Voicefall14 by South Florida Gay News

FALL 2014

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

VOICE

Get Your Freak On! Upcoming Senior Health Expo

PG. 5

Swinging Richards Fundraiser

PG. 6

SMART Ride Testimonials

PG. 20

Upcoming Community Day

PG. 24

Center Organizes Over-the-Top Wicked Manors 2014

ave you ever been a Sword Swallower or Bearded Lady? How about Conjoined Twins or the World’s Smallest Woman? Join our troupe of curiosities on Wilton Drive for Halloween! The Pride Center, in collaboration with The City of Wilton Manors, once again is organizing the largest Halloween street festival of the year. Don’t miss our Wicked Manors 2014: FREAK SHOW, presented by Hunters Nightclub, on Friday October 31st from 7:00 pm to 12 midnight! This year’s theme for Wicked Manors is “FREAK SHOW”, based on circus and carnival sideshows of 1920’s-50’s and filled with fascinating and freakish acts meant to entertain and amaze. “The Pride Center is excited to put on this street festival as a fundraiser for our vital programs and services we offer to the community,” says Robert Boo, Pride Center CEO. “Through this event, we are able to reach out to the tri-county area and help raise the awareness of The Center and all of the good work that we do.” Wilton Drive will be closed to all traffic in order to provide a safe and freakishlyfun time for the 25,000 costumed revelers expected to celebrate and get their freak on. Local restaurants, bars and food trucks will provide food and beverages for purchase throughout the evening “Think 50’s Circus Sideshow meets Halloween Street Festival and you’ve got FREAK SHOW,” said Doug Cureton, Wicked Manors Chair. “We promise this year’s festivities will be bigger and better from the moment you arrive on Wilton Drive. You will be transported to a magically freakish celebration with over-the-top costumes, décor, incredible +continued on page 4

Photos by Stephen Lang

Making A Dent

The Pride Center

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

VOICE Fall 2014

s we dive into Fall and South Florida’s “Season,” we wonder--what the heck happened to summer? Sometimes, I get a little jealous when I hear others talk about the summer “slow-down” and how it’s a good time to catch up on paperwork and projects. That sure wasn’t the case at The Center. Vital services continue to grow as we started up a new program, the Kiki Project, funded by the Department of Health Broward County. Our number of paid staff now is over 40. In this issue of The Voice, we highlight our newest staff working in this grant: Jakari Green and Jacari Roundtree. Our SageWorks program, with funding by the Walmart Foundation, was extended for a second year. Bruce Williams, Senior Services Coordinator, continues to exceed our expectations. This year will also be the fifth year for our Senior Health Expo on October 18th. Please read more about this great event. Last year we had over 500 people attend, and this year looks to be even bigger. This summer we also celebrated our 21st anniversary for The Center. I suppose that now makes us legal. We celebrated by having the Stonewall Museum & Archives put together a display on the history of The Center. The display was featured in their new gallery on Wilton Drive. Many people who dedicated their time, talent and treasure over the past 21 years were in attendance. Our Founder, Alan Schubert, wasn’t able to join us in person but was able to see everyone and the display via Skype. The fall line-up of events looks daunting. We start off October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with our own BreastFest. For the first time The Center will be sending a team of walkers, The Pride Rack Pack, to the Breast Cancer Walk. To learn more about these events and how you can participate, read both articles in this issue or visit our website, www.PrideCenterFlorida. org. Breast cancer affects both men and women! Get ready for Wicked Manors – Freak Show! This will be our second year for organizing the biggest street party on Halloween in South Florida. Last year we welcomed over 18,000 people, and this year will be even bigger.

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 Leslie Rutland-Tipton Richard Safaty

Pride Center Staff

We are proud to announce that Hunters Nightclub is our presenting sponsor this year. Wilton Drive will be closed to traffic from Five Points to 21st Court, so our party revelers can be safe. Proceeds from this event support the vital programs and services of The Pride Center. Donations will be accepted gladly during the event. SMART Ride 11 is quickly approaching this November 14 & 15. The Pride Center, along with six other organizations in Florida that provide direct HIV/AIDS services, have been busy all year preparing for this event. I, along with 500 other riders, have been training all summer getting ready for the 165 mile journey from Miami to Key West. I encourage everyone to take a moment and sponsor one of the 500 riders who are dedicating themselves to help improve the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. To learn more about SMART Ride 11 and to make a donation go to www.TheSmartRide.org. On a personal note, I hope that everyone who is driving along will pay special attention to all of the cyclists on the road and ensure you use proper signals when turning and stopping. I would make an awfully big dent in your car!

About The Pride Center he Pride Center celebrated 20 years of service in 2013. 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,

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

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 Frank Gurucharri, PALS Project Manager, fgurucharri@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 Jeff Grigsby, LIFE Coordinator, jgrigsby@PrideCenterFlorida.org Magno Morales, CHOICES Coordinator, mmorales@PrideCenterFlorida.org Emilio Aponte, M.Ed., CRCS Coordinator, eaponte@PrideCenterFlorida.org Albert Taylor, Health Coordinator, ataylor@PrideCenterFlorida.org S.F. Makalani-Mahee, Data Entry Specialist, smakalani-mahee@PrideCenterFlorida.org Shanna Ratliff, Prevention Outreach Coordinator, sratliff@PrideCenterFlorida.org Bruce Williams, Senior Services Coordinator, bwilliams@PrideCenterFlorida.org Lorenzo Robertson, CouplesSpeak Coordinator, lrobertson@PrideCenterFlorida.org Rafael Reyes, Healthcare Navigator, rreyes@PrideCenterFlorida.org Ebony Wilson, ETI Outreach Coordinator, ewilson@PrideCenterFlorida.org Roya Amirniroumand, Women with Pride Coordinator, WomenWithPride@PrideCenterFlorida.org Manuel Leon, Electronic Media and Marketing Coordinator, mleon@PrideCenterFlorida.org Oscar Caballero, Linkage and Testing Specialist, ocaballero@PrideCenterFlorida.org Jacari Green, Kiki Project Coordinator, jgreen@PrideCenterFlorida.org Daniel Dardenne, Testing Specialist, ddardenne@PrideCenterFlorida.org Norris Wildhagen, Facilities Specialist, facilities@PrideCenterFlorida.org Charles Dickey, Health Counselor, cdickey@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 Edgardo Medina, Outreach and Testing Specialist, emedina@PrideCenterFlorida.org Jakai Roundtree, Outreach and Testing Specialist jroundtree@PrideCenterFlorida.org Robert Shore, PrEP Specialist PrEP@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: SJ Strock, Cheryl Bennett, Robert Saunders, Bryon Bowlby, Lorenzo Robertson, Robert Boo and Kristofer Fegenbush. Photographers: Steven Shires, Stephen Lang, Pompano Bill, Dennis Dean, JR Davis, Liquid Radar, Ed Garcia, Manuel Leon, and Kristofer Fegenbush.

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

Adamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Interiors recently hosted and sponsored a recent Founders Reception in their stunning showroom. Founders Circle members underwrite life-enhancing programs and services to the community. To learn more about Founders, contact Roger Roa at RRoa@ PrideCenterFlorida.org (photos by Steve Shires and Stephen Lang)

VOICE Fall 2014

Did you know?

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Founders Circle Reception at Adamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Interiors

+The Center organizes regular educational workshops for prospective and current LGBT parents +Center volunteers already have provided more than 11,000 hours of service this year +Over 100 people play Bingo at The Pride Center on the second Saturday evening and fourth Sunday afternoon of every month. +Our Women with Pride program hosts regular holistic health seminars as part of our Vital Signs series. +The Pride Center has already provided over 5,000 HIV tests this year

SMART Ride Practice Rideout

CDTC and The Pride Center hosted a practice ride for all Broward riders and teams for The SMART Ride. 100% of the proceeds from SMART Ride benefit seven HIV agencies across Florida, including CDTC and Pride Center locally.

Get Your Freak On! +continued from page 1

dance music from The Hits 93.7, a Super Freak Flash Mob and our famous Costume Contests every half hour on the main stage with Diva Emcee – Miss Misty Eyez.” Misty promises, “We have a fantastic line-up of talent including Drag Superstars Mizz Cori, Nicole Halliwell and Friends, Obeau Nay and TP Lords, to name just a few.” Event planner phenomenon Bobby Kyser, of Panache Style said: “We are planning to create a circus feel on two stages and throughout Wilton Drive. Get ready for the best year ever!” Patrick Volkert and Mark Seymour, owners of Hunters Nightclub and this year’s Presenting Sponsor said: “We are proud to support The Pride Center and be a part of this major event for South Florida. We have the opportunity to really put this event on the national map and be a destination spot for Halloween. Hunters is proud to be a community partner of The Center.” Many sponsors helped make Wicked Manors a

reality: VIP Sponsors--Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Panache Style, and Alibi; Stage Sponsors--Hits 97.3; Décor Sponsors--Divers Direct, The Manor, Progress Bar and Rosie’s Bar & Grill; General Sponsors--City of Oakland Park, Village Pub and Broward County Parks & Recreation; Contest Sponsors--Selzer & Weiss, Alpine Jaguar, and New York Grilled Cheese. We would also like to thank our media sponsors for their help in promoting this amazing event: Florida Agenda, Guy Magazine, Hot Spots Magazine, Liquid Radar, Mark’s List, and South Florida Gay News. For more information on where to park, a list of all the costume contests or how to join the Flash Mob, visit our website – WICKEDMANORS.ORG. Check out the Wicked Manors Facebook Page for some inspiration and all the latest updates and news! If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Roger Roa, Director of Development at RRoa@PrideCenterFlorida.org. All proceeds from Wicked Manors will benefit the vital programs and services of The Pride Center.

VOICE Fall 2014

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, 2nd Wed, 7:15p-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 Faith Circle, Social, Sun, 11:30a-1:30p 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 Imagine Meditation in your life with Drew, Mon, 6p-7p 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 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, 7-8p 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, 6:30-8p The Healing Project Meeting,Tues 7:30p-9pm

Toastmasters, Educational, Mon, 7:15-9:15p 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 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

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.

By Cheryl Bennett The health care industry is in a constant state of flux, he added, and changes in ownership or management can severely change the quality of care.“Caveat Emptor is still the rule. Every prospective user must thoroughly vet a prospective provider.” This year’s Expo is shifting toward a more inter-generational approach with its inclusion of several health, fitness and nutritional providers, Bruce noted. The fair runs from 10 am until 2 pm. “We will start out with free coffee &

folks in the health care arena is far from a thing of the past. That’s all too clear from a recent study by SAGE USA Equal Rights in which 20 couples -- half same-sex, half opposite-sex -- phoned retirement communities in several states, seeking admission. Compared to the heterosexual couples, the same-sex couples were portrayed as better qualified, better educated, better off financially. Nonetheless, in half the instances the same-sex couples were falsely told there were no vacancies, or offered shabbier apartments or poorer amenities. “As LGBT individuals, we need to be aware that there is still a great deal of discrimination,” Bruce emphasized. “You don’t want to trust your health care needs to someone who is not supportive of your identity. So if they are not out -- loud and proud -- with pictures of same-sex partners in their facilities, or don’t have employment agreements that protect gender/sexual orientation -- don’t do business with them.” Other questions to ask might be, do they advertise to same-sex couples? Does the waiting room have gay literature in it or is it all straight? “In vetting long-term care facilities for my personal use, I review recent state inspections available online at AHCA.myflorida.com, and then I go to their corporate websites to be certain that their employee policies are consistent with their claims of LGBT support,” said Bruce.

VOICE Fall 2014

hen you visit this year’s Senior Health Expo on October 18 at The Pride Center, it’ll be hard to imagine that only a few years ago it was tough to fill just a handful of vendor booths. “That first Expo in 2010 was tiny,” recalled Bruce Williams, Senior Services Coordinator at The Pride Center. “This year, in contrast, the available space for the Fifth Fantastic Senior Health Expo is sold out ... for the second time!” The aim of that first senior health fair was to find out if there were any LGBTfriendly long-term care facilities in the region, Bruce explained. It turned out there weren’t many. In fact, when many of the facilities were approached, their response was anything but friendly. “We were rejected; we were asked not to come by; we had the door slammed in our face; and phones were hung up,” said Bruce. How things have changed. There will be 45 for-profit companies and 15 nonprofit groups on-hand at this year’s Expo to provide information about their services and facilities for the senior LGBT community. “We have people who really want to participate, but we just don’t have any space available,” Bruce said with a tinge of satisfaction. Where once there was nothing available, there are now a large number of service providers who are culturally and financially supportive of our LGBT senior community. Bruce cautioned that prejudice against gays, lesbians and transgender

pastries, compliments of Stork’s bakery, and our Premier Sponsor Broward Health Imperial Point will provide free lunch to the first 300 attendees. There will be numerous health services available, lots of freebies and some outstanding door prizes!” Don’t wait until you are in the middle of a health crisis, Bruce advised.“Enjoy a fun-filled day and at the same time, arm yourself with a wealth of available community resources.”

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

From Tiny Health Fair, Mighty Expo Grows

Swinging Richards Fundraiser

VOICE Winter 2014

Swinging Richards recently held a weekend evening fundraiser for The Pride Center at Equality Park. Guests enjoyed spirited performances and contributed over $3,000 to The Center.

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 +The Pride Center hosts regular Transgender Educational Series collaborative community workshops +The Center regularly hosts art gallery openings, films, music and live theater presentations +Our Healthcare Navigator links people daily to vital medical care +The Pride Center is the largest site for Enhanced Fitness classes for Seniors offered in the U.S.

+We will host more than 3,000 group meetings at The Pride Center this year

By Miriam Cronkhite

display the most advanced breast implants available,” said Strock. Women with Pride also is organizing a team for this year’s American Cancer Society, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) walk, a nationwide communal effort to support those with breast cancer and search for a disease-ending cure. Team captain Cheryl Bennett invites everyone to join Pride Rack Pack in this 5k walk on October 11th at Huizenga Park (1 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale). With a “Finish the Fight” theme, Strock said, “We are expecting approximately 20,000 walkers raising funds and raising awareness to fight against breast cancer and to find a cure.” Registration for the walk opens October 11 at 7:30 a.m., begins at 9 a.m. and ends with a visit to the survivor booth. Community partners supporting Breast Fest at The Pride Center include Aqua Foundation for Women, Women in Network, Broward Health, the American Cancer Society, Gilda’s Club, ARROW and Planned Parenthood. Join the party October 1 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at The Pride Center. Wear pink to honor survivors, remember those lost to the disease and to support the progress made to defeat breast cancer! For more information, visit www.facebook. com/WomenWithPride and www.facebook.com/ BrowardMSABC.

VOICE Fall 2014

ombining knowledge and fun, the annual Breast Fest at The Pride Center is held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Adorned in healthy attitudes and uplifting spirits, attendees enjoy music from DJ Citizen Jane, socialize in real-time and benefit from expert resources such as Dr. Laura Sudarsky. This year’s Breast Fest is October 1. Women with Pride Coordinator Roya Amirniroumand said, “although this is a serious topic, we want to have fun and connect with others in our community.” “Being aware could help save someone’s life,” said Karen Prescod, a Pride Center Founder and member of the Development Committee. “I want to see this continue to grow into something people of all ages and gender look forward to attending each year.” This annual Center event aims to raise awareness about breast health and cancer, as well as provide resources for mammography, physicians and answers to questions. “I would like everyone to walk away with at least one thing that can save someone’s life and look forward to attending next year. If that happens, I know they would tell a friend about the event and it will grow so big that we will have no other choice but to move the event to a larger location,” said Prescod. According to BreastCancer.org, “About 1 in 8 U.S. women (just over 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.” In light of this staggering number, the disease affects most people, directly or indirectly. Ebony Wilson, Expanding Test Initiative Outreach Coordinator for the Pride Center said, “Most people aren’t aware of the degree in which cancer effects everyone involved. Folks should attend because this event will likely inspire awareness for some and support for others.” The American Cancer Society states “there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.” Breast Fest and the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk celebrate survivors and inspire hope. Breast Fest at The Pride Center is an event for both men and women. “Women With Pride has gathered an amazingly enthusiastic and energetic group of women to make this the best Breast Fest ever. We are so very pleased to have the ‘boys’ supporting this event in full force, “ said Sarah Strock, vice chair of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) Broward. Though rare, breast cancer can be found in men. “In 2013, about 2,240 men were diagnosed with the disease,” according to BreastCancer.org. “I look forward to a record breaking response from the men of the LGBTQ community,” said Wilson. “I think its timely due to the reported cases of men being at risk for breast cancer as well as being active, present, and supportive for the women in their lives whom have fallen victims and become victors themselves.” Plastic surgeon, Dr. Sudarsky is a supporting physician for Breast Fest. “She will speak about the newest techniques for breast reconstruction for women (and men) who have had lumpectomy or mastectomy due to breast cancer diagnosis. She will also have on

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

In the Pink

Breast Fest Enhances Cancer Awareness

Getting PrEPared

VOICE Fall 2014

r. Robert Shore mixes humility and directness when he reflects on his brand new role as PrEP Specialist at The Pride Center. “I don’t call myself an advocate,” says Dr. Shore. “I’m not an expert...Advocacy isn’t my goal. Education is.” The Pride Center continues to take a lead in providing educational opportunities to learn about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an effective HIV prevention tool when taken daily. “Robbie” now will work part-time to help coordinate Center resources, activities, events and services regarding PrEP. “I am finding myself waking up at 6:30am eager to engage in this effort,” says Shore. “I’m boning up on this stuff. It’s now not an option to just know a little. I’m reaching out to experts across the country. I’m building relationships

with researchers, investigators and physicians. I’m learning my channels. I want to be able to answer questions.” Shore started his career as a pharmacist in New York City, then went to grad school for a doctorate in pharmacy. After completing an additional fellowship, he moved to Washington, DC to work as a pharmacologist for the FDA. He later moved into an information technology role at the FDA, then Microsoft. Dr. Shore moved to Fort Lauderdale last April to be near his mother. “Every day I hear people locally ask, ‘what is that PrEP thing?’” says Shore. “I recognize it’s a newer approach. It’s a newer biomedical intervention. Not every person in the community fully understands. I want to provide education on this prevention option.” Shore himself has been enrolled in a demonstration study on the efficacy

Shore aims to help educate community on PrEP

of PrEP. “I am a sexually active HIV negative gay man, and I want to do as much as I can to prevent HIV from spreading,” says Shore. “As a research scientist, I feel compelled to contribute to the general knowledge base also... As a pharmacist, I am well aware that compliance is important for medications to work properly, so I am religious about taking it daily.” Hiring a part-time PrEP Specialist to organize resources, information and service linkage tools was enabled by a $10,000 gift from Oliver Kamm. He approached The Center with his passion to educate the community about PrEP. “I noticed that many people down here seemed to be out of the loop or not talking about it,” says Kamm. “A big concern of mine was getting education out there so people can make informed choices about their own sex lives. We are part of one of the largest gay communities in the country. We should be a vibrant, ahead-of-the-curve community on education and prevention. People should talk about it and know about it. It should be an available option.” Kamm feels a personal responsibility to invest his resources strategically and generously. He feels that PrEP could help “wipe out the virus in a generation.” “If this was available to me 10 years ago, I don’t think I would have seroconverted,” relates Kamm. “As a young man in my late 20s, I was not 100% condom compliant. If that had been a back-up for me, I might be in a different position now.” “Gay sex was completely intertwined with fear when I came out,” he continues. “The primary message was abstinence. Condoms were explained in a way that we were dealing with hazardous material. We have the opportunity to become more sex-positive with gay men. We can reaffirm our ability to have sex without oppressive fear.” Dr. Shore believes condoms are a vital tool for preventing HIV, but hopes to help provide information about PrEP as “an additional tool in their toolbox.”

He wants everyone to have enough information to make personal decisions about whether “it will be a part of their lives or not.” “I’m not going around saying let’s put Truvada in the water,” laughs Shore. “I want to be rational and scientific and have data available about efficacy. Here is information--decide for yourself. That’s my goal--to ensure people are educated.” “I’m very moved that The Pride Center has put their confidence in me,” says Dr. Shore. “In my short time in Fort Lauderdale, I already feel more integrated into the community than I did in all my time in DC. That’s because of the way The Center lives out the implementation of Community.”

The Pride Center recently launched an additional monthly Bingo event on the fourth Sunday afternoons. We continue to provide Bingo the second Saturday night of each month. To learn more about Bingo, contact Janet at 954.463.9005.

The Skin Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m In

Women with Pride recently hosted a workshop on healthy skin care in South Florida as part of its Vital Signs holistic health series, funded by Aqua Foundation. Presenters include Founder Circle member Dr. Will Richardson, Women with Pride volunteer Ellen Slavin and HIV Testing and Outreach Specialist Billy Gall.

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Sisters in Labor Bingo

VOICE Fall 2014

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

Gay Tea Cruise Fundraiser

Gay Tea Cruise, Inc. hosted a Labor day fundraiser for The Pride Center. This ride down Fort Lauderdale intracoastal featured DJ Greyson Jubilee and host Kitty Meow. A portion of the proceeds benefitted The Center.

The Pride Center Founders Circle LIFETIME

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

Premier Business

Cox Media Group Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Hunter’s Nightclub Bobby Kyser / Panache Style Wells Fargo Foundation

Platinum

Anonymous (2) AHF Pharmacy Aqua Foundation for Women Bobby Blair / Florida Agenda Peter Clark / Hotspots Magazine Community Foundation of Broward Ed Garcia / Liquid Radar Estate of Bob Kesckemety Kenneth Goss Kenneth Hollander and John Kardos / Kenneth S. Hollander Charitable Foundation Scott Kean / LSeven Solutions Norm Kent / South Florida Gay News The Howard Greenfield Charitable Foundation Glen Weinzimer and John Rogatzki / The SMART Ride

VOICE Fall 2014

Diamond

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 and Joseph Laurino / 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

Gold

Alpine Jaguar Atlantic Surf Club Don Biehn / Biehn & Associates, Inc. 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 Chris and Joseph Dominguez-Dunham / Dunham Insurance Services Andrew Fischman Victor Flores/ FastPrintz Rob Guerrero Robert Hubbard and Bill Greeves Joseph Kraus Steven Levin and Bradley Henkel / Midland Medical Center Maurice Mizrahi / Temptations Catering and Event Planning David Moon and Eugene Smith Richard Nolan and Robert Pingpank Joe Pallant / Pallant Insurance Agency, Inc. Douglas Pew and Donald Croxton 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 and Gerald Kennedy

Silver

Anonymous (2) A Celebration of Friends Adam’s Interiors Wendell Locke and Ricky Babo / Allz Well Pharmacy Jack Almeleh Paul Alpert Henley Ambrose / Vitas Healthcare Corporation Chris Ambs and Scott Clearwater Al Cicotte and Kevin Palombo / American Tax and Insurance Services Neel Amin and Tom Macek / American Pain Experts Alfred Bacchi and Craig Ross Don Barlow Steve Barnard Mark Barron and Joel Rubin Andrew Bartfield Christopher Bates David Bebbington Darcy Beeman/ Edward Jones Investments

Tom and Steven Begert-Clark / Even As We Speak Ken Keechl and Ted Adcock (Board Member) Scott Belding and Listron Mannix / ReMax Consultants Realty Gary Kempler / Futurty First Insurance Group – South Florida Dr. Louis Benevento and Patrick Duffy Mark Ketcham and Werner Lutz Scott L. Bennett Dr. George Kling (Board Member) Norman Berkowitz Don Kocher and Jonathan Salt Gary Bitner / Bitner Goodman Maria Kondracki and Jim Dwyer Leny Blicher Edwin Kowalski and Michael Donnan Mitch Bloom (Board Member) and Paul Wardell Ellen Krider, CFP / RBC Wealth Management Boardwalk Robert Kuhn and Steven Geyer Robin L. Bodiford, Esq. / Law Office of Robin L. Bodiford Julia Landis and Shawn Fanshier Dan Bohanan and Guillermo Licea Bruce Lane John Bolton Bernie Langeluttig and Dennis Fitzkee Robert Boo Tomas Soto and Frank Lefevre, M.D. Al Bove, DMD / Bove Dental Dr. Leslie Leip (Board Member) and Fritz Leip Broward County Sheriff’s Office John Leyden and Tom Valentine Broward Health – Imperial Point Bill Linehan Rishi Burke Dewitte Loe Gerald Byers and Rudy Wengenroth Charles Loring Jae Camino / Jae’s Sinful Delights Steve Lovci Camp4Health Juliette Love (Board Member) Rene Cantu and James Gigliello Norton Lyman and Kimio Sato Karen Carroll and Julie Slater / Chic Optique Joe Markonic / Gables Wilton Park Danny Carter / Dancemoves Cheryl Mauro / Hibiscus Cafe Jeff Cato and Bob Tentschert / Cato Insurance Group, Inc. Michael McArdle and Thomas Holland Sam Chalfant and Tom Rouland / Affordable Health Insurance David O. McConnell Nicholas Chaparos Joe McConnell and Michael Lennon Harvey Chasser Richard McManus and Tom Nohilly Rev. Leslie Rutland-Tipton (Board Member) and Sandra Ken Merrifield and Fred Berger Rutland-Tipton / Church of the Holy SpiritSong Drew Miller and Kevin Murdoch Ron Clark Anthony Molluso and Bill Volbrecht Coffee and Conversation Rodney Monroe / South Beach Afters Howard Cohen and Daniel Wasinger / Concept International Gregory Moore and Dr. Allan Barsky Design Anthony More Bob Collier and Chuck Hunziker Chuck Nicholls and Mark Turner Lynn Corning / Newman Insurance Charles Ohsiek Shawn and Nick’s Courtyard Café and Rumors Bar Ernest Olivas (Board Member) / Emerald Home Health Care Tracey Cramer / Ameriprise Financial Tom Pflepsen and Kenley Hoover Douglas Cureton / Some Men Like It Haute Jim Pierce / Pierce Aire, Inc. Joseph Daniel and Fred Silverman / Roth-Warren, LLC Peter Pileski and Bob Avian Patrick Daoud / Daoud’s Fine Jewelry Positive Healthcare Dennis Dean / Dennis Dean Photography Mona Pittenger Esmeralda and Peter Dekaj / Stork’s Bakery Cafe Karen and Tulip Prescod / Florida Blue Robert Delehanty Bruce Presley and Chris Hedlund Pat Demos / Northern Trust Bank Pride Institute at Fort Lauderdale Hospital Dr. James Doan Sharon Rebuck / Another Perfect Party Dolphin Democratic Club Jessica Reyes Divers Direct - Dania Beach Dr. Will Richardson / Natura Dermatology & Cosmetics Thomas Dowd and Cesar Rivera / Riverside Hotel Water Mill Flowers & Fruit Bouquets Donn Rubin and Stephen Harmon Stephen Draft and Allen Peterson Tom Runyan, Esq / Runyan Law Firm, PA Hon. Stephen Driscoll and Robert Tocci / National Stonewall Rick Salomon Democrats John Sapp Irwin Drucker Lee Sathre Mike Ebbs and Tom Jenkins Geph Scarr and Sergio Medina Quintina / Eden Funeral Services Scarr Insurance Group Robert Eldredge / RWE Real Estate Jack Schlossberg and Greg Fineman Embassy Suites Hotel Danny Selvin and Sidney Goldenberg Ted Emery James Senior Craig Engel (Board Member) and Greg Briche Steve Shires / Steve Shires Photography Michael Faerber / D’Angelo Realty Group Jeffrey and Belinda Shover / Morgan Stanley Brian Farley and Ron Alose Tim Singer and Richard Cascarelli / Tim Singer & Assoc./ Jim Farris Coldwell Banker Paul Fasana Sonesta Hotel GalleryONE Fort Lauderdale Kimberly Sorondo Joel Geils David Starkey and Arianto Sumargo Eric Gilbert / SunTrust Bank Jeffrey Sterling / Sterling Tax Gilda’s Club Richard Stoll, Esq. Glenn L. Goldberg Terry Stone and Mike Bush Steven Goldgram Sarah Strock / SCS Weightloss Systems, Inc. Mark Gordon and Aldo Buono Dave Stubbins Martin Gould / Focalize Consulting Edward Temoyan Scott Gray The Bears of South Florida, Inc. Stephen Gray / Better Homes & Gardens The Grateful Palate Donald Green and Gene Ingledue The Recovery Place Marc Grossman The Restaurant People Robert Grossman Bill Thornton and Adam Kratochwill / Pride Carpet Cleaning Joe Guerrero Tony Timiraos and Arthur Crispino Charitable Fund at Our Robert Gunning Fund, Inc. Mark Haines / Mark’s List Doug Tinkelpaugh and James Rickard / Pinnacle ConstrucMark Halacy and Thomas Pollock tors, LLC Peter Hardy-Smith and Steven Devito Tower Club Cal Harrison Bruno Trambusti and Randy Grant Timothy S. Hart / R3 Accounting LLC Dean Trantalis Esq. Brenda Hartley (Board Member) / BankUnited David Treece / Treece Financial Group Tyler Healis Carl E. Trough Dr. J. Heider and Thomas Carr / Ultimate Smile Richard Vallari Richard Herman Ted Verdone and John Curtin Scott Herman and Cale Choi Vincent Vigliotti Lazaro Hernandez and Steve Figlmiller W Fort Lauderdale Hotel Frances Herrera / Frances Herrera Interior Design Steve Wetzler Neill Hirst, MD and Greg Hughes Sumner T. White Michael Hisey Norris Wildhagen and Dr. Troy Robinson Hans Hochkamp and Joseph DeBacco C. Theodore Wolf and Frank Decolator Paul Holoweski Tom Wolf and Fernando Rodrigues Mick Howard and Brian Jackson / Mayors Petur Workman Paul Hyman and Bill Bracker John Zieba and Cliff Mulcahy / Rosie’s Bar & Grill iBeria Bank George Zuber and Anthony Snyder Charitable Fund at Our A.J. Jabre Fund, Inc. Dustin Jacobs / H & R Block James Jagielski Join the Pride Center Founders Circle! Support the Paul Jennings George Johnson programs and services of The Pride Center. Founders Circle James A. Johnson memberships begin at $100 per month. For more information, Dr. Charmaine Johnson-Leong, DDS, PA Clifford W. Jolley and Paul Clive please contact Roger Roa, Director of Development, Robert Judd and Russell Neal Greg Kabel, Esq. / Law Offices of Gregory W. Kabel, Esq. rroa@PrideCenterFlorida.org Ken Kalenderian

By Lorenzo Robertson

Did you know? +Over 180 people attended our last Founders Circle reception. Founders donate at least $100 monthly to support our vital programs and services. +The Pride Center designed a powerful antiHIV-stigma campaign in conjunction with the Department of Health that is running on Broward County public buses

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Have a Kiki with Jacari and Jakari!

+More than 10,000 people already have used The Pride Center’s computer center this year

+Our CouplesSpeak program builds relationship skills, improves communication, lowers risks, and enhances sex

VOICE Fall 2014

n what world would a program named “Kiki” hire not just one Jacari, but another Jakari? Only at The Pride Center at Equality Park. Pronounced the same but spelleddifferently, their names aren’t the only similarity the men hold in common. They both have a passion to provide innovative outreach and HIV prevention among same-gender-loving men of color. Jacari Green, Kiki Project Coordinator and Jakari Roundtree, Testing and Outreach Specialist bring their talents, focus and vision to The Center’s new Kiki Project. Along with other outreach and testing initiatives, the Kiki Project recruits popular or influential black gay and bisexual men to host Kikis in their homes or other social venues. Men invite their own friends to attend and discuss sex, relationships and HIV in these small groups. Let’s have a Kiki with Jacari and Jakari! When asked to sum up what the Kiki Project means to them in one word, they both responded enthusiastically: “A daunting task to say the least.” Jakari Roundtree immediately followed-up with: “Progressive,” an interesting word choice, but perfectly aligned with the focus of this new initiative that is not the norm. “Novel” was the word uttered by Jacari Green. Great choice as well, because the Kiki Project takes prevention work to the people, asking tough questions like, “What do you want us to do for you?” Since August, the Kiki Project has conducted a handful of Kiki sessions with overwhelmingly positive responses. One recurring theme is the realization that Black same-gender-loving men feel surprised that: 1. a program like the Kiki Project exists; 2.) Black same gender loving men actually are participating. Staff continued to see how same gender loving Black men in Broward County still struggle with the idea

that someone cares enough to address their issues head-on. Jacari relates that he fell into work in the HIV field through nepotism; his father worked in the field and was instrumental in prompting his entry into the HIV healthcare arena. “I didn’t even realize that HIV prevention was an option for my future,” he stated. Jakari also stumbled into the HIV healthcare field. A friend told him about a position to do HIV testing and counseling, but as fate would have it, he was unable to do the next 500/501 training class provided by the Health Department. An opportunity presented itself for him to do outreach, though, and he invested his energies in working in the community. We are elated to have Jacari and Jakari working with the Kiki Project. Their focus for the project’s evolution is clear: self-love, honesty, dedication, identity, community and--above all--make it fun. The Kiki Project will assure that Black same-gender-loving men’s voices will be heard. The Kiki Project is designed to address issues persistent in the Black same-genderloving community surrounding high rates of HIV, homophobia, racism, HIV stigma and sexual orientation. When it comes to understanding the nuances of Black samegender-loving men, we realize the impact of surrounding culture: 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. Jacari and Jakari want to build a program to inspire, educate and empower Black same-gender-loving men. They both are dedicated to creating Kiki environments where Black same-gender-loving men are open and honest about their sexual orientation, HIV status and “living their lives in the light.” Come and have a Kiki with Jacari and Jakari!

Founders Circle Reception at W Hotel

The W Hotel on beautiful Fort Lauderdale hosted and sponsored a recent Founders Reception. Guests enjoyed sexy tunes and stunning views. Founders provide at least $100 monthly to support the programs and services of The Pride Center. To learn more about Founders, contact Roger Roa at RRoa@PrideCenterFlorida.org (photos by Stephen Lang and Manuel Leon)

VOICE Fall 2014

Gay Nuptials

Proceeds from ticket sales of this Wedding Showcase were donated to The Pride Center. Long-time Center volunteers Bobby Kyser and Doug Cureton were masterminds behind the successful event.

Beach Bear Weekend

Bob Young generously presents to CEO Robert Boo a check of proceeds from the recent Beach Bear Weekend for use in vital Pride Center services. Center staff provided HIV testing and outreach at the popular event.

Our monthly speakers series event for Seniors recently celebrated its first anniversary. The day’s program was “Sex, Sexuality or Both? Think Again!” presented by Wayne Pawlowski, Certified Sexuality Educator and Clinical Social Worker. Volunteers conceived and spearheaded the series. For more information on Seniors programming contact Bruce Williams at 954.463.9005.

Chipotle recently hosted a fundraiser for the Pride Pack-The Pride Center’s SMART Ride team. If you’d like to donate to The Pride Pack or any other team for The SMART Ride, please visit www.TheSMARTRide.org. (Photos by Stephen Lang)

VOICE Fall 2014

Take One for the Team

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Pride Thursdays

Work It

SAGEWorks offers new skills-building seminars and jobs board By Robert Saunders

VOICE Fall 2014

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

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

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

f you have a job, you would probably like to keep it, or perhaps you’d like to move on to a better position. In that case, consider signing up for upcoming SAGEWorks Skills Building Seminars offered by The Pride Center. “ The economy remains fragile and layoffs can come unexpectedly to people of all ages,” notes Bruce Williams, Senior Services Coordinator at The Pride Center. He points out that those employees with competitive skills or who hold positions of value to their company obviously are less vulnerable to unexpected loss of employment. Furthermore, it’s wrong to assume that only older employees are the ones most likely to be let go or to be rejected for a job opening. “Studies have shown that age discrimination in the workplace begins at 40, which is pretty frightening,” Bruce adds. SAGEWorks helps LGBT people over 40 compete successfully for employment opportunities by sharpening their job search strategies, technical skills and networking savvy. One of the seminars will teach you how to create a well-written resume, one absolute key to success in the job search process. On November 17th, members of T D Bank’s Human Resources team will provide resume reviews and teach you how to maximize and showcase your best assets for further success in a highly competitive job market. On November 18th, Carl McDonald, Regional HR Director of Broward Health, will discuss what recruiters seek from a Human Resources point of view. Come find out how to present yourself to prospective employers in a way that will beat out the competition! Finally, on December 12th, Pride Center Founder, Board Member and CEO of Metromedia Works Chris Caputo will offer an in-depth understanding of LinkedIn, certainly one of the most powerful tools in the work search category. The old adage of “it’s who you know” still holds true, and Chris will explain how to maximize your contacts and utilize their support in landing that dream job. A major addition to the SAGEWorks Program at The Pride Center is the creation of a jobs board. Bruce noted that, “We get informed by our collaborating partners of a lot of jobs--especially nonprofit jobs--that are becoming available before they are announced to the general public.” These listings are available to SAGEWorks participants once they have registered. “What will eventually be an online process is right now a bit crude-an actual bulletin board with pieces of paper.” Bruce noted. “We’ve already had some success in job placement.” To learn more about the SAGEWorks Program or to register for upcoming seminars, please contact Bruce Williams, Senior Services Coordinator at bwilliams@pridecenterflorida.org or by calling 954-463-9005 ext. 109

Transcendent

More than 150 Seniors attend our weekly Coffee and Conversations events on Tuesday mornings. The crowd will grow to over 200 as “Snowbirds” return. Participants enjoy bagels, educational presentations and the opportunity to connect socially.

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Coffee and Conversations

Trans Awareness Month Activities Expand by S.F. Makalani-Mahee

VOICE Fall 2014

ovember marks the annual observance of Transgender Awareness Month and Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) at The Pride Center at Equality Park. This year’s activities include three film screenings, an art exhibit, an awards ceremony, the TDOR observance, a panel discussion on “Trans and alternative lifestyles” and a book reading/signing with 13 year old trans youth advocate Jazz Jennings. Although Trans Awareness Month is organized around the TDOR observance-a vigil to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice--we also have set up events designed to promote transvisibility, transeducation, and transempowerment, not only to the trans community, but to our allies and the community as a whole. The Pride Center once again is collaborating with community partners T-House/THIA (Transgender Health in Action, a Florida Department of Health in Broward County initiative), Sunserve, W.I.N, Vice Mayor Julie A. Carson and The City of Wilton Manors, T.E.R.I and The Human Rights Campaign South Florida. This year, Stonewall National Museum & Archives, TransKids Purple Rainbow, and Equality Florida join the commemorations. These Trans Awareness Month events simply strengthen the commitment The Center demonstrates year round to provide a welcoming, safe space, an inclusive home that celebrates, nurtures and empowers all our LGBTQ communities. We specifically affirm South Florida’s sizeable, strong, visible trans community. Monthly, The Center hosts The Community Collaborative Transgender Educational Series, an evening installment of education and empowerment for the trans community as a collaborative effort with the Florida Department of Health in Broward County/T-House and Sunserve. The Center also consistently assists the Health Department in providing transgender cultural sensitivity trainings throughout the County, and hosts South Florida’s longest-running transgender support group facilitated by Dr. Carol Clark. If you are a transgender person, we invite you to come and experience the joy and empowerment of community. If you are someone simply wanting to educate yourself more about the transgender community and transgender issues, we welcome you to attend any and all of these events. Let us not forget that we owe the Stonewall uprising that birthed the LGBT liberation movement to trans women of color who refused to be harassed and became the Rosa Parks of the LGBT movement. Transgender people always have been a part of the movement. The Center invites the whole community to celebrate the all-too-often silent-and-ignored “T” in our community. Let’s show that in South Florida we can grow and learn from this time of transvisibility.

Exuberant Ebony

Getting to Know the Expanding Testing Initiative Outreach Coordinator

By Cheryl Bennett

VOICE Fall 2014

bony bursts through the door with a huge smile on her face, greeting me with bubbly laughter and a warmth that simply exudes from her. She loves her job at The Pride Center and it shows. As soon as we start talking about what she does, her face lights up. When she first started at the Center, she was a volunteer for HIV testing. She jokes that “I was around so much, I guess they figured they might as well put me on the payroll”. Ebony has worked full-time at The Pride Center for three years providing HIV testing in the community, and now serves as an Expanding Testing Initiative Outreach Coordinator. You can find her anywhere from a rehabilitation center to a Walgreen’s, giving classes and doing free HIV screenings (the entire process is 20 minutes). These services are available to everyone, from the young to the young at heart. Ebony enjoys interacting with everyone, but especially enjoys the teens because she feels grateful to be the person they are able to talk to and ask questions that they may not feel comfortable asking other adults. She is very matter-offact when talking about delicate subjects. She doesn’t skirt around any uncomfortable topics or words; she is straight-forward.

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 Estate of James Rampe

“When we were young, we didn’t always have someone to talk to or felt necessarily comfortable talking to,” she says. Ebony is that person for many of the people she sees, especially younger people. When she was young, her aunt became infected with HIV at age 18. Ebony bears a striking resemblance to her aunt, and one day--shortly after her aunt passed away--someone mistook Ebony for her aunt. It was at that moment that Ebony says it really resonated with her that this could happen to her too. This fueled a passion for research and the need to help people in similar situations. She attended Dade Medical College and studied histology (the study of the microscopic anatomy of cells). Although she found this work rewarding, she felt the need to interact with people. If you’ve ever met Ebony, you know that she is a people person. I asked Ebony if she had ever struggled with telling someone they were positive, and she recalls the first time she ever had to give that news to someone. She tells the story of how she had to compose herself and “get it together,” because she had a moment of realization that it wasn’t about her; it was about that individual and how she needed to be there for someone else. Ebony is very mindful about her position and the responsibility

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 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

she feels to the people she tests and counsels. It is so very evident that Ebony is exactly where she should be: in the community, reaching out to people and being of service to them.

Poverello Bowl-a-Thon

The Pride Center recently fielded a team in the Poverello Bowla-thon. Community collaboration remains a focus of Center staff and volunteers.

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Snapshot of Service Reception

Stonewall National Museum & Archives recently hosted a VIP reception to celebrate the exhibit opening of A Snapshot of Service: The Pride Center at Equality Park. The exhibit explores over 20 years of service by The Center and serves to commemorate the gift of archival records and memorabilia documenting the historic work of The Center. (Photos by Manuel Leon)

Want A Jump-Start To Healthier Living? VOICE Fall 2014

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

Testing and Outreach at Funky Buddha

VOICE Fall 2014

The Pride Center recently provided HIV Testing and Outreach at Funky Buddha in Oakland Park. Center staff work creatively in the community to identify nontraditional venues to educate and inform about HIV.

Flea Market

The Center hosts over a thousand visitors and 60 vendors the first Saturday of every month for Flea Market. Stop in and check out the deals!

Getting to Know Shanna Ratliff, Prevention Outreach Coordinator By SJ Strock

+We’ve provided HIV prevention outreach to more than 8,000 individuals already this year

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 Fall 2014

GBTQIA – Alphabet soup to some, but in a world of acronyms, chances are that if you are reading this article in The Pride Center VOICE, you are most certainly familiar with the meaning of these letters. What we often forget is that, sadly, not everyone lives in our world. And that my friends, is where our wonderful Shanna Ratliff comes in. She is passionate and determined to reach far and wide past Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale, and South Florida to educate society about the LGBTQIA community. To understand Shanna’s determination, you must first know that she comes from a small rural town in North Florida. Yes, the Bible-Belt, where misconceptions about the Gay and Lesbian community are born, nurtured and given wings. Even as an openly out Lesbian young woman, Shanna admittedly was not exposed to diversity or the need for HIV testing; so the impact and epidemic nature of HIV/AIDS in South Florida was foreign to her when she moved to the area. While completing her Masters program in Social Work at Florida International University, Shanna applied for an internship at The Pride Center, and the student soon became the teacher. After finishing graduate school, Shanna truly thought she would pursue a career in a clinical setting. At that time, she went back to her small hometown for her grandfather’s funeral where a relative refused to hug her because she works with the HIV community. That one bit of ignorance was the catalyst for her to be more vocal and to take on her mission to expand awareness and education about safe sex and the LGBTQIA community. Coordinator for the Prevention Outreach services at the Pride Center became her perfect vehicle. “Now, I even do condom demonstrations at family parties,” she laughs. The Center has been privileged to have Shanna on the team for four years. First as an intern, where as she gleefully puts it, “I really hit it off with Kristofer [Fegenbush], and worked with everyone and in every program.” She was soon offered a part-time position and is now Prevention Outreach Coordinator, fulltime with an amazing support staff. Shanna is helping pave the road for more young women in her field, working daily with gay men in HIV prevention. She recognized that at first the men were a bit weary to open up to her. It wasn’t long, though, before she created trust. Regardless of Shanna being among the lowest risk demographic to contract HIV, her compassion shines through. Shanna Ratliff is quick to show her warmth, friendliness, approachability, and believes, “Bringing a woman’s perspective to the table has actually helped the guys to embrace my role here at The Center. And I think, it’s also opened the doors for more women to be integral parts of the growth we are seeing, with more programming like Couples Speak for both men and women.” If you haven’t met Shanna Ratliff yet, next time you’re in The Pride Center, be sure to make her acquaintance. She is a down-home girl, with a sure smile and a wealth of information.

+The Pride Center spearheaded a local initiative to create a tri-county LBT Women’s Health Directory with over 300 culturally-competent healthcare providers

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Down-Home Girl Did you know?

Why I Ride O

n November 13, hundreds of cyclists will begin to cycle 165 miles from Miami to Key West on SMART Ride 11. 100% of funds raised benefit seven HIV/AIDS service organizations doing life-saving work across Florida, including The Pride Center. Some riders and crew members of the Pride Pack share below what motivates them to participate. If you’d like to donate funds to their participation, visit www.TheSmartRide. org and search for their last name. Every dollar helps.

VOICE Fall 2014

Rona Saunders

A bicycle requires human action to get results, as does the fight against HIV/ AIDS. I ride to show my commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS to elicit greater public support.

Rafael Reyes

‘It’s not over ‘till it’s over!’ This is why I partake… for my clients, friends and myself - until there’s a cure. 30 years have passed since I became involved in the cause and today I feel ever more hopeful that we are finally close to making this illness that has affected so many lives HISTORY. I crew in this year’s SMART Ride with tremendous hope in my heart and cheer for all of us doing our part to prevail and be able to say ‘remember when’.

Sarah Strock

Supported by my husband, Bart, riding the SMART Ride allows us to personally bring more awareness into our own “suburban” sphere of family, friends and business associates. They are not familiar with the importance of the services and programs that are needed to live life to the fullest with HIV. Bridging our worlds is definitely what this ride is all about for me.

Tomas Soto

I’m participating in the SMART Ride because young gay men, particularly gay men of color, continue to contract HIV

at alarming rates. While the HIV/AIDS epidemic may look different now, the stigma towards those infected continues, and it’s so easy to get complacent. HIV programs (e.g. HIV testing, education & emotional support) are still very much needed. The Pride Center provides these services which is why I’m part of the Pride Pack again this year.

Robbie Shore

I find for me the best reason for doing this wonderful, life changing SMART Ride is really about asking myself ‘why not’ rather than ‘why’. The ‘Why’ includes a life changing, friend making, community building event. It’s the ‘why not’ that has become impossible to really justify.

Kevin O’Connor

I was born in 1950. On the numerous times I have viewed parts of or the entire AIDS Quilt, I note that many of those names inscribed represent individuals who are my contemporaries. I personally knew some of the people attached to those names. I know I am blessed to have been given the gift of the years of my life. SMART Ride is one way to do what I can to insure that gift of life for others.

Clint Bridges

This is my first year participating in the SMART Ride and the Pride Pack team. It’s important for me to feel like I’m not only a part of the community, but that I’m doing what I can to help out. It will be a great sense of accomplishment in helping those in need and reflection on those affected. Looking forward to being part of such a great group of people who are passionate about what they are doing.

Yvonne Dalpay

I’m riding because I believe this disease can be eradicated from our society. No one should suffer alone or without hope. I believe my participation and faith has a valuable contribution to

The Pride Pack. I believe we should lead by example and conduct our lives not solely for ourselves but for those who will survive us.

RJ Hadley

This year, after providing HIV tests to more 20-something gay males than ever, I know there’s more to do. More testing, listening, sharing, gathering, understanding and growing. All for myself and my community. Since the mid 80’s when I first rode in causes like the SMART RIde, I’ve ridden thousands of mile and raised thousands of dollars. Most importantly by sharing my story I know I’ve helped others see a bright future..

Lenny Chesal

I ride to support my fellow Pride Pack riders who are deeply committed to the cause. Help those with AIDS and find a cure to end this plague. I also ride in memory of Jorge, my wife’s dear friend who lost his battle.

Deidra Doc B, Motorcyle Escort

I ride for all the ones that can’t. And for the ones who are able, I promise to keep them as safe as possible...I think about the people I pass: Do I know their struggle with HIV? Why are they doing this? Are they hurting? I also see the faces of friends that I have lost...I want my community to know that I am there for them. Always.

Susan McCloskey

The past year has seen the quality of my life increase in so many ways as I have begun getting involved at The Pride Center. I have met the most wonderful people attending Monday Night’s

Women’s Group, Book Club, basketball, arts shows, etc. Before The Pride Center, my nights were spent home alone going to bed early to usher in the next day. Now my life is full and happy, so I want to give back to The Pride Center that has so changed my life.That is why I ride.

Leslie Rutland-Tipton

I wish I could tell you the reason I ride is only for others...I wish I could tell you some of my desire to ride wasn’t selfish, but it is, at times, selfish. You see, even though this ride has given me a way to stand alongside and suffer for others, I, too, receive from this event. I have made friends that I will know for life, I am always overwhelmed by the support for the riders, and the sense of teamwork and family is one that stays with me all year long. Honestly, I feel like I get way more than I give.

Joseph Ortlieb

I ride to make a difference in the lives of people infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS. I ride to increase awareness of a virus that I know will be curable in my lifetime. This year will be my eighth year, and every year I am amazed and humbled by the number and diversity of exceptional people I have encountered. I know this year will be yet another of our journeys towards the cure of HIV/AIDS.

Kristofer Fegenbush

I wish I didn’t have to ride. I wish I wasn’t watching young and old folks test positively weekly. I wish we had a cure. But we don’t yet. So cramming my muffin top into lycra to sweat and peddle through the beautiful Keys with an inspiring community of my closest friends is an easy way to make a lasting difference.

The Equality Park Garden Club recently hosted a dedication for the new courtyard project. The Garden Club continues to invest resources in the beauty of the Equality Park campus.

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Courtyard Dedication with Garden Club

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