The Pride Center Voice Winter 2015 by South Florida Gay News

WINTER 2015

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

VOICE

Set Sail for the Greek Isles

G Senior Health Expo

PG. 3

Breast Fest

PG. 13

rab your toga, pull out your bronzer, loosen your buttons and shake off your inhibitions! The siren song of the Greek Isles is calling your name and you won’t need a passport. On Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 7:00pm, The Pride Center will collaborate with the City of Wilton Manors to present Evening in Paradise – Mykonos! Proceeds benefit The Pride Center’s vital programs and services along with Wilton Manor’s Island City Foundation. Mykonos is Greece’s most famous cosmopolitan island, a whitewashed paradise where glamour meets simplicity. Posturing fashionistas, hot-bodied beach goers, good-time holidaymakers and cruise-ship crowds delight in its summer club scene and authentic cubist charms. What could serve as a more sizzling inspiration for Evening in Paradise 2015?

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. “I can’t wait for the most glamorous vacation destination for the world’s jet-set to appear in South Florida,” says Robert Boo, CEO of The Pride Center. “We are so excited to work together with the City of Wilton Manors and return to the wonderful venue of the Richardson House. Bobby Kyser and his team at Panache Style are truly amazing. His visions always make a ‘WOW’ statement, and this year he has promised to knock the baklava right out of your mouth.” Guests will be entertained and enchanted by belly dancers, costumed models, masked performers and Greek gods and goddesses. They also +continued on page 4

Healthy Women

Fourth Annual Community Day

PG. 15

Latinos en Accion Leadership Awards

PG. 20

Evening in Paradise – Mykonos! Splashes Over Wilton Manors in February

Guests were amazed by the festivities at last year’s Evening in Paradise

New grant will help Center enhance and promote online LBT Health Directory

hat could help more women find good doctors, therapists and specialists? How can we improve the health of LBT women across South Florida? The Pride Center recently received a $8,500 grant from Aqua Foundation for Women for The Directory 2.0 Project. The Center, in full collaboration with Women in Network, will organize, coordinate and provide this preventative healthcare initiative for LBT women. The project will include two major

aspects: 1.) a substantial upgrade and expansion of the online LBT Health Directory at LBTHealth.org and its marketing; and 2.) educational and social events featuring LBT preventative healthcare providers featured in the Directory. “We want to eradicate fear,” says Women with Pride Coordinator Roya Amirniroumand. “We want to simplify the process of accessing a good, culturally competent doctor. We have created this amazing online tool to help +continued on page 4

2014 Was Simply The Best A letter from Robert Boo, C.E.O. of The Pride Center at Equality Park

VOICE Winter 2015

n behalf of the 42 staff, 250 volunteers and 14 Board of Directors, I would like to thank all of the community members who voted The Pride Center as “The Best Nonprofit” for the third year in a row for SFGN’s Best of Gay Friendly South Florida issue. I recognize the privilege we have to serve so many thousands of people every month. If just a portion of them voted, they secured our recognition. We’re humbled and grateful. For the second year, we also were awarded “Best Gay Event” for Wicked Manors. I hope you enjoy reviewing the pictures in this issue of The Voice. The last quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2015 always are extremely vibrant for staff, volunteers, visitors, participants and clients at The Center. I’d like to welcome Paul Smith to our Board of Directors. You can read more about Paul in a feature story within this issue. We are very fortunate to have Paul join our Board and bring all of his skills and expertise to The Center. This year we were fortunate to receive several new grants. In this issue we highlight some of our new employees; Toni Graham-Levy and Anthony Brautigam recently joined our HIV Testing and Outreach team in a grant from the Department of Health that allows us to continue our expansion into communities of color disproportionately affected by HIV. We also received continued funding from the Aqua Foundation to enhance some of our Women’s programming. Our seniors programming continues to expand by leaps and bounds. Every week we draw hundreds of people to our Coffee & Conversation events and exercise programs. The depth and quality of the presenters each Tuesday amaze and impress me. We are very fortunate to have someone like Bruce Williams who has the expertise to head our Senior Services programming. This year we provided more than 6,000 HIV tests compared to fewer than 5,000 in 2013. We distributed over 240,000 condoms and provided HIV Prevention Outreach

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 Leslie Tipton

Pride Center Staff

to over 12,000 individuals. Our cyber center was recently updated with new computers with washable keyboards by the David Bohnett Foundation. Because of the support of the Bohnett Foundation nearly 14,000 people have been able to stay connected with loved ones, search the internet and prospect for jobs free of charge. Although our paid staff has grown over the year through various funding sources, we still heavily depend upon the hundreds of volunteers who dedicate their time and talent throughout the year. During 2014 volunteers donated over 15,000 hours to The Center to provide life-changing services and events. We are YOUR community Center. If we’re “the Best,” it’s because of YOU. For over 21 years, we have 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. It’s very easy for me to say our mission statement because that is what we strive to do every day. On behalf of everyone who helps to improve and impact the lives of so many in our community, I hope you have a happy and prosperous 2015!

About The Pride Center he Pride Center celebrated 21 years of service in 2014. 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,

The Pride Center

2040 N. Dixie Highway Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33305

outreach, education, healthcare linkage, support, holistic health and counseling. 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; art gallery openings; adult educational opportunities through Pride University; Bingo; education for prospective and current LGBT parents; weekly “Coffee and Conversation” gatherings for seniors; 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 Frank Gurucharri, PALS Project Manager, fgurucharri@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 Jacari Green, Kiki Project Coordinator, jgreen@PrideCenterFlorida.org Charles Dickey, Health Counselor, cdickey@PrideCenterFlorida.org Daniel Dardenne, Testing Specialist, ddardenne@PrideCenterFlorida.org Norris Wildhagen, Facilities Specialist, facilities@PrideCenterFlorida.org Chris Douglas, Testing Specialist, cdouglas@PrideCenterFlorida.org William “Billy” Gall, Testing Specialist, bgall@PrideCenterFlorida.org Stacey Wall, Testing Specialist, swall@PrideCenterFlorida.org Bryon Bowlby, Executive Assistant, bbowlby@PrideCenterFlorida.org Todd Hammond, Information Analyst, thammond@PrideCenterFlorida.org Julian Alterman, Outreach and Testing Specialist, jalternman@PrideCenterFlorida.org Jakai Roundtree, 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 Jim Ferrace, Outreach and Testing Specialist, JFerrace@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 Richard Fiora, Facilities Assistant, rfiora@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: Miriam Cronkhite, Martin Gould, Robert Saunders, Shanna Ratliff, Bruce Williams, Roya Amirniroumand, Samantha McCoy, Roger Roa, Bryon Bowlby, Robert Boo and Kristofer Fegenbush Photographers: 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.

Over 600 people attended our fifth annual LGBT Senior Health Expo. The Expo provides seniors with a unique, comprehensive overview of available healthcare services. Over sixty LGBT-friendly medical, senior living, social service, insurance, financial, legal and home health providers showcased their services and products through this trade show. Photos by Steve Shires

+ The Pride Center provided individualized HIV prevention outreach to more than 12,000 people in 2014--double the number from last year + Tens of thousands of local children and families benefit from The Pride Center’s annual school supplies drive, food drive and holiday toy drive + Center volunteers provided more than 15,000 hours of service this year

Kaz

Presents:

“I don’t think of seniors An photo exhibit by as old. Seniors are still young Kaz Takahashi charming and have a lot of

VOICE Winter 2015

T a k a h a s h i

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Did you know?

Senior Health Expo

Opening Reception January 9, 2015 5:00 – 7:00 pm Show runs From: January 4 To: February 8

humor. I take pictures of seniors to make people happy” -Kaz

Born April 20,1948 in Kagoshima, Japan. Kaz learned photography while serving four years with the Japanese Army. After separation from the Army worked eight years for a Japanese Newspaper. Arrived in 1983 to work as a free lance photographer in the United States. Commissioned mainly to take sports photographs under contract with a Japanese Sports Newspaper. In 1997 began photographing U.S. National Parks and Wildlife. Has visited all 58 U.S. National Parks and more than 20 U.S. National Monuments and Wildlife Sanctuaries.

For Information:

THE PRIDE CENTER ART GALLERY is an artistic strategy used as a tool of community mobilization towards empowerment, pride, and health awareness.

FREE CONFIDENTIAL

INFORMATION

HIV Test, Linkage to Care and

Emilio Aponte, M.Ed. CHIP Coordinator | Gallery Curator galleries@pridecenterflorida.org

& Support Services will be 954-463-9005 Navigation provided during the exhibit Ext 207

+continued from page 1

Last Year’s Evening in Paradise: Carnaval! provided over the top delights

Set Sail for the Greek Isles will sample some of the best food and drinks South Florida has to offer. “Each year Evening in Paradise draws out the best people in South Florida,” says Bobby Kyser. “That’s what I love about it. It’s the most exciting annual event in Wilton Manors. People can give back to The Pride Center while enjoying this mind-blowing, over-the-top themed party. There are all these smoking hot-people. Plus there is Bobby Kyser fabulosity everywhere in the decor.” Over 1,200 people have attended Evening in Paradise over the last three years, raising more than $100,000. “What started out as an idea for a house party just three short years ago has exploded into the must-attend event of the season,” says Board Vice President Jim Walker, who helped chair the first event at his home with partner

Lee Rubin and friends Joe Guerrero and Irwin Drucker. “The whole community can come together for a fun ‘Evening in Paradise’ to celebrate our community and support those who rely on The Pride Center throughout the year.” “This is The Center’s largest fundraiser of the year,” says Board Chair Ilene Berliner. “I tell people that it’s the greatest event in our community. You can have fun, eat delicious food, meet wonderful people and see old friends. Plus your ticket supports important services and programs to our community.” To learn more about the event or to purchase tickets, visit www.EveningInParadise.org or contact Roger Roa, Director of Development at RRoa@PrideCenterFlorida. org, for exciting sponsorship opportunities.

+continued from page 1

VOICE Winter 2015

Healthy Women

link women to good care. More women need to know about it. Too many LBT women still experience real or feared discrimination when they access preventative or ongoing healthcare. An enhanced Directory, coupled with enhanced marketing, will provide vital tools for LBT consumers to access care without fear or stigma. We look forward to providing creative educational opportunities, practical resources and direct service-linkage to LBT women and their allies.” The current on-line, searchable data base directory at LBTHealth.org contains over 300 health care practitioners in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, including gynecologists, primary care physicians, and mental health professionals who work with LBT women patients. “Central to The Pride Center’s goals and long-term strategic planning is a strong commitment to promote LBT women’s holistic health by promoting prevention and access to treatment,” says COO Kristofer Fegenbush. “We will invest in the expansion, enhancement and sustainability of a practical, useful Directory. We will save lives.” The Pride Center spearheaded the initial creation of the directory in collaboration with Women in Network, SunServe and BLAST. They established a vetting process to ensure that providers demonstrate standards of evident cultural competency. The user-friendly online directory also includes information on insurance accepted by providers, and free and lowcost health providers. “The LBT Health Directory fills a critical need as a resource for LBT women to locate safe and affirming providers that understand their specific needs,” says Dr. Katharine Campbell, Program Director for Aqua Foundation. Over the past year, without dedicated directory funding, The Center leveraged volunteer support and limited resources to promote and expand the Directory. The Center hosted both a press and community Meet and Greet with MMA Champion Jessica Aguilar as the Directory’s “celebrity spokesperson.” Jessica’s involvement with the Directory was featured in several publications including the Miami Herald, SFGN, She Magazine, Hot Spots and others. Women with Pride provided face-toface outreach for the Directory at PrideFest, Stonewall Summer Pride, Aqua Girl and other events, reaching a broader audience of LBT women and their allies. The Center looks forward to doing so much more in 2015. To visit the directory or to submit your favorite LBT friendly doctor, please visit www.LBThealth.org and start your search.

Smith joins Center Board By Marty Gould

VOICE Winter 2015

ur newest Board Member is a familiar face around The Pride Center. Since moving to Wilton Manors from Washington, DC nearly a decade ago, Paul M. Smith has been an active participant in activities and programs at The Center. “I became involved before the move to Equality Park,” said Paul. “I started attending ‘Man to Man’ meetings. Then I joined an exercise class and started going to “Coffee and Conversation” with the seniors.” But Paul didn’t stop there. As a licensed clinical social worker in Washington for more than 20 years specializing in mental health issues in the LGBT community, he wanted to use his expertise to help those in need in his new hometown. “I co-founded ‘Brothasspeak,’ a support group for African-American men, hoping to help men of different cultures share the commonalities of the issues facing gay black men in our society.” Paul says it’s particularly important to provide that support in light of the hostility and stigma most gay black men face in their own community. Paul always has been an activist. In Washington, after 22 years service in the U.S. Army (rising to the rank of Lt. Colonel), he began working with the Service Members Legal Defense Network, an organization providing legal services for servicemen outed under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. “We served as a crisis center for those servicemen and women who needed support, and we also helped lobby Congress to get the policy repealed,” says Smith. Today, Paul stays quite busy in Wilton Manors, as a volunteer therapist with SunServe and as Treasurer of The Pride Center’s Seniors Advisory Council. Paul says serving seniors should be a major priority. “This will become much more important as seniors age and need places to live, to socialize and to gain access to needed services,” he says. As for how Paul views The Pride Center, he sees great things ahead. “I see the Pride Center reaching out to the larger community. It’s a place that welcomes everyone and makes them all feel safe. It’s a model for the country.” Regarding his role on the Board, Paul says he hopes to apply his expertise wherever it’s needed. “I’m a bridge-builder. My expertise and ability is to bring together small groups to arrive as a consensus on certain tasks.” Paul and his partner have been together for 35 years. As for all the time it takes to handle his many projects, Paul says, “I’m not looking to work too hard.”

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Bridge-Builder

Transgender Day of Remembrance

The Pride Center organized and hosted Transgender Day of Remembrance. This evening of commemoration is a call to action for those who have lost their lives due to bias and hatred based on gender identity and expression worldwide. Community collaborators included The Florida Department of Health in Broward County/T-House, W.I.N, The Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Gray Pride

Looking back at a vibrant 2014 for seniors

By Bruce Williams

VOICE Winter 2015

ur Senior Programming at The Pride Center has experienced an incredibly active, productive year. By the end of 2014, we logged more than 23,000 visits by LGBT seniors. Of that number, we welcomed nearly 9,000 Coffee & Conversation visits, over 8,000 Enhance Fitness hits and a highly-successful Fifth Fantastic Senior Health Expo that sold out to over 60 vendors and drew a crowd of nearly 700 LGBT seniors, friends and families. Our Pride Thursday series featured brilliant presentations by area dignitaries, and our SAGEWorks program has provided technological training and professional guidance that has enabled a number of local adults to find new or better employment. Our activities included fun events like Bingo, movies, games days, performance art and holidays celebrated with everything from a sexy Valentine’s Day Cupid to a very Halloween-y Giraffe. Our programming also afforded attendees the opportunity to connect with area providers in the fields of medical services, finance, insurance, services to maximize one’s ability to stay at home, long term care and end-of-life planning. Our engaged seniors supported such efforts as The Smart Ride, The Stonewall Museum, voter registration drives,

The Center’s Founders Circle and participation in studies through the University of Miami and Case Western Reserve. Together, we’re furthering progress towards enhancing the lives of future generations of LGBT seniors. And we’re not done yet. Visit The Pride Center website to sign up for our senior programming mailings! We can help you take part in our busy holiday season festivities, search for a Job on our newly created Jobs Board, register for computer classes that will begin early in 2015, and enjoy all of The Pride Center’s Senior Programming fun. For more information on all that we’re doing

SPEAK – Souls Positively Expressing Authentic Knowledge The Pride Center’s Kiki Project presented this celebration for National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day through spoken word, poetry and other forms of artistic expression.

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

with seniors, contact me: Bruce Williams – Senior Services Coordinator - bwilliams@pridecenterflorida. org or 954.463.9005.

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 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

+ Over 100 people play Bingo at The Pride Center on the second Saturday evening and fourth Sunday afternoon of every month. + The Pride Center provided more than 6,300 HIV tests in 2014

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Happy Kwanzaa

Did you know?

Center Hosts Celebration and Leadership Awards Ceremony

VOICE Winter 2015

nce again, The Pride Center at Equality Park and Black Gay Pride South Florida are pleased to present the annual Kwanzaa Celebration and Leadership Awards Ceremony. The awards ceremony will honor School Board member Dr. Rev. Rosalind Osgood and Christopher Bates, MPA, Social Services Manager for Florida Department of Health in Broward County. The celebration will include the Karamu (community feast), a “Taste of Kwanzaa” provided by community chefs and organizations. This gathering of people of color, their allies and friends celebrates cultural diversity and unity. Kwanzaa is: “A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture.” “How fortunate that we here in South Florida have such an affirming community,” shared new Center Board member and 2013 Leadership Award Recipient Paul Smith at last year’s event. “As we approach the holidays which include the celebrations of Kwanzaa, Christmas and Hanukkah, we come with grateful hearts and outstretched arms to embrace the fruits of the season here at The Pride Center. Kwanzaa is a special time for brothers, sisters, families and friends to come together to celebrate our African roots with pride and solidarity.” There are seven principles associated with the days of Kwanzaa: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamma (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). This event will be held on Thursday, December 26th from 7 to 9 pm at The Pride Center at Equality Park, 2040 N. Dixie Hwy, in the heart of Wilton Manors.

Founders Circle Reception at Mayor’s Jewelers Mayor’s Jewelers hosted a recent Founders Circle Reception. Founders provide at least $100 monthly to support the programs and services of The Pride Center. Photos by Stephen Lang

Want A Jump-Start To Healthier Living? VOICE Winter 2015

If you’re a gay or bisexual man living with HIV, you can learn to keep your immune system in strong, peak condition.

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

The Pride Center organized a passionate team who dressed in pink and raised money for the annual American Cancer Society breast cancer walk through downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Did you know? + Over 1000 visitors and 80 vendors attend The Pride Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Flea Market on the first Saturday of every month + Our PrEP Specialist helps people get information, education and access assistance for Pre Exposure Prophylaxis. Email prep@PrideCenterFlorida.org for more info. + The Pride Center hosts regular Transgender Educational Series collaborative community workshops

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Breast Cancer Walk

VOICE Winter 2015 9

LSL: Lost, Sex & Love This artist reception as part of National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day featured the art work of Rosalia Curbelo. After the artist’s husband passed away, art became her salvation...and a substitute for sex and love.

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 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 Sunshine Athletic Association The Howard Greenfield Charitable Foundation Glen Weinzimer and John Rogatzki / The SMART Ride Wells Fargo Foundation

VOICE Winter 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 Jared Falek and Don Chorpenning Will Gibson and George William Rogers/ Serendipity Foundation Oliver Kamm David McLaren /Periodic Products 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 / Law Office Arthur B. Smith Jim Stepp and Peter Zimmer Bob Young / Beach Bear Weekend Chris Dunham / Dunham Insurance Services

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

Alpine Jaguar Atlantic Surf Club Don Biehn /Biehn & Associates, Inc. Broward Health Foundation – Imperial Point Mark Budwig (Board Member) and Nick Scalzo / S. Mark Graphics Michael Camardello Doug Candler Chris Caputo (Board Member) / MetroMediaWorks George Castrataro, Esq. / The Law Offices of George Castrataro, PA City County Credit Union Dr. Howard R. Cunningham / Oakland Park Dental Michael Dager and Harvey Shapiro Victor Flores / FastPrintz Andrew Fischman Rob Guerrero Robert Hubbard and Bill Greeves Joseph Kraus Steven Levin and Bradley Henkel / Midland Medical Center David Moon and Eugene Smith Richard Nolan and Robert Pingpank Joe Pallant and Mark Robinson / Pallant Insurance Agency, Inc. Ronnie Pryor and Dustin Cranor / Source Salon Herb Reis and Dr William Coffey Paul Rolli and W. Bennett Quade Lee Rubin and Jim Walker (Board Member) Russell Sassani, MD and Michael Schneider / Take Shape Plastic Surgery Dr. Heidi Schaeffer Richard Schwarz and Tom Massey Tony Seguino and Dan Ayers Paul M. Smith (Board Member) and Gerald Kennedy

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 / American Tax and Insurance Services 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 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 Deric Bownds and Len Walker Broward Burial and Cremation Broward County Sheriff’s Office Rishi Burke Gerald Byers and Rudy Wengenroth Camp 4 Health Rene Cantu and James Gigliello Danny Carter / Dancemoves Sam Chalfant and Tom Rouland / Affordable Health Insurance Harvey Chasser Karen Carroll and Julie Slater / Chic Optique Ron Clark P. Cobleigh and Barry Miller / J.P.’s Chocolate Shoppe Coffee and Conversation Daniel Wasinger/ Concept International Design Bob Collier and Chuck Hunziker Lynn Corning / Newman Insurance Shawn Bombard and Nick Berry / Shawn and Nick’s Courtyard Cafe Tracey Cramer / Ameriprise Financial Douglas Cureton / Some Men Like It Haute Joseph Daniel and Fred Silverman / Roth-Warren, LLC Patrick Daoud / Daoud’s Fine Jewelry Dennis Dean / Dennis Dean Photography Esmeralda and Peter Dekaj / Stork’s Bakery Cafe Robert Delehanty Pat Demos / Northern Trust Bank William Desautels and Lee Moffitt 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 Robert Eldredge / RWE Real Estate Embassy Suites Hotel Ted Emery Craig Engel (Board Member) and Greg Briche Michael Faerber / D’Angelo Realty Group Brian Farley and Ron Alose Jim Farris Paul Fasana Frances Herrera / Frances Herrera Interior Design Joel Geils Glenn L. Goldberg Steven Goldgram Mark Gordon and Aldo Buono Martin Gould / Focalize Consulting Scott Gray 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 Cal Harrison Timothy S. Hart / R3 Accounting LLC Brenda Hartley (Board Member) / BankUnited Tyler Healis Dr. J. Heider and Thomas Carr / Ultimate Smile 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 / Mayors Paul Hyman and Bill Bracker iBeria Bank Italio Fort Lauderdale A.J. Jabre James Jagielski Paul Jennings George Johnson James A. Johnson Warren Leong / Dr. Charmaine Johnson-Leong, DDS, PA Clifford W. Jolley and Paul Clive Robert Judd 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 Julia Landis and Shawn Fanshier Bruce Lane Bernie Langeluttig and Dennis Fitzkee Tomas Soto and Frank Lefevre, M.D. Dr. Leslie Leip (Board Member) and Fritz Leip John Leyden and Tom Valentine Bill Linehan Jay Little / Divers Direct - Dania Beach Dewitte Loe Charles Loring Steve Lovci Juliette Love (Board Member) Norton Lyman and Kimio Sato Joe Markonic / Gables Wilton Park Michael McArdle and Thomas Holland Joe McConnell and Michael Lennon Richard McManus and Tom Nohilly Ken Merrifield and Fred Berger Drew Miller and Kevin Murdoch Anthony Molluso and Bill Volbrecht Gregory Moore and Dr. Allan Barsky Anthony More Mark Turner and Chuck Nicholls Charles Ohsiek Ernest Olivas (Board Member) / Emerald Elite Home Health Care 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 Donn Rubin and Stephen Harmon Pastor Leslie (Board Member) 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 / Scarr Insurance Group Jack Schlossberg and Greg Fineman Danny Selvin and Sidney Goldenberg James Senior Steve Shires / Steve Shires Photography Jeffrey and Belinda Shover / Morgan Stanley Tim Singer and Richard Cascarelli / Tim Singer & Assoc./ Coldwell Kimberly Sorondo Jeffrey Sterling / Sterling Tax Richard Stoll, Esq. Terry Stone and Mike Bush Sarah Strock / SCS Weightloss Systems, Inc. Dave Stubbins SunTrust Bank Deanna Sylvestri / GalleryONE Fort Lauderdale Edward Temoyan The Bears of South Florida, Inc. 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. Doug Tinklepaugh and James Rickard / Pinnacle Constructors, LLC 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 Hotel - Fort Lauderdale James Wagner Steve Wetzler Sumner T. White Norris Wildhagen and Dr. Troy Robinson Suzanne Williams / Suzanne Williams, P.A. and Cat Crusade Frantz Petitpapa Theodore Wolf and Frank Decolator Tom Wolf and Fernando Rodrigues Petur Workman 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

Recent LIFE graduate shares personal testimony

Talking to Kids About Sex and Sexuality

Like all parents, LGBTQ parents are faced with talking with their kids about sex and sexuality and answering the hard questions kids can ask. This skills building workshop helped parents identify the roadblocks to answering those difficult questions and receive tips and practice for addressing them.

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

“If not me, then who?”

“18 weeks wasn’t as long as I thought it would be; actually doesn’t seem long enough. I look at each of those weeks as a jewel, a treasure and I look at each of you, my peers, my friends and I think how lucky I am to have the privilege of being a part of something as special as the LIFE program. This program, what you guys do, and I am speaking directly to the facilitators when I say ‘you all’, are by far the richest men I’ve ever met. Your stories and what you all do is priceless. You are making noise that will be heard long after our deaths. We are your legacy. Thank you. My friends, we are still living in the wake of the events that started over 30 years ago. Since then we’ve made tremendous progress but there is still work to be done. We must no longer let fear perpetuate the idea that we are less than. We have been given the greatest gift a human could receive and that’s knowledge. And that is what we use to perpetuate change. We have a duty to spread this knowledge and extinguish ignorance and guide this world to a better place. It won’t always be easy. But If you find yourself staring into the face of blinded ignorance and unable to find the strength to make change, ask yourself this: If not me then who? If not now then when? We never know how far the ripples of our choices will go, no matter how small our choices may seem. We will always be our own worst enemy, but I’ll ask you this: Who honors those we love for the very life we live? Who sends monsters to kill us, and at the same time sings that we will never die? Who teaches us what’s real and how to laugh at lies? Who decides why we live and what we’ll die to defend? Who chains us? And who holds the key that can set us free? It’s you…. You have all the weapons you need……now fight!

VOICE Winter 2015

he LIFE Program offers gay or bisexual men with HIV effective ways to lead healthier, richer lives. In a fun, supportive environment you get the latest reliable information about HIV and health, exchange personal experiences, receive individual coaching, build strong relationships, and bolster healthy habits. Participants strengthen their immune system and lower their viral load. Recently, a participant of the 18-week program read the feelings below at graduation. To learn more about LIFE, contact Jeff Grigsby at jgrigsby@pridecenterflorida.org or 954.463.9011.

World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil

VOICE Winter 2015

A passionate crowd gathered for the annual candlelight vigil in Wilton Manors to honor World AIDS Day. The rally ended at The Pride Center and CEO Robert Boo was among the speakers at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vigil, organized by Broward House. Photos by Carlos Martinez

A packed house enjoyed speakers, entertainment, informational booths, testimonials and delicious food as part of an educational and entertaining evening for Breast Cancer Awareness. Passionate volunteers helped The Pride Center and WIN organize the evening, with sponsorship by Aqua Foundation for Women.

Did you know? + The Pride Center provides community members more than 2,000 hours of individual health coaching annually + Over 200 people attended our last Founders Circle reception. Founders donate at least $100 monthly to support our vital programs and services.

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Breast Fest

The Center organizes regular educational workshops for prospective and current LGBT parents + We hosted more than 3,000 group meetings at The Pride Center in 2014

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C E L E B R AT I N G 20 YEARS!

Wicked Manors

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wicked Manors, the original Halloween Block Party Celebration, returned to Wilton Drive. The Pride Center at Equality Park in collaboration with The City of Wilton Manors presented this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event that raised more than $26,000 for vital services at The Center. Hunterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nightclub was the major presenting sponsor. Photos by Stephen Lang

Founders Circle Reception and Toy Drive Launch at Gallery One

Gallery One hosted and sponsored a recent Founders Reception under the stars and along the waterfront. The evening also served as the successful launch party for the ninth annual Judy Shepherd Toy Drive. Funds donated by Founders Circle underwrite lifeenhancing programs and services to the community. Hundreds of toys were collected that night. Photos by Stephen Lang

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

SMART RIDE 11 The Pride Center’s Pride Pack team for SMART Ride 11 raised over $122,000 for HIV/AIDS services in Florida. The total SMART Ride raised over $1,109,927. Every cent raised by this 165 mile bike ride from Miami to Key West directly benefits vital HIV/AIDS services at seven agencies across Florida, including those at The Pride Center and Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center locally.

VOICE Winter 2015

Fourth Annual Community Day The Pride Center organized and hosted this popular community and family outreach day. Activities included a Kids’ Costume Contest indoors with South Florida Family Pride. Broward Sheriff’s Office provided K9 demonstrations, fire trucks, police vehicles and more. Photos by Steve Shires

Growing In Diversity Expanding the Testing and Outreach Team By Shanna Ratliff, Outreach Coordinator

VOICE Winter 2015

s 2015 dawns, The Pride Center not only has begun developing many exciting plans for the New Year, but has begun taking action. As part of The Center’s initiative to reach diverse communities in innovative ways, The Center is proud to announce the recent addition of Testing and Outreach Specialists, Anthony Brautigam and Toni Graham-Levy. Brautigam and Graham-Levy bring to the table new perspectives that already have produced original ideas and inventive courses of action. Graham-Levy is a transgender woman who grew up in a small Central Florida town and began working with the transgender community after learning that she was HIV positive. Upon participating in a transgender support group, Graham-Levy became inspired to change her life and career. It was at this point that she obtained a position with Hope Through Divine Intervention located in Atlanta, Georgia where she facilitated groups and conducted HIV testing and outreach services. During her time at The Pride Center, GrahamLevy has showcased a pension for networking and already has identified and partnered with over a half-dozen new testing sites. For example, Graham-Levy partnered with Classy Girl, a local beauty supply shop that allowed The Pride Center to conduct a testing and outreach event in the shopping plaza early this month. During the event, the team successfully tested an impressive twenty-eight people. Toni emphasizes that her time at The Pride Center has been positive; as Graham-Levy explains, “I enjoy being able to share my own experience in a way that can educate and help the LGBT community.” Anthony Brautigam also enjoys educating others with information pertaining to HIV prevention. He states, “My main focus in this cause is fighting the stigma that comes with an HIV positive diagnosis.” Brautigam was born in San Jose, Costa Rica before moving to Florida. He has lived in South Florida for the past six years. Brautigam explains that he was drawn to South Florida because of the beach and the beautifully eerie scenery in the Florida Everglades. He states that he has always been interested in the arts and has experience working in graphic design. Five years ago, Brautigam began volunteering in HIV prevention before deciding to make a career out of it. Brautigam’s background in graphic design has allowed him to create new fliers

for Pride Center testing events and programs, including the new couples testing program that we’re launching now. Brautigam explains the reasons he enjoys taking on these new challenges: “The Pride Center is simply genuine. There is a sincere and neighborly feeling I experience each time I walk into the building. Although I’ve never met many of these people before, there is such a familial feeling that inspires me to do what I do.” As we enter the New Year, there is no doubt that these new staff members will continue to utilize their specific talents so as to further the testing and outreach initiatives of The Pride Center.

Groups at the Pride Center WEEKLY RECURRING MEETINGS

AA – Each Day a New Beginning, Recovery, Daily, 9-10a AA – Northeast Group, Recovery, Mon, 8:30-9:30p AA – Sober, Proud and Gay, Recovery, Fri, 8:30-10p AA – Pride 5:45 Meeting, Recovery, Daily, 5:45-6:45p A Course in Miracles, Social, Tues,07:00p-9p BrothasspeakFTL-Social, Wed, 7:00p-9:00p Coffee and Conversation – SAC, Social/Seniors, Tues, 10:30a-12noon Crystal Meth Anonymous, Recovery Mon 6p-7p, Wed, 6p-7p Games Day, Social, 2nd & 4th Tues, 1-4p Gay Bridge Club, Fun, Mon & Fri, 1-4p Gay Hearts, Social, Sun, 1-3:30p Gay Men’s Empowerment Group, Thurs 7p-8:30p Island City Al-anon-Support, Thur, 7-8p Mahjong, Social, Wed, 1-5:00p Man2Man Talk, Social, Mon, 7-8:30p Monday Night Women’s Group, Social, Mon, 7:30-9p Narcotics Anonymous Rainbow Group, Recovery, Wed, 8-9p New Path Narcotics Anonymous Group, Recovery, Mon/Tue/Thu, 7-8p New Path Narcotics Anonymous Group, Recovery, Sat/Sun, 4-5p Overeaters Anonymous, Recovery, Sun, 12n-1:30p Overeaters Anonymous, Recovery, Fri, 7:30-9p POZ Attitudes Here and Now, HIV Support, Wed, 7-9p, Quit Smoking Now, Tues 7p-8:30p (Inquire for details) SAGE Men’s Social, Social/Seniors, Wed, 1-3p SAGE Computer Club, Wed 4p-6p SAGE CO-ED Discussion Group, Thurs, 1p-3p Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), Recovery, Fri, 7p-8p Senior Exercise Class YMCA Health, Senior, Mon-Fri, 10:10a-11:10a,11:15-12:15p,1:30-2:30p Senior Gay Men’s Support Group, Support, Mon, 11a-12p Smart Recovery, Recovery, Mon, 7:30-8:30p/Thur, 6:30p-8p The Healing Project Meeting,Tues 7:30p-9pm Toastmasters, Educational, Mon, 7:15p-9:15p Women’s Non-Competitive Basketball, Social,Mon,Thur 5:30p, Sat 3p

Pride Center Young Adult Group, (23-35 yoa), Support, Fri, 7-9p Yoga with Drew Miller, Social, Wed, 6p-7p

BI-WEEKLY RECURRING MEETINGS

Ballet & Opera Group, Educational, 2nd & 4th Sunday, 1-4p Sunserve POZ Long-Term Survivor, Gay Men/HIV Support, 1st & 3rd Tues, 6:30-8p Senior Games Day, Social, 2nd & 4th Tue, 1-4p

MONTHLY RECURRING MEETINGS/EVENTS Pride Center BINGO, Open to Public, 2nd Sat, 7-10p and 4th Sun, 4p-7p Dolphin Democrats, Monthly Meeting, 2nd Wed, 7:30-9:30p Equality Park Garden Club, Educational, 3rd Wed, 7-9p Pride Center Flea Market, Open to Public, 1st Sat, 8a-2p Primetimers, Open to Public, 1st Sun, 2-4:30p SAGE Movie, Social, 3rd Mon, 4-6p Transgender Support Group, Support, 3rd Fri, 7-8:30p Women with Pride Book Club, 2nd Thur, 7-9p Women with Pride Game Night, 1st Tues, 7p-9p

For further information or to rent a room for your special event call: Samantha McCoy at 954-463-9005 ext. 101. Visit www.pridecenterflorida.org/calendar for meeting room assignments. Room days/times subject to change.

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

VOICE Winter 2015

Maybe There Is a Santa Claus Community unites to provide special holiday for local senior By Bruce Williams, Senior Services Coordinator

an attempt to identify LGBT-supportive long-term care providers, and at first, there were very few. Our inquiries were ignored, our phone conversations were disconnected and doors were literally slammed shut in front of us. How things have changed in five short years. This year’s expo was sold out over a month in advance to more than 60 healthcare professionals, businesses and community organizations and drew a crowd of nearly 700 LGBT seniors, their friends & families. The weather was beautiful. The Pride Center was bustling with activity and it seemed as if the day A free program for men in could not get any relationships or for those better, but it did. Raffle winners were who want to be. drawn for several It doesn’t matter if you’re HIV negative great door prizes or living with HIV. This program is a great including a 48” flat way for you to build relationship skills, screen television share with new friends and have fun. donated by our friends at AHF. Our grand New four week session starts every month. winner was Forrest, space is limited so sign up now. one of our Coffee & Conversation regulars, who approached the podium with tears in his eyes. I was sure they were tears of joy, but they were not. He shared with us For Four Weeks you’ll meet in small groups that the TV was far with other couples to: too large for his small apartment and that  Improve healthy communication what he wanted more  Manage conflict and differences than anything was  Engage in fun learning activities enough money to get  Discuss sex openly and honestly home for a visit with  Make your love life more exciting & safer family during the  Learn to love better holidays. I thought for  Reduce your risks a moment and assured  Enhance your health and... Forrest that if he still felt that way by the  Have fun! following Tuesday, we would hold a silent For more information contact auction and turn his TV The Pride Center's PALs Project... into airplane tickets. PALS Lorenzo Robertson PROJECT Forrest came to our email LRobertson@PrideCenterFlorida.org weekly Coffee and or call 954.463.9011 ext. 306 Conversation event on

VOICE Winter 2015

ome of the most devastating factors affecting LGBT seniors are isolation, limited family support and a lack of community resources. I recently witnessed a stellar example of The Pride Center’s community coming together to embrace, empower and enhance the aging process for one of its own members. We recently held our Fifth Senior Health Expo – an event linking LGBT seniors with available community services and providers. This effort originated as

“Couples Speak”

Tuesday morning and confirmed his wish of liquidating his winnings. We displayed the 48” beauty--still in its factory packaging adorned with a large red bow--to our group of more than 150 LGBT seniors. Bidding began at $200. Justin Willis of HealthSouth realized that he and Forrest were from neighboring towns in West Virginia and bumped the bid to $400. Father Lee, our resident counselor & baker, raised the winning bid to $500 which endured but a brief stay. The winning bid of $525 came from Tom & George, two of our regular Coffee and Conversation attendees from Boca. Just when it seemed things could get no better, their friend Art gave Forrest an additional $100 in cash, “just for spending money.” Ours is a world in turmoil right now. How nice to see our community of unique individuals with wonderfully diverse heritage come together in the true spirit of the holiday season. So yes, Virginia, maybe there is a Santa Claus after all.

The Pride Center hosted a pasta dinner for local riders, teams, crew and volunteers as a thank you before The SMART Ride. Additional sponsors included CDTC and Italio. Attendees heard from staff and clients of CDTC and The Pride Center about the impact of their life-saving HIV programs.

This art exhibit opening featured the works of trans artist Lukkas Wolf.

VOICE Winter 2015

Lukkas Wolf Gallery Opening

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

SMART Ride Spaghetti Dinner

Trans Award Ceremony

VOICE Winter 2015

This evening acknowledged and awarded those who have advanced transgender equality

Latinos en Accion Leadership Awards The annual event recognizes the efforts of outstanding individuals or groups who raise HIV/AIDS awareness in the Latino communities of Broward County

By Roya Amirniroumand

The Team

To my delight, I genuinely come to work with enthusiasm and I know that The Center is full of staff and volunteers who really love their jobs. When I started, I soon became aware of the intricate web of support that each team member provides. I remain beyond grateful for and excited by the work of my colleagues. The participation and community involvement has allowed us to have many enlightening seminars and exciting events. Even with a power outage all over Wilton Manors until an hour before Breast Fest, volunteers and staff rallied to make the evening a huge success. Collective efforts translated into an

The Change

In less than a year, my life has been forever touched by the awareness and accountability that comes with the knowledge of complex intersecting identities, the privilege and disparities that are linked with who we are. I had been exposed to so much that I thought I understood, but never really did. I see some of these issues emerge almost daily, and I am only trying to comprehend how I can be supportive. Through Vital Signs, a holistic health seminar series for LBT women and their allies, and the LGBTQ Family Series, we have been able to provide education, service-linkage, and connection in the community. Every day the online LBT health directory is expanding with new and local culturally competent health care providers. When community members tell me how they learned something new, found a resource they were seeking, or heard someone speak on experiences similar to their own--those are the most gratifying moments for me. Moving forward, I ask that more women invest in their own future, becoming involved in any way feasible, from a Founder to a volunteer. Join our team and help our efforts! It is immensely rewarding and the only way we can come together as a community and accomplish the changes we seek.

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

PALS

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

VOICE Winter 2015

Early in 2014, when I was offered the opportunity join the staff at The Pride Center to contribute to such a selfless cause and such an extended outreach, I never imagined the expansive impact that this unique organization has on the community and myself. Professors and peers in my Master’s program, enthusiastically investing their time to participating in activism causes and social justice issues, inspired me. After an organic and honest conversation with COO Kristofer Fegenbush, I knew I wanted to be a part of this movement to increase women’s representation and visibility in the community. In my effort to honestly communicate, I set forth on the path to listen, process and consider what I can initiate and how I can contribute to the successful outreach of The Pride Center. My greatest challenges have helped me reach out to an amazing team.

or disclosure stressful? JOIN a free program to help you make smart CHOICES.

project

The Chance

attendance of more than 150 people who raised awareness and money for cancer, an epidemic that touches everyone. I have witnessed the sheer magnitude of time and dedication required to initiate change and participate in making an impact. I learn more every day.

Living with HIV? Living with HIV? Are dating, sex, relationships

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Women with Pride Coordinator reflects on her first year

Remembering the SMART Ride H

undreds of cyclists and crew recently traveled 165 miles from Miami to Key West on SMART Ride 11. The record-setting ride raised more than $1.1 million dollars for HIV AIDS. 100% of funds benefit seven HIV/AIDS service organizations doing life-saving work across Florida, including The Pride Center. Members of our Pride Pack raised more than $122,000. Some share their reflections:

VOICE Winter 2015

John Roy, rider

Experienced SMART Ride riders knew it all too well. First timers, not so much. And for some reason I feared it. What could it be? As much as I trained throughout the year it appeared to be a daunting, yet exciting event. I remember very little of the actual ride, yet for me it was almost effortless. I was riding on a natural high...The experience for me is one filled with many emotions-from exhilarating and breathtaking to inspiring and uplifting to sadness (with Mark’s passing)... It really made me feel alive again!

Sarah Strock, rider

There was a team camaraderie during SmartRide11 that kept The Pride Pack... committed to one another till the bittersweet end...We are comprised of strong riders, weak riders, experienced riders and novice riders. We are young in years and aged. We are men, women, black, white, single, married, gay, straight, lesbian, HIV positive and HIV negative. Pride Pack is diversified and welcoming, which is exactly what The Pride Center is all about. So in this perfect mix of individuals, my experience was knowing with all my heart that I rode surrounded by the light of heroes on a rainbow bridge.

Lenny Chesal, rider

Will power. I learned the true meaning of the words. When you have nothing left physically, it is the will power that comes from “why” we ride that got me to Key West.

Robbie Shore, crew

Grant McKenzie, rider

What I remember most is the heartfelt ‘thank you’ from Riders. These are people who trained in rain and heat for months, raised funds for charity, bought gear, worked through pain…and here they are thanking ME for standing there and giving them some food at the Pit Stop. They are inspiring ...because of their understanding of community and how to create, nurture and appreciate it.

Helping me in my own personal struggles that I have going on right now and knowing that I am helping others in theirs, made it such a rewarding experience. It definitely has been an excellent coping aide for me... Biking 165 miles in one of the most picturesque parts of the world with a group of 1000 people all out to have a bloody good time with an important message is what I’ll be remembering...

Shep Agolli, rider

Deidra Doc B, crew

Total camaraderie with old and new friends. Giving back to my community. Sense of accomplishment along with challenging myself. Seeing all the different names written on the road.

Rafael Reyes, crew

It was amazing to see how many of us have been involved, volunteering, advocating, fighting this battle since it became news in the mid 80’s--30 years ago! Each of us in our own ways have... bared the brunt of losing our friends, clients, family members and partners in this battle. Let us celebrate the fruit of our combined labors and remember to not take for granted those loved individuals we have in our lives.

This year’s SMART Ride had many emotions... I will never forget the horrible death we all experienced, but I know that Mark Haines was with each one of us and got us to the pier safely. I miss him, but he is a damn good guardian angel watching over us.

Pastor Leslie Tipton, rider

Out of the three years that I’ve ridden on The SMART Ride, this year was easily the most difficult. For our small bunch of riders...flat tires, bike issues, and several serious falls seemed to consume most of our time. Even with a very difficult two days on my bicycle, I am still so blessed to have had the opportunity to ride. I didn’t ride for myself…I rode for others, others who

are suffering a much greater foe.

RJ Hadley, rider

This year’s SMART Ride meant more to me. More camaraderie. More support. More caring. More love and experience.

Tyrone Gerry, rider

I participated in the SMART Ride because I wanted to help people in my community. But I now know that by helping others I am helping myself. There are so many great individuals that are a part of this and meeting them all throughout the year in practice rides and meetings gives me joy.

Craig Handley, rider

I was impressed with how selfless the crew members were and their desire to make the ride as comfortable as possible. Their support meant so much to me as a first time rider and gave me the encouragement I needed to complete the ride...

Brenda Hartley, crew

So proud that I work for a company that understands and supports the SMART Ride. I feel a sense of pride that I am part of the hope and prayers of many for an eventual cure.

+ The Pride Center distributed more than 240,000 condoms this year. That’s a lot of safer sex! + You can buy a brick with your personalized message in our Courtyard at Equality Park. Call Bryon at 954.463.9005 for more info.

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Did you know?

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

Kevin O’Connor, rider

I remember our team circle with Pastor Leslie and her words the first morning... I remember the camaraderie and spirit through misfortunes...the care and concern that each particular riding group has for each other. I was impacted and continue to be impacted by the safety elements of the ride.... There wasn’t a time that I didn’t feel safe, knowing that if I did get into any kind of trouble, that there would be help from a safety monitor or any of the other riders. Robert Boo, rider The SMART Ride affords me the opportunity to participate individually and in a team for a great cause. This is a year

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

VOICE Winter 2015

We Offer:

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

round activity for me and has improved my health as well as everyone who has ridden the 165 miles. I will always remember Mark Haines with a smile on his face after completing his first 100 mile ride.

Margie Longstreth, rider

Riding in the SMART Ride this year was tougher than normal. We’ve had the luxury of a tailwind for the last four rides, but not so this year. What gets you through the tough parts? The people...hearing that I was not alone in my struggle, somehow made it easier. When it gets really tough, I visualize riding through Key West, and the real reason that we do the ride, which is to help some really wonderful people live a better life. That makes everything easier.

The Condom Man Medina exhibits passion for HIV prevention by Shanna Ratliff, Outreach Coordinator

VOICE Winter 2015

9th Century essayist and humorist, Henry Wheeler Shaw, had this to say of mastering one’s profession: “Be like a postage stamp, stick to only one thing until you get to where you want to be.” If VOICES and Outreach Specialist Edgardo Medina knows one thing, it’s condoms. But where will this knowledge take him? In order to understand where Medina hopes to be, one need only look to his past. Edgardo Medina’s resume is intimidating. He first began his career in HIV/AIDS prevention upon joining the AIDS Task Force as a student at Ohio State University seven years ago. Medina volunteered as a co-facilitator of a support group for HIV-positive Latinos, where he discussed topics such as disclosure, developing support systems and practicing safer sex. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in sexuality studies, he moved to South Florida where he continued to work in HIV prevention within numerous communities, including LGBTQIA youth. Shortly thereafter, Medina was hired at The Pride Center as a parttime Testing and Outreach Specialist in early 2014. Medina’s passion and self-determination were immediately recognizable; in less than a year Medina was promoted as the Center’s VOICES and Outreach Specialist, which has given him the unofficial title of “the condom man.” The VOICES program is an initiative designed to instruct small groups of people on the use of condoms in an effort to engage frank dialogue about safer sex negotiation. In less than three months as the VOICES and Outreach Specialist, he already has developed new relationships with existing community organizations. Perhaps, one of his most prominent accomplishments occurred when he facilitated two VOICES workshops geared specifically towards youth. After the program, 20 youth received an HIV test. “The reason I continue to work in HIV prevention is because it allows me to

witness clients transform from troubled people living with HIV into empowered and confident individuals,” says Medina. He explains that some individuals live in isolation and fear after receiving a positive diagnosis. The welcoming and diverse nature of The Pride Center provides these individuals with a place to seek assistance; Medina hopes that by becoming involved in the various programs offered at The Pride Center, people who may have otherwise felt isolated will instead feel they are part of this community. Although Medina has already experienced numerous successes in his role as the VOICES Outreach Specialist, his approach towards the future is anything but stagnant. Medina expresses an interest in expanding all of The Pride Center’s services so that they effectively reach each of the minority communities prominent in Broward County. Because Medina knows action is just as important, if not more important, than simply having goals, he already has joined an inter-agency committee called Latinos En Accion, where he is learning how to work with each of the various Latino communities in Broward County. If these experiences and goals evidence anything about Medina’s future, it is that he will undoubtedly make prominent advances in the field of HIV prevention.

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Why You Should Feel Good Supporting The Pride Center

Buck Angel Buck Angel, transman, adult film producer, performer and LGBT icon, spoke at the screening of “Mr. Angel,” the documentary of his life as part of the kick-off of the annual Trans Awareness Month organized by The Pride Center. Stonewall National Museum & Archives collaborated on the event.

By Robert Boo, Executive Director

VOICE Winter 2015

“I lost my partner of 40 years one year ago... Life is like a puzzle and the L.I.F.E. program helped me put the pieces back together.” One of our recent LIFE Program graduates from Cycle 19 experienced first-hand the impact of the services we provide at The Pride Center at Equality Park. Over the past year, more than 35,000 people have stepped foot onto our campus to benefit from one of our programs, attend one of the 60+ groups that utilize our meeting space, get involved in a town hall meeting or community THE dialogue, enjoy an educational seminar, seek help because... from a staff member, participate in one of the cultural activities, take an exercise class, receive an HIV test or utilize the resources on our Equality Park campus. Only through contributions from donors in our community can The Pride Center continue to enhance and improve the lives of the people that come through our doors every day. Your contributions make a difference. This past summer we celebrated out 21st anniversary of changing lives in our community. Our programs and services continue to diversify to meet the varied needs of our friends and neighbors in South Florida. We continue to spearhead expanding projects such as LGBT parenting workshops, individual service linkage for seniors, women’s health, transgender education, couples counseling, healthcare navigation, financial planning, art galleries, www.PrideCenterFlorida.org exercise programs, plant fairs, innovative HIV prevention among communities of color, social media outreach, educational seminars and assisting individuals over 40 to remain productive in the workforce. We need your help to fulfill our mission to provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive home that THE nurtures, celebrates and enhances the LGBTQ communities and our friends and neighbors in South Florida. Your donations are vital, significant, strategic and impactful. As our community grows, so too do the needs of those who seek and use our help. Please consider providing an extra gift to The Center to help us meet our goals. Whether you contribute $20…$50…$100 or more, please know that someone in our family will be helped thanks to you. Please provide a financial gift--large or small--today. My best wishes to you and your loved ones for a very happy, healthy New Year.

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