russ, a caterer, cooked himself.

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Many of the newlyweds throughout Florida may not have any idea who Schlairat and Russ are, but the Washington County couple was instrumental in paving the way for same-sex marriages. Schlairat and Russ --- an interracial, gay couple living in one of the state’s most conservative environs --- are two of the plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit that resulted in the overturning of Florida’s voterapproved ban on gay marriage. Two of the other plaintiffs served as their best men in Saturday’s ceremony. Schlairat and Russ weren’t in a rush to get married. But, because of other family weddings and a sense of urgency after a stay expired Monday on U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle’s decision striking down the ban, the couple decided to tie the knot this weekend at their 20-acre home where they raise rescue horses and Great Danes. The pair is fully aware that they’ve made history.

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“I hope it helps other people validate their own relationships in their own lives,” Schlairat said. Schlairat, 66, and Russ, 48, say they aren’t activists but they have turned into role models in the small town of Chipley, where Schlairat is a retired hospital administrator and Russ works at a convenience store and at a local McDonald’s. “I hear it all the time at work or just going somewhere to the grocery store. I have people that come up and say thank you for paving the way for either my son or my daughter,” Russ, putting strips of biscuit dough over a simmering chicken dish, said. “I just don’t know how to react to it because I never did something this big before. I’m glad I did because it just didn’t help me. It helped others, hundreds, thousands, probably millions.” Their best men --- Jim Brenner and Chuck Jones --- are two of the other plaintiffs. Brenner and Jones, who were married in Canada five years ago, sought civil-rights lawyer Bill Sheppard’s help less than two years ago in challenging the state’s gay marriage prohibition. Their marriage became officially legal in Florida at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. Both couples --- and Sheppard --- shed a few tears, of relief as well as joy Saturday afternoon, while much of the conversation focused on their lawsuit and gay marriage in general. “This case is big. But this fight is far from over,” Sheppard, who played a role in desegregating the Jacksonville area in the 1960s, said. “There will be little tangential issues. The institutional bias, the systemic bias against same-sex relationships will be visited on same-sex couples.” Gathered in the living room for a champagne toast after the brief poolside ceremony, Brenner choked up when recalling a trip to the Washington County courthouse, where he accompanied his friends Tuesday morning as they picked up a marriage license more than a year after workers there refused to provide the couple

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with a license because they are both men. “We all said this seems like a dream, something that isn’t real. Something that none of us three years ago could ever dream would happen,” Brenner, leaning against a baby grand piano in a living room ornamented with Christmas decorations and balloons, said. Brennan credited “the magic between these two and the magic between” Sheppard and his wife and legal partner, Betsy White, who led the charge to overturn the ban. A tearful Sheppard thanked the four men for giving him another chance to challenge “this bigoted crap” he has been working against for more than four decades. “You gave us our opportunity to be part of your fight,” Sheppard said. Schlairat said he believes the focus on gay marriage is forcing straight couples to think harder about what marriage really means. “I think it’s going to make people look at what is marriage really about, what is the essence of marriage. It’s the commitment of two people. Hopefully, people will make the commitment the number one reason why they go into a marriage. Not because they feel forced. Not because they feel they have to. Not because it was expected of them. You do it when you’re ready with the right person. I think that’s the essence of what it’s about,” he said.

community announcement

Pride South Florida Announces Major Changes for 2015 Pride South Florida

Heeding the advice of a host of community non-profit organizations, Pride South Florida announced today that it will be hosting only one singular pride weekend this year, in mid-June. Entitled ‘Free Pride 2015,’ the group will be holding an open-air, one day outdoor festival in Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, June 13, to be followed by the Stonewall Parade down Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors on the afternoon of Sunday, June 14. Both events will be FREE and open to the public. The program for the events is being published and released to community organizations later this week. Online registration for sponsors and vendors at www.pridesouthflorida.org should commence Tuesday, January 20, 2015. Amongst the prominent changes to be announced will be that the costs for non profit 501 (c) (3) organizations will be ‘significantly reduced,’ according to this year’s treasurer, and last year’s chair, Rocky Bowell. In addition, when registration begins next week, Entertainment Committee chair Shawn Manning will be soliciting a host of local street performers to appear in both locations. “We want to keep with the theme of the weekend,” he said, “Local and Free; Festive and Fun.” Manning stated that the group is in negotiations to possibly host a Friday night concert on the Fort Lauderdale beach. “If we do, that will be the only charge to the public “ he said. After a contested appeal to the IRS,

Pride South Florida has itself won back its status as a 501(c) (3) organization, and all donations to it are tax deductible. The law offices of Norm Kent and Russell Cormican handled the appeal on a pro bono basis, after Kent was elected co-chair of PSF last Fall. “Because of financial and administrative setbacks from last June’s Stonewall event, the group had to reorganize and reinvent itself,” Kent stated. “We are currently soliciting new board members and volunteers. Spots are open and available for conscientious and caring people. It’s a new day, and there is an open door policy. No more secrecy. “ Meetings are held Monday evenings at their offices on 690 Northeast 13th Street, at 6:30 p.m., and are open to the public. The group is now seeking a part time office manager, and Kent is conducting interviews. Candidates should send resumes to vice-president@pridesfl.org The AIDS Health Care Foundation and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Visitors Bureau have committed to being sponsors this year, along with a host of returning groups. But Kent stated he is looking for private vendors and entrepreneurs “to step up to the plate and underwrite the festival and parade.” Community sponsorships and packages will be promoted from January through April in local weekly events. “We want the theme to be soft and simple promoting equality for all,” Manning said, “Be free, be safe, be aware.” .

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.14.2015 //

feature weddings

Check out SFGN’s coverage and more photos of Florida’s marriage equality celebration at sfgn.com/FLmarriage

Eternal Vows

The promise of “forever” took a long time to arrive SFGN Staff

Broward Photos by J. R. Davis

Gay Marriage in Florida — A Timeline Voters in Florida approve, with 62 percent, an e amendment to th ion ut tit ns co te sta x banning same-se marriage.

November 4th, 2008

The U.S. Supreme or of Court rules in fav Edith New York widow the Windsor, ordering nt me rn ve go ral de fe 07 20 r he e niz to recog da to marriage in Cana yer. her wife Thea Sp

June 26th, 2013

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ty Palm Beach Coun resident Heather Brassner sues to er divorce her partn in Broward Circuit e Court. In 2002 th led ve tra n me two wo civil to Vermont for a e of union but becaus age rri ma y ga a’s rid Flo ip sh on ati rel e ban th wasn’t recognized and therefore the be divorce could not . ed rm rfo pe

September 27th, 2013 soflagaynews //

les Six same-sex coup a rid Flo lity ua and Eq sue Miami-Dade y County Clerk Harve Ruvin after his g office denies issuin s to marriage license the couples.

January 21st, 2014

SouthFloridaGayNews

a The ACLU of Florid state and SAVE sue the in federal court on mebehalf of eight sa were sex couples who re. married elsewhe

March 12th, 2014

n, Two Key West me and William Lee Jones sue Aaron Huntsman rk Monroe County Cle a r fo ilin av He y Am . marriage license

April 1st, 2014

its The ACLU amends her g anot complaint by addin ldberg, a plaintiff, Arlene Go whose n ma wo ers Fort My r, died se as ldw Go wife, Carol were n me wo March 13. The and had ars ye 47 er th ge to 11 in New been married in 20 m the fro d ve mo York. They in 1989. Bronx to Florida ered The judge later ord ficate rti ce ath de r’s se Goldwas m single to be amended fro , which woman to married or for do e th en op uld wo ath de y rit cu Se l Socia LU suit is benefits. The AC dated with eventually consoli ing two olv inv se ca r ila a sim Florida. couples in North

April 10th, 2014

Broward Photos by David Replogle

eenberg The law firm of Gr e Florida Traurig advises th unty Association of Co who rks cle y an at Clerks th s to se en lic e issue marriag before same-sex couples a supreme the U.S. or Florid issue face e th e ttl courts se of the “a misdemeanor hable by nis pu e, gre de rst fi not more imprisonment of a fine of d an ar ye than one ,000.” not more than $1

July 1st, 2014

,a W. Jason Simpson r, we do wi nia lva sy Penn to te sta e th s petition are recognize his Delaw marriage to Frank Bangor, who died ton March 14 in Boyn s wa Beach. The couple ars. together for 37 ye

July 15th, 2014

it Monroe Chief Circu Judge Luis Garcia merules Florida’s sa n ba e ag rri sex ma and unconstitutional West that the two Key men can marry.

July 17th, 2014

it Judge Miami-Dade Circu at the six th les ru l Sarah Zabe n marry ca les same-sex coup well as but her ruling as d to allow Garcia’s are staye neral Pam Ge ey rn Florida Atto , which em th al Bondi to appe she does.

July 25th, 2015

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ge Broward Circuit Jud Dale Cohen rules n the same-sex ba says d an al ion ut tit uncons er sn as Br nt he will gra r, he a divorce, howeve his ends up vacating er’s sn as Br e us ca be ruling rly pe pro t no d lawyer ha ce notified Bondi’s offi al ution about the constit challenge.

August 4th, 2014

ty Circuit Palm Beach Coun s makes wi Le na Dia ge Jud rsonal pe e th on Simps his late of ive representat This is husband’s estate. rida Flo y an e tim rst fi e th ed an judge has recogniz x -se out-of-state same marriage.

August 5th, 2014

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.14.2015 //

Miami Couples Celebrate By John McDonald Photos by Shannon Farris

Newly weds and Florida couples married in other states celebrated their new status at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden last week. The celebration was hosted by SAVE, a South Florida LGBT organization dedicated to defending the MiamiDade County Human Rights Ordinance. SAVE Executive Director Tony Lima emceed the evening which saw a performance by the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus and speeches by several politicians and activists associated with the fight for same-sex marriage in Florida. Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine said there is no questioning the city’s support of LGBT rights. “It’s always, yes,” Levine said, adding the city is experiencing a renaissance primarily due to the support of the LGBT community.

U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle ’s declares the state age ban on gay marri He unconstitutional. til un g lin ru his ys sta ndi Jan. 5 to allow Bo to appeal, which she does.

August 21st, 2014 18

Also honored at the soiree were plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit represented by the American Civil Liberties Union. Those being: Arlene Goldberg, Sloan Grimsley and Joyce Albu, Juan del Hierro and Thomas Gantt, Chuck Hunziker and Bob Collier, Robert Loupo and John Fitzgerald, Richard Milstein and Eric Hankin, Lindsay Myers and Sarah Humlie, Sandra Newson and Denise Hueso and Christian Ulvert and Carlos Andrade. Jewish rabbis and Christian pastors also attended to perform ceremonies for couples who were married in other states that were seeking to renew their vows. Police estimated the crowd inside the Botanical Garden to be close to 800 people. Lighting was dim and space tight as many attendees struggled to hear the chorus and speeches.

Bondi’s request to y extend Hinkle’s sta 11th is denied by the peal. Circuit Court of Ap to als pe ap en She th t U.S. Supreme Cour Justice Clarence ees Thomas who overs it. cu Cir th 11 the

December 3rd, 2014

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Greenberg Traurig mo updates their me th 11 e th of ht lig in cision Circuit Court’s de e continuing to advis the county clerks meagainst issuing sa s se en lic e ag sex marri warning they could nor face a misdemea d an e gre de rst fi e of th a fine.

December 16th, 2014 soflagaynews //

ge Broward Circuit Jud res Cohen again decla the marriage ban and in unconstitutional s grants only four minute e. Brassner a divorc

December 17th, 2014

SouthFloridaGayNews

extend Bondi’s request to nied de the Hinkle stay is me Court by the U.S. Supre aning me te vo 2 on a 7t to begin marriages are se Jan. 6.

December 19th, 2014

updates Greenberg Traurig ht of the their memo in lig t’s decision U.S. Supreme Cour the county e vis ad to continuing g sameuin iss clerks against ses and still en lic e ag rri ma x se ey could face a warning them th e first degree th of r misdemeano soning is the rea and a fine. Their binding on ly on is er ord t’s cour n County. to ing sh Wa in the clerk keeps mo me e th d The update s with ao ch in the Florida clerks ge Hinkle to Jud r fo g llin ca some clarify his order.

December 22nd, 2014

Check out SFGN’s coverage and more photos of Florida’s marriage equality celebration at sfgn.com/FLmarriage

ty Washington Coun les fi ll Be ra Lo rk Cle nkle a motion with Hi to clarify his order. i and Hinkle give Bond to 29 c. De til un te sta es ss to i nd Bo . respond “This it back to Hinkle: ted Court is best situa ch rea e th ine rm te to de ” er. ord n ow of its

December 23rd, 2014

rk Osceola County Cle ral in Cent Armando Ramirez clerk in Florida is the first ce that un no an to the state nitely fi de uld his office wo ses on Jan. start issuing licen mpting 6, immediately pro rida Flo e th m fro it a lawsu cil to Family Policy Coun stop him.

December 30th, 2014

order telling Hinkle clarifies his order is only his at th rks cle e th shington compelling the Wa says that o als t bu rk County cle bound are rks the other cle ution and tit ns Co . U.S e th by the marriage must not enforce ce possible fa y ma ban, or they Traurig erg nb lawsuits. Gree mendation om rec its s ise rev em to abide now instructing th er. ord s le’ nk by Hi

t Judge Zabel Miami-Dade Circui iately lift her stay decides to immed arriages begin the day before m ct ate does not obje statewide. The st office starts and so the clerk’s . licenses at 2 p.m issuing marriage

January 1st, 2015

soflagaynews //

January 5th, 2015

en at Some counties op uing iss rt sta to midnight s and marriage license onies, performing cerem h, ac Be lm Pa ing lud inc e. Broward and Monro s become Florida officially issue the 36th state to enses. lic e ag rri ma x same-se x -se me sa at Now th al Bondi marriages are leg r sure refuses to say fo ntinue co ll wi e sh r whethe . als pe ap her

January 6th, 2015

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.14.2015 //

feature charlie hebdo

World Leaders Join 3.7 Million in France to Defy Terrorism

Ashley Fantz, CNN

Photo: Sam Teichman/CNN iReport

At least 3.7 million people, including world leaders, marched in anti-terrorism rallies in Paris and elsewhere in France on Sunday, French officials said, calling the massive gathering in the nation’s capital the largest in France’s history. The day was emotional and peaceful, a gesture of unity just days after Islamic extremists slaughtered 17 people. World leaders joined French President Francois Hollande, including British Prime Minister David Cameron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. The day also brought together an unlikely duo at the rally: Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A photographer captured Merkel leaning her head gently on Hollande’s shoulder. The rally began with a march through Paris streets at 3 p.m., but a massive group of people stayed into the night. Among them was Dalil Boubakeur, the rector of the Great Mosque of Paris and president of the French Council of the Muslim Faith. One man in the crowd said the French people must not “give in to fear.” Terrorists, he said, “will not win.” Others carried signs that echoed the nowfamous phrase that honored slain journalists at the magazine Charlie Hebdo, “Je suis Charlie.” Zineb El Rhazoui, a journalist at the magazine, talked about the magazine’s financial struggles and the difficulty of

// 1.14.2015 // SFGN.com //

Photo: Sam Teichman/CNN iReport

working under constant threats: “I am very happy for all this help, but for us, it was a heavy price to pay, and it is too much. “It took 12 deaths for us to finally be a little bit understood after we have been hated and booed by everybody.” For the guards and police officers who lost their lives in last week’s attacks in France, there were signs reading “We are all cops.” For Muslims in France who want to convey that the ideology embraced by the Muslim gunmen does not represent the whole of the faith, signs read “We are all Muslims.” For everyone, no matter their race, class or ethnic background, signs that said “We are all French” were held up with pride.

End to a bloody week Sunday brought the end to a traumatic week in France. Brothers Cherif and Said Kouachi, the Charlie Hebdo gunmen, were killed Friday after one of two violent standoffs. Twelve people were slain at the satirical magazine offices on Wednesday. In the other standoff, Amedy Coulibaly, suspected in the shooting death of a police officer, was killed by security forces Friday after he shot and killed four hostages during a siege at a kosher market. French law enforcement officers were told to remove their social media presence and carry their weapons at all times, because terror sleeper cells had been activated over the soflagaynews //

past 24 hours in the country, a French police source who attended a briefing Saturday told CNN terror analyst Samuel Laurent. Coulibaly had made several phone calls about targeting police officers in France, according to the source. A video that appears to show Coulibaly pledging allegiance to terror group ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is being shared on Jihadist websites. Brian Hale, the spokesman for the U.S. director of national intelligence, told CNN on Sunday that the U.S. intelligence community is “aware of the video and is reviewing it to determine its authenticity.”

More threats Threats against people outside of France, particularly against journalists, persisted Sunday. The offices of Belgian newspaper Le Soir were evacuated Sunday after members of the newsroom received an anonymous phone call of a bomb threat, the newspaper reported. Police locked down the street where paper operates. And officials in the New York City Police Department responded to a threat from ISIS after someone re-released a September 2014 message that tells followers to “rise up and kill intelligence officers, police officers, soldiers, and civilians,” specifically naming the United States, France, Australia and Canada as targets.

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NYPD employees were told to “remain alert and consider tactics at all times while on patrol,” especially in light of the attacks in France last week, in an internal memo. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a similar bulletin to law enforcement. Both notices make clear that the threat is consistent with previous threats ISIS and others, including al Qaeda, have made.

‘We are not terrorists’ As investigators worked leads, a sea of demonstrators in Paris broke into song, held hands, cheered and passionately denounced violence. An imam and a number of Muslims were in the crowd. A young Muslim French woman held a sign that said, “I am a Jew.” She told CNN’s Frederik Pleitgen that she was horrified to hear of the killings, and the killers do not live according to the Islamic principles she’s been taught. “Our religion is the religion of love. ... Our religion loves Jews ... loves Christians. We are not terrorists,” one Muslim man said, his voice rising. He lifted his arm and gestured to many people around him who came to denounce violence: “We are all Muslim!” French officials announced “exceptional measures” to protect the throngs gathered near the PlacePhoto: de la Republique in central David Replogle

Photo: AP

Paris, and a who’s who of foreign leaders at the rally -- a test of the security forces of a nation rocked by days of terrorist violence. After the rally, Hollande arrived to huge applause and a cheering crowd at the Synagogue de la Victoire to show support for France’s Jews. He was joined by Netanyahu. The targeting of the kosher grocery store shook the nation’s Jewish communities. Amid heightened security concerns, the synagogue was closed Saturday for the first time since World War II. On Sunday, “Jerusalem of Gold” -- a popular song by Naomi Shemer that became an anthem during the Six-Day War in 1967 -played in the place of worship.

World leaders - but no ObamaIt was just one of several gestures of solidarity Sunday among some of the world’s most influential leaders. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov,

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Queen Rania were at the rally. Several people in the crowd and on social media wondered why U.S. President Barack Obama was not there; he was at the White House on Sunday. CNN has asked for an explanation from the State Department and White House of his absence. There has been no response so far. Secretary of State John Kerry was not at the rally either. A senior State Department official told CNN that Kerry had committed a long time ago to be the lead speaker at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s entrepreneurship and innovation summit in India. The official said that Kerry did not want to cancel that as he continues to work on the United States’ relationship with the nation. Attorney General Eric Holder was not at the rally but was in Paris this weekend to attend a security summit on combating terrorism. He recorded interviews that aired in the U.S. on Sunday.

Ambassador to France Jane Hartley represented the United States at the rally. She tweeted several images of the crowd. Speaking on air with CNN’s Jake Tapper, who was at the rally, “Global Public Square” host Fareed Zakaria tried to put Obama and other senior leaders’ absence in context. Zakaria called it a mistake. France is the United States’ “deepest ideological ally,” he said, and it would have been a meaningful image to have a senior administration member, or the President, standing shoulder to shoulder with other leaders. Tapper noted that security has been tenuous. Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve and other officials said 2,300 police officers, as well as paramilitary forces, would be deployed Sunday. The dignitaries and leaders were to be protected by special units. Police snipers, plainclothes and antiterror officers were deployed, and parking and transit restrictions were in place. The government planned to close large sections

Photo: Markku Peltonen/CNN iReport

of the city to traffic, Cazeneuve said. Zakaria observed that security concerns didn’t dissuade Netanyahu or Abbas or other controversial leaders from showing up. The bright side, he said, is that Obama’s absence showed that the struggle against radical Islam is “not all about America.” “Many people have tended to think that Islamic terrorism wouldn’t exist without America,” Zakaria said. “This is really a struggle between the civilized world and a band of extremists. Even if you take the U.S. out of it ... the civilized world is up in arms.” French investigators are still trying to piece connections between three terror suspects killed Friday and their suspected links to al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and other terrorist groups. Security will remain heightened as the investigations continue, officials have said. -CNN’s Evan Perez, Lorenzo Ferrigno, Laurie Segall, Pamela Brown, Kristina Sgueglia, Kevin Bohn, Ray Sanchez and Jim Sciutto contributed to this report.-

Photo: Byrony Jones/CNN soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.14.2015 //

feature charlie hebdo

CHARLIE HEBDO Norm Kent

Was My Brother ith gay marriage and legal pot on our doorsteps, I have found that my youthful indiscretions have become my life’s achievements. For me, it was never a difficult jump to advocate for these issues. They always seemed fair, right and moderate. The rest of the world — I learned — did not think so. I found this out within days of becoming the editor of a weekly community youth newspaper on Long Island in 1970. The Nassau Herald needed an editor for its supplement, named ‘Youthquake,’ designed to capture the intensity of the youth movement sweeping the nation. I jumped at the chance. In my very first issue, I decided to expose the fraud of institutional religion. I tried to show that Jesus Christ was viewed in his day in a manner not unlike a lot of student protestors in 1970. He was a disheveled heretic- an outcast whose views were offensive to the establishment and powers that be. As my first cover, I ran the picture of Jesus Christ you see on this page. You may recognize it, because 44 years later, it ran as a paid advertisement in SFGN’s Christmas issue last month. The response was mild, but shocking. Some people called it ‘offensive.’ Others asked why I would dare run it during the holidays. Honestly though, if you want to pan religion, can there be a better time than contemporary Christmas holidays- which have now become a shopper’s bazaar in a mall, rather than a midnight mass in a house of prayer? In 1970 though, anytime was not a good time to mock Jesus. One day after the poster appeared, someone ripped the page with the picture out of the paper, wrapped it up in a rock, and threw it through the window of the Nassau Herald on Central Avenue in Lawrence, NY. With it was a little note inviting me to drop dead, preferably by dinnertime. It wasn’t the first time and it wouldn’t be the last. In 1980, after relocating to South Florida, I went on a local radio show and called for the legalization of marijuana. Somebody shot out the windows of my law office on East Las Olas Boulevard the next day. I could easily have been killed, but a 55-gallon fish tank opposite my desk swallowed up and drowned the bullets. It made good copy for the Fort Lauderdale News, and sent another message to me about the mortality of being a journalist.

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Still, nothing matched hosting a daily radio show for accumulating death threats. In the 1990’s, as the morning drive talk host for WFTL 1400 AM, I collected a decade’s worth of hate mail. I saved them all, first reading them on the air and then posting them on the station wall, just in case. I joked that I was just trying to insure the crime scene investigators have easy access to leads if my time came. Hate mail and death threats leave you feeling conflicted. On one hand, they validate your mission, giving you an inner strength and courage. On the other hand, you know we live in a world full of crazy people, and the religious bible thumpers are the worst. There really are mentally obsessed zealots out there who felt sodomites like me were bringing down families, civilization and marriage. Why were these people so afraid of me? How do I threaten them? It’s my body, and I am an adult. Whether it’s a pepperoni pizza, a pot pipe or a penis, shouldn’t I be able to determine what I put in it? How does my personal predispositions threaten their god, their family, their life? The more I thought about the murders in Paris last week, the more I looked back on my own life. I could have written an impassioned article on the importance of free speech today. But I find myself a lot more reflective these days, thinking its time to start collecting memories and writing memoirs, recalling my own days where radicalism carried risks. So here I am, sharing the past. The first threat I ever received came when I was a sports reporter for the Hofstra Chronicle in 1967 and mocked the varsity football team as ‘desperate and disabled.’ A couple of the defensive ends offered to toss me off the roof of

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one of the dormitories, so I could really find out what ‘disabled’ meant. Ironically, that dorm is now called ‘Bill of Rights’ Hall. You probably don’t know this, but there is an international group titled ‘The Committee to Protect Journalists.’ It is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes press freedom worldwide. Why? Because, whether you know it or not, 61 journalists were murdered worldwide in 2014, and not all by ISIS. What happened in Paris last week demonstrates that 2015 has not gotten off to a good start either. From protesting the war in Vietnam to fighting for the civil rights of gays and lesbians, to the legalization of marijuana, I have been an advocate for unpopular causes. When you become a gadfly, pricking the powers that be, you are afflicting the comfortable. Power always fights back. The NSA and the CIA may be today’s villains, but yesterday there was J.

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Be on the Beach with SFGN! SAVE THE DATE

Photo: Kari Pricher/CNN

Edgar Hoover and the FBI. Sometimes, the zealots you are fighting are paid for by our own taxes. Mocking them is what we journalists do. Fortunately, I have lived long enough to see my message go mainstream. Like the cartoonists in France, I have used a microphone or a pen. This week, SFGN pays tribute to them and all those who stand up and speak out. We have a calling that won’t go away, and it’s the voice of a free press. In my law practice, I have been lucky enough to represent guys like Al Goldstein, who published SCREW Magazine, and Neil Rogers, who, if he was not dead, would be telling you to go screw yourself- and I would be defending his right to do so. What’s popular is not always right, and what’s right is not always popular. Whether it’s a satirical cartoon, critical column, or public speech, the world is a healthier place when voices are heard and not silenced. In June of 1963, when President John Fitzgerald Kennedy stood at the Berlin Wall, and pointed to the lack of freedoms on the Eastern side, he said, “Ich bin ein Berliner,” that today ‘we are all Berliners.’ Last week, we heard the collective voice of the world say “Je suis, Charlie’ meaning ‘I am Charlie.’ It means we all are one. We will not be afraid. The bullets of a false revenge will not silence the universal voice of a free press. Others will rise in their stead, even stronger and more resolute. Witnesses said the Al Qaeda gunmen headed straight for the paper’s editor and cartoonist, Stephane Charbonnier, killing him and his police bodyguard. The security had been recruited to protect him after extremists firebombed the offices in 2011 over a satirical cartoon about the Prophet Mohammed. A year later, Charbonnier remarked about the threats against his life, declaring: ‘I would rather die standing than live kneeling.’ So must we all. Ultimately, the unconscionable murders in Paris do not shut voices down, anymore than blowing up a Negro church in Alabama killing

SFGN’s Fifth Anniversary Party

Photo: Kari Pricher/CNN

The NEW B Ocean Resort in Fort Lauderdale welcomes the South Florida Gay News’ 5th Anniversary with a festive celebration at Dos Caminos, serving modern Mexican cuisine. We are honored to welcome the paper’s dedicated staff, followers and loyal readers to celebrate ﬁve years of being a trusted source for local, regional and national news important to the LGBT community.

Thursday, January 29th

5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

schoolgirls stopped the civil rights movement in America. Instead, these incidents give life to a free press everywhere, so much so that a gay paper in South Florida covers the events in Paris as if they happened around the corner. Why? Because when it comes to free thought, we are all brothers.

We are all

‘Charlie’ soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.14.2015 //

feature charlie hebdo

Je Suis Charlie Should Be Fun! The Pope Goes Too Far! “This is my body!”

“100 lashes if you do not die from laughter”

The Koran is Shit It can’t stop the bullets

The Modern Pope

Love is Stronger than Hate

These eight covers show how Charlie Hebdo put its satirical twist on religion. Here, Christianity, Judaism and Islam are all mocked. The magazine uses humor to address what many consider to be holy institutions. The Vatican Mole 24

// 1.14.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

“Finally Free!”

feature charlie hebdo

Photo: Byrony Jones/CNN

Photo: French National Police/CNN

Photo: Byrony Jones/CNN

Photo: Markku Peltonen/CNN iReport

FREEDOM

OF EXPRESSION IS A

Photo: Bdicte Huot/CNN iReport

HUMAN RIGHT

Photo: Saeed Ahmed/CNN

Photo: Oliver Janney/CNN

The Newseum in Washington, D.C. displayed newspaper covers from around the world expressing their outrage over the murders of the French journalists.

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.14.2015 //

lifestyle photojournalism

Beach Bettyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

The silver anniversary for Browardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long-standing lesbian bar J. R. Davis

// 1.14.2015 // SFGN.com //

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lifestyle cars D R I V E N

2015

Steve Siler

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

Photo: JAG Studios www.jagstudios.net

it is finally time for you to say

Ford Mustang GT Coupe Come ‘n Play with its Big Fat Stick

There is no car so loved by Americans, make that ‘Murrrricans, as the Ford Mustang. And for 2015, just as the perennial pony car celebrated its 50th birthday, it has been redesigned and reengineered into the best damn pony car in history, or at least the best damn pony car with Bluetooth, navigation, and other nods to modernity that the car’s father, Lee Iacocca, could never have conceived of back in 1964. The view over its long, phallic hood can be, um, arousing, and it’s more than a little fun to watch it rise as the back end squats under full throttle, to say nothing of the formidable thrust that accompanies it when all 435 horses are galloping at full speed. It can hit 60 mph in just four and a half seconds (according to my other employer, Car and Driver), and the action of its gearshift, which looks like a leather-wrapped cue ball, is nice and notchy. Even better, the clutch won’t brutalize your left calf after leg day. And the sound that accompanies a full-tilt launch is utterly inebriating. Just as nice as all that is the fact that, now more than ever, the Mustang is a genuinely nice car. Not a car that looks good and goes fast and therefore helps you overlook flaws like crappy seats or shoddy quality; it’s a seriously nice car, whether you choose the coupe or the convertible. Ford’s SYNC infotainment system works well once you learn it, and the quality is right up there with some of the best American, ahem,

// 1.14.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

tang s u M d r o F 5 201 Base Price: $32,925 Power: 5.0-liter V-8 (435 hp, 400 lb-ft of torque) Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg (EPA est): 15/25

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‘Murrrrrican cars you around. The price has crept up to Audi levels if you want the gutsy V-8, which, frankly, I can’t imagine owning a Mustang without. And for the first time, it comes with an automatic transmission that doesn’t suck the life out of the car. But if it was my car, I’d choose the big fat stick.

OR YOU COULD BUY:

Pictures: https://media.ford.com

Chevrolet Camaro SS Dodge Challenger R/T BMW M235i

Renowned automotive journalist Steve Siler pioneered automotive writing for the GLBT community in 1998 and currently contributes auto news and reviews to Car and Driver Magazine, Yahoo Autos, The New York Daily News, Autoblog, Details, and many more. You can follow his adventures on Twitter/Instagram: @silerroad.

SouthFloridaGayNews

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.14.2015 //

Rack ‘em Up Would you like your business to be a distribution center for SFGN? We have acquired 50 new racks to house all our productions. Contact Norm.Kent@sfgn.com if you want to cleanly and neatly display our publications. SFG

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// 1.14.2015 // SFGN.com //

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lifestyle history

HOMO HISTORY 101 Pier Angelo

MARRIAGE

2000 Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands signs the world’s ﬁrst Same-sex bill into law. 2002 Belgium 2005 Spain , Canada 2006 South Africa , Iceland 2009 Norway, Sweden, Mexico 2010 Argentina ,Portugal 2012 Denmark 2013 England, Wales, Uruguay, Brazil, France, New Zealand

2014 Luxembourg, Scotland

The ﬁrst recorded mention of same-sex marriage occured during the early Roman Empire. Photo: Till Niermann

St. , St Martin, ue as a b a S : S D N A ISL iniq CARRIBBEAN Guadeloupe and Mart nd a , y s n Barthele rt of the Netherland They are pa bide by their laws France, so a ut they x marriage b e s e m a s s e niz ISRAEL recog ce within the countr y. la p e can’t tak UARY 2015 AS OF JAN

ES: UNITAEZD, CAS,TCAO,TCT, AK, , IL, DE, FL, HI, ID MD, , IN, IA, KS, ME T, NV, M , MA, MN, MO NY, NC, NH, NJ, NM, I, SC, OK, OR, PA, RA, WV, UT, VT, VA, W tribes 1 WI, WY, DC, 2

soflagaynews //

The first recorded mention of the performance of same-sex marriage occurred during the early Roman Empire.

Cicero writes that the younger Curio was “ united in a stable and permanent marriage” to Antonius.

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.

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.14.2015 //

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// 1.14.2015 // SFGN.com //

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SouthFloridaGayNews

lifestyle books

“I Am Jazz”

by Jessica Herthel & Jazz Jennings pictures by Shelagh McNicholas Terri Schlichenmeyer

$17.99 / $19.99 Canada 32 pages c.2014, Penguin Dial

You are a one-of-a-kind kid. There’s nobody else like you. Nobody has eyes like yours, or fingers like yours, or ears that fold like yours. You think for yourself, have your own likes and hates, and people love you just the way you are. In the new book “I Am Jazz” by Jessica Herthel & Jazz Jennings, pictures by Shelagh McNicholas, you’ll read about a girl who’s just like other girls… only different. Jazz is a little girl who loves the color pink. It’s been that way for as long as she can remember; she also loves silver and green, maybe because they’re sort of mermaid colors and Jazz loves mermaids, too. Like a lot of girls, Jazz spends her days doing “favorite things.” She likes to dance and sing and pretend that she’s someone famous. She draws, plays soccer, swims, and she loves makeup and dress-up. But when Jazz was a very little kid, there were people who didn’t want her to do any of those things. That’s because Jazz has “a girl brain but a boy body.” She’s transgender, and she was born just like that. For sure, that caused a lot of confusion when Jazz was small because her family didn’t understand. Though she looked like a boy, she had to remind them that she was really a girl inside and reminding made her sad. Her brothers said that pink and mermaids were “girl stuff.” Her sister laughed when Jazz talked about “girl thoughts.” Their parents made Jazz wear boy clothes (ugh!)

until they saw a new doctor. The doctor said that Jazz was transgender – and since Jazz’s parents love Jazz “no matter what,” they decided to let her be herself, to wear pretty pink clothes and play with the toys she liked. That wasn’t an easy thing for others to accept at first, but it’s getting better. Some people are understanding, while some kids still tease Jazz and call her names - but then she remembers that those are the ones who don’t really know her very well. Those are the kids who can’t see the important parts of a person. They’re kids who can’t understand different, and “different is special!” I really like this book. I like it’s perky, friendly cover and the kid-magnet colors that artist Shelagh McNicholas uses. I like the basic premise, and the answers it offers curious kids, parents, and teachers. Those are the things that struck me immediately about it. Looking deeper, though, I discovered what truly makes “I Am Jazz” so valuable: it’s a unique, no-secrets tale written in a kid-friendly, easy-to-grasp, matter-of-fact way, told in part by author Jazz Jennings herself. That, with co-author Jessica Herthel, makes this story glow with a personal, upbeat and spirited touch that’s relatable for all children. Meant for 4-to-8-year-olds, I think kids up to age 10 could very much appreciate this book, especially if there’s a transgender child in their school. For them – and for any adult who may need it – “I Am Jazz” is a oneof-a-kind.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.14.2015 //

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// 1.14.2015 // SFGN.com //

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SouthFloridaGayNews

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.14.2015 //

F O R

T H E

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jw@prdconline.com

THU

CONCERT

W E E K

O F

J A N U A R Y

1 5

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2 0 ,

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

1/15

The New York-based all-male string quartet, Well-Strung, are just as talented as they are handsome and tonight at 7:30 p.m. they bring their unique mash-up of classics and pop music, “Popssical,” to the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. From Bach and Beethoven to Madonna and Pink, the program is certain to bring a new perspective to chamber music. Oh, did we mention that the four musicians are gay and they sing, too. This is one concert that will not disappoint. Tickets are $28 at Kravis.org.

FRI

CONCERT

1/16

David Cassidy rose to stardom in “The Partridge Family” and became the biggest TV and performing phenomenon in history by the time he was 20. Cassidy has managed to stay at the top of his game for over four decades, with a unique ability to re-invent himself and adapt from concerts to theater, television to Las Vegas, and even actor/singer to producer/ writer/director with devoted fans that cross three generations. See him live tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Jazziz Nightlife, 201 Plaza Real in Boca Raton. For reservations, go to Jazziz.com.

SAT

THEATER

Submitted Photo.

1/17 SUN

Julie Taymor’s incredible stage adaptation of Disney’s “The Lion King” plays at the Au Rene Theater at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale through Feb. 1. Marvel at her breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life through clever puppetry and costumes, and thrill to the pulsing rhythms of Africa beating throughout Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscarwinning score. It’s easy to see why this show has captured the hearts and imaginations of tens of millions of people around the globe. Don’t miss it. Tickets start at $36.75 at BrowardCenter.org.

he all-male string quartet, Well-Strung, bring their unique musical presentation to the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, Thursday, Jan. 15.

// 1.14.2015 // SFGN.com //

CONCERT

1/18 MON

THEATER

The South Florida Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestra Sebrina Maria Alfonso, continues its season with “Continuous Crescendo,” program of works by Maurice Ravel (“Bolero”) and Modest Mussorgsky (“Pictures at an Exhibition”). Christopher Taylor performs Samuel Barber’s piano concerto. The symphony presents this program Thursday, Jan. 15 at Delray Beach Center for the Arts, Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Tennessee William Theatre in Key West, and tonight at 7:30 at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $35-75 at SouthFloridaSymphony.org. soflagaynews //

1/19 TUE

Tonight, South Florida audiences have the rare opportunity to check out the concert version of a new, Broadway-bound musical, “Song of Solomon,” at The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum, 7901 N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton. Starring Robert Cuccioli, the show, “Song of Solomon” is a powerful love story about a young orphan girl in ancient Israel who captures the heart of King Solomon with her beauty and brutal honesty. But, will the relationship thrust the nation into conflict and endanger the lives of millions? Tickets are $40 at TheWick.org.

SouthFloridaGayNews

FESTIVAL

1/20

Arts at St. John’s kicks off Convivencia Miami tonight with a reception from 7 – 10 p.m. at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach. The four-month cultural festival, which includes a vibrant schedule of lectures, performances and concerts, celebrates “people’s stories and journeys, from medieval Spain to contemporary South Florida, encompassing times of collaboration and creativity—and including journeys of escape and adaptation to havens in new and unfamiliar places.” Tickets are $30. For more information and a schedule, go to ArtsAtSt.Johns.org.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.14.2015 //

a&e film

The Wiz Comes to the Maltz

By Donald Cavanaugh

Maltz-Jupiter Theatre goers are in for a multi-dimensional treat later this month with the theater’s new production of ‘The Wiz” which runs from Jan 13 to Feb 1. Under the direction of the theater’s own award-winning Producing Artistic Director, Andrew Kato, this 1974 re-telling of the original 1900 book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” by L. Frank Baum, promises to keep feet tapping and eyes popping from start to finish. South Florida Gay News was able to catch up with Kato and the show’s choreographer, Jennifer Werner who most recently was associate director of the Tony Award winning “The Book of Mormon.” “This is a magical production,” Kato said. “We’re using new technologies and tools so the magic of the musical is integrated into the production, not added on.” The magic includes a tornado center stage, flying puppets, a lot of video projection, fantastic music and a powerful cast. “One of the things your readers might find interesting is that neither Jennifer nor I have ever seen the play or the movie from the mid‘70s,” Kato said. “So this will be a brand new interpretation based solely on the creators’ original stage directions.” A sort of looking at 20th century society through 21st century eyes, which raises the question, how does this production deal with the race issues currently on our national front burner?

Annual

LGBT t at Pride Nighea tre Maltz-Jupiter Th

By Donald Cavanaugh

January 15 - February 1, 2015 Music by RICHARD RODGERS; Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II Book by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II and JOSHUA LOGAN Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning novel “Tales of the South Pacific” by James A. Michener 713 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth, FL. • 561-586-6410 www.lakeworthplayhouse.org

On Saturday, Jan 31, the Maltz-Jupiter Theatre will hold its sixth annual Gay Pride Night with pre-theater Hors d’oeuvres in the lobby at 7 p.m., followed by a performance on stage of “The Wiz” at 8 p.m. After the show, Pride Night attendees are invited to join the cast in the Conservatory for a dessert meet-and-greet. Pride Night is sponsored by Morgan Stanley and supported by South Florida Gay News, 900AM The Talk of the Palm Beaches, Compass and Kilwin’s of Jupiter.

// 1.14.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

$54

Special pricin g is The Annual LG available for BT Pride Night

“The play deals with universal issues of love, friendship, home – basically selfactualization,” Werner said. “It speaks to all marginalized groups and encourages people to believe in themselves.” “The Wiz” opened in 1974 in Baltimore, MD and moved to Broadway in 1975. Music and lyrics are by Charlie Smalls and the book by William F. Brown. A film adaptation was released in 1978. For more information contact the box ofﬁce at 561-575-2223 or visit www.JupiterTheatre.org. Group sales available by calling 561-972-6117.

“Morgan Stanley is very aware of the particular needs that same sex couples may have when doing their financial planning and we want to reach out to them and let them know we’re here,” said Kristen Sario, vice president and branch manager at the Palm Beach Gardens Morgan Stanley Wealth Management office. “We felt the annual Pride Nights at the Maltz would be a great place to start.” “We’re always pleased to support the annual Pride Night events,” said South Florida Gay News executive editor, Jason Parsley. “We want to inform our readership about all opportunities available in South Florida and this is definitely a wonderful chance to experience great theater in the northern part of our territory.”

Pride Night tickets are $39 and are available at the box ofﬁce at (561) 575-2223. You must remember to mention the password: PRISM. �

Ticket start at:

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 1.14.2015 //

a&e film

Lifetime’s

‘Whitney’

David-Elijah Nahmod

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Free admission to Nautical Flea Market with Sea of JazzFest ticket stub.

1806 NE 6th St, Pompano Beach, FL 33060 954-519-5500

// 1.14.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

Yaya DaCasta gives an impressive performance as the late, troubled pop star Whitney Houston in Lifetime’s biopic Whitney. The film will premiere on January 17. Whitney marks the directorial debut of actress Angela Bassett, who co-starred with Houston in the 1995 film “Waiting to Exhale.” The fledgling director is no stranger to the biographical film genre. Bassett played music icon Tina Turner in 1993’s “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Bassett continues to act, and is currently on view in the scary television series American Horror Story. Houston, one of the biggest selling female recording acts in history, died at age 48 in 2012. Her career highs and lows included a stormy, unhappy if passionate marriage to R&B sensation Bobby Brown, a history of drug addiction, and rumors that she was “more than just friends” with Robyn Crawford, her lifelong friend and personal assistant. Crawford, as played by Yolonda Ross, is seen in the Lifetime film. There are indeed hints of the extreme closeness between the two women. But were they lovers? That depends upon who you ask. Yolonda Ross now chats with SFGN about her role in Whitney. -Are you a Whitney Houston fan? Yes, I am Have been from the beginning. Whitney, to me, represents a beautiful brown skinned woman that shared her gift with us and shined brightly without limitations. She touched people and I feel the light she exudes is what people walked away with and were drawn too. That’s special. I feel that as a fan and as a brown skinned woman in the industry, I can only hope that my work and talents will be in the same way as hers. I want to touch people.

Describe who your character is. Robyn Crawford was Whitney Houston’s friend and assistant since they were teenagers. She was the person you had to go through to get to Whitney during their time of working together. How did you prepare for the role? I scoured the Internet for whatever I could find on Robyn. Though I had heard about her for years, I never knew what she looked like or sounded like. Even when we were shooting, there was so little to go on for distinct traits of her. So just like with any other part, I took what was in front of me. I played each moment written as that character in whatever the situation was, and took whatever direction Angela gave me. I don’t think you can go wrong if you are being true as your actions in the character. Some people dispute whether or not Whitney ever had a relationship with a woman. What is your response to them? Not knowing either one of them, knowing only hearsay, I don’t think it would be a stretch at all if they were. Having someone you love and can trust is a hard thing to find for anyone, and to get to the level that Whitney was at, I’m sure much harder. I think they would have been lucky to have each other if that was the case because their feelings seemed to be genuine for each other. Ross told SFGN that she’s not had contact with Robyn Crawford and that the Houston family was not speaking about the film. She hopes that people will keep an eye out for her other new film, Lila and Eve, with Viola Davis and Jennifer Lopez. Look for Whitney on Lifetime on January 17.

David-Elijah Nahmod is an American/Israeli half-breed who has lived in New York City and Tel Aviv. Currently in San Francisco, his eclectic writing career includes LGBT publications, SF Weekly & monster magazines. A survivor of childhood gay conversion therapy, he lives with PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Facebook: David-Elijah Nahmod, author Twitter: @DavidElijahN

SouthFloridaGayNews

a&e film

Pride

A story of an unlikely alliance between coal miners and gay activists David-Elijah Nahmod

Photo: Pride Fac ebook

Gay Historical Epic Will Lift cebook o: Pride Fa

Your Spirits

Phot

ok Photo: Pride Facebo

Matthew Warchus’ Pride, now out on DVD/ Blu Ray, is one of the funniest, most thought provoking, and most uplifting films in the canon of LGBT cinema. It’s a gay feel-good movie, a film that will leave viewers cheering. Set in London and Wales during the Margaret Thatcher era, Pride tells the true story of an unlikely alliance between striking Welsh coal miners and a group of radical gay and lesbian activists from London. The experience teaches both sides some much needed lessons about tolerance and about the need for communities to build bridges. The film doesn’t avoid the very serious issues that are at the core of its story. At first idealistic young gay activist Mark Ashton (Ben Schnetzer) sees the striking miners as kindred spirits. After all, they’re being oppressed, and so is he. He gets an early, rude awakening when many of his fellow activists express hesitation at supporting people they view as gay bashers — sometimes rightfully so. Some of the residents of the Welsh town of Onllwyn aren’t too happy about the young queers who descend upon their little village. But they accept the money raised by the activists because they’re unemployed and broke. It’s the miner’s wives who embrace the gay helping hands that are reaching out to them. Alliances are formed as the trust between the two groups gradually begins to build. There are many standout scenes, some which offer genuine laughs, others which might induce tears. When miner’s wife Hefina (Imedla Staunton) calls gay activist Jonathan Blake (Dominic West) to thank him for his Christmas card, Jonathan’s partner Gethin (Andrew Scott) answers the phone. “Is that a Welsh accent I hear?” she asks him. She then wishes him “Nodolig Llawen” Welsh for Merry Christmas. That call inspires Gethin to reunite with his long estranged mother. In another profoundly moving moment, young, semi-closeted gay activist Joe (George

Featuring Sirius XM Radio Star

SETH RUDETSKY as pianist and host.

Saturday, February 14 McKay) is inspired by his work with the miners to walk out on his homophobic parents. “I hope we can be friends again someday, Mum,” he says tearfully, as he leaves his home for the last time. There are coming outs on both sides of the fence. “I’m gay,” says retired miner Cliff (Bill Nighy). “I know,” replies long time friend Hefina. “I can’t speak for the rest of the village, but I’ve known since 1968.” Cliff smiles. The laughs come when Jonathan Blake teaches the miner’s wives how to dance. Later, the ladies pour over Blake’s gay porn stash, screaming with delight--and wishing their husbands were as endowed as the well hung models. Late in the film we learn that Blake was one of the first British citizens to be diagnosed with HIV--the real life Blake recently celebrated his 65th birthday. He forms a close friendship with miner’s wife Sian (Jessica Gunning) and urges her to do more with her life. She goes back to school. In 2005, Sian James was elected to Parliament, representing the Swansea district of Wales. These are real people, and Pride tells a tale that actually happened. It was a life changing experience for all involved, and it led to the British Labor Party’s support for LGBT equality. Pride is a must see viewing.

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a&e theater

Wick’s “La Cage” Still Relevant, Charms J.W. Arnold

Photo: Amy Pasquantonio

Lee Roy Reams as Zaza in The Wick Theatre’s production of “La Cage aux Folles” I grew up in a small rural town in Missouri. It was a big deal nearly 40 years ago when we got cable television (we went from four stations to 12!) and even bigger when we got our first premium station. I’ll never forget the first time I stumbled upon the 1978 French-Italian movie “La Cage aux Folles” on The Movie Channel. What a puzzling story, none of the characters seemed to realize there was a man dressed and acting like a woman. Of course, this was years before I understood sexual identity or— gasp!—drag queens. I’ve seen Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein’s hit musical adaptation at least five times, the last being the Menier Chocolate Factory 2010 Tony-winning revival that toured South Florida a couple of years ago. Since then, marriage equality has swept across more than 30 states and public opinion on LGBT rights has changed dramatically. I wondered as I entered The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton if “La Cage” would still be relevant or relegated to history. (Herman’s “Mame,” also produced this season at The Wick has not held up well.) In 1983, “La Cage” was a huge risk on Broadway. The theater community has always been progressive and the show boasted a proven creative team, but would audiences embrace a story about flamboyant female impersonators? The answer is yes. At its core, the show was—and is—a charming love story that continues to win over audiences, even in our new era of same sex weddings and gay acceptance. For this production, executive producer Marilynn Wick and director Norb Joerder have cast Broadway vets Lee Roy Reams as Albin (Zaza) and Walter Charles as nightclub owner Georges. At first glance, both stars seem miscast, each easily 25 years too old for their roles. (A Google search reveals Reams is 72 and Charles

is 69.) Reams channels a feisty Harvey Fierstein in his performances as Zaza, even though Fierstein never performed the role. His stage numbers are sung and acted with panache. He is at his best in the final scene of Act 1, an incredibly emotional “I Am What I Am,” after Albin realizes his lover and “adopted” son have spurned his feminine persona. Despite his slender frame and careful movements, Charles sings with a powerful baritone, demonstrating the value of talent and experience in an industry that relishes youth. He is at his heart a song-and-dance man from a bygone era, but it works for Georges, especially “Song on the Sand.” Together, Reams and Charles perfectly conjure up the chemistry of the old married couple they portray. Joerder walks a careful line throughout the production, allowing his cast, especially Phil Young as the butler/maid and the Cagelles, to subtly camp up their performances without getting too ridiculous. There is always some truth in stereotypes, but as LGBT people become more mainstream, the camp is not as necessary to disarm homophobic audiences anymore. The show is clearly about the relationship between Albin and Georges and Reams and Charles are the stars, but they are supported by solid performances from Aaron Young (son Jean-Michel) and Christina Laschuk (fiancée Anne). Among the familiar faces in the cast are locals Shane Tanner (Francis) and Angie Radosh (Mme. Dindon). Resident musical director Michael Ursua capably leads the eight-piece orchestra, live music a wonderful addition in The Wick’s second season. And, of course, the costumes are dazzling, featuring some of the Broadway collection from the The Wick Costume Museum and also very sparkly originals for Reams.

“La Cage aux Folles,” by Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein, plays at The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum, 7901 N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton, through Feb. 15. Tickets are $58 and $62 at TheWick.org. soflagaynews //

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Datebook

Theater Christiana Lilly

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broward county Janis Siegel and Shelly Berg Jan. 14 at 7:45 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Gold Coast Jazz presents music from Shelly Berg and Janis Siegel, of The Manhattan Transfer. Tickets $45. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Classical Concert Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. at Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Violinist Linda Rosenthal, who will be playing an Italian violin made in 1772, performs with accompanist, Richard Dowling. Free. Call 954-390-2130 or visit WiltonManors.com.

* Whitestone Band Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Canyon Amphitheater, 8802 Boynton Beach Blvd. in Boynton Beach. Free. Enjoy music from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and pets on a leash. Free. Visit Facebook.com/ CanyonAmphitheater.

* Four Score and Seven Years Ago Jan. 22 to 23 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Set during the Civil War, Lemuel, who escaped from slavery in Georgia, is unsure about anything anymore after he befriends a Confederate soldier. Tickets $7. Call 954-4620222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Budapest Festival Orchestra Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. and Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Conductor Iván Fischer leads the orchestra through renditions of Brahms. Tickets $30 and up. Call 561-8327469 or visit Kravis.org.

The Lion King Through to Feb. 1 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The all-time Disney favorite comes to life on stage with actors playing out the roles of lions and other African animals on the plains. John Prine Tickets $40.42 to $91.16. Call 954-462-0222 or Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. at Parker Playhouse, 707 NE visit BrowardCenter.org. Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. The guitar fingerpicking singer songwriter is known for hits such Fully Committed as “Dear Abby” and “Angel From Montgomery.” Through Feb. 1 at the Broward Center for the Tickets $43 to $63. Call 954-462-0222 or visit Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort ParkerPlayhouse.com. Lauderdale. John Manzelli stars in this one-man show as the highly stressed maître d’ at a hot An Evening With Graham Nash restaurant. Tickets $45. Call 954-462-0222 or Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. at Parker Playhouse, 707 NE visit BrowardCenter.org. Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. A third of Crosby, Still & Nash, the legendary performer comes to palm beach county Fort Lauderdale. Tickets $38.50 to $58.50. Call Jimmy Webb 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.com. Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West * Jonathan Bliss, Solo Piano Recital Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Palm Beach. Performing since the age of 16, the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort songwriter is known for writing “MacArthur Lauderdale. The pianist performs works by Park,” “Galveston,” “Worst That Could Happen,” Beethoven, Schoenberg, Shumann, and Berg. and more. Tickets $45. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Tickets $25 to $50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit Kravis.org. BrowardCenter.org. Well-Strung Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the * Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. at Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. Kick back to the Palm Beach. The young, all-male quartet of days of Joey Bishop, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, string musicians put their own modern twist on Jr. and Frank Sinatra. Tickets $37.50 to $57.50. classical music. Tickets $28. Call 561-832-7469 Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse. or visit Kravis.org. com. * South Paciﬁc Jan. 15 to Feb. 1 at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 * The Bridge Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. at the E. Pat Larkins Community Lake Ave. in Lake Worth. Stationed in the South Pacific during World War II, Nellie and Joe both Center, 520 NW Third St. in Pompano Beach. In find love with a French expat and the daughter honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., a performance of a local grass skirt maker. Tickets $29 to $72. by Allan Harris, Doug Wimbish, and Jesse Call 561-586-6410 or visit LakeWorthPlayhouse. Jones, Jr. Free. Call 954-284-0141 or visit org. BACAPompano.org.

Legends Through Jan. 19 at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey present a unique show, featuring a unicorn, Pegasus, and wooly mammoth too. Tickets $16 to $75. Call 786-7771000 or visit AAArena.com. * The StepCrew Jan. 20 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The Irish dance troupe melds traditional step dancing with modern dance. Tickets $28. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org. * ABBA the Concert Jan. 21 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. A tribute to the Swedish band that has had us dancing to “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” for decades. Tickets $15 and up. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org. * Orphans Jan. 23 to Feb. 1 at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. in Lake Worth. Two orphaned brothers are living in a Philly row house when the eldest kidnaps a rich man -- who ends up being the father figure they’ve always wanted. Tickets $15. Call 561-586-6410 or visit LakeWorthPlayhouse.org. Shenandoah Through March 1 at the Delray Square Performing Arts, 4809 W. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. A Virginia farmer struggles to keep his family together and alive during the throes of the Civil War in the American answer to “Fiddler on the Roof.” Tickets $37.50. Call 561880-0319 or visit DelraySquareArts.com.

Free Friday Concerts Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. * Tito Puente, Jr: In My Father’s Shoes Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. at the Duncan Theatre at Palm blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Call Beach State College, 4200 Congress Ave. in 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org. Lake Worth. The singer sings in tribute to his father. Tickets $29. Call 561-863-3309 or visit miami-dade county DuncanTheatre.org.

* Continuous Crescendo Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The South Florida Symphony performs works by Ravel, Barber, and Mussorgsky. Tickets $35 to $75. Call 954-4620222 or visit BrowardCenter.org. La Boheme Jan. 16 to 18 at the Kravis Center for the Little Piggies Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in Through Jan. 18 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler West Palm Beach. Giacomo Puccini’s classic Drive in Fort Lauderdale. When a family tries tale of love between Rodolfo and Mimi -- the to discuss their deceased uncle’s inheritance, inspiration behind Broadway’s “Rent” -- is tempers flare in this comedy. Tickets $25. Call performed in Italian with English subtitles above the stage. Tickets $25 and up. Call 561954-678-1496 or visit ThePlayGroupLLC.com. 832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

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An Intimate Evening with Art Garfunkel Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. Garfunkel performs with guitarist Tab Laven. Tickets $39 to $75. Call 800-745-3000 or visit AventuraCenter. org. * So Good for the Soul: A Tribute to Music of Motown Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. Relive the golden era of Motown with performances by former members of The Jones, Main Ingredient, The Spinners, and The Marvelettes. Tickets $49.50. Call 800-745-3000 or visit AventuraCenter.org. * Nick Van Bloss Jan. 18 at 5 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. British pianist Van Bloss performs at the Miami International Piano Festival with pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Schumann, and other great composers. Tickets $30. Call 800-745-3000 or visit AventuraCenter.org. * Ocean Drive in Vienna Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Eduardo Marturet leads the Miami Symphony Orchestra with guest Julia Bueno on the toy piano. Tickets $31.50 to $119. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org. * Into the Woods Jan. 22 to Feb. 15 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. See the musical that inspired the blockbuster film, entangling the Brothers Grimm fairy tales all in one story as a husband and wife travel through the woods. Tickets $50. Call 305949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org. The Star Spangled Girl Through Jan. 25 at the SandBox at Miami Theater Center, 9816 NE Second Ave. in Miami Shores. In its 15th season, Mad Cat Theatre Company presents its version of the Neil Simon play set in the ‘60s, taking it forward to 2066. Tickets $30. Visit MadCatTheatre.org. Amaluna Through Jan. 25 at Sun Life Stadium, 347 Don Shula Drive in Miami Gardens. Cirque du Soleil does it again with a mesmerizing performance of an island of women whose lives are disrupted when a group of sailors are shipwrecked onto Amaluna. Tickets $75 to $445. Visit CirqueDuSoleil.com. PAMM Outdoor Music Series Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Free with museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or visit PAMM.org.

The Big Show Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Blue Suede Shoes: The Ultimate Elvis Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and Bash Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. Scot JustTheFunny.com. Bruce is young Elvis while Mike Albert performs The King from the ‘70s in this tribute to Presley’s music. Tickets $40 and $45. Call 800-745-3000 or visit AventuraCenter.org .

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Datebook

Community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com

broward county Point-in-Time Orientation

Homeless

Count

Jan. 14 central region, Jan. 15 south region from 6 to 8 p.m. Be a part of the homeless count in Broward County from Jan. 26 to 28. Email Jennifer@ HandsOnBroward.org.

* Flavors of Italy

Jan. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, One E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort LAuderdale. Join Anthony Caira to learn more about Italian wines and try delicious food pairings. Tickets $40, or $25 for members. Visit MOAFL.org.

Author Presentation: “Flower of Iowa”

Lance

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Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall National Museum – Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Ringel will read excerpts from his novel, the story of an American soldier in World WAr I who finds himself in a growing attraction with a British soldier. Free. Call 954-763-8565 or visit stonewall-museum.org.

* World of Our Parents: The Immigrant Story of the Lower East Side Jan. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Activities Center at Deerfield Century Village East, 3501 West Drive in Deerfield Beach. Ronelle Delmont, a lecturer at FIU and FAU, discusses life in the immigrant neighborhoods in NYC’s Lower East Side. Cost $5 donation suggested. Call 917-344-0798 or visit DeerfieldProgressiveForum.org

Al Capone Birthday Dinner

Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. at NYY Steak, 5550 NW 40th St. in Coconut Creek. Deirdre Capone leads a fourcourse dinner and shares stories of her legendary uncle. Guests will receive a signed copy of her book, “Uncle Al Capone.” Tickets $125. RSVP to NYY Steak at 954-935-6699.

* Museum Mixer Saturday

Jan. 17 from 7 to 10 PM at the Stonewall Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive. Experience the gallery as well as the nearby World AIDS Museum. A free shuttle bus will run between the two locations. Free. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org.

* “United In Anger: A History of ACT-UP”

Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall Library & Archives and ArtServe Auditorium, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. A screening of the documentary telling the story of the legendary ACT UP movement in New York in the 1980s. Free. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org.

* Gay Men’s Chorus Fundraiser

Jan. 25 at 5 p.m. at mojo, 4140 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Join the Fort Lauderdale Men’s Chorus at this restaurant and lounge to raise money for the group. Must make reservations by Jan. 22. Tickets $95. Call 954-832-0060.

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* Inspiration

Through Feb. 4 at TeddsARTWorks, 2422 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Artwork by Fabrizio Cruz and Rachel Piering that will have you inspired for the new year. Visit Facebook.com/ TeddsARTWorks

Introduction to Modern Buddhism

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

Man2Man Discussion

Mondays 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. A weekly informal discussion group among gay men of all backgrounds. Contact John Beuscher at 954-3194292 or email johnnybushwick@aol.com.

Gender Bender Youth Group

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

PFLAG

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

Personal Best: Overcoming Labels to Find the Real Me

Overcome the label of HIV/AIDS with different discussion topics every week, such as body image, disclosure, self esteem and more. Call 954-6301655 or visit S-Men.org.

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

Women4Women Support

Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at SunServe, 2312 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. An open meeting and discussion group of all topics brought up by participants. Call 954-764-5150 or visit SunServe. org. Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral Springs and Hollywood. A support group and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and times.

GLBX Business Advantage Group

Referral

First and third Wednesdays from 8 t 9 a.m. at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, 512 NE Third Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Contact Ken Stolar at Kenneth.Stolar@sci-usa.com. First and third Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, soflagaynews //

palm beach county * Science on Tap: Poison Perils

Jan. 15 from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at O’Shea’s Irish Pub, 531 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. Learn more about the poisons in our lives with Wendy Stephan, a health education coordinator at UM, over a pint. Free. Visit SFScienceCenter.org.

B/W Affair

Through Jan. 15 at Rolando Chang Barrero Fine Art Gallery, 711 Lucerne Ave. in Lake Worth. The opening night reception for the unique painter, James Rabidoux, and German artist, Uta Brauser. Opening reception is Dec. 27 from 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. Free. Visit Eventbrite.com/e/bw-affairrabidoux-tickets-14875455889.

* Kimono Culture Demonstration

Jan. 17 at 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3 p.m. at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach. Learn about the world of kimonos, from how to properly wear them to how they vary greatly. Tickets $5 with museum admission. Call 561-495-0233 or visit Morikami.org.

* Recycled Runway

SunServe Youth Group

Survivor Support

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.

Jan. 18 at 4 p.m. at the Cornell Museum of Art, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. A runway show featuring designs by six designers who created looks using recycled materials. Also, a vintage truck show and tea dance. Fashion show is free, trunk show is $25 to benefit the Delray Beach Center for the Arts. Visit DowntownDelrayBeach. com/fashion-week.

* Palm Beach Poetry Festival

Jan. 20 to 24 at the Crest Theatre, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. A week of events, including award winning guest poets, performance poetry, and workshops. Visit PalmBeachPoetryFestival. org.

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* “The New Black”

Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. at Compass, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. BLAST (Bi, Lesbian, and Straight Together) hosts a screening of Yvonne Welbon’s new film “The New Black,” telling the story of how the African-American community is dealing with LGBT rights and lives. Welbon will lead a Q&A following the film. Tickets $15 to $35. Visit Meetup. com/BLASTwpb.

Coming Into Fashion: A Century of Photography at Conde Nast

Through Feb. 15 at the Norton Museum of Art, 1451 S. Olive Ave. in West Palm Beach. From the publishing house that prints famed magazines Vogue, Glamour, W, and Vanity Fair are 150 images from 80 of the world’s best fashion photographers. Admission $12. Call 561-832-5196 or visit Norton. org.

miami-dade county Miami Jewish Film Festival

Jan. 15 to 29 throughout Miami. Dozens of films from around the world portraying Jewish history and culture throughout time. Visit MiamiJewishFilmFestival.org.

* Art Deco Weekend

Jan. 16 to 18 on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. Celebrate 100 years of Miami Beach with the annual Art Deco festival, bringing back the beach to its glory days of the Roaring ‘20s. Visit ArtDecoWeekend.com.

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.

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professional services

THIRD GENERATION PAINTING: Quality work by an experienced, reliable professional. Fully insured, free estimates, excellent references. Painting, plastering, wallpaper removal, color coordinating and more. Call Steve at 954-804-6026 or email twilopainter@aol.com

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spiritual

vacation rental DAYTONA BEACH - Beach side, elegant 1929 Historic Spanish Mansion, private walled pool area. four blocks to beach. Near boardwalk, shops, bars and restaurants 386-248-2020. www.thevillabb.com

rental - fort lauderdale $750 DOWNTOWN/SAILBOAT BEND - Quiet, small complex. 1 BD/1 BA. Large walk-in closet, newer carpet. Living room, dining area, kitchen, FREE hot water, NEW A/C, LOW electric bills, assigned parking, **MOVE-IN SPECIAL** $750/Mo. 954-566-6251

real estate

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