7/29/15 V6i30 by South Florida Gay News

homicide

local name, global coverage

Premier of 'i am jazz' •

investigation • page 15

pages 20 - 21

July 29, 2015 // vol. 6 // issue 30

pages 16 -18

DEATH ON THE DRIVE SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS

SOFLAGAYNEWS SFGN.COM SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.29.2015 // 1

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THE OPENING LINE

Comments from SFGN’s

online outlets

Compiled by John McDonald

Another pedestrian fatality on ‘The Drive’

Stephen Devine – They can have much better crosswalks. But let's be honest here. We see people cross at non-crosswalks and just walk in the road without looking or waiting. Daniel Nistal – You want a party town? It comes with a cost people. Rj Petrucci – May the gentleman rest in peace. He made a well publicized deadly bad decision. As an employee of Tropics he should have been spreading the message not to jay walk there. These jaywalkers do not care. Just last night, not one but two, strolled into oncoming traffic expecting it to stop for them. Talk about privilege. You just get your car going after the light at the police station then people are walking out into oncoming traffic without even looking – three cars had to slam on their breaks not to hit these two last night. Should there be a crosswalk there. Yes. Until then these patrons and employees should be parking at the police station parking lot and walking to Tropics on the sidewalk on that side of the street.

PUBLISHER • NORM KENT NORM.KENT@SFGN.COM

An Uber Controversy

The ride sharing company suspends operations in Broward Noah Kitty – Taxi regs should be visible in the car. I've typically seen it taped to the visor. And if you think Uber is all innocent, check out the situation in CA.

Donald Wilson – The politicians need to listen to the public. We want this service. I never want to take a taxi again.

Kenny Lee –

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

Editorial

ART DIRECTOR • BRENDON LIES ARTWORK@SFGN.COM DESIGNER • MARTIN GOULD FOCALIZENOW@GMAIL.COM INTERNET DIRECTOR • DENNIS JOZEFOWICZ DENNIS.JOZEFOWICZ@SFGN.COM EDITORIAL ASSISTANT • JILLIAN MELERO JILLIANMELERO@GMAIL.COM ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR • JW ARNOLD JW@PRDCONLINE.COM NEWS EDITOR • JOHN MCDONALD JOHN.MCDONALD@SFGN.COM

Food/Travel Editor RICK KARLIN

Correspondents

DORI ZINN • ANDREA RICHARD • DONALD CAVANAUGH CHRISTIANA LILLY • DENISE ROYAL • SEAN MCSHEE GARY KRAMER • DAVID-ELIJAH NAHMOD

Contributing Columnists

BRIAN MCNAUGHT • DANA RUDOLPH • WAYNE BESEN RIC REILY • STEVE SILER • BIL BROWNING TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

Staff Photographers

Marijuana Mayhem

J.R. DAVIS • POMPANO BILL • STEVEN SHIRES

Wilton Manors considers decriminalization Joel S. Slotnick – How about putting public safety as #1? MEMBER

Deidra Doc B – Oh, now we will have stoned citizens getting hit by vehicles.

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CarriJo Anderson – It's insane that someone would have a felony for having a joint.

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Riots on Wilton Manors Drive speak out against the city's attitude towards pedestrians. 'I Am Jazz' premiers, featuring the life of the young transgender activist Jazz Jennings.

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ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / EXECUTIVE EDITOR • JASON PARSLEY JASON.PARSLEY@SFGN.COM

JESSE MONTEAGUDO • TONY ADAMS

The owner of yellow cab contributed a lot of $$ to help put the restrictions in place. I guess yellow cab was losing money.

Out Now!

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER • PIER ANGELO GUIDUGLI

Senior Features Correspondents

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JULY 29, 2015 • VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 30

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Deadly Drive

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Associated Press

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

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News Briefs

Photo: Facebook.

Compiled by Jillian Melero

Pridelines Announces 10th Annual Fundraising Gala (Pridelines) Pridelines Youth Services, South Florida’s oldest LGBTQ service agency, will host its 10th annual fundraising gala -- Pridelines’ Masquerade Ball. The Masquerade Ball will take place Saturday, August 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Tickets are on sale now for $175 per guest or $1,750 for a table of 10. “This year’s Masquerade will feature our silent auction, cocktail reception and a formal dining experience along with dancing and a few special surprises that will keep our guests talking until next year,” said Victor Diaz-Herman, executive director of Pridelines. This year’s event will feature live performances and will end with an after-party presented by OCULTO, a newly launched golden lager infused with blue agave.

“Guests are encouraged to wear elaborately decorated masks in keeping with the Masquerade theme,” Diaz-Herman added. “Italian-based event partner Carta Alta is providing a 25% discount on their hand-crafted masks with the code: ‘masquerade2015’ at www.cartaalta.com.” Proceeds from Masquerade benefit Pridelines Youth Services, in its mission to support education and empower South Florida’s LGBTQ youth in safe and diverse environments, and to promote social change through dialogue. Tickets are available at www.pridelinesmasquerade. com. Table host and sponsorship opportunities are also available on the website or by contacting DiazHerman at victor@pridelines.org or 305-571-9601 ext. 3.

amfar.org, shows allocations by year, host country, primary partner, strategic area (Care, Treatment, Prevention, Governance and Systems, Management and Operations), budget code and organizational type. In addition, country epidemiological profiles and PEPFAR targets are available to provide context and to show the public health impact of investments. For more information, visit www.amfar.org.

Photo: Facebook.

mfAR Launches National PEPFAR Database at IAS 2015

(EDGE) amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, announced the beta launch of its PEPFAR Country/Regional Operational Plan database, a comprehensive, navigable database of PEPFAR's planned funding of HIV/AIDS activities from 2007 to 2014. The database was unveiled at the 8th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention (IAS 2015) in Vancouver, Canada. The database enables users to analyze planned funding data extracted from PEPFAR's publicly released Country and Regional Operational Plan (COP/ROP) documents. It's designed to help civil society organizations, ministries of health and finance, researchers, and other stakeholders to access and understand PEPFAR's programs and priorities at a deeper level than is currently possible using other platforms. PEPFAR (The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), established in 2003, is the largest international program responding to the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and the largest commitment one nation has ever made to combat a disease internationally. Between 2007 and 2014, more than $29 billion has been budgeted in PEPFAR resources through the COPs/ROPs process. The database, which can be found at http://copsdata.

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

nited For Care Ramps Up Efforts In Medical Marijuana Campaign

(United for Care) In its second effort to legalize medical marijuana by constitutional amendment, United for Care, or People United for Medical Marijuana, has shipped more than 100,000 petitions to Florida Supervisors of Elections offices to garner Supreme Court review. “This is a massive head start over the previous campaign - which started late. If we can sustain this pace, we should ensure our place on the ballot before the holidays,” said United for Care Director, Ben Pollara in a statement. “This early accomplishment comes as a direct result out of the dedicated volunteers we have and the generous donors large and small helping to fund our efforts. However we still need to collect over half a million petitions.” The Supervisor of Elections has thirty days to verify that a petition is valid. Following verification, the Supreme Court will then schedule a review. Pollara said United for Care expects to have its review date by mid-August.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

lorida Ofﬁce Of Compassionate Use Announces New Director

(FL Dept. of Health) The Florida Department of Health announced Christian Bax, J.D., MBA, is the new director of the Office of Compassionate Use. Compassionate use, or extended access refers to the treatment of a seriously ill patient using a new, unapproved drug when no other treatments are available. Previously, Bax co-founded CBK Consulting, a company experienced in navigating medical marijuana regulations in Nevada and Washington. “The department is confident his educational and professional experience make him the right choice to get this product to children with intractable epilepsy and people with advanced cancer as safely and quickly as possible.”

Pride Event Will Allow Scotland Drag Queens After All

(EDGE) An alternative gay Pride event in Glasgow, Scotland will now allow drag queens after the gathering's officials made headlines for announcing a ban on all drag artists because they were deemed too "offensive" for the transgender community. Gay Star News reports the Free Pride event, which is set to take place next month, called the move a "mistake" and will now welcome any performers of any gender. Billed as the "anti-commercialist" alternative to Glasgow's main Pride event, Free Pride caused an international stir when its organizers first revealed drag queens were not allowed because trans people could be offended by the art form. "The original decision was made because many trans members of Free Pride have had negative experiences with drag acts veering towards racism, misogyny and transphobia; the lack of contact with the drag community contributed," Free Pride said, according to GSN. "We made a mistake, and we apologize." The rest of the statement can be read at: http://bit. ly/1OA0eFY

N ew s B r i e f s

Continued

bama Pushes African Nations To Treat Gays Equally Under Law

reg Louganis Documentary Airs on HBO August 4

Photo: Twitter.

Jim Acosta / CNN.

(AP) President Barack Obama nudged African nations Saturday to treat gays and lesbians equally under the law, a position that remains unpopular through much of the continent. Obama's Kenyan counterpart responded by calling the matter a "non-issue" for his country. Obama tackled the sensitive issue on his first full day in Kenya, the country of his father's birth. He drew on his own background as an African-American in the U.S, saying he is "painfully aware of the history when people are treated differently under the law." "That's the path whereby freedoms begin to erode and bad things happen," Obama added during a joint news conference with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. "When a government gets in the habit of treating people differently, those habits can spread." Kenyatta was unmoved, saying gay rights "is not really an issue on the foremost mind of

Kenyans. And that is a fact." A number of Kenyan politicians and religious leaders had warned Obama in outspoken terms that any overtures on gay rights would not be welcomed in Kenya, where gay sex is punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Obama's visit to Kenya -- the first by a sitting U.S. president -- has been long sought by this East African nation where he is widely considered a local son. Acknowledging that some Kenyans have been frustrated that it took him until the seventh year of his presidency to visit, Obama joked that he didn't want the rest of Africa to think he was "playing favorites." Still, he noted the U.S. had concerns about violence that erupted in Kenya after its 2007 election. Kenyatta faced charges related to that violence in the International Criminal Court, though those charges were later dropped.

(EDGE) Four-time Olympic gold medalist Greg Louganis is universally recognized as the greatest diver ever, but his greatest impact may ultimately come from being one of the first openly gay athletes in America. The intimate documentary "Back On Board: Greg Louganis" looks at the public triumphs and private struggles of this LGBT trailblazer when it debuts Tuesday, August 4 (10:00-11:30 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. "Back On Board: Greg Louganis" traces his story from a difficult childhood, through his Olympic conquests, to a transformative postOlympic life, outlining the discrimination and other obstacles he has faced throughout his remarkable journey. "Greg Louganis is one of the most decorated and celebrated Olympians of any generation, and we are delighted to share his story -- both personal and athletic -- with the acquisition of this documentary," says Ken Hershman,

soflagaynews //

president, HBO Sports. "Greg allowed the filmmakers unrestricted access to his life story and viewers will benefit from this deeply personal portrait and gain a terrific perspective on his complicated and rewarding life." "I think it is awesome that 'Back On Board' has found a home with HBO Sports. At times, it's awkward and a little bit embarrassing to reveal so much of myself -- it's a true documentary. I am honored and humbled to share my story," says Louganis. Greg Louganis announced to the world that he was gay in the mid-1990s, but it was a not a well-kept secret in the diving world before that. During his dominance in the 1980s, many sponsors knew of his sexual orientation, which limited his marketability -- just one example of the homophobia and hateful rhetoric that followed him long before and after his official announcement that he was gay.

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.29.2015 //

The Big

Story

Photo: Facebook.

LGBT Equality Act Introduced in Congress

Lambda Legal Applauds Federal Nondiscrimination Bill (Lambda Legal) The Equality Act, a bill to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, credit, education, and jury service was introduced in Congress on Thursday by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Reps. David Cicilline (D-RI) and John Lewis (D-GA).The bill also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex by those receiving federal funding and in public accommodations. “Less than half of the states have clear statutory bans on discrimination based on sexual orientation

or gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, education and the range of settings in which everyone needs fair and equal treatment. The Equality Act is an answer to this inadequate patchwork of protections because it is a broad federal statute protecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people across the entire country and throughout their daily lives. There are many paths to justice, and we will continue to pursue them all,” said Jennifer C. Pizer, Senior Counsel and Director of Lambda Legal’s Law and Policy Project, in a statement. More information about the Equality Bill is available here: http://bit.ly/1MQZmfd

N Photo: FCKH8.

LGBT Employment Discrimination Still Legal in 2015 Watch:

(EDGE) It's a touching video of real people talking about civil rights progress that's helped them -- and then the big reveal at the end hits you like a gut punch: it's 2015, and it's still legal to fire and discriminate against people simply because they're LGBT. The newest provocative spot from FCKH8.com ("PottyMouthed Princesses") spotlights that despite progress in so many other areas, laws across the country continue to deny gay people basic anti-discrimination protections on the job. In the video (Campaign Website: http://FCKH8.com) people from various walks of life -- women, blacks, disabled people -- each identify major civil rights milestones in America. Each speaker represents a year when others like them were finally offered legal protection from discrimination in the U.S. -from African Americans becoming citizens in 1866, to people with disabilities getting access to public places through the Americans with Disabilities ACT in 1990. Each is wearing a T-shirt printed with the year they gained a fundamental right. When the two gay men holding hands who are the video's final subject are revealed, their T-shirts display question marks. "It's 2015, and there is still no federal law protecting LGBT people against discrimination. What's our year?" they plead. "In an era when it feels like progress is so rapid, including the Supreme Court ruling that was so important, we knew people would be shocked to discover there's still this huge national inequality," video producer Mike Kon said. "It sounds unbelievable and disappointing: you can get married on Saturday, but then you can still be legally fired for being LGBT when back at work on Monday."

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BJC Endorses the Equality Act

(NBJC) The National Black Justice Coalition officially endorsed the Equality Act upon its introduction in the U.S. Congress Thursday. The Equality Act adds key LGBT protections to existing civil rights laws including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 to ensure— like other protected classes (e.g. race, religion or national origin)—LGBT people cannot be legally discriminated against in the United States. In addition, the Equality Act provides federal protection on the basis of sex and sex-based stereotypes in both public accommodations and federally funded programs. “Without a federal non-discrimination measure like the Equality Act in law, the current framework of LGBT civil protections—or lack thereof—within states and local jurisdictions provides a majority of LGBT Americans with no clear legal defense from discrimination,” said Sharon LettmanHicks, NBJC Executive Director & CEO. “When a person is both Black and LGBT, discrimination—and the evils of blatant and systemic racism—is too common place and faced on a number of levels that are fundamentally unacceptable in a democracy. As such, NBJC supports the Equality Act, which would provide vital legal protections to so many in the Black LGBT community who are particularly vulnerable to discrimination in our nation.” According to UCLA’s Williams Institute, 3.7 percent of all adult African Americans identify as LGBT, representing more than one million Black LGBT Americans. Significant populations of Black LGBT people live in southern states that often have no non-discrimination protections for LGBT people. The Equality Act would ensure that the most vulnerable in the LGBT community—including many Black LGBT people—have recourse when they are treated unfairly because of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

the existing list of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin, protected against discrimination. The Equality Act would also clarify that the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act cannot be used as a defense for anti-LGBTQ discrimination. It would also expand the types of public accommodations covered under the Civil Rights Act to include banks, grocers, retail outlets, bars and taxi cabs. Backers of the bill seek to succeed where the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) failed after dying in the Republican-led House of Representatives after passing the Senate. A statement released by LCR Thursday read: "It is widely known that Log Cabin Republicans has long supported, lobbied, and advocated for comprehensive LGBT non-discrimination legislation, but we share hesitations about the Equality Act expressed by a number of organizations including LGBT advocates on the left and other civil rights groups," Log Cabin Republicans National Executive Director Gregory T. Angelo stated. "Some of our staunchest Republican allies in Congress with unassailable records in favor of LGBT equality have indicated similar concerns with this legislation. The full text of the Equality Act was only provided to Log Cabin Republicans late last night, mere hours prior to the bill's formal introduction. "We will review this bill with our allies in Congress and National Board of Directors prior to taking any ofﬁcial position. Log Cabin Republicans does not operate on the timetables of others; ultimatums are not the way to grow coalitions."

og Cabin Republicans Hesitant To Embrace LGBT Equality Act

(EDGE) Log Cabin Republicans (LCR) expressed hesitation Thursday over embracing the Equality Act, a Democrat-introduced bill that seeks to eliminate anti-LGBT discrimination and expand protection in the workplace, classroom and public spaces. According to Salon, the bill, which was introduced in both the House and Senate Thursday, would amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity to

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

Photo: Facebook.

news briefs

Continued

ut Gawker Writer: Site is 'in a Total Meltdown' Since Controversial Post

(EDGE) Following Gawker's controversial post outing Conde Nast's CFO for allegedly contacting a conspiracy theory obsessed porn star/escort, which sparked two of the website's top editors to resign, out Gawker writer Rich Juzwiak told the Huffington Post in an interview Wednesday that the media company is "in a total meltdown." Tensions at Gawker seem to be high after the story hit the web and was met with online outrage for ostensibly outing David Geithner (brother of former Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner). The site's executive editor, Tommy Craggs, and editorin-chief, Max Read, both left the company Monday after Gawker's senior management voted to remove the story last Friday - a decision that has not sat well with editorial staff. "People are furious -- editorial is basically furious with our leadership," Juzwiak told

HuffPost Live host Marc Lamont Hill, after saying the staff is "just in a total meltdown." The writer went on to say the internal outrage comes from an unexplained shift in Gawker's editorial guidelines, which allowed the site's senior management to take down the article without consulting staff. "Something changed, and we weren't privy to what," Juzwiak said. "Before Friday, we were a site that did not take down posts on whims. On Friday, we became a site that did that." "In my opinion, the story became a real story when the post was taken down," he said. "Up until then you could deride it as typical Gawker sleaze if you wanted to. ... [But] once the post went down, all this scrutiny went on it and then the story became not the story anymore. The story became the story about the story."

ickstarter For 'Dying Words' Seeks To Remember Journalist Jeff Schmalz

Photo: Kickstarter.

(EDGE) In an effort to keep the memory of brilliant journalist Jeff Schmalz alive, Samuel G. Freedman and Kerry Donahue have created a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for "Dying Words," an audio documentary and companion book about the brilliant journalist who covered the AIDS epidemic as he was dying of the disease. "Thus far, we've paid about $10,000 out of our own pockets to do the research for the documentary and book," writes Donahue. "Our largest expenses are still ahead of us…We're looking at $25,000 or more in upcoming expenses. The risk and challenge is very basic: to be able to bring this vital work to fruition and to make sure that it reaches the largest possible audience." At publication, they had reached $26,015 -- exceeding their $20,000 goal with a week left to go. Schmalz was a journalistic prodigy. He was hired by The New York Times while still

a college student, and he was essentially running its metropolitan coverage by his mid-20s. From his crisply pressed trousers and shirts to his unerring sense of how to structure a feature story, he was a consummate Timesman. People in the newsroom speculated that someday he could be "on the masthead" -- the list of the top editors on the world's most important newspaper. All the while, though, Schmalz was struggling with his identity as a gay man. He came out to many friends and peers on the Times, but he kept his sexual orientation secret from the newsroom management, the people who had control over his professional life. Under the executive editor A.M. Rosenthal, the Times newsroom of the 1970s and 80s was a homophobic place, and journalists known to be gay or lesbian were stalled or even demoted in their careers. soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.29.2015 //

highlight

Photo: Scruff.com.

Scruff Celebrates Five Years John McDonald

Scruff bills itself as one of the largest gay dating apps in the world. The company celebrated five years of existence last week and SFGN interviewed one of its founders. “We are extremely excited to be where we are in just five years,” said Eric Silverberg via telephone from Scruff Headquarters in Manhattan, New York. What started as a volunteering effort by Silverberg in his parents’ northern California basement has blossomed into an app of choice for more than eight million gay, bisexual and trans men worldwide. Silverberg describes himself as the “guy next door” and a “geek.” Together with partners Johnny Skandros and Jason Marchant, Silverberg is the face of Scruff, a top of the line social networking app available on the IOS App Store, Google Play and Windows Phone Store. Silverberg said Scruff is currently going through a re-write and building from the ground up. New features, he said, are being

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introduced such as travel advisories and match programs. An example of such partnerships is Scruff’s joining with the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (www.ilga.org) to deliver travel advisories to its members and app users. Scruff claims it will alert members who travel to countries that criminalize same-sex acts. “We as a brand are not ashamed of sex,” Silverberg said. “Sex is an important part of our lives.” Silverberg said he has made lasting friendships through Scruff. “Sometimes hook-ups lead to much, much more,” he said.

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The Stable Merges with

Scandals Saloon Dennis Jozefowicz

Local neighborhood bar The Stable is having a “Moving Party” this Friday, July 31 at 8 p.m., as they merge their bar’s operations with it’s sister property Scandals Saloon. It’s been a week of celebrating for staff and entertainers at the Oakland Park establishment, with farewell performances of Jessica Channing’s Sloppy Seconds, Mama Mia Mondays, and Candy Cornhole’s Comedy Campo Bingo. Friday’s party will include “2 Guys on a Mic’s” final karaoke at the establishment. (Voted Best Karaoke by SFGN readers for 2014.) The staff, and some of the entertainment, will cross over to Scandals Saloon’s already impressive line up of employees and weekly events. The Stable is located at 205 E Oakland Park Blvd in Oakland Park, and Scandals Saloon is located at 3073 NE 6th Avenue in Wilton Manors.

Photo: Dennis Jozefowicz.

Daoud’s Established 1895

Florida’s Oldest and Highest Rated Jeweler

Franck anck Muller Not an authorized Franck Muller dealer

news local

Two-year Warranty

954-WATCHES

2473 EAST SUNRISE BOULEVARD | FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33304

soflagaynews //

(across from the Galleria Mall)

www.daouds.com

DAOUD’S FINE JEWELRY IS NOT AN AUTHORIZED ROLEX DEALER.

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.29.2015 //

news bites

Compiled by Jillian Melero

lesbian

Australian MP Delivers Speech on Marriage

Pink News reports, Penny Wong, the current Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, received a 30 second standing ovation before addressing the Labor Party on the importance of same sex marriage and LGBT equality in Australia during the Party’s national conference. “Ms. Wong is the country’s most high profile LGBT politician, after coming out post-election in 2001. Her impassioned address was delivered on the same day Labor leader Bill Shorten promised to legalise same-sex marriage within 100 days if he is elected prime minister in 2016. The Labor Party leader has also confirmed its MPs will be given a free vote on upcoming same-sex marriage legislation – and will not be forced to vote in favour. Prime Minister Tony Abbott is a staunch opponent of equal marriage, but is facing pressure to allow his MPs a free vote on a cross-party marriage bill, following progress in Ireland and the United States.” Watch the speech in full at: http://bit.ly/1DJte7Q

Penny Wong. Photo: Kate Lundy.

gay

Gay NYC Councilmember Corey Johnson

(EDGE) With his baby face and love of plaid shirts, few would guess that 32-year-old Corey Johnson is on track to becoming one of the most powerful men in New York City. But this former high school football captain made waves coming out to his teammates, and then to his neighbors as chair of Community Board 4. He parlayed his inclination for community service into a successful win as New York City council member serving the 3rd District, which encompasses several of the city's gayborhoods, including the West Village, Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen. Now Johnson is chalking up wins left and right -- from providing healthy fruits and vegetables to local families, to fighting for affordable housing for all New Yorkers, even going as far as getting arrested during a civil disobedience protest outside Governor Andrew Cuomo's office. It's anyone's guess what Johnson will do next, but one thing is certain: this politically motivated young man has a promising future. SFGN: Read Edge’s full interview with Johnson on http://bit.ly/1VJ4iIO

Corey Johnson.

bisexual

Delvingne Defends Sexuality in NY Times

(SFGN) After an interview published in Vogue dismissed Cara Delvingne’s bisexuality as a phase, sparking an online petition by LGBT activists, the Paper Town’s actress addressed the issue with the New York Times. “My sexuality is not a phase, I am who I am,” Delvingne said. She went on to say that while she appreciated the support from the petition, addressed to Vogue Editor Anna Wintour demanding an apology for the magazine’s insensitive remarks, Delvingn herself saw nothing inflammatory in the article. The Vogue article was the first time the model/actress publically addressed her relationship with musician St. Vincent aka Annie Clark.

Cara Delvingne. Photo: Walterlan Papetti.

transgender

AFC to Add Housing and Hormone Therapy

(AFC) The Ali Forney Center announced two new projects designed to meet the needs of their transgender clients. During the summer of 2015, they will launch a housing program designed to respond to the specialized needs of homeless transgender teens, and will begin to offer hormone therapy at their medical clinic operated in the AFC drop-in center. AFC has recently been awarded funding by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development to provide a housing program for homeless transgender teens between the ages of 16 and 20. Youths will reside there for up to eighteen months, while AFC assists them with accessing benefits, medical care, education and employment. The policies of the program will be implemented in response to the specialized needs of transgender youths articulated by AFC transgender clients, staff, and advisors from the transgender community.

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

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Ali Forney Center. Facebook.

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Fiorina Jumps Into Bill Cosby Drama

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Lesbian Lawyer Announces Candidacy For Judge

John McDonald

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// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

Frank Vigliotti, Realtor soflagaynews //

On the local front, around 50 people attended a “meet the candidate” reception for lesbian lawyer Lea Krauss on July 23 at Dapur Asian Tapas & Lounge in Fort Lauderdale. Krauss, the former President of the Gay & Lesbian Lawyers Network, is campaigning for Circuit Court Judge. The Long Island, New York native, who has called Broward County home for the last 17 years, says becoming a Judge unites her two passions of law and community service. “I bring leadership skills, experience in the courtroom, and a belief in treating all people fairly,” Krauss said. At Dapur, she was joined by her fiancé April and introduced to attendees by attorney George Castrataro. Krauss told supporters she was seeking election to an open judicial seat in group nine. The election is set for August of 2016.

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Lea Krauss.

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Florida Media Outlets Call Trans Homicide

Victim A 'Man Dressed As A Woman'

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The Associated Press violated its own guidelines while reporting on the homicide of a transgender woman in Florida, joining several state-based news outlets in misgendering the victim and referring to her as a "man dressed as a woman." The incident is the latest in a trend of media mistreatment of transgender victims of violence. On the morning of July 21, 25-year-old transgender woman India Clarke was found dead in a park in Tampa Bay, Florida. Clarke suffered blunt-force trauma to the upper body, though the exact cause of death is still unknown. Before her death, Clarke publicly identified as female, used female pronouns, and presented as female in her photos. But in its news release announcing a homicide investigation surrounding Clarke's death, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office referred to Clarke as a "male dressed in women's clothing." Speaking to BuzzFeed's Dominic Holden, Detective Larry McKinnon defended the Sheriff's Office's decision to identify Clarke as male: "We are not going to categorize him as a transgender. We can just tell you he had women's clothing on at the time," Detective Larry McKinnon, a spokesman for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, told BuzzFeed News. "What his lifestyle was prior to that we don't know -whether he was a cross dresser, we don't know." Initial calls to 911 described the victim as a woman but a medical examiner later identified her as male, McKinnon said. "He is a male," McKinnon continued. "I

can't tell you he is a female." In the 24 hours following the discovery of Clarke's death, state-based news outlets and the Associated Press repeatedly misgendered Clarke, referring to her as a "man dressed as a woman" and violating journalistic standards on how to refer to transgender people. CBS, ABC, and NBC affiliates in the Tampa area followed the Sheriff's report and also referred to India as "Samuel," using male pronouns, and referring to her as a male. The practice of misgendering transgender victims of violence violates guidelines established by GLAAD and the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association and has been widely criticized by journalism experts. And it's a practice that's become alltoo-common in 2015, a year that's seen an unprecedented string of murders of trans women. The cycle at its worse seems to be the same: a transgender person is found dead, law enforcement officials fail to acknowledge the victim's gender identity, and local news outlets follow law enforcement's lead, misgendering the victim despite often knowing how the victim wished to be publicly identified. But failing to report the way Clarke is publicly identified deprives audiences of the information they need to understand her death in the broader context of violence against transgender women. In instances where misgendering is intentional, it's a statement that her gender identity is little more than a deceptive costume, not worthy of being taken seriously.

SFGN also initially misgendered India Clarke when we posted the AP story as is without changing the headline â&#x20AC;&#x153;Man Dressed As Woman Found Dead in Tampa Park.â&#x20AC;? As soon as it was brought to our attention we corrected the error. We apologize.

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news local

New HIV cases soar in Florida

Dan Sweeney/Sun-Sentinel

The number of reported HIV cases in Florida has jumped 23 percent so far this year, the biggest increase in a continuing upward trend that began in 2012 after several years of decreases. And the proportion of Floridians infected with the disease is at its highest in seven years. Experts say the reasons include a decreased fear of dying from AIDS, subpar attempts at safe-sex education and disease prevention, and increased use of injected drugs such as heroin. “I think we’re a victim of our own success because treatment has been very successful in getting people back to health. A generation of people under 40 haven’t really lived with people dropping like flies around them,” said Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. When AIDS first began to spread in the 1980s, it was a death sentence. Sufferers lost the ability to fight off other diseases, leaving them susceptible to pneumonia, certain forms of cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses. Today, if the virus is detected early, people can live relatively long lives. Since hitting a low of 4,512 new HIV cases in 2012, the number of new cases in Florida rose 18 percent in 2013 and 11 percent in 2014. There are 3,555 new cases so far in 2015, a 23 percent increase from the first six months of 2014 to the first half of this year. The rate of HIV infection has also been rising in recent years. So far this year, about 35.8 per 100,000 Floridians are infected – the highest since 2008. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the annual cost for treating a single case of HIV is more than $25,000. With HIVpositive people now living longer lives, that means the cost over a lifetime can come close to $1 million. While expensive, gone are the days when treatment required taking fistfuls of pills each day. “Medications have become more user friendly,” said Michael Rajner, a Fort Lauderdale man who has been living with HIV since 1995. “They’re not necessarily coming out with new medications, but new combinations and new ways of figuring out how to make taking medications easier.’’ Florida taxpayers will spend about $30 million this year on HIV/AIDS, a number that has remained flat since 2012 when HIV cases started going back up. That total includes a supplemental insurance program for HIV/

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

AIDS sufferers, patient care, and money to the regional AIDS networks that coordinate testing and prevention efforts and provide assistance to low-income patients. That $30 million is in addition to the millions of dollars in prescription drugs given to low-income HIV patients, all of which comes out of the state’s prescription drug fund. It’s unclear whether Florida’s rising HIV rates are unusual compared to the rest of the country since neither the U.S. Centers for Disease Control or health departments in other populous states have 2015 statistics. But as of 2013, new HIV cases had been decreasing for eight years in California. In Texas, new cases remained relatively flat through 2014.

“The primary reason [for Florida’s uptick in HIV] is that there is less affirmative effort around safer sex,” said Weinstein. “Prevention funding has been flat or cut, and we still have prohibitions on talking more explicitly about sexuality in sex ed classes … so our overall prevention efforts are very muted, very half-hearted.” The most common way in which the disease is contracted is still through male-tomale sexual contact, according to the state health department. That accounted for 78 percent of all new cases in Florida in 2014, a percentage that has risen significantly since 2012, which keeps with national trends. The number of new HIV cases contracted by heterosexual sex has also gone up, but as a percentage of all cases it has dipped to about

Troubling Trends The number of new HIV cases in Florida has been rising steadily since 2012

5,324 4,512

18% 2012

2013

5,909 11%

2014

? 3,555

2015* *First 6 months of 2015

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SouthFloridaGayNews

15 percent from 17 percent in 2013. An “other” category, which includes people who get the disease through blood transfusions or from birth by an HIV-infected mother, has dropped to almost nothing. On the other hand, the percentage who contracted HIV from intravenous drug use rose slightly from about 5 to 7 percent in Florida between 2012 and 2014. During that same period, cheap heroin from Mexico was flooding the area. The National Institute on Drug Abuse, a federal drug-abuse research institute, released a report in 2014 calling heroin an epidemic in Florida and pinning the start date for the epidemic to 2011. “Certainly an increase in heroin use is going to mean higher levels of injecting drug use,” said Jim Hall, an epidemiologist at Nova Southeastern University who studies illegal drug use. Without access to new, clean needles, addicts reuse and share the dirty needles they have, thus spreading the disease, said state Sen. Oscar Braynon, D-Miami Gardens, who unsuccessfully tried this year and last to get legislative approval for a needle-exchange pilot program in Miami-Dade County. Such programs cut down on new incidents of HIV and hepatitis but are also criticized for promoting intravenous drug use. Still, Braynon plans to introduce the bill again in 2016. “People are hooked on these deadly debilitating drugs, and then they’re sharing dirty needles and infecting each other with a deadly disease that, in many ways, we’re paying for their care because they’re going to [public hospitals],” he said. “It’s costing taxpayers an arm and a leg.”

news local

Photo: Henry Vidal. Credit: Howard Glantz.

Wilton Manors Homicide Investigation ‘Open’

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news local

Danger on ‘The Drive’ John McDonald About 150 people, mostly gay senior citizens, rallied outside of Wilton Manors City Hall on Friday afternoon to remember a fallen friend and protest what is fast becoming a dangerous Wilton Drive. Members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, local clergy and citizens gathered in what many in the crowd said was a call for action.

"It’s unfortunate that its taken Gregory's death to serve as a major catalyst to bring temporary improvements residents and visitors of Wilton Manors deserve to feel safe as pedestrians." - Michael Rajner local activist

Citizens rally outside Wilton Manors City Hall Photos: J.R. Davis.

The tragic death of Gregory Futchi, 68, ignited the rally. Futchi was struck and killed on July 21, by a 2012 Nissan Versa, driven by Shannon Lynae Gierman, 26, of Oakland Park. According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office Futchi was not using a designated crosswalk. “This has to stop. Eventually the road configurations need to change because we’ve got a five lane highway running through an arts and entertainment district with no median to keep people from crossing,” said Doug Blevins, one of the event’s organizers and a former candidate for Wilton Manors Mayor. “The design needs to change and even if we have to do some temporary barriers before … then we need to do that.” According to a news release from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Futchi was attempting to cross Wilton Drive when he was struck by a vehicle in the 200 block section of what for years has been a popular destination for senior gay men. “We have been asking for about 10 years for changes because we have had five deaths on the drive in those 10 years,” Blevins said. “In the last six years we’ve doubled the number of people who have been hit.” Michael Rajner, a local activist, hopes this incident will prompt the city to action.

Gregory Futchi, a member of the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida, was struck and killed as he was crossing Wilton Drive near Tropics on July 21.

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

SEE PUBLISHER NORM KENT'S EDITORIAL ON PAGE 30.

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“It’s unfortunate that its taken Gregory's death to serve as a major catalyst to bring temporary improvements residents and visitors of Wilton Manors deserve to feel safe as pedestrians,” Rajner said. “As the dialogue continues, I welcome the city and state to engage residents, businesses and visitors in an ongoing dialogue. Recently I have voiced concerns with the existing unsafe brick crosswalks and am unaware of how that issue is going to be resolved.” Futchi’s tragic death also moved the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida into action. The group, over 200 strong, raised their voices in unison while singing “No Man Is An Island.” “The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida is deeply saddened by the loss of our brother, Greg,” said Mark Kent, executive director of of the GMCSF. “He was a passionate musician committed to our mission of inspiring through song. Now, his voice has been silenced through a senseless and tragic accident that has left a great void in our lives.” Tony Dee, owner of Tropics Piano Bar & Restaurant where the accident occurred,

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attended Friday evening’s rally with his partner, Andy Martin. “Greg was a phenomenal singer,” Dee recalled. The restaurateur fought back tears when describing Futchi, who ultimately succumbed to his injuries at Broward Health Medical Center, according to the BSO. “He was peaceful and had a nice personality,” Dee said, noting Futchi was a regular at Tropics where he entertained people with his soothing voice. “He was a tenor,” said Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida member Bill Spinosa. “He was a big man with a big beautiful voice and a big beautiful heart. He was fun loving and enjoying his retirement. It is so sad. I have lost a dear friend.” Spinosa, like many in the chorus, is calling for the government to act. “We need the State to intervene,” Spinosa said. “Too many people are dying. Something must be done to protect them.” SFGN contacted the Fort Lauderdale office of Barbara Kelleher, media relations for the Florida Department of Transportation, seeking comment. Kelleher's office said they would return the call.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have been asking for about 10 years for changes because we have had five deaths on the drive in those 10 years. In the last six years weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve doubled the number of people who have been hit." - Doug Blevins Mayoral candidate

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.29.2015 //

news local

Photos: J.R. Davis.

City Blames Pedestrians for CONTINUED ACCIDENTS

Citations issued to people after they’ve been hit by cars Michael d’Oliveira

[Eds. Note: SFGN has been following this issue for months. Here’s a reprint from our June 4 issue.] After another pedestrian was hit by a car while crossing Wilton Drive, residents reiterated their demands for improved safety on Wilton Drive and other roadways. Chief Paul O’Connell said the good news is that the pedestrian, who was hit around 10 p.m. on May 24, sent to Broward General Medical Center and later released, sustained only minor injuries. “The bad news is he’s not the only one.” The pedestrian was hit in front of The Venue at 2345 Wilton Drive and cited for not using a crosswalk. Police found no fault with the motorist and did not issue a citation. Recently, two men were also hit crossing Wilton Drive at Northeast 20 Street. Because they were not using a crosswalk,

they were issued a jaywalking ticket by police. The driver of the automobile was also issued a citation for an improper left hand turn. In an attempt to prevent future accidents, police here will begin a campaign this month to educate the public on pedestrian safety. Commander Gary Blocker said the first phase would involve educating pedestrians as well as businesses located on the major roadways. “The second phase would be that enforcement aspect where we would start issuing citations,” Blocker said. O’Connell implored residents and visitors to use the crosswalks. “Use them. Use them.” But the residents who spoke at the May 26 commission meeting said the existing crosswalks are not enough. More crosswalks, they said, needed to be added on Wilton Drive as well as Andrews Avenue and Powerline Road. “This is a conversation we need to have. This is not a walk friendly city,” said resident Jake Valentine. “How many more lives or potential lives are going to be lost?” asked resident Doug Blevins. “Don’t abdicate your duty, folks,” he told commissioners. Paul Rolli, president of the Central Area Neighborhood Association, suggested increased police patrols, temporary signs, and that more jaywalking and speeding tickets be issued. “It’s not one. It’s both [pedestrians and drivers].” Commissioner Tom Green said city officials would be meeting with Florida Department of Transportation [FDOT] officials in a couple weeks to address concerns. Wilton Manors officials say they are also working with Fort Lauderdale to reduce the number of lanes on Powerline Road from four to two as well as add bikes lanes and improve landscaping.

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

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SouthFloridaGayNews

Among the items discussed with FDOT will be the possible narrowing of Wilton Drive from four lanes to two, painting the speed limit directly on the street and moving the crosswalk signal in front of city hall a few feet south to Northeast 20 Street. According to FDOT officials, the signal in front of city hall was not placed at Northeast 20 Street because engineers believed it would be used more frequently at its current location. Resident Kate Donohue said when she’s used it the signal takes too long to work. “No wonder people jaywalk.” But while commissioners promised more action, they also said people need to take personal responsibility and use the crosswalks. “If we put 10 more [crosswalks] in it’s not going to make a difference,” said Vice Mayor Scott Newton. Mayor Gary Resnick said people will continue to jaywalk, no matter where the signal is placed, if it’s more convenient. “You cannot change human behavior,” Resnick said.

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.29.2015 //

feature

I am Jazz

New docu-series features inspiring local trans teen’s life Christiana Lilly

Left page: Photos credit Mark DeLong/TLC.

t 14, Jazz Jennings is not just a What were the signs in Jazz that transgender girl, but she’s also she was transgender? one of the youngest transgender activists you’ll find. Diagnosed with gender JEANETTE: From the moment Jazz dysphoria at 3, the South Florida teen has could express herself, she never acted like undergone a rollercoaster of experiences as a stereotypical boy. She was always drawn a trailblazer for young trans kids. to everything girly. She only wanted to play She appeared on 20/20 with Barbara with dolls and dress up as a girl. Jazz was Walters in 2007 and has openly told her always very feminine. At first we thought it story to further the cause for equality. She was just a phase, but a phase ends, while her founded the TransKids Purple Rainbow feminine behavior became stronger. When Foundation with her parents the same year, Jazz was 3 we brought her to a specialist who wrote the children’s book “I Am Jazz” in 2013, diagnosed her with gender identity disorder was named one of "The 25 Most Influential (now called gender dysphoria). She was Teens of 2014" by Time magazine, is a persistent, insistent and consistent -- three Human Rights Campaign youth ambassador, markers of kids with gender dysphoria. So and is one of the faces of Clean & Clear. Now, we knew she was transgender at a very early she and her family are age. starring in the TLC docu-series, “I Am How important Jazz,” taking America is the support of into the world of the your parents and Jennings family and siblings? its ups and downs. Needless to say, JAZZ: I’m so she’s busy. grateful to have the “Until trans people love and acceptance are treated equally from my family. I will continue to They have helped me share my story. I want discover my true self people to understand along this journey. that we are just like I’m so proud of them everyone else,” Jazz for being the greatest said. family I can ask for. South Florida The main thing they Gay News had the do to help me get my opportunity to chat message across is with Jazz and her by participating and mother, Jeanette, involving themselves - Jeanette about their show in the community as and sticking up for well. They live their transgender people lives authentically everywhere. like myself and that helps show people that we are just a normal Your family has been very open family who loves each other.

•

"At first we thought it was just a phase, but a phase ends, while her feminine behavior became stronger."

about their journey, why?

JEANETTE: Transgender people are discriminated against more than any other group of people that I know of. About 50 percent of trans youth will attempt suicide before they are 21. Dozens of trans people are murdered every year. If our show can help lower these statistics by changing and saving lives, we are more than happy to lose some privacy by welcoming cameras into our home.

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

There’s been struggles, including getting Jazz to play on a girls soccer team. Tell us about that. JEANETTE: Trans youth are entitled to be treated just like cisgendered kids. They should be allowed to play on a sports teams with the gender they identify as. It is wrong to deny them this right. It was a violation of Jazz’s rights to be told that she was a boy by the soccer league and therefore she was only

allowed to play with the boys. It’s blatant discrimination which Jazz, my husband, and I fought until she was granted the right to play.

You always seem to be so confident and proud of the skin you’re in. Is it always that way? JAZZ: I was born with a natural confidence, but thanks to the love and support my family provided, I was able to discover that confidence and embrace it. During my advocacy work, only one side of my personality emerges. When I participate in a short project or give a speech I’m smiling in an effort to encourage others. However, there’s another side of my personality that is vulnerable. I’m just like everyone else. I have bad days, and times when I feel selfconscious. Through the TLC program it is possible to invite others into my life to show others that I’m just a regular teen.

Your line of mermaid tails, Purple Rainbow Tails, has really taken off! Tells us about the company. JAZZ: I’ve always been fascinated by mermaids. When I was little you could always find me with a mermaid doll in my hand. Many trans girls love mermaids because there is nothing below the waist but a beautiful tail. I made my first cloth mermaid when I was 7. When I was 12 I began constructing silicone mermaid tails. It’s a complicated process, but the tails look

very real. I decided to start selling tails and use proceeds to help our foundation, the Transkids Purple Rainbow Foundation.

Photo: J.R. Davis.

Do you have people reach out to you? JAZZ: I get hundreds of letters from trans people of all ages, but mostly youth. Some are looking for guidance and advice. Others want to thank me for speaking out or tell me that I inspired them to feel confident enough to transition.

• "In the end, I want to educate people, open up hearts and minds, and help those who may be struggling." - Jazz

Photo: credit TLC.

We’re loving your show already, what else can we expect?

to the outside world we can educate minds and open hearts.

JAZZ: A typical episode will basically depict a struggle that I may face as both a teenager and a transgender individual and how the love from my family and friends helps me get through it. I hope by inviting the audience in our home, we can show them that I’m just like any other teenager except for the fact that I’m transgender. But I want them to understand that being different is okay and that it’s something to embrace. In the end, I want to educate people, open up hearts and minds, and help those who may be struggling.

What would you tell other trans kids and their parents?

JEANNETTE: I want to show other families that we are very typical. We are just an ordinary family with an extraordinary daughter. I hope that by opening our home soflagaynews //

JAZZ: I want to let trans kids know that they are not alone and that it’s okay for them to step out of their shadows. They need to be true to themselves and live authentic lives in the gender they identify with. JEANETTE: Parents need to support their transgender children and follow their lead. From an early age children express their gender. The most important advice I can give parents is the give their kids unconditional love. It’s a child’s birthright to be loved. Parents need to put their own egos aside and put the wants and needs of their child above all else. All kids deserve to be happy.

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.29.2015 //

news national

CNN

Boy Scouts Change Policy On Gay Leaders

(CNN) – The Boy Scouts of America announced Monday that it's lifting the ban on gay adults as Scout leaders. "On Monday July 27 the national executive board ratified a resolution removing the national restriction on openly gay leaders and employees," Boy Scouts of America President Robert Gates said in a video statement on Monday. The move has been in the works for weeks. This month, the organization's executive committee adopted a resolution that would change the policy. "This resolution will allow chartered organizations to select adult leaders without regard to sexual orientation, continuing Scouting's longstanding policy of chartered organizations selecting their leaders," the Boy Scouts said in a statement July 13. "This change allows Scouting's members and parents to select local units, chartered to organizations with similar beliefs, that best meet the needs of their families. This change would also respect the right of religious chartered organizations to continue to choose adult leaders whose beliefs are consistent with their own," it read. LGBT advocacy groups have said the change doesn't go far enough. "Today's vote by the Boy Scouts of America to allow gay, lesbian and bisexual adults to work and volunteer is a welcome step toward erasing a stain on this important organization," said Human Rrights Campaign President Chad Griffin in a statement. "But including an exemption for troops sponsored by religious organizations undermines and diminishes the historic nature of today's decision. Discrimination should have no place in the Boy Scouts, period."

Some religious groups, on the other hand, say the decision goes too far. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints said in a statement that the organization is "re-evaluating" its relationship with the Scouts. "The Church has always welcomed all boys to its Scouting units regardless of sexual orientation," the statement reads in part. "However, the admission of openly gay leaders is inconsistent with the doctrines of the Church and what have traditionally been the values of the Boy Scouts of America."

Statement from the local Boy Scouts of America chapter. Brick Huffman | Scout Executive South Florida Council Boy Scouts of America “Yesterday, the Boy Scouts of America National Executive Board ratiﬁed a resolution that removes the national restriction on openly gay adult leaders and employees. The resolution is effective immediately. Of those present and voting, 79 percent voted in favor of the resolution. Chartered organizations will continue to select their adult leaders and religious chartered organizations may continue to use religious beliefs as criteria for selecting adult leaders, including matters of sexuality. This change allows Scouting’s members and parents to select local units, chartered to organizations with similar beliefs, that best meet the needs of their families. This change also respects the right of religious chartered organizations to choose adult volunteer leaders whose beliefs are consistent with their own. Moving forward, we will continue to focus on reaching and serving youth, helping them grow into good, strong citizens. By focusing on the goals that unite us, we are able to accomplish incredible things for young people and the communities we serve.”

Gates called for the Scouts to end its ban on gay adults in remarks (PDF) at the organization's national business meeting, held May 21. "The status quo in our movement's membership standards cannot be sustained," Gates said. "Our oath calls upon us to do our duty to God and our country. The country is changing, and we are increasingly at odds with the legal landscape at both the state and federal levels." He said decisions on the Boy Scouts'

policy could also be dictated by the courts, and it would be better "to seize control of our own future." However, former Boy Scout leadership team member Jon Langbert told CNN's Carol Costello he believes the new policy isn't a cure-all, since local troops will still be allowed to make the decision on whether to allow gay leaders. "What does that do to folks like me?" asked Langbert, who is openly gay and says he gave up his leadership role when other fathers complained. "If I want to participate with my son, do I now have to start ringing up on the phone and calling around to different troops and saying, 'Do you guys discriminate, or am I a first-class citizen in your troop and I can join?' " Many troops are sponsored by churches and religious organizations, which abide by the guidelines of their affiliation. "It creates a bit of a mess when you don't have one global policy for the Scouts," Langbert added, noting that the national organization allows gay adults as employees. "When you have one branch of an organization doing one thing and another doing another, it creates a lot of stress for folks like me, and I don't think it's sending the right message to the boys, either." Gay youths have been allowed in the Boy Scouts since 2013.

CNN's Dana Ford and Melonyce McAfee contributed to this article. 22

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

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SouthFloridaGayNews

column seeing in the dark

Employment Resources For HIV-Positive Job Seekers Belo Cipriani

Belo, riding in the SF Gay Pride Parade. Youtube.

As a Community Grand Marshal for the 2015 San Francisco Pride Parade, I spent the last month attending pride events all over San Francisco. With my guide dog, Oslo, I moseyed through festive crowds, shaking hands and giving hugs. And while I met tons of smart and funny people, there is one person that stood out from the bunch. He had large hands, a deep voice and was exactly my age; he was also full of questions. “How did you become a writer? Who helped you get your writing jobs? Wow, you are a teacher too? How did you get that job?” As a former career advice blogger, I shared my job search tips without hesitation. Yet, as he confessed that he was HIV positive, and had been looking for work for almost a year, I thought about the challenges of finding work with a disability that’s not visible to the public. We exchanged contact information and I asked him to send me a note so I could forward along some information, but I never heard back from him. I did, though, hear from other HIV-positive men, who, like the guy from the pride party, were deeply frustrated with their inability to find a job. The unemployment rate among the disabled is high. Among the blind community, for example, it’s at 70 percent, and I believe it’s because people with disabilities don’t always get the interview training needed to land a job with a disability. Furthermore, many people living with a disability are not always familiar with the agencies that offer employment services. Since I don’t have any experience with looking for work with an invisible disability, I reached out to the Positive Resource Center in San Francisco. Within an hour of leaving a message, I was on the phone with the Executive Director of the organization, Brett Andrews. And a short bit after that, I was exchanging emails with the agency’s Supervising Employment Specialist, Dennis Reilly. The Positive Resource Center serves HIVpositive clients and individuals with mental health disabilities. They work with San Francisco residents, but can also work with clients from other counties through the California Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Reilly, who has been with Positive Resource Center for 18 years, says staying competitive in a changing economy is tough for all job seekers, since they must work on both hard and soft skills. PRC is facing this challenge head on by providing classes in software applications, like Microsoft Office, as well as by offering workshops in interviewing and self-branding. “The Employment Specialists at PRC,” shared Reilly, “are really skilled in helping a client identify their ‘brand’ -- to differentiate themselves from other job seekers. We call it uncovering your ‘unique promise of value.’” Reilly believes employers are mostly interested in what a person can offer and not what the person is seeking from them. Therefore, conversations around accommodations should happen once someone receives an offer letter and not during the interview process. “The most common request,” continued Reilly, “is for flexible working hours, as some clients report difficulty with medications or sleep issues. Our experience is that most employers are very willing to provide a ‘reasonable accommodation,’ as long as the essential functions of the job can still be performed.” In addition to offering vocational training, PRC offers counseling around earned income while on disability benefits. “For HIV-positive clients, understanding the impact of earned income on disability benefits is critical, and PRC offers a monthly workshop on that topic,” Reilly said. You can learn more about the Positive Resource Center on the web at www. PositiveResource.org. For those living outside of the San Francisco Bay Area, I encourage you to reach out to your local agencies to see if they offer employment services. Personally, I have received employment services from many different agencies. Most recently, I had the San Francisco LGBT Center help me revise my resume. So, you may be surprised by who in your area can help with your job search. Looking for work with a disability is hard, but with the right support, it can become manageable.

Belo Cipriani is a freelance journalist, the award-winning author of Blind: A Memoir and Midday Dreams, and a spokesperson for Guide Dogs for the Blind. He was voted “Best Disability Advocate” in the Bay Area in 2015 by SF Weekly. Learn more at BeloCipriani.com. soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.29.2015 //

feature

MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN CANADA: 10 YEARS LATER SFGN takes a look at what happens after legalization

Daniela Costa Kevin Downer and Toby Bishop have been married for nine years.

“A

ll hell is going to break loose,” “I think it will…literally cause the destruction of our country,” “This could split the country right in two,” “A disastrous ending.” What are those statements referring to? A nuclear war? Nope. Terrorist attack? Nah. Asteroid collision? Wrong. They were just some run of the mill talking points made by right wing fanatics in response to marriage equality. SFGN decided to reach out to America’s northern neighbor to see just how much that country has changed since legalizing samesex marriage 10 years ago this month. Has Canada been destroyed yet? Turns out more Canadians favor marriage equality now than ever before. And yes the nation is still standing strong. The same day the Supreme Court in the U.S. made their historic ruling a Forum poll in Canada found that seven-in-ten Canadians now support same-sex marriage.

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So what exactly does post-equal marriage When CEM came together in 2003, they in a developed North American country look found that public opinion broke down into like? three camps – a third deeply for, a third “To Canadians, deeply against, and a third that the American debate were swayable. sounds very familiar, “Ultimately that third landed “The sky didn’t but it also sounds on the side of equality and fairness fall in. We somewhat historic as a core Canadian value,” he said. because that question didn’t explode or That shift, however, was a long is, 10 years on, largely time in the making. implode because a settled question In 1969, Canada decriminalized in Canada,” said homosexuality. By contrast, it was of same-sex Alex Munter, former only in 2003 that the Supreme marriage,” national coordinator Court in the U.S. invalidated of Canadians for Equal sodomy laws nationwide. Marriage (CEM), a The Canadian Charter of Rights - Helen Kennedy public interest group and Freedoms, introduced in Executive director of Egale that played a pivotal 1982, would play a big role in court role in the passage of the cases to come, as lawyers would Civil Marriage Act. argue that section 15 prohibits “It is no longer really a matter of debate in discrimination on the grounds of “sexual the public discourse,” he added. orientation.” Of course that wasn’t always the case. In 1996 the federal government added soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

sexual orientation to the Canadian Human Rights Act, and by 2001 all provinces and territories in Canada (except three) had added sexual orientation as a protected class under their human rights codes. Then in 2003 the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld a lower court ruling to legally allow same-sex marriages in the province, making it the first to do so. Finally on July 20, 2005, Bill C-38 (Civil Marriage Act) passed, legalizing samesex marriage across Canada. A last ditch effort was made in late 2006 to reopen the marriage equality debate, but that motion was defeated. The point is it didn’t happen overnight. The general public had decades to get accustomed to the idea that homosexuals aren’t criminals, that they are being discriminated against and need protections, and that given the importance of equality to the Canadian identity, they should be able to get married.

And get married they did. The 2011 Canadian census showed that 21,015 same-sex couples were married. Since 2006, the number of married samesex couples had almost tripled. Traditional families had declined, but this was hardly because of same-sex married couples, as they only made up 0.8 per cent of all couples (married and common-law). It’s particularly interesting to note that the census recorded a total of 64,575 same-sex couples, meaning almost a third found it important to get married. “Why wouldn’t we, as people that love each other, why wouldn’t we want to get married just like everyone else?” asks Jennifer Alexander, 66. She and wife Lori Boyce, 56, have been married for nearly 12 years and together for 14. They got married in Ontario in 2003, so soon after it became legal that the forms at City Hall still read “bride” and “groom.” “It was that early,” Alexander said. “They didn’t know what to call us.” The couple met at church and although they both say they never thought equal marriage would become legal in their lifetime, as soon as it did a church wedding was a must. “Once it became legal, it became important to me to be able to make a declaration of love and commitment before not just friends and family, but in a church setting,” Boyce said. They got their church wedding. “It’s not a special right that we’re being given. We’re just given the same right as 95 percent of the population,” Boyce said. Alex Munter.

Fire and Brimstone Here are just a few of the dire predictions made by conservatives if same-sex marriage was legalized

"If this Supreme Court rules against marriage, all hell is going to break loose." Tom DeLay.

— Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas)

"I think there’s an attempt to destroy the institution of marriage and I think it will cause, literally cause the destruction of our country or lead to the destruction of our country over the long run." — Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore

"I believe God loves homosexuals as much as he loves everyone, but if we can redefine marriage as between two men or two women or any other way based on social pressures as opposed to between a man and a woman, we will continue to redefine it in any way that we wish, which is a slippery slope with a disastrous ending, as witnessed in the dramatic fall of the Roman Empire." — GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson

"…we’re going to see a general collapse in the next decade or two." James Dobson.

— Focus on the Family founder James Dobson

"The family is the bedrock of our society. Unless we protect it with the institution of marriage, our country will fall." — GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum

Rick Santorum.

"Anybody who knows something about the history of the human race knows that there is no civilization which has condoned homosexual marriage widely and openly that has long survived." — Former Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.)

"If this court decides that they’re going to change the definition of marriage, that then throws this country into an endless trauma." — Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa)

"We have an enormous storm coming at us in homosexual marriage, unlike anything we've ever faced. Abortion was not this way -- as horrible as abortion is -- but this is the first social issue that, if we lose on, the Gospel is crushed under foot." Jim Garlow.

— Jim Garlow, Senior Pastor of Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego, California

"Messing around with marriage will affect economic prosperity of a nation because you're violating the commands of God" — David Barton, Head of WallBuilders and host of conservative radio show "WallBuilders Live"

Continued on page 26

“This would be more devastating to our freedom, to our religious freedom, to the rights of pastors and their duty to be able to speak and to Christians around the country, then anything that the revolutionaries during the American Revolution even dreamed of facing. This would be the thing that revolutions are made of. This could split the country right in two. This could cause another civil war.” — Chairman, Liberty Counsel and Dean, Liberty University Law School soflagaynews //

David Barton.

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feature Continued from page 25.

All the same, she says they did get some grief from members of the LGBT community about joining a “heteronormative institution.” She wants to make it clear: “We’re not just coping (sic) out and adopting a heterosexual model. We are redefining it in a way that works for us.” Kevin Downer, 50, who has been married to his husband Toby Bishop, 54, for nine years, agrees. “One of the most subversive ways to reform an institution is actually to participate in it, and to participate in it in a way that actually helps to open it up and make it more meaningful.” Their story is one of a lot of travels and coincidences. Downer, who is originally from Connecticut, met Bishop, who hails from England, at a Chicago church. Today they’ve been together 15 years. In 2006, Downer travelled from San Antonio to Toronto to marry Bishop, who at the time was living in Chicago. Then after spending some time in Minneapolis, Downer moved to Toronto in 2013, followed by Bishop a year later. The purpose of that move was so that Downer could begin his work as an executive pastor at the very church they got married in – the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto. Why the choice to get married in Canada if they weren’t going to stay? A series of incidents led up to their decision.

Jennifer Alexander and Lori Boyce.

"Marriage doesn’t change a culture. Marriage is one part of a much larger discussion around diversity and inclusion and acceptance.” - Helen Kennedy Bishop recalls the hassle they experienced trying to check in together at a Chicago airport, whereas for Downer a big point of contestation was the troubles he had trying to visit his husband in the hospital. “As a matter of principle we wanted to fight to put it right,” Bishop said. During the time they lived in the U.S. as a married couple, Downer says the general reception was one of confusion because it wouldn’t quite compute for people that they were actually married. When they moved to Toronto, Downer found that “people don’t bat an eyelash.” That may be largely true today, but even as recently as the mid-2000’s there was resistance.

Helen Kennedy.

Boyce and Alexander recall back then arguments about marriage equality being the legal opening of the doors for polygamy and forcing churches to perform same-sex marriages were common. Sound familiar? “I think it just scared people,” Boyce said. Today, when they walk around Toronto holding hands, they say people either don’t acknowledge them, turn around and look, or smile kindly. One big plus these days is that they’re seeing a lot more young people living their lives openly. “We see more people and we see more younger folks who are just very casual, matter of fact holding hands. And now we’re the ones smiling, because it kind of feels like we pioneered the holding hands in public.” But that’s in Toronto. “When we go outside of Toronto we are not nearly as open with our affection.” Boyce says she would never publicly hold hands with her wife or think of showing her affection back in her small town – this despite her family knowing about them. There’s clearly still work to do. “Marriage doesn’t change a culture,” said Helen Kennedy, executive director

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SouthFloridaGayNews

of Egale, Canada's national LGBT human rights organization. “Marriage is one part of a much larger discussion around diversity and inclusion and acceptance.” For years now LGBT activists and allies in Canada have had a new battle to focus on – trans rights. The trans community still seeks protection under the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code. So while Kennedy doesn’t believe Canada is as inclusive as it could be, she nevertheless still believes it’s a rich and diverse society capable of more. And if you ask her, marriage equality only contributed to society in a good way, bettering Canadian culture. “The sky didn’t fall in. We didn’t explode or implode because of same-sex marriage,” she said. Neither will America. With time, even some of the most fervent opponents will see that. Munter noted: “They will get to know LGBT people, they will come to understand that love is love, and that equality and fairness are core values in the United States just as they are in Canada.”

column speak out

SPEAK SFGN Staff

SFGN’s “Speak OUT” is a weekly feature giving a regular voice to South Florida LGBT leaders.

Give us your thoughts on an LGBT related topic this week.

“

Last week we may have gotten a glimpse of next LGBTQ battle at the Supreme Court. The EEOC, in a vote of 3-2 vote, concluded that Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act forbids sexual orientation discrimination on the job because it’s a form “sex” discrimination. If some circuit courts accept LGBT protections in Title VII and some do not, we will be back at the Supreme Court." — Lee Rubin, Blogger and Community Organizer

“

The biggest and longest-lasting lesbian gatherings - National Women's Music Festival and Michigan Womyn's Music Festival - are each celebrating "40" this summer. Hundreds of thousands of lesbians from all over the world have attended these festivals. The political, personal, and historical impact is incalculable. — Toni Armstrong, Founder/Director of BLAST Women of WPB

“

Caitlyn Jenner has a place in American history that Bruce Jenner might not have maintained. I loved her speech but had to get my arms around the reality that the hairy-chested, handsome athlete I had a big crush on was now complaining to millions of viewers about the challenge of finding the right dress to wear. — Brian McNaught, noted columnist, author and LGBT activist

“

It is my hope that as we continue to work on the issues that pertain to the LGBT community, we also remember that the Women’s community has been our strongest allies. Women and the LGBT Community are so closely linked because we have the same oppressors trying to control us and the same laws that protect our safety, freedom and privacy. I hope that people join NOW and help us support our communities! — Meredith L Ockman, community activist and a director of NOW

SPEAK

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

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.29.2015 //

guest column

Post Marriage Equality, We Need To Get Our Priorities In Order Glenn LeCarl

Whoa... not so fast! As the celebration of marriage equality winds down our community appears poised to pivot toward, and bring the primary focus of our formidable influence, to the fight for passage of the newly introduced Equality Act, which would provide more comprehensive protections against antiLGBT discrimination than its predecessor the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). It may seem the obvious course. After all, as the saying goes, a gay or lesbian person can get married in the morning and fired in the afternoon...or refused a hotel room, be barred from senior housing, declined service in a restaurant, denied a joint auto loan, etc. However there is a need more urgent, one literally of life and death-namely homeless LGBT youth. The time is now that they be not just A priority at long last, but THE top priority moving forward. Fully 20-40 percent of the approximately 1.5 million homeless youths in America identify as LGBT, based on numerous studies. Over the past almost two decades

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Homeless LGBT need our support more than ever

I have been engaged on this issue these dismal statistics have proven stubbornly resistant to change. Studies also show that a youth’s LGBT identity is often a major

When community leaders and pundits discuss the work ahead in the wake of Obergefell v. Hodges, I am disheartened at what I do not hear. Homeless LGBT youth rarely, if ever, rate a mention. contributing factor to becoming homeless, if not the cause altogether. Once homeless, LGBT youth face a myriad of risks, including: suicide, violence, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, prostitution, and substance abuse/dependence. Greater access to LGBT specific and LGBT friendly services, with the necessary competencies and experience, are sorely needed. There are a number of amazing soflagaynews //

foundations and service organizations around the country, such as Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Foundation, the Ali Forney Center in NYC and Larkin Street Youth Services in San Francisco attempting to raise awareness and/or directly address the plight of homelessness among our youth. Yet these organizations have been de facto charged with the responsibility for addressing a crisis that in scope and scale is far beyond their resources and capabilities. Marriage equality is just the latest on the list of our most consequential victories to date. However, most national level successes have been to the sole benefit of LGBT adults. My life-partner, now husband, of sixteen years and I are no exception; our ability to be legally married and have our relationship recognized by the federal government has been a huge advantage to us personally. But when community leaders and pundits discuss the work ahead in the wake of Obergefell v. Hodges, I am disheartened at what I do not hear. Homeless LGBT youth rarely, if ever, rate a mention. To be fair, our national leadership is

SouthFloridaGayNews

not entirely AWOL. One example is the campaign to end anti-LGBT bullying which may help reduce a contributing factor toward homelessness among some LGBT youth. The Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) is a complimentary effort to address bullying and equal opportunity in education. Another example is the advocacy around the Runaway and Homeless Youth Inclusion Act (RHYIA), which would help ensure that programs funded by the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (which must be renewed) serve LGBTQ youth effectively and without discrimination. We’ve all heard of ENDA and will be hearing much about the Equality Act, chances are the same cannot be said for SNDA or RHYIA. There is good reason for that. For all the gains they have labored hard to help secure, and for which they can be rightly proud, the professional activist class of our community has been ineffectual in advancing the cause of homeless LGBTQ youth. Furthermore, our national leadership has consistently failed to embrace a sense of urgency regarding the crisis, let alone respond accordingly. This is shameful, especially when you consider the vast wealth, power, access and media profile that has been marshaled by our community in securing the aforementioned victories. We cannot allow yet another decade to go by, or another generation of our youth to be lost to the streets. Our hard working professionals, top organizations and major contributors have proven they will go to the mat in fighting for our interests--when will our own homeless LGBT youth take precedence? Until they do, many will never get the chance to see manifest in their own lives the benefit of the gains we have made and have yet to make. Absent that top level commitment going forward, we will have to ask ourselves what kind of community we are, what kind of a people we have become, that amidst such tremendous success we neglect the most vulnerable among us.

Glenn LeCarl is a disabled veteran and U.S. Naval Academy alumnus based in Tallahassee, FL. He can be reached at glennalecarl@gmail.com.

opinion jesse’s journal

The Rise and Fall of Pastor Tully …and why the LGBT community should care

Jesse Monteagudo For more than half a century, Fort Lauderdale’s religious and political landscape was dominated by Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. Founded in 1959, Coral Ridge was largely the work of its founding pastor, the Rev. D. James Kennedy. In 2004 I wrote that “Rev. Kennedy uses his Coral Ridge pulpit as the launching pad for an evangelical empire that reaches across the country and around the world.” His Coral Ridge Ministries and its offshoot, the Center for Reclaiming America, are major players in America’s holy wars, leading the fight against abortion, ‘the homosexual agenda,’ pornography and evolution, in disregard for the separation of church and state. The history of [LGBT] rights in Broward County is to a large extent a continuing struggle between our community and our allies on one side and Coral Ridge and its supporters on the other.”

William Graham Tullian Tchividjian, known as “Pastor Tully,” resigned his position at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in June.

As an officer of GUARD - Gays United to Attack Repression and Discrimination - I remember taking part in more than one protest against Coral Ridge, holding signs and stopping traffic in front of the Church’s massive building with its magnificent steeple. Coral Ridge’s golden age ended when Rev. Kennedy died in 2007. After much debate, the church installed the Rev. Tullian Tchividjian (pronounced cha-vi-jijn) as its second senior pastor on Easter Sunday, 2009. Born William Graham Tullian Tchividjian in 1972, “Pastor Tully” comes from evangelical royalty. His grandfather is the

Photo: Jimmy Baikovicius.

Rev. Billy Graham, arguably the leading Protestant clergy of the last century. His parents are Virginia “Gigi” Graham, the preacher’s oldest child, and Dr. Stephan Tchividjian. Born in Jacksonville, Tully sowed his wild oats in South Florida. He “indulged in almost everything Miami’s sensual nightlife offered,” according to a 2009 profile in Christianity Today. That was before he was “born again” and joined the family business. He was the founding pastor of New City Presbyterian Church, which merged with Coral Ridge when the two churches shared the same pastor. Tchividjian was not popular with some of his more conservative congregants, who yearned for the days of Rev. Kennedy. Led by Kennedy’s daughter, they tried to recall their unwelcome pastor but failed, as the congregation voted overwhelmingly to retain Tchividjian. Not taking defeat lightly, the dissidents left Coral Ridge Presbyterian and started their own church. Tchividjian’s opponents had a point. Under his stewardship, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church joined the 21st century. Though Tully’s religious beliefs are as conservative as Kennedy’s, he favors contemporary worship and attire, delivering his sermons in a suit and tie or casual clothes instead of clerical vestments. He ended his church’s role as a political powerhouse and refuses to speak about political issues, unlike his outspoken uncle, the Rev. Franklin Graham. Tchividjian prefers to express his beliefs in his blog or several best selling books, most notably 2011’s Jesus + Nothing = Everything. Husband to Kim Tchividjian and father to Gabe, Nate and Genna, the Rev. Tchividjian appeared to all to be the epitome of successful Christian living. On June 21, Tullian Tchividjian’s career as a preacher took a tumble. He abruptly resigned from his pulpit at Coral Ridge, having admitted to “moral failure.” “I resigned from my position at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church today due to ongoing marital issues,” Tchividjian declared in a written statement he sent to the Washington Post. “As many of you know, I returned from a trip a few months back and discovered my wife was having an affair. … As her affair continued, we separated. Sadly and

Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church at Fort Lauderdale.

embarrassingly, I subsequently sought comfort in a friend [no gender indicated] and developed an inappropriate relationship myself. Last week I was approached by our church leaders and they asked me about my own affair. I admitted to it and it was decided that the best course of action would be for me to resign.” Not surprisingly, Kim Tchividjian was not happy about being thrown under the bus by her husband - blaming the wife is a popular ploy in religious circles ever since Adam blamed Eve for eating the apple - and she tartly informed the Post that Tully’s “statement reflected my husband’s opinion but not my own.” Tchividjian is the fourth Florida megachurch pastor in recent years to resign his post due to “moral failure.” Though a preacher’s failure to live up to his own standards always makes for delightful reading, we wonder if there is more to

soflagaynews //

Tully’s fall than he or his church are willing to admit. Tchividjian was always unpopular with the religious right activists who missed Rev. Kennedy’s reign of terror. Since 2009 they have been looking for an excuse to get rid of their unwelcome pastor and Tchividjian gave it to them. Ever since the sixth century Byzantine Emperor Justinian used his newly-passed sodomy laws to dispose of his enemies, sex has been used as a political tool, in churches and elsewhere. This does not mean that Tchividjian was not responsible for his own downfall; or that he did not resign out of his own free will. It means that the future of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, and of the community that it claims to serve, is uncertain. Let us hope that Tchividjian’s successor, whoever he or she might be, does not take the church back to the bad old days of D. James Kennedy.

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.29.2015 //

column publisher’s editorial

Photo: J.R. Davis.

Death on the Drive Norm Kent

Voted No. 1 Dry Cleaners in South Florida

norm.kent@sfgn.com

The politicians who run Wilton Manors have known for years that Wilton Drive is not a neighborhood road — but a death trap.

Free Pick Up & Delivery (Home / Office)

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

In fact, the city decided to create signs in the past few months to post in local businesses warning pedestrians to be individually safer in their actions and more alert for passing vehicles. But I am not here to sing their praise. I would prefer their unanimous resignations. You see, politicians are good at proclamations and promises, celebrations and coronations. But actually getting done what needs to be done is a whole other thing. For years, it has been transparent and known to civic leaders that Wilton Drive is an unsafe state highway that places pedestrians at risk- even before you populate the locale with late night clubs pouring alcoholic beverages. It was in April of 2010 when Doug Blevins and Tom Tabor presented “We want to achieve similar goals on The Drive,” Tom Tabor stated. to the city commission site plans, artist renderings and a cost analysis Five years later, it is easy to see we have not. We know what’s wrong. to convert Wilton Drive into a neighborhood road with pedestrian We know what we had to do. We just have not done it. paths we could all feel proud of and safer walking upon. Instead of building safer roads yesterday, our city commissioners “The vision we have is a traditional Town Center within the are posting warning signs today about how unsafe we really are. In community with small town charm and urban sophistication,” said other words, instead of cleaning up the polluted lake you swim in, we Doug Blevins, president at the time. “Our mission has been to assist are just posting advisories for you not to drink the water. in creating a greater environment for residents, art, and commerce.” This unsurprising political ineffectiveness explains why Donald From economic development to enhanced designs, the group Trump is leading in all the polls. Faced with an obvious problem that sought to change the face of the Drive to a subtler yet sophisticated needed solving, five years later you look at the situation and see that shopping area, adding security, safety, and opportunity to the mix. the politicians in power have achieved nothing. First established in 2004, the group sought What happened to the federal grant? What did to bolster the quality of life for residents and the city do about raising matching funds? What guests along the drive, promoting arts, culture, happened to the task force? What happened to entertainment and special events in Wilton Manors. Five years later, Ordinance 962, designed to turn a deadly state road The WMMS Street Initiative also hoped to beautify into a neighborhood Main Street? we are mourning the street and improve pedestrian safety, adding over Our civic leaders still have dreams we can change. 100 parking spaces and narrowing the road to smaller yet another They now operate under the umbrella of the Wilton and safer lanes. They knew and we all understood Manors Development Alliance, “sustaining small death of another that with the city’s growth, Wilton Drive was unsafe town charm, creating urban sophistication.” and dangerous. pedestrian on They view the Drive as a place where “commerce The fundamental heart of the initiative allowed the art and housing enthusiastically coexist and provide that same road, city to take back control of Wilton Drive (State Road mutual nourishment.” 811) from Florida’s Department of Transportation, this time of a Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “our castles changing the road from four lanes to two, using the need to be in the air, but we must build foundations gentle man whose extra driving lanes as paid parking and completely under them.” landscaping the area. resonating soloist Dreams are nice. Deeds are better. We already knew that pedestrian deaths in Florida Wilton Manors honored the memory of Diane voice illuminated are higher than elsewhere in the nation, and as Cline, its former director of the Historical Society by more drivers used the Wilton Manors roads later in the South Florida renaming a street in her honor. But the late Ms. Cline the evening to patronize local venues, more serious would have been more appreciative of having all our Gay Men’s Chorus accidents would occur on Wilton Drive. They have, roads safer. In 2010, she told city commissioners and you did not need to be a rocket scientist to see for years. “Trees don’t kill. Speeding cars do.” it coming. We all did, from editorial writers to city Five years later, we are mourning yet another planners to community leaders. death of another pedestrian on that same road, this The issue was then, and is now, far more compelling than just time of a gentle man whose resonating soloist voice illuminated the adding parking meters and building a parking lot. In articles SFGN South Florida Gay Men’s Chorus for years. published in March and April of 2010, our paper noted that from We will miss you, Greg Futchi. But we never should have lost you New York to Idaho, cities were innovatively and effectively addressing this way. Unfortunately, you lived in a city that couldn’t even build a aesthetics and safety in their communities. parking lot in five years, let alone provide you with safe roads. Now it was our turn. Or so we thought. soflagaynews //

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lifestyle cars

D R I V E N

2015

Lincoln Navigator Steve Siler

Got Leather? So Does This.

A few weeks ago, I reviewed the handsome new 2015 Ford Expedition, which got a mild refresh and a great new turbocharged engine to bring it back to the top of its game. This week, I’m in its leather-lined fraternal twin, the Lincoln Navigator. Like the Expedition, the Lincoln got a nose job, though the Lincoln’s is more dramatic, replacing the last model toothy “waterfall” grille with split horizontal bars flanked by beady headlamps with integrated LEDs. My tester came with the Reserve package, and its table-sized 22-inch wheels. All Navigators got a butt lift as well, with a full-width band of horizontal LED taillamps spanning the entire tailgate ensuring that from blocks away, you won’t mistake this for anything else— certainly not that other bitch, Escalade, whose LEDs run vertically. So there. Mechanically, the Navigator is not much different than the Expedition. It’s powered by the same silky turbocharged V-6 with the same six-speed automatic, and is strong enough to tow Rosie’s bar—or at least 9,000 pounds of it—out the beach. No, what really sets the Lincoln apart is the redesigned interior. While the instruments and SYNC infotainment system are also Ford parts, Lincoln essentially decided to just cover everything from the seats to the entire dashboard in leather. (I, for one, am not complaining, having a bit of a penchant for cowhide myself.) In the case of the Lincoln, however, the “Trevino” leather is spectacularly soft, considerably better than that in the Ford, and it even covers the powerfolding third-row seats. It comes in multiple shades, but personally, I wouldn’t consider any color other than black, to match my, well, never mind.

Swank as it may be inside, I’m not sure I love the new Navigator. With crossovers getting so capable and luxurious, the Navigator is feeling more and more like the porky truck that it is. You can certainly spread out and get comfortable, but you’d better be sure that you have the room in your garage—and your gas budget— for something this size. Because unless you’re already used to driving something this big, the Navigator’s almighty hugeness becomes cumbersome. Then again, most of the leather guys know how to handle big things.

avigator

N 2015 Lincoln

Base Price: $62,915 Power: Turbocharged 3.5-liter

V-6 (365 hp, 420 lb-ft of torque)

Transmission: 6-speed automatic Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg (EPA est): 16/22 (2WD) 15/20 (4WD)

OR YOU COULD BUY:

Photos: Lincoln.

GMC Yukon Denali Cadillac Escalade Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

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

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

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lifestyle books

'Holy Cow!'

By Boze Hadleigh

Terri Schlichenmeyer

$14.99 / $19.99 Canada 303 pages c.2015, Skyhorse Publishing

rom the time you were old enough to communicate, you took to words like a duck to water. You’ve verbally hammed it up ever since. Yes, it’s probably driven your friends and family batty, all this talk-talk-talk of yours. And yes, there are times when what you say is a bunch of bull, but you’re not trying to start a beef. You’re just having fun because, as in the new book “Holy Cow!” by Boze Hadleigh, language isn’t for the birds. No doubt about it, we humans love our animals. We love them so much that we sprinkle references to them in our daily conversation, mostly without even thinking about it. Our shaggy dog stories are sometimes just that – but where did those old sayings, clichés, discouraging words, and tender nicknames come from? The truth, as Hadleigh shows, is an interesting, yet convoluted, tale. In many cases, animalistic words came about as description: Oxford, England, for instance, was once a place where oxen forded a river. Tell someone there’s a dogleg in the road, and they’ll know what you’re saying – plus, a road like that might make them sick as a dog. And then there are the words that really make you scratch your head: Great Britain’s hedgehog pudding isn’t made of the spiny mammals, and dogs and monkeys are much more likely to ape you than is a copyCAT. And about that famed cat curiosity? It might’ve been targeted at another type of animal… Or, let’s say somebody’s made you mad. Calling him a dog goes back many years – perhaps back into the mid-1800s when “the only good dog was a useful dog.” The wordthat-rhymes-with-witch has always been directed at women; its first near-appearance

in film was in 1939, and that was pretty scandalous. Call someone a rat and, well, that’s rather self-explanatory. The modern street use of the word “heifer” is pretty wrong, unless you’re in a barn. There really is more than one way to skin a cat (catFISH, that is). A sawhorse and a clotheshorse are similar in origin. And if you think a kitty really has nine lives, well doggone it, you’re barking up the wrong tree. Ahh, language lovers. I can practically hear you howling for this book now – and for good reason. Like a dog with a bone, you won’t want to let “Holy Cow!” go. Starting with canines and ending with birds, bees, and bugs, author Boze Hadleigh goes whole hog in explaining where many of our favorite expressions originated. But this book isn’t just horseplay – Hadleigh includes words that are archaic (but need resurrection), as well as localisms and words you’ll want to add to your vocabulary. That all adds up to fun that’s useful and, for dyedin-the-wool linguists, it’s a golden egg. So let’s talk turkey: if it’s been a dog’s age since you last read a book about language, it’s time you find this one. You won’t sound hackneyed or feel like a dinosaur with “Holy Cow!’ Naw, this book is the cat’s meow.

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lifestyle photos

equality florida David Replogle

Group hosts marriage ruling celebration at Rosie's

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feature

TV Chef Robyn Almodovar Has Plenty on Her Plate

Christiana Lilly

hen you’re around Robyn Almodovar, you can’t miss her.

was a big shock at 26 to be in a room filled with lesbians. “I never really fit in,” she said. “I actually went to Aqua Girl and was like, holy shit! Where With a unique head of curly hair, she speaks her mind without a filter and cooks pretty the fuck did all these women come from?” In South Florida, she interviewed at area damn good food. Around town, you may have had a chance to try out her dishes from black- restaurants for externships and was hired at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale. and-white food truck, Palate Party. Oddly enough, South Florida has pumped Or maybe you recognize her from TV -- she was a contestant on Hell’s Kitchen in 2010 out a number of other Hell’s Kitchen alums, and recently won Chopped on Food Network. including Chefs Paula DaSilva, La Tasha Plus, she’ll be on Cutthroat Kitchen and Camp McCutchen, Giovanni Lucio Filippone, and Bret Hause. Cutthroat Kitchen with Alton Brown. Almodovar decided to take the plunge and Really, it’s like she’s everywhere, standing went to an open casting call for “Hell’s Kitchen,” out as not just a female, Italian-Puerto Rican a cooking competition lead by legendary hot chef, but also an out chef. “I’ve been noticing a lot of female chefs head, Chef Gordon Ramsay. Auditioning for coming out, a lot of strong female chefs,” season nine, she made it to the final round and was flown out to LA -- but didn’t make the cut. she said about the typically male-dominated “They broke my heart,” she remembered. culinary field. “I’m really excited to see the Little did she know they were saving her LGBT community come out even more and to for season 10, and called her back. During try have female chefs shine.” Raised in Staten Island, Almodovar was outs, she kept to herself in her hotel room smoking while the first introduced rest of the potential to food by her candidates partied g ra n d m o t h e r. in the pool, As a little kid, “going crazy.” The she’d stand on producer told them a chair to learn that they’d be drug how to make tested when they meatballs and got picked, so when then threw she got the call she them into a pot looked down at her of sauce. Her blunt, “I thought, I very first dish guess that’s the last she cooked time I’m smoking all by herself: you!” scrambled eggs. Cooking might However, it be her first passion, was more of a but something chore she had else that gets her to do to help talking is legalizing Chef Robyn Almodovar recently won out around the marijuana -- she "Chopped" and also starred in "Hell's house and for sees how it helps Kitchen". work -- she with people’s started in the anxiety and restaurant industry at 16 -- and she went into cosmetology instead. While in beauty school, alleviating symptoms of other diseases and disorders in children, and wishes she could she spent her nights relaxing with pot and staying up watching late night television, when start a food truck that churns out food with edible marijuana. she saw commercial after commercial for Le “I’m all about Charlotte’s Webb and the Cordon Bleu cooking school. She took it as a CBD side of marijuana,” she said, referring sign. “I dropped out of cosmetology school the to the extracts of cannabis that do not cause someone to get high. “Anything that helps kids next day and started culinary school two weeks to not have seizures and not feel pain, that’s later,” she said. “It was a great fit right away. awesome.” Culinary school was the place I needed to be.” She also is involved in Share Our Strength, Then living in Atlanta, Almodovar graduated a year-and-a-half later and decided to go to which works to fight childhood hunger, and Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Aqua Girl in Miami during a break she had. Nutrition to Youth (FLIPANY). Without many gay friends to hang out with, it

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

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While she can’t start up the food truck of her dreams (“There’s too many regulations”), she does incorporate clean eating into her dishes, using farm-fresh products, pesticide-free foods, and working closely with her purveyors so she knows where all her ingredients come from. “Everything is fresh,” she said. “That’s what we try to practice.” But Almodovar wasn’t done with TV yet. After her year-and-a-half contract with Hell’s Kitchen was over, she filled out applications to be on Chopped on the Food Network and was cast to be in a motherdaughter episode. However, that idea was scratched and she went out to LA solo, filming the episode in January. On July 7, surrounded by friends at a watch party at Rumors in Wilton Manors (“It’s where we go when we want to have a drink,” she says), everyone watched as she defeated Executive Chef Stephen Wa m b ac h from the Four Seasons Chicago, Chef Oscar Toro of Buddakan, and Chef Robert Sevcik for the top prize of $10,000. If you’re itching to try her food, check out her food truck, Palate Party, on Facebook or make reservations for her pop up Supper Club Thursdays at Kitchen 305 in Sunny Isles. “They get to taste everything that Robyn has to offer. My palate is very eclectic, so I like to cook food from all over the world.” The eight-week program started July 23, and Almodovar hints that you may find some big name chefs in the dining room. Call 305-749-2110 or visit Kitchen305Miami.com for reservations.

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Pier Angelo

erv Grifﬁn (right) was allegedly a bisexual, while some claimed he might be gay and closeted.

Paul Lynde (1926 –1982) was an

American comedian and actor. A noted character actor with a distinctively campy and snarky persona that often poked fun at his barely in-the-closet homosexuality, Lynde was well known for his roles as Uncle Arthur on Bewitched and the befuddled father Harry MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie. He was also the regular "center square" guest on the game show Hollywood Squares from 1968 to 1981, and he voiced two Hanna-Barbera productions. On Hollywood Squares Lynde was best able to showcase his comedic talents with short, salty one-liners, delivered in his trademark sniggering delivery. Many of these gags were thinly veiled allusions to his homosexuality. Asked whether it was against the law in Texas to call a Marine a "sissy," Lynde quipped, "I guess I’ll have to take the law into my own hands." Other jokes relied on double entendre, an alleged fondness for deviant behaviors, or dealt with touchy subject matter for 1970s television. Examples include Q: "Paul, any good boat enthusiast should know that when a man falls out of your boat and into the water, you should yell 'Man overboard!' Now what should you yell if a woman falls overboard?" Lynde: "Full speed ahead!" Lynde garnered considerable fame and wealth from the series, appearing a total of 707 times but to the homosexual community, his reputation was less than stellar. In some ways, he came to symbolize what's perceived to be a self-loathing era for gay culture.

Charles Nelson Reilly (1931 –2007) was an American actor, comedian, director and drama teacher, known for his comedic roles in stages, films, children's television and cartoons, and as a game show panelist. Reilly was perhaps best known as a fixture of game shows, primarily due to his appearances as a regular panelist on the television game show Match Game. Reilly was one of the longest-running guests, and often engaged in petty, hilarious arguments with fellow regular Brett Somers. Reilly typically offered sardonic commentary and peppered his answers with homosexually themed double entendres that pushed the boundaries

of 1970s television standards. Reilly did not publicly affirm his homosexuality until his one-man show, Save It for the Stage in 2000. However, much like fellow game-show regular Paul Lynde of the same era, Reilly played up a campy on-screen persona. In many episodes of Match Game, he would lampoon himself by briefly affecting a deep voice and the nickname "Chuck," and self-consciously describing how "butch" he was. He mentioned in a 2002 interview with Entertainment Tonight that he felt no need to note this and that he never purposely hid being gay from anyone. Patrick Hughes III, a set decorator and dresser, was Reilly's domestic partner; the two met backstage while Reilly appeared on the game show Battlestars. They lived in Beverly Hills.

Merv Grifﬁn (1925 –2007) was an American television host, musician, actor, and media mogul. From 1965 to 1986 Griffin hosted his own talk show, “The Merv Griffin Show.” He also created the still running game shows “Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune.” Griffin kept many details of his personal and business life private, including his alleged bisexuality, and other claims that he died a closeted homosexual. In 1991, he was sued by Deney Terrio, the host of “Dance Fever,” another show Mr. Griffin created, alleging sexual harassment. The same year, Brent Plott, a longtime employee who worked as a bodyguard, horse trainer and driver, filed a $200 million palimony lawsuit. Griffin consistently evaded answering questions about his sexuality with a characteristic quip. In a 2005 interview with The New York Times, he said: “I tell everybody that I’m a quarter-sexual. I will do anything with anybody for a quarter.”

Niko Santo Pietro, Vanna White's son, is in a gay relationship' with an Hare Krishna. The “Wheel of Fortune” star's son Nicholas, 21, lives with Hare Krishna monk Jaycee Akinsanya, 36, in Arizona. The TV star, worth an estimated $40 million, feared she was fighting to save her teenage son from being brainwashed by the monk who was after her money, but now it transpires that the pair is in a serious relationship.

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.

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

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lifestyle art

#LoveWins Exhibition Boynton Beach artist hosts celebratory art exhibit

Jason Parsley

Rolando Chang Barrero hosted a #LoveWins exhibit last week in the Boynton Beach Arts District to celebrate the Supreme Court's samesex marriage ruling in June.

Serafima Sokolov "SCOTUS Lovin" – Chalk on paper $500

Patricia Awapara, Love Is – Acrylic on canvas $636

Erin Fromkes, Love Wins, 2015 – $3,000

Curator, Rolando Chang Barrero, accepted this controversial bronze sculpture and accompanying video by Cheri Mittermaier. The work kinetic sculpture was refused by every other gallery.

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

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Lisa Lewis, Love Wins, 2013 – Pastel on paper $65

Scott Jeffries, Love Wins – Acrylic $400

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Craig McInnis, Love Win – Acrylic on wood $175

Barry Friedman, Hands of Love, 2015 – Mixed media plaster $500

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Plans, elevations, specifications, features, colors, designs, dimensions and materials are all subject to availability, and to change or substitution at any time and without notice. SobelCo expressly reserves the right to make modification, revisions and changes as may be required for lot fit or by governmental bodies and law, or other reasons as set forth in the Purchase Agreement. Illustrations of elevations and plans are artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s depictions only. Plans are only for illustrative and conceptional purposes, are not to scale, and may be the reverse (mirror image) of those shown. The drawings and floor plans in this brochure should not be relied upon, express or implied, for the final detail, feature or dimensions of any home. All measurements, including, but not limited to, room dimensions, balconies, porches and ceiling and wall heights are approximate and may vary from those shown as a result of, among other things, (i) the elevation and home-site selected, and/or (ii) construction materials, construction practices, field conditions and flooring thickness. Square footages are approximate and are measured from the outside of exterior walls. In production, plans and elevations may vary in precise details and dimensions, and may not actually be constructed as shown. The fixture shapes shown are graphical in nature and are not necessarily indicative of a particular style or model. In addition, some features shown in the model homes may not be included in the purchase price of the home as quoted. Please consult your sales representative and refer to the Purchase Agreement in order to determine which features, specifications and elevations are included in any home you may purchase. Stock photography includes stock images and is used to depict the spirit of lifestyle and not for specific references. Map is for illustration purposes, not to scale and for approximate location only. For exact locations consult a sales representative. CBC017578

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lifestyle food

Viva Las Olas

Rick Karlin

t’s no secret that there’s lots of plastic surgery in South Florida, but no “facelift” has been more successful than that of Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Blvd. When it was constructed in 1917, Las Olas was just a dirt road crossing swampy wetlands. Post World War II

Photos: Facebook.

Louie Bossi 1032 E. Las Olas Blvd. 954-356-6699 www.louiebossi.com

it was developed as a commercial district and became famous in the movie “Where the Boys Are” In the 1980s, Las Olas went through a major renovation program and in the last 15 years has developed a nationwide reputation for high-end boutiques and trendy restaurants.

he latest addition to the dining options is Louie Bossi’s, a retro-Italian spot that has taken over the space formerly occupied by Solita. Patrons of the old space won’t recognize it, and the transformation is for the better. As re-imagined by the Big Time Restaurant Group, the 10,000 sq. ft. restaurant features five indoor and outdoor dining areas including a huge piazza, a salumi bar and a patio facing Las Olas. It is inspired by Italian-American neighborhood restaurants in New York and Chicago, albeit on steroids. All this would be a waste of time if the food weren’t good, and it’s not good, it’s great. We kicked off our meal with a plate of olives and the bruschetta sampler, which seemed high-priced at $28. What we didn’t realize is that we’d be served pairs of the four different bruschetta; a lively caponata, prosciutto with peppers, mushroom conserve and finocchia fennel topped with fontina. There was more than enough for four to share, making it quite reasonably priced. I enjoyed a signature cocktail, the Cetriolo, a combination of sparkling wine, Canton ginger liquere and sweet and sour mix. The “Arthur Ave.” antipasti salad features giardiniera, fava beans, provolone and salumi. Again, easily enough to serve four; abbodanza seems to be the theme of the menu. That is certainly the case with the

bone-in 24 oz. rib-eye. Aged in house, the, huge chop sat all alone on the plate. It had great flavor, but for $42, they could have thrown on a vegetable or potato. A side of polenta, drowning in tomato sauce is not worth the $5 extra charge. Linguini Nero presented squid ink pasta with four huge, plump shrimp, perfectly prepared with chiles and rapini. Again, an oddly small portion of pasta for a $26 price tag. If you’re a chocolate lover, order the budino, a rich thick pudding, topped with salted caramel, chopped hazelnuts and whipped cream. It is, quite possibly, the best dessert I’ve ever had in my life. A scoop of blackberry sorbetto was attractively presented with strawberry “ears,” marshmallow nose and chocolate nib eyes. The plate of cookies was less successful. Louie Bossi’s is a bit crowded and frenetic; ask for a booth or a table on the piazza if you’d like a little elbow room and relief from the hustle and bustle. Service can be harried, but our server, Martin is a gem. Not only was he attentive, friendly and relaxed, but quite handsome. Opened less than two months, the place is consistently packed, even on off-season week-nights, so if you plan on checking it out, do so before it becomes impossible. Make no mistake, it’s a pricey place, but you get top quality fare. It’s about 20-30 percent cheaper at brunch and lunch and the bar’s happy hour features $2 off all drinks and half-priced pizzas from 4-7 p.m.

Four Other Las Olas Spots Worth Checking Out

•1

hef Louis Flematti and his wife Janine have been through Las Olas’ ups and downs for more than 40 years and have thrived because they do just one thing; prepare the best French bistro fare in town. Over the years, the restaurant has expanded, with three

Café De Paris 715 E. Las Olas Blvd. 954-467-2900 CafeDeParisLasOlas.com

Fork & Balls 1301 E. Las Olas Blvd. 954-771-2257 ForkAndBalls.com

he meatball focused menu puts a fresh spin on the traditional comfort food, featuring all types of balls and combinations, including a number of vegetarian options. Examples include; traditional meatballs served with rapini, quinoa kale balls in coconut curry sauce, Southwestern pork meatballs with black beans, ground chicken meatballs with grilled romaine and pesto turkey meatballs on whole wheat spaghetti.

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indoor dining areas as well as outdoor patio seating. The three course early bird (available from 5-6 p.m. and priced between $21-$28) or gourmet dinner (available all night, priced between $27-$39) dinners are cheaper than a trip to Paris.

Mangos 904 E. Las Olas Blvd. 954-523-5001 MangosOnLasOlas.com

till going strong after 20 years, Mangos would be successful even if it only served its two signature dishes; snow crab bisque and chicken puff pie. Its menu offers a lot more though, including a damn good lobster roll and “Las Olas Shrimp,” served scampi style with artichoke hearts, kalamata olives and garlic butter over imported linguini. Happy hour specials include well drinks for $5, house wine for $6, domestic and draft beer for $3, $5 burgers and half off all appetizers with any drink purchase.

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4 W

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Rocco’s Tacos 1313 East Las Olas Blvd. 954-524-9550 RoccosTacos.com

hile I wouldn’t go so far as to claim that this is authentic Mexican fare, it is a good example of Mexican-American cuisine. The party-like atmosphere, no doubt enhanced by the 425 varieties of tequila, extends to tableside preparation of guacamole and margaritas prepared with house-made sour mix. The tortillas are hand-made cooked fresh on a comal, just as they are in Mexican kitchens.

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 // 7.29.2015 //

F O R

SFGNITES

T H E

J.W. Arnold

jw@prdconline.com

THU

NIGHTLIFE

W E E K

O F

J U L Y

3 0

A U G U S T

4 ,

2 0 1 5

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

7/30

Village Pub, 2283 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors, hosts a hot night of Latin entertainment, “Caliente with Jose Vega,” tonight at 9:45 p.m. Enjoy fiery performances, dance competitions and drink specials. Vega will welcome his friends, Sebastian, Selena Jimenez, Athena Dion and Rolly, to help host the evening, sponsored by Deep Eddy vodka. Head over a little earlier to enjoy the popular neighborhood bar’s 2-4-1 happy hour specials, too. Info at VillagePubWM.com.

FRI

NIGHTLIFE

7/31

You don’t have to wait for Sunday for a hot tea dance. Kick off the weekend gaily on Fridays, The Palace, 1200 Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, where the action starts at 4 p.m. with DJ SUSHIMAN. Then at 6 p.m. it’s time for Drag Madness with Tiffany Fantasia. Check out South Beach’s only gay beach bar, where “every queen needs a palace.” Stuck in traffic, don’t worry because the fun may start early, but it continues well into the wee hours of the night. For information, go to PalaceSouthBeach.com.

SAT

THEATER

Photo Credit: Logo TV.

8/1 SUN

GableStage closes out its 2015 season with John Logan’s play, “I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers,” opening tonight and running through Aug. 30 at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Lane in Coral Gables. The play offers a frank look at the life of the tough talking, Germanborn super agent who guided the careers of Hollywood’s biggest names during the 1960s, ‘70s and early ‘80s. Michael Leeds directs Laura Turnbull in this powerful play. Tickets $50 – 55 at GableStage.org.

The experts from Logo’s “Secret Guide to Fabulous” are back this weekend with plenty to tips to transform your life in a Sunday sneak peak of the upcoming season.

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

TELEVISION

8/2 MON SPORTS

Sundays are a big night for LGBT TV. Caitlyn Jenner’s breakout docu-series, “I Am Cait,” continues on E! Entertainment while the latest season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” heats up on Logo. Tonight, enjoy a sneak peak at the second season of Logo’s “Queer Eye for the Queer Guy” series from Kelly Ripa and husband Mark Consuelos, “Secret Guide to Fabulous.” Three fabulous lifestyle experts come up with all sorts of clever ways to gay up anybody’s mundane existence. Check local listings for show times. soflagaynews //

8/3 TUE

Celebrate the 225th Birthday of the United States Coast Guard with the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park in Little Havana. It’s Military Appreciation Night and active duty and retired military and their families will be admitted free with valid ID at the east plaza box office. Rear Admiral Scott Buschman will throw out the first pitch before the Marlins take on the New York Mets at 7:10 p.m. Show your appreciation for our military tonight. Tickets also available at Miami. Marlins.MLB.com.

SouthFloridaGayNews

TELEVISION

8/4

Four-time Olympic gold medalist Greg Louganis is universally recognized as the greatest diver ever, but his greatest impact may ultimately come from being one of the first openly gay athletes in America. The intimate documentary, “Back on Board: Greg Louganis,” looks at the public triumphs and private struggles of this LGBT trailblazer when it debuts tonight at 10 p.m. on HBO. The documentary will also be available on HBO on demand platforms. Check local listings for channels.

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www.AquafestCruises.com soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.29.2015 //

a&e film

‘Do I Sound Gay?’ Is A Cinematic Mouthful J.W. Arnold

Filmmaker David Thorpe practices vocal exercises in “Do I Sound Gay?,” a documentary screening this weekend at Cinema Paradiso Fort Lauderdale. Credit: IFC When filmmaker David Thorpe finds himself jilted once again by a boyfriend, he begins to wonder if his efforts at love are being sabotaged by a pretty obvious neurosis. He proclaims early in the film, “I’m not satisfied. I’m in my forties and single, which is why I am obsessed about sounding gay.” The result is an introspective, often humorous 77-minute documentary, “Do I Sound Gay?” in which Thorpe enlists speech pathologists, vocal coaches, comedians, actors and even complete strangers in the search for an answer—and perhaps a solution. Susan Sankin, the speech pathologist, suggests that people adopt their dialects and vocal mannerisms as survival mechanisms. Some use these subtle and not so subtle characteristics to send subliminal codes, mask an uncomfortable cultural, social or regional background or even to boldly signal traits such as sexual orientation. But an even more uncomfortable reality Thorpe unveils is the gay community’s own prejudice toward effeminate men. One after another, Thorpe interviewed gay men at Fire Island who denounced nelly queens, leading him down a deeper look at history. “Why do we insist on sounding like a pack of raving ninnies?” he asked. First, he looks at portrayals of ostensibly gay characters in the movies. In the 1930s, the “pansy” was educated, refined and operating

on the periphery of the story. Just a decade later, as exemplified in the thriller, “Laura,” the pansy became more dangerous, a villain. For some of the subjects, the mannerisms were imitations of the enviable rich kids they saw, such as the prepubescent Patrick Dennis in “Mame,” who could mix a perfect gin martini. Then there is a scientific discussion of the notorious gay lisp. Sex columnist and gay culture icon Dan Savage suggests the scorn is a sort of gay misogyny, dangerous to the hypermasculinity celebrated by the community for generations. Miguel, an openly gay choreographer, lays it on the line: “Here you have come out of the closet and you’re still changing yourself to try to fit in,” he pronounced. “Project Runway” star Tim Gunn adds levity at a crucial point, explaining, “We enunciate and if that’s gay, well mwah….Some of the gayest men I know are straight.” Fortunately, the gay self-flagellation eventually comes to an end, satisfying some viewers, but probably leaving others with an unresolved question about the entire project. Thorpe concludes with the old proverb, “If you can’t handle the answer, don’t ask the question,” but then continues, “If you can’t handle the answer, then that’s a question you have to ask.”

“Do I Sound Gay?” is being shown at Cinema Paradiso – Fort Lauderdale, 505 SE 6th St., through Thursday, Aug. 6. Filmmaker David Thorpe will participate in a Q&A session via Skype following the 7 p.m. screening on Saturday, Aug. 1. For tickets and show times, go to FLIFF.com.

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

a&e review

Wednesdays Are Getting Hot In Lake Worth Blue Front opens its doors to LGBT patrons

Donald Cavanaugh courtesy Rodney Briguglio

The Palm Beach County LGBT entertainment scene recently got a new offering on Wednesday nights at the Blue Front BBQ Bar & Grill at 1132 N Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. From 8 p.m. to midnight the nationally recognized female impersonator, Velvet Lenore and DJ Q will produce “The Sexy Show- Mild-2-Hot.” The name comes from Blue Front barbeque sauce, which is manufactured locally and sold nationally. It lends its name to the venue as well – the Blue Front BBQ Bar and Grill. The blue and white motif is carried both inside and out making it easily visible from Dixie Highway. “We were lucky to get Velvet Lenore,” Briguglio said. “Her calendar was full but then the Island Restaurant closed where she had been working on Wednesdays so we were able to enlist her talents for the perfect day and time.” Briguglio is excited about offering a gay show on Wednesday nights instead of the more traditional Thursday. He believes that keeping earlier hours in the middle of the week will attract people who want a mid-week break but have to work the rest of the week as well as others who just don’t want to stay out late. The show ends at midnight but the bar is open until 2 a.m. According to Briguglio, “The Sexy Show” is slated to play host to various raffles, fundraising and networking events in addition to the lineup of entertainment already programmed into the nights for the upcoming weeks. Both Briguglio and Lenore are committed to supporting the gay community in Palm Beach County and beyond. Lenore, for example, donates gifts to Toys for Tots every year. “Each week will have a different theme

with different entertainers from Broward and Miami as well as Palm Beach County,” Briguglio said. “In addition to the female impersonators, there will be shot boys and girls, scantily clad muscle glittered go-go gods and a variety of different acts.” “I’m happy to say that I have talent connections throughout South Florida and can draw on them to provide variety and new faces,” Lenore said. “People will find something fresh every time they come and that will keep them coming back.”

Velvet in red – courtesy Velvet Lenore

The Sexy Show – Mild-2-Hot was launched quietly on June 10 with about 20 people in the audience. More than 50 people came to be entertained at the fifth show, according to Lenore. “Honey, it will continue to grow,” she said. “When people hear about us they’ll come out of curiosity but they’ll stay because of the quality and variety of the productions and the ambience and the food.” From 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. guests will be able to buy well drinks for $3 and domestic drafts for $2. Jell-O shots will be available at two for $5. A limited barbecue and tapas menu will be available until 11 p.m. “There’s plenty of space to grow,” Briguglio said. “There’s the dining area, the lounge and the back garden,” he continued. “You can see the stage from everywhere and the garden has been redesigned and is very attractive. For more information or reservations call 561-827-6468. soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.29.2015 //

Datebook

Theater Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com

Top

Picks

Dave Matthews Band

July 31 to Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. at Coral Sky Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way in West Palm Beach. Hailing from South Africa, Dave Matthews brings his folk rock band for not one, but two shows. Tickets $96 and up. Call 561-795-8883 or visit CruzanAmphitheatre.net.

Mad Decent Block Party

Aug. 1 at 3 p.m. at Revolution Live, 100 SW Third Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The annual musical block party is back with performances by Jack Ü (Diplo and Skrillex), Major Lazer, Jauz, Ricky Remedy, Thomas Jack, Yellow Card, and Zeds Dead. Tickets $35 in advance, $40 the day of. Call 954-4491025 or visit JoinTheRevolution.net.

Reefer Madness

Through Aug. 9 at the Main Street Playhouse, 6766 Main St. in Miami Lakes. Contains adult subject matter. Based on the propaganda films urging people not to do drugs, a young couple’s lives fall apart when they sell marijuana. Tickets $25 general, $20 seniors, $18 students. Call 305-5583737 or visit MainStreetPlayers.com.

broward county * Jerry Garcia’s Birthday Celebration

July 31 at 8 p.m. at Revolution Live, 100 SW Third Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Unlimited Devotion and Dreams, featuring members of The Crazy Fingers, will perform works by The Grateful Dead and The Allman Brothers Band in honor of Garcia. Tickets $10 in advance, $15 the day of. Call 954-449-1025 or visit JoinTheRevolution.net.

Reﬂection of Evil: Die Sister Twin, Die!

Through 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. * Denotes New Listing

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

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 * Side by Side by Sondheim

July 30 to Aug. 9 at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. A comical musical revue guided by the narrator through Sondheim’s creativity. Tickets $40. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.

* Big Bang XIX

July 31 to Aug. 1 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Sean’s Dance Factory presents another dynamic hip hop dance show that’ll have you dancing in the aisles. Tickets $25 and up. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Toby Keith & Eli Young Band

Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. at Coral Sky Amphitheatre, 6017 Sansburys Way in West Palm Beach. With 41 top 10 hits, Toby Keith is in town for a night of great country music. Tickets $32 and up. Call 561-795-8883 or visit CruzanAmphitheatre.net.

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 Fifth’s Harmony’s “Reﬂection”

July 29 at 7 p.m. at the Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave. Miami Beach. Girl band behind the hit “Worth It” joined on stage by Bea Miller, Debby Ryan + The Never Ending, and Natalie La Rose. Tickets $29.50 to $49.50. 305-673-7300 or FillmoreMB.com.

* RAM

July 31 and Aug. 1 at 8 p.m., Miami Theater Center, 9806 NE Second Ave., Miami Shores. Mad Cat Theatre performs the misunderstood album by Paul and Linda McCartney. Tickets $20. 305-751-9550 or www.mtcmiami.org.

* Jowell y Randy

Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. at the Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. The reggaeton duo from Puerto Rico are sure to get you dancing. Tickets $40. Call 305-6737300 or visit FillmoreMB.com.

* Chayanne

Aug. 1 at 8 p.m., AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. After a four-year absence, the Puerto RIcan heartthrob returns for a solo tour, “En Todo Estare.” Tickets $57.95 to $175.10. Call 786-777-1000 or AAArena.com.

porn pulse

Photo: twitter.

Geek Reviews 'Gay Of Thrones'

Hunter Houston

This week Porn Pulse got a lesson in how to review porn from the Gay Comic Geek. The geek (aka Paul Charles) reviews porn on his website GayComicGeek.com. Currently he gives his thoughts on the recently wrapped “Gay of Thrones” Season 2 finale. The series, presented by Men.com, is a parody of the popular HBO series, “Game of Thrones,” with a lot more heavy man-on-man action. “I actually have a thing for guys who have body hair,” says the geek as he reviews a dungeon scene involving actors Dennis West and Theo Ford. “They had really good chemistry and their bodies are smokin’ hot.” Studios often send Charles scenes from new films and he puts together a video review from his home base in Coral Gables. In his review of Falcon Studio’s “Magnitude,” the geek sings the praises of actors Derek Atlas, Pierre Fitch, Ryan Rose, Sebastian Kross, Brenner Bolton and Austin Wolf. “Ryan Rose is like a supermodel,” Charles said. “I’m surprised he’s not on the cover

porn film

Tiger Orange

Former gay porn star Johnny Hazzard co-stars in gay family drama David-Elijah Nahmod Submitted photo.

of Playgirl Magazine. Do they make Playgirl Magazine? I actually don’t know.” Porn Pulse will look into it. Elsewhere, the website Str8UpGayPorn. com is reporting Treasure Island Media’s next movie will feature cocaine being snorted off a cock. The movie is titled “London Cum Junkie” and stars Liam Cole. Str8UpGayPorn.com notes there is supposedly an adult industry trade group that will review the film and determine whether the practice of an actor snorting cocaine off a cock is to be condemned.

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

Wade Gasque's Tiger Orange attracted a good deal of attention on the film festival circuit when it was revealed that co-star Frankie Valenti was in actuality former gay porn star Johnny Hazzard. Some wondered if Valenti would cut the muster in a dramatic role. Ultimately the "stunt casting" buzz will die down, and Valenti will have to prove his acting chops if the film is to succeed. He indeed proves himself up to the challenge. Speaking to SFGN via phone, Valenti said that he has not studied acting. Yet he delivers a sensitive and nuanced performance as Todd, a young gay man in search of himself. "It wasn't difficult," Valenti said. "There were parts of it that were parallel to my own life." The actor is well aware of the fact that his past as Johnny Hazzard will be one of the film's main points of interest to gay viewers, some of whom might not take him seriously as an actor. "They'll be intrigued," he said. "They might expect a train wreck. There has not been a lot of luck with people in my field, so they might not have an open mind." For himself Valenti has no regrets. "I'm very grateful to porn," he said. "If someone brought me back in time I'd do it all over again." He also addressed the recent wave of suicides among former gay porn stars, acknowledging that many in the industry never prepared themselves for life after porn. "We all know it stops," he said. "Many are left asking what do I do now? They have no skills, no goals and no self-esteem. I had goals, a good family and support in and out of the industry."

Valenti currently works as a tour guide and as an artist, dividing his time between Provincetown and Los Angeles, with stops in Florida along the way. He admits that it’s been awhile since he's had a decent date, which his travel schedule might be contributing to. "I as a person am solitary" he said. "I enjoy being by myself. The sum of my parts do not add up to a relationship." And yet he expressed an earnest hope that Mr. Right will come along. In Tiger Orange, Valenti co-stars with Mark Strano, who co-wrote the screenplay with Gasque. They play gay brothers Chet (Strano) and Todd (Valenti). Todd, though not effeminate, is flamboyantly gay — he's a drifter who doesn't know what to do with his life. After the death of his father, who raised his sons as a single dad, Todd returns home to the semi-closeted, semi-conservative Chet, who now runs the family hardware store in small town Central California. Old hostilities boil to the surface. Chet resents Todd for not being there during Dad's illness — he's embarrassed by the manner in which Todd flaunts himself. Todd is jealous of Chet's stability. A character driven story, Tiger Orange is a lovely tale of family and redemption. Strano and Valenti play off each other beautifully. "It's not a typical gay story," Valenti said. "There's something in it for everyone to enjoy. You don't have to be gay to enjoy it." And what does the future hold for the talented actor? Will he act again? "I'm confident that things will unfold as they are meant to," said Valenti.

Tiger Orange is now on DVD. soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.29.2015 //

Datebook

Community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com

Top Picks National Night Out

Aug. 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. In its 32nd year, an event to bring together the community as well as meeting your local law enforcement and to learn about safety. Free. Call 305-603-6090.

Dinner and a Movie

Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive. Join Stonewall and Etz Chaim for a screening of “The Ritz.” When a hit is ordered on Gaetano, he figures the best place to hide is a gay bathhouse. Free. Visit StonewallMuseum.org.

LAST CHANCE: Sizzling Summer Dance Music

Fridays through July 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 561-278-0746 or visit DelrayCenterfortheArts.org.

broward county I DO: Fundamental Right of Marriage For Same-Sex Couples

July 29 from 6:15 to 9 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Panel discusion on how this will impact LGBT families and their rights. Free. Call Lisa Peters at 954-764- 5150, ext. 103 or email lpeters@sunserve.org.

* It’s All About Me: Caregiver Support Group

Aug. 4 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Meet other caregivers to talk about the ups and downs of the experience in a safe setting. Free. Call Mary Ann Watson at 954-909-1717.

* Riverwalk Summer Social Cruise

Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. at Pier 66, 2301 SE 17th St. in Fort Lauderdale. Jump aboard the Riverboat Liberty Belle for a scenic ride down the river, with open bar, food, and entertainment to benefit the historic Stranahan House. Tickets $40. 954-524-4736, or visit tinyurl.com/StranahanCruise.

The Elephant Art Show 50

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

Through Aug. 8 at the 1310 Gallery, Sailboat Bend Artist Lofts, 1310 SW Second Court in Fort Lauderdale. An exhibit looking at the “elephant in the room” with artists from around South Florida. Free. Visit NikiArtStudio.com/Whats-Your-Elephant.

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.

Out of the Shadows

Through Aug. 30 at the Stonewall National Museum -- Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. An exhibition telling the story of the hidden life of LGBT people from 1903 to 1969, from police raids to the Stonewall riots. Free. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum. org.

* Summer Starry Nights

Thursdays through Sept. 3 at the NSU Art Museum, One E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Make your Thursdays a night of art with exhibitions, films, lectures, and wine and beer specials at the museum. Free. Call 954-525-5500 or visit NSUArtMuseum. org.

From Within and Without

Through Oct. 4 at the NSU Art Museum, One E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. A display of Haitian photography from the 19th century to now. Admission $12. Call 954-525-5500 or visit NSUArtMuseum.org.

Man2Man Discussion

Mondays 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. A weekly informal discussion group among gay men of all backgrounds. Contact John Beuscher at 954-319-4292 or email johnnybushwick@aol.com.

GayWrites

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

SunServe Youth Group

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

Survivor Support

1st/3rd Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal Highway. Support from counselors soflagaynews //

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 * Pride Business Alliance Mixer

July 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Place West Palm Beach, 295 Lakeview Ave. in West Palm Beach. Meet other business members in the community over drinks, bites, and networking activities. Free for members, $10 for others. RSVP through eventbrite.com.

Reimagined

Through Sept. 6 at the Cornell Museum of Art, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. 15 internationally acclaimed artists use unique materials to create sculptures. Suggested donation of $5. Call 561-243-7922 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. Japanese robotics from the last 50 years and its impact on pop culture and technology. Tickets $15 museum admission. 561-495-0233 or 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. 561-495-0233 or 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. Support as you explore your sexual identity and be your true self. 561-4798313.

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.

SouthFloridaGayNews

miami-dade county

Arsht Center Farmers Market

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

Rainbow Circle

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

HIV Support Group

Wednesdays, 7- 9 p.m., South Beach AIDS Project, 1234 Washington Ave. Ste. 200 in Miami Beach. Support group for those who are HIV positive. Free. Call 305-535-4733, ext. 301 or email support@sobeaids.org.

Modern Buddhist Meditation

Mondays and Tuesdays at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Find inner peace with instruction on meditation with Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Nurbu. $10 and $5 per class. 786529-7137.

Book Study

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

Prayers For World Peace

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

Community Yoga Series

Third Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. at jugofresh Wynwood Walls, 222 NW 26th St. in Miami. Yoga instructor Dawn B. Feinberg leads a monthly yoga class in the middle of Miami’s art district. Mats available.786-472-2552.

Miami Log Cabin Republicans Fourth Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. at Larios, 7705 W. Flagler St. in Miami. with other like-minded people and from speakers in the community. LogCabin.org/chapter/florida-miami.

Casa Meet hear Visit

Free Rapid HIV Testing

Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Latinos Salud, 555 Washington Ave. Suite 235 in Miami Beach. Receive the results of your free, confidential HIV test in minutes. Call 305-397-8967 or visit LatinosSalud.org

* Denotes New Listing

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 7.29.2015 //

Business Directory legal

dental

SELZER & WEISS 1515 NE 25th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.567.4444 Selzerandweiss.com

WILTON MANORS DENTAL 2517 NE 9th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-564-4746 Wiltonmanorsdental.com

SHAWN NEWMAN 710 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.563.9160 Shawnnewman.com

ISLAND CITY DENTAL 1700 NE 26th Street, Ste. 2, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-564-7121 Islandcitydental.com

LAW GC 707 NE 3rd Ave #300, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954.573.1444 Lawgc.com

ISLAND CITY SMILES 1946 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-565-7666 Islandcitysmiles.com

GREGORY KABEL 1 East Broward Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, 33301 954.761.7770 gwkesq@bellsouth.net LAW ROBIN 2550 N Federal Hwy #20, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954.630.2707 Lawrobin.com

JIMENEZ LAW 100 SE 3rd Ave #1514, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394 954.848.3111 Jimenezlawofﬁces.com

dental

health EMERALD ELITE 2301 Wilton Drive, Suite 3, Wilton Manors, FL 954.629.1377 Emeraldelitehomehealth.com

DR. TORY SULLIVAN 2500 N Federal Hwy #301, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954.533.1520 Torysullivanmd.com THE FLORIDA HOUSE EXPERIENCE 505 S Federal Hwy, Deerﬁeld Beach, FL 33441 800.778.6792 Fherehab.com

LANE & ERIKS DENTAL ASSOCIATES 1831 NE 45th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.771.3331 Laneanderiksdental.com

SIMPLY MEN’S HEALTH 5405 Okeechobee Blvd #205, West Palm Beach, FL 561.459.5356 Simplymenshealth.com

OAKLAND PARK DENTAL 3047 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954.566.9812 Oaklandparkdental.com

NATURA DERMATOLOGY 1120 Bayview Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 754.333.4886 Coolsculptingnaturadermatology.com

ANDREWS DENTAL CARE 2654 N Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311 954.567.3311 Andrewsdentalcare.com

MARK ENGEBRETSON Palm Beach & Boca Raton 561.400.9297 heartofthemystery.com

To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970 health

AMERICAN PAIN EXPERTS 6333 N. Federal Hwy, Ste. 250, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-678-1074 Americanpainexperts.com

investments AMERICAN TAX & INSURANCE 2929 E Comm. Blvd, 8th Floor Penthouse D, Fort Lauderdale, FL

954.302.3228 Americantaxandinsurance.com

restaurants STORKS BAKERY 2505 NE 15th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.567.3220 Storksbakery.com THE FLORIDIAN RESTAURANT 1410 E Las Olas Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954.463.4041

NAKED GRAPE 2163 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.563.5631 Nakedgrapewinebar.com BEEFCAKE’S 1721 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 954.463.6969 Boardwalkbar.com J. MARK’S 1245 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (954) 390-0770 Jmarksrestaurant.com

retail PEACE PIPE 4800 N Dixie Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 954.267.9005 Facebook.com/peacepipeﬂ DAOUD’S 2473 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954.928.2437 Daouds.com NATURAL SLEEP 3040 N 29th Ave, Hollywood, FL 33020 954.951.2678 Naturalsleepfd.com

POVERELLO THRIFT STORE 2056 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.561.3663 Poverello.org MODERN HOME 2 GO 4000 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.530.5650 Mh2go.com ESTATE AUCTION CO. 6 South Federal Hwy, Dania Beach, FL 33304 954-921-2828 Estateauctionco.com

realty HENRI FRANK GROUP 401 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954.604.9999 Henrifrank.com

misc.

SIAM CUISINE 2010 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-564-3411 Siamcuisineﬂ.com

STEVIE MOON TATTOO 3045 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954.565.4470 Steviemoon.com

SANTA LUCIA RISTORANTE 2701 E. Oakland Park Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-396-0930 Santaluciaristorante.com

YELLOW CAB Broward County 954.777.7777 Yellowcabbroward.com

CINDY CURTIS

Advertise here for

$550 a year

And Company Jazz For All Occasions

♪ Jazz vocalist working as duo with guitarist, keyboards ♪

♪ Trio and quartet also available ♪ ♪ WE CAN MAKE YOUR SPECIAL AFFAIR ONE TO REMEMBER ♪ NO TRACKS OR TAPES - LIVE JAZZ!!!!!!!!!!! ♪ REASONABLE RATES

CALL CINDY: 954-298-8158

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

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professional services BARTON & MILLER CLEANERS 2600 N. Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-4314 KALIS-MCINTEE FUNERAL & CREMATION CENTER

2505 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-7621 Kalismcintee.com

BUY THIS SPACE FOR

theaters FT LAUDERDALE GAY MEN'S CHORUS PO Box 9772, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33310-9772 954-832-0060 www.theftlgmc.org ANDREWS LIVING ARTS STUDIO 23 NW 5th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954.530.1879 Classcreations.com KRAVIS CENTER 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL (561) 832-7469 Kravis.org ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132 305.949.6722 Arshtcenter.org

GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA PO Box 39617, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33339 954-763-2266 Gaymenschorusofsouthﬂorida.org

veterinarian DR. PIERRE B. BLAND, DVM 3225 N. Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-673-8579 Doctorblandvet.com

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SFGN Classified$ air conditioning

counseling

FAST A/C REPAIRS - Licensed and insured, CAC057837. A & H A/C.954-392-1301. We focus on repairs, not selling you any new equipment. 24 Hour Service. Evening Appointments Available.

entertainment/dj's

counselor

MASTER HYPNOTHERAPIST AND LIFE COACH ADDICTIONS • SMOKING • WEIGHT LOSS • INSOMNIA • STRESS REDUCTION • ROAD RAGE • ANGER MANAGEMENT • PAST LIFE ANALYSIS • RELATIONSHIP COACHING Coach Bill For Life

WWW.COACHBILLFORLIFE.COM

954.641.8315

exterminator

employment full time

MATURE OFFICE ASSISTANT WANTED Looking for a mature male or female to work in a small auto parts ofﬁce in Oakland Park area. Bookkeeping skills necessary and must be able to work basic computer programs. 40 hrs./wk. starting pay $11/hr with potential for increase. Email resume to greg@me807.com

CLERICAL - Full time position, drug testing required for clerical assistant in professional ofﬁce to do insurance renewals, data input, and more. $10.50 an hour, respond with resume to norm. kent@sfgn.com.

FREE! some restrictions apply

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

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

IT MANAGER, CITY OF WILTON MANORS Professional, management-level position responsible for strategic guidance and administrative and technical work in network administration, operating system installation and conﬁguration, and end-user training. Visit www.wiltonmanors.com and follow CAREERS link to position description and application and submission instructions. Open until ﬁlled.

Mention this ad and receive your ﬁrst month

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

AUTHOR SEEKING AN ASSISTANT - Admin. asst, PART-TIME Miami Beach. Take dictation into computer for author. Computer savvy important. Requires working in Miami Beach and must live in Dade County not Broward. Call Bob 305-673-6151 or email resume to rs312000@aol.com

POOL SERVICE

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

employment part time

home & garden

folow the action.

home health care HOME HEALTH CARE AID NEEDED -PRIVATE RESIDENCE PT OR FT - Patient is an octogenarian suffering with mild dementia. Care is provided in a beautiful downtown residence. Must have clean driving record and pass background check. This is a DFWP. Excellent salary and beneﬁts. Send resume w/cover letter.Include salary requirements and availability to: PO BOX 2213, Ft.Lauderdale, Fl. 33303-2213

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

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

Serving Broward Since 1999

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

piano lessons

home & garden cleaning services CLEAN IT RIGHT! - The best cleaning for your buck. 1BD $60, 2BD $70, 3BD $80 and up. Excellent rates & references. 10 years in business. Serving Broward, North Miami-Dade & S. Palm Beach. Call Manny 954-560-4443.

electrician

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

folow the action.

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SouthFloridaGayNews

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

pets/supplies

professional services other PROVEN METHOD TO INCREASE YOUR FANTASY 5 LOTTO WINNINGS - Let us help you increase your odds several times for winning some money in the Florida Fantasy 5 Lottery. Our analysis can help you win. Limited memberships available. Check out our website at www.lotteryhelpersclub. com.

rentals - oakland park ROYAL PARK CONDOS 1&2 BEDROOM UNITS - Live in the highly sought after Royal Park Condos in Oakland Park. Gated community w/ security, 3 pools, clubhouse. Five 2BD/2BA $1,200 to $1,500/month. Two 1BD/1.5BA $950-$975/ month. First, Last, & Security. Background and credit check. Call iHome Florida Real Estate 954627-1222 ext. 901

rentals - wilton manors MANOR GROVE 1BD/1BA - First ﬂoor unit, near pool and clubhouse, laundry facilities on same ﬂoor, one assigned parking spot, no pets, no smoking. $950/month. First, last, and security. Background and credit check. Call iHome Florida Real Estate 954-627-1222 ext. 901

rentals

MIKE THE RENTAL GUY NE Lauderdale/Wilton Manors/Oakland/Victoria Park-1/1 from $885 2/1 from $1090. Credit & Income Requirements-Pets okay with restrictions. Call for Details Mike 561703-5533

real estate agents

FLORIDA'S TOP GAY REALTORS - Instant FREE Access to Florida and the Nation's Top Gay Realtors. Free Buyers Representation! On-line: www.GayRealEstate.com or Toll Free 1-888-420MOVE (6683)

self help

Recovery Works LGBT Sober House We offer LGBT sober living in the Wilton Manors & South Florida area. Our goal is to have a safe comfortable environment for LGBT only Clients; must attend IOP program, and most insurances are accepted. Please contact Travis Geertsma at 954-226-1425 for more information.

real estate for sale WILTON MANORS 3BD/2BA POOL HOME REDUCED PRICE TO $424,900. This tastefully remodeled gem located in the highly desirable town of Wilton Manors is ready for you to move in and call home. The home features a new salt water pool and pool deck with summer kitchen, gourmet kitchen inside with stainless steel appliances, stunning travertine floors, and Jacuzzi tub in the completely re-done master bath. Call iHome Florida Real Estate 954-627-1222 ext. 901 OAKLAND PARK - 2BD/2BA POOL HOME - True South Florida paradise. Very private, corner lot home in the heart of Lloyd Estates and just blocks from Wilton Manors. Mature tropical landscaping, 2 carports, hardwood floors, custom kitchen and bathrooms, a waterfall pool with a permanent gazebo, storm shutters, portable generator, outdoor destination areas. Don't miss it! REDUCED TO $336,000. Call iHome Florida Real Estate 954-627-1222 ext. 901 VICTORIA PARK 1 BR/1 BA - Beautiful updated 1 BR/1 BA with private fenced patio;small complex; gorgeous open beamed ceilings;tile floor; next to Holiday Park tennis courts;W/D; small dog ok; $925/ month; 954-729-1936. 2 BR 2 BA REMODELED CONDO - Tile floors, kitchen has granite, stainless upgraded appliances, & cherry cabinets. Amenities include: secure building; elevator; laundry rooms; pool,clubhouse and ample parking. In Wilton Manors, near shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Condo financials good with fully funded reserves. Price $190k. Call 318-461-1634.

rentals fort lauderdale

VICTORIA PARK STUDIO APT. - Renovated, Near Beach, A/C, Heater, Garden Entrance, Shared W/D, Quiet 5 unit bldg, safe area. All Utilities Paid, Available August 1. $650/month. Call 954-763-3222. EAST OAKLAND PARK 2BD/1 BA HOUSE CLOSE TO WILTON MANORS - Private yard/ pool/laundry room. New kitchen,DW/disp,Central A/C, GM renter(s)Cable T.V./internet split;Electric extra.water,yardcare incl.$1300.1st, l/last/security. security negotiable. Call 954-993-8830.

rentals furnished housing

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

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Grand Opening!

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• Factory direct pricing − no haggle pricing • 25 year non-prorated warrantee • Largest selection of specialty bedding • Natural Sleep’s Mattresses are CertiPUR-US®

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3040 North 29th Avenue, Hollywood, FL 33020 954-951-2678 Evening Appointments Designed and Produced in the USA Available NaturalSleepFD.com for Your Health and Well Being. 56

// 7.29.2015 // SFGN.com //

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