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UN Sec. Gen. Honored With Medal For 'Free & Equal' Campaign Ban-Ki Moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, received a medal from the Harvey Milk Foundation last weekend in San Francisco. The Harvey Milk Medal was given to Moon at the San Francisco City Hall on June 26. Moon’s creation of the “Free & Equal” campaign at the UN, an initiative to aid LGBT people, earned him the medal. Stuart Milk, President of the Milk Foundation, said, in a news release, the Secretary-General’s support of LGBT-inclusive

global human rights is “unparalleled and unequivocal.” Moon, 71, of Korean ethnicity, was first elected UN Secretary-General in 2007 and was subsequently re-elected by his peers in 2011. Prior to his election as Secretary-General, Moon served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the Republic of Korea. “The Secretary General created the UN's Free and Equal campaign, which goes to the heart of the visibility issue for LGBT people around the world,” Milk stated.

Jewish Hate Group Outsources Gay Pride Protest to Mexican Day Workers Dressed as Hassidics (EDGE) An extremist Jewish organization hired a group of non-Jewish Mexican day laborers to masquerade as Orthodox Jews while protesting Sunday's Gay Pride parade in New York City. According to the New York Times, the group of ersatz Jews were dressed wearing Tzitzit (the fringed prayer garment) with black hats and false peyots (side curls). The group, which was fenced off with a police barricade on the parade route at Fifth Avenue and Fifteenth Street, were holding signs that read "Judaism prohibits homosexuality" and "G-d created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve." The anti-gay protest was organized by the

Photo: Facebook.

Jewish Political Action Committee (JPAC), a Brooklyn-based group that was recently designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The group is known for spreading falsehoods about the LGBT community and has claimed in the past that "man-on-boy" pedophilia has "surged" in New York State since the adoption of same-sex marriage. When asked by the Times to comment on the use of the day laborers, Heshie Freed of JPAC said that the men were supplementary troops, filling in for the Yeshiva students who normally demonstrate.

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Transgender star Jazz Jennings is the subject of a new television program on TLC. “I am Jazz” premieres July 15 on the cable channel. “I am a teenage girl, I am alsoMaE Msoccer player and an BER artist,” Jennings says. “I’d like to think I’m funny, I like to hang out with my friends and I’m also transgender…And I’m proud of it.” Jennings

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Cover: A participant in the Gay Pride event in support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual (LGBT) rights reacts as others ﬂee after Turkish police use a water canon to disperse them in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, June 28, 2015. Turkish police have used water cannons and tear gas to clear gay pride demonstrators from Istanbul's central square. Between 100 and 200 protestors were chased away from Taksim Square on Sunday after a police vehicle ﬁred several jets of water to disperse the crowd. It wasn't immediately clear why the police intervened to push the peaceful if noisy protest away from the area. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)

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

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HIV Agencies Put Heads Together at HIP Meeting

John McDonald

HIV/AIDS service agencies presented their plans and debated methods at a High Impact Prevention meeting Thursday, June 25, at the Florida Department of Health in Broward County. In the fourth of a series of 10 HIP (High Impact Prevention) meetings held around the state, discussions became heated at times as health care providers deal with the large number of people living with HIV/AIDS in South Florida. Health officials report there are 125,447 Floridians living with HIV/AIDS and 84 percent of the infected population is diagnosed with the disease. Alarmingly, only 45 percent have achieved viral suppression. “We have a lot of data and we need to start using it and pinpointing problems,” said Mara Michniewicz, the State’s prevention program manager for the HIV/AIDS section and bureau of communicable diseases. Representatives from the State, Broward County, Broward House, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Care Resources, Latino Salud, SunServe and Pride Center all presented information on the services they offer. “We have a lot of things converging,” said Michniewicz, who moderated the meeting. “Our

// 7.1.2015 // SFGN.com //

news election 2016 White House Watch:

Peter King

John McDonald

CDC grant ends in 2016 so we have to get out in front of this.” Some of comments included how to target at risk populations. Christopher Bates, who works with MSM (men who have sex with men) in the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s HIP program, said door-to-door outreach is a “poor choice of resources.” Thomas Soto, Vice President of Broward House, said health fairs have not been effective in reaching at-risk populations. Soto, under questioning from the audience, admitted the mobile app Grindr is effective in reaching young people. The meeting went on for more than three hours and saw arguments between participants as to the State’s role in fighting HIV/AIDS.

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This week SFGN White House Watch profiles the long shot candidacy of New York Congressman Peter Thomas King. King, 71, has stated he is considering a run for the U.S. Presidency, although he has yet to file papers with the Federal Elections Commission. Speaking on Boston Herald Radio last week, King said discovering a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow could sway his decision to enter a race already brimming with a dozen announced candidates on the Republican side. “It would have to be an indication that some of the big money supporters will be there,” King said. “I think that’s possible and that’s what I’m checking out right now.” King does have a political action committee – American Leadership Now. On its website, the PAC states its mission is to “restore trust in American government.” Known as a national security hawk, King has served in the United States Congress since 1993. He chaired the House Homeland Security

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Committee for two years (2011-2013) and was a vocal critic of former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden, the Wikileaks news organization and journalist Glenn Greenwald. King has stated on several occasions that Snowden should be punished for his actions. Born in New York City, King served in the U.S. Army (1969-1974) as a specialist with the 69th Regiment. He is married to his wife, Rosemary, and the couple have two children. An author of three novels who identifies as Roman Catholic, King received a paltry eight percent score on the Congressional Scorecard by the Human Rights Campaign.

Read all our White House Watch candidate proﬁles at www.sfgn.com/whw

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The Big Story Marriage Equality

Photo: mininterior.gov.co.

Compiled by Jillian Melero

High Colombian OfďŹ cial Urges Courts to OK Same-Sex Marriage (AP) A top Cabinet minister in Colombia is urging the South American country's courts to legalize samesex marriage and support the right of such couples to adopt. Interior Minister Juan Fernando Cristo noted Friday's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that enshrined the right of gays and lesbians to wed in the United States. In Cristo's words, "Equality is unstoppable and equality also will come to Colombia."

The minister's appeal to the courts on Sunday was his own view and he was not speaking for President Juan Manuel Santos' administration. Colombia's congress, like much of the population, is very conservative and it is unlikely legislation allowing same-sex marriages would ever be adopted by lawmakers. Cristo spoke as thousands from Colombia's LGBT community staged a gay price march in the capital.

The Supreme Court's ruling has evoked fears that religious rights are poised to be trampled if a liberal president succeeds President Barack Obama and appoints more Supreme Court justices.

Mike Huckabee. CNN.

epublicans Pivot from Gay Marriage to Religious Liberty

(CNN) The Supreme Court's decision Friday to legalize same-sex marriage everywhere offered the GOP a way out of a debate that national polls show has turned into a loser for their candidates. But some Republican presidential contenders are ready for another cultural and civil rights battle --- this time over religious liberty. On Sunday, several 2016 hopefuls sought to court evangelical Christians who make up much of the base Republicans must win over to advance out of the primary election, signaling that they're willing to deal with the accusations of discrimination that states like Indiana have faced in order to protect religious rights. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee channeled Martin Luther King, Jr. calling for non-violent resistance to the court's ruling. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz went even further in the wake of the ruling, telling an Iowa crowd that "the last 24 hours at the United States Supreme Court were among the darkest hours of our nation." And Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal predicted the fight over religious liberty would persist through the 2016 election. "Here's where the next fight's going: I think the left is now going to go after our First Amendment rights," Jindal said on NBC's "Meet the Press." Florida Sen. Marco Rubio said Christian photographers shouldn't be punished for refusing to shoot a same-sex wedding. And former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum said at the time he stands for "religious liberty and real tolerance." The issue -- similar to immigration -- is a conundrum for Republicans. Their primary electorate opposes same-sex marriage, while national polls show the general public is much more supportive of allowing gay and lesbian couples to wed.

// 7.1.2015 // SFGN.com //

S Same-Sex Marriage Ruling Likely To Impact Other Countries

(AP) The landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of same-sex marriages has no legal force outside the United States, but gay rights activists in many parts of the world believe the court ruling will help their cause. In the Philippines, activists seeking to win legal recognition for same-sex marriages believe the U.S. ruling will be useful, particularly since the country's legal setup is largely based on the U.S. system, said Sylvia Estrada Claudio, a gender rights advocate and professor at the University of the Philippines.

in the country's history. In the deeply conservative Arab world, where homosexuality is regarded as a crime in many countries, some clerics warned that the U.S. ruling would lead to the collapse of civilizations. In Jordan, where homosexuality is not illegal but is considered taboo, one member of the small gay community said the U.S. ruling is "a victory for human rights in general and gives everyone hope." Marriage equality is also not part of the conversation in many parts of Africa, where more than two-thirds of the countries treat homosexuality as a crime.

igeria Urged to Repeal Its AntiGay Law by Rights Group

(AP) A new report says Nigeria's draconian law against gays has led to mob attacks, police torture, evictions, public whippings and health risks, and asks the country's new president to repeal the legislation. The Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act became law 18 months ago prescribing up to 14 years' jail and also making it a crime to not report a known homosexual. The law is "the constitutionalization of hate and hate crimes against LGBTI individuals," author Bisi Alimi writes in the report published Monday by the PEN American Center and the New York-based Leitner Center for International Law and Justice. It calls for President Muhammadu Buhari to end the legalized discrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex minorities, charging it denies freedom of expression and other constitutional rights.

Photo: Michael Dumlao. CNN.

In Australia, where parliament may vote on a same-sex marriage law later this year despite opposition from Prime Minister Tony Abbott, legislators who back the measure said the U.S. ruling leaves Australia alone among developed, English-speaking nations in its refusal to legalize marriages between same sex couples. The issue is different in India, where activists believe the U.S. ruling may make Indian judges and legislators feel uncomfortably isolated by the 2013 Indian Supreme Court decision to reinstate a colonial-era law making homosexuality a crime. At gay pride parades in Dublin, Paris and other cities Saturday, the U.S. ruling was hailed by many as a watershed. The U.S. ruling boosted street celebrations Saturday in Dublin, where Ireland mounted the biggest gay rights parade

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news briefs

Continued

ouisiana Issues Marriage Licenses to Same-Sex Couples

Louisiana officials began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples on Monday, days after a historic Supreme Court ruling paved the way for gay marriages across the country. Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court Jon Geggenheimer said in a telephone interview that a license was issued there Monday morning. It was believed to be the first license issued to a same-sex couple in the state. Gay rights advocates said Louisiana was believed to be the last state to not have issued any licenses to same-sex couples following the ruling. The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, but clerks around the state had held off on immediately issuing licenses after consulting with lawyers. The Louisiana Clerks Association issued a statement Friday saying it was advising clerks of court to wait for the end of a 25-day period for the high court to consider a rehearing. One couple waited for hours on Friday in New Orleans to receive a license, only to

eventually be told it would not happen that day. Geggenheimer said attorneys pored over the court's ruling and decided there was no reason to delay. He said both people who received the first license worked at the clerk's office. Gov. Bobby Jindal is opposed to gay marriage but has said the state would comply with the ruling. An organization working for equal rights for gay, bisexual and transgender people took out newspaper ads in the TimesPicayune newspaper Sunday, calling on the governor to respect the court's decision. In neighboring Mississippi, at least three marriage licenses for same-sex couples had been issued Friday before state officials advised clerks to wait before issuing more. But on Monday, the state Attorney General sent a letter to county circuit clerks indicating they could go ahead and issue licenses. At least two same-sex couples were married before noon at the Hinds County Courthouse in Jackson.

espite Marriage Ruling, Texas Pastor Won't Be Burned As Promised

(EDGE) Put those matches away. Sadly, there will be no burning pastor. Pastor Rick Scarborough, who made headlines for declaring that he would be willing to be burned to death if the Supreme Court decided in favor of marriage equality, is welching on the deal. In spite of the fact that things didn't go his way with the high court, he won't be going all Joan of Arc after all. "I made that comment to paraphrase a spiritual song, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego" in which the three were given a choice to bow to the image of Nebuchadnezzar or burn in a furnace," Scarborough said in a statement to Texas news outlet KFYO ."'We will burn' means that we will accept any sanction from the government for resisting today's Supreme Court decision. We do not support any violence or physical harm." Wait a minute, Rick. You promised! According to a June 18 report on Right

Wing Watch, Scarborough told failed Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial hopeful E.W. Jackson that he and other pastors should get ready to face death as a result of marriage equality. "We are not going to bow, we are not going to bend, and if necessary, we will burn." Christian Today notes that Scarborough further claimed that "The end game is the complete destruction of the church of the Lord Jesus, the replacement of it with this liberal theology that's not a theology... it goes back to the Garden of Eden when Satan wanted to be God. We now have a race of humans that don't want to acknowledge that there's a God. "If the court does rule this, they will have to step over natural law." "The preachers need to get out front, the leaders need to get out front," Scarborough said. "Out front of these ordinary citizens and say, 'Shoot me first'." soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.1.2015 //

The Big Story Continued

Kentucky Clerks Object To Ruling, Halt Marriage Licenses (AP) A few court clerks in Kentucky are refusing to issue marriage licenses to any couple as an objection to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage. Casey County Clerk Casey Davis says his religious convictions will not allow him to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. He says his office is no longer issuing licenses to any couple. Davis says "in good conscience I cannot put

Judicial.Alabama.gov.

Supreme Court Asks For Motions in Marriage Case Alabama

(AP) The Alabama Supreme Court is asking parties to weigh in on the impact of the landmark ruling giving gay and lesbian people the right to marry nationwide. State justices on Monday directed parties to file motions by July 6 on how the decision impacts the state court's March order to probate judges to refuse marriage licenses to gay couples. The Monday order did not give directions to probate judges. Susan Watson, the head of the ACLU of Alabama, calls the order a stalling tactic. She says probate judges could face sanctions if they refuse the licenses. The chief of staff for Chief Justice Roy Moore said the chief justice has said the order speaks for itself, but is not offering an interpretation. Moore is recused from the Alabama case.

Cuomo Ofﬁciates At Gay Gov. Couple's Wedding for First Time

(AP) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday made use of some newly granted powers to officiate at his first wedding, that of a same-sex couple who wed outside a Greenwich Village bar where police harassment of patrons sparked three days of riots in 1969. David Contreras Turley, who worked as part of the coalition to pass the marriage equality law in New York State, exchanged vows with Peter Thiede, a UBS analyst. The marriage took place in front of the Stonewall Inn on

// 7.1.2015 // SFGN.com //

my name on one of those licenses." He says no same-sex couple has been in to the office to ask for one. The Lexington Herald-Leader reported that clerks in Rowan and Lawrence counties have also halted issuing marriage licenses in response to the Supreme Court ruling. Terry Sebastian, a spokesman for Gov. Steve Beshear, says the governor's office is reviewing how to respond the day of the annual gay pride march and two days after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage across the country. "Today is a good day because at the end of the day, love wins today. And any day that love wins is a good day," Cuomo said before asking the couple to join him on stage, adding that he was slightly nervous, since "this is my first marriage." State law did not allow Cuomo to officiate at wedding ceremonies until last week. The authority to do so was granted as part of a slew of legislation passed days ago. Prior to the wedding ceremony, attorney Roberta Kaplan spoke to the crowd. Kaplan represented Edie Windsor in the case that saw the court issue a ruling against the federal Defense of Marriage Act. Cuomo said New York played a role in getting same-sex marriage to the point where it was, by legalizing it in the state in 2011. "New York passed marriage equality and people waited to see what happened." Cuomo said. "And you know what? The sky didn't fall and the earth didn't stop spinning and there wasn't anarchy and good people came together and are sharing their lives."

PA Shows Support for SCOTUS Decision

(APA) The American Psychiatric Association applauds today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that supports the right of same-sex couples across the nation to marry. “Today’s ruling strikes a blow to inequality and discrimination throughout the nation, and that’s good for Americans’ mental health,” said APA President Renée Binder, M.D. “The APA has a long history of supporting the rights of same-sex couples, and we have long noted that there is no scientific or medical reason to deny these couples the right to marry. This decision is a landmark step in ensuring equality and happiness for every American.” In this case (James Obergefell, et al., and Brittani Henry, et al., v. Richard Hodges, Director, Ohio Department of Health, et al.), the court looked at the constitutionality of requiring a state to issue a marriage license to two people of the same sex and requiring a state to recognize a marriage between two people of the same sex when legally married in another state.

soflagaynews //

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APA joined a coalition of the nation’s top health care associations including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and others in submitting an amicus brief in support of same-sex marriage. “The claim that allowing sex-same couples to marry undermines the institution of marriage and harms children is inconsistent with the scientific evidence,” Binder said. “In fact, the evidence strongly supports the conclusion that homosexuality is a normal expression of human sexuality and that gay men and lesbians form stable, committed relationships equivalent to heterosexual couples. “But this issue goes well beyond the scientific evidence,” Binder said. “It is about what is the right thing to do and the fact that everyone should be free from discrimination.” Over the past several decades, APA has issued a number of position statements on antidiscrimination policies related to the LGBT community. Those positions were consolidated into a 2013 Position Statement on issues related to homosexuality. “Today is a watershed moment for equal rights in America,” said APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A. “We at the APA are proud that our country -- after a long period of seeking equal rights -- now sees that everyone has the constitutional right to marriage.” @ loreelewis, Instagram.

news briefs

Continued

exas AG: State Workers Can Deny Licenses to Gay Couples

Texas' conservative Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton called the Supreme Court decision giving same-sex couples the right to marry a "lawless ruling" and said state workers can cite their religious objections in denying marriage licenses. He warned in a statement Sunday that any clerk, justice of the peace or other administrator who declines to issue a license to a same-sex couple could face litigation or a fine. But in the nonbinding legal opinion requested by Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Paxton says "numerous lawyers" stand ready to defend, free of charge, any public official refusing to grant one. In its 5-4 opinion Friday, the Supreme Court did nothing to eliminate rights of religious liberty, Paxton's opinion states. "This newly minted federal constitutional right to same-sex marriage can and should peaceably coexist with longstanding constitutional and statutory rights, including the rights to free exercise of religion and freedom of speech," the AG wrote. While many Republicans have said they disagreed with the Supreme Court ruling,

hai Ice Cream Company Apologizes for Facebook Gay Slur

officials in most states have said that they will abide by it. Paxton's comments echoed those Friday of Gov. Greg Abbott, who said Texans can't be forced by the court ruling to act contrary to their religious beliefs. "Despite the Supreme Court's rulings, Texans' fundamental right to religious liberty remains protected," Abbott said Friday. In his two-page memo, Abbott ordered agency leaders that no one in their ranks could take "adverse action" against someone acting on their religious beliefs, including "granting or denying benefits." That led to early confusion and questions over whether state agencies might deny health or retirement benefits to the spouses of gay employees. Abbott spokesman John Wittman later issued a clarifying statement Friday, saying the directive doesn't order the denial of benefits to same-sex couples. He said it only "ensures that individuals doing business with the state cannot be discriminated against because of their religious beliefs." Paxton in his statement Sunday says the justices "weakened the rule of law" and "fabricated a new constitutional right."

Photo: Facebook.

A Thai ice cream company owned by Unilever has apologized for using a derogatory term for gay men in a Facebook posting marking the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage, a spokeswoman said Monday. The post on the Facebook page of Wall's Thailand, which was quickly removed, showed black bean-flavored ice cream with the caption #LOVEWINS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the hashtag used by supporters of the court verdict. "Black beans" is a demeaning slang term for gay men that originated from a famous pedophilia case in Thailand. The illustration, posted a day after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriages, caused an online uproar in Thailand, with some commentators calling it "low" and "discriminatory."

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On Twitter, some users condemning the illustration included the hashtag #RIPWallsThailand in their tweets. Wall's Thailand replaced the post with a new picture of rainbow-colored ice cream and issued an apology on Sunday, saying they were "sorry if the post created some misunderstanding" and that they "did not mean to cause discomfort to anyone." Unilever Thai spokeswoman Aranya Luepradid confirmed Monday that the apology came from the company. Wall's Thailand is part of Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch consumer goods conglomerate that also makes Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Thailand is one of the most tolerant countries in Asia for gays and a top gay tourist destination.

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.1.2015 //

news bites

Compiled by Jillian Melero

lesbian

Lesbian Archive Boycotts NYC Pride

(EDGE) The Brooklyn-based Lesbian Herstory Archives — the world's largest collection of materials by and about lesbians — announced that they would no longer be participating in the Annual Lesbian and Gay Pride March in Manhattan. The group did walk in the Brooklyn Pride March, and plans to participate in the New York City Dyke March on June 27. "Due to the shift away from contingent-based groupings, the increased commercialization of the LGBT Pride March, and the diminishing interest of members of our communities in this event as reflected in fewer marchers each year behind the banner, the Lesbian Herstory Archives has decided not to officially participate in the Sunday June 28th Lesbian and Gay Pride March," said the LHA in a written statement.

Photo: lesbianherstoryarchives.org

gay

Michael Sam Rejoins CFL Team

(AP) Michael Sam is praising the U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage throughout the country. He says he has no plans to marry yet because he's focused on football. But he calls the decision "freaking awesome" and says he's proud to be an American. Sam is the first openly gay player drafted by the NFL. He deflects any credit for changing American attitudes toward gay rights, adding the credit belongs to those who have worked years to change the laws. Sam returned to practice with the Montreal Alouettes on Monday. The defensive lineman who starred at Missouri left his CFL team for personal reasons this month. Sam was the defensive player of the year in the Southeastern Conference. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the final round but he couldn't make the roster.

Michael Sam. Photo: Marcus Qwertyus.

bisexual

ogue Writer calls Bisexuality a Phase

(SFGN) In a recent interview with English model and actress Cara Delvingne, Vogue writer Rob Haskell described Delvingne’s relationship with singer St. Vincent, aka Annie Clark, a phase. Haskell wrote, “Her parents seem to think girls are just a phase for Cara, and they may be correct," after Delvingne said that she’s still sexually attracted to men. In the wake of this and other remarks Haskell makes throughout the interview, a Care2 petition (http://www.thepetitionsite. com/895/990/572/) has been started, asking Vogue to issue an apology to the LGBT community. The petition is addressed to Vogue Editor, Anna Wintour, and has more than 17,000 signatures.

transgender

PBS Premiers 'Growing Up Trans'

(AP) "Growing Up Trans" explores the transgender phenomenon as younger people than ever (and their parents) now experience it: a frontier of possibilities and unknowns, and a minefield of highstakes choices for these youngsters as they also navigate the changes adolescence brings. Airing on the "Frontline" documentary series (Tuesday on PBS; check local listings), the documentary follows 9-year-old Lia (formerly Liam) Hegarty, Ariel (formerly Ian), 13, Alex (formerly Karen) and 18-year-old Lia Hodson. Though some adults may face a steep learning curve about transgenderism, the younger generation - whether trans or not - seems to be dealing with it. That was what led filmmakers Miri Navasky and Karen O'Connor to choose kids as their focus. The veteran "Frontline" filmmaking team spent more than a year on "Growing Up Trans," which left them marveling at how their young subjects "had processed an enormous amount about themselves and how they function in the world," says Navasky. "They were so in touch with themselves."

// 7.1.2015 // SFGN.com //

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Cara Delvingne. Twitter.

news national

The Other Big Supreme Court Case Lisa Keen

Obamacare upheld again

Keek News Service

The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6 to 3 decision, upheld the right of the federal government to provide health care insurance subsidies to people with low income in states that have chosen not to participate in the Affordable Care Act by setting up insurance “exchanges.” The decision, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, is a big political victory for the Obama administration and a big relief for people with low incomes, including many people with HIV. Lambda Legal, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, the National Center for Lesbian Rights joined briefs to the court urging it to uphold the subsidies. The decision, King v. Burwell, upheld a decision from the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals that said the federal government’s subsidies to people with low incomes in all 50 states was consistent with the intent Congress had in passing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Lambda, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, and other LGBT groups filed a brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold the lower court decision. The brief led by Lambda said that withholding the subsidies from people in the states that did not participate in ACA would “lead to an absurd and catastrophic public health result, especially in the context of HIV….” Justices Anthony Kennedy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan joined the Chief Justice in the majority opinion. Justice Antonin Scalia wrote the dissent, which was joined by Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law in 2010 with the aim of providing health care insurance for all citizens. One aspect of the law required states to create health insurance “exchanges” through which citizens could do comparative shopping and find coverage they could afford. If states decided against creating their own exchange, the law provided for the federal government to set up an exchange for citizens in those states. The ACA also provided for the federal government to provide subsidies for citizens with low incomes through the exchanges. Opponents of the ACA challenged those

subsidies, saying the law meant them to be provided only through state-established exchanges, not through federal exchanges. A conflict arose over the law’s stipulation that the subsidy depended in part on whether the “applicable taxpayer” sought insurance through “an Exchange established by the state….” In writing the regulations to implement the ACA, the Internal Revenue Service said the subsidies were available to a taxpayer who enrolled through “an Exchange,” whether it was established by the state or the federal government. The majority said “State Exchanges and Federal Exchanges are equivalent….” “If a State chooses not to follow the directive in [the ACA] that it establish an Exchange, the Act tells the Secretary [of Health and Human Services] to establish ‘such Exchange.’ And by using the words ‘such Exchange,’ the Act indicates that State and Federal Exchanges should be the same,” wrote Chief Justice Roberts. Justice Scalia called that conclusion “absurd” because “The Secretary of Health and Human Services is not a State.” Scott Schoettes, HIV Project Director for Lambda, called the majority decision “great news,” saying it protects “access for all” to health insurance, “including people living with HIV who are low-income, rural, southern, Black, and were—before the Affordable Care Act—largely uninsured.” “No one should be put at greater risk to the ravages of HIV simply because they live in one of the 34 states choosing not to set up its own health insurance exchange,” said Schoettes. Lambda noted that, when ACA was enacted in 2010, “only 17 percent of people living with HIV had private health insurance.” Schoettes said that, while Lambda doesn’t have statistics on the change since ACA, “we know that it has increased substantially, because we know that there are lots of people enrolled through the exchanges today that were not previously able to obtain private health insurance.” The brief noted that the rate of uninsured LGBT adults with low income went down by eight percentage points during the first year of ACA enrollment.

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The Fifth Annual Transgender Symposium Trans Surgeries Part III of III

Sean McShee

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Some workshops at The Fifth Annual Transgender Medical Symposium of Fort Lauderdale focused on trans surgeries. The words “top” and “bottom” have different meanings in trans culture than in gay bi male culture. They refer to types of surgeries. “Top” refers to chest or breast surgery; “bottom” refers to genitalia surgery. Dr. Christopher Salgado of the University of Miami reported on transsexual surgery. The information below comes from his workshop unless stated otherwise. Male-to-female (MTF) and female-tomale (FTM) surgeries take about 10-12 hours each. People with serious diseases can have trans surgery as long as those diseases are controlled. For an HIV infected person, “control” would mean a high CD4 count. Any 10-12 hour surgery counts as a major surgery, requiring substantial post-surgery recovery time. People should postpone trans surgery until they have a good support system and dedicated time for their recovery. They should have enough funds to cover out-ofpocket expenses and time out of work. Trans man Surgery. In trans man (FTM) top surgeries, surgeons will remove the breast tissue. The surgeon then has to reattach the nipples. This frequently results in a loss of sensation in the nipples. As some trans men do not choose bottom surgery, the surgeon may also remove the ovaries during top surgery. Taking male hormones has the following effects in trans men: vaginal atrophy, clitoral enlargement, and reports of an increased sex drive. One type of bottom surgery transforms the enlarged clitoris into a micro-penis. This surgery extends the urethra through the clitoris. While standing urination becomes possible, a micro-penis may be too small for intercourse. In another type of bottom surgery, the surgeon will construct a penis (a neo-penis) from skin and other issue. Dr. Salgado mainly

uses the skin from the forearm, complete with any tattoos. The surgeon will construct a urethral extension. The surgeon will construct the penile shaft around the clitoris. It will take about one-year for the nerves to attach to the head of the penis. Trans man bottom surgeries have a high risk of urinary tract infections. The “female” bladder muscle has to push urine a much shorter distance than the “male” bladder muscle does. Either type of trans man bottom surgery extends the urethra, increasing that urethral distance. The “female” bladder muscle may lack the strength to push urine through the extended urethra. This results in frequent urinary problems for those trans men with extended urethras. Trans women surgery. Female hormones will cause breast growth in trans women. Transwomen taking female hormones also report a decreased sex drive. The surgeon will construct a neo-vagina from mucosal tissue and skin from the scrotum and penis. Some doctors, other than Dr. Salgado, use tissue from the colon to construct the vagina. The surgeon will construct the neo-clitoris from the glans of the penis. A biologically constructed vagina (a bio-vagina) will average about 7.5 inches of depth. A surgically constructed vagina, (a neo-vagina), however, will average about 4.5 inches of depth. The surgery will leave the prostate intact, requiring transwomen to have prostate exams. A neo-vagina has a risk of closing. Regular vaginal intercourse or the use of a vaginal dilator, however, will prevent it from closing. Dr. Salgado spoke about surgical facial feminization, which trans women consider critical for “passing.” This surgery reduces the Adam’s apple and the brow ridge. A nose job may also be required. This concludes the reports from The Fifth Annual Transgender Symposium, a very worthwhile event.

For more information on transgenders, see the following resources. Local – support groups, general information T-house www.T-Houseonline.com SunServe www.sunserve.org Research Center for Excellence in Transgender Health ► transhealth.ucsf.edu

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news national

Some Cancers Go Hand In Hand With HIV Sean McShee

Prior to the breakthroughs of the '90s, the cancers most associated with AIDS were those that defined an AIDS diagnosis: Kaposi’s sarcoma, cervical cancer, and nonHodgkin’s lymphoma. Since those breakthroughs, new cases of AIDS defining cancers have declined, at least for people in treatment. Now, however, other cancers have increased among the HIV Infected. Researchers have named them Non AIDS-Defining Cancers (NADC). According to researcher James Goedert, the following NADC occur among HIV infected people: Hodgkin’s lymphoma, anal cancer, liver, and lung cancer. In the U.S., about half the cases of lung cancer, the overwhelming majority of the cases of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and almost all cases of anal cancer occur among the HIV infected. As people age, the risk for an NADC increases. The 2015 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) presented a great deal of research on these NADC. Two will be discussed below: lung cancer and anal cancer. HIV positive smokers have a high risk for developing lung cancer, according to researcher Keri Althoff. She reported that preventing smoking initiation could reduce NADC by 37 percent. She recommended HIV specific anti-smoking interventions. Researcher Keith Sigel reported on the relationship between CD4 counts and the risk for developing lung cancer. While people with a CD4 count of less than 500 cells have a greater risk for lung cancer, they have similar survival rates to people uninfected with HIV. HIV infected people have substantial risks for anal and cervical cancer. Researcher Gypsyamber D’Souza reported that human papilloma virus (HPV) has more than 100 distinct subtypes. About fifteen HPV subtypes cause cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, cervix, and oral cavity. Other HPV

subtypes cause genital warts. While some HPV subtypes can lead to anal and oral cancers, anal cancer occurs more frequently than oral cancer among HIV infected gay and bi men. According to a report from Project Inform, the HPV subtypes that cause genital warts will not lead to cancer. Most people can clear HPV within six months of the initial infection. People living with HIV have a higher risk for acquiring HPV, for stubborn symptoms, and for higher rates of cervical and anal dysplasia, a condition with a high risk for cancer development. Sexually active gay and bisexual men have 17 times higher risk of anal dysplasia and cancer, a result of higher rates of HPV infection. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that HPV transmission occurs more frequently than any other STD, with about 14 million new HPV infections each year . Most sexually active people will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives. An HPV vaccine exists for the subtypes that cause cancer. Vaccinating the already infected, however, only benefits pharmaceutical companies. As a result, eligibility for this vaccine is restricted to the following groups: 1) males and females aged 11 or 12; 2) all males up to 21; and 3) all females, gay bi men, and all people infected with HIV up to age 26. HPV has serious consequences for the HIV infected. Some doctors recommend an anal pap smear for gay bi men at least once every three years. ARV treatment, HPV vaccination, and smoking cessation can significantly lessen the dangers of anal and lung cancers. We still do not have an HIV cure. We only have ways to lessen its effects and to prevent it. Many of the presentations of the CROI conference are available on line. To view them please visit www.croiwebcasts.org.

For Project Inform’s report on HPV, visit www.thebody.com/content/art48935.html For the CDC’s report on HPV, visit /www.cdc.gov and look for hpv-factsheet-march-2014.pdf. soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.1.2015 //

news local

Gay pride, How the World Became a Rainbow

Locals Celebrate

CNN

John McDonald

Social media blows up after historic SCOTUS ruling

(CNN) —Scroll through your Facebook feed and you'll already see an array of family photos, pouting selfies and delectable dinners. But over the past few of days, there's also been a bright splash of color as users have been updating their profile pics with a rainbow overlay to advocate gay pride. The vibrant support comes after a landmark ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court to legalize same-sex marriage in all 50 states. And even The White House joined in, posting this time-lapse video with the status: "America should be very proud. #LoveWins." "Our country was founded on the promise that all people are created equal, and today we took another step towards achieving that promise," said Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg on his profile. "I'm so happy for all of my friends and everyone in our community who can finally celebrate their love and be recognized as equal couples under the law. We still have much more to do to achieve full equality SFGN_Florida_House3.pdf 1 4/9/2015 1:03:28 PM for everyone in our community, but we are moving in the right direction."

To update your profile photo with the colors, simply visit the Facebook "Let's Celebrate Pride" page, where you will be shown a preview of your photo with the rainbow overlay. Facebook is not the only tech giant to color the Internet. Enter terms such as "gay pride," "same sex marriage" or "LGBT" into your Google search and a line of bright characters will adorn the top of your screen. Twitter also totaled the overwhelming number of tweets regarding the Supreme Court's decision ("6.2 million and counting"), automatically adding rainbow emojis to tweets with the #LoveWins or #Pride hashtags. You could celebrate on the move too, as taxi app service Uber added color to its car icons when users requested a ride. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple who publicly acknowledged his homosexuality last year, also applauded the ruling on Twitter. The United States joins Finland and Ireland in legalizing gay marriage this year, bringing the total number of countries that recognize the union up to 22.

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Supreme Court Ruling Photos: J.R. Davis.

As he left Friday afternoon’s celebration of the Supreme Court’s ruling granting samesex couples nationwide marriage rights, Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Dean Trantalis issued a word of caution. “It’s not over,” said Trantalis, holding a proclamation from Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler proclaiming Marriage Equality Day in Fort Lauderdale. “We have come a long way but it would be naïve to say our journey is over.” Gay rights activists gathered outside the federal courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale following a historic decision by the highest court in the land. In a 5-4 decision, written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled gays have a right to marry in all 50 states. “They ask for equal dignity…The Constitution grants them that right,” Kennedy wrote. In response, gays and their allies celebrated all through the weekend as samesex marriage bans in the last 13 states came crashing down. “This is history and who would have thought it would have happened in our lifetime,” said Lynn Glover, treasurer of Women In Network, one of Florida’s oldest lesbian organizations. From inside the Rumors Bar in Wilton Manors, Glover said it felt good to stand on the right side of history. The scene at Rumors was one of joy Friday as the usual happy hour crowd doubled in size. “It’s a great day,” said Anthony Timiraos, Chief Executive Officer of the LGBT philanthropy organization, Our Fund. However, like Trantalis, Timiraos cautioned that the fight for equality is not finished. “Employment discrimination is now the

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big issue,” Timiraos said. “It is important for us to continue to win in the courts of law.” Seda Aktas, an attorney, agreed. “We will still struggle with discrimination going forward,” said Aktas, who joined her girlfriend Veronica Gonzalez at Rumors in celebration of their newfound marriage rights. The women have been in a relationship for six years. “She completes me and makes me a much better person,” Aktas said.

News crews swarmed into Wilton Manors on Friday for reaction from one of the largest concentrations of LGBT people in Florida. “Wilton Manors will appreciate this ruling much more,” said City Commissioner Tom Green. Meanwhile, opponents of same-sex marriage expressed contempt for the ruling. John Stemberger, President of the Florida Family Policy Council, issued a statement calling the ruling “a raw act of judicial power and arrogance which ignores the rule of law and the votes of 51 million Americans.” Stemberger, a longtime opponent of gay rights, who created his own scouting organization in response to the Boys Scouts of America’s inclusion of gay scouts, further stated the “U.S. Supreme Court has greatly damaged its legitimacy as an institution. The ruling is a frontal assault on democracy and the rule of law.”

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Turkish Police Fire Pepper Spray At Gay Pride Parade By CNN

Photos: @morshovavo, @senaakdogan. Instagram.

Although the gay pride parade has Republic of Turkey, to immediately cease happened in peace for at least 13 years attacks and to make a public statement," in Istanbul, on Sunday the parade was said a statement from the volunteer group interrupted by police who fired pepper LGBTI News Turkey. spray and rubber pellets at thousands when Echoing a chant made famous in Western they arrived to march. gay rights parades and events -- "We're Organizers of the march released a here, we're queer, get used to it!" -- it said in statement saying the Istanbul governorship capital letters, "WE ARE HERE, GET USED was not allowing the procession, citing the TO IT, WE ARE NOT LEAVING." Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender Parade-goers continued to celebrate in and intersex community was instrumental the side streets, as riot police chased other in supporting the Gezi Park protests that attendees from arteries of Istanbul's main took place in 2013 against the ruling party. commercial district of Taksim. On Sunday, a woman shouted, "This One video shows a gay pride attendee is not a crime, we are LGBT! We are not a being swept off his feet with the force of a crime! Come on, why you are doing this?" water cannon. A man approached Activists say they her and yelled, "Shut up weren't just targeted and go away!" He told because of their sexual CNN that he did not orientation or fight for like gay people and they equality, but because were causing problems Turkey's government in Turkey, and then wants to silence all stressed that the country minorities and anyone is Muslim and, to him, officials perceives as a being Muslim and gay threat to the conservative were in conflict. ruling Justice and The clashes with Development Party. police came after Photo: @zeynepseval. Led by President Recep Friday's ruling by the Tayyip Erdogan, the ruling party failed to U.S. Supreme Court in support of same-sex secure enough votes for a single-party rule marriage, which LGBTI activists in Turkey in June. celebrated. CNN spoke to many sources who felt that Gay, trans and intersex people in Turkey the crackdown on Sunday's march was an say they aren't at the stage where they attempt to appeal to Erdogan's conservative could imagine that kind of equality in their base. country. "This is happening after the elections "We are at the stage of 'Please don't because they realize the power of the LGBTI kill us,'" said Sevval Kilic, a transgender movement," said transgender activist activist who helped organize the pride Ruzgar Buski. "Erdogan's government has parade. "We don't discuss equal marriage lost their power and they know the LGBTI or employment rights or whatever. We are community stands with other minorities." just demanding our basic human rights." "We call on the Istanbul Governor Vasip Sunday's clashes won't set that goal back, Sahin to adhere to the Constitution of the Kilic said. "It will make us stronger." soflagaynews //

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cover news

The Fight For Marriage Ends in

Lisa Keen

Keen News Service

VICTORY

Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan. Chief Justice John Roberts led the dissent, joined by Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel Alito. Chief Justice Roberts, who read from his dissent on the bench Friday morning, said Photo: @ajo23, Instagram “a State’s decision to maintain the meaning n a widely expected yet stunning victory of marriage that has persisted in every culture for LGBT people nationally, the U.S. throughout human history can hardly be called Supreme Court ruled on June 26 that state irrational.” bans on marriage for same-sex couples are “In short, our Constitution does not enact any unconstitutional. The decision requires states one theory of marriage,” wrote Roberts. “The to both issue marriage licenses to couples and people of a State are free to expand marriage to recognize marriage licenses obtained in other to include same-sex couples, or to retain the states by same-sex couples. historic definition.” The 5 to 4 decision, authored by Justice Justice Scalia, who is known for his harshly Anthony Kennedy, strikes down bans that have worded disagreements, derided Kennedy’s been enforced in 13 states and is expected to majority opinion, characterized it as secure the lower court decisions that struck “pretentious” and “egotistic” and said it “has down bans in nine other states. to diminish this Court’s reputation for clear Kennedy wrote that “the right to marry is thinking and sober analysis” and caused him to a fundamental right inherent in the liberty of want to “hide my head in a bag.” the person, and under the Due Process and Openly gay U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth called the majority decision a “huge, huge Amendment couples of the same-sex may not milestone in our quest for freedom and human be deprived of that right and that liberty.” equality.” On MSNBC just minutes after the “The Court now holds that same-sex couples decision was released at 10 Friday morning, may exercise the fundamental she called the decision Photo: @bmcsf, Instagram right to marry. No longer may “sweeping” and predicted this liberty be denied to them. “ it would help promote “full President Obama, at an equality” for LGBT people impromptu press conference in other arenas, including outside the oval office, said employment and public the decision was “justice that accommodations. arrives like a thunderbolt.” “We’ve always known “Today, we can say in no that discrimination is uncertain terms that we’ve wrong,” said Baldwin, made our union a little more “but to have the Supreme perfect,” said the president, in remarks that Court in such a bold fashion say that it is now seemed unscripted. He said the decision unconstitutional is just remarkable progress.” “affirms what millions of Americans already A large crowd of LGBT people and supporters believe in their hearts: that when all Americans and media crowded the steps before the are treated equal, we’re all more free.” Supreme Court building plaza Friday morning. A LGBT organizations all over the country male chorus could be heard singing the national began issuing press releases declaring the anthem at 10:35, with onlookers waving rainbow decision “historic,” “amazing,” and “landmark.” and Human Rights Campaign equal-sign flags. Kennedy was joined in the majority opinion Mary Bonauto, the openly gay attorney who by the court’s four more liberal justices: Ruth

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argued against the state bans on marriage for same-sex couples, told the Supreme Court gathering that the decision is “momentous” and “a landmark ruling for love and for justice.” In her remarks to the crowd, and then later to a reporter, Bonauto noted the decision was released on a day when the country is in deep mourning over the racially motivated killings of nine African Americans at a Bible study inside Charleston, South Carolina’s historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bonauto said it was important that all people be treated equally and protected from violent acts of discrimination. She told MSNBC that the court’s decision shows “we do have a fundamental right to marriage” but that the “nation remains divided about this even as a majority of people support loving and committed couples taking this step to marry.” “Today is a monumental victory and a giant leap towards full equality,” said Human Rights Campaign Executive Director Chad Griffin, to an MSNBC reporter on the steps of the Supreme Court. But he, too, added that there is much more to do. “While we’re all out here celebrating today because marriage equality has come to every state in the country,” said Griffin, “we also have to remember that still today in America, in this country, in a majority of states, the moment this decision is realized and couples get married, in a majority of states, they can be married at 10 a.m., fired from their jobs by noon, and evicted from their homes by 2 simply because there are no explicit federal protections as it relates to non-discrimination in this country.” The Human Rights Campaign announced it was sending letters to each governor of the 13 states plus Missouri (which allows marriage but only in certain jurisdictions) to urge “immediate” and “full compliance with the law.” In some of those states, efforts have been underway for some time to find a way to defy the widely anticipated Supreme Court decision. The North Carolina legislature passed a bill to let public officials who issue marriage licenses and can conduct ceremonies to refuse to administer the paperwork or perform the ceremony by claiming “sincerely held religious objections.” The governor vetoed the measure but on June 11, the legislature overrode the veto.

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Photo: @racia, Instagram

In Arkansas, the state supreme court ordered marriage clerks to stop issuing licenses to samesex couples, but on June 9, a state judge declared that more than 500 licenses issued to same-sex couples before the state supreme court order was issued would be considered valid. The Texas Supreme Court has taken a similar tact. But Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights who was involved in one of the four cases under appeal, said the majority opinion includes discussions that are likely to help equality for LGBT people in many other arenas. “The court's ruling that fundamental rights cannot be limited based on historical patterns of discrimination will be helpful to LGBT people in other fundamental rights cases, such as those involving the fundamental right to procreative freedom, to vote, to create a family, and to travel,” said Minter. “The court's emphasis that the constitution protects a broad liberty to selfdetermination and expression will be helpful to transgender litigants in many contexts.” And Minter said the majority’s discussion of parenting will be “enormously helpful in other parenting cases.”

Photo: Casey Caprachi, CNN.

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cover analysis

Marriage Now the Law of the Land Lisa Keen

Keen News Service

he U.S. Supreme Court’s June 26 decision striking down state bans against same-sex marriage has been touted as “probably the strongest manifesto in favor of marriage” and pilloried as “a threat to American democracy.” It has energized celebrations at LGBT Pride events and private living rooms across the country and prompted warnings of “an all out assault against the religious freedom rights of Christians who disagree with this decision." But despite these vastly different reactions, there has not yet been an attempt by any state to secede from the union that President Obama characterized as “a little more perfect” now. Eleven of the 13 of the states that had statewide bans in effect have started issuing licenses in most if not all their counties, and the other two states (Louisiana and Mississippi) have indicated they will comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling once the official mandates are issued. The Texas attorney general is encouraging clerks to raise religious objections to issuing the licenses but has warned them that, doing so, could lead to “litigation and/or a fine.” Mississippi’s attorney general told clerks to delay issuing licenses until a formal order to do so is issued from the federal appeals court. Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee has vowed that he “will not acquiesce to an imperial court,” a statement that will almost certainly come back to haunt him, given that the constitution requires the president “shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.” (President Obama continued to enforce the Defense of Marriage Act until the Supreme Court struck it down as unconstitutional.) The huff and puff will soon die down, and the legal bricks that will remain standing in the Supreme Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges ruling are these: • the word “liberty” in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution includes the fundamental right of a citizen to marry

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• state bans against allowing same-sex couples to marry burden the “liberty” of gay and lesbian citizens • the bans are unconstitutional infringements on the rights to due process and equal protection • and states with such bans have not shown “a foundation for the conclusion that allowing same-sex marriage will cause the harmful outcomes they describe.”

The word “liberty” was at the center of the Obergefell decision, authored by Justice Anthony Kennedy. He used the word 25 times. The dissents used it 122 times. Kennedy noted that the 14th Amendment to the constitution says that “no State shall ‘deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law’.” He cited Supreme Court precedent saying that the word “denotes not merely freedom from bodily restraint but also the right “to marry, establish a home and bring up children….” The quote came from a 1923 case, Meyer v. Nebraska, that struck down a state ban on the use or teaching of foreign languages in schools and which referred to numerous other precedents discussing the meanings of “liberty.” None of the four justices in dissent mentioned Meyer. Instead, each claimed that the Kennedy majority based its decision on non-legal grounds. Chief Justice John Roberts contends the majority “relied on its own conception of liberty” and that its opinion was rooted in “social policy and considerations of fairness.” Justice Antonin Scalia said the majority engaged in “constitutional revision.” Justice Clarence Thomas said the majority’s opinion was “based on an imaginary constitutional protection and revisionist view of our history and tradition.” Justice Samuel Alito said the majority “invent[ed] a new right and impose[d] that right on the rest of the country.” Some will argue that it was the dissenters who invented something new: the idea that, when there is a vigorous public debate about a matter, the Supreme Court should not act. “Supporters of same-sex marriage have achieved considerable success persuading their fellow citizens—through the democratic soflagaynews //

process—to adopt their view. That ends today,” wrote Roberts. “Five lawyers have closed the debate and enacted their own vision of marriage as a matter of constitutional law. Stealing this issue from the people will for many cast a cloud over same-sex marriage, making a dramatic social change that much more difficult to accept.” (A Williams Institute fellow, Adam Romero, said his research before and after the Supreme Court struck down DOMA found the court’s action “fostered positive attitude changes.”) All four dissenters lamented the end of the national debate over same-sex marriage. The debate over marriage for same-sex couples, wrote Scalia, “displayed American democracy at its best.” “Individuals on both sides of the issue passionately, but respectfully, attempted to persuade their fellow citizens to accept their views…. Win or lose,” Scalia wrote, “advocates for both sides continued pressing their cases, secure in the knowledge that an electoral loss can be negated by a later electoral win. That is exactly how our system of government is supposed to work.” But that’s not the system Scalia defended in 2000 when he went along with the 5 to 4

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decision in Bush v. Gore that delivered the presidential election to Republican George W. Bush. That opinion (which did not identify an author) said that the majority admired the Constitution’s design to leave certain matters “to the people, through their legislatures, and to the political sphere” with one notable exception: “When contending parties invoke the process of the courts… it becomes our unsought responsibility to resolve the federal and constitutional issues the judicial system has been forced to confront.” That latter line might well have fit into the majority opinion for Obergefell. Instead, Kennedy wrote, “the Constitution contemplates that democracy is the appropriate process for change, so long as that process does not abridge fundamental rights.” “The dynamic of our constitutional system,” Kennedy wrote, “is that individuals need not await legislative action before asserting a fundamental right.” Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders attorney Mary Bonauto put it most succinctly on The Rachel Maddow Show June 26: “In our system, you don’t have to convince every single person before the court vindicates your constitutional rights.”

This article originally appeared on SCOTUSblog.com.

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cover feature

The Candidates React

Republican and Democrats react to the Supreme Court ruling SFGN Staff

Democrats Republicans Hillary Clinton, Democrat:

Jeb Bush, Republican

Proud to celebrate a historic victory for marriage equality — & the courage & determination of LGBT Americans who made it possible.

Guided by my faith, I believe in traditional marriage. I believe the Supreme Court should have allowed the states to make this decision. I also believe that we should love our neighbor and respect others, including those making lifetime commitments. In a country as diverse as ours, good people who have opposing views should be able to live side by side. It is now crucial that as a country we protect religious freedom and the right of conscience and also not discriminate.

Bernie Sanders, Democrat

Today the Supreme Court fulfilled the words engraved upon it’s building: ‘Equal justice under law.

Marco Rubio, Republican

While I disagree with this decision, we live in a republic and must abide by the law. In the years ahead, it is my hope that each side will respect the dignity of the other.

Martin O'Malley, Democrat

Scott Walker, Republican

So grateful to the people of MD for leading the way on this important issue of human dignity and equality under the law.

I believe this Supreme Court decision is a grave mistake. Five unelected judges have taken it upon themselves to redefine the institution of marriage, an institution that the author of this decision acknowledges ‘has been with us for millennia.’ As a result of this decision, the only alternative left for the American people is to support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to reaffirm the ability of the states to continue to define marriage.

Jim Webb, Democrat

The two recent Supreme Court decisions are healthy for the country...

Lincoln Chafee, Democrat

Congratulations to Supreme Court on today's good ruling for marriage equality!

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Mike Huckabee, Republican

The only outcome worse than this flawed, failed decision would be for the President and Congress, two co-equal branches of government, to surrender in the face of this out-of-control act of unconstitutional, judicial tyranny. Under our Constitution, the court cannot write a law, even though some cowardly politicians will wave the white flag and accept it without realizing that they are failing their sworn duty to reject abuses from the court. If accepted by Congress and this President, this decision will be a serious blow to religious liberty, which is the heart of the First Amendment.

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Chris Christie, Republican

Ted Cruz, Republican

I am proposing an amendment to the Constitution to subject #SCOTUS justices to periodic judicial retention elections

Our job is going to be to support the law of the land. I don't agree with the way it was done. Five lawyers have closed the debate and enacted their own vision of marriage. This is something that should be decided by the people, not by, as (Roberts) called it, five lawyers. That said, those five lawyers get to impose it under our system.

Ben Carson, Republican

Rick Perry, Republican

I call on Congress to make sure deeply held religious views are respected and protected. The government must never force Christians to violate their religious beliefs.

Carly Fiorina, Republican

I am disappointed the Supreme Court today chose to change the centuries old definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. I’m a firm believer in traditional marriage, and I also believe the 10th Amendment leaves it to each state to decide this issue. I fundamentally disagree with the court rewriting the law and assaulting the 10th Amendment. Our founding fathers did not intend for the judicial branch to legislate from the bench, and as president, I would appoint strict Constitutional conservatives who will apply the law as written.

This decision was also about the definition of marriage itself. I do not agree that the Court can or should redefine marriage. I believe that responsibility should have remained with states and voters where this conversation has continued in churches, town halls and living rooms around the country.

Bobby Jindal, Republican

Marriage between a man and a woman was established by God, and no earthly court can alter that.

Lindsey Graham, Republican

I am a proud defender of traditional marriage and believe the people of each state should have the right to determine their marriage laws. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that state bans on gay marriage are unconstitutional, and I will respect the Court’s decision.

John Kasich, Republican

It’s the law of the land, and we’ll abide by it…I do believe in traditional marriage, but the court has ruled, and it’s time to move on.

Rand Paul, Republican

Rick Santorum, Republican

The Court is one of three co-equal branches of government and, just as they have in cases from Dred Scott to Plessy, the Court has an imperfect track record. The stakes are too high and the issue too important to simply cede the will of the people to five unaccountable justices.…Could you imagine if instead of this President spending all of his time talking about global warming, he talked about the importance of marriage and fathers and mothers taking responsibility and raising their children in healthy homes—and actually promoting marriage.

While I disagree with Supreme Court’s redefinition of marriage… I’ve often said I don’t want my guns or my marriage registered in Washington… Some have argued that the Supreme Court’s ruling will now involve the police power of the state in churches, church schools, church hospitals. This may well become the next step, and I for one will stand ready to resist any intrusion of government into the religious sphere…Perhaps it is time to be more careful what we ask government to do, and where we allow it to become part of our lives.

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cover feature

SFGN Staff

Selected Quotes From The Supreme Court’s Decision

In most Supreme Court opinions there’s a majority opinion and a dissenting opinion. But in Obergefell v. Hodges, legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states, each dissenting justice wrote their own opinion. Below is a just sample of each of the opinions.

Majority Opinion

Dissent

Justice Kennedy “Marriage is sacred to those who live by their religions and offers unique fulfillment to those who find meaning in the secular realm. Its dynamic allows two people to find a life that could not be found alone, for a marriage becomes greater than just the two persons. Rising from the most basic human needs, marriage is essential to our most profound hopes and aspirations.” “As all parties agree, many same-sex couples provide loving and nurturing homes to their children, whether biological or adopted. ... Excluding same-sex couples from marriage thus conflicts with a central premise of the right to marry. Without the recognition, stability, and predictability marriage offers, their children suffer the stigma of knowing their families are somehow lesser. They also suffer the significant material costs of being raised by unmarried parents, relegated through no fault of their own to a more difficult and uncertain family life. The marriage laws at issue here thus harm and humiliate the children of same-sex couples.” “Informing a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”

Dissent

Chief Justice

Roberts

“Many people will rejoice at this decision, and I begrudge none their celebration. But for those who believe in a government of laws, not of men, the majority’s approach is deeply disheartening. ... Five lawyers have closed the debate and enacted their own vision of marriage as a matter of constitutional law. Stealing this issue from the people will for many cast a cloud over same-sex marriage, making a dramatic social change that much more difficult to accept.” “If you are among the many Americans – of whatever sexual orientation – who favor expanding same-sex marriage, by all means celebrate today’s decision. Celebrate the achievement of a desired goal. Celebrate the opportunity for a new expression of commitment to a partner. Celebrate the availability of new benefits. But do not celebrate the Constitution. It had nothing to do with it.” 22

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Justice Scalia

“The substance of today’s decree is not of immense personal importance to me. The law can recognize as marriage whatever sexual attachments and living arrangements it wishes, and can accord them favorable civil consequences, from tax treatment to rights of inheritance. ... It is of overwhelming importance, however, who it is that rules me. Today’s decree says that my Ruler, and the Ruler of 320 million Americans coast-to-coast, is a majority of the nine lawyers on the Supreme Court.” “If, even as the price to be paid for a fifth vote, I ever joined an opinion for the Court that began: ‘The Constitution promises liberty to all within its reach, a liberty that includes certain specific rights that allow persons, within a lawful realm, to define and express their identity,’ I would hide my head in a bag. The Supreme Court of the United States has descended from the disciplined legal reasoning of John Marshall and Joseph Story to the mystical aphorisms of the fortune cookie.” “As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage.” - Justice Anthony Kennedy

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Dissent Justice Thomas

“The Court’s decision today is at odds not only with the Constitution, but with the principles upon which our Nation was built. Since well before 1787, liberty has been understood as freedom from government action, not entitlement to government benefits. The Framers created our Constitution to preserve that understanding of liberty. Yet the majority invokes our Constitution in the name of a ‘liberty’ that the Framers would not have recognized, to the detriment of the liberty they sought to protect.”

Dissent Justice Alito

“Today’s decision shows that decades of attempts to restrain this Court’s abuse of its authority have failed. A lesson that some will take from today’s decision is that preaching about the proper method of interpreting the Constitution or the virtues of judicial self-restraint and humility cannot compete with the temptation to achieve what is viewed as a noble end by any practicable means.”

feature

What’s Your Preferred Pronoun? Some organizations are getting ahead of the curve on pronoun choice

Nicole Wiesenthal

Several LGBT friendly businesses and organizations have taken steps to ensure gender queer people feel more comfortable expressing their pronouns of choice. A person’s pronoun of choice or preferred gender pronoun is the pronoun someone prefers to be addressed with. POCs generally include the pronouns “he/him,” “she/her” and “they/them.” Usually transgender, agender and gender fluid people experience the most frustrations when it comes to dealing with pronouns of choice because theirs might not match their perceived gender. Knowing this, organizations like the National LGBTQ Task Force and GLAAD have encouraged employees to include their preferred pronouns in their email signatures, regardless of their gender identities. AIDS United is one of the organizations that has made the change. “It was actually suggested by one of our staff who had noticed several other organizations doing the same,” said Michael Kaplan, the president and CEO of the AIDS United. “We work a lot with trans-identified individuals, and it made sense to follow suit.” Jack Qu’emi, who identifies using “they/ them” pronouns, said “they” like the idea of introducing one’s pronoun of choice right away. “Especially when you are working in an LGBTQ plus environment, It’s so good to see people encourage eradicating assumptions,” Qu’emi said. “Expression is fluid. Gender is fluid.” Kaplan said he’s glad to do it if it will help people feel more comfortable when doing business with AIDS United. “It’s such an easy way to say, ‘Look, we understand that there’s a huge diversity in gender identity and gender orientation,’” he said. “We let people know we’re trans inclusive and trans supportive.”

Brent Stanfield, who identifies as “they/ them,” said it’s a good idea and it solves the problem for emailing, but that it’s still difficult to introduce pronouns of choice in everyday conversation. A potential solution for that, Stanfield said, would be if people could wear pins or buttons with their preferred pronouns on them. “It’s something people are consistently seeing,” Stanfield said. “It helps people to understand that I’m not forcing it on them, but that they could be aware of it.” Kylar Broadus, the transgender civil rights director at the National LGBTQ Task Force, said the Task Force has taken a number of steps to ensure gender queer people feel comfortable interacting with them. “Somewhere along the lines, we included everyone that didn’t conform to the binary,” Broadus said. “We use transgender as a term that includes everyone who doesn’t conform to the gender binary. Not only do we cater to the LGBTQ crowd, but we also reinforce wanting people to define themselves.” Stanfield said they’d like to see people asking about their gender pronoun in the future and wish people would use genderneutral pronouns in more common situations. “A lot of times, I don’t share my pronouns because I don’t think they will be respected when I’m having conversations with other people in other places,” Stanfield said. “I wish people could have the courage to use gender neutral pronouns and talk about how they work even if they don’t identify using them.” Broadus said the Task Force will continue to work on creating a more accepting environment, but for now they have other more important issues to tackle. “Do we pay attention to being respectful towards other people’s pronouns?” Broadus asked. “Yeah, but right now our focus is on stopping trans murders. Nobody should die at the hands of a murderer.”

ASPIRE TO BE SMOOTH AT SILK. Get $75 off 75 units or more of Dysport Offer good only for patients new to Aspire Rewards Exp. 7/31/15

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feature marriage

What the Marriage Ruling Means Associated Press

Were the decision?

The decades-long debate about whether samesex marriage should be allowed in the United States was settled when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled gay and lesbian couples can get married anywhere in the country. A closer look at what it means: Is this the ďŹ nal word on the issue? Yes, for all intents and purposes. The states that oppose gay marriage could ask the justices to reconsider, but that's unlikely. That means June 26, 2015, will be marked in future history books as the moment gay marriage was declared legal across the United States.

What does this mean for the 14 states that still ban gay marriage? The Southern and Midwestern states must lift their bans and allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. Marriage licenses were already being issued Friday in many of these states. The court gave the losing side roughly three weeks to ask for reconsideration, but some state officials and county clerks are opting to go ahead and begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The 14 states that had banned gay marriage are Georgia, Ohio, Texas, Arkansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, most of Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota and Tennessee.

Does anything change in the 36 states and the District of Columbia that already allow gay marriage?

No. The ruling ensures that the wave of lower-court decisions that legalized gay marriage across most of the West and East in the last 1Â˝ years stand. The Supreme Court ruling prevents state officials and county clerks from being forced to determine how to deal with thousands of marriages already issued. LGBT advocates and married gay couples celebrated in these states, expressing relief and joy that the movement's remarkable winning streak in the courts stretched to the end.

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Does this mean churches must conduct gay marriages? No. Religious organizations are exempt from this ruling. They can still make their own decisions about whether clergy will conduct gay marriages in their places of worship. Southern Baptists, Mormons and other conservative churches that believe God intended marriage to be a union only between a man and a woman said the ruling won't change their decisions not to allow same-sex marriages in their churches. Some religions already allow gay marriage, such as the United Church of Christ, and more could follow. Episcopalians are set to decide next week at an assembly in Salt Lake City whether to change church laws so religious weddings can be performed for same-sex couples.

Will gay and lesbian couples get the same beneďŹ ts that opposite-sex married couples receive? They should, but there may be hiccups as states come to grips with this new reality. Being able to get Social Security benefits, file taxes jointly and get divorced should be easy to implement, but gay and lesbian couples will likely find a bumpy road in being granted outright parentage o f their children, said Douglas NeJaime, faculty director of the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. Most states grant automatic parental rights to the biological birth mother and father. For a lesbian couple, only one person fits that mold. For gay men, neither does. Iowa refused to grant automatic parental rights until the state Supreme Court ordered Iowa to do so in 2013. In Utah, a lesbian couple has sued the state after they were not allowed to put both of their names on their new baby's birth certificate. NeJaime predicts the states that resisted making gay marriage legal will also push back on this front.

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justices

unanimous

their

No. The ruling narrowly passed 5-4. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion, joined by the court's four more liberal justices, saying the stories of the people asking for the right to marry "reveal that they seek not to denigrate marriage but rather to live their lives, or honor their spouses' memory, joined by its bond." The four dissenting justices each filed a separate opinion explaining his views, but they all agreed that states and their voters should have been left with the power to decide who can marry. "This court is not a legislature. Whether same-sex marriage is a good idea should be of no concern to us," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote.

What does the American public think about gay marriage? Nearly half of Americans favor laws allowing gay and lesbian couples to wed in their own states, while just over a third are opposed, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll in April. Other recent polls have found even higher support for same-sex marriage. For example, a Pew Research Center poll conducted in May found that 57 percent of Americans support allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally, while a Gallup poll also conducted in May found 60 percent say those marriages should be legally recognized.

How many same-sex already married?

couples

are

There are an estimated 390,000 married samesex couples in the United States, according to the Williams Institute, which tracks the demographics of gay and lesbian Americans. Another 70,000 couples living in states that do not currently permit them to wed would get married in the next three years, the institute says. Roughly 1 million same-sex couples, married and unmarried, live together in the United States, the institute says.

How did conservative groups that oppose gay marriage react to the ruling? With frustration. The Sutherland Institute in Utah said the decision shows a growing opinion among government and "other elites" that adult interests are more important than the wellbeing of children, who they believe are much better off raised by opposite-sex couples. Another Utah group called the Eagle Forum declared in a statement that the justices "voted today to destroy our American culture."

sports

NLGJA Honors

OutSports.com Co-Founder John McDonald

Photos: Twitter.

Cyd Zeigler and his partner Dan Pinar. Just prior to accepting an award for achievement from the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, OutSports.com co-founder Cyd Zeigler reflected on the state of visibility of gay athletes. “The men’s leagues look like 1981,” said Zeigler in a telephone interview with SFGN hours before accepting the Lisa Ben Award for Achievement in Features Coverage. “We do not have an openly gay athlete in the big four professional leagues right now and you have to wonder why no one is coming out.” The big four leagues Zeigler is referring to are the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL) and Major League Baseball (MLB). Brooklyn Nets center Jason Collins was the lone openly gay athlete in the big four last year but has since retired. OutSports.com, Zeigler said, was created with buddy Jim Buzinski as a “place to talk about NFL with other gay guys.” During its 16 years of existence, OutSports.com has become an influential source of information for LGBT athletics. “It’s taken a lot of courage on the part of several people to do this,” Zeigler said. The Lisa Ben Award was established to honor a journalist whose body of work is distinguished by insight and impact through engaging features on LGBT individuals, the LGBT community or LGBT issues. It is named in honor of the founder of the first known lesbian publication in the United States. Zeigler accepted the award at an exclusive benefit for NLGJA in Los Angeles Thursday evening. “Cyd Zeigler’s such an important pioneer

when it comes to telling the real story about the LGBT community and sports,” said Jen Christensen, NLGJA President, in a news release. “There’s a reason LGBT athletes come to him first with their stories. Our community is so lucky to have such an able hand steering this important narrative for both current LGBT athletes and future pros who will now know that they can have some confidence that they can be ‘out’ as there have been others before them.” Zeigler grew up in Massachusetts around Cape Cod and recalls cheering passionately for the Boston Celtics. He ran track and cross country in high school, a common course, Zeigler said, of guys struggling with same-sex attractions in a team setting. With OutSports.com, Zeigler now has a platform to create change in the notoriously macho world of sports by “telling coming out stories and highlighting homophobia,” he said. OutSports.com was purchased by Vox Media in 2013 and incorporated into the sports website SB Nation.

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column publisher’s editorial

Photo: Devon Sayers, CNN.

The Supreme Court Speaks Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

The real question before the highest court of our land, on June 26, 2015, was whether a state law providing that marriage is an institution only available to men and women could be sustained as constitutional. Of course not, and it really is shameful and disgraceful that four learned justices thought otherwise. It means that while we may have five votes on the Supreme Court, we still need to persuade a lot of other Americans. Discrimination against gay men and women in the U.S. has always been inherently vicious and morally unconscionable. Last week, marriage inequality became legally unacceptable. Sewn into the moral fiber of the law, it will eventually become socially improper as well. Domestic unions and civil partnerships were the straight world’s way of saying our lives were being ‘tolerated.' The Supreme Court’s determination is a decision that says ‘tolerance' is intolerable. The hand was never theirs to give, and the arm is rightfully ours. We have always been entitled to nothing less than unconditional acceptance and outright equality. As women learned with Roe v. Wade and abortion, we still have a ways to go. Women have the right to vote, even though it took a constitutional amendment to make it happen. Women have a right to control decisions about their bodies, though it took a Supreme Court decision to preserve and protect that right. African Americans are no longer three fifths of a citizen, even though our Constitution once read that way. They serve in our military too, though it took a presidential order to do so. Interracial marriages are now legal, and African American students attend public schools and colleges, even though it took federal troops and this court to insure that equality. Our nation fought a civil war to ensure that the Emancipation Proclamation protected the rights of African Americans. As we learned last week, even the flag that fought for slavery took over one hundred years to take down. It represented racism and injustice. Last week, we saw a new flag rise. It isn’t just a rainbow. It is the color of equality. America is a nation of growth and acceptance. Our constitution is an evolving document, which has changed to meet a new time. It has not been

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easy all the time, not for gays, not for women, not for African-Americans. But we are all getting there. We are not alone. Americans with disabilities now have access to campuses and public institutions, by law, by statute, and by moral imperative, even though it took legislation to enact and ensure it. For decades, many classes of Americans remained unprotected by law or statute, and it has fallen upon the Supreme Court to implement and ensure those protections. Barely, by one slim vote, it did so last week. As the Supreme Court suggested in Lawrence vs. Texas, its decision declaring sodomy laws to be illegal, our society comes together as a society not to restrict the rights of any, but rather to secure the rights of all. Laws ought to give Americans the right to marry and divorce, not based on a zip code- or the gender of the persons whose pants they unzip. It’s no one’s business where you live or who you love. That’s your call, not a pastor’s or a parent. The decision to declare gay marriages legal does not turn the Constitution on its face. It ensures again that the document embraces a new era of equal rights for all, repairing the errors of the past while ensuring sound principles for the future. It means that millions of Americans can lend marriage authenticity to their lives. There is no rational basis for treating same-sex couples any differently then opposite-sex couples, whether in a courtroom or a bedroom. The Defense of Marriage Act did not protect religious liberty any more than some of those discriminatory laws passed in the last few years under that false rubric. This is also why Proposition 8, barring same-sex marriages, also failed as a matter of law. It unjustly discriminated against same-sex couples, to perfect their love with civil unions and contracts already granted to opposite-sex couples. American law promotes equality. It cannot protect inequality. We did not allow the governor of Mississippi the right to deny James Meredith entrance into Ole Miss in 1962 because the Caucasian public disapproved of Negroes in a state university. Nor can some court clerks now say, as they are doing in Alabama, that they will refuse to issue same sex licenses. These guys ought to be held in

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SouthFloridaGayNews

contempt, locked up, and jailed. The Supreme Court has ruled. Those clerks are now not only on the wrong side of history. They are on the wrong side of the law. While we have won a cross section of legal freedoms at home, let’s not forget how wrongly our lives and our liberties are abused abroad. Together, we can fight against LGBT discrimination in Eastern Europe as loudly as we stood against apartheid in South Africa. We can oppose soccer tournaments in Qatar, and Olympics in Russia. We can financially support the efforts of the Harvey Milk Foundation as it carries its message of international LGBT equality around the globe. In Turkey, the gay pride rally last week was met by brutal police who attacked demonstrators, desecrating the LGBT flag and beating up rallygoers. We can’t allow for that. We can’t turn a blind eye. We have to stand up and be counted. In 1968, Robert F. Kennedy ran for U.S. President, but was slain. He spoke often in his short campaign of America’s opportunity ‘to seek a newer world.’ He quoted George Bernard Shaw often, an author who once wrote “Some people see things as they are and ask why. I see things as they can be, and ask why not?” The liberties we won in the U.S. last week can also be won in Lithuania and Kenya someday, maybe even in Alabama. Why not? That new world is still ours to take.

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local name, global coverage

June 26, 2015

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column sbq

Sound Bite Q Estate Auction Co.

Norm Kent

Submitted Photos.

Welcome to Sound Bite Q, the column that thanks advertisers who support SFGN. We invite you to support them, because without their outreach to us, we would not be here to reach out to you. More importantly, local papers only survive in our busy world because we are all connected to each other. For me, this column does more than encourage you to patronize one of SFGN’s advertisers. It lets you know a little more about our friends and enables you to feel a little more comfortable using their services with the limited dollars you have.

Lights, Camera, Auction, every Thursday night at 6:00 PM the lights go on … and out strolls the Handsomest Auctioneer in the state of Florida. The crowd is milling around the neatly stacked cabinets, and they are poking through the rows of neatly positioned furniture. Still others are at the jewelry counters or examining the walls for art work and looking up at the ceiling for

tonight's selection of chandeliers. It is not hard to find the interior designers in the room, they are the ones with three or four people in tow, waltzing the people around the display cabinets, drifting through the furniture and then examining the art work. It is also easy to spot the dealers, they are the ones sitting by themselves not speaking to anyone. What’s that line at the window for, you ask? Those are the people signing in to get a number so they can bid in tonight’s auction. It is called a bidder's paddle and it is the only thing you need to bid on any lot in tonight's auction. To see the items before the crowd arrives, which is called a preview, you can stop by earlier in the week. Generally the day before the auction is a good time or earlier in the day of the auction works well for it is less busy. Line up your new bronze today. Did I mention that pizza? It is served about one hour before the handsomest auctioneer in West Florida is ready to sit down and start the auction. Look what’s in their weekly auction catalog to find vintage jewelry and watches, vintage and mid-century modern furniture & design, art glass, sculpture, rugs, fine art prints and photography, sports memorabilia, collectibles, vintage fashion and much more. Many great buys to furnish your home or apartment, and to boot, it’s a great, fun, social experience at a popular auction house.

Auctions start promptly at 6pm, every Thursday. You can visit them online @ estateauctionco.com or email info@estateauctionco.com.

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SouthFloridaGayNews

Gazette

Volume 2 • Issue 13 July 1, 2015

Wilton Manors

Twice-Monthly Neighborhood Outlook

Page 1 New City Manager

Page 2 Not So Eco Friendly

Page 3 Real Estate Geek

Page 4 Symposium For Safety

Page 4 More Green Homes

Business

Eucalyptus Gardens to Stay Open Minus the Farm Store By Michael d’Oliveira A campaign to raise $15,000 to pay for paved parking at Eucalyptus Gardens has ended short of its goal and the closing of the EG Farm Store. The campaign, which got donations of $3,317 through a GoFundMe page, was to fund the paving of a dirt lot on the property, located on Northeast 13 Avenue behind the former Old Florida Seafood restaurant, and create 11 parking spaces. In a Facebook post on June 18, Deanna Brizuela, owner of EG Farm Store and founder of Eucalyptus Gardens, said she was unable to get the city to approve any of her parking solutions. She thanked supporters, promised to give refunds and said she was working on finding a new location. Brizuela blamed the city for forcing her to temporarily

close her business earlier this year because of lack of parking. City officials say they are only enforcing the parking regulations that are applied to the rest of the city. In 2013 and 2014, Brizuela filed for a business tax license for Eucalyptus Gardens as a nursery use but eventually allowed a coffee shop, bakery, restaurant, wine bar and the farm store to open. In 2015, officials denied Brizuela a business tax license because her farm store did not have the necessary parking required under the code. The other businesses are still open and Roberta Moore, director of Community Development Services, said they are not required to provide more parking but are prohibited from having special events unless they get clearance from the city. WMG

Community

Police Looking for Folks to Host National Night Out Parties By Michael d’Oliveira Betty Winslow is looking for a “few good homes.” Winslow, a police department volunteer and organizer of Wilton Manors’ National Night Out [NNO], is looking for residents to host parties in their front yards on Tuesday, Aug. 4 between 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. In the past, the parties were attended by neighbors, local business owners and police personnel. The purpose of NNO

is to improve the relationship between the residents and the police department. Last year, 15 parties were held around the city. Winslow said she doesn’t yet know how many will be held this year. To volunteer to host a NNO party or find out where parties are being held, call Winslow at 954-390-2150, email ewinslow@wmpd.org or visit wiltonmanors.com/nno. WMG

Photo: WiltonManors.com

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Opinion

Green is Not The New Black In Wilton Manors

By Sal Torre

Gazette Wilton Manors

JULY 1, 2015 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 13 2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

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

Editorial

I was planning an article about selecting a new tagline for the city until something the Mayor said at last week’s Commission meeting got stuck in my head. During a discussion about the city’s Green Building Code, Mayor Gary Resnick made a comment about meeting with an unnamed developer who is planning, in his words, “low-income housing” in Wilton Manors. The Mayor talked about working with a developer who has plans for a sizable low-income housing project here in the city. Going even further, he voted against a proposal to strengthen our Green Building Code because he does not want to put an economic burden on this developer by adding minor increases to the cost of construction. Wow, let’s think about this for a minute. In a city that has seen some of the highest increase in property values in Broward county over the last two years, where residents are pushing to have the Andrews Avenue Redevelopment Project move forward, where we continue to improve our park facilities at huge expense, and where Westside residents have a glimmer of hope that blighted areas are beginning to turn around, our Mayor appears more concerned about the bottom line of some developer than about the concerns of residents and about creating a substantive Green Building Code for our city. I hope this is not the case. Now do not get me wrong. At some point the city must look into projects that will offer affordable housing choices for our residents, affordable housing to our seniors who have lived in Wilton Manors for many years, for veterans, for our aging LGBT residents, and others. If the Mayor’s developer cannot build quality, green, safe, energy-efficient, sustainable affordable homes, there are plenty of other developers who can. Progressive eco-friendly firms are doing amazing work around the country, building affordable housing projects that utilize the latest in green technology and

Business By Michael d’Oliveira

energy-saving devices. If this can be done elsewhere, then why not here? Settling for mediocrity is not the way to move our city forward into the future. Climate change is real, and South Florida is only beginning the planning needed to move our region where it needs to be with building codes, infrastructure, energy efficiency and LEED certification. Commissioner Green’s insistence on mandating certain green changes to our building code and Commissioner Flippen’s going one step further by asking for holistic review of the entire Green Building Code are what we should be hearing from our elected officials. Instead, we still see the same old resistance to change, the bottom-line interest of a few over that of the public good. As this issue moves forward, it would be interesting to know exactly where the Mayor’s “sizeable low-income housing project” will be located. Perhaps the church site on NE 26th Street, perhaps along Andrews Avenue, maybe even in Jenada Isle (oh no, that will not happen, silly me.) We need to talk about attracting awardwinning eco-friendly development for affordable housing that bring together innovative design, energy efficiency, green building codes, and community involvement. The Westside would welcome such discussions. Certain aging properties along Andrews Avenue and NW 29th Street are prime spots for such redevelopment and community partnership. Perhaps tapping into funds collected from the Affordable Housing Impact Fee our city collects might offer the means to attract the type of quality development this city deserves. Our city should demand projects that have the opportunity to deliver significant healthy, economic and environmental benefits to our residents, not a cheaper way out for some developer. This is Wilton Manors. We deserve better. We should demand better. Why? Because “Life is just better here….” WMG

Art Gallery 21 Boasts Affordable Art

When Constance Ruppender founded Art Gallery 21, she did so with the goal of helping artists and buyers keep more money in their pockets. Now, with the Island City Art Market, which runs from now until Aug. 31, those who look to Art Gallery 21 as a source for affordable art have their best chance yet to pick up something new to hang on their walls. Located in Art Gallery 21 at the Woman’s Club of Wilton Manors, 600 NE 21 Ct., Art Market features about 40 pieces – water colors, oil on canvas and more – by 21 different local artists.

“Most of the art is of local people or local things or landscapes. We have a lot of local landscapes,” Ruppender said. Opened in July of 2012, Ruppender calls it a neighborhood art gallery. Local artists can keep more of the money from their own work and non-profit art organizations are allowed to host art shows for free. “I know a lot of artists and they never have anywhere to show their art. A lot of galleries charge 50 percent [commission] and double the price of the work. That makes the art cost prohibitive for a lot of people,” Ruppender said.

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Art work at the Art Market starts at $95 and maxes out at $1,250. “We have a lot of affordable art. A lot of it is in the $200 to $500 range. A lot of it is the 200 to 500 range. It’s framed and ready to take home or to the office,” she said. A portion of each art sale will be donated directly back to Art Gallery 21 and used to pay the application fee to become a 501(c)3 with the IRS. Recently, Art Gallery 21 was awarded non-profit status by the State of Florida. The city has also been making improvements by adding a sign, new roof, landscaping, fixing

electrical problems, upgrades in the kitchen and more. “The city has been incredibly cooperative and generous,” Ruppender said. Ruppender also wants to see an “art garden” developed behind the building with “sculptures, public art, that kind of thing.” Those interested in purchasing art can call Ruppender and set up an appointment – 954661-4740. WMG

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SouthFloridaGayNews July 1, 2015

Preparing for Next Season

Real Estate Geek

By James Oaksun

Our seasonal residents and visitors are now “summering” in Rehoboth, Fire Island, Ptown, Ogunquit and places in between. A large opportunity now comes for property owners thinking about selling next season, who are willing to invest a bit to maximize sale price. Of course, one must be careful when doing so. It's easy to make improvements that are not economically sound. However, as discussed previously, my research has shown that certain improvements will return more than the improvement's cost. So, what are three things a property owner can do to boost their return when they list and sell next season?

1. Enclose your carport. It'll give you better secured protection for your car and perhaps some yard equipment. Depending on the design of your home you might be able access your vehicle without going outside. And some seasonal residents would prefer to keep a vehicle here, and a garage would make that possible. In most areas, turning a carport into a garage can increase sale price by as much as two times the cost of the project.

It's not messy, it's outside, you don't have to go stay elsewhere while the work is done. To me it's a slam-dunk.

2. Change the ﬂooring! In most areas, tile is the baseline expectation for flooring. However, terrazzo and especially carpet are huge turn-offs to buyers as shown by actual MLS sales data. If you've got terrazzo or carpet, get rid of it and tile. This is a quick 2-for-1 return. And you can do even better? Add some wood flooring. Or even better, some marble. Yes you're going to have to vacate temporarily and move some furniture. My research shows it's a great idea.

3. A shower (or tub/shower) for each bedroom. Households and lifestyles have changed. Families are smaller, sometimes we have adult children returning to live with us, and here in south Florida we often have winter visitors. If each bedroom has its own bathroom, it's usually a big selling point. Now this will require a contractor, possibly

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an architect, and may not be possible with all homes. But the return on investment is worth it. There are other value enhancing improvements, of course, but I'm not going to tell you about them here. Some things stay in my bag of tricks for my customers alone. James Oaksun, Broward's Real Estate GeekSM, is a Realtor with the Wilton Manors office of RE/MAX Preferred. In addition to having degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a graduate of the Realtors Institute (GRI).

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.1.2015 //

Business

Community

City May Require Greener Homes

Symposium Aims to Curb Vehicle/Pedestrian Accidents

By Michael d’Oliveira

Developers who want to build new homes in Wilton Manors may soon have to offer greener amenities. Commissioner Tom Green suggested the change to the building code, which would require future residential buildings with a car port or garage to be fitted with an outlet capable of being used to power a car charging station. Installing a station would be optional. The commission, except Mayor Gary Resnick, voted to place the item on the agenda of the next commission meeting on July 14. Green said existing home owners would not have to spend “one penny of money” to add outlets, only homes that have yet to be built. Homes being renovated could fall under the requirement if the majority of the structure is being demolished. Vice Mayor Scott Newton said he would only support the measure if it didn’t force builders to install charging stations. Currently, the city’s building code allows builders to voluntarily choose to install the outlet.

“Voluntarily doesn’t carry a lot of weight with people,” Green said. But Resnick and Commissioner Julie Carson, although supportive of a greener city, said they didn’t want to force anyone to add an outlet. Carson said forcing people to add bike racks in their home might encourage more bicycling around the city and a reduction of car usage. “Is that something we should require? I don’t think so . . . but I certainly welcome the discussion,” she said. Commissioner Justin Flippen also suggested city staff look into other possible green requirements but proposed the city use incentives to ensure compliance, such as possibly defraying the permit costs associated with installing an outlet. Resnick, who worries that the requirements could negatively impact affordable housing and make it more expensive, rejected Flippen’s incentive idea. “I don’t want to raise taxes to pay for building renovations.” WMG

By Michael d’Oliveira

As residents blame city officials for pedestrian accidents on Wilton Drive and city officials tell residents and visitors to use the crosswalks, both sides look for ways to improve safety. To improve the safety of Wilton Drive, which has experienced at least two pedestrian accidents, city officials have been communicating with the Florida Department of Transportation [FDOT]. But at the June 23 commission meeting, Assistant City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said all the city’s proposals, including painting the speed limit onto the street, have been rejected by FDOT. Commissioners said they haven’t given up yet and will continue to press their case to state officials. The panel discussion, organized by Central Area Neighborhood Association President Paul Rolli, will include a panel discussion with an FDOT representative. It will be held on Wednesday, July 15 at 7 p.m. at Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive. Commissioner Tom Green cited 595, A1A and SR 84 as examples of state roads that already have the speed limit painted right onto them. “These things are not unheard of,” said Green at the June 23 commission meeting. Two weeks earlier, Green, while expressing support for trying to make Wilton Drive safer, pointed to Las Olas Boulevard, a street where pedestrians are also injured and killed by motorists. Las Olas, he said, is much more pedestrian-friendly than Wilton Drive, with its higher number of crosswalks and narrower lanes. “People still get hit. But it helps,” Green said. Two options still open to the city include the relocation of the traffic signal in front

of city hall a few feet south to Northeast 20 Street. Proponents say the move will encourage more people to cross the street safely. In response to being accused of not doing enough to make Wilton Drive safer, officials have said pedestrians should only cross at crosswalks. “[Safety is] everyone’s responsibility,” Newton said. According to the Wilton Manors Police Department, there have been two fatalities on Wilton Drive since 2009. One in 2009 and the other in 2014. Three occurred on Oakland Park Blvd. – 2009, 2011 and 2013. Oakland Park Blvd. had the most accidents, fatal and non-fatal, with 32 since 2009. Wilton Drive had 18, Andrews Avenue had 21, Northwest 9 Avenue had 14 and Northeast 6 Avenue had 12. According to FDOT, pedestrians are more likely to get hit by a vehicle if they don’t use an intersection than if they do. Unable to get any changes to the roadway yet, the police department has begun issuing jaywalking tickets to pedestrians who don’t use crosswalks. “It’s a start,” said Mayor Gary Resnick at the June 9 commission meeting. Green said he supports handing out tickets but “I don’t want a major portion of our police force ticketing.” WMG

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SouthFloridaGayNews July 1, 2015

column speakout

@ julisamccoy, Instagram.

SFGN Staff

What are your thoughts on the SCOTUS decision? “

When I became Mayor, same sex marriage was legal in only 2 states. Today it's our Constitutional right throughout the entire country! Obergefell vs. Hodges is permanently enshrined as part of our heritage. We should be proud of our community’s leadership role not only for Wilton Manors, but also nationally by convincing the National League of Cities to file Amicus briefs in the Supreme Court supporting marriage equality on behalf of all US Cities, and being one of the first to join “Mayors for the Freedom to Marry” and urging Mayors throughout the US to join. This decision will change the lives of all LGBT people. No longer will we, or future generations, be afraid to be open about whom we love or, to quote Justice Kennedy, “be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions.” The Constitution says we have the right to love whoever we want!"

— Gary Resnick, Mayor of Wilton Manors and Shareholder of GrayRobinson, PA law firm

“

I know it seems like we have been working so long for LGBTQ Equality; it would be so easy to take a break and enjoy our stunning win at the Supreme Court, but this is just the first step. After we finish celebrating our big win at the Supreme Court, we need to roll up our sleeves and get back to the work of Equality. There is so much still to be done, next we need to be vigilant in fighting the so called, "Religious freedom” laws popping up around the Country and adding protections for sexual orientation and gender identity in Federal legislation on Employment, Housing and Public Accommodation! "

— Lee Rubin, Blogger and Community Organizer

“

Once the celebrations are over and the parades are swept up, I look forward to the leadership from within the national LGBT community working together to contemplate “what’s next?” Transgender rights, adoption issues and workplace protections will probably begin to take more notice – as they should. But I wonder if the current infrastructure that we created to address marriage equality is necessary at the size and scale (and price) that it currently exists? Changing hearts and minds is the next order of business – and making sure that young people are learning messages of equality and inclusion seems the best way of doing that. I hope that our resources of are directed appropriately going forward." — David Jobin, executive director of The Stonewall National Museum & Archives

“

It is our duty now, more than ever, to do everything we can to make sure the few civil rights victories we have earned during the past few years are not taken away from us. Get involved in your community, get out and vote, help your neighbors in need, get your friends involved. If we all work together and take control of our future, will we finally achieve full equal rights in the courts of law and the courts of public opinion."

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

“

While the community may rightfully rejoice today in this wonderful victory for equality, we must be ever vigilant about the 2016 presidential election as the winner will likely have the power to appoint several members of the Supreme Court and could recast the narrow 5-4 decision."

— Neil D. Kolner, President, Gay & Lesbian Lawyers Network

“

This ruling is the acknowledgement that our families matter to our communities. The Love was always there. The respect and dignity is what was delivered. We couldn’t do it for previous generations, but hopefully the next generation won’t have to suffer the way we did! The important thing to remember is that the fight is not over. Complacency is the enemy of progress. We must fight for employment and housing protections. I hope the LGBT community continues to put efforts toward the women who have been their allies and friends so we can protect women’s healthcare access!"

— Meredith L Ockman, community activist and a director of NOW

“

My lesbian mother and I had a heated, ongoing debate about the wisdom of taking marriage equality to SCOTUS. I maintained no, have you seen this Court? – the result would be a 5-4 decision establishing the new “separate but equal” (a lesbian-gay Plessy v Ferguson ruling). She insisted they would do the right thing. She has since passed, and I have never been so happy to lose an argument to Mom. As “having the last word” goes, this is a doozy. " — Toni Armstrong, Founder/Director of BLAST Women of WPB

“

Marriage Equality is an extraordinary achievement, but not the end of our civil rights struggle. We need nationwide protections against discrimination in the workplace and in housing. Corporations will again be our champions."

— Brian McNaught, noted columnist, author and LGBT activist

“

I'm proud knowing my husband will be mine in all fifty states. Regardless there's more work to do. Fairness in housing, jobs, etc are still a challenge."

— R. J. Hadley, community activist, Pride Center Health Educator

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

— Anthony Timiraos, CEO/President, OUR Fund

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feature

Trans Friendly Honorific to be Added to Dictionary Mx will be a gender neutral option

Nicole Wiesenthal

The Oxford English Dictionary announced last month that Mx, pronounced “mux” or “mix,” is up for consideration to be added to the next edition of their dictionary. If added, it could provide gender queer people more visibility, more support and a way for people to avoid awkward situations when someone’s gender is not known. The title would be added to “Mr,” “Mrs” and “Ms” and could be used before the names of people who identity outside of being male and female or if the person’s gender or marital status is unknown. The title is already commonly used in Britain, according to Mx Advocacy. The organization has documentation showing that British government, banks, utilities and educational facilities have been using Mx for sometime. People can even get the honorific printed on their driver licenses. Jonathan Dent, the assistant editor of the Oxford English Dictionary, told The Sunday Times that the term will be the first new honorific to be accepted to the current set of gender identifiers. Jack Qu’emi, who identifies as gender queer, has mixed feelings about the title being added to the dictionary. “I can now throw that fact in the faces of those who tell me gender neutral titles aren’t ‘real words,’ but I also know it shouldn’t matter whether the word is in the dictionary or not because language is an ever evolving concept,” Qu’emi said. “I desire to be referred to in a certain way. That should be validated and respected, not put down to ‘Is it in the dictionary?’”

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SouthFloridaGayNews

According to The Sunday Times article, Dent said the addition demonstrated how the English language is evolving to accommodate a changing society. Brent Stanfield, who uses the pronouns “they/them,” is excited about it as a form of recognition, but skeptical about how it will affect word usage. “I’m still doubtful about whether that will actually increase usage, but I’m glad that it will be a form of validation for the people using it,” Stanfield said. Stanfield sees a lot of uses for the gender neutral title. “I think it’s important to have a gender neutral title, especially in the South where it’s very important to address people with a title,” Stanfield said. Stanfield said the word would especially come in handy when reading academic work and researching writers. “In my case, I think I see it as very useful for academic work,” Stanfield said. “It would keep the focus on the work instead of having to figure out the gender of every single writer we read.” Qu’emi said there would be benefits to the word gaining visibility. “If more people recognized the title, it would mean more people using it,” Qu’emi said. “The rate in which I’m misgendered would probably fall.” Both Qu’emi and Sanfield said regardless of whether the word is added, they will continue to use it. “I don’t need the validation of the Oxford English Dictionary to express who I am,” Qu’emi said.

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column letters to the editor

Stonewall Parade Went Off Without A Hitch

Reader blasts Publisher Norm Kent over scathing editorial Hi, I am forced to write to today because I am terribly disappointed in your publisher, Mr. Norm Kent. I have just finished reading his article on this past weeks "Stonewall Festival and Parade". First off, why did "he" write it? Why didn't he recuse himself from this project. He loses all credibility when we all know that he is the chairman for the forthcoming "Fort Lauderdale Pride" event. And, to bad mouth this festival with such rancor, baffles this reader. I think I am in a terrific position to render my opinion, more so than Mr. Kent. I was a volunteer in the morning and was in the parade in the afternoon and evening. One thing though. "Should we refuse entry to anyone that wants to be in the parade, Mr. Kent"? "Should we exempt anyone because it upsets us"? What floats and advertisers that were there were more than welcomed to a festival that constantly loses more and more money every year. Perhaps if more of the "Drives" employers spent some of the mountains of money that they make off the gay consumer, we would have a more worthy parade and festival. I started working on Saturday morning at 8:30AM and worked in the "Command Center", which was located inside Wilton Manors City Hall. I was with 2 ladies, Barbara and Bobbie, who were instrumental in helping drivers get on the Drive and set up their booths, plus we were able to direct others, to the abundance of parking that was available. We and Sterling Accounting were the main venues to be used to

handle all issues. Just so everyone knows, at 11:00AM the "Wilton Manors Chief of Police", told "Jeff", the man who was the CEO so to speak of this entire festival, "that we were 5 hours ahead of last year". As Jeff needed help, I went off with him on several errands. He was amazing and deserves kudos from everyone. He handled so many issues, my mind was spinning. I had to leave my post for a little rest because I had to be back at "The Fort Lauderdale High School", to join the float I was privaledged to be on. What a thrill! What a treat for me! I was on , "The Village Pub", float next to Mr./Ms. Village Pub, Ms. Alexis Couture and I feel bad, I can't remember Mr. Pub. Like total Wow. If any one gets this chance please don't hesitate, what a check on my bucket list, if it was there to begin with? The Parade got started a little late, only 45 minutes and was over within an hour. It traveled along nicely. Maybe next year we can get some of the schools to send their band. It's always nice to see marching kids playing in a band. I for one, being on the front of the float, seeing all those thousands of people staring up at you and waving and being friendly, They were obviously not aware of Mr. Kents, feelings. You are a bad sport, sir. You must remember your position in the community. If you want us to like your festival, you must be kinder to everyone else. Howard Novie

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Believe Marriage is Finally Here

Never, ever, in a million years (& my wildest dreams), did I think that I would live to see the day when marriage equality for all would become the "law of the land"! This historic victory for LGBT equality was an epic journey, decades in the making! Marriage equality, right or wrong, "became an us vs. them issue." In the end, however, it was simply a matter of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!" And now the phrase: "with liberty, and justice for all," has a whole new and very real meaning! So, celebrate, (for now) our newly found equality! But, the fight is far from being over! We must not take this victory for granted! Of course, with this Supreme Court ruling, many conservative Americans

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SouthFloridaGayNews

are "extremely pissed off." We could experience an increase in anti-LGBT violence against our community. (I pray we don't.) We must remain vigilant, not only for our own personal safety, but, for all those around us as well. (Not everyone enjoys the security of neighborhoods such as: Chelsea, West Hollywood, the Castro/San Francisco, or Wilton Manors/Fort Lauderdale.) So, yes, let's celebrate! We have earned it! However, let's keep an eye on our enemies, also. Sincerely, Wayne V. Whitson West Palm Beach

lifestyle photos J.R. Davis

Supreme Court Decision Day Downtown Ft. Lauderdale

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.1.2015 //

lifestyle books

Author of “A Cup of Water Under My Bed” Receives Lambda Literary Award Daisy Hernandez’s memoir called “humane, funny, honest, and lyrical”

Nicole Wiesenthal “(Daisy) continued to strengthen her immigrant identity throughout her younger years, but it wasn’t until college that Hernandez developed the strong feminist and queer identities that had become central topics for her book and articles.”

Daisy Hernandez, a recipient of the Lambda Literary Award, was 10 years old when she realized she could write influential work. Her teacher had asked the class to write an essay on the possibility of life on Neptune, and using her knowledge, Hernandez made a convincing argument. “My uncle had a card in his wallet that identified him as a resident alien and he’s alive,” she said. “So why can’t there be aliens on Neptune?” Her teacher read her essay to the class, and Hernadez realized for the first time that her voice mattered, her words could influence how one group of people felt about another group. “All of the kids were smiling and agreeing,” she said. “I just remember thinking, if I can convince these fools that there’s life on Neptune, I can do anything.” Hernandez has since written a memoir, “A Cup of Water Under My Bed,” and numerous essays, articles and commentaries which have been published in the New York Times, Ms. magazine and a number of other papers and anthologies. Because of her writing dealing with immigration, sexuality and feminism, she was one of two people selected to

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win the 2015 Dr. Betty Berzon Emerging Writer Award for her work focusing on the working class and immigrants in the LGBT community. “Daisy Hernandez’s writing is humane, funny, honest, lyrical and gifted,” said Tony Valenzuela, the executive director of Lambda Literary, in an email. “We see, in her memoir, for example, her working through sexuality and race and class and gender with astonishing beauty and power. We’re excited to see her work that follows.” Hernandez picked up the art of storytelling when she was young. “Growing up in New Jersey in an immigrant family is where I basically learned the power of stories and how powerfully stories connected people to their homeland and who they are,” she said. She continued to strengthen her immigrant identity throughout her younger years, but it wasn’t until college that Hernandez developed the strong feminist and queer identities that had become central topics for her book and articles. “I realized, ‘Oh, you can kiss a girl,’” she said. “Why had that never occurred to me before?” She began to research bisexuality in college and became a part of a queer soflagaynews //

community where she found similarities with her own immigrant family. “I think that for when I came into the queer community in the 90s, we talked about creating a queer family,” she said. “We were rejected or didn’t feel at home in our families of origin.” Hernandez identifies as queer because she dates non-trans men and women as well as transgender men and women. Her relationships and the connections she’s made have influenced her writing. “It just inspires stories in my head around gender just because there are so many experiences that happen when you’re dating someone who’s gender-queer or trans,” she said. “There’s so many assumptions the world makes about your relationship, about who you are.” Hernandez won a GLAAD award in 2009 for her work, “Becoming a Black Man,” which she wrote about how transgender men of color were treated differently after transition. She said she came up with the story after witnessing queer women attacking transgender men for transitioning. “I was noticing we were talking about issues of gender as though they existed without any reference to race or ethnicity,” she said. She covered topics like how dark skinned men noticed they were being pulled over on the roads more often than when they were female. One of her latest projects, her memoir, “A Cup of Water Under My Bed,” which has four stars on Amazon, began as a piece about her sexuality. “I wasn’t supposed to turn out as queer,” she said. “I wasn’t struggling to be queer since first grade. There I was in my 20s, and I didn’t really have a language for what I was going through. Writing was a way for me to make sense of what was happening.” The memoir has three sections which focus on family, sexuality and religion and emphasize her past experiences dealing with misogyny, her family accepting her sexuality and how she became stronger over time. She said she thought of the memoir as a social criticism. Along with writing, Hernandez also teaches. She will be working at Miami University in Ohio this year.

SouthFloridaGayNews

Hernandez taught briefly at the University of Miami where she said she recalled trying to incorporate LGBT topics and themes into her creative nonfiction class. One essay in particular made an impact on her students, that of two men kissing. “It wasn’t until the end of the essay in creative nonfiction that the students realized, ‘Oh, this is a boy talking about his first kiss with another boy,’” she said. “This was just a really powerful experience for me because I could tell that some of the students in the classroom were having a reaction to it.” She said the greatest reward for her writing is the feedback she gets for her work. “It’s pretty amazing because you never know how what you write is going to affect someone,” she said. Hernandez said one day a woman came up and told her about how the memoir had helped her get out of bed and go to work in the morning. Other people had also said that her memoir helped them understand their relationships with their own mothers. “It is so incredibly rewarding to see that my writing has really helped a reader in some deep way,” she said. “It’s really powerful.” When Hernandez received the call that she won a Lambda Award, she couldn’t believe it. “It was really surprising,” she said. “I think the part that was really exciting to me is to know that [my memoir] will reach another audience again, that people will hear about it because of its award.” She said she hopes more people will read her story and be touched by it. “I think of it as a love letter to myself and family,” she said. “There were so many things I didn’t understand so much around race and class and immigration…. I think it’s a positive and complicated story around sexuality as it deals with race and ethnicity and being the child of immigrants.” She said she hopes it gives readers courage to live the lives they want to live. “Even when we’re all out in the world, we face those moments when we can feel another person’s rejection or disapproval of us and that requires a lot of courage and love to deal with,” she said. “Sometimes that courage comes from books.”

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.1.2015 //

lifestyle food

Hot Dog!

How to Eat Like a Chicagoan

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n our increasingly homogenous culture more and more people are dining at chain restaurants owned by giant conglomerates. I’m certain that there’s some comfort in knowing that a hamburger from McDonald’s will taste the same in Fort Lauderdale as it does in Anchorage, but it all seems so corporate and soul-less. Besides that, there’s a sense of adventure in eating foods that are distinctive to a certain region. Sure you can get a Philly cheesesteak at TGIF or Chili's, but it’s not going to taste authentic. When I left Chicago to move to South Florida, I gladly said goodbye to the winters, the corrupt politics (where no less than three governors went to jail in my lifetime) and, did I mention the winters. I do miss the three Fs; family, friends and food. Friends and family I can handle through visits, telephone and Internet, but you can’t do that with food. In addition to missing the best pizza in the world (that’s a whole separate column!), I miss Chicago style hot dogs. In last week’s column I gave you an overview of how hot dogs vary from region to region. In this column we’re going to focus on Chicago style hot dogs, as well as its distant cousin, the Maxwell Street Polish, and another Chicago specialty, Italian beef sandwiches. In Chicago the hot dog must be an all-beef wiener from the Vienna Sausage Company. At a typical Chicago hot dog stand they keep the sausages ready in a hot water bath. When you place your order it is placed it in a poppy seed bun that has been kept warm over steam.

The dog is then slathered in yellow mustard and topped with finely chopped onion, bright green pickle relish, slices of tomato sprinkled with celery salt, then topped with a dill pickle spear and spicy sport peppers. Ask for catsup and you may be asked to leave. Almost every hot dog shop will also serve Chicago’s other two sandwich delicacies. A Maxwell Street Polish gets its name from the area of the city where it was served as Jewish peddlers hawked their wares in the early part of the 20th century. The char-broiled sausage, slightly larger and spicier than a hot dog, is traditionally served on a hot dog bun (or a slice of Italian bread if you’re bein’ fancy), slathered with yellow mustard and topped with grilled onion (the greasier the better). Italian beef is similar to a French dip; shaved beef is kept soaking in an au jus that is rich with garlic and Italian herbs. To assemble the sandwich, a mound of beef is removed from the jus and stuffed into a split piece of Italian bread. When you order this sandwich in Chicago, you’ll be asked, “Hot or sweet?” meaning roasted green bell pepper (sweet) or spicy giardiniera (a relish of hot peppers, onions, celery and spices in an olive oil base). Those in the know ask for their sandwich “wet,” which means the entire sandwich is dipped in the jus. It’s a soggy, spicy, mess, but well worth the extra napkins you’ll need. When I get a hankering for one of these tastes of home, I head to one of these spots, both run by ex-Chicagoans.

Howie's Top Dog 5021 S. State Road 7 Davie 954-792-8686 HowiesTopDog.com

andsome Howie is behind the counter Monday through Saturday from a little after 10 in the morning until just before four in the afternoon. His "Chicago Style" eatery is as authentic as it gets, from the Formica tables to the music on the “radio” (“WXRT, Chicago’s Finest Rock” via Internet). Howie has his supplies shipped down from Chicago and serves the holy trinity of Chicago sandwiches described above. The hot dog is $3.29 for a single, $4.69 for a double (two dogs in one bun). His Chicago style comes steamed with all the classic toppings. If you prefer, he’ll grill the hot dog for you. It can also be served

topped with chili and cheese. His Polish is $4.29 and he’ll do it Maxwell Street style for no extra charge. Howie’s Italian beef $4.29 tastes just like home, with just the right balance of herbs and garlic Another flash from home is authentic gyros, carved off the spit. It’s worlds away from thin strips of processed meat cooked on the grill that passes for gyros at some places here in South Florida, even those owned by Greeks (I’m talking to you Peter Pan!). For non-meat eaters there’s a decent veggie burger and a choice of three salads. It’s $5.99 for your choice of Greek, Caesar or Chinese.

Hot Dog Heaven 101 Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale 954-523-7100 HotDogHeaven.Inﬁnology.Net

onveniently located and the food also tastes just like home. My only complaint is that they charge more for a Chicagostyle hot dog than they do for a regular one. Granted, it’s a small up-charge, less than 50¢, but it’s the principal of the thing. They’re also not nearly as personable as at Howie’s and the seating is limited to a counter and a couple of outdoor tables. When it’s raining, it gets pretty crowded in the already cramped space. My husband calls it a panic attack waiting to happen.

// 7.1.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

Their Italian beef is a little salty and garlicky for my taste and it’s a bit pricier ($7.95, almost three bucks more than Howie’s), but HDH is in an area where rents are higher, so I’ll cut him a little slack. HDH also serves a couple of other Chicago treats; a grilled salami sandwich and Vienna’s beef tamales. This tamale isn’t even close to authentic Mexican, but when they top it with chili, onions and cheese, who cares? All that’s missing is a side of Xantac.

lifestyle history

Photo: John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

HOMO HISTORY 101 The Long And Winding Road Of Same Sex-Marriage

Pier Angelo

History was never as Recording our history straight as we are told. means reporting the truth.

he 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.

2000: Netherlands becomes the world’s first nation to legalize same-sex marriage. 2003: Belgium 2005: Spain, Canada 2006: South Africa 2009: Norway, Sweden 2010: Argentina ,Portugal, Iceland 2012: Denmark 2013: England, Wales, Uruguay, Brazil, France, New Zealand 2014: Luxembourg, Scotland, Finland 2015: Vietnam becomes the first Asian country to lift ban of same-sex marriage. May 22, 2015: Ireland becomes the first

country in the world to legalize same sex marriage by popular vote.

June 26, 2015: The Unites States Supreme Court makes same sex marriage legal in all 50 states. As of June 30, 2015: Countries with regional

freedom to marry: Mexico, Slovenia, Australia, Colombia.

ountries that offer many rights to same-sex couples but stop short of marriage include:

Chile, Ecuador, Germany, Greenland, Hungary, Northern Ireland and Malta.

ountries that offer some spousal rights to same-sex couples, which are far from full marriage, include:

Andorra, Austria, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

ary L. Bonauto is an American Lawyer and civil rights advocate who is responsible for leading the ﬁrst strategic challengers to section three of the Defense of Marriage Act.

CARRIBBEAN ISLANDS: Saba, St. Martin, St.

Barthelemy, Guadeloupe and Martinique as they are part of the Netherlands and France, so abide by their laws.

*Israel recognizes sa they can’t take plac me sex marriage but e within the country . Mary L. Bonauto (born 1961) is an American lawyer and civil rights advocate who has worked to eradicate discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and has been referred to by U.S. Representative Barney Frank as "our Thurgood Marshall" She began working with the Massachusetts-based Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) organization in 1990. A resident of Portland, Maine, Bonauto was one of the leaders who both worked with the Maine legislature to pass a marriage equality law and to defend it at the ballot in a narrow loss during the 2009 election campaign. Bonauto is known for being lead counsel in the case Goodridge v. Department of Public Health which made Massachusetts the first state in which same-sex couples could marry in 2004. She is also responsible for leading the first strategic challenges to section three of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Bonauto argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in the Obergefell v. Hodges case on April 28, 2015, on behalf of same-sex couples seeking marriage rights. This much-publicized case determined that state bans against same-sex marriage are unconstitutional and is considered one of the most important civil rights cases which came before the U.S. Supreme Court in modern history. She will always be remembered as the lawyer who represented the plaintiff, Jim Obergefell, in the same-sex marriage case victory that made history on June 26th 2015. Obergefell, the main plaintiff in the landmark case, started the lawsuit with 30 other plaintiffs because of his husband, John. When John died from ALS, the state of Ohio would not allow Obergefell's name to be on his death certificate.

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. soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.1.2015 //

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// 7.1.2015 // SFGN.com //

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SouthFloridaGayNews

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Night! EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT 2 for 1 dinners* and drink specials all night long *with drink purchase

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.1.2015 //

F O R

SFGNITES

T H E

J.W. Arnold

jw@prdconline.com

THU FILM

W E E K

O F

J U L Y

7 ,

2 0 1 5

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

7/2

This holiday weekend you can enjoy your meat on a barbecue, but we’re getting ours on the big screen! “Magic Mike XXL,” the surprisingly touching story of buff male strippers, hit theaters yesterday and we’ll be beating the heat in a cool theater. LGBT ally Channing Tatum returns, along with our favorite out actor Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello and “CSI:Miami” alum Adam Rodriguez. Enjoy this film at The Classic Gateway, 1820 E. Sunrise in Fort Lauderdale. Check local listings for show times.

FRI

THEATER

7/3

There’s no more patriotic musical than “George M!,” celebrating the life and career of George M. Cohan. “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Give My Regards to Broadway” are just of a few of the songs in the concert version of this show currently playing through July 19 at The Wick Theatre, 7901 N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton. Former Miss America Susan Powell stars. Your toes will still be tapping all the way home after this memorable show. Tickets are $55 at TheWick.org.

SAT

HOLIDAY

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

7/4 SUN

It’s Independence Day and the recent Supreme Court decision makes this holiday just a little more poignant for LGBT Americans. After the barbecue or pool party, celebrate with fireworks. Fort Lauderdale hosts its annual beach party beginning at 4 p.m. In Palm Beach County, observe an “Old Florida” holiday with a sand sculpture contest and live bands beginning at 8 a.m. Singer Nicole Henry performs at Lummus Park in South Beach at 7 p.m. or join “America’s Beach Bash” in Bayfront Park in Miami.

Channing Tatum and the cast of “Magic Mike XXL” are heating up screens across the country again.

// 7.1.2015 // SFGN.com //

ATTRACTION

7/5 MON

TELEVISION

What’s more American than mom, apple pie and Chevrolet? How about a trip to the zoo? Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St. in Miami, hosts Red, White and Blue Days all weekend. Just wear red, white and blue and you’ll get a discounted $10 admission, July 2 – 5, along with goodies from Ford, IKEA, Tampico and Nesquik. Celebrate our nation’s birthday with the zoo’s 3000 animals and take a ride on a safari cycle through the miles of lushly landscaped grounds. For more information, go to ZooMiami.org. soflagaynews //

7/6 TUE

What do you do on the Monday after a long holiday weekend? Theater stages are dark and the local sports teams are taking a break. Even the broadcast networks are running reruns. Check out “Grace and Frankie” on Netflix. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin star as two seniors who learn their husbands, portrayed by Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston, are gay and leaving them to get married. It’s a smart comedy with excellent performances by all. Check it out at Netflix.com.

SouthFloridaGayNews

CABARET

7/7

We love the sultry sounds of LeNora Jaye. The New York City native is the master of jazz, blues, soul and funk and she performs three sets tonight at 8, 9 and 10 p.m. in the Manchester Room at Georgie’s Alibi/ Monkey Bar in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. She especially shines when singing the iconic hits of Diana Ross and the Motown divas. Enjoy delicious discounted bar bites until 7 p.m. and 2-4-1 drink specials until 9 p.m. For more information, go to AlibiWiltonManors.com.

! E E FR

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Monday

13th

Tuesday

14th

Wednesday

15th

Thursday

16th

6pm ACE VENTURA: PET DETECTIVE 7:45 TRUE LIES

6pm MARRIED TO THE MOB 8pm OUT OF SIGHT

5:15 FLASHBACK: BROWARD 6:15 DONNIE BRASCO 8:15 PRESUMED INNOCENT

5:30 FINDING JOY 7:15 CADDY SHACK 9pm CLOSING NIGHT PARTY

#Broward100 soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.1.2015 //

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a&e film

Eat With Me Sweet debut feature ﬁlm

By David-Elijah Nahmod

Star Trek/gay icon George Takei has a small, but hilarious role in David Au’s movie Eat With Me

An appearance by Star Trek/gay icon George Takei and an hilarious sequence in which mom accidentally ingests ecstasy are the high points of “Eat With Me,” a charming, sweet debut feature from Los Angeles based filmmaker David Au. Au’s simple tale is about an estranged mother and son (Sharon Omi, Teddy Chen Culver) who rediscover their love for each other while mom comes to terms with her son’s homosexuality. Through it all, he finds love and struggles to save his debt-ridden restaurant. What makes “Eat With Me” stand out is the fact that the lead characters are Asian, a community rarely seen in LGBT cinema. Au’s script could easily be reshot with a white or African American cast without changing the story’s emotional depth. Beneath the surface we’re all the same. “Most of the film is fictional,” Au told SFGN. “I focused on the lack of communication in a family and how dysfunctional that is.” As the story begins wife and mother Emma (Omi) walks out on her loveless marriage after her husband cuts off his wedding ring, claiming it gives him headaches. Having nowhere to go, she calls her gay son Elliot (Culver). Their distant, tense relationship becomes even more strained when Emma realizes that Elliot’s handsome young friend Ian (Aidan Bristow) is actually his new boyfriend. Some fast advice from Elliot’s neighbor Maureen (Nicole Sullivan) and Star Trek legend George Takei, who she meets on a park bench, causes Emma to have an epiphany. She realizes that she loves Elliot for who he is and joins in the fight to save his restaurant.

Au admitted that the wedding ring episode was true, but that his real life parents stayed together. “I heard that story from my mom,” Au recalled. “It was so ridiculous and bizarre, but she thought it was funny.” That incident planted the seeds for “Eat With Me.” “Elliot and Emma don’t know how to communicate with each other,” Au explained. “I use food as an element in their learning how to.” Au reports that Takei, whose two scenes in the film were shot on the same day, was a joy to work with. In his first scene he meets Emma in a park. As they watch children play he tells her about his husband. She speaks to him about her son. It’s a life changing moment for the loving if confused mom. Au said that getting Takei to appear in the film was much easier than he ever thought it would be. “My producer Joyce Liu sat two seats from him at a theater opening,” he said. “She went up to him and said ‘we want you.’” The veteran star was a joy to work with, Au said. “He had a chair set up outside his trailer,” recalled the filmmaker. “He talked to everyone: cast, crew, even to people in the park who just happened to be there.” Au addressed the challenges of being an Asian in Hollywood making a gay themed film. “It’s not as hard as it used to be,” he opined. “There are not many stories being told from within the Asian American community, so there is a hunger for these kinds of stories.” He said that a Kickstarter campaign enabled him to complete the film, and that donations came from various communities. “I want to thank those communities,” said Au .

"Eat With Me" is now available on various Video on Demand platforms and on DVD.

// 7.1.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.1.2015 //

a&e theater

Another Edgy Success At Empire Stage

J.W. Arnold

Credit: George Wentzler.

Brooks Braselman returns to Empire Stage in another gender-bending role. For playwright Stacey Bean, inspiration often comes from campy film noir, “The Carol Burnett Show,” the movies of Mel Brooks and the performances of his friend, actor Brooks Braselmann. Bean will offer a little of each, including a return appearance by his muse, Braselman, in “Reflection of Evil: Die Twin Sister Die,” his world premiere play opening July 10 at Fort Lauderdale’s Empire Stage. “We’ve been very good friends. I love to write for him, he’s a brilliant comedic actor. Any writer who writes comedy would kill to find somebody like Brooks to write for,” explained Bean, who met Brooks in New York City in 1994 while working on a production of his plays. Bean has always been a fan of comedic spoofs and for “Reflection of Evil,” he turned to the Bette Davis/Glenn Ford movie, “A Stolen Life.” The film, he recalled, was one of an old Hollywood genre of “evil twin” movies featuring the same actor as both characters. While watching the film on Netflix may give audiences a reference that may help them enjoy his play, Bean insists with a noticeable Southern drawl, “It’s only an option.” He added, “The play is a lot of fun. If I can read it a hundred times and it still makes me laugh, I know it’s gonna work. Real actors make it even funnier.” Empire Stage landed the opportunity to premiere the work thanks to the endorsement of Braselman, who has appeared in several commercially successful spoofs there, including “Mommie Queerest,” “The Facts of Life: The Lost Episode” and “Silver Balls.” Ultimately, Bean still has his sights set on

Hollywood, calling himself a journeyman writer. He is currently working on the script for a television movie that is promising. “Hollywood is a catch 22. As a writer, you can’t have your work read until you have an agent, but you can’t get an agent if you haven’t had work produced,” Bean said. And even then, he says it helps to know somebody. He added, “The entertainment industry is a long slog for most people. You have to be patient and persistent.” It’s definitely been a long journey for Bean, 54, who got his start writing at the age of five in rural Arkansas before spending 25 years in New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. He returned to Hot Springs a few years ago to tend to a family business while pursuing his writing. “All of us are born with certain instincts. As soon as I could get a pencil in my hand, I started to write stories,” he said. Being gay hasn’t hurt, either, especially when it comes to his brand of camp humor. “Of course, the stereotype is that gay people have a stronger sense of camp, although I’ve met a lot of straight people who appreciate that zany humor,” Bean said reluctantly, uncomfortable about perpetuating stereotypes. “Mel Brooks, now he understands camp.” Bean cited an early play about two families living in a trailer park that perplexed audiences in Texas at its debut. With the reassurances of Braselman and Empire Stage artistic director David Gordon—as well as strong advance ticket sales—Bean doesn’t have any concerns about the audiences in South Florida “getting it.”

“Reflection of Evil: Die Sister Twin Die,” written and directed by Stacey Bean, will be performed at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale, July 10 – Aug. 2. Tickets are $30 at EmpireStage.com. 48

// 7.1.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

Your Smile ile Should ul Leave a Gre Gre reat Impre pres resssio sion! New Pati atie ent nts

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art | Food | FiLm | muSic A Warholian Art Happening ArtServe • July 25

Featuring Cey Adams, graphic designer to everyone from Maroon 5 to Adidas, the MoMA and Jay Z $10 online | $15 at the door VIP $75 while supplies last! Details & Tickets: ArtServe.org

Cey Adams | Pepsi (24 X 24 inches) Mixed Media on canvas | 2014

soflagaynews //

1350 East Sunrise Blvd. • Fort Lauderdale 33304

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.1.2015 //

Datebook

Community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com

Top Picks

We Do!

July 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Stonewall Museum -- Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Hosted by Broward 100, an exhibit of portraits of same-sex couples who were married at Wilton Manors City Hall on Valentine’s Day 2015. RSVP to david@stonewallmuseum.org.

Bacon and Beer Crawl

July 4 at 3:30 p.m., Batch Gastropub, 30 SW 12th St. in Miami. Get decked out in red, white, and blue as you crawl through Miami’s bars for beers and bacon. General admission $40, VIP $64. Visit KeepCrawling.com or LivingSocial. com

July 4th Celebration

July 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Sunset Cove, 20405 Amphitheater Circle in Boca Raton. Enjoy the festivities on the lawn with a kids fun zone, food and beverage vendors, ice cream trucks, live music from Ocean Boulevard, and fireworks. Free. Visit Facebook.com/SnsetCoveAmphitheater.

broward county

* 4th of July Spectacular

July 4 from 12:30 to 9:30 p.m., A1A and Las Olas Boulevard at Fort Lauderdale Beach. A family friendly bash with a kids zone, beach games, contests, live music, and then fireworks set to patriotic music at 9 p.m. Free. Call 954-828-5363 or visit FortLauderdale. gov.

* July 4th Celebration

Wayne White: Art is Supposed to Hypnotize You or Something Through Aug. 23 at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, 1650 Harrison St. in Hollywood. The eclectic artist comes to Florida for the Broward 100, with a display of his oversized puppets, word paintings, and other whimsical pieces of art. Tickets $8. Call 954-921-3274 or visit ArtAndCultureCenter. org.

Star Light, Star Bright

Saturdays in June from dusk to midnight at Markham Park’s Fox Observatory, 16001 W. State Road 84 in Sunrise. Join the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association to see the night sky in a whole new way. Park entry is $1.50. Visit SFAAA.com.

Summer Fever

Through July 1 at Tedds ART Works, 2422 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. An exhibition of art by KALO and Hilma Koelman. Free. Visit Facebook.com/ TeddsARTWorks.

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

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

Life Coaching

Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Latinos Salud Clubhouse, 2300 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Get one-on-one life coaching from certified CRCS coaches. For guys living with HIV, their partners, and anyone who identifies as transgender. Free. Call 954-765-6239 or visit LatinosSalud.org.

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.

July 4 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. The venue puts on its annual Independence Day party with children’s rides and inflatable games, food and beverage vendors, and live music by A Flock of Seagulls and the Fixx. Fireworks will light up the sky at 9 p.m. Free. Visit TheBBTCenter.com.

Man2Man Discussion

Patriotic Art

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.

Through July 5 at The Great Project Gallery, 820 NE Fourth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Works by ROlando Chang Barrero, created over the last three decades, showcase American patriotism and the GLBT community. Free. Email FloridaArtsAssociation@gmail.com.

// 7.1.2015 // SFGN.com //

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 954-319-4292 or email johnnybushwick@aol.com.

GayWrites

soflagaynews //

SunServe Youth Group

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

Survivor Support

1st/3rd Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal Highway. Support from counselors and peers who have lost loved ones to suicide. Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention. 954384-0344 or FISPOnline.org.

Toastmasters

Mondays 7-9 p.m. Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors. Learn the art of public speaking with positive reinforcement and encouragement from your peers. Call Ted Verdone at 954-566-2074 or email tedverdone@comcast.net.

palm beach county * Sizzling Summer Dance Music

Fridays from July 3 to 31 at 8 p.m. at the Delray Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Head to the outdoor pavilion for food trucks, a cash bar, and music from live bands. Donations accepted. Call 561278-0746 or visit DelrayCenterfortheArts. org.

Sushi & Stroll Summer Walks

Second Fridays through Sept. 11 at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road. in Delray Beach. An annual summer series, explore the gardens and museum for sushi, sake, and taiko drumming. Tickets $15 museum admission. Call 561-495-0233 or visit Morikami.org

Japan’s Robot Kingdom

Through Sept. 13 at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road. in Delray Beach. A look at Japanese robotics from the last 50 years and its impact on pop culture and technology. Tickets $15 museum admission. Call 561-495-0233 or visit Morikami.org.

The Morikami Menagerie: Creatures in Japanese Art

Through Sept. 13 at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach. Japanese folklore’s fantasy creatures -- dragons, lion-dogs and dragon-deer -- in art. Tickets $15 museum admission. Call 561-495-0233 or visit Morikami.org.

Coming Out Support Group

Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. a Compass GLCC of the Palm Beaches, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Get support as you explore your sexual identity and be your true self. Call Forrest at 561-479-8313.

SouthFloridaGayNews

Queer Alternatives

Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. An all encompassing social group, those 18 to 29 who consider themselves to be lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, questioning, or anything in between are welcome to join! Free. Call 561533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

miami-dade county * “Maximizing your Membership Beneﬁts” Networking Breakfast

July 2 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the LGBT Visitor Center, 1130 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. Learn more about how the chamber can improve your business, and network with other business owners. Free. RSVP at GayBizMiami.com, rsvp@gaybizmiami.com or 305-673-4440.

* “Leveraging GayBizMiami. com to Attract Customers and Build Your Brand” Networking Breakfast

July 2 from 11 a.m. to noon at the LGBT Visitor Center, 1130 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. Learn more about the marketing tools available on GayBizMiami.com. Bring your laptop! Free. RSVP at GayBizMiami. com, scott@gaybizmiami.com or 305-6734440. * Miami Beach Fire on the Fourth July 4 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., North Shore Bandshell Park, Collins Avenue and 72nd Street in Miami Beach. A daylong party with Green Monkey yoga, food trucks, kids zone, live music, a broadcast of the Copa America finals, and finally a culmination of a fireworks at 9 p.m. Free. Visit visit MiamiBeachFL.gov.

* America’s Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park

July 4 from noon to midnight, Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Enjoy the Sam Adams Beer Garden, food, beverages, live music, and fireworks. Free. Call 305-3587550 or visit BayfrontParkMiami.com.

* 4th of July Spectacular

July 4 at 9 p.m. at Black Point Park & Marina, 24775 SW 87th Ave. in Miami. Join MiamiDade Parks as they set off a dizzying array of fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. Call 305-258-4092 or visit MiamiDade.gov/ Parks.

* GALLA (Gay & Lesbian Lawyer’s Assn.) Luncheon

July 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at City Hall, The Restaurant, 2004 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The chamber and GALLA team up every middle Wednesday for its networking program with law professionals. Cost $35 for members, $45 to nonmembers. RSVP at GayBizMiami.com, rsvp@gaybizmiami.com or 305-673-4440.

* Denotes New Listing

4th of July Celebration A ONE-OF-A-KIND PATRIOTIC TRIBUTE

Featuring live music with: Franco Londono, Jenny Love, Jorge Sosa, Jazlyn Alezae, Royanne Mitchell, Erika Norell, Jâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;adore Alezae and Barb Wire! Bar-B-Q at 6 p.m. Showtime at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Unity of Fort Lauderdale, 1501 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 $40 for the whole evening: Dinner, Show and Fireworks (also includes one drink ticket) Purchase tickets online at unityfortlauderdale.org or by phone 954-463-4359 soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.1.2015 //

Datebook

Theater Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com

Top

Mana

Picks

July 2 at 8 p.m. at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The Mexican pop rock band comes to Miami in support of their Cama Incendiada tour. Tickets $50 to $300. Call 786-777-1000 or visit AAArena. com.

She Loves Me

July 4 at 1 p.m. at FAU’s University Theatre, 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. Amalia and Georg work in a perfumery in the 1930s. They can’t stand each other -- but accidentally fall in love when they respond to a lonely hearts ad in the newspaper. Tickets $20. Call 800-564-9539 or visit FAUEvents.com.

LAST CHANCE: Husband

Daniel’s

Through July 5 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Mitchell doesn’t believe in gay marriage, but his partner Daniel dreams of walking down the aisle. When something catastrophic happens to them, they learn the consequences of not being legally married in this society. Tickets $30. Call 954-519-253 or visit IslandCityStage.org.

broward county * Reﬂection of Evil: Die Sister Twin, Die!

July 10 to Aug. 2 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Twins Ann and Bettie are both after a local man in town, but when one of them dies on a sailing trip, the surviving twin won’t admit which one she is. Tickets $30. Call 954-678-1496 or visit EmpireStage.com.

* Starlight Musicals

Fridays through Aug. 7 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Holiday Park, East Sunrise Boulevard and Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Get out the picnic blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy music from live bands under the stars. Free. Visit Facebook.com/PlayFortLauderdale.

palm beach county * Dierks Bentley, Kip Moore, Maddie & Tae and Canaan Smith

July 3 at 7 p.m. at Coral Sky Amphitheatre (formerly Cruzan), 601-7 Sansbury Way in West Palm Beach. Country singer Dierks Bentley is on the road in support of his “Sounds of the Summer” tour, along with some special guests. Tickets $42 and up. Call 561-795-8883 or visit CruzanAmphitheatre.net.

* The World Music 5

July 3 at 8 p.m. at ArtsGarage, 180 NE First St. in Delray Beach. A fusion of jazz and Afro-Latin American beats from five talented artists, all of whom have been nominated or won Grammys. Tickets $25 to $35. Call 561-450-6357 or visit ArtsGarage.org.

* Vans Warped Tour

July 4 at 11 a.m. at Coral Sky Amphitheatre (formerly Cruzan), 601-7 Sansbury Way in West Palm Beach. The annual traveling music fests stops in South Florida with bands Neck Deep, Front Porch Step, Handguns, and Kosha Dillz, Palisades, and many more. Tickets $71 and up. Call 561-795-8883 or visit CruzanAmphitheatre. net.

The Royal Family

Through July 25 at FAU’s Studio One Theater, 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. A comedic look at one of America’s royal families, the Barrymores. Tickets $20. Call 800-564-9539 or visit FAUEvents.com.

porn pulse

Documentary Tells Falcon Founder's Story Hunter Houston

A new documentary, heading to a Los Angeles film festival screening later this month, is bound to cause a bit of a stir in the industry. "Seed Money: The Chuck Holmes Story" examines the 30-year run of Falcon Studios founder Chuck Holmes. Holmes, the documentary claims, was a well-known philanthropist who lived large while being kept at arms length from the people and organizations he funded. Holmes also introduced a new style to pornography with fashion trends and body images mirroring 1970s and 1980s popular culture. The documentary (72 minutes) is scheduled to be screened July 13 at L.A.'s Outfest Film Festival. Meanwhile, Porn Pulse is still receiving condolences from the passing of Titan Studios actor Cole Tucker. Actor-turnedDirector/Producer Chip Daniels expressed

// 7.1.2015 // SFGN.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. Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.

miami-dade county * Lookingglass Alice

July 8 to Aug. 16 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. A modern take on the classic tale, Alice’s journey through Wonderland is woven with circus-like whimsy. Tickets $55 and up. Call 305-9496722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

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 Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com.

soflagaynews //

his sympathies in an e-mail. "I had the pleasure of directing Cole Tucker in our Centaur film 'Gamemaster,' Daniels wrote. "He was one of the nicest models I've ever worked with and his costars always loved him. Behind Cole's strong build and appearance was one of the gentlest and decent men you could ever meet. His fans around the World and all of us who worked with and knew Cole Tucker, will miss him sorely." Tucker, aka Rick Karp, passed June 7 in Palm Springs, Calif.

Send tips, exclusives or suggestions to PornPulseSFGN@gmail.com.

* Denotes New Listing

Photo: Falconstudios.com.

SouthFloridaGayNews

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.1.2015 //

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SouthFloridaGayNews

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