2/4/15 V6i5 by South Florida Gay News

local name, global coverage

Meth Epidemic Rages On Page 11 Pride South Florida Moves to October Page 12

February 4, 2015 // vol. 6 // issue 5

CHECK OUT THE NEW

Gazette Wilton Manors

INSERT IN CENTER

LIFE IN THE DARK

February 7 is National Black HIV Awareness Day Page 8

Domestic Partnerships Could Be Obsolete Page 8

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS

This Sunday's Gay Chili Cookoff Page 10

SOFLAGAYNEWS

SFGN.COM

SFGN WINNER of 5 SPJ AWARDS Florida Pro 2014 & 2 FLORIDA PRESS CLUB Awards

TOP

STORIES, CHOSEN BY

SFGN.COM

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

Speculation Swirls Around Bruce Jenner

Bruce Jenner, the Olympic decathlete and reality television star, is causing a lot of rumors these days. Several entertainment publications are reporting Jenner is planning to come out as transgender and document the journey

in a new televised show. Jenner, 65, won the gold medal in the decathlon in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. Jenner more recently was seen in the cable television show “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”

Nebraska Gay Bar Torched A popular gay bar in Lincoln, Nebraska was destroyed by fire over the weekend. The Karma Nightclub and Cabaret was evacuated Saturday night when a fire broke out and eventually engulfed the building in flames. Lincoln Fire Battalion Chief Leo Bene said the business was a

“total loss.” The cause of the fire remains under investigation and due to sub-zero temperatures it will take some time to pick up the pieces. “It’s just a block of ice right now,” Lincoln Fire Inspector Don Gross told the Associated Press.

Cheney Questions Drag Vs. Blackface

themirrormag.co

HUNGARY FACES A HISTORIC STRUGGLE

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

MEMBER

ON STANDS NOW!

Check out

The Mirror

Winter 2015

Mary Cheney, lesbian daughter of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, proposed an edgy question to her Facebook friends last week. Cheney asked why it is "socially acceptable" for men to dress in drag and act out female stereotypes (bitchy, catty, dumb, slutty, etc.) and not for white people to put on

blackface and perform African American stereotypes. "Shouldn't both be OK or neither? Why does society treat these activities so different?" asked Cheney, who is openly gay and married. The question was posted onM Cheney's private EMBER Facebook page, but could be seen by others in her Facebook network.

2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

PUBLISHER • NORM KENT NORM.KENT@SFGN.COM

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER • PIER ANGELO GUIDUGLI

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

Editorial

ART DIRECTOR • BRENDON LIES ARTWORK@SFGN.COM ONLINE PRODUCER • DENNIS JOZEFOWICZ DENNIS.JOZEFOWICZ@SFGN.COM GRAPHIC DESIGNER • JOSUE PALACIOS SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR • SERGIO CANDIDO SERGIO.CANDIDO@SFGN.COM EDITORIAL ASSISTANT • JILLIAN MELERO JILLIANMELERO@GMAIL.COM ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR • JW ARNOLD JW@PRDCONLINE.COM NEWS EDITOR • JOHN MCDONALD JEANMICHELMCDONALD@GMAIL.COM NEWS INTERN • NICOLE WIESENTHAL

Senior Features Correspondents Correspondents

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

Contributing Columnists

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

Staff Photographers

J.R. DAVIS • POMPANO BILL • STEVEN SHIRES

Sales & Marketing

Cover: Domestic partnerships could become a thing of the past.

Mary Cheney

WINTER 2015 • Vol. 3 Issue

MEMBER

Winter Arts Guide Edition GUIdE bEGINS ON PAGE 21

‘FIRST COMES LOVE’ PHOTO FEATURE SEX POSITIVE CULTURE CHALLENGES ETHICS HUNGARY FACES A HISTORIC STRUGGLE themirrormag.com

Associated Press MEMBER

FEBRUARY 4, 2015 • VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 5

JESSE MONTEAGUDO • TONY ADAMS

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

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.

news highlight Alabama Lesbian Taking A Stand John McDonald Alabama Representative Patricia Todd is enjoying her new celebrity status – for the most part. Todd, Alabama’s lone openly gay state representative, made national headlines last week when she said she would bring the topic of marital infidelity into discussions of “family values” when the legislature convenes in Montgomery. Alabama, a staunchly socially conservative Southern state, is finally coming to grips with gay life after a federal judge struck down its ban on same-sex marriage. “I think I got my point across,” said Todd in a telephone interview with SFGN. Todd, 59, said she would not name names because “obviously, I’m not involved in these relationships” but felt compelled to stand up for gay and lesbian families in Alabama. “They need to be careful when they cast that stone,” Todd said. “No family is perfect, but straight families do not have the market cornered on family values.” Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard blasted U.S. Judge Ginny Granade’s decision to overturn the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. Hubbard, a Republican from Auburn, said

WEDDINGS BY LOWELL OFFICIANT

• Relax and enjoy your personally designed wedding ceremony by Lowell, whose only concern is your happiness.

• Patricia Todd

“the Legislature will encourage a vigorous appeals process, and we will continue defending the Christian conservative values that make Alabama a special place to live.” Todd, a Democrat who represents downtown Birmingham in the legislature, said she has received thousands of friend requests on Facebook since taking her public stand. Most responses she has received have been positive although, sadly, she has received death threats. “Somebody sent me a message that I should rot in hell,” she said.

#LOVEISLOVE weddingsbylowell.com 954-240-1944 @weddings by Lowell

•

PALM BEACH • BROWARD • DADE

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

News Briefs

Photo: cdn.exxonmobil.com

Compiled by John McDonald

Exxon Mobil Updates Protections Policies

(AP) Exxon Mobil Corp. updated its corporate policies to protect employees from discrimination for sexual orientation or gender identity. Spokesman Alan Jeffers said Friday that the Irving, Texasbased oil giant added these protections to comply with federal law. In July, U.S. President Barack Obama signed an executive order that expanded protections for LGBT employees of federal contractors. Exxon Mobil, which has federal contracts worth billions of dollars, had said it would comply with the order but wouldn’t say if it would formalize that with revised

Couple Owns Jeb Bush Web Domain Bear

A self-described "tech bear," same-sex couple from Oregon apparently saw into the future when they bought the domain www.JebBushForPresident.com back in 2008. The Huffington Post reports CJ Phillips and his partner Charlie Rainwater don't plan on selling the URL to the former Florida governor, should he decide to throw his hat in the ring. Instead, the men will use the site as a tool to educate people about the way politics impacts LGBT families. In an interview with HuffPo the couple said they decided to buy the domain as a joke, but also hoped to "educate" with the JebBushForPresident.com. "We want to facilitate positive discussions. Neither one of us is a fan of just bashing on other groups, so we hope we can engender some understanding from a diversity point of view," the couple added. Though Bush is often mentioned as a possible candidate for president in 2016, he has yet to formally announce he is running. He announced last month intention to explore the possibility of running for president. The website is currently under construction but stay tuned for an update.

issy Elliott Makes Super Comeback During Super Bowl

(Edge Media) Old school rapper and unrepentant bisexual Missy Elliott bounced back into the public eye during the Super Bowl Halftime show on Sunday as she joined Katy Perry to sing a medley of her hit songs, "Get Your Freak On," "Lose Control" and "Work It." MTV.com wasted no time in letting the world know that they'd prefer Missy Elliott's return to the spotlight wasn't a onetime thing, saying "Missy absolutely destroyed" her tracks, and "put her thing down, flipped it and reversed it without missing a beat, momentarily erasing the past 10 Misdemeanor-less years since 'The Cookbook' dropped."

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

corporate policies. Lawyers for Exxon Mobil had maintained that its stated zero-tolerance standards ensured protections without having to specify them. Deena Fidas of the Human Rights Campaign called the update a “calibrated response” to maintain Exxon’s federal contracts. Exxon Mobil bills itself as the world’s largest publicly traded international oil and gas company with an industry leading inventory of oil and gas resources. Becoming the world’s largest refiner and marketer of petroleum products has not come without its challenges for Exxon Mobil.

But they also bemoaned that "it's been a long ten years since we've gotten a new album from Elliott, while at the same time acknowledging that "Missy's semi-hiatus over the past decade was largely related to her battle with Graves' disease." "But as I watched Missy own the stage at the halftime show tonight, a part of me was left yearning for another flawless track to add to that nearly peerless back catalog," wrote MTV.com. Elliott also had an emotional reaction to the performance, Tweeting, "I cried because I've been thru so much but I'm still here & thru the grace of God & u the fans believing in me I love y'all." She also thanked her peers for their outpouring of support, retweeting congratulatory messages from Busta Rhymes, Justin Timberlake, Kerry Washington, Lil' Kim, Demi Lovato and Timbaland.

"I don't drink alcohol, but gosh -- a lot of my friends, maybe most of them, do. You know, I don't use profanity, but believe me, I've got a lot of friends who do. Some people really like classical music and ballet and opera -- it's not my cup of tea," Huckabee said. Huckabee pointed to President Barack Obama's 2008 opposition to same-sex marriage, but said there's no chance he'll ever drop his opposition to gay marriage. "This is not just a political issue. It is a biblical issue. And as a biblical issue -- unless I get a new version of the scriptures, it's really not my place to say, OK, I'm just going to evolve," Huckabee said. "It's like asking someone who's Jewish to start serving bacon-wrapped shrimp in their deli. We don't want to do that — I mean, we're not going to do that. Or like asking a Muslim to serve up something that is offensive to him, or to have dogs in his backyard," he said. "We're so sensitive to make sure we don't offend certain religions, but then we act like Christians can't have the convictions that they've had for 2,000 years."

Past Catches Up to Puerto Porn Rican Pastor Mike Huckabee. Credit: CNN, POOL

Huckabee Continues Republican Anti Gay Commentary

(CNN) Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee says expecting Christians to accept same-sex marriage is "like asking someone who's Jewish to start serving bacon-wrapped shrimp in their deli." He also called homosexuality part of a lifestyle, like drinking and swearing. The former Arkansas governor, winner of the 2008 Iowa caucuses and likely 2016 contender's comments came during an appearance Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union," as he defended an excerpt from his new book in which he says he has friends and associates who are gay. "People can be my friends who have lifestyles that are not necessarily my lifestyle. I don't shut people out of my circle or out of my life because they have a different point of view," Huckabee told CNN's Dana Bash, while deflecting a question about whether he believes being gay is a choice.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

(Edge Media) A pastor from San Juan, Puerto Rico, who used to dabble in gay porn, and who "renounced" his homosexuality, is refusing to resign his position after his X-rated past was recently revealed, reports the British newspaper The Mirror. Pastor Jose Santiago's gay porn clips have reportedly been viewed by thousands of people in Puerto Rico after they were posted to social media networking websites. In one video, Santiago, 33, who allegedly went under the stage name Gustavo Arrango, is "seen pleasuring himself while he speaks to another man using Skype," the Mirror writes. Santiago, who is married to a woman and is pastor at House of Prayer Monte Santo, told local media he stopped doing gay porn and is no longer gay after he found God seven years ago. "In those days I was gay and participated in homosexual activities, but God touched me, God transformed me, God gave me a woman who loves me and she loves my past," he said, according to the Mirror. "I haven't seen any of these films in years. I don't receive any money for them and it's part of a life that is over." Santiago reportedly added that his porn past was exposed in order to discredit his church. He added he will not step down from his position. "We have all done things we regret. That part of my life was before I knew God," he said.

news bites

by John McDonald

international

Dictator Appointed Zimbabwean African Union President

Robert Mugabe, the longtime Zimbabwean dictator, was appointed last week to head the 54-nation African Union. Mugabe, a former guerrilla leader, has been in power in Zimbabwe since the country gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1980. Mugabe, 90, has consistently condemned homosexuality and compared gays to pigs, goats and birds. While campaigning for re-election last year, Mugabe urged for the decapitation of gays and declared any diplomat who mentioned homosexuality would be expelled immediately from Zimbabwe. Mugabe is currently under a travel ban sanction and cannot visit the United States or European Union.

national

Plan Holders Seek Medicare Coverage for HIV Testing

A proposed rule change by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would allow for HIV testing under Medicare. The proposal, which is now in the 30day public comment period, would give people ages 15 to 65 access to an annual HIV screening. “Ensuring that all people living with HIV are aware of their status is critical to their individual health and the public health,” AIDS Institute deputy executive director Carl Schmid said in a news release. The AIDS Institute estimates 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the U.S. with another 168,000 unaware of their status.

state

inellas Sheriff Supports Medical Marijuana Bill

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said he approves of a new bill being introduced that would legalize marijuana in the State of Florida for medical purposes. Speaking to the Tampa Bay Times, Gualtieri admitted there are a “significant number of people who want this and there is a need for it for medical purposes.” Florida Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) filed the bill last week in Tallahassee, seeking to allow access to marijuana for medical treatment. Gualtieri’s public support is a key policy shift as the Florida Sheriff’s Association was a vigorous opponent of last year’s pro-marijuana Amendment 2.

Credit: Bob Gualtieri

local

to Grand Marshal Bromstad AIDS Walk Miami

American designer and television personality David Bromstad will serve as Grand Marshal for the 27th Annual AIDS Walk Miami, April 26. The theme for the 2015 AIDS Walk Miami is “One Step Closer to a Cure” and the host location is the Miami Beach Convention Center. In a statement, Bromstad, 41, star of HGTV show “Color Splash” said, “It was an honor for me to be chosen for this walk. It means so much to me. This disease has touched so many in our community and around the world. We have come so far, but our journey is not yet finished.”

Credit: Sharona Gott

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

news national

Insurance Transitions In Store For Some HIV Patients

By Sean McShee

The AIDS Insurance Continuation Program (AICP) has begun to move some of its clients to Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans or to AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) and Ryan White Care (RWC) programs. AICP provides assistance with payments for comprehensive health insurance to low income people infected with HIV. This program is moving only those clients with plans terminating December 31, 2014. All AICP clients should maintain HIV coverage throughout this transition, but some AICP clients may be losing coverage for conditions other than HIV. Those clients eligible for the federal ACA subsidies are moving to comprehensive ACA marketplace plans. Those clients ineligible for Federal ACA subsidies are moving to ADAP and Ryan White Care program and loosing insurance coverage for non-HIV conditions. As of press time, the Florida Department of Health has not provided an estimate for the number of clients involved in this process. Based on reports from 2013 and 2014, active AICP enrollment in Florida can be estimated to average about 1,500 clients, not all of whom will have plans ending on December 31, 2015. At the end of 2013,

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

Florida had 106,335 people diagnosed and living with HIV. The AICP program covers less than 2% of the known HIV infected in Florida. Those AICP clients ineligible for federal subsidies include both those making too little to qualify for the subsidies and those making too much. In the original act authorizing the ACA, people making too little to qualify for federal ACA subsidies would have become eligible for an expanded federally funded Medicaid. ACA resistant states like Florida, however, have refused to expand Medicaid. If Florida had expanded Medicaid, these very low-income AICP clients would now be moving from one comprehensive insurance system into another, instead of losing coverage for nonHIV conditions. Managing payment for health care has become even more complicated than managing health care. This transition has provided many opportunities for miscommunication and bureaucratic “screw-ups.” These process problems differ from policy disagreements about whether these transitions are a good idea or not. Process problems are also somewhat easier to prevent and fix, if people report them. soflagaynews //

One such “screw-up” concerns an AICP client, Frank Smith (not his real name). AICP failed to inform him about these upcoming changes. Instead, he found out about this transition during a visit to his doctor in early December. As his income made him eligible for federal ACA subsidies, Smith set about choosing an ACA plan. No one from the Health Department or AICP informed him which plans ADAP had pre-approved. He found out the names of these plans through an insurance broker and selected an approved plan on www.Healthcare.gov. When he received a bill for the nonsubsidized part of the premium, he contacted the local Health Department about payment. They said the bill would be paid by the end of December. The Health Department asked for Smith’s www. healthcare.gov User ID and password in order to process his payment. The payment was due the first week in January, but by January 6, the insurer still had not received payment. Fortunately, Smith had the resources to pay the bill himself. The Health Department claims that they processed the payment between December 26 and December 31, but as of January

SouthFloridaGayNews

13, the insurer still had not received the payment. The Health Department told Smith that electronic processing could take 10 to 15 days, which would make it slower than “snail” mail. Smith does not know what he will do about February’s payment. Smith emphasized that the people with whom he spoke, all tried to help. He found the problem somewhere else. “It’s not the people at the bottom who are the problem. It’s the people at the top. Everyone I’ve spoken to has tried to help me”. Smith’s story may be a fluke or it may be typical. Other people may not have had the resources to cover the failure of the Florida’s check to reach the insurer in time. People prone to depression may have just given up. The system should have worked for Smith, a pro-active “go-getter”. Good planning and communication could have minimized these problems, which will inevitably occur in any complex process. Minimally a feedback loop can be set up to respond to problems that clients and external customers report. Unfortunately, this does not appear to have happened.

news election 2016 White House Watch:

Lindsey Graham South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham makes this week’s White House Watch after announcing he is creating an exploratory committee to consider a run for the U.S. Presidency. Graham is what you might call an odd duck among Republican contenders in that he doesn’t hail from the Tea Party wing of the party as evidenced by his many primary challengers during last year’s campaign for the U.S. Senate, a campaign he won. During that campaign one of Graham’s challengers called him “ambiguously gay.” The 59-year-old South Carolina native handily won re-election to the Senate, a post he inherited from the late Southern firebrand Strom Thurmond in 2002. Graham is known as a staunch national security hawk and has a stellar record of service in the U.S. Air Force. Last week, during confirmation hearings for Attorney General Nominee Loretta Lynch, Graham asked Lynch to explain the constitutional differences between sameSFGN_Florida_House_Ad_Final.pdf 1 1/26/2015 sex marriage and polygamy.

“Could you try to articulate how one could be banned under the constitution and another not?” Graham asked. Lynch said she had not been involved in the analysis or argument of the cases that have gone before the Supreme Court, stating “I’m not comfortable undertaking legal analysis without having the ability to undertake a review of the relevant facts and the precedent there.” Gregory Angelo, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans, told the Washington Blade that Graham has had a “less-than-cordial relationship” with the national gay GOP organization. Graham is 2:44:17 PM a confirmed bachelor.

Drug use is “seven times” higher among the LGBT community. We treat the chemical dependency and the underlying mental health issue of drugs and alcohol. Detox I Residential l OutpatientPM

l Aftercare

800.778.6792 www.FHErehab.com

#WherePeopleGetBetter

100% CONFIDENTIAL All calls are confidential. Your treatment may be covered 100% by insurance. Nationally Accredited Treatment Center

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

news local

Will Marriage Equality in Florida Render Domestic Partnership Obsolete? Jillian Melero

While Florida celebrates state wide recognition of same sex marriage, local municipalities are also debating the future of domestic partnership benefits. Of the 36 states where same sex marriages are now legal, two of those states -- Maryland and Arizona -- have since eliminated domestic partnerships. Robin Bodiford is an attorney practicing in Fort Lauderdale. Bodiford worked to bring domestic partnership legislation to Los Angeles in the 1980s and to Broward County in 1997. “In the Fifties 78 percent of households in the U.S. were headed by married couples. Now more than 50 percent of all households in the U.S. are headed by unmarried people. Forty-two percent of the workforce is unmarried," Bodiford said. "Across the U.S. we have seen a trend towards inclusive domestic partnership benefit packages provided by employers, that is, gender neutral encompassing both gay and straight domestic partnerships. To say that 'you must marry' in order to obtain equal treatment at work, including pay, family leave, insurance, taxation, is just wrong." Businesses are expected to have a strong say in local government debates. The Broward County website features this disclaimer on their domestic partnership page: "The Board of County Commissioners encourages private industry to extend benefits to the Domestic Partners of their employees, and to encourage this practice, gives preference to companies doing business with Broward County that do so." The question now becomes whether or not local businesses and government officials will expand coverage to apply to both opposite and same sex couples. Or whether employers and officials will eliminate partner benefits entirely, limiting coverage to married couples only. “I think the current debate over the demise of domestic partnership legislation in the wake of gay marriage is necessary and that ultimately, domestic partnership recognition in the corporate world will definitely continue to grow," Bodiford said. "It is necessary to stay competitive in industry where almost half of the workforce

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

chooses to remain unmarried.” Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler said the benefit discussion is one that will need to be held in negotiations between labor unions and city hall. “This is something that’s going to be resolved in Tallahassee, in Washington, and in the courts,” Seiler said. “We don’t regulate it at the city level.” Seiler seemed to distance himself from comments reported in a Sun Sentinel article discussing his plans to assemble a task force to investigate how surrounding communities will decide on extending or eliminating domestic partner coverage. When SFGN asked him to elaborate upon this task force’s goals and deadlines, Seiler said he will not move forward with discussions until after the February 10 elections. Nor does he anticipate assembling the task force before late spring or summer. Seiler also told SFGN that while he has yet to approach anyone to chair the committee, he would prefer Fort Lauderdale commissioner Dean Trantalis take on the role. Trantalis could not be reached for comment. Seiler said that any efforts will focus on reviewing ordinances, laws, and codes to see whether or not domestic partnership is now an “outdated concept.” Despite a record that includes signing the first domestic partnership legislation in Wilton Manors, and again in Fort Lauderdale, Seiler struck a blow against the LGBT community last June when he and Vice Mayor Romney Rogers opposed a marriage equality resolution . The resolution was initiated by Trantalis. Bodiford asserts that Broward County has no intention of doing away with domestic partnership benefits. “The fact is that most gay couples are not married, and many will choose for personal, economic, political and philosophical reasons not to marry but live in committed relationships: they deserve equal rights to pay, and benefits that domestic partnership legislation offers,” said Bodiford Bodiford herself married her partner Sandra Picardi on January 6, the day samesex marriage became legal in Florida.

•

T E RIN

• C AT E

vent

• CA

R IN G

•

E AT

RIN G

lexander

C AT ER

•C

E AT

C AT E RI N G

Weddings and Social Events are our specialty. As a recipient of "The Knot Best Of Weddings 2013" we know how special your day is and understand the attention to detail that is needed. It is an honor to work with you on your wedding. Contact us today!

G • C

Corporate Events • Weddings • Special Events • Best Catering Service In Miami

Alexander Event Catering 1101 Holland Drive, Boca Raton, FL 33487 (561)-243-2539 soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

news local

Penny’s at the Duke Third Annual Gay Chili Cook Off

Donald Cavanaugh

Interest FREE Financing Available! * MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT

DORAL

FORT LAUDERDALE

270-286 NE 39th STREET MIAMI, FL 33137 305.572.1222

1777 NW 72nd AVE MIAMI, FL 33126 305.599.0340

4000 N. FEDERAL HIGHWAY FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33308 954.530.5650

www.mh2g.com 10

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

Penny’s at the Duke will hold its Third Annual Gay Chili Cook-Off Sunday, Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. at 902 N Dixie Highway in Lantana. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Compass Youth Program. “We raised over four thousand dollars last year and expect to do at least that well again,” said Penny Johnson, owner of Penny’s at the Duke. “We’ve grown steadily during these three years from an initial $2,800. People really want to support our gay kids.” According to Penny, there were well over 400 guests last year and she expects to reach 500 this year. “People come down from Stuart,” Johnson said. “And a lot of people come up from Fort Lauderdale.” Last year Theo Smith led Roosters to victory with a traditional red chili. He prepared two offerings, the ground meat and red beans that won and a “white chili” made with chicken, kale and white beans. “What really counted,” he continued, “was that so many people came out to enjoy the day and support our kids. And, as an added benefit, we had a good mix of men and women who came together in community.” A large tent protects the contestants from the sun (and rain). There’s plenty of seating inside and out. The bar decorates in country style with bales of hay around the property for ambience as well as additional seating. Entertainment is inside and includes celebrity performers Molly Stevens from Nashville and DJ Q spinning the best country music available. Drag performances including cowboy drag will be on stage all day under the direction of RaeJean Cox and Maxine Massengill. Performers

Submitted photo.

donate their tips to the funds for the youth. Compass has a booth at the cook-off where people can learn more about the services they offer and how their donations are used to support the LGBT youth in Palm Beach County. “Because these are unrestricted donations we are able to do a lot more for the youth who come to Compass,” said Youth & Prevention Department Director, Julia Murphy. “We use some of the funds to hold an annual LGBT high school prom where we get over 150 youth from all of the public schools.” Another major program is the annual Legislation Education Advisory Days (LEAD) in Tallahassee in March. Five to ten youth are selected to go to Tallahassee to meet their legislators. They return with a greater sense of how government works. “We are truly grateful to Penny’s, the other bars and everyone who comes out to help the youth,” Murphy said. Without these funds our services would be much more constrained.” There are four official judges who rate the chili on a list of qualities such as flavor, heat, thickness, etc. Points are also awarded for presentation, and decorations. Guests also get to vote with their donations. Each of the contestants has a jar where tasters can vote with their dollars. At the end of the contest, the donations are added up. Each dollar is worth a point and these points are added to the contestants’ ballots to determine the final results. There’s a suggested minimum donation of $5 at the gate. Parking is available on the west side of the building and across the street on the other side of the tracks.

As of this writing contenders for the cook-off include local bars: Fort Dix, HG Roosters, Mad Hatter and Sneakers and several of Penny’s customers. For more information call Johnson at 954-594-7295. SouthFloridaGayNews

news local

Meth Epidemic Rages On

No More Meth Task Force continues education efforts John McDonald

Members of the No More Meth Task Force presented another panel discussion last week at the Pride Center, but attendance was sparse. “I’m always surprised at how few people attend,” said Michael Rohrs, a task force member. Kevin Strouf, a fellow task force member, agreed and added, “the people who need to hear this are not here because they are addicts.” Strouf, 52, again shared his story of addiction and how methamphetamine destroyed his life. He was joined on the panel by Dr. Jim Hall, an epidemiologist, who reasserted his position that America’s meth problem is reaching “epidemic proportions.” Other panel speakers were Dr. David Fawcett, a mental health counselor, Care Resources M.D. Steven Santiago and legal expert Howard Finkelstein. They all agreed, methamphetamine causes big problems. “It’s highly toxic to your brain,” Fawcett said. “It’s causing a lot of destruction to the brain.” In sexual terms, Fawcett said meth makes its users, “horny as hell.” He added, “There’s no impulse control.” During the two-hour program, audience members heard from Strouf, who admitted to being a longtime user of what is commonly referred to as Crystal Meth. “I felt invincible,” said Strouf as he described his “Tina” lifestyle. “And the sex that came with it was incredible.” Living in Orlando at the time, Strouf said his life eventually took a downward spiral and he lost his job as a regional manager for Best Buy, fell out of touch with his family and was arrested. “This drug took me to the darks points I’ve ever been in my life,” Strouf said. Hall said the drug originates in Mexico and primarily is a problem in the western United States. He said Atlanta is the hub for distribution in the eastern United States and called those who go out to collect the pseudoephedrine (an ingredient in Sudafed), a key component in the manufacture of methamphetamine, “Smurfs.” New users, Dr. Hall said, run the risk of becoming psychotic in a short period of time due to meth’s potency. A crowd of just over 30 people gathered inside Pride Center’s John C. Graves community room, to hear the horrible stories associated with methamphetamine use.

Photo: NoMoreMeth.org

Fawcett told the audience that even after someone kicks the habit, there is an adjustment period. “When someone gets off meth, their sex life goes with it,” he said. “It’s a hard thing to recapture. The big challenge is to reintroduce that in a safe away.” Practicing safe sex is vital, said Santiago, noting the rise of sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis in South Florida. “The increased rates in syphilis are strongly believed to be tied to the crystal meth epidemic,” he said. Santiago also noted the ingredients in crystal meth can have an adverse effect on HIV medications and can actually strengthen the virus while weakening the body’s immune system. Those seeking help do have hope. Support groups meet weekly at the Pride Center and NoMoreMeth.org is an organization dedicated to educating and empowering people while eradicating crystal meth from the gay community. Finkelstein, a public defender, spoke of his time representing men who were promiscuous during the early days of the AIDS crisis. He warned that meth use in the gay community is a “perfect storm” that would produce another plague. “The gay community has come so far in terms of rights and respectability, but let me tell you, this will take you back and erase all of your gains,” Finkelstein said. According to police data, in Fort Lauderdale, arrests for Meth doubled in 2014, while 22 kilograms were seized in Broward County alone with a street value of $5 million. Hall cited national statistics from forensic labs at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration that showed 52 kilos of meth were confiscated in Miami-Dade and Broward County last year. Hall also warned of the rise of a new brand drug called “flakka” which is a mix of meth, cocaine and heroin. Those caught with meth by police face still penalties, said Finkelstein, with even a small amount carrying a third degree felony charge. An individual with 14 grams or more is also looking at felony trafficking charges. Those with more than 200 grams can expect a 30-year prison sentence with a mandatory 15 years of time served.

Check Out SFGN.com/Meth for SFGN’s Continuing Coverage of the Meth Epidemic soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

news local

Pride South Florida Moves Festival to October June crisis averted

John McDonald There will not be competing gay pride events in Wilton Manors this year during June. For a couple of weeks it looked like there would be two Pride festivals during the same month. Pride South Florida was planning a festival in Fort Lauderdale on June 13 and hoped to plan a parade in Wilton Manors on June 14. Traditionally PSF has held their event in March, but cancelled that event a month ago, saying they needed more time in planning this year’s festival. Just a few weeks after PSF decided on June as their new date, the City of Wilton Manors announced it would be putting on a traditional street festival as has been done in years past. Last week they formalized those plans. The city will hold a twilight parade on June 19, and a street festival on June 20. In response, PSF decided it was in the community’s best interest to move their festival to October 10 and 11 in Fort Lauderdale. According to PSF Chair Norm Kent, the Board of Directors of PSF unanimously agreed to move its festival, in order to avoid any competition.

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

“The city wanted a two day festival and street closure which PSF was not going to pay for. Now after years of avoiding the responsibility, they realize how important it is to them, and they are going to assume responsibility for the festival,” Kent said. “It’s a prudent decision — long overdue.” Meanwhile, the new dates for Pride South Florida will coincide with National Coming Out Day and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Event Coordinator Shawn Manning announced that the Holiday Park festival will promote both, along with the wealth of gay guest houses on Fort Lauderdale beach. In Wilton Manors, Jeff Sterling, Chair of the Executive Board of the Wilton Manors Entertainment Committee, said the search is underway for volunteers. The committee is a part of the Island City Foundation, which supports public services for city residents, like education, economic development, and social services, and oversees Wicked Manors, and the annual tree lighting ceremony. Over the last few years, at least four organizations have produced the Wilton Manors Stonewall event in June, many of

soflagaynews //

which have lost money. Last year Pride South Florida oversaw the event, also losing money. So this year once PSF decided to move their event to June they decided to scrap the street festival and only produce a parade to keep their costs down. Sterling said he expects the Foundation’s first year of handling Stonewall to produce a “revenue neutral” outcome. He doesn’t believe the event will lose money. The city will be better able to keep the costs down, he said, and because the city is running the event, some fees should be significantly lower. Sterling also said the event will be funded entirely by donations. Asked about PSF’s move to October, Sterling said he was not concerned about Fort Lauderdale. “I’m an advocate for Wilton Manors,” said Sterling, who also serves as President of the Wilton Manors Development Alliance. No decisions regarding headlining acts or entertainment for this summer’s Stonewall event have been made yet. “It’s going to be a lot of work and we have to build this organization and Stonewall is our first event,” Sterling said.

SouthFloridaGayNews

The facts in this story may differ than Mike D’Oliviera’s story in this issue’s Gazette. Because it is an insert, the Gazette goes to print earlier in the week before the rest of the issue.

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

it is finally time for you to say

CMY

Photo: JAG Studios www.jagstudios.net

On your big day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; be it a wedding, black-tie gala, or corporate event â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I DO, Custom Events is your gay owned-and-operated, boutique event planner, here in Fort Lauderdale or at the fabulous destination of your dreams. You do you, and we do the rest. . www.IDOcustomevents.com (954) 626-0131

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

feature

Homophobia and Racism Still Factors in High Rates of HIV in Black Community

February 7 marks National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Denise Royal In 1997, Lorenzo Robertson knew something was wrong. In the span of a couple of days, a small growth on his right eye grew from the size of a garden pea to a golf ball. The right side of his face was sagging. Doctors thought he had lymphoma. The situation quickly became dire. Family members were asked to say goodbye. But despite that bleak diagnosis, Robertson survived. Once doctors removed the growth from his eye, he was released from the hospital and sent back to work. Then, his situation went from bad to worse. After a few hours back in the office, he became so weak that he couldn't lift his briefcase. He returned to the hospital for answers. After a month of poking and prodding, doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong. They finally decided to run an HIV test. The results were staggering. Robertson had AIDS and only 11 T-cells. “That was the first day of the rest of my life being a person living with AIDS,” he said. Robertson is one of the more than 130,ooo people living with HIV in Florida. The Florida Department of Health says nearly half of them (49 percent) are black. Experts say that these numbers are startling since African-Americans make up only 15 percent percent of the state’s population. Robertson believes there are many reasons for the disparity. “I think there is still a lot of stigma, shame, homophobia, economic concerns, religious and family concerns. There are still men that are fearful of coming out and identifying as gay men, which leads to increased men being HIV positive and not sharing that with people they are intimately involved,” Robertson said. “I mean there are so many reasons why Blacks are disproportionately impacted by not only HIV/AIDS, but also so many other health concerns. One of the biggest is that fact that so many Black gay men have been molested, but never told anyone or when some did tell they were not believed. Mental health issues and concerns also play a role in why we are more impacted by HIV/AIDS than other races and ethnicities.” February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. It comes amid even more grim news about the state of blacks and HIV. A new study by amFAR finds those racial disparities in HIV prevalence will likely persist for decades due to an alarmingly high concentration of the virus in black gay men. The report demonstrates the need to put more resources towards the black community’s continuing struggle with HIV/AIDS. “Many of the disparities are linked to larger disparities that affect racial and ethnic minorities such as higher rates of unemployment and less health insurance. If you do not have health insurance, you are less likely to be in care for HIV. People living with HIV who are not in care are less likely to be on medication to prevent HIV transmission,” said Gregorio Millett, M.P.H., Vice President and Director, Public Policy. Millett is a well-published and nationally recognized epidemiologist/researcher with significant experience working at the highest levels of federal HIV policy development at both the White House and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

Robertson, who is now a Program Coordinator at the Pride Center at Equality Park South Florida, agrees. “Some of this goes to systemic racism that exists in our community, especially in our gay community. There are many Black gay men that still do not have healthcare and are not accessing services that might be available to them. Some of the reasons also stem from lack of adequate housing, homelessness, unemployed, underemployed, incarceration, religion, family concerns, homophobia, etc. There is a litany of reasons why Black gay men are less likely to access a continuum of care, so don’t feel they are worth the effort of taking better care of themselves,” he said. “HIV disparity is a recurring theme we hear at our Kiki Project sessions. Many of the men that have attended our Kiki sessions indicate that some of the reasons mentioned are why they are not in care or do not continue care.” A report by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that misperceptions about how HIV is transmitted (e.g. toilet seat, mosquito bite, sharing a glass of water) had not meaningfully changed across the American public for 30 years. “We forget that only 20-25 years ago, there was a lot of stigma against women in the black community who spoke about having breast cancer. This has shifted dramatically and having breast cancer is no longer the focus of hushed conversations. The same shift must happen with HIV,” Millett said. Robertson agrees that the black community has to get real when it comes to discussing HIV/AIDS. “We need more education in our communities and more compassion for those of us living with HIV/AIDS. We also need to address the homophobia that is also living and thriving in our communities. Education can combat the issues and the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS in our Black communities. We have to start addressing HIV/AIDS head on and not continue to think that HIV/AIDS is someone else’s problem,” he said. “In the Black community we have to own that HIV/AIDS is still killing people and we are becoming infected as about the same rates they were over a decade ago and that is unacceptable. We are learning by talking to Black gay men they can gives us more insight into how best to address and serve them.” On Feb. 7, Robertson will mark this year’s awareness day by performing his one-man show titled, ‘me, myself and i.’ “It is a one-man show written about the life of a man on a quest of self and the many obstacles that block his path to greater self-awareness, understanding and contentment. “me, myself and I” is presented in 4 acts, each act explores complex issues that people can relate in their lives. This show will touch each person in a very different manner, but all that experience “me, myself and I” will be changed and enlightened by the journey,” Robertson told SFGN. There are several testing events happening on Feb. 7 to get people educated about HIV, get tested for it, and if positive, get treatment. For more information about National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, please visit NationalBlackAIDSDay.org.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

Lorenzo Robertson NBHAAD EVENTS:

• Latinos Salud, in observance of the National Black HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day 2015 will be offering Free HIV and STD’s Testing at the following locations: • Monday February 2, 2015 Bring a Friend event – Miami 555 Washington Ave, Suite 235, Miami Beach, Fl. 33139 • Tuesday February 3 , 2015 Bring a Friend event – Wilton Manors 2330 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Fl. 33305 • Wednesday February 4, 2015 Testing at Carol City High School – Miami 3301 Miami Gardens Drive, Miami Gardens, FL 33054 • Wednesday February 4, 2015 Testing at Rumors – Wilton Manors 2426 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Fl. 33305 • Friday February 6 , 2015 Testing at Booker T Washington High School – Miami 1200 Northwest 6th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136 • Friday February 6, 2015 Testing at Twist – Miami 1057 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, Fl. 33139 • Saturday February 7, 2015 Bring a Friend event – Wilton Manors 2330 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Fl. 33305 Friday, February 6, 2015 • Nat’l Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Call to Action Leadership Luncheon • The Black AIDS Institute, Broward Health, Florida Department of Health in Broward County, NBHAAD Committee and Broward Schools Diversity, Prevention and Intervention Program • 4340 NW 36th Street, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319 • 11am - 1:30pm Saturday, February 7, 2015 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (EST) • Miami-Dade County Sistas Organizing to Survive • Mt. Calvary Baptist Church 1140 NW 62nd St, Miami, FL 33150 • 11am-4pm • Commissioner Barbara Jordan’s Health Fair • The Florida Dept of Health in Miami Dade County will be providing HIV and STD Testing at Commissioner Barbara Jordan’s Health Fair from 12pm-3pm • 18605 NW 27th Avenue Miami Gardens, FL 33056 • 12pm-3pm

paid advertisement

Lane and Eriks

SFGN Staff

D ENTAL

Walking in to the offices of Dr. Lane and Eriks isn’t like walking in to a dental office. It’s like walking into a hotel or spa. The walls are contrast—not stark white and bare. There are rugs and artwork and it smells of a garden rather than mouthwash. If only you could check in for a few days,

While they offer traditional dentistry work, they offer world-renowned surgical and reconstructive care. They accept both adults and children patients by appointment only. Dr. Lane notes they have patients who travel from all across the world to get dental work done here. Just recently patients came from England and New Zealand. The 4,000 sq. ft. office has 10 employees but also has specialists, including a periodontist, root canal specialist, and an orthodontist. The office also has a qualified esthetician on staff to perform Botox and permanent makeup. The beauty of Lane and Eriks dental is that you can get all of your dental needs filled in one place. It’s the most comprehensive dental office you will ever walk in to. Both Dr. Lane and Dr. Eriks live within five minutes of the office. They both agree that living so close gives them freedom to be at the office as long as their patients need them. Many patients have their cellphone numbers just in case. It’s not uncommon to find them both there before and after traditional office hours. They recently started accepting appointments on select Saturdays. Dr. Lane and Dr. Eriks welcome patients who need everything from routine teeth cleanings and check-ups to surgery, like dental implants, tooth extractions, and root canal treatment. Both can treat even the most serious dental injuries, including chips, cracks, or teeth that have been knocked out entirely. The office welcomes state-of-the art technology for imaging, CT scanning, and reconstructing. If you’ve ever dreaded the anesthesia needle, this office uses a pen-like wand that measures out the precise amount of anesthetic you will need and pre-numbs the spot where it will go. You never actually feel anything! If You Go: Dr. Lane and Dr. Eriks Dental 1831 NE 45th St. Suite B Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

chances are you’d feel just as refreshed and rejuvenated leaving this dental office as you would any other weekend getaway. Dr. Thomas Lane has been in practice locally for 27 years. A Florida native, he practices in both general and cosmetic dentistry and specializes in reconstructive care. Dr. Ty Eriks is from Seattle and went to school at Boston University but has been practicing in Fort Lauderdale for years.

Remember when getting dental impressions meant biting down into what felt like putty so a mold of your teeth could be made? Lane and Eriks welcome digital dental impressions: your teeth are essentially “dusted” with a powder and then recorded with a special camera. Once the images have been made, a 3-D model of your mouth is created. That’s it! What really sets Lane and Eriks apart is their quality attention to their patients. They offer the most comprehensive and customized care with 1-on-1 consolidations to determine the best needs of each patient. They value your best interests without being overbearing and pushy. The last thing you need when going to a dentist is for them to be arrogant. You will not find that in this office. With their unique, gorgeous, and spacious office, award-winning technology, all-encompassing treatment and handson doctors and staff, it’s no wonder people from across the world are coming to see Dr. Lane and Dr. Eriks. How lucky we are to have them in our own backyard.

Why Pay More?

DECADES Past & Present Home Furnishing

954-771-3331 www.laneanderiksdental.com

This content was paid for by Lane & Associates.

To see inventory soflagaynews //

Decades Jerry Chafﬁ

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

column jesse’s journal

The Book of the Year ‘Blue, Too, More Writing By (For or About) Working-Class Queers’

Jesse Monteagudo

In a recent column I followed the progress LGBTQ Task Force, its goals and programs, In 2005, the gay-owned Suspect Thoughts Press published “Everything I Have Is Blue: Short Fiction by Working-Class Men about More-or-Less Gay Life” edited by Wendell Ricketts. The book was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award and also appeared on my own list of the best books of 2005. Unfortunately, except for these kudos and a few reviews, “Everything I Have Is Blue” was mostly ignored and soon went out of print (while Suspect Thoughts went out of business). For his part, Ricketts refused to give up. Nine years after he single-handedly created the genre of gay, working-class literature, Ricketts revived it with a new anthology: “Blue, Too, More Writing By (For or About) Working-Class Queers.” Published by Ricketts’s own FourCats Press, “Blue, Too” is, like its predecessor, self-financed. When I first came out, I thought I was not beautiful enough to be gay. Now I wonder if I am wealthy enough to be gay. Affluent, mostly-white men dominate gay life and gay literature, as witnessed by the expensive circuit parties and fundraisers that dominate our social life. Working-class, blue-collar men, when they exist, are merely sex objects to be lusted after. This misconception of working-class men was evident in a review of the first Blue book, where the critic invited his readers to lend the book “to the cute guy who delivers bottled water to your office every month. Or your hunky garbage man. Basically, anyone hot with a blue collar,” as if working-class men could not buy their own books. Literature, Ricketts reminds us, “instructs us. We must be vigilant, then, as we take our pleasure in reading, because one of the main ways that literature instructs is by what it refuses to name, by what it omits, elides, or just plain fumbles. Literature is never neutral and it is never still. ‘Most of the time, “men and women who come from or live in or were formed by the working class … don’t see ourselves much in American queer literature.”

Nor do many blue collar, men-loving-men view themselves as gay, which is why, when the first Blue book was published, “the part of the title that lay east of the colon - the ‘more-or-less gay’ part - was no accident. … Then, as now, I don’t presume to know how other queer people with workingclass loyalties, families, lives, home towns, sensibilities have, over the course of their lives, managed their relationship to that vexed and freighted notion, ‘gay.’ But I’ll bet there’s not one of them who hasn’t at one time or another in his or her adult life been in conflict over the label, hasn’t worn it sometimes not because it fits or was flattering but because it seemed to be the only shirt in the closet.” In “Blue, Too,” Ricketts “reprints some reader favorites from Everything I Have Is Blue and, in that sense, bears a passing resemblance to a second edition. On the other hand, half the pieces in Section I are new …; the Afterword has been completely revamped, updated, and expanded; and the Reader’s Guide and Annotated Bibliography … are original to this volume. So, Blue, Too is also something like a sequel. What it really is, is a hybrid.” Ricketts’s own “expanded” Afterword, “Class/Mates: Further Outings in the Literatures and Cultures of the Ga(y)ted Community,” runs 110 pages and is by itself worth the price of the book. Here Ricketts discusses in great detail the scope of queer, working-class literature and the people who created and inspired it. “I continue to be proud of the work in ‘Everything I Have Is Blue and Blue, Too,’” Ricketts concludes, “and I remain committed to what the books represent: the effort to add colors to the palette of American identity, rebut the reductionisms of ‘multiculturalism,’ confuse categories that deserve to be confused, propagandize where propaganda is well warranted. Though I spent years wandering queer literature in search of something like home, I now know that the writers in this collection are the people I needed to find.”

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

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

20% OFF

Our Alre y Reasonable ad icing Just Mention Pr this ad

Voted No. 1 Dry Cleaners in South Florida

• Custom mirrors, memorabilia object framing

• FrameWorks formerly Art-Hound

Gateway Shopping Center 1958 E. Sunrise Blvd.

954-767-0200

FrameWorks

Free Pick Up & Delivery (Home / Office)

627 S. Andrews Ave. (Next Building South of Publix) Fort Lauderdale, FL

954-523-1971

SOUTH FLORIDA’S GO TO HOME CARE WE PROVIDE THE PERFECT CAREGIVER FOR YOU AND YOUR NEEDS

LICENSED AND INSURED

GRATITUDE HOME CARE

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

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

column publisher’s editorial

Photo: wiltonmanors.govoffice2.com

Wilton Manors Commissioners

Norm Kent

Making the right decision the wrong way

norm.kent@sfgn.com

All is well that ends well. Perhaps. Finally, after years of allowing private for profit and non-profit groups to run the Stonewall Festival in June, with checkered and unsuccessful results, the city has sucked it up and decided to manage the event itself. Declaring it to be a “signature event” worth embracing, the city commissioners have appointed a committee to create an ‘entertainment group’ to engineer the festival with a twilight parade on Friday, June 19, and street closures and a Stonewall Festival on Saturday, June 20. The city has a non-profit association, the Island City Foundation, which has been asked to organize and operate the festival and parade. They have met already and city commissioners have ratified the appointment of a chair, advisory committee, and entertainment group. Those are facts. The rest is opinion. For undertaking to do what they should have been doing for a decade, the city commissioners and the city manager deserve a very tame and reluctant round of applause. This festival is an event of such magnitude the city should have realized this and financed it long ago. However, that requires foresight and planning. Most politicians are good at proclamations and promises but not much else. It is therefore no surprise that the city of Wilton Manors was content at letting private organizations run Stonewall each year. Last year, the event was run pretty well by Pride South Florida but as with four other operators in preceding years, it was unprofitable. Consequently, prudent financial management dictated scaling down the event to a smaller parade that was cost effective. The city however wanted a festival — not just a parade.

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

Thus, under the umbrella of its own foundation, it has now taken on the responsibility for the festival. For that, they earn tame applause. The greater truth is that the city and its volunteers could have worked better with Pride South Florida, either to work out collaboration on the parade or as to the dates itself. This they chose not to do. So when the city announced its plans to hold its event on June 19 and June 20, they did so with the full knowledge and awareness that Pride South Florida was conducting a festival in Holiday Park on June 13 and a potential parade in the Manors on June 14. How reckless was that? Make no mistake about it. The City of Wilton Manors irresponsibly lit a fuse which could have ignited a festival war between two competing organizations, to see who would get most rained upon in the middle of June anyway. What the city could have and should have done is invite PSF to present an alternative proposal or at least schedule a meeting to promote collaboration, not conflict. Instead of an attempt at consensus building, the city just threw down the gauntlet, said ‘damn the torpedoes’ and full speed ahead. As the new chair of Pride South Florida, I am happy to say our organization immediately took the high road. Rather than conduct competing festivals, we unanimously voted last week to move our own. Yes it could be seen as embarrassing to change the dates yet again, but the new dates are phenomenal.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

The weekend of Fort Lauderdale Pride starts October 9. October 11 is not only National Coming Out Day; it is also the weekend of the Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. The weather is better, and Fort Lauderdale Pride will put heads in beds for the city at a slow time for tourism. Look for a parade on the beach and a beach blanket movie night in Holiday Park. The City of Wilton Manors is one of the strongest same sex communities in America. This is what the residents of Wilton Manors should have demanded long ago — a pride event run by the city, not by private groups. Now that the city of Wilton Manors has undertaken the initiative, albeit belatedly and negligently, let’s make sure they handle it better than they do their parking problems. Let everyone be accountable, and let’s all work together to make the Stonewall Festival one of recurring pride.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

column mombian

By Dana Rudolph

Denying LGBT

Identities in Death

My mother was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, and so end-of-life issues are much on my mind. When she passes—a straight, cisgender woman—she will be buried next to my father under a common gravestone, with the name she prefers. Our family will honor both her individual identity and the life she and my father created together. Not all LGBT people can expect the same, however, as several recent incidents have reminded us. In early January, the New Hope Ministries Church in Lakewood, Colorado, cancelled the funeral of Vanessa Collier, a lesbian mother, 15 minutes before it was due to start, because church Pastor Ray Chavez would not allow her spouse, Christina Higley, to show a video that included scenes of their engagement and other affectionate moments between the women. He would only permit it if Higley edited out those images. Ultimately, the funeral was moved to a mortuary across the street, where Higley’s own chaplain, Gary Rolando, presided over the service. I cannot imagine what Collier and Higley’s two daughters, ages 7 and 11, must have thought. It is awful enough to lose a mother, without being told that the love and affection between one’s parents is so worthless it must be excised from remembrance. Some transgender people have faced a somewhat different but no less tragic erasing of their selves upon death. When transgender teen Leelah Alcorn died by suicide in December, her mother refused to use her preferred gender pronouns when talking with the media. They put Leelah’s legal name, Joshua, on her gravestone, and banned her best friend, Abby Jones, from the funeral, reported the U.K.’s Daily Mail. After Leelah’s death, Abby had posted online a photo that Leelah had taken of herself wearing a dress and it quickly went viral, which apparently angered Leelah’s parents. Her mother told CNN that she and her husband “don’t support that [Leelah’s transgender identity], religiously,” although she added, “But we told him that we loved him unconditionally.” Hmm. Refusing to

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

acknowledge a child’s gender identity isn’t quite what I think of as “unconditional.” One might imagine an adult would escape the same treatment. Not always. In November, a 32-year-old transgender woman in Idaho, Jennifer Gable, died suddenly of a brain aneurysm. After her death, her parents referred to her exclusively by her birth name, Geoffrey, and with male pronouns. The memorial Web page they established at the funeral home website uses a photo of Gable pre-transition. Even worse, she was presented in the open casket at the funeral dressed in a man’s suit and with her hair in a man’s cut, reported the Miami Herald.

Leelah Alcorn

The family is not always at fault. In another incident last August, the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Florida cancelled the funeral of Julion Evans with less than a day’s notice after learning he was gay. His extended family members belong to that church, so his husband Kendall Capers had wanted the funeral held there. There was no discord between Capers and Evans’ family, according to NBC affiliate WFLA. Their relationship was known to the family, and Evans’ mother was “devastated” when she heard of the cancellation. These are only a few examples of times LGBT people have been misgendered or their partners and family ignored upon their deaths. All four individuals above ran up against religious intolerance that prevented them from having their lives honored in the

soflagaynews //

ways that they would wish. This seems one of the worst and most cowardly kinds of discrimination—discriminating when the targets can’t fight back. The fact that these stories are in the news, however, means that someone is fighting back on their behalf, that at least some friends and family of those above are stepping up and speaking out to ensure that LGBT people are remembered with authenticity and dignity. Not every denomination or ministry is intolerant, of course. And organizations like the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging (lgbtagingcenter.org) have resources to guide individuals in end-of-life planning so their wishes are more likely to be respected. These are useful, but I fear they may be overlooked by younger LGBTQ people and their families. We shouldn’t wait until old age to think about these things or talk about them with our loved ones, however, especially if we have children for whom our funerals would be an important part of the mourning process. And when we hear in the media of incidents like the ones above, we can continue, as many have done, to reinforce the true lives of the individuals by passing on their stories (to the extent that we know them) and calling out those who deny them their selves. The way a community treats its members upon their deaths sets a tone that will resonate long after they are gone. Denominations, ministries, and individuals of faith that discriminate are undermining their own cause as they alienate those family and friends of LGBTQ individuals who accepted them for who they were. Shame on those who profess to help people with their grief and instead add to it. Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of Mombian (mombian.com), a GLAAD Media Award-winning blog and resource directory for LGBT parents.

SouthFloridaGayNews

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

presents historic february births

Visit the Stonewall National Museum & Archives Gallery at 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors to learn more about our gay heritage and those who paved the way—through activism, sacrifice and courage—to give us a better and freer life.

Widely considered the foremost writer of the Harlem Renaissance, James Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was born in Joplin, Missouri, of mixed-race parents with an African, European and Native American heritage. He was first published in the periodical The Crisis in 1921 with the poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers.” In his first book of poetry, The Weary Blues (1926), Hughes saw racial consciousness as a source of inspiration. Not without Laughter (1930), his first novel, won the Harmon Gold Medal for literature. In 1931, Hughes collaborated with Zora Neale Hurston on a play, Mule Bone. His 1935 play Mulatto was the longest-running African-American on Broadway until Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun in 1959. For his first book of short stories,The Ways of White Folks, concentrating on race relations, he received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1935. His story “Blessed Assurance” (1961) focuses on a father’s fear his son would be queer. Although Hughes was never explicit about his sexuality, a friend of his said, “We just took it for granted, as a fact. He was gay, and there was no two ways about it.” Langston Hughes died, at 65, from complications after abdominal surgery for prostate cancer.

I DREAM A WORLD By Langston Hughes

I dream a world where man No other man will scorn, Where love will bless the earth And peace its paths adorn. I dream a world where all Will know sweet freedom’s way, Where greed no longer saps the soul Nor avarice blights our day. A world I dream where black or white, Whatever race you be, Will share the bounties of the earth And every man is free, Where wretchedness will hang its head And joy, like a pearl, Attends the needs of all mankind— Of such I dream, my world! TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Hughes as a busboy at the University of Lincoln. United States postage stamp issued in 2002. Hughes’ editing of his poem “Harlem.” Not Without Laughter was his first novel.

“See Paris and die. Meet Langston Hughes and be damned.” —Alain Locke 1Poet Langston Hughes (1902-67) Director Robert Moore (1927-1984) Author Reynolds Price (1933-2011)

Author/art collector Gertrude Stein (1874-1946) James Bridges (1936-93), director of The Paper Chase, The China Syndrome and partner of Jack Larson, who played Jimmy Olsen in The Adventures of Superman Filmmaker of Scorpio Rising Kenneth Anger (1927) Filmmaker of Tongues Untied Marlon Riggs (1957-94) Actor Nathan Lane (1956)

4 Artist Jared French (1905-88) 5 Author William S. Burroughs (1914-97) 6 Actor Ramón Novarro (1899-1968) 7Singer Margie Adam (1947)

Olympic medal swimmer Mark Tewksbury (1968)

Philosopher/scientist Pierre-Daniel Huet (1630-1721) Poet Elizabeth Bishop (1911-79) Actor James Dean (1931-55) Artist Harmony Hammond (1944)

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

Author Amy Lowell (1874-1925) Porn filmmaker Pat Rocco (1934) Writer Jovette Marchessault (1938-2012) Politian Sheila James Kuehl (1941), who played Zelda Gilroy in the television series The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis Author of The Color Purple Alice Walker (1944) Frankie Goes to Hollywood singer Holly Johnson (1960)

10 Tennis champion Bill Tilden (1893-1953) Singer/songwriter Peter Allen (1944-92) Reporter John Yang (1958)

11First out gay U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (1962) 12 Director Franco Zeffirelli (1923) 13 Artist Grant Wood (1891-1942) Writer James Fugaté (aka James Barr 1922)

14 Writer/activist Jim Kepner (1923-1997) Makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin (1962-2002)

15Dancer/choreographer, Tony-winner and MacArthur “genius” Bill T. Jones (1952) South African judge Edwin Cameron (1953)

soflagaynews //

16 Actor Katharine Cornell (1893-1974)

Filmmaker of Midnight Cowboy and Sunday Bloody Sunday John Schlesinger (1926-2003)

17Heir to a vast fortune Friedrich A. Krupp (1854-1902) Green Day singer/musician Billie Joe Armstrong (1972)

18 Photographer Duane Michals (1932) Writer/activist Audre Lorde (1934-92)

19 Scholar F. O. Matthiessen (1902-1950)

Author of The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, Reflections in a Golden Eye and The Member of the Wedding Carson McCullers (1917-1967) Artist Lari Pittman (1952)

20Anti-gay attorney Roy Cohn (1927-86) 21Anti-gay psychiatrist Harry S. Sullivan (1892-1949)

Writer/diarist Anaïs Nin (1903-77) Author W. H. Auden (1907-73) U.S. Representative (D-Texas) Barbara Jordan (1936-96) Record/film/theater producer David Geffen (1943)

SouthFloridaGayNews

22Boys Scouts founder Robert Baden-Powell

(1857-1941) Poet Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892-1950) Author of Like People in History Felice Picano (1944) Educator Karla Jay (1947) Author of Father of Frankenstein and Eminent Outlaws: The Gay Writers Who Changed America Christopher Bram (1952) Artist Isaac Julien (1960)

24 Artist Winslow Homer (1836-1910) 26 Actor/choreographer Tommy Tune (1939)

News anchor Jenna Wolfe (1974)

27Author of All Fall Down and Midnight Cowboy James Leo Herlihy (1927-1993)

28Karl-Maria Kertbeny (1824-82) coined the word “homosexual”

Gazette Wilton Manors

Volume 2 • Issue 3 February 4, 2015

Twice-Monthly Neighborhood Outlook

Page 3 Real Estate Geek

Page 4 Missing Resident

Page 5 Stonewall Committee

Page 6 Resident Arrested For Bombs

Page 8 Calendar

Mickel Park Begins A Fresh Makeover City to reopen park in July, thanks to funding Page 2

Bars To Reduce "Last Calls" Page 7

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 •

soflagaynews // February 4, 2015

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

Business

Mickel Park to Reopen in July, Say Officials By Michael d’Oliveira

Gazette Wilton Manors

FEBRUARY 4, 2015 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

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

Editorial

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

Correspondents

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

Staff Photographers

J.R. DAVIS • POMPANO BILL • STEVEN SHIRES

A big piece of the funding puzzle for improvement to Mickel Park may fall into place this month. Last week, city officials received proposals from banks for the $744,000 loan needed to make the $1.5 million in improvements planned for Mickel Park, located on Powerline Road. The rest of improvements would be paid for through a combination of general funds, impact fees and grants. Finance Director Bob Mays said he can’t discuss the details of the proposals at this time but they would be brought before the city commission at its Feb. 10 or 24 meeting. The improvements include a walking trail, estate-style fencing, pavilion shelter with concert performance area, a volleyball court, additional bathroom, fitness equipment stations and shade canopies. Officials also want to convert the concession stand into a police substation and community meeting space. The small baseball field will be removed to make room for the new amenities but the large one will remain. Security cameras will also be installed. The original projected cost was expected to cost $2.1 million but that was reduced when the racquetball courts, new lighting, new playground, storage shed, sculpture and fountain were removed from the plans. Officials expect the park to be open by July of this year. “[The security cameras will be added] primarily to ensure the safety of the park users. It’s just an added level of security,”

said Assistant City Manager Leigh Anne Henderson. The city accepted proposals for the cameras on Jan. 26. City staff will review the proposals and the city commission could vote on one as early as Feb. 10. For decades, Mickel Park, formerly known as Mickel Field, was the city’s hub for little league baseball games. Over the years though participation dwindled and the park, dominated by two baseball diamonds, became more and more underutilized. “We’ve allowed this park to fall apart. We’ve let it go to hell,” said former commissioner Ted Galatis. “It’s time to fix it.” But while residents were using it less and less, vagrants, prostitutes and drug dealers used it more and more. Criminals also used the vacant park to stage robberies of some homes adjacent to the park. Westside Association of Wilton Manors President Sal Torre said just having more people use the park will cut down on the amount of illegal activity there. “It won’t be an empty lot. That alone will cut down on criminal activity.” Officials also voted to improve the park as a way to help drive economic development in the area. “We need a real jolt of economic development on the west side. I’m tired of driving by and seeing [Mickel Field] empty,” said Mayor Gary Resnick at a previous meeting. “A lot of developers are not interested in Powerline, partly because of the shape Mickel Field is in.” WMG

Sales & Marketing

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

Associated Press

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 24

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

2 •

SouthFloridaGayNews February 4, 2015

What is This House Really Worth?

Real Estate Geek

By James Oaksun For most people, the purchase of a primary residence is the largest financial/ investment commitment they make in their lives. Yes, there are certainly emotional aspects to the decision. Having owned several homes, you sometimes walk through the door — even pull up to the driveway — and the place just “grabs” you. But what is the right price? Currently, there isn't a “stock market” for real estate. (But I have some ideas!) You can't look up the price of a specific piece of property like you can with a stock. There aren't millions of trades daily. Further, real estate purchases are much longer term in nature. It is rare to find an owner occupant who doesn't plan to stay for at least 10 years. In some neighborhoods I cover, 20-25 years is more typical. So, you may start someplace like Zillow. com, a popular real estate portal. Zillow will helpfully provide you with something

they call the “Zestimate” for your property. This can be a problem! Let's not even talk neighborhood to neighborhood, or city to city, variations. Zillow admits that the accuracy of the Zestimate varies by metro area. But even beyond that, for the country as a whole, Zillow says the Zestimate will represent the market value, plus or minus 10 percent, 80 percent of the time. So what does that mean for a Wilton Manors house that has a Zestimate of $350,000? Well, if the Zestimate for that neighborhood is just as good as the Zestimate for the typical place in America, there is an 80 percent chance that the real value is somewhere between $315,000 and $385,000. And a 20 percent chance the value is really less than 315 or more than 385! In my experience, the Zestimate ends up confusing both buyers and sellers. And nobody got time for that.

You could spend $400-500 for an appraisal. Appraisers have many hours of specialized training and experience, have taken multiple exams, and are state licensed. They will determine the value of the property utilizing the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). That report will produce A Number. But there are caveats to that number also. For one thing, the number is only good as of the date of appraisal. Also, USPAP is designed so that any three appraisers will be at plus or minus five percent of each other's determination of value. That can be tens of thousands of dollars of variance! Finally and most importantly, especially given the rapid appreciation we have seen in some local neighborhoods, an appraisal is always a look back, using historical sales. Ideally the sales are very close to the appraisal date, but this is not always true. In fact, in a smartly rising market the appraised values are going to lag the actual values. Still, if you plan on getting a mortgage for the property, the

appraised value is the one that matters most. Can we do better? In my opinion valuation is both science and art. For example, a realtor who has done a lot of business in a neighborhood can usually walk into a property and know, intuitively and from experience, what the likely sale price will be (or very close). Additionally there is a small handful of Realtors who have built what are called Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) for particular neighborhoods. These models consider a variety of factors in determining a tight range of a likely sales price. Finally, the National Association of Realtors offers a certification called Brokers Price Opinion Resource. To obtain this (and very few Realtors have), you must complete a classroom course, pass an exam, and have been a licensed agent or broker for at least 30 months. So, no, for the foreseeable future you're not going to be able to go to Yahoo Finance and get a property's value. But there are things you can and really should do to come pretty close — if you know who to ask. WMG

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 3 •

soflagaynews // February 4, 2015

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

Community

Relatives and friends of missing woman rally in Fort Lauderdale By Erika Pesantes

Credit: Sun Sentinel

Sun Sentinel

For a Lifetime of South Florida Real Estate Experience When the services of a Premium Real Estate Expert matter….

Relatives and friends of a missing 51-year-old woman rallied Friday evening in Fort Lauderdale, not far from where she was last seen. Lisa Hayden-Gordon, of Wilton Manors, went missing after attending a Keller Williams show at Revolution Live, 100 SW Third Ave., on Jan. 24 and visiting the nearby Poorhouse bar, according to Susan O'Leary, a sister who flew from North Carolina to join in the search. O'Leary and her family, along with Hayden-Gordon's friends, will stand on the corner of Southwest Second Street and Fourth Avenue outside Esplanade Park beginning at 5:30 p.m. in hopes of drawing attention to the missing woman's case. She described Hayden-Gordon this way: "She's just very, very outgoing, friendly, boisterous, loves to talk to people, very engaging." Police say Hayden-Gordon is considered an endangered missing person. She is known to drive a light blue 2003 Hyundai Elantra with stickers all over it. Some of those stickers on the hood are of the sun, moon and stars. The car has Florida license plate 303 IEQ.

O'Leary, who said she filed the missing persons report with police Tuesday, said her sister has vanished without a trace. She's had no activity on her debit or credit cards or social media, O'Leary said. Her sudden disappearance is so uncharacteristic that the property manager where Hayden-Gordon lives alerted family on Monday. The property manager noticed that a student with a scheduled lesson was left waiting for Hayden-Gordon, a piano instructor of nearly 25 years. "She is very, very, very dedicated to her piano students. Lisa has never not been there for a lesson," O'Leary said, adding that her sister also would never abandon her two pet cats. Hayden-Gordon was last seen wearing a short-sleeved orange shirt, blue jeans and glittery sneakers. Police say she is 5-foot6, weighs about 100 pounds and has a thin build. Investigators urge anyone with information on Hayden-Gordon's whereabouts to call Fort Lauderdale police at 954-764-4357. WMG

Esplanade park. Credit: sunny.org

“I promise to always treat you like family, never to embarrass you and to always keep you informed.”

“Broker Joe” Grano, REALTOR® Lic. Real Estate Broker/Owner/Success Coach

Since 1985

954-931-0031

First Atlantic Realty, Inc. 1881 NE 26th Street STE 212 Wilton Manors, Fl. 33305 J.Grano@FirstAtlanticRealty.com

www.JoeGrano.com

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

• • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • 4 •

SouthFloridaGayNews February 4, 2015

City Commission Creates Entertainment Committee to Organize Stonewall

Community

By Michael d’Oliveira

Photos: J. R. Davis

City officials say anyone can put together a parade or festival along Wilton Drive or any other part of the city. But this year’s official June Stonewall festival will be organized by a city-led committee. Officials have expressed concern over the future of the Stonewall festival in Wilton Manors, an event that draws tens of thousands of tourists and visitors to Wilton Manors every year. Not wanting to lose those thousands of visitors, commissioners unanimously voted on Jan. 27 to form an entertainment board during their Island City Foundation meeting. The board would be a subcommittee of the Island City Foundation. “We’re looking for continuity,” said City Manager Joseph Gallegos. Gallegos said the committee would act as a promotional arm for the city. City commissioners would have approval over financial decisions involving events. At least two of the committee members, Jeff Sterling and Corrie Boyd, are former Pride South Florida board members. Pride South Florida was last year’s Stonewall organizer and wants to do it again. In the last few years, several groups have helmed the event. Two of them, Pride of Greater Fort Lauderdale and the Rainbow Business Coalition, have since disbanded. One, Wedner & Friends, which ran the event in 2011, declined to do so in 2012. Pride South Florida experienced turmoil last year with the removal of some of its board members. The crowds Stonewall attracts can translate into a lot of extra revenue for businesses on Wilton Drive, depending on where exactly they’re located. Retailers and restaurants located on the central and north portion of the street tend to get more foot traffic while those at the southern end don’t always get as much because they’re south of Northeast

21 Court – the festival’s cutoff point. “It was a little bit busier [during Stonewall], but not really a lot,” said Alex Meyer, owner of Tropics. Lynn Lawrence, owner of Dairy Queen, said a lot of her regular customers don’t come the weekend of Stonewall because they think they won’t be able to get to her business but new customers during the event kind of make up for it. “I make slightly more.” Further north, business owners say they will be a lot busier. “You can double, triple sales. It’s a numbers game,” said Rene Arredondo, owner of Cigar Boutique. “If you have thousands of people coming by ... it makes a major difference. I look forward to it every year. Same with Halloween.” Norm Kent, publisher of South Florida Gay News and The Gazette and co-chair of Pride South Florida, went before commissioners during their regular commission meeting, after the Island City Foundation meeting. Kent said Pride South Florida plans to hold a slimmed-down event – a festival at Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale on June 13 and parade along Wilton Drive June 14. “It would be a combination of the best of both possible worlds,” Kent said. Unlike last year’s event, which was a money-loser for Pride South Florida, Kent said this year’s “Free Pride” would cost much less and be limited to a parade and some entertainment. The street would only be closed for a few hours instead of the whole day. “We’re just asking [the city] for the basics – police and EMS support.” The reduced cost, said Kent, would allow his organization to focus more on the serious aspects of Stonewall. “We’re a civil rights organization.” WMG

PA R A D E

For information on the parade, please send an email to president@pridesfl.org.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 5 •

soflagaynews // February 4, 2015

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

Community

Man Arrested For Possession of Explosive Devices By Michael d’Oliveira

ADVERTISE IN THE

GAZETTE AS LITTLE AS $75

EACH ISSUE!

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

Two searches of a home at 400 NW 24 Street in Wilton Manors resulted in the removal of four homemade explosive devices and the arrest of Gregory Knepper. According to Wilton Manors Police, firefighters responded to a report of an explosion and found a fire in Knepper’s backyard in the early morning hours of Jan. 26. They found a fire and spent shotgun shells. Subsequent searches of the home found four explosive devices, described as cylinders by police, and commercial grade fireworks. After nearby neighbors were evacuated Tuesday, the devices were detonated by the Fort Lauderdale

6 •

SouthFloridaGayNews February 4, 2015

Bomb Squad inside a bomb containment chamber. The house has been declared an unsafe structure by police and is covered in yellow police tape. Knepper, who is currently in custody and has plead not guilty, said in court that the devices were used for fishing. He is being charged with multiple felonies, including arson and the possession of explosive devices, one of which police say had nails attached to it. “Obviously we’re evaluating him and why he was in possession of these devices,” said Wilton Manors Police Chief Paul O’Connell. WMG

Community

Commission Debates Alcohol Ordinance By Michael d’Oliveira

Wilton Manors’ bar and restaurant owners may soon have fewer chances to extend last call. City officials are debating an ordinance that would reduce the number of alcohol sale exemptions a business owner in the Arts and Entertainment District can request – from 15 a year to five. Each day of extended hours requires one exemption. Vice Mayor Scott Newton and Commissioner Tom Green voted against the issue. “We have a problem with too much drinking,” said Mayor Gary Resnick. Currently, bars and restaurants can only serve alcohol Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. An exemption allows an owner to serve alcohol an hour past the regular times. Commissioners briefly talked about possibly extending the cut-off by one hour but ultimately decided no. Commissioners said they were concerned another hour might be unfair to residents living around Wilton Drive. “I just don’t see the need,” said Newton, who added that 3 a.m. is late enough for most people to be out drinking. Newton called the changes unnecessary, saying that most bars requesting a special event don’t stay open that late because the city’s noise ordinance already prevents late night entertainment that disturbs surrounding neighborhoods. According to the city noise ordinance, establishments that sell alcohol can’t play loud music between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Owners who request an exemption may also be required to hire a sworn off-duty Wilton Manors police officer. Chief Paul O’Connell suggested that the minimum be six hours. The cost to hire a uniformed officer is $35 an hour. O’Connell said it’s important to establish

a police presence well before a bar closes and for some time after to ensure nothing happens. “We make sure everyone is dispersed and on their way home.” Commissioner Justin Flippen suggested the minimum time be cut down to two or three hours near the end of the night. O’Connell responded that it might be hard to find an off-duty officer willing to work a late night shift for only two or three hours. “That’ll be a challenge to fill it,” said O’Connell. Owners may also have to request an extension earlier. Currently, a request has to be made within 30 days of the date desired. The new law would require requests be made at least 60 days in advance. The application fee might also be increased from $100 to $250. Newton said 60 days may be too long because a lot of special events aren’t planned that far in advance. Commissioners also discussed prohibiting people during events from transporting open beverages from one business to another, such as during Art Walk where some business owners serve free wine. “I don’t see the big deal of someone going from one place to another [with alcohol] and looking at the art,” said Green. Currently, the law prohibits people from consuming alcoholic beverages they purchased at a bar off premises, but nothing is stipulated in regards to free alcohol they receive. “We’re going to have to deal with the whole issue of Art Walk,” said Commissioner Julie Carson. Although he was supportive of the change, Resnick said he didn’t want the city turning into a “police state where police question everyone” with a beverage in their hand. WMG

ADVERTISE IN THE

GAZETTE AS LITTLE AS $75

EACH ISSUE!

• • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • 7 •

soflagaynews // February 4, 2015

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

NO EXTENDED BAR HOURS

Commentary

A commentary by Paul Kuta

For several years, I have listened to lengthy discussions by the Wilton Manors City Commission in its meetings on requests by bar owners in the city's Arts and Entertainment District to extend their operating hours for one occasion or another. I think it's time for this issue to be put to rest with the City Commission ruling that operating hours for serving alcoholic beverages at all bars must end at 2 a.m. on weekday mornings and 3 a.m. on weekends — with no exceptions allowed. There are several good reasons for such a decision. First, as Vice Mayor Scott Newton has pointed out, the bars on Wilton Drive closely abut residential areas. There have been several complaints about late-night noise, traffic and litter. Second, as Mayor Gary Resnick has observed, city authorities should not appear to place themselves in a position of encouraging excessive drinking or driving while intoxicated. I

also would add that illegal drug buying does occur after some people spend a long night in bars — and we do have a drug problem in our city. Third, current rules require that businesses must hire a Police Officer or BSO Deputy to be present during extended drinking hours at a bar. This results in what may be seen as discrimination against smaller bars which cannot afford to hire police personnel or pay staff to stay open later; and they can complain that the city may be giving preference to larger bars. This legal argument occurred last year in the City of Oakland Park when its City Commission was discussing extended hours and fees for such for its bars. I do not accept the argument that our bars must be able to serve alcoholic beverages during extended night hours because customers will go to another city if we don't. Let them! WMG

Calendar of Events

Compiled from the Wilton Manors website City Commission Meeting

Brains and Balance Past 60 Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Hagen Park Brains and Balance Past 60 is designed for the unique needs of active older adults who know the importance of staying mentally sharp and physically stable. Researchers no longer believe that falling or losing your mental capacity are inevitable parts of the aging process and this fascinating class series operates based on the premise that specific exercises will decrease the risk of falling while increasing mental acuity.

Free Tax Assistance Feb. 7, 14, 21, & 28 from 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library Free face-to-face tax help for those of low to moderate income from the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.

Photo: J.R. Davis

Wilton Manors Green Market Feb. 7, 8; 14, 15; 21, 22, and Feb. 28, March 1 — 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park Wilton Manors Green Market every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.– 2 p.m. in the Wilton Manors City Hall / Hagen Park parking lot. The Market features Organic Produce, Regular Produce, International Baked Goods, specialty items, spices & herbs, soups, cheeses, coffees & tea, bagels, Nuts & dried fruits, baked goods, and various other international and local vendors. The Market gives residents and visitors to Wilton Manors an exciting shopping alternative and a chance to view, sample and purchase products. For more information on The Market or to become a vendor, visit GreenWilton.com or contact Frank and Ron at 954-531-5363.

Feb. 10 & 24 at 7 p.m. at City Hall Chambers 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Community Yard Sale Feb. 14, All Day at Hagen Park

Historical Society Annual Meeting Feb. 19, 7 p.m. at City Hall Commission Chambers

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event Feb. 22, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Municipal Compound The City's annual drive-through drop-off event for residents to dispose of household hazardous items.

We Do! February 14, 4:30 PM @ City Hall and Hagen Park On Valentine's Day, the City of Wilton Manors and Broward 100 - Celebrating the Art of Community, in honor of the County's centennial, will hold FREE marriage ceremonies for 100 people (50 couples) at Wilton Manors City Hall.

Roadmap to the Stars Astronomy Program Feb. 25, 5 p.m. at Richard C. Sullivan Public Library International award-winning astronomer and former NASA consultant Kevin Manning presents “Roadmap to the Stars.” You’re invited to enjoy an educational and entertaining exploration of the universe, as well as a refreshingly large perspective gained by looking up to the stars. If weather permits, we will view the stars through a powerful custom-designed telescope after the presentation. This engaging program for all ages is sponsored by the Friends of the Wilton Manors Library.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 30

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

8 •

SouthFloridaGayNews February 4, 2015

lifestyle review

Last Chance to See 'Bonnie and Clyde' Jason Parsley

Slow Burn Theatre’s latest musical “Bonnie and Clyde” ends this weekend in West Boca. But don’t fret the show will be moving to the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center for a one weekend run Feb. 12-15. The short lived Broadway show tells the story of two of America’s most infamous criminals, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Slow Burn is known for resurrecting out of the box musicals and giving them new life. “The actors who played Bonnie and Clyde had the ability to make the audience fall in love with them, despite the fact that they were killing people. Clyde was so endearing, I was falling in love with him. They

brought so much passion into their characters. I was crying at the end,” said Jeff Wolmetz. While Brendon Lies added, “Even though the entire show was very dark it was laced with a lot of elements of hope you often feel in your life.” Both theatergoers enjoyed the ending that put twist a on the death of the main characters. This will be theater’s last season at West Boca High. They’ll be moving to the Broward Center’s Amaturo Theatre, a sure loss for Palm Beach County. Visit SlowBurnTheatre.org for tickets to the show in West Boca or AventuraCenter.org for tickets to their show in Aventura.

~In Memoriam ~ Bruce Bogan 1960 - 2015

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bruce Bogan, a member of the Hotspots family and former owner of Copy This. Bruce passed away last Friday at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale. Our deepest sympathies to his life partner and fiancé, Billy Sands, and their families.

Memorial Service

A memorial service will be held at 6pm on Monday, February 9th at The Pride Center at Equality Park 2040 N. Dixie Highway Wilton Manors, FL 33305.

Donations

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Pride Center. Please go online to pridecenterflorida.org and click on the donate button and navigate to Bruce Bogan’s name. There you can donate towards building a brick inlay in Bruce’s name which will be immortalized in the courtyard.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

lifestyle cars

Driven 2015

BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe The cure for the common 3-series

Steve Siler

Mention this ad and get a free drink on us!! (New Patrons Only)

625 E. Dania Beach Blvd Dania, FL 954-921-9893 OPEN 7 DAYS FULL LIQUOR POOL, DARTS, & MORE

Come Enjoy Our Relaxed, Laid-Back Environment!

ZOOM

Whitening Special!

$199

We all know what a BMW is. Some of us also know what a BMW 4-Series is — if you don’t, think 3-Series, only with a wider, lower-slung body and just two doors. But what the hell is a “Gran Coupe?” Well, the way BMW’s sees it, a Gran Coupe is basically a wider, lower-slung coupe with the two rear doors added back in. Other differences include frameless door windows, and in the case of the 4-Series Gran Coupe, folding rear seats and a hatchback. As such, the 4GC — that’s what I like to call it — is both Costco-friendly and dog-friendly. See? There’s even something in it for Fido. But there’s way more to the 4GC than pettotin’ practicality. For one thing, since few people know what it is, the 4GC is rare, so you won’t see yourself coming and going. And even if you do, that’s no bad thing, as it is a rather beautiful thing that gets more attention than Justin Bieber on a Calvin Klein billboard (and doesn’t need Photoshop to get it). But perhaps the best reason to consider a 4GC is in the fact the best reason to consider any BMW: it is rather brilliant to drive, especially if you spring for the Sport package. To me, it doesn’t matter much whether you choose the turbocharged four-cylinder 428i or the more powerful six-cylinder 435i; the former is great and the latter is simply more great. Just be careful with options, as a well-optioned 435i can top $60K without

much trouble, and that’s a lot for what’s essentially a 3-Series, no matter how sexy it looks. So now that you know what a 4-Series is, and what a Gran Coupe is, you can forget what a 3-Series is and be no worse for it. The 4-Series Gran Coupe is the 3-Series for the stylish set, with some practicality tossed in for good measure.

eries 2015 BMW 4-S Gran Coupe Base Price (including destination): $41,250 (428i);

$46,750 (435i) Power: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (240 hp, 255 lb-ft of torque); 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder (300 hp, 300 lb-ft of torque) Transmission: 8-speed automatic with manual shift control Fuel Economy, city/hwy: 23/34 mpg (428i), 21/32 mpg (435i)

General & Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. David K. Warner, DDS, FAGD Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry

OR YOU COULD BUY:

954-565-7666

Audi A4 Lexus IS BMW 328i Sportwagon

1946 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 www.IslandCitySmiles.com Always Plenty of Free Parking • Located Conveniently on Wilton Drive New, State of the Art Facilities • Most Insurances Accepted

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

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

SouthFloridaGayNews

lifestyle books

“The Old Deep and Dark” by Ellen Hart

Terri Schlichenmeyer

$25.99 / $29.99 Canada 296 pages c.2014, Minotaur Books Your favorite Hollywood star is in the headlines – again. By now, it shouldn’t surprise you. He’s in some sort of scrape a couple times a year, probably just so he can keep top-of-mind. Staying in the news: that’s the way stardom works. Then again, as you’ll see in the new mystery “The Old Deep and Dark” by Ellen Hart, he could have secrets he wants good and buried. When Cordelia Thorn bought a crumbling old theatre in downtown Minneapolis, she hoped to restore it to its former grandeur. The basement of the building held a century of performing bric-a-brac, proof that many stars had strode across its stage. The theatre – renamed the Thorn Lester Playhouse – had also been the site of a rumored gangland murder back in the 30s. That didn’t bother Cordelia – it was “tradition” to have a ghost in an old theatre, just as it was good business to bring back stars from the stage’s heyday. She was considering, in fact, bringing back Kit Deere. It had been many years since Kit had appeared onstage in Minneapolis, though she was still considered “theatrical royalty” in Minneapolis. Still acting, and now living in Nashville with her husband, country singer Jordan Deere, Kit had a dream life – until Jordan called for an ominously mandatory family meeting. Booker Deere, Kit’s son, had been fully aware of his parents’ unique lifestyle, and he knew that long-kept secret was about to blow sky-high: his father had penned a “novel” that was a little too close to the truth. Booker knew that absolutely nobody in the family wanted that book published. Nobody. But who would want it quashed enough to

murder Jordan Deere? Private Investigator Jane Lawless definitely had her hands full: she was trying to keep her restaurant smoothly running, trying to help her lawyer-father in his defense of Kit, and trying to understand what was going on with her new girlfriend, Avi. The former could take care of itself. The latter, well, it was probably over anyhow. And the Deere investigation? That was complicated – more so when the skeletal remains of three people tied to Kit were discovered… As mysteries go, “The Old Deep and Dark” is okay. There are plenty of distractions here to keep whodunit fans guessing, at least for awhile. The characters – though there are way too many of them – are fine: quirky enough to be interesting, but not nasty enough to completely hate. It’s good to see Jane Lawless again in a setting that’s cozy and familiar, though the story itself contains implausible plotlines including a lawyer who pushes the boundaries of ethics and a family secret that seems unkeepable for the decades that author Ellen Hart wants us to accept. Ultimately, though I’m so-so on this book, I think Jane Lawless mystery fans will rejoice at a new installment with their favorite PI. If you’re new to this series, however, this isn’t the book to start with. If you’re new, you may find “The Old Deep and Dark” to be too shallow and light.

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

lifestyle history

What the folk!

"Queer as Folk" was a series which focused on gay men, that didn't shy away from getting graphic, and that was unapologetic in its subject matter.

Pier Angelo The original “Queer as Folk” is a 1999 British series that chronicles the lives of three gay men living in Manchester's gay village around Canal Street. It is one of the most controversial shows ever to grace British television screens. The title of the program comes from a dialect expression from Northern England, "there's nowt so queer as folk," meaning "there's nothing as strange as people"; which is a word play on the modern-day English synonym of "queer," meaning homosexual. The original title was known as Queer as Fuck, before it reverted to the former name. This is a series, which focused on gay men, that didn't shy away from getting graphic, and that was unapologetic in its subject matter. Back then Channel 4 was breaking boundaries on a weekly basis. Most Americans have not seen the original British series. It is highly recommended. Driven by its success overseas, American cable channel Showtime and Canadian cable channel Showcase co-made a North American version set in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, still under the title Queer as Folk, closely following the original's plot, but then moving onto new storylines since it continued for four additional seasons becoming a sort of gay soap opera. The North American version covered more social issues such as AIDS, gay parental rights, and gay marriage. It quickly became the number one show on the Showtime roster. The network's initial marketing of the show was primarily targeted at gay male (and to some extent, lesbian) audiences, yet a sizeable segment of the viewership turned out to be heterosexual women. Groundbreaking scenes abounded in “Queer as Folk,” beginning with the first episode, containing the first simulated sex scene

between two men shown on American television (including mutual masturbation, anal sex, and rimming), albeit more tame than the scene it was based on in the UK version. Despite the frank portrayals of drug use and casual sex in the gay club scene, the expected conservative uproar never materialized. (maybe they got off on it). Initially, most of the actors kept their real-life sexual orientations ambiguous in the press so as not to detract from their characters, causing much speculation among the viewing audience. Since that time, Randy Harrison, Peter Paige, Robert Gant and Jack Wetherall have stated that they are gay, while the rest of the cast have for the most part avoided public discussion of their orientation. Everyone who has seen the series has his or her own favorite characters. One of them is Emmett Honeycutt, played by Peter Paige: Originally from Hazlehurst, Mississippi, Emmett is the most flamboyant of the group. He goes through several jobs, including shopkeeper at a clothing store called Torso, porn star, naked maid, party planner, and correspondent for a local news station, as well as a number of relationships during the course of the series. Always ready to make a fashion statement, Emmett flaunted orange leather pants with a lining of Tom of Finland characters. The autographed pants are currently on display at the Stonewall Library and Archives in Wilton Manors. Also on display is Sharon Gless’ famous leopard outfit worn on the show. Everybody, hands down, loves Debbie Novotny, the character played by Sharon Gless: An active PFLAG member, Debbie is fiercely proud of her son’s homosexuality, to the extent of making him embarrassed about it. She treats all the boys as her own family, especially Justin, who

soflagaynews //

briefly lives with her after he runs away from home. She is also one of the people who sees past Brian's cockiness for what he really is. She works at the Liberty Diner and, at home, she takes care of her ill brother Vic. As of February 1, 2014, the entire series is available for online streaming, via Netlfix. If you are a fan of the show you might want to visit the exhibit at the Stonewall Library and Archives in Wilton Manors and take a trip down memory lane. If you want to learn more about your gay heritage and those who paved the way, through activism, sacrifice, courage and civil disobedience to give us a better and freer life you can visit The Stonewall Museum & Archives in Wilton Manors. We should all know who our gay heroes are and be thankful for what they did on our behalf.

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

HUNGARY FACES A

lifestyle passages

Popular Print Shop Owner Passes Away

SEX POSITIVE CULTURE CHALLENGES ETHICS

~In Memoriam ~

John McDonald

Bruce Bogan

Bruce Bogan, a well-known print shop owner, passed away over the weekend from heart failure. He was 56. “Bruce was very successful at doing graphics and print work,” said Brad Casey, a salesman who worked with Bogan at the now defunct Buzz Magazine. “And, more importantly, he 1960 - 2015

- 2015 was a fun guy to be around.” suffered1960 a “widowmaker heart attack” Before settling in South Florida, three months ago was hospitalized Bogan was a graphic designer in his and slipped into a coma. He recovered, home state of New York with a client however, with the help of a pacemaker, list that included the Ronald McDonald Sand said, but ultimately succumbed House, Halston and WBLS-FM Radio. to infections associated with the Bogan, Casey said, would regal friends pacemaker’s implantation. with stories of the gay days of disco “He loved serving the community,” in 1970s New York City and the party Sand recalled. “He was known for hand scene at super clubs such as Studio 54, delivery and a big smile and for saying Limelight and Paradise Garage. ‘happy, happy, joy, joy.’” In South Florida, Bogan owned and Bogan received numerous awards operated Copy This, a Wilton Manors for his good deeds. In 2010, the Wilton based business where he continued to Manors ‘ Main Street Association We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bruce Bogan, a member apply his graphic design tradeof the while honored Bogan the “Keeping the Hotspots family and former owner ofwith Copy This. Bruce passed last Friday at Holy Business Cross Hospital of the Quarter assisting charitable organizations in awayDrive Alive in Fort Lauderdale. Our deepest sympathies to his life the LGBT community. Recognition Award.” partner and fiancé, Billy Sands, and their families.A year later, Bogan Bogan is survived by his husband, captured grand prize honors in the Memorial Service Billy Sand. In a telephone interview South Florida Dancing with9ththe Stars A memorial service will be held at 6pm on Monday, February at The Pride Center at Equality Park 2040 N. Dixie Highway with SFGN, Sand said the two had been competition, teaming with Electra in Wilton Manors, FL 33305. together for six years, recently married the Brian Neal Fitness and Health HIV and were planning a March ceremony Donations charity fundraiser. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to and honeymoon cruise. “He was such a creative person,” the Pride Center. Please go online to pridecenterflorida.org Sand, owner of Diner-By-The-Sea Casey “Heto Bruce willBogan’s certainly be and click on the donate buttonsaid. and navigate There you can donate towards building a brick inlay in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, saidname. Bogan missed.” in Bruce’s name which will be immortalized in the courtyard.

~In Memoriam ~ Bruce Bogan

‘FIRST COMES LOVE’ PHOTO FEATURE

Bruce Bogan

eeply saddened by the loss of Bruce Bogan, a member tspots family and former owner of Copy This. ssed away last Friday at Holy Cross Hospital auderdale. Our deepest sympathies to his life nd fiancé, Billy Sands, and their families.

al Service

ial service will be held at 6pm on Monday, February 9th de Center at Equality Park 2040 N. Dixie Highway Manors, FL 33305.

flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Center. Please go online to pridecenterflorida.org on the donate button and navigate to Bruce Bogan’s ere you can donate towards building a brick inlay s name which will be immortalized in the courtyard.

ON STANDS NOW!

Check out

The Mirror

Winter 2015 36

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

WINTER 2015 • Vol. 3

Winter Arts Guide Editio GUIdE bEGINS ON PAGE 21

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

HUNGARY FACES A HISTORIC STRUGGLE

themirrormag.co m

Issue 4

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

Siam Cuisine Thai Restaurant

EXOTIC & FINE SIAMESE CUISINE EST. 1980 • THE FIRST THAI RESTAURANT IN BROWARD COUNTY

Lunch Specials Starting at $6.95

15% OFF DINNER with this ad

Expires: 18, 2015 withFebruary this coupon

Lunch: Mon-Fri • 11:30AM - 2:30PM Dinner: 7 Days • 5PM - 10:30PM Beer & Wine Served • FREE Valet Parking

2010 Wilton Drive • Wilton Manors, FL SIAMCUISINEFL.COM • (954) 564-3411

Men’s Night! EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT 2 for 1 dinners* and drink specials all night long *with drink purchase

PRESENT THIS AD TO RECEIVE 20% OFF ENTIRE CHECK AFTER 5 P.M. MONDAY & TUESDAY.

Santa Lucia Ristorante 2701 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306

(954) 396-0930

SantaLuciaRistorante.com soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

F O R

T H E

J.W. Arnold

SFGNITES

jw@prdconline.com

THU

TELEVISION

W E E K

O F

2/5

F E B R U A R Y

1 0 ,

2 0 1 4

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

The regional premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical, “Ragtime,” playing through Feb. 22, is the largest production ever mounted by Actors Playhouse in Coral Gables.

Tonight E! broadcasts the Lance Bass Wedding Special, a documentary about the former boy band singer’s December nuptials. Unlike the network’s last marriage special—that Kim Kardashian/Kris Humphries fiasco—we have a feeling this one is going to make it more than a few weeks after the checks are cashed. An ambassador for same-sex marriage, Bass will also be in town this morning for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau’s mass gay wedding on the beach. Check local listings for channel and show times.

FRI

CONCERT

2/6

It’s a British invasion in Fort Lauderdale as the South Florida Symphony shares the stage with The WannaBeatles tonight at 7:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 301 E. Broward Blvd. Experience Beatlemania with the timeless music of Paul, John, George and Ringo, as the symphony backs up this awardwinning tribute band for one performance only. Tickets are $10 – 75 and special VIP seating, including a reception following the concert, is $150. Reserve tickets at SouthFloridaSymphony.org.

SAT FOOD

2/7 SUN

Science gets sweet at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium’s 10th annual “Science of Chocolate” event. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, both science-lovers and chocoholics will delight at the delicious sights, sounds—and of course tastes—of science! At the daylong event in West Palm Beach, guests will experience instant chemistry with a variety of interactive chocolate experiments and activities, including liquid nitrogen chocolate and learning how to paint with M&M’s. For more information, go to SFScienceCenter.org.

Credit: George Schiavone

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

THEATER

2/8 MON

COMEDY

Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables presents the regional premiere production of the Tony Award-winning musical, “Ragtime” through Feb. 22. This sweeping musical portrait of early 20th century America tells the powerful tale of a white, upper-middle class family, an African-American couple, and an Eastern European immigrant, as they confront the contradictions of wealth, poverty, prejudice, hope, and despair in pursuit of the American Dream. Tickets are $52 and $59 at ActorsPlayhouse.org.

soflagaynews //

2/9 TUE

We loved Joy Behar on “The View” for 16 seasons and now she’s coming to West Palm Beach’s Kravis Center tonight for one show tonight at 8 p.m. Behar is a comedic original who also hosted her own talk shows on HLN and Current TV. She will be joined by Susie Essman, who played the sassy Susie Greene for all eight seasons of the critically acclaimed HBO comedy series, “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Her hilarious bouts of withering sarcasm and uninhibited insults have become her character’s trademark. Tickets start at $20 at Kravis.org.

SouthFloridaGayNews

SEMINAR

2/10

Marriage equality is the law in Florida. The Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors, hosts a seminar, “What Now? Financial Implications for Marriage Equality,” tonight at 6 p.m. in the Schubert Building. Attorney Robert Judd, accountant Tim Hart and financial planner David Treece will discuss the opportunities for same sex couples who may be considering making their relationships legal. Admission is free and includes a reception to follow. For more information, go to PrideCenterFlorida.org.

EXPERIENCE THE CULTURE BEAUTY & SPIRIT OF THE POLYNESIAN ISLANDS

FEATURING Hula Dancers,

Fire & Knife Dancer, Island Music, Hula, Contest, Ukulele Exhibition, South Pacific Arts & Crafts, Delicious Food From The Polynesian Islands, Kids Corner And More

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

30 th Anniversary

Free For Children Under 12 & $7 For Adults

POLYNESIANCULTUREASSOCIATION.COM

Join FoundCare in Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County

L U N C H E O N

TO PURCHASE TICKETS OR TO UNDERWRITE:

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 12 NOON

Online: www.foundcare.org/events

Embassy Suites • 1601 Belvedere Rd • West Palm Beach

GENERAL ADMISSION $50 in advance/$75 at the door

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: GREG LOUGANIS

By phone: 561-472-9160 ext. 220

4-time Olympic Champion

In person: 2330 South Congress Avenue, West Palm Beach

VIP ADMISSION

$100 or table of 10 for $1000 Includes VIP up front seating, Specialty CAP Red Ribbon Lapel Pin and Meet & Greet with Greg Louganis at 11:30 am

1985-2015 soflagaynews //

www.foundcare.org or on facebook at www.facebook.com/foundcare

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

a&e film

'The Gays'

Butch daddy knows best David-Elijah Nahmod TS Slaughter isn't afraid of offending people. The Gays, his second feature film, is inspired by the stereotypes of gay culture, and by 1950s TV sitcoms. The Gays is an intentionally offensive, though quite hilarious comedy about a suburban family of gay men. Parents Rod and Bob Gay (Frank Holliday, Chris Tanner) raise their boys Alex and Tommy (Mike Russnak, Flip Jorgensen) to seduce their friends and engage in all manner of sexual game-playing. Bob, a transvestite, claims to be the boys' actual mom -- it was an anal birth! The film is a series of vignettes often done in the style of TV sitcoms from the 1950s--imagine Father Knows Best, The Donna Reed Show or Leave It to Beaver performed with an all gay cast. There's also a flashback sequence to the day dear old mom first gave birth--it's presented as a sidesplitting spoof of The Exorcist. The dialogue is graphic throughout The Gays, but how else are Mom and Dad going to prepare their boys for the world? The Gays is definitely not your average suburban family. TS Slaughter now chats with SFGN about his film, and explains his views on the gay community.

Tired of singing to your shower curtain? Instead...

SFGN: Do you worry that viewers might take offense to the ﬁlm?

TS Slaughter: Everything offends someone. Just the fact of a person being gay offends a lot of people, so you have to be pretty thick skinned to get through life as a gay person. Lots of queers seem to be in denial about that basic fact. They act like everything's ok as long as we keep up the pretense of respectability by calling our lovers "partners" and having fabulous gay weddings. But it's true: our very being is offensive to lots of people, no matter how we try to minimize this reality. Given that basic truth, one of the things we can all do for ourselves as gay people is insist that our viewpoints are valid even though they are not mainstream.

SFGN: Your sense of humor is certainly different and quite bizarre.

You don’t have to be able to read music. Just be able to carry a tune in a handbasket. Join us Tuesdays, 7:30 pm at St. Mark’s Episcopal School, in the Music Suite behind the gymnasium. 1750 East Oakland Park Blvd., just east of 15th Ave. 954.832.0060 www.theftlgmc.org www.facebook.com/theftlgmc

And for anyone who’s looking for a good time, save the date for the Chorus’s spring show:

Lounge-array 8 p.m., Saturday, March 14 at the Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale

Special Thanks to our media sponsor:

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

TS Slaughter: As a filmmaker I feel the need to insist that my warped sense of humor and abrasive social critique are just as valid and worthy of airtime as anyone else' point of view. I write and make films about what I see around me, and do not and will not apologize for my brutal honesty and scathing satire. That's part of why the theme song for The Gays includes the refrain "The Gays need not apologize to you". I see it as a sort of national anthem for all us queers, even though it's also meant to be funny and edgy too.

SFGN: How would you describe The Gays?

TS Slaughter: The Gays is a raunchy, twisted, irreverent radical queer take on American TV sitcoms of yesteryear, especially those that

Credit: Puto Jones

portray the nuclear family. From the normal (The Brady Bunch) to the bizarre (The Addams Family). It's not a linear story but a series of comic vignettes portraying the bizarre family rituals of a dysfunctional gay family of four whose members think they are normal.

SFGN: Is there a hidden message in The Gays?

TS Slaughter: There are several messages that come to mind. One is that LGBT people should not be ashamed of who we are even if we behave, from a socially conventional perspective, outlandishly and irresponsibly at times. If straight people can do whatever they want and not apologize for it, then so can we. And since we have historically been oppressed by straight people, they should be able to handle some satire directed at them. Like the line "heterosexuality is not proper dinner table conversation, son", which father Rod Gay utters witheringly to his son Alex.

SFGN: That's quite an envelope pushing message. Is there anything else you're trying to say?

TS Slaughter: A related message is that we should revel in our naughtiness. We've fought too hard for the right to be sexually and socially liberated people. A third message is that as gay people we should be nicer to each other than we typically behave. The film shows a lot of bad gay male behavior towards other gays, especially when it comes to dating and sex. And that's all too common in real life, unfortunately. This behavior stems from internalized homophobia. Gay men have been told that we're all just sissy garbage by the rest of the world since birth, so when we grow up, we take it out on each other.

SFGN: What do you hope LGBT viewers will take from all this?

TS Slaughter: I hope the film raises awareness by reflecting our darker behavioral patterns and worst instincts back to the LGBT audience in a satirical way. At the same time I know the truth hurts, so I know lots of viewers will object. So be it. I'm not fond of gay culture as it is now. Like I said before, we could treat each other a lot better than we do, and we'd all be a lot better off emotionally. Too many of us go from rejection by our families to rejection by each other.

SFGN: Anything you'd like to add?

TS Slaughter: I just want to say to the few queer critics I've read who say they can't imagine who the audience for The Gays is: it's precisely for you, if only you could admit it. Slaughter tells SFGN that like his previous film, The Gays was self-funded. He now has several more projects in the works.

To order a DVD of The Gays, or to watch it at Vimeo on Demand, please visit: www.thegaysmovie.com SouthFloridaGayNews

a&e art Stonewall Exhibition Chronicles Era of Male Erotic Art J.W. Arnold

Credit: Leslie-Lohman Museum

For a generation of closeted gay and bisexual men beginning in the 1950s, homoerotic art was as close as the nearest newsstand. But, when magazines such as “Grecian Guild Pictorial,” “Tomorrow’s Man,” and later, “Blueboy,” “Torso,” “Mandate” and “InTouch,” made it home, they were often tucked under the bed or hidden in a drawer. “Stroke: From Under the Mattress to the Museum Wall,” an historical retrospective exhibition of 23 original erotic illustrations and paintings from the pages of those magazines, opens this week at the Stonewall Museum – Wilton Manors Gallery. The exhibit was originally assembled last year by the LeslieLohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art in New York City and curated by artist Robert W. Richards, one of the frequent contributors to those magazines. According to Richards, the Fort Lauderdale edition of “Stroke” not Kent Neffendorf, The only explores the male form, but for the first time, offers an examination Mechanic, 1992, acrylic and of gay male private life, as experienced pencil on illustration board, through magazines that were available published in “MEN,” Nov. 1992. on every corner in America—but often kept under mattresses for fear of While Leslie-Lohman only received being discovered. museum designation from the State of New “Many of the early magazines pretended York in 2011, the museum actually got its start to be bodybuilding, strength and health in 1987, when founders Charles Leslie and journals,” he explained. “Sometimes they were Fritz Lohman began assembling the artworks called ‘anatomy guides for artists.’ However, of friends who had died during the height of most of the men bought these magazines the AIDS epidemic. because they were gay.” “A lot of families would come in and throw For decades, the U.S. government had everything away as their sons died….part cracked down on “sexual perversion” and of that was gay artwork,” O’Hanian said in actively prosecuted consumers who received a telephone interview. “The museum was naked male images through the mail. founded as a way to preserve this artwork,” “Buying one of these publications required and the collection now boasts more than an act of courage, especially if the small-town 24,000 pieces. drugstore owner knew the buyer and his And, as the AIDS epidemic was relegated family,” added Richards. to a dark chapter in gay history, the museum Demand for these magazines grew, however, expanded its focus to speak to the larger during the sexual revolution of the 1960s and LGBTQ community and its culture, he added. after the Stonewall riots. These publications “We are pleased to be collaborating with the are credited with launching the careers of Leslie-Lohman Museum,” said David Jobin, famed artists, including Tom of Finland. executive director of the Stonewall National Leslie-Lohman Museum director Hunter Museum and Archives. "The exhibit they O’Hanian noted the exhibit is just the first created with ‘Stroke’ will be of considerable of many collaborations planned with the interest to the gay population whose coming Stonewall Museum and National Archives and out years intersect with the publications in other LGBT history and art museums around which these images were featured.” the world. “Stroke: From Under the Mattress to the Museum Wall” will be on display through March 8 at the Stonewall Museum – Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. An opening reception will be held Friday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. For more information, go to Stonewall-Museum.org. soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

a&e film

Lesbian Cinema From Germany Something old, something new

David-Elijah Nahmod

Two Mothers

(2013) 75 minutes TLA Releasing

The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant (1972) 125 minutes The Criterion Collection

Two films about women’s lives come to digital formats. One is a daring film from a maverick director who died too soon. The other is a recently produced work. Rainer Werner Fassbinder (1945-1982) was the undisputed leader of the New German Cinema movement. From the late 1960s until shortly after Fassbinder’s death at age 37, Germany produced some of the era’s finest films. These films were produced on miniscule budgets by emerging new filmmakers, and were deeply personal. They were a far cry from the films being produced by the Hollywood studios at that time. One of the most impressive aspects of Fassbinder is the sheer volume of his work. His career lasted around 15 years, during which time he directed an astonishing 39 feature films and several television productions. He also wrote plays and acted, both in his own films and in the films of others. Fassbinder’s The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant is an intense lesbian drama about obsessive love. Produced in 1972, the director filmed his own play at a time when LGBT characters were often invisible on screen. The openly bisexual auteur, who sometimes cast his lovers of both sexes in his films, was known for ignoring convention--he made other gay themed films in the aftermath of Petra Von Kant’s acclaim. Margit Carstensen plays Petra, a twice divorced fashion designer who has a peculiar relationship with her assistant Marlene (Eva Mattes). Marlene does as she is told, including work on Petra’s designs and dance with her boss--Marlene never speaks during the film. Petra mentors a beautiful if lower class young woman named Karin (Hanna Schygulla). Karin moves in with Petra even though she is married. They become lovers, and with Petra’s help, Karin becomes a famous supermodel. Now that she’s gotten what she wants, Karin leaves Petra to return to her husband. Petra goes mad at the loss of Karin. Her behavior becomes erratic as she begins lashing out at everyone around her. A riveting script and superb acting makes for some fascinating, mesmerizing viewing. The entire film is set in Petra’s home, and the

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

camera rarely strays more than a few feet from her bedroom. The acting is highly stylized and theatrical, with a self aware quality that pulls viewers into the dream world Petra has created for herself. Though the film is set in what was then the present day, Fassbinder dresses his all female cast in colorful period costumes from the 1920s and 30s. It’s all about setting the stage, creating just the right mood. It works beautifully. Four decades later, The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant stands as an early example of a courageous director who was willing to put gay characters on the screen long before it was fashionable to do so. Though Petra, as a character, is hardly a positive LGBT role mode, her story does paint an accurate portrait of how many people lived in generations past. Anne Zohra Berached’s Two Mothers was produced in 2013. The film is a fairly straightforward drama, shot with hand held cameras in an almost documentary style. It tells the story of a comfortably middle class lesbian couple and their difficult road to motherhood. At first Katja and Isabella are turned down by a series of fertility clinics because they’re a lesbian couple. They find a private physician willing to work with them, but his fees are high. The women remain steadfast and determined in their quest to begin a family-but there are more bumps in the road than they were prepared for. As they begin to interview potential sperm donors, Katja and Isabella find to their disgust that not all the men are willing to provide semen in a test tube--some have a fetish for sex with lesbians. The tensions between the two women begin to escalate, but their deep love for each other remains clear. Two Mothers is a dark drama. It should be required viewing for any lesbian -- or gay man -- who might be thinking of becoming a parent. The film will serve as an education on what it might take to achieve your dream. The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant and Two Mothers are in German with English subtitles. Both films are now available. Petra Von Kant is on DVD and Blu Ray, while Two Mothers is available on DVD only.

a&e theater

Island City Stage’s 'Octopus' Swims in Metaphors J.W. Arnold

See Us... Hear Us... Feel Us!

Credit: Robert Figueroa

Performing with the

South Florida Symphony Orchestra Friday, February 6, 2015 7:30pm First Baptist Church

An awkward sexual encounter unleashes unexpected feelings of jealousy and pain in Island City Stage’s production of “Octopus.” I had nearly forgotten about the time, 20 years ago, when my boyfriend at the time and I engaged in our first “four-way” with another couple. But, as the drama unfolded in Steve Yockey’s play, “Octopus,” at Island City Stage last weekend, I was quickly reminded of the excitement and trepidation of that big event. Kevin (Chris Mitchell) and Blake (Craig Moody) are a young couple who have lined up such an encounter with an older couple they met at the bar, Max (Juan Gamera) and Andy (Christopher Kauffmann). Blake is hesitant, but Kevin goads him on, promising an “adventure,” as they nervously await their arrival. An uncomfortable meeting quickly devolves into a sweaty sexual encounter (artfully choreographed by Andy Fiacco) as bodies intertwine into a naked mass of appendages—the play is called “Octopus,” after all. Soon, Kevin finds himself on the side of the bed, a neglected spectator as his eagerly anticipated four-way becomes a threesome. A little innocent fun results in intense feelings of jealousy and anger for both couples as Yockey’s play suddenly takes a complicated swim, almost drowning in metaphors. The young couple’s argument is interrupted by the arrival of a telegram delivery boy (a very creepy Kristian Bikic) who is soaking wet on a seemingly sunny day. The cryptic telegram warns Blake that Andy is on the bottom of the ocean being attacked by a “sea monster.” Along the way, we learn that Andy tested positive for HIV and could have infected Blake, Max left Andy and Blake might be the next to face the

301 East Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Tickets: $10 - $75 VIP: $150 includes a catered dinner, concert & reception Tickets: 954-522-8445 or SouthFloridaSymphony.com

ominous sea monster. Throughout, Yockey’s approach seemed reminiscent of the works of young British expressionist playwright Sarah Kane (“Blasted,” “Cleansed”)—who incidentally suffered from mental illness and committed suicide at 28—and explored themes of love, sexual desire, pain and redemption through absurd plot twists and extreme stage violence. Under the direction of Island City’s artistic director, Andy Rogow, the cast uniformly unleashes deep emotions in one of the most powerful, if not subtle, performances in the company’s short history. The audience winced throughout the Sunday evening performance as caresses turned to punches, thanks to extremely convincing fight choreography by John Manzelli. Yockey’s play presents many technical demands, challenges in any theater but especially the intimate Empire Stage space, met ably by set designer Matt McClain, lighting designer Preston Bircher and sound designer David Hart. Video effects created by Andy Fiacco further accentuated the production, instantaneously transforming McClain’s comfy, contemporary condo into the eerily lit depths of the ocean floor. Also, be forewarned, the front row (and parts of the second) definitely falls within a “splash zone.” Yockey’s play may not appeal to every theatergoer, but the lessons beneath the surface will resonate with anyone in a complicated relationship, thanks to Island City Stage’s strong production.

Island City Stage presents Steve Yockey’s “Octopus” through March 1 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $30. For show times and tickets, go to IslandCityStage.org. soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

Datebook

Theater Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com

broward county * Knight with the Stars

Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. No need to head to Vegas, see Cher through the performance of Debbie Knight, who captures her mannerisms and voice like you’d never believe. Tickets $35 to $45.28. Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.com.

* Hear the Dance

Feb. 6 to 8 at the the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The Miami City Ballet performs Sinatra, Taylor/Schubert, and Balanchine/Stravinsky. Tickets $20 to $175. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band

the Italian singer comes to South Florida almost * A Salute to the Great American every year in time for a Valentine’s Day. $204 to $554. Songbook Visit SeminoleHardRockHollywood.com Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm * Cosi Fan Tutte Beach. Songs from Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Feb. 12 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the the Broward Center Bing Crosby, Judy Garland and others are the focus for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort of this afternoon of music. Tickets $25. Call 561-832Lauderdale. In Mozart’s comic opera, two military 7469 or visit Kravis.org. officers test the faithfulness of their fiancees by dressing in disguise. Tickets $21 to $200. Call 954- * The Very Best of Celtic Thunder Tour 462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org. Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm * Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding Beach. A collection of the best from the iconic Irish Feb. 12 to 22 at the Broward Center for the Performing dance and music troupe. Tickets $25 to $105. Call Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org. madness of an Italian American wedding comes to the stage in New York’s longest running comedy -- * The Improvised Shakespeare Company you’re a guest at the fete too, with dinner, cake, and a Feb. 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the champagne toast! Tickets $65. Call 954-462-0222 or Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm visit BrowardCenter.org. Beach. Working with suggestions from the audience, the theater company puts together a Shakespearean Octopus play on the spot. Tickets $28. Call 561-832-7469 or Through March 1 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler visit Kravis.org. Road in Fort Lauderdale. Island City Stage presents the play of a younger gay couple that tries to keep * A Night with Harry Connick, Jr. up with an older, more experienced crowd during a Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the night that challenges the core of their relationship. Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Contains nudity. Tickets $30. Call 954-519-2533 or Beach. The Grammy Award winner is a wiz on the visit IslandCityStage.org. stage and in front of the camera in his music and acting career. Tickets $39 and up. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

palm beach county

Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. The band performs in support of Mariinsky Orchestra their new album, “Ride Out.” Tickets $65 to $95. Call Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing 954-835-7000 or visit TheBBTCenter.com. Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The orchestra is joined by Uzbekistani piano youngster * Three Hysterical Broads… Off Their Behzod Abduraimov. Tickets $35 to $110. Call 561Medication 832-7469 or visit Kravis.org. Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive in Coral Springs. Patsy Carmen Lynch, Marion Grodin, and Michelle Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Harrington return for a rip roaring night of comedy. Ave. in Lake Worth. Barbara Van Eycken pays tribute Tickets $30.74 to $41.34. Call 954-344-5990 or visit to the country star, Patsy Cline. Tickets $25 to $30. CoralSpringsCenterfortheArts.com. Call 561-586-6410 or visit LakeWorthPlayhouse.org.

* Mayhem Poets

Golden Boys

* Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra

Wuthering Heights

Feb. 8 at 5 p.m. at the Miramar Cultural Center, 2400 Civic Center Place in Miramar. A mix of comedy, theatre, and spoken word by a unique troupe of performers. Tickets $15. Call 954-602-4500 or visit MiramarCulturalCenter.org. Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. the the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The orchestra performs a range of music from Dvorak and Copland to Queen and John Williams. Tickets $44 to $135. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Dvorak Totems

Feb. 10 at 8:15 p.m. the the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Dvorak’s music, influenced by Native American traditions, is accompanied by Yehuda Hanani on the cello. Tickets $50 to $75. Call 954-4620222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Chris Brown with Trey Songz ft. Tyga

Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The South Philly boys Frankie Avalon, Fabian, and Bobby Rydell are back on the stage. Tickets $25 to $115. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The four sisters are joined by an opening act by the Port Salerno Church of God Celebration Choir. Tickets $15 to $55. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

soflagaynews //

* Vivace

Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. Classic opera and new school rock come together from four very unique male and female performers. Tickets $40 and $45. Call 800-745-3000 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

* Mariinsky Orchestra

Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The program includes music by Shchedrin, Tchaikovsky, and Mussorgsky. Tickets $50 to $130. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Bicycle Country

Feb. 6 to March 1 at the Main Street Playhouse, 6766 Main Street in Miami Lakes. Three balseros, or “raft people,” attempt to make their way from Cuba to Florida in the mid-’90s in a quest for freedom. Tickets $25. Call 305-558-3737 or visit MainStreetPlayers. com.

* The Doo Wop Project

Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. The story of doo wop and its influence on modern music is explored in this riveting performance. Tickets $45.50 and $49.50 Call 800-745-3000 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

* Harry Connick, Jr.

Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. With 29 albums under his belt, he’s also an accomplished actor and Broadway performer. Tickets $69 to $129. Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

* Raisin’ Cane

Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211st St. in Cutler Bay. A tribute to Through Feb. 15 at the Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 the sounds of the Harlem Renaissance. Tickets $25 to NW Ninth St. in Delray Beach. Lawrence Garfinkle $45. Call 786-573-5300 or visit SMDAC.org. decides to save himself during the 2005 housing bubble, even if it means taking other people Newsies down. Tickets $30. Call 561-272-1281, ext. or visit Through Feb. 8 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. In this Broadway hit, a group of DelrayBeachPlayhouse.com. newspaper boys become the headline as they fight New York’s most powerful men. Tickets $26 to $125. Les Liaisons Dangereuses Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org. Through March 1 at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. Set in Paris just * New World School of the Arts Symphony before the French Revolution, two ex-lovers trapse Orchestra throughout the city causing havoc on other people’s Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne lives for their own amusement. Tickets $62. Call 561- Blvd. in Miami. The orchestra performs works by 514-4042 or visit PalmBeachDramaworks.org. Wagner, Barber, and Prokofiev. Tickets $20. Call 305949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

Other People’s Money

Feb. 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Emily Bronte’s classic is transformed into the theatre, telling the story of two lovers on the English Shenandoah moors. Tickets $38. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis. Through March 1 at the Delray Square Performing org. Arts, 4809 W. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. A Virginia farmer struggles to keep his family together * Gyorgy Under the Stars and alive during the throes of the Civil War in the Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the American answer to “Fiddler on the Roof.” Tickets Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West $37.50. Call 561-880-0319 or visit DelraySquareArts. Palm Beach. Known as the Gypsy Guitar King, the com. guitarist is a virtuoso on the Spanish guitar. Tickets $27. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org. Free Friday Concerts Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for * The Tempest the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Enjoy Feb. 7 and 8 at the Kravis Center for the Performing live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. A or lawn chair every week, for free! Call 561-243-7922 storm is brewing in Shakespeare’s final play. Tickets or visit DelrayArts.org. $38. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. The three heavy hitters of hip hop and R&B tunes perform together in the Between the Sheets Tour. Tickets $55.50 to $121.50. Call 954835-7000 or visit TheBBTCenter.com. * Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra Feb. 8 at 1 and 7 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the * Aaron Neville Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Beach. America’s oldest orchestra is lead by Keith Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Lockhart. Tickets $30 to $100. Call 561-832-7469 or The performer is recognized by the Louisiana Music visit Kravis.org. Hall of Fame and has performed solo and with the Neville Brothers. Tickets $37.50 to $67.50. Call 954- I And You 462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org. Through Feb. 8 at ArtsGarage, in Delray Beach. Caroline, who is cranky and always sick, is paired to * Andrea Bocelli work with Anthony, the star of the basketball team, Feb. 12, 14 and 15 at the Hard Rock Live, One to work on a poetry project together. Tickets $30 to Seminole Way in Hollywood. The king of romance, $45. Call 561-450-6357 or visit ArtsGarage.org.

* Gospel Gala ft. The Clark Sisters

brand of sound. Tickets $35 to $125. Call 305-9496722 or visit ArshtCenter.org.

miami-dade county

* Bonnie & Clyde

Feb. 12 to 15 at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. The legendary tale of two lovers and their historic robbery and killing spree during the Great Depression. Tickets $40 and $45. Call 800-745-3000 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

Choir Boy

Through Feb. 22 at GableStage at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave. in Coral Gables. Young Pharus is given the opportunity to become the new leader of his black prep school’s gospel choir, but it means ignoring a gay slur, leading to an inner turmoil within the talented singer. Tickets $42 to $45. Call 305-4451119 or visit GableStage.org.

PAMM Outdoor Music Series

Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Blvd. in Miami. Trumpeter Irvin Mayfield is joined Free with museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or by the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra for a unique visit PAMM.org. brand of sound. Tickets $35 to $125. Call 305-9496722 or visit ArshtCenter.org. The Big Show Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny A Night in New Orleans Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. A collection Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and Blvd. in Miami. Trumpeter Irvin Mayfield is joined sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit by the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra for a unique JustTheFunny.com. * Denotes New Listing SouthFloridaGayNews

A Night in New Orleans

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

Datebook

Community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com

broward county Tea & Art History

* Black Art

Feb. 9 to 28 at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Celebrate Black History Month with an art exhibit, with a special reception on Feb. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. for Black Gay Pride South Florida Day. Free. Call 954-463-9005 or visit PrideCenterFlorida.org.

* What Now? Marriage Equality in Florida

Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Free. An attorney and two financial experts will discuss the legal and financial considerations of marriage equality in the Sunshine State. RSVP to rsvp@pridecenterflorida. org or visit PrideCenterFlorida.org.

Feb. 4 at 2:30 p.m. at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, One Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Barbara Buhler Lynes, senior curator, leads an afternoon discussion of Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Jackson Pollock over tea. Tickets $25 members, $32 non-members. RSVP to 954-262-0204 or email moareservations@moafl. org.

* Mack Power Mixer

Inspiration

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

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

* From Under the Mattress to the Museum Wall

Feb. 4 to March 8 at the Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. “Stroke” and collections from the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art in New York City. Free. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall-Museum.org.

* Fort Lauderdale Greek Festival

Feb. 6 to 8 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 815 NE 15th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Celebrate Greek culture with a weekend of traditional music, dancing, food, games and activities for the whole family. Visit FortLauderdaleGreekFestival.org.

* Seminole Tribal Fair and Pow Wow

Feb. 6 to 8 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, One Seminole Way in Hollywood. A weekend to celebrate Seminole culture, including live music from The Osceola Brothers, Jordan Mowat, Jonny Lang, and Guthrie Brown. Free. Visit SeminoleHardRockHollywood.com

* Is the USA Inching Toward Fascism at Home?

Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at the activities center at Deerfield Century Village East, 3501 West Drive in Deerfield Beach. Mark Solomon, a professor at Simmons College, discusses the changing tide of American politics. Suggested donation $5. Call 917344-0798 or visit DeerfieldProgressiveForum.org

* Dixie Village Business Showcase

Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dixie Highway from 26th Street to the Pride Center in Wilton Manors. Visit the businesses in Dixie Village to learn more about their services and products. Free. Call 954903-4041 or email community@sterlingandhart. com.

* Perspectives: Jane Holzer

Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, One Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale. “Baby Jane Holzer” presents her art collection, including works by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Julian Schnabel, and others. Free with museum admission. RSVP to 954-262-0204 or email moareservations@ moafl.org.

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

Feb. 10 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Himmarshee Public House, 201 SW Second St. in Fort Lauderdale. Meet and network with other professionals, gay and straight, over drinks after work. Tickets $10. Visit MackPlanet.com.

BRAIN: The World Inside Your Head

* Positive Perspectives

Fourth Mondays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Fusion, 2304 NE Seventh Ave. in Wilton Manors. A discussion and support group for those living with or are affected by HIV, lead by peers and a clinical therapist. Free. Call 954-567-7141, ext. 139 or visit CareResource.org.

Gender Bender Youth Group

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

Toastmasters

Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in 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.

Come on GET HAPPY!

Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at SunServe North, 2312 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. It’s hard to keep a smile on your face sometimes, this group works on emotional balance and stability. Call 954764-5150 or visit SunServe.org.

PFLAG

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

Personal Best: Overcoming Labels to Find the Real Me

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

GayWrites

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

SunServe Youth Group

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

GLBX Business Advantage Group

Referral

First and third Wednesdays from 8 t 9 a.m. at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, 512 NE Third Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Contact Ken Stolar at Kenneth.Stolar@sci-usa.com.

Survivor Support

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

palm beach county Delray Beach Garlic Fest

Feb. 6 to 8 at Old School Square, 64 SE Fifth Ave. in Delray Beach. The annual event returns with great stinkin’ food, a children’s area, and music from Rebelution and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Tickets $10 to $20. Visit DBGarlicFest.com.

The Wild Wild West

Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. in Lake Worth. Head to the theatre for a fun night of casino-style games, light bites, dancing, libations, and entertainment. Tickets $40. Call 561-586-6410 or visit LakeWorthPlayhouse. org.

Gay Chili Cook-Off

Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. at Penny’s at the Duke, 902 N. Dixie Highway in Lantana. Come out for a good cause with your best pot of chili in a cook off benefiting Compass GLCC! Donation $5 or more. Call Penny Johnson at 954-594-7295 or email pjsmallchangejohnson@gmail.com.

* The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley

Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Former Compass youth group member, Shaun David Hutchinson, will be reviewing and signing copies of his book “The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley.” Free. Call 561-533-9699 or email events@compassglcc.com.

* PinkSlip - Feelin’ Groovy: The Life and Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel

Feb. 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at FAU’s Rosenthal Complex, 5353 Parkside Drive in Jupiter. Learn more about the band as well as sing along to live music. Tickets $25 members, $35 nonmembers, an extra $5 at the door. Hosted by FAU’s Jupiter Lifelong Learning Society. Call 561-799-8547.

Coming Into Fashion: A Century of Photography at Conde Nast

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

Afterlife: Tombs Ancient Egypt

and

Treasures

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

miami-dade county * Love is in the Hair

Feb. 4 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at blo Midtown, 3301 NE First Ave. Suite 102 in Miami. The ladies are invited to indulge in blow outs, psychic readings, a selfie station, mini makeovers, aphrodisiac-flavored gelato, and other pre-Valentine’s Day fun. Free. RSVP blomidtown@apr-alliance.com.

* Maximizing your Membership Beneﬁts

Feb. 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the LGBT Visitor Center, 1130 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. New, existing and prospective members are welcome to learn about the opportunities the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce has for your business, over breakfast. Free. RSVP to 305-6734440, rsvp@gaybizmiami.com, or GayBizMiami. com.

* Leveraging GayBizMiami.com to Attract Customers and Build Your Brand

Feb. 5 from 11 a.m. to noon at the LGBT Visitor Center, 1130 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. Over breakfast, learn about the marketing tools available on GayBizMiami.com. Free admission. RSVP to 305-673-4440, scott@gaybizmiami.com, or GayBizMiami.com.

* #101GayWeddings

Feb. 21 at 3:30 p.m. at The James Royal Palm, 1545 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach. Be a part of 101 samesex couples celebrating their wedding during the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, with a cocktail reception, champagne toast by Moet, and a specially made cake by celebrity chef Duff Goldman. Participate in the social media campaign to be a part of it! Tweet to @ChefArtSmith or visit SOBEFest.com.

Arsht Center Farmers Market

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

key west * Buddy Pass

Feb. 7 at 8 a.m. at the AIDS Memorial, 1801 White St. in Key West. Walk or run the 5K with a buddy, benefitting Anchors Aweigh. All participants get a puzzle piece medal. Registration $23 or $20 for each buddy. Visit themeruns.com.

* Southernmost Garage Sale

Feb. 7 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bayview Park, Truman Avenue and Jose Marti Street in Key West. A day of shopping, music, food and raffles all at a great price. Proceeds benefit the Florida Keys SPCA. Call 305-294-4857 or email tiffany@flspca.org.

* Key West Undie Crawl

Feb. 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Aqua, 712 Duval St. in Key West. Put together a team of four to run in costumes, tutus or your undies to support the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Tickets $20 for each team of four. Call 305-294-0555 or visit AquaKeyWest.com.

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

SouthFloridaGayNews

* Denotes New Listing

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //

SFGN Classiﬁed$ To place a Classiﬁed Ad, call Cindy Curtis at 954.530.4970 or visit SFGN.com

assistance

life coach

home care

Professional

HOME WATCH Property Management

COACH BILL FOR LIFE Holistic Health, Wellness & Spiritual Coach

CERTIFIED HYPNOTIST Holistic Life and Nutrition Coach

Peace of mind while you are away

Personal Trainer Spiritual Life

Peter D. Petrucci

Coach and Minister

Licensed - Bonded - Insured Highly Trained and Experienced Since 1987

Reiki/Energy/Chakra Healer

"I personally watch over your home"

Couples/Relationship Coach Addiction Coach

954-522-3310 pdpHomeWatch@gmail.com

www.pdpHomeWatch.com

attorneys

home & garden

POOL SERVICE Mention this ad and receive your ﬁrst month

FREE! some restrictions apply

Serving Broward Since 1999

Call for a free estimate: 954-367-7007

furniture MATTRESSES & FURNITURE FOR SALE - Mattress Set: King $200, Queen $150, Full $130, Twin $100; 7 Piece Bedroom set: Q/F $549 includes mattress & box. Call Chris at 954-465-6498 www.bedsbestbargain.com

home & garden

Web: www.skimmerspools.com Email: skimmerspoolservice@gmail.com

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

954.641.8315 • WWW.COACHBILLFORLIFE.COM

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

professional services

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

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

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 954560-4443

pets/supplies

licensed massage

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

piano lessons

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.

tax prep HAROLD J BLOTCHER,EA Tax Preparation and Representation for Individuals and Small Business. Help with Same Sex Marriage Issues. Call 781-363-5519 or 561-429-3592 or visit our website at www.haroldjblotchertaxes.com

rentals fort lauderdale BEAUTIFUL, UPDATED 2/1 NEAR WILTON MANORS Everything new in this 2 bedroom apartment near Wilton Manors. New ﬂooring, new hurricane proof windows & door, new AC,new kitchen & bathroom.New laundry facilities. Assigned parking space. Small dogs under 25 lbs.$1300 a month.Contact Tommy Forcella, Wolfe Real Estate Group 954-632-5100.

rentals wilton manors

"FILL THE VACANCY RATES" Sunday - Thursday. Need a last minute room? Take advantage of our $89 dollar rates at the NEW Calypso Inn, Wilton Manors. Not good for reservations. Good for one night only. Valid major credit card required. Phone Wes Leigh at 954.605.3561 to see if there is a vacancy.

vacation rentals

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

// 2.4.2015 // SFGN.com //

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews

real estate - other

spiritual

soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 2.4.2015 //