Voice Spring 15 by South Florida Gay News

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

SPRING 2015

VOICE

Diversity Honors 2015 Launches Founders Circle Reception at the Needham Estate

P PG.4

Women’s History Month Art Reception PG. 15

ull out your swanky jacket and fancy pearls! You do not want to miss this first-time gala event bringing together the communities of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties to showcase leadership in diversity. The 2015 Diversity Honors will be held on Saturday evening May 9th at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, honoring Judy Shepard--mother of Matthew Shepard--and other local and national community leaders and activists. The gala represents a growing collaboration between two organizations, The Harvey Milk Foundation and The Pride Center at Equality Park. Diversity Honors is designed to put South Florida on the international stage of LGBTQ rights and activism. The one-ofits-kind event will highlight those who have made a transformational effect on improving the lives of others, leading the change to promote inclusion and acceptance. Diversity Honors will showcase the best that South Florida has to offer. Craig

Teen Spirit Florida AIDS Walk

PG. 21

COFFEE & CONVERSATION

PG. 28

New Gala with Harvey Milk Foundation Premieres at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Stephens from Channel 7 will MC the evening. Local honorees include: Deborah Cox, multi-platinum recording artist and actress; James Davis (Elaine Lancaster) Entertainer and Philanthropist; Rand Hoch, CEO Palm Beach Human Rights Council; Jazz Jennings, Co-founder of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL “Transkids Purple Rainbow Foundation”; Lillian Tamayo, CEO, Harvey Milk Foundation sets the stage Planned Parenthood of South Florida; for a long term relationship to help build and Dean Trantalis, Esq., Fort Lauderdale an endowment that will one day allow The City Commissioner. Keep watch as more Milk Foundation to have South Florida based offices. honorees are to be announced! Harvey Milk’s dream for a better tomorrow, The black-tie-optional sit-down dinner also will include celebrity appearances filled with the hope for equality and a highlighting the message both nationally world without hate, guides the Foundation. and internationally that South Florida is Harvey Milk’s ground breaking election an ambassador for LGBTQ rights. The in 1977 as one of the world’s first openly elected +continued on page 4 Pride Center’s collaboration with The gay

Youth volunteers expand service at The Center

f you have visited a recent Pride Center Flea Market (held on the first Saturday of each month) or attended the annual Equality Park Garden Club’s Tropical Plant Fair, you saw quite a few passionate youth volunteering on campus. From directing parking to hauling plants to shoppers’ cars, the youth volunteer presence is energetic and vibrant. Decked out in Pride Center t-shirts and smiling faces, the youth enjoy service with The Center as volunteers for events and activities. What do they get out of the deal? Well, according to one of the youth that volunteered two days for the annual Equality Park Garden Club’s Tropical Plant Fair, “I had such a great time helping transport plants to the cars, and talking to the different people. The Garden Club gave me a plant to take home to my mom.” +continued on page 4

Moving Towards the Future A letter from Robert Boo, C.E.O. of The Pride Center at Equality Park

VOICE Spring 2015

have always been amazed and impressed by visionary people who can look into the future and predict where they want to be or what they want to do in ten or twenty years. That wasn’t always me as I journeyed through life. I changed my major in college three times; I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up; and planning next week seemed to work fine. It wasn’t until December 2002 that I decided to change my path in San Diego and move back to South Florida. I had worked in the corporate world for over twenty years, living and traveling all over the country. I came to the realization that I hated where I was and what I was doing, and wanted to make things better for people in our community. I moved back to South Florida, and it took four years to make that dream come true by joining the team at The Center (then known as the GLCC) in 2006. Recently, over 60 invested community and civic leaders convened at The Center to start the conversation of how our Equality Park campus should look and what it should contain in the next five, ten and twenty years. What a wonderful experience to have so much talent in the room sharing exciting ideas with such synergy. Elected officials from Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale participated in the process and talked about upcoming city improvements that are planned for the area that would coincide with our conversations. Board, staff and volunteers continue to pursue the goals, strategies and measurable objectives of our (96-page) Strategic Plan. I’m encouraged by how much we’ve accomplished over the last few years and the inspiring projects awaiting us in coming years. You can read stories and view photos from services and programs at The Center that impact women, communities of color, couples, people living with HIV/AIDS, Seniors, families, young people, transgender community members and more. One goal towards which we’ve worked recently finally

About The Pride Center

he Pride Center celebrates 22 years of service in 2015. Our mission is: “We provide a welcoming, safe space--an inclusive home--that celebrates, nurtures and empowers the LGBTQ communities and our friends and neighbors in South Florida.” The Center’s program and services meet the distinct cultural, health, educational, economic, social and safety needs of the LGBT community. More than 30,000 adult and youth attended activities at The Center over the past year. We host more than 65 regularly-meeting groups each month. Support, social and educational groups focus on women, seniors, youth, men, transgender, recovery, health, the arts, athletics, spirituality, games and more. Outreach activities over the past year directly impacted over 50,000 residents and visitors to South Florida. The Pride Center is a major site for HIV testing, prevention, outreach, education, healthcare linkage, support,

The Pride Center

2040 N. Dixie Highway Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33305 Mail Correspondence to: P.O. Box 70518 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33307-0518 (954) 463-9005 Fax (954) 764-6522 Email: info@PrideCenterFlorida.org Website: www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Board of Directors Ilene Berliner, Chair James Walker, Vice Chair Chris Caputo, Secretary Craig Engel, CPA, Treasurer Ted Adcock Mitchell Bloom Mark Budwig

Brenda Hartley George Kling Dr. Leslie Leip Juliette Love Ernest Olivas Richard Safaty Paul Smith

Pride Center Staff

is materializing. The Pride Center is proud to collaborate with the Harvey Milk Foundation (HFM). Stuart Milk is president of the Foundation and lives right here in Wilton Manors. Through this collaboration we envision a naming opportunity on a future project on Equality Park. Our first fundraising event is on May 9th at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Diversity Honors will become an annual gala where we recognize international, national and local individuals who have are doing extraordinary things for our community. Proceeds from this event will support fundraising efforts for future capital projects. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available through Roger Roa, Director of Development and our website, www. DiversityHonors.org. I hope you can join us for this great gala. Here is a teaser: some exciting special guests and honorees will be announced as we get closer to the event. Stay tuned! You won’t want to miss this evening. The future looking very promising, and I can envision it very clearly. I hope you join us on this journey. holistic health and counseling. Our popular Senior Services activities include: weekly Coffee and Conversation events with over 200 LGBTQ Seniors; individual linkage services, wellness workshops, daily Enhance Fitness senior exercise classes; SAGEWorks technology and job skills courses; a speaker series; recreational activities; healthy aging seminars; cultural events; and our annual Senior Health Expo. Stop in and learn about all we do: a community Flea Market; women’s health initiatives; family outreach days; Bingo; unique exercise classes; financial investment series with OurFund; art gallery openings; adult educational opportunities through Pride University; Bingo; education for prospective and current LGBT parents; music, movies and live theater presentations; a variety of health fairs; and a spectrum of creative symposiums, speakers, forums and events for the entire community. We own five-and-a-half acres of property with 30,000 square feet of office space that provide homes for programs and services, as well as synergy among organizations. Our Vision is to be the premier point of connection for our community.

Robert Boo, CEO, rboo@PrideCenterFlorida.org Kristofer Fegenbush, MSW, COO, kfegenbush@PrideCenterFlorida.org Janet Weissman, Business Manager, jweissman@PrideCenterFlorida.org Jorge Gardela, Health Outreach Director, jgardela@PrideCenterFlorida.org Roger Roa, Director of Development, rroa@PrideCenterFlorida.org Samantha McCoy, Customer Service Coordinator, smccoy@PrideCenterFlorida.org Listron Mannix, MSW, Minority Testing Initiative Manager, bmannix@PrideCenterFlorida.org Bruce Williams, Senior Services Coordinator, bwilliams@PrideCenterFlorida.org Shanna Ratliff, Prevention Outreach Coordinator, sratliff@PrideCenterFlorida.org Emilio Aponte, Ed., CHIP Coordinator, eaponte@PrideCenterFlorida.org Lorenzo Robertson, CouplesSpeak Coordinator, lrobertson@PrideCenterFlorida.org Roya Amirniroumand, Women with Pride Coordinator, WomenWithPride@PrideCenterFlorida.org Manuel Leon, Social Media and Marketing Coordinator, mleon@PrideCenterFlorida.org Jeff Grigsby, LIFE Coordinator, jgrigsby@PrideCenterFlorida.org Magno Morales, CHOICES Coordinator, mmorales@PrideCenterFlorida.org Albert Taylor, Health Coordinator, ataylor@PrideCenterFlorida.org S.F. Makalani-Mahee, Data Entry Specialist, smakalani-mahee@PrideCenterFlorida.org Rafael Reyes, Healthcare Navigator, rreyes@PrideCenterFlorida.org Ebony Wilson, ETI Outreach Coordinator, ewilson@PrideCenterFlorida.org Manuel Leon, Electronic Media and Marketing Coordinator, mleon@PrideCenterFlorida.org Oscar Caballero, Linkage and Testing Specialist, ocaballero@PrideCenterFlorida.org Edgardo Medina, VOICES & Outreach Specialist, emedina@PrideCenterFlorida.org Charles Dickey, Health Counselor, cdickey@PrideCenterFlorida.org Daniel Dardenne, Testing Specialist, ddardenne@PrideCenterFlorida.org Norris Wildhagen, Facilities Specialist, facilities@PrideCenterFlorida.org William “Billy” Gall, Testing Specialist, bgall@PrideCenterFlorida.org Bryon Bowlby, Executive Assistant, bbowlby@PrideCenterFlorida.org Robert Cullen, Information Analyst, rcullen@PrideCenterFlorida.org Julian Alterman, Outreach and Testing Specialist, jalternman@PrideCenterFlorida.org Jakari Roundtree, Kiki Outreach and Testing Specialist jroundtree@PrideCenterFlorida.org Dr. Robert Shore, PrEP Specialist PrEP@PrideCenterFlorida.org Toni Graham Levy, Outreach and Testing Specialist, TGraham@PrideCenterFlorida.org Anthony Brautigam, Outreach and Testing Specialist, ABrautigam@PrideCenterFlorida.org Kimberly Sorondo, Outreach and Testing Specialist, KSorondo@PrideCenterFlorida.org Martin Martinez, Outreach and Testing Specialist, MMartinez@PrideCenterFlorida.org Clarence Collins, Facilities Assistant, ccollins@PrideCenterFlorida.org Robert Bryant , Facilities Assistant, rbryant@PrideCenterFlorida.org Troy Brown, Facilities Assistant, tbrown@PrideCenterFlorida.org

The Pride Center Voice

Production Managers: Chris Caputo, Kristofer Fegenbush Creative Director: Mark Pauciullo Contributing Writers: Lorenzo Robertson, Samantha McCoy, Emilio Aponte, Edgardo Medina, Rafael Reyes, Shanna Ratliff, Roger Roa, Bryon Bowlby, Robert Boo and Kristofer Fegenbush. Photographers: Angie Sowers, Steven Shires, Stephen Lang, Pompano Bill, Dennis Dean, Carlos Martinez, Manuel Leon and Kristofer Fegenbush.

The VOICE newsletter is published in the memory and through the donation of the Robert S. Kecskemety Trust.

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

VOICE Spring 2015

Founders Circle Reception at the Needham Estate

VOICE Spring 2015

The Needham Estate hosted and sponsored a recent Founders Reception under the stars and along the New River. Funds donated by Founders Circle underwrite life-enhancing programs and services to the community. Photos by Stephen Lang

+continued from page 1

Diversity Honors 2015 Launches officials--and its most visible one--symbolized the freedom to live life with authenticity to millions of LGBT women and men around the world. The Harvey Milk Foundation offers targeted programs that support cross cultural discussions, working to harmonize and share best advocacy practices on a global level. The Foundation focuses on building opportunities for societal change through face to face conversation with communities that have traditionally opposed LGBT equality. This helps realize a dream that Harvey began and that is up to all of us to create. Judy Shepard will receive the prestigious Harvey Milk Honors Medal. She advocates for equality and a world without hate. As a straight ally, she works to help empower the LGBT community to be a proud and strong voice. Judy Shepard lost her 21 year-old son, Matthew, to a murder motivated by anti-gay hate in October 2008. Matthew’s death moved many thousands of people around the world to attend vigils and rallies in his memory. Determined to prevent others from suffering her son’s fate, Judy decided to turn her grief into action and established the Matthew Shepard Foundation to carry on Matthew’s legacy. The Foundation is dedicated to working toward the causes championed by Matthew during his life: social justice,

+continued from page 1

Teen Spirit

Our youth volunteers come from different walks of life but show up with dedication and focus to Equality Park’s campus to work together to help our Center. “What a joy it is to see the youth here today,” exclaimed Monte, a long-time Flea Market patron. “They bring a great energy to the campus.” Some of the youth volunteers are mentored by Gary Jackson, youth advisor for the City of Wilton Manors. Gary accompanies the youth volunteers to their service with The Center. “I wanted to challenge my youth to step outside of their comfort zone and give back to an organization and people who have done so much for the community,” says Gary “I’ve seen my youth really let loose and enjoy themselves. For me it shows that they are having fun while giving back.” If it sounds like Gary is a fantastic role model and all around great guy, it’s absolutely true. When Gary is not mentoring his youth and making a difference in their

Judy Shepard diversity awareness & education, and equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Attire for the dinner and gala is suggested black tie, and tables of ten are available starting at $1,500. For more information or to purchase tickets to the event, please visit www.DiversityHonors.org. Sponsorship opportunities are a unique way for companies to engage and connect with LGBTQ leaders and allies in an inspiring atmosphere. Plus, there will be a few exciting surprises that people won’t want to miss. If you are interested in being a sponsor or table host, please contact Roger Roa, Director of Development at 954-463-9005 or RRoa@PrideCenterFlorida.org. lives, he tells us that he is a big musical theatre guy and a political junkie who writes a lot of music and sings. Samantha McCoy, Customer Service Coordinator at The Center, recruits and manages volunteers on campus. “I love working with all of our volunteers, especially our youth,” says Samantha. “Mentorship is one of my passions, and I am looking forward to the continued nurturing relationship between The Center and the young people of this community.” Samantha and Gary both agree that the youth volunteer presence on campus will continue to grow. “The youth love volunteering at The Center,” says Gary. “After every service opportunity, they ask when there will be another event. Everyone there has welcomed them with opened arms. You guys are warm and welcoming and are always looking for ways to improve your relationships with the community. I am looking forward to more youth and young adults making an impact within The Center. I think our perspective is very unique, especially those of us who identify with the gay community.” Volunteer opportunities abound at The Pride Center. To learn more about service opportunities for Youth, Adults or Seniors--please contact Samantha at SMcCoy@PrideCenterFlorida.org or 954.463.9005.

+ The online LBT Health Directory at LBTHealth.org receives more than 1,000 unique visits each month. Many LBT women are linked to culturally competent healthcare providers because of this resource

VOICE Spring 2015

Did you know?

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

#AllLivesMatter The Pride Center organized and hosted a recent community conversation on racial justice and the LGBTQ communities. Photos by Manuel Leon

+ The Pride Center provided more than 1,700 HIV tests in the first quarter of 2015 + Almost 10,000 like The Pride Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page. Have you? + The Pride Center hosts regular Transgender Educational Series collaborative community workshops 5

Visit by Ambassador Birx

VOICE Spring 2015

The Pride Center was honored to be chosen as the Broward County tour site for a visit by Ambassador Deborah Birx, Director of CGH Division of Global HIV/AIDS. She met with HIV prevention staff and volunteers as part of a national tour of select service providers. Representatives from several elected officials in the United States Congress attended as well. Ambassador Birx left impressed and encouraged by the work of The Center in HIV prevention and support. Photos by Manuel Leon

Meet Michael Glover

Vision 2015 Contributors John Graves Society $500,000

John C. Graves Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward

Cornerstone Society $250,000 Gil Corwin

Pillar Society - $100,000 Anonymous Jan Carpenter and Dale Russell Mona Pittenger

Luminary Society $50,000

J. Michael Heider, DDS and Thom Carr Kenneth M. Goss Former Broward County Mayor Ken Keechl and Ted Adcock John Ramos and Tim Caldwell Richard Schwarz and Tom Massey

Star League - $25,000

Doug Candler Forest Trace Luxury Resort and Adult Community James Jagielski George A. Kling, MD

Volunteer Spotlight

Estate of Clay Drexler Estate of James Rampe Attorney Arthur B. Smith Jim Stepp and Peter Zimmer Sunshine Athletic Association Doug Tinklepaugh and James Zinman Estate of Lawrence Zinman

Equality League - $10,000 D.C. Allen and Ken Flick Harvey Chasser Estate of C. Michael Johnson Hansen Realty Vince Di Pietro Paul Galluccio Mark Gordon and Aldo Buono Ed Nicholas and Chris Griswold Chuck Nicholls and Mark Turner Coleman Prewitt The Bears of South Florida

Visonary Circle - $5,000 Anonymous In Memory of Gilbert Anko Darcy Beeman Ilene Berliner and Maura Lane John Bowles Mark Budwig and Nick Scalzo Michael Dager and Harvey Shapiro

Michael Dane and Alex Quintero Chris Dunham and Joseph Dominguez Gregory P. Gaddis and David R. Stack, III Gay Bridge In Memory of Rick Gibson Cal Harrison Tyler Healis Kenneth Hollander Charitable Foundation Robert L. Hubbard and Bill Greeves Friends of Stephen Jerome Dr. David Kyner and Richard Bray Christopher Mahon, MD W. Lynn McLaughlin and David Webb Ken Merrifield and Fred Berger Warren Milbourne David Moon and Eugene Smith Douglas Pew and Donald Croxton Michael Preihs and Khoi Loung Bennett Quade and Paul Rolli Herb Reis and William Coffey SAGE Men’s Drop In Don Schultz Calvin Steinmetz and Brian Boyle Stork’s Bakery Dave Stubbins Dean Trantalis, Esq. Ted Verdone and John Curtin Charles Walker Sumner T. White

Vision 2015 charts the course for The Pride Center to be mortgage-free on our 5.5 acre Equality Park campus. We seek 1,000 donors who will contribute $1,000 annually. To join Vision 2015, contact Roger Roa at RRoa@PrideCenterFlorida.org

ichael Glover is very clear about what brought him to The Pride Center as a volunteer; he felt a need to give back to the community. “Coming from a small town in the Midwest, I know how it can be to not have a place for the GLBT community.” Michael works hard to create a nurturing place for the community. He has been a customer service volunteer for two years. His is the first face you see when you walk into The Center on Friday evenings. His is the voice you hear should you call The Center in search of resources or information. On Friday evenings, when many staff are attending events or have gone home for the day, Michael’s job at the welcome desk can become challenging. His gentle and calming demeanor makes him a steady, assuring presence for regular visitors and first-time guests. “My most memorable moment as a volunteer at The Center was on a Friday night in 2013,” he says. “I assisted a teenage caller who had just come out to his family. I pointed this young teen in the right direction to get the support that he needed.” Michael dedicated time and

energy to ensure he was equipped to help others access vital support. “When I first started to volunteer, I was not sure as to all of the resources that The Center offered,” he confesses. “However once I volunteered more and more, I learned about the resources The Center has to offer the community.” When not volunteering at The Center, Michael enjoys reading, long walks and cooking. He considers The Pride Center a wonderful place for everyone and takes great pride in his role as a customer service volunteer. He views The Center as the hub of the community in South Florida and has a message for those who have not had an opportunity to experience all that The Center has to offer “I would like them to know that there are a lot of events, activities and programs that everyone of all ages and background can benefit from,” says Michael. “There are a lot of great people at The Center who make these events, activities and programs possible.” We thank Michael for his dedication and excellent customer service. To learn more about volunteering at The Center, please contact Samantha McCoy at SMcCoy@PrideCenterFlorida. org or 954.463.9005.

Partners enhance their relationship skills By Lorenzo Robertson, Couples Speak Coordinator

workshops that enhance a couple’s and an individual’s ability to reduce risk and strengthen integrity within a relationship. Couples build stronger relationships. When asked about using the program tools, Courtney said that they have begun to incorporate the “I statement” formula into their everyday communication. “Couples Speak helps us by allowing us to be the fly on the wall in other relationships that might be struggling with similar issues and gives us an idea as to how other couples cope with similar relationship concerns,” he says. Both Courtney and Robin have found that the information imparted through the Couples Speak program has been enlightening and beneficial for their relationship. They both agree that they have recommended Couples Speak to friends. When friends have questioned as to what happens at a Couples Speak session, Courtney and Robin have told them that, just like Vegas, what happens at Couples Speak stays at Couples Speak. Couples Speak addresses diverse concerns and issues for people in a relationship or seeking a relationship, including HIV prevention information like safer sex practices, PrEP, sero-sorting, open relationships and negotiating condom usage. Hands-on, interactive relationship exercises and takehome activities are taught during the sessions as well. Courtney and Robin recommend it for you and your friends. “Couples Speak gives an opportunity to reflect and make changes to your relationship to have a better understanding of yourself and your partner,” says Robin.

The Pride Center was honored to participate in the annual Martin Luther King Parade. Outreach and prevention staff were received warmly and were able to share about the work of The Center.

We Offer:

Holistic Health Series Family Series Book Club Art Shows Diverse Speakers Basketball

LBT Health Directory Service Linkage Support Groups Movie Nights Panel Discussions Social Events

VOICE Spring 2015

he Pride Center’s Couples Speak program has worked to build relationship skills and prevent the spread of HIV for a few years, and every now and then we like to talk to people currently participating in our program to get their perspective on what they learn and receive from the sessions. Courtney and Robin are an interracial, intergenerational couple. They are in the middle of the Couples Speak program and their fresh viewpoint from a non-traditional couple provides feedback for us to savor. Robin and Courtney both think the program is a great stepping stone to catapult their relationship with greater understanding of each other. In addition to cementing and enhancing the core foundation of their relationship, the workshops have opened their dialogue to a new and exciting level of intimacy. “Even though we have only been in the program a few weeks it has really impacted the way we communicate with each other,” says Robin. This cutting-edge, four-week workshop promotes HIV risk reduction and holistic health for couples, including those with different HIV status. The innovative workshops aim to lower HIV rates by enhancing couples’ skills. The program is designed with four sessions: Session One – Your Health, My Health and Our Health; Session Two - Relationship and Communication; Session Three - Risk and Communication; and Session Four –Sex, Friends and Support. Sessions address relationship dynamics that contribute to risky behaviors, including gender roles, power, communication, intimacy, trust, sexual agreements and responsibility. The program incorporates these elements into an integrated set of interactive, supportive

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Speaking of Couples…

Martin Luther King Parade

Kiki with a Twist T

VOICE Spring 2015

By Lorenzo Robertson

he Kiki Project has added a fresh face to its team. And she’s a force to be reckoned with. Since we launched the Project, black samegender-loving men have worked at the helm of the program. They’ve created a safe space for other black same-gender-loving men to address their fears and concerns surrounding HIV prevention, authenticity, identity and stigma. Toni Graham-Levy recently joined Jakari Roundtree as an Outreach and Testing Specialist with the Kiki Project. Some might ask the question: “You added a staff member; so what?” But Toni is a black transgender woman working in a program focused on men. Her passion, commitment, skill and compassion now serve as a bridge between the gaps that sometimes exist between transgender and gay and bisexual male communities. When she joined our Kiki Project team, some wondered if she’d be a good fit for the project or would a woman negatively impact the safe space created for men. Instead, Toni has brought a breath of fresh air into the project. Jakari and Toni work seamlessly to provide personable outreach in the community and leadership to its workshops and small-group gatherings. The Kiki Project addresses issues persistent in the Black same-gender-loving community regarding high

Make sure you join us at some of our upcoming townhalls:

Sex and the Black Man: What’s your Fantasy? Join this community conversation about the complexities of sex and intimacy with Black men. Tuesday, April 21, 2015 – 7:00 pm Over the Rainbow: Crossing to the other side. Explore issues of interracial dating. Discuss healthy approaches and answers to common speculations. Wednesday, May 6, 2015 – 7:00 pm BFFs Today and “Bye Felicia” Tomorrow. Evaluate the nature of friendships and how they sometimes can impact our ability to create trust and intimacy, maintain

Toni Graham Levy and Jakari Roundtree bring their passion and energy to the Kiki Project

safer sex practices, share our HIV status and be honest about who we are as Black same gender loving men. June 3, 2015 – 7:00 pm All the Kiki Project townhalls will be held at The Pride Center in the Schubert Building, 2040 North Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, Florida 33305.

Did you know?

Living with HIV? Living with HIV? Are dating, sex, relationships or disclosure stressful? JOIN a free program to help you make smart CHOICES.

+ The 17-week LIFE Program provides powerful, comprehensive, supportive holistic health workshops to people living with HIV. Contact JGrigsby@PrideCenterFlorida.org to learn more + Over 200 Seniors join us for Coffee and Conversation every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m.

PALS

project

ChoiCes is a five-week program that teaches you skills to handle challenges you may face. We meet in small groups to discuss how to: • Build healthier relationships and lower stress • Make better decisions and improve health • Disclose HIV-status wisely Fun, interactive sessions include: • Video clips for discussion • Thought-provoking activities • Small group discussion and role play ChoiCes can help you... • Meet new HIV+ friends • Share different experiences without judgment • Improve problem-solving & communication skills • Learn more health supporting behaviors

rates of HIV, homophobia, racism and the stigmas surrounding HIV and sexual orientation. When it comes to understanding the nuances of Black same-genderloving men, we explore a myriad of influences: how the church views homosexuality, how the Black community views same-gender-loving people, internalized homophobia and the lack of support from the general gay community. The Kiki Project has a new energy and vitality surging through its collective pores. There is a growing presence in the community as staff and volunteers connect with community members at bars, schools, businesses, churches, parks, restaurants and events throughout Broward County. Check us out on Facebook and you will see all the commotion the Kiki Project is causing!

The PALS Project offers gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men living with HIV social support, accurate HIV information and skills to lead safer, richer lives.

ChoiCes is FRee. Se Habla Espanol. If interested, contact Magno Morales at 954.463.9011 ext. 303 or email mmorales@PrideCenterFlorida.org

Sponsored by The Pride Center and the State of Florida, Department of Health

+ Over 100 people play Bingo at The Pride Center on the second Saturday evening of every month. + individualized HIV prevention outreach to more than 31,000 people in the first quarter of 2015

The newlyweds will honeymoon in Savannah, Georgia and feel excited about exploring southern culture and history together. “Our future plans include being happy, healthy

and loving each other for the rest of our lives,” says Jonathon. “We look forward to sharing many more memories and years with The Pride Center and its programs and resources for us.”

VOICE Spring 2015

onathon and Joseph’s romance blossomed at The Pride Center. So when choosing a venue to celebrate their wedding, the men didn’t think for long. They chose the location of their first real date--The Center. The men first saw each other at Starbucks and connected over coffee for a few days. “Then on a Monday night I asked Joseph to attend the Weekly Man-to-Man Discussions group at The Center with me,” says Jonathon. “We attended together and loved the experience of the meeting.” After the group meeting, the men explored the art in the Schubert Building Gallery at The Center together. “The theme for that exhibit was wildlife pictures in nature,” he says. “We had this date in March 2013,” says Jonathon. “That night after the meeting, we had a sweet short kiss under the big tree located in front of The Pride Center and said good night to each other.” The men say they spent every day together after that night. They dated for a year, and then lived together in the same apartment for a year. “All along the way we have attended programs and activities at The Pride Center and loved all of our experiences,” says Jonathon. “The Center gives us our social life.” When it came time to select a venue for the wedding reception, the gentlemen says it was a “no-brainer” to host the event for friends and family at The Center in the same room where they had their first date two years before. “It was inside the main hall room of The Pride Center that we met and fell in love the first time,” says Jonathon. “I knew right away that I loved Joseph. I just had a feeling.” The men rave about the easy, seamless experience of booking the room and working out the event details with Center Customer Service Coordinator Samantha McCoy. “Her sense of humor and great personality put us at ease and made the whole process a lot more fun,” says Jonathon. They appreciated how The Center provided support in planning to ensure a successful celebration. The provision of chairs, tables and kitchen made for a costeffective, efficient event. “The Center was a huge help in making our event extra special by asking their staff to stay late and open their doors early for us,” says Jonathon. “Many venues would not be so supportive and flexible.” The couple shares fond memories of their Big Day at The Center. “What we enjoyed most about our special day was speaking to our audience at the reception and being announced as a couple by the DJ and coming out in front of everyone,” says Jonathon..

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Kissing Under the Tree

Couple’s romance culminates with Center wedding

Black Gay Pride The Pride Center once again sponsored and hosted Black Gay Pride in honor of Black History Month. Activities included an Opening Art Reception and an Old School Family Reunion Block Party. Bishop S.F. Makalani-Mahee and the Board of Black Gay Pride South Florida organized a fabulous weekend of events. Photos by Manuel Leon

The Pride Center Founders Circle LIFETIME

Bob and Hal Bernier-Peterson Gil Corwin John C. Graves Charitable Fund Alan Schubert

Premier Business Level ($20,000 and above)

Cox Media Group Richard Gray / Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Hunters Nightclub

Platinum Level ($10,000 and above)

Anonymous (2) AIDS Healthcare Foundation - Southern Bureau Aqua Foundation for Women Bobby Blair / Florida Agenda Ed Garcia /Liquid Radar Kenneth Goss Kenneth Hollander and John Kardos / KSH Charitable Foundation Peter Clark / Hotspots Magazine Estate of Bob Kesckemety Scott Kean / LSeven Solutions Norm Kent / South Florida Gay News Bobby Kyser / Panache Style Glen Weinzimer and John Rogatzki / The SMART Ride Sunshine Athletic Association The Howard Greenfield Charitable Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation

VOICE Spring 2015

Diamond Level ($5,000 - $9,999)

Anonymous (1) D.C. Allen and Ken Flick / No Hate Fund at Our Fund, Inc. Ilene Berliner (Board Chair) and Maura Lane Chris Dunham / Dunham Insurance Services Jared Falek and Don Chorpenning Will Gibson and George William Rogers/ Serendipity Foundation Oliver Kamm Joseph Kraus David McLaren /Periodic Products Herb Reis and Dr William Coffey Dr. Dale Russell Richard Safaty (Board Member) and Omer Mizrachi/ Freedom Travel Wayne Schrebe and Roy J. Stegman Charitable Fund at Our Fund, Inc. Ted Schultz Jeffrey Selzer, Esq. and Ray Fennon / Selzer & Weiss, Attorneys Arthur B. Smith Jim Stepp and Peter Zimmer Bob Young / Beach Bear Weekend

Gold Level ($2,500 - $4,999)

Trans Advocacy Bishop SF Makalani-Mahee recently spoke in Tallahassee on transgender protections, representing The Pride Center and Equality Florida TransAction

Alpine Jaguar Atlantic Surf Club Don Biehn /Biehn & Associates, Inc. Broward Health Foundation – Imperial Point M. Deric Bownds and Len Walker Michael Camardello Doug Candler Chris Caputo (Board Member) / MetroMediaWorks George Castrataro, Esq. / The Law Offices of George Castrataro, PA Dr. Howard R. Cunningham Michael Dager and Harvey Shapiro Andrew Fischman Rob Guerrero Dr. J. Heider and Thomas Carr/ Ultimate Smile Robert Hubbard and Bill Greeves Steven Levin and Bradley Henkel / Midland Medical Center David Moon and Eugene Smith Richard Nolan and Robert Pingpank Joe Pallant / Pallant Insurance Agency, Inc. Joe Pumphrey and Carl Whitley Paul Rolli and W. Bennett Quade Lee Rubin and Jim Walker (Board Member) Dr. Heidi Schaeffer Richard Schwarz and Tom Massey Tony Seguino and Dan Ayers Paul M. Smith (Board Member) and Gerald Kennedy Doug Tinklepaugh and James Rickard / Pinnacle Constructors, LLC We Credit Union

Silver Level ($1,200 - $ 2,499)

Anonymous (5) Adam’s Interiors Wendell Locke and Ricky Babo / Allz Well Pharmacy Jack Almeleh Paul Alpert Chris Ambs and Scott Clearwater Al Cicotte and Kevin Palombo Neel Amin and Tom Macek/ American Pain Experts Tomas Arias / Top Dog Mobile Grooming Alfred Bacchi and Craig Ross Don Barlow Steve Barnard Mark Barron and Joel Rubin Christopher Bates David Bebbington Darcy Beeman / Edward Jones Investments Tom and Steven Begert-Clark / Even As We Speak Scott Belding and Listron Mannix / ReMax Consultants Realty Dr. Louis Benevento and Patrick Duffy Scott L. Bennett Norman Berkowitz

Gary Bitner / Bitner Goodman Leny Blicher Mitch Bloom (Board Member) and Paul Wardell Boardwalk / Victor Zepka Robin L. Bodiford, Esq. / Law Office of Robin L. Bodiford Dan Bohanan and Guillermo Licea John Bolton Robert Boo Al Bove, DMD and Coco Alarcon / Bove Dental Bryon Bowlby and Robert Baldwin Broward Burial and Cremation Broward County Sheriff’s Office Mark Budwig (Board Member) and Nick Scalzo/ S. Mark Graphics Gerald Byers and Rudy Wengenroth Tim Cabrey and Mark Sewell Rene Cantu and James Gigliello Danny Carter Sam Chalfant and Tom Rouland Harvey Chasser Karen Carroll and Julie Slater / Chic Optique Ron Clark P. Cobleigh and Barry Miller Coffee and Conversation Bob Collier and Chuck Hunziker Lynn Corning Dr. Michael Costabile / Dental Associates of Boca Raton Shawn Bombard and Nick Berry / Shawn and Nick’s Courtyard Cafe Tracey Cramer Douglas Cureton / Some Men Like It Haute Joseph Daniel and Fred Silverman / Roth-Warren, LLC Patrick Daoud / Daoud’s Fine Jewelry Lyle Davis Dennis Dean / Dennis Dean Photography Robert Delehanty Pat Demos / Northern Trust Bank William Desautels and Lee Moffitt Joseph Grano and Wulliano Dias / First Atlantic Realty Dr. James Doan Ron Mills / Dolphin Democratic Club Stephen Draft and Allen Peterson Hon. Stephen Driscoll and Robert Tocci / National Stonewall Democrats Irwin Drucker Mike Ebbs and Tom Jenkins Eden Funeral Services Michael Ekman Robert Eldredge / RWE Real Estate Embassy Suites Hotel Ted Emery Craig Engel (Board Member) and Greg Briche Michael Faerber Jim Farris Paul Fasana Stephen Fleishman Kenneth Fountaine Frances Herrera / Frances Herrera Interior Design Joel Geils August Gold and Carol Logen Glenn L. Goldberg Steven Goldgram Mark Gordon and Aldo Buono Martin Gould Stephen Gray / Better Homes & Gardens Donald Green and Gene Ingledue Marc Grossman Robert Grossman Joe Guerrero Robert Gunning Mark’s List Mark Halacy and Thomas Pollock Peter Hardy-Smith and Victor Soto Timothy S. Hart / R3 Accounting LLC Brenda Hartley (Board Member) / BankUnited Tyler Healis Richard Herman Scott Herman and Cale Choi Lazaro Hernandez and Steve Figlmiller Hans Hochkamp and Joseph DeBacco Paul Holoweski Kenley Hoover and Tom Pflepsen Mick Howard and Brian Jackson Paul Hyman and Bill Bracker Matthew Brennan/iBeria Bank David Hahn / Italio Fort Lauderdale A.J. Jabre James Jagielski Paul Jennings George Johnson James A. Johnson Fund for Giving at Our Fund, Inc. Warren Leong / Dr. Charmaine Johnson-Leong, DDS, PA Clifford W. Jolley and Paul Clive Robert Judd Esq. and Russell Neal Greg Kabel, Esq. / Law Offices of Gregory W. Kabel, Esq. Ken Kalenderian Ken Keechl and Ted Adcock (Board Member) Gary Kempler / Futurity First Insurance Group – South Florida Mark Ketcham and Werner Lutz Dr. George Kling (Board Member) Don Kocher and Jonathan Salt Maria Kondracki and Jim Dwyer Edwin Kowalski and Michael Donnan Ellen Krider, CFP / RBC Wealth Management Robert Kuhn and Steven Geyer Anthony Kulp Terri Beckard / L’ hermitage Catering Julia Landis and Shawn Fanshier Bruce Lane Bernie Langeluttig and Dennis Fitzkee Fernado Gill / Las Orquideas Restaurant and Bakery John H. Le Blanc / The John H. Le Blanc Charitable Fund at Charles Schwab Charitable Fund

Tomas Soto and Frank Lefevre, M.D. Dr. Leslie Leip (Board Member) and Fritz Leip John Leyden and Tom Valentine Francis Leynaert and Fritz Martinez Dr. Marah J. Lee, DO / Lifeway, Inc. Bill Linehan Jay Little / Divers Direct - Dania Beach Dewitte Loe Charles V. Loring Charitable Fund at Our Fund Steve Lovci Juliette Love (Board Member) Norton Lyman and Kimio Sato Joe Markonic / Gables Wilton Park Lloyd Marks Mayors Michael McArdle and Thomas Holland Joe McConnell and Michael Lennon Kent McIntyre and John Tambasco Charitable Fund at Our Fund, Inc. Richard McManus and Tom Nohilly Ken Merrifield and Fred Berger Bobby Delcampo / Mind Your Manors Anthony Molluso and Bill Volbrecht Gregory Moore and Dr. Allan Barsky Anthony More Kevin Murdoch Mark Turner and Chuck Nicholls Charles Ohsiek Ernest Olivas (Board Member) / Emerald Elite Home Health Care Leonard Paoletti Cecilia Perez-Matos, Esq. /The Berman Law Group Andy Perrott / Lightship Media Douglas Pew and Donald Croxton Jim Pierce /Pierce Aire, Inc. Peter Pileski and Bob Avian Mona Pittenger Giving Fund at Our Fund Bob Poster and Carmine Martorilli Bruce Presley and Chris Hedlund Pride Institute Fort Lauderdale Hospital Jessica Reyes Dr. Will Richardson / Natura Dermatology & Cosmetics Louis Rittmaster Riverside Hotel Dr. G. J. Rockwell, Jr. Drew and Sandy Romanovitz / The Historic Needham Estate Donn Rubin and Stephen Harmon Pastor Leslie and Sandra Rutland-Tipton / Church of the Holy Spirit Song Tom Runyan, Esq / Runyan Law Firm, PA Rick Salomon Sonesta Hotel Lee Sathre Geph Scarr and Sergio Medina Quintina Jack Schlossberg and Greg Fineman Danny Selvin and Sidney Goldenberg James Senior Steve Shires / Steve Shires Photography Jeffrey and Belinda Shover Adam Irvin / Sidecar Kitchen Tim Singer and Richard Cascarelli / Tim Singer & Assoc./ Coldwell Kimberly Sorondo Jeffrey Sterling / Sterling Tax Richard Stoll, Esq. Terry Stone and Mike Bush Esmeralda and Peter Dekaj / Stork’s Bakery Cafe Sarah Strock / SCS Weightloss Systems, Inc. Dave Stubbins SunTrust Bank Deanna Sylvestri / GalleryONE Fort Lauderdale Edward Temoyan The Bears of South Florida, Inc. Dawn Halloway / The Pink Submarine The Recovery Place The Restaurant People Bill Thornton and Adam Kratochwill / Pride Carpet Cleaning Tony Timiraos and Arthur Crispino Charitable Fund at Our Fund, Inc. Tower Club Bruno Trambusti and Randy Grant Dean Trantalis Esq. David Treece / Treece Financial Group Carl E. Trough Richard Vallari Ted Verdone and John Curtin Vincent Vigliotti Deann Geldman / Vitas Healthcare Corporation W Fort Lauderdale James Wagner Daniel Wasinger / Concept International Design Steve Wetzler Sumner T. White Norris Wildhagen and Dr. Troy Robinson Suzanne Williams / Suzanne Williams, P.A. and Cat Crusade Theodore Wolf and Frank Decolator Tom Wolf and Fernando Rodrigues John Zieba and Cliff Mulcahy / Rosie’s Bar & Grill George Zuber and Anthony Snyder Charitable Fund at Our Fund, Inc.

Join the Pride Center Founders Circle! Support the programs and services of The Pride Center. Founders Circle memberships begin at $100 per month. For more information, please contact Roger Roa, Director of Development, rroa@PrideCenterFlorida.org

By Rafael Reyes, Healthcare Navigator

filled. I worked to ensure he adhered to his meds. Given that he had little support in town, I introduced and connected him to Jeff Grigsby who runs the LIFE program at The Pride Center. Raul’s timing couldn’t have been better, as Jeff was completing his participant enrollment for the current cycle of the 17-week holistic health program. “The LIFE group at The Pride Center made a big difference,” says Raul. “You guys have gone way beyond my expectations. If I met somebody today that said ‘hey this is my situation,’ I would walk them over to The Pride Center and say here are the people that you need to talk to. Talk to them; tell them your situation! They’re gonna help you, guide you and direct you to the right people and the right services and make sure you’re well taken care of. They treat you like family.” Raul called me just a few days ago. “I just was walking into my doc’s office and saw a guy crying, in distress,” he related. “It reminded me so much of me. I told him, ‘I completely understand what you’re going through; you need to calm down. Do you have a Healthcare Navigator, Case Manager or someone helping you? They will guide. They’re there to help you. Call them, tell them what you need and they will direct you.’ Right then he got on phone, and got a hold of someone, told them what he needed and before you knew it he was much calmer and running to catch the bus which was coming. ’I’m off to Poverello. Thank you,’ he yelled out. ‘You really have helped me out’.” “Rafael, I was just passing the baton.”

VOICE Spring 2015

aul Acevedo is a man back in charge. Just two months ago, he came through The Pride Center’s doors seeking direction. He had just been released from the hospital with no job, no medical insurance and unsure how he would access--much less pay for--much needed labs and medication to keep his HIV, diabetes and hypertension in check. In addition, he was increasingly and understandably worried about his housing situation, no longer having the income necessary to pay his rent. “When I first came to The Pride Center, I was in a panic…a mess,” confesses Raul. “I had always been HIV+ undetectable. So it was a shock to me when I received an AIDS diagnosis.” A reserved, quiet and affable man, Raul mostly kept to himself, and had little if any support in Broward. He wasn’t in touch with his family thousands of miles away in California. After assessing his situation, educating him on eligibility and helping organize documents he needed, I quickly helped Raul enroll in the Ryan White Program. “I was immediately put on Ryan White, and just a few days later, I received food from Poverello, which was perfect timing ‘cause I was pretty much out of food,” says Raul. “The Pride Center got me linked up with SunServe for assistance with my housing through the HOPWA program. Rafael also helped connect me with the PAC Waiver program.” I worked with Raul on the importance of making his doctor’s appointments, getting labs done, and getting his prescriptions

Pride Center Cruise Friends and supporters of The Center set sail on the Caribbean seas aboard the Celebrity Constellation for the Fourth Annual Pride Center Cruise. Richard Safaty of Freedom Travel organized the successful cruise that raised funds for The Pride Center. Book your cabin now for the 2016 Cruise at a discounted rate!

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Back in Charge

Client’s life changed by Healthcare Navigator

Senior Exercise Class The Pride Center is the largest site nationally for Enhance Fitness Classes with the YMCA. Check out the daily schedule of fitness classes on our website: www.PrideCenterFlorida.org Photos by Carlos Martinez

One Giant Hug Newlyweds explore personal and practical reasons to marry

VOICE Spring 2015

By Edgardo Medina

or Dr. Robert Paretti, newlywed husband of long-time Pride Center staff member, Emilio Aponte, marriage is a true community affirmation. “It’s as if the world put its arms around me, gave me one gigantic hug and said ‘it’s all gonna be alright’,” says Paretti. Emilio and Robert married on March 19 after seven years together. This was the first Center staff marriage since the January 9, 2015 court decision clearing the way for marriage equality in Florida. Emilio has worked in HIV Prevention with The Center since 2010. “Robert and I, we share a spiritual connection and our marriage is driven by it,” Emilio states, viewing marriage as a way to honor their deep relationship. Emilio currently serves as the High-Impact Prevention Coordinator for The Center’s CDC grant. He holds a Masters degree in counseling. The couple met at an art festival in South Beach. Dr. Paretti won over Emilio with his charm, knowledge and good taste in the arts. In 2010, they exchanged promise rings, and last year they signed a domestic partnership. Dr. Paretti also views marriage as a selfaffirmation of their love. “This marriage somehow allows me to connect the love that Emilio and I share in a much kinder and gentler way to myself,” he says. Same-sex marriage provides several benefits

at the County, State and Federal levels, including access to health-care, insurances, visitation rights, power of attorney, child-care, property and burial rights. As a Colombian immigrant who acquired political asylum and US citizenship in 2007, Emilio felt overjoyed by how marriage equality impacts couples facing immigration challenges. “I am very happy for so many same-sex families who are facing separation because of immigration issues,” says Emilio. “Now any U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident in a same-sex marriage to a foreign national can sponsor their spouse for a family-based immigrant visa.” Emilio works regularly with The Center and Latinos en Accion to educate the community on immigration, HIV prevention, healthcare, domestic violence and other issues that impact the Latino communities. Dr. Paretti not only views marriage as a benefit for them, but as a clear and visual sign of hope for LGBTQ youth and their families. “I wanted to become part of the statistics for all the younger generations to follow,” says Dr Paretti. “...To help and give them the strength they need to get through feeling a little different.” Having clear personal and practical reasons to marry like Emilio and Dr. Paretti makes a good case for marriage for you and your loved ones.

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

VOICE Spring 2015

Evening in Paradise: Mykonos

VOICE Spring 2015

The Pride Center collaborated with the City of Wilton Manors to present Evening in Paradise â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mykonos! Evening in Paradise, now in its fourth year, has grown to represent the signature Spring fundraising and entertainment event for The Center and the community. The event raised funds for the programs and services of The Center. Returning as co-chairs were Jim Walker (Center Board Vice President), Lee Rubin, and Irwin Drucker. Bobby Kyser of Panache Style designed the over-the-top affair. Photos by Stephen Lang

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Tropical Plant Fair The Equality Park Garden Club and The Pride Center partnered to produce the third annual Tropical Plant Fair. This year’s Fair covered two days plus a VIP reception and included some of the most prestigious nurseries in the area. Richard Perez spearheaded the event in collaboration with Chuck Nicholls. Photos by Steve Shires

Women’s History Month Art Reception

VOICE Spring 2015

Our Women with Pride program again held a popular art reception for Women’s History Month. This year’s exhibit was Icon: Women Who Changed the World. Angie Sowers and her team from Closet Talk once again spearhead the event in collaboration with Women with Pride Coordinator Roya Amirniroumand, Customer Service Coordinator Samantha McCoy and Pride Center galleries curator Emilio Aponte. Photos by Angie Sowers and Manuel Leon

Founders Circle Reception at Selzer & Weiss

VOICE Spring 2015

Selzer & Weiss hosted a recent Founders Circle Reception. Founders provide at least $100 monthly to support the programs and services of The Pride Center. Photos by Carlos Martinez

Did you know? + The Center regularly hosts art gallery openings, films, music and live theater presentations + Over 200 people attended our last Founders Circle reception. Founders donate at least $100 monthly to support our vital programs and services. + The Center organizes regular educational workshops for prospective and current LGBT parents

+ The Pride Center is the largest site for Enhanced Fitness classes for Seniors offered in the U.S.

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

VOICE Spring 2015

How We Do It

Community members share the personal impact of prevention services

By Emilio Aponte, M.Ed., Community High Impact Prevention Coordinator

itting at my desk, I have asked myself: how do we do it? How do we impact lives? Within 24 hours recently, I got a text message, phone call and email from three

men with whom I’ve worked in the community: Ender, Juan and Eduardo. I want to share with you some answers from people that have helped me to answer this question: How do we do it?

Eduardo

VOICE Spring 2015

I moved back to Florida in April 2014, and I was looking for help from someone who speaks Spanish. A friend of mine told me about The Pride Center, and I contacted Emilio for more information. He has been crucial in promoting my self-discovery by identifying values in my life. In addition, he introduced me to two amazing workshops for people living with HIV: LIFE and CHOICES offered by The Pride Center’s PALS Project which have been extremely helpful for me. In LIFE, I found a great supportive team of wonderful people sharing touching experiences while learning from each other. CHOICES was another interactive series of workshops that taught me to improve my personal growth by cultivating communications skills. I have learned in my time receiving services at The Pride Center how to achieve my own results through

values-based goal-setting, how to obtain open and honest communication with others in order to reduce anxiety and stress. Emilio has been the “trigger” to clear my head, find more strength in myself and improve several things. I’m planning how to better exercise, what foods are better to support my immune system and how to keep positive thoughts. Also I learned how to identify an effective network between my doctor, case manager, support agencies and pharmacy to benefit my health. The Pride Center is a very well organized place where people will find solidarity and integral support for HIV related -issues. I believe The Center is the safest place where a gay or bi-sexual man can find support. They make people feel that no one is alone. It is the place where you can feel confident, secure and supported.

Juan

In December 2012 after my boyfriend’s death, I was looking for help to heal from that situation and recover from an addiction to alcohol. He was infected with HIV, and I still HIV negative. Emilio, from The Pride Center’s HIV prevention program, helped me with a lot of patience. The very first year after my recovery, he supported me, helping me to realize areas where I needed to improve--emotions, relations, friends, work, school and legal. My emotional side and keeping my HIV negative status has been helped through coaching by Emilio. Also I have learned how to organize my ideas and how to write what I need to do. One of the most important things that I have learned is integrity. The commitment that Emilio and the rest of the people at The Pride Center show have made me honor my word and be there with every appointment. I think what contributes to gay and bisexual men

becoming HIV positive here in South Florida is having sexual interaction without using protection and not having enough available information. In addition, the abuse of alcohol and drugs helps people engage in unsafe sex. So, I do hope that The Pride Center continues helping people like me to stay negative by, providing information, counseling, condoms and HIV rapid tests because I think this is the safe way to lower HIV rates in South Florida. Also I think that we need to help people who are positive, help them to disclose their status, and also those who are negative to keep using protection--physical and emotional. Information is the key for me. I get tested once a year because it is important for me to know my status and keep improving my safer behavior. The Pride Center is a great place. I always feel safe; my AA meeting is there, so it is like my second home-- my information center. I get help, consideration and love.

I got involved with the Pride Center in February 2013; I was referred by a friend. Emilio has helped me to find myself. Also, he has shown me the value I have for myself and for other people. I have learned that in any circumstance in life, if I don’t know who I am, I will not be able to face obstacles, or will be at risk of having unsafe intimacy. He has also taught me to define the relationships between the people around me and how to dominate the fear in situations that I was not able to face in the past. I have learned the importance of making plan and defining where I want to go, and how I will accomplish the goals. I get tested between 2 to 4 times per year. It is important for me to keep doing the HIV test because I want to keep negative, and I want to spread the word to my friends how quick and easy is to do the test and

help them keep informed about their status. Many people are scared to ask about HIV. Local night clubs that encourage sexual interaction mixed with alcohol contributes to gay and bisexual men becoming HIV positive here in South Florida. I would tell anyone that The Pride Center is a safe place where you can visit any moment in your life. It is the place to charge your batteries and get yourself on track in a good, friendly way. I highly recommend The Pride Center and all the staff who work there and care about the whole human being. So, keep promoting information about HIV risks! The services at The Pride Center--counseling, coaching, HIV tests and a lot of FREE information all around the place--have helped me stay negative. My mental, sexual and physical side has changed in a very good way.

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Ender

Equality Park Charrette Community leaders and Center Board and staff gathered for a visioning session about future campus development on Equality Park. To learn more, read the story on Page 23. Photos by Kristofer Fegenbush

Want A Jump-Start To Healthier Living? If you’re a gay or bisexual man living with HIV, you can learn to keep your immune system in strong, peak condition.

VOICE Spring 2015

Join the FREE 18 week LIFE Program You’ll receive practical, step-by-step guidance in a fun interactive environment as you create and implement personal health plans for long-term thriving with HIV.

This program can help you...

• Build deeper, supportive relationships with new HIV+ friends! • Get the latest facts on HIV! • Improve your physical, emotional and social well being! • Share your story while you learn from others!

Participation in the LIFE Program...

• Boosts the immune system • Lowers risky behavior • Increases adherence to health and medication schedules.

For more inFormation

Contact Jeff Grigsby at 954.463.9011, ext. 302 or email JGrigsby@PrideCenterFlorida.org

PALS

project

Offered twice a year beginning in January and July. MEETINGS ON TUESDAYS @ 6:30 p.m.

Sponsored by The Pride Center, and the State of Florida, Department of Health

Equality Park Wedding Justin & Zachary Wyse of Fort Lauderdale celebrated their love with family and friends on the Equality Park campus. Pride Center. “We were excited to celebrate our love at The Pride Center as it’s a staple of the LGBT community of Fort Lauderdale,” says Justin. Photos by Steve Shires

Dr. PrEP

Specialist helps answer community questions about pre exposure prophylaxis

Dr. Rob Shore provides trainings and one-on-one sessions on PrEP

VOICE Spring 2015

“

heard it can damage your kidney and liver.” “I hear it is really expensive.” “Don’t you have to take it forever once you start it?” These are common questions that Dr. Rob Shore hears in his role as PrEP Specialist at The Pride Center. Responding requires a mix of scientific knowledge and communication skills. “My years as a pharmacist and researcher have helped me build both my abilities to interpret scientific data as well as communicate with nonscientific folks,” says Dr. Shore, or as some now call him, Dr. PrEP. “Call me an advocate if you want, but my goal is education about options for HIV prevention,” says Rob. “I don’t measure my success by how many people go on PrEP but rather how many people I get to go to a provider to talk about PrEP. Only a provider can evaluate you for it, but knowing what PrEP is, how to talk to your doctor about it, and about programs to assist with costs is what I am here for. I can link you to resources and care.” The Pride Center now has a webpage dedicated to PrEP information. Check it out at www. pridecenterflorida.org/prep. Rob also hosts a monthly PrEP Workshop at The Pride Center on Saturdays. “It’s a place for folks to come and chat with me and peers about all aspects of PrEP. Maybe they don’t know what to ask, and that’s ok too. So come and just listen!” There is even a list on The Pride Center website of local providers prescribing PrEP who serve the LGBTQ community. “You don’t have to worry about whether any doctors will know about it,” says Rob. “Just call one on the list and ask to make an appointment to talk to a provider about PrEP.”

“The best part of my work is my interaction with clients,” says Rob. “People reach out to me over texts, phone, email, or in person and I am happy to engage over whatever communication platform they choose. I get to have in-depth conversations with them about all aspects of sexual health with PrEP as part of that.” Alan, on PrEP since November 2014 after learning about it at the Townhall meeting, says, “I’m not afraid anymore of HIV. I feel liberated. I was living in fear of someone else’s honesty. PrEP made my life.” Alan continues, “Rob reached out when I had questions, was non-judgmental, and open about being on PrEP so I felt comfortable talking to him.” Rob is willing to meet clients anywhere convenient for them, so Matt--another community member--and Rob met at a local ice cream parlor in late January and spoke for about 40 minutes. “I had just moved here, was aware of the high rate of HIV in this area compared to where I moved from, and wanted more information on PrEP,” says Matt. “I went to The Pride Center for testing and the counselor gave me a high level overview of PrEP and Rob’s card. Rob went over the data, pros and cons, and gave me other resources where I could dive deeper. Doctors in their offices don’t have time to walk through this with you.” PrEP is also something you can use discreetly; not everyone wants to wear their sexual health on their sleeve. Rob’s consultations are confidential. Another client who did not want his name used said, “Rob was instrumental for me getting PrEP, empowering me to have a conversation with my doctor and alleviating my fears with facts.” Rob is available by calling The Pride Center and asking for extension 210 or at prep@ pridecenterflorida.org.

VOICE Spring 2015

Did you know?

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Florida AIDS Walk The Pride Center organized a passionate team who raised money for the annual Florida AIDS Walk along Fort Lauderdale beach. Organized by AHF, the AIDS Walk allows The Pride Center to receive the funds specifically raised by our team for use in our vital HIV services. Photos by Manuel Leon

+ More than 13,500 people used The Pride Center’s computer center over the past year + Over 1000 visitors and 80 vendors attend The Pride Center’s Flea Market on the first Saturday of every month + Every day, The Center hosts a variety of 12step meetings, including AA, NA and CMA + The Pride Center already has distributed more than 150,000 condoms this year. That’s a lot of safer sex! 21

What Now? Our Fund and The Pride Center collaborated on a series of events exploring the legal and financial implications of marriage equality in Florida.

Buy a Brick Courtyard offers pathway naming opportunities

VOICE Spring 2015

By Bryon Bowlby

onor someone you love, or memorialize a special occasion by purchasing a paver or array of pavers in the Equality Park Courtyard! For over 20 years, The Pride Center has provided a safe and welcoming space – an inclusive home that celebrates, nurtures and empowers the LGBTQ communities and our friends and neighbors in South Florida. In keeping with that mission, we have created an outdoor space--a courtyard where we can gather together for cultural, educational and entertainment events. Please visit our website, www. PrideCenterFlorida.org, to view an architectural video of our vision to welcome community

members to our campus. Etching your memories in stone is a permanent way to celebrate a birthday, commemorate a wedding, thank a friend or remember a departed family member. If you’re looking to create a larger memorial, don’t forget the opportunities to name a table, bench or landscaping feature! To learn more about purchasing a personalized paver or additional naming opportunities, contact Bryon Bowlby, at BBowlby@PrideCenterFlorida. org or Roger Roa, Director of Development, at RRoa@ PrideCenterFlorida.org or 954 463-9005. You also can visit: http://www.pridecenterflorida. org and click on the brick.

Leaders envision future of Equality Park By Robert Boo, CEO

current business models and respond accordingly. How we have conducted our business over the past twenty years will not be the same for the next two decades. Our collaboration with the TSAO Design Group provides us the opportunity to plan for our evolving needs. Jason Hagopian, AIA, LEED AP, and Principal at TSAO Design Group said, “The strong turn-out-the largest we’ve ever seen for a Visioning Meeting--shows that the community is excited and interested in the changes to come at Equality Park. I was particularly inspired to see everyone participating in the discussion and presenting some truly unique ideas that will keep Equality Park prosperous for the Community.” We are fortunate to be situated on 5-and-a-half acres in the heart of Wilton Manors, close to Wilton Drive and in a Transit-Oriented Corridor or TOC zone. A TOC zone is excellent for future growth and services that can be provided to the community. It was exciting to sit in the room with so many talented and engaged community members helping to plot the future course for The Center. To have over 60 people give up their precious time on a Saturday morning demonstrates the vested interest people have in planning our future. The process is only beginning, and we don’t know for certain where we will end up. The sky is the limit, and these are very exciting times for The Center.

VOICE Spring 2015

he first time I heard the word “charrette” I remember thinking it had to be something that was spread on a croissant. This process was not a normal part of my world. A charrette is a collaborative planning or design session, often involving interested third parties, in which problems relating to a proposed architectural project are discussed and solutions adopted in a limited time frame. As we celebrate our twenty-two year anniversary as a Center, can you envision what Equality Park will be five, ten or even twenty years from now? The Pride Center, under the guidance of our Board of Directors, has pursued a multi-year Strategic Plan. This includes the assessment of the campus’ Master Plan to plan for future growth and expansion of Equality Park to make it even stronger and more fiscally sound. On a recent Saturday, over 60 skilled community leaders, Board members and staff assembled in the Main Hall of the Schubert Building to participate in the Equality Park Charrette. As the needs of our community continue to evolve, so must we. The LGBT senior population is expected to double by the year 2020. Marriage Equality is now reality in Florida. Same-genderloving couples are planning and raising their children. The impact of the Affordable Care Act for HIV/AIDS testing, prevention and education is forcing us to look at our

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

What’s in a Charrette?

Social Workers: The Next Generation

Center invests in future leaders through internships

VOICE Spring 2015

“

he staff at The Center have inspired me, and there is a never a dull moment, says Kasi Oxendine, social work intern. “Sometimes I think I am having way too much fun, but I am learning so much about HIV prevention and awareness, as well as how a non-profit organization operates. I have also learned how to be a better social worker.” The Pride Center regularly welcomes interns from various universities programs. Each semester young, eager and inquisitive students walk through the doors with a desire to learn more about working with the LGBT community, HIV/AIDS or community organizations. “I remember being an intern and feeling my role in the agency was an important one,” says Listron Mannix, intern supervisor and Testing Manager at The Center. “My supervisors depended on me and facilitated a fluid atmosphere for me to learn and develop my skills. Now

being a supervisor, I hope to provide the same atmosphere for my interns. “And who doesn’t like free labor?” he laughs. Ashley Wheaton is clear on what led her to intern at The Center. “I didn’t decide to be straight and strongly believe we should all be treated equally,” says Ashley. “After marrying my high school sweetheart last June in San Francisco during Gay Pride weekend, something stirred in me. I felt empowered to empower others no matter their sexuality.” As a community organization focused on diverse populations and services, The Center encourages interns to engage with a variety of community activities and explore different passions. “It has taught me to think outside of the box and get out of my comfort zone,” says Albert Taylor, a Center employee who also is completing his internship at The Center with different programs. “I learned that I can engage with others outside of my office.”

SMART Ride Check Distribution The Pride Center recently received over $166 thousand dollars of funds from SMART Ride 11. Many Pride Pack team members attended the ceremony; our team raised over $125,000. Every cent raised by this 165 mile bike ride from Miami to Key West directly benefits vital HIV/AIDS services at agencies across Florida. The Center utilizes these funds in HIV care linkage, prevention, outreach, testing, support and education. Donations designated through SMART Ride have funded our Healthcare Navigation, Couples Speak, Community Wellness Workshop programs and expansion of our HIV Counseling and Testing. Photos by Stephen Lang

Damien Salvaggio has found his passion working with Bruce Williams, Seniors Coordinator. “The Pride Center is an amazing mix of services that span across so many different parts of our community,” says Damien. “I have had the opportunity to work in outreach at various testing sites that The Pride Center serves and to work with seniors who come in for many different kinds of support services. I’ve helped with behavioral counseling, access to community services, and supporting the different levels of HIV support care that The Pride Center brings to the community.” “Here at Pride I learned there are people with the same degree who are achieving amazing results by working as community organizers and social advocates,” continues Damien. “Social work is about more than just clinical assessment; it’s also about supporting the wellbeing of the whole community.” Kasi jokes that she is here on an educational visa from the far away land of Terre Haute. “I hope to return to Indiana after graduation in April and start my own

programs for LGBT youth in middle and high school,” she says. Ashley says the intern experience has taught her about how powerful education can be in combating issues such as stigma and equal rights. “The Pride Center has been a great place to implement skills learned in the classroom and add to them,” says Ashley. “Soon after I started I was working with clients at The Center and throughout the community. The environment at The Center is very welcoming and I love all the diversity.”

These businesses represent some of our valuable supporters. To become a Business Founder, please contact Roger Roa: RRoa@pridecenterflorida.org or 954.463.9005

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