The Pride Center Voice Spring 2014 by South Florida Gay News

Spring 2014

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

VOICE

Girl on Fire By SJ Strock

Mural Unveiling

PG. 11

Women’s History Month Art Reception

PG. 12

oya Amirniroumand is a young and passionate woman who now spends most of her days immersed in her field of interest – Women and Gender Studies – as The Pride Center’s new Women with Pride Coordinator. Chatting with Roya is akin to sitting down with an old friend who just can’t wait to tell you everything about what ignites her fire. One question can lead to an entire conversation that weaves and wraps around community,

Meet our new Women with Pride Coordinator

politics, family, upbringing, friends, goals, and of course her dog, Oscar. Roya’s warm and forthcoming personality is most likely the reason her office door is always open. In the few short weeks since Roya began laying roots at The Center, she says “I get so excited to meet new people and it’s just great that so many visitors have stopped by my office to welcome me into the community.” She also says that she loves the connection through The +continued on page 4

Out and About

Roya Amirniroumand

Expanded HIV outreach and testing team serve as agents of change

By Shanna Ratliff

AIDS Walk

PG.13

Evening in Paradise: Carnaval! PG. 14

ave you seen the handsome men in blue Pride Center t-shirts around town? Maybe you met them at Pride Fort Lauderdale or the Gay Rodeo. Perhaps they provided you an HIV test off Wilton Drive, handed you a condom at a local bar or spoke with you about HIV prevention at the beach. Funding from the Florida Department of Health has helped The Pride Center expand its HIV testing and outreach services in creative ways to diverse communities. Listron “Blue”

Mannix, Testing Manager, and Shanna Ratliff, Prevention Outreach Coordinator, have built an experienced, skilled team with unique backgrounds and innovative ideas. In only a few months, Julian Alterman, Kenedy Alves, and Edguardo Medina have expanded The Center’s outreach across Broward. The team is hard at work. They recently partnered with the Broward County Sherriff’s Office to conduct outreach at the Sunshine Stampede Rodeo and at Century Village +continued on page 4

Kenedy Alves, Julian Alterman and Edgardo Medina

Times Are A Changing

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

VOICE Spring 2014

recently had the honor to attend two same-sex wedding celebrations. One was Jewish, steeped in tradition here in Fort Lauderdale; the other was a destination celebration in Las Vegas. Both were very sweet, filled with love, family, friends, celebrations and milestones to witness. Having grown up in rural, smalltown Indiana, this day seemed unimaginable. Thankfully, times are changing. Seventeen states, plus the District of Columbia, recognize marriage equality. We are the civil rights movement of this generation, and we need to keep the ball rolling. When I first joined The Pride Center in 2006, we had seven paid staff and an operating budget of $430,000. Today, we have 36 paid staff and an operating budget over $2.4M. Over the years The Center has continued to evolve and grow during the worst economic times since the Great Depression. (Contrary to popular belief, I was not around to remember the Depression.) I can’t take credit for all of this growth. The Center continues to employ talented and dedicated people. We work here because of our passion for our mission. The Center also enjoys the benefit of over 200 volunteers who donate their time and talents. Many volunteers have worked for years, answering phones, providing HIV tests, designing flyers and signing in guests at events, never missing a beat. I am so grateful for their dedication. Our cover story this issue introduces you to our new Women with Pride Coordinator, Roya Amirniroumand. She has hit the floor running with Women’s History Month, organizing several events such as an Art Opening, a panel discussion on the effects of marijuana, a film screening and a book signing. We are very pleased to welcome her to our family. Our second cover story introduces some new HIV prevention staff from a new Department of Health grant. The team of Julian Alterman, Kenedy Alves, Oscar

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 20,000 adult and youth attended activities at the Center over the past year. We host more than 60 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

The Pride Center

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

Board of Directors

Ilene Berliner, Chair James Walker, Vice Chair Chris Caputo, Secretary Craig Engel, CPA, Treasurer Ted Adcock Mitchell Bloom

Mark Budwig Brenda Hartley George Kling Dr. Leslie Leip Juliette Love Leslie Rutland-Tipton Richard Safaty

Pride Center Staff

Caballero, Edgardo Medina and Richard Thomas help extend our reach into the community for HIV education and prevention. As you peruse this issue of The Voice you will enjoy pictures from many Center activities and events. We are pleased that our Center appears alongside Harvey Milk in the Wells Fargo mural in their 5-Points location. We hosted Black Gay Pride, held the second annual Equality Park Tropical Plant Fair, held the third annual Pride Center Cruise, participated in the Florida AIDS Walk, hosted several Founders Receptions and put on the third and largest Evening In Paradise. Lastly, The Pride Center has been selected to be a recipient of this year’s SMART Ride on November 14 & 15. For the second time, I plan to ride the 165 miles from Miami to Key West. I hope that you will support any of the riders and crew on the Pride Pack team so that we can continue to provide vital and innovative HIV programming to the community.

over the past year directly impacted over 30,000 residents and visitors to South Florida. The Pride Center is a major site for HIV testing, prevention, education, 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 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, Executive Director, rboo@PrideCenterFlorida.org Kristofer Fegenbush, MSW, Deputy Director, 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 “Blue” 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, CRCS Coordinator, eaponte@PrideCenterFlorida.org Albert Taylor, Health Coordinator, ataylor@PrideCenterFlorida.org Ed Garcia, Social Media and Marketing Coordinator, egarcia@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 Oscar Caballero, Linkage and Testing Specialist, ocaballero@PrideCenterFlorida.org Rick Thomas, VOICES and Outreach Specialist, rthomas@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 Kenedy Alves, Outreach and Testing Specialist, kalves@PrideCenterFlorida.org Edgardo Medina, Outreach and Testing Specialist, emedina@PrideCenterFlorida.org Dr. David Fawcett, Lead CouplesSpeak Clinical/Program Consultant, dfawcett@PrideCenterFlorida.org Dr. John N John, Couples Speak Program Evaluation Consultant, jjohn@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, Listron “Blue” Mannix, Shanna Ratliff, Rafael Reyes, Bruce Williams, Robert Boo and Kristofer Fegenbush. Photographers: Steven Shires, Pompano Bill, Dennis Dean, Stephen Lang, Liquid Radar, Denise Spivak, Ed Garcia, S.F. Makalani-Mahee, Listron “Blue” Mannix, Samantha McCoy, Bryon Bowlby and Kristofer Fegenbush.

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

Photos by Steve Shires

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Pride Center Cruise

Friends and supporters of The Center set sail on the Caribbean seas. Richard Safaty of Freedom Travel organized the successful cruise that raised $7,500 for The Pride Center. Book your cabin now for the 2015 Cruise at a discounted rate!

VOICE Spring 2014

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the deal with

Front Wall Facelift

As part of our Courtyard Improvement Project, the front wall along Dixie Highway recently received a colorful, welcoming facelift. Stop by and see all the improvements at Equality Park! Photos by Ed Garcia

PrEP?

Wednesday, April 30 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Girl on Fire +continued from page 1

Pride Center’s FaceBook page, where there are countless opportunities to bond, share ideas and lay platforms for making a difference through LGBTQIA education and outreach. Hailing from the northeast--New Jersey to be exact-Roya has followed her parents and siblings to the sunny shores of South Florida. She is completing her Masters from Rutgers University and brings her overwhelming passion for equality to The Pride Center. “Having an older brother and a younger sister,” Roya quips, “I have a clear case of ‘Middle Child Syndrome’, always in competition to have a voice. Maybe that’s what motivates me to be the voice of others, finding resources, support and a united political push for change.” Although she is young in years, she is wise beyond her age. Roya admits boldly, “I absolutely recognize the

Out and About

VOICE Spring 2014

+continued from page 1

Pembroke Pines. The team provides HIV education and outreach on Wilton Drive in the evenings. They’ve targeted Brazilian neighborhoods in Pompano Beach and students at local colleges. They’ve distributed thousands of safer sex packets and tens of thousands of condoms. Julian, Kenedy and Edguardo are no strangers to the programs offered at The Pride Center. Julian, a retired dentist who moved to South Florida in 2010, participated in The Center’s LIFE program that teaches holistic health to persons living with HIV. “After my LIFE cycle, I was asked to serve as a peer educator and facilitator,” Alterman explains. He then completed HIV counseling and testing certification. Alterman is visibly passionate about his work and regularly receives positive feedback from participants in the LIFE program and people for whom he provides testing. Alterman is working hard to increase outreach and testing at local bathhouses and sex clubs. Kenedy moved to the United States from Brazil ten years ago and volunteered with The Center for two years before being selected as part of this new outreach and testing team. Alves explains that he was drawn to the position because of a desire to expand the community’s knowledge of available resources, programs and services. While conducting outreach on Wilton Drive, Alves was surprised to learn that many people he met did not know about The Pride Center’s array of services in their community, only blocks from Wilton Drive. Alves is working to expand outreach and testing initiatives in neighborhoods across Broward, including the Brazilian community located in Pompano. Edguardo also is taking HIV education and prevention to new locations. He recently conducted outreach during Broward College’s gay pride event. Medina was born and raised in Puerto Rico and has been involved with LGBT youth since 2008. Medina enjoys being able to empower people to make healthier choices. In capturing the overall sentiment of the team, he states, “I am proud to be an agent of positive change in the community.”

desire in myself to be that person to build a community of support.” Her studies have brought her to The Pride Center, and to doing something so close to her field of interest. Committed to her belief that it’s fundamentally important for community members to share and create knowledge about the complex and diverse experiences of LGBTQIA persons to make transformative connections and change, she is sure to enhance the programming of Women with Pride. With a specific interest in the “lived, shared and varied experiences of LBT women,” Roya says, “A lot of people in my life have asked me about my personal sexuality – and the truth is at the end of the day, I am a WOMAN, and the LBT community is at the heart of the current Women’s Movement.” As the Center’s Women with Pride Coordinator, Roya will provide outreach, education and linkage services as

well as organize events, activities, social media presence and groups for LBT Women. She will manage and coordinate the Vital Signs series funded through Aqua Foundation, update and expand the LBT Health Directory and help coordinate the Expanding Our Families series for prospective and current LGBT parents. “It’s amazing what she’s already organized,” says COO Kristofer Fegenbush. “A film screening and discussion; a Meet and Greet with an MMA Champion fighter to promote our LBT Health Directory; a community dialogue on marijuana use; an art opening; a book signing and more. She’s impacting our community quickly.” You can be sure, there is no containing the enthusiasm of this young woman. She has high hopes, great visions and the wherewithal to expand women’s programming at The Pride Center. If you haven’t already popped your head into Roya’s office, be sure to do so! Watch out, this girl is on fire...

Groups at the Pride Center WEEKLY RECURRING MEETINGS

AA – Attitude Adjustment Group, Recovery, Mon-Fri, 7-8a AA – Attitude Adjustment Group, Recovery, Mon-Fri, 7-8a 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 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, Thurs, 7:30p-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 SAGE Men’s Social, Social/Seniors, Wed, 1-3p SAGE Computer Club, Wed 4p-5p 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-12n 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, Sat, 12:30p-1:30p

BI-WEEKLY RECURRING MEETINGS

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

MONTHLY RECURRING MEETINGS/EVENTS

Big Men’s Club: Chubbies & Chasers, Social, 3rd Sat, 1-4p Pride Center BINGO, Open to Public, 2nd Sat, 7-10p Dolphin Democrats, Mthly Meeting, 2nd Wed, 7:30-9:30p Lavender Speaks, Social, 3rd Thurs, 7:30-10p Pride Center Memorial 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 Computer Club, Educational, 2nd Wed, 4-6p SAGE Movie Movie, Social, 3rd Mon, 4-6p S. F. Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf, Support, 1st Sun, 2:303:30p Transgender Support Group, Support, 3rd Fri, 7-8:30p Women in Network, Social, 1st Wed, 7-9p Women with Pride Book Club, 2nd Thur, 7-9p

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

By Bryon Bowlby

rick naming opportunities on the grounds of The Pride Center continue to gain momentum as members of the community honor their marriages and remember friends, lovers, partners, or parents they have lost. Others simply make a statement about something they believe in: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité In Loving Mememory of our Parents… La Dolce Vita Our Good Friend… Who Am I to Judge? – Pope Francis

Did you know?

VOICE Spring 2014

These sentiments represent just a few of the engravings in the brick pathway in the new Courtyard at Equality Park. Many local donors have gone on-line or met with The Center’s Development team to leave a lasting message of importance in these watershed times for the LGBTQ community. As one member said when he bought his “array” of bricks, “I can’t wait to see the expression on my

husband’s face when he sees our names etched in stone.” Do you have a message you would like to share or a remembrance of someone you have lost? What better way to ensure a permanent reminder than to name a brick at The Pride Center? Won’t it be a wonderful statement to one day have the entire walkway filled with messages to prompt reflection and enjoyment in future generations? Bricks start at: $100 for a 4” X 8” brick $250 for an 8” X 8” brick Up to a $5,000 for an “Array” To feel inspired, or to celebrate the great progress on the Courtyard, please visit the South side of the Schubert Building on our Equality Park campus. Discover what your friends and neighbors are sharing with the world! A portion of each brick funds vital services, resources and programs of The Pride Center. For information on purchasing a brick, contact Bryon Bowlby or Roger Roa at 954.463.9005.

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Have You Named Your Brick Yet?

+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 provides regular workshops for prospective and current LGBT parents +The Pride Center is the largest site for Enhanced Fitness classes for Seniors offered in the U.S. +The Pride Center designed a powerful antiHIV-stigma campaign in conjunction with the Department of Health that is running on Broward County public buses

THE

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

because...

Photos by Dennis Dean

The Pride Center at Equality Park - 2040 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors FL - 954.463.9005

Job Seekers Enjoy a Seminar - or Three By Rob Saunders

VOICE Winter 2014

rustrated trying to land a decent job as a seasoned employee? Hey, we’ve been there and it’s a bitch - but help is at hand right here at The Pride Center. Our SAGEWorks program recently organized three seminars designed to give LGBT forty-somethings (and up) that extra edge and get them noticed in the digital-age job market. Well, do you know what employers look for in your resume, or how to behave on a C2C interview? If the answers are “no” and “what the heck is C2C,” maybe you should check out the videos from these really informative and helpful sessions. One thing a mature job applicant should be aware of is the risk of dating yourself in your resume in a way that is not helpful, said Chris Caputo of MetroMediaWorks. “It’s important to show depth of experience, but showing what you did straight out of college is probably counterproductive. It’s kind of a red flag that you may not be current in your skills.” In particular, he said, he looks for how someone has put contemporary skills to use. “Pretty much everybody puts right at the top of their resume a list of all their computer software skills -- but unless they say in the body of the application where and how they’ve used those skills, I take it with a grain of salt.” Chris is as savvy and plugged-in a young entrepreneur as you could wish to meet, and presented the first seminar about making maximum use of an essential tool for job seekers: “LinkedIn – Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask.” OK, so you might have heard of LinkedIn, or even got emailed invitations from someone you know to join - but do you know what it’s all about? “In this job market, most job applicants know what LinkedIn is, but if anything many of them are using it in a way that is counterproductive,” Chris said. “Not having it

up to date or not having enough information or having box operations. With an acute awareness of our faltering empty profiles -- that’s a red flag for me that they are not economy, Mary offers hope and encouragement to those current on technology or they’re not tech savvy.” who have lost jobs due to position elimination, company His seminar focused on what an employer would look bankruptcy or corporate merger. She explained what at, what needs to be filled in and what can be left out. should and what should not be included in creating an He also explained some networking opportunities on outstanding resume that will enhance your chances of LinkedIn. However, he added, “It’s not so much that beating the competition and successfully landing that you’re going to go on there and find a job, it’s that your long-sought-after dream job. potential employer will be looking at your profile on To learn more about The Pride Center’s SAGEWorks there, kind of fact checking.” program, or to find out about accessing video of the The next seminar provided valuable insight into what seminars, please contact Bruce Williams, Senior happens on the other side of the table: that is, what Services Coordinator at bwilliams@pridecenterflorida. considerations go into selecting the ideal candidate for org or 954.463.9005 an open position. Carl McDonald presented on “How Hiring Happens in 2014 - Tips From Inside the Human Resource Department”. He certainly should know. Carl is the Regional Director of Human Resources for Broward Health Imperial Point (BHIP). He started with Broward Health in 2004 and has been actively involved in a number of different Human Resources roles throughout Broward Health. Carl says he enjoys providing knowledge and direction to the students he teaches as an adjunct faculty member at American Intercontinental University in Weston, FL and loves to mentor professionals within the industry. He possesses a lot of “knowledge and direction” that he passed on during his talk. The third seminar got down to the nittygritty. “Resume Writing - What’s In & What’s Out For Job Seekers” was presented by Mary Langer of TD Bank. Mary has had over 30 years of Human Resource experience involving national retail openings of large big Senior Services Coordinator Bruce Williams with seminar presenter Chris Caputo

Blue is the Warmest Color Screening and Discussion

A passionate crowd viewed and discussed this sexy, controversial movie, nominated as Best Foreign Language film for the 2014 Oscars. The divisive Frenchlanguage film tells the story of two young women and the course of their passionate, tumultuous relationship.

Photos by Ed Garcia

This dark, soap-opera style comedy includes a transgender ensemble portraying non-trans roles. Several case members discussed their involvement in the film following the screening.

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VOICE Spring 2014

Offer available Now thru April 30th 2014 Only!

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Bella Maddo Screening

Bear Migration

BeachBear Weekend 2014 to benefit The Pride Center

VOICE Spring 2014

eady for a sexy cruise that never leaves port? BeachBear Weekend, the newest international Bear Event, will again welcome thousands to hit the sands of our world-class Fort Lauderdale Beach for its third hot year, May 7-12, 2014. The event raises funds for local non-profits while bringing guys from around the world for a healthy, fun time. Thousands of members of the Bear community will enjoy the best Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors have to offer. For the first time, proceeds from this year’s event will benefit The Pride Center at Equality Park. “They are the cornerstone of our gay community, providing so many essential services,” says Bob Young. “BeachBear is honored to support The Pride Center.” The host hotel, The Courtyard by Marriott at Fort Lauderdale Beach, offers special rates for BeachBear. Book early to get ocean view rooms! BeachBear’s parties will continue the annual excitement. The TeaCruise party at the host hotel overlooking the Atlantic will feature Alex Ramos spinning your favorite tunes. Wilton Manors’ newest venue--Hunter’s--will host hot dance parties with DJs from Provincetown’s Bear Week and California’s Lazy Bear. BearTags will get you into all these events and more for only $59.

Delta Airlines will serve as the official airline for BeachBear. Check out www.beachbearweekend.com for discount codes on both domestic and international flights. “We at The Pride Center are honored and humbled that BeachBear is donating proceeds from this epic event toward our vital programs and resources,” says CEO Robert Boo. “We’re thankful for the ongoing support

and collaboration of the Bear community. This is going to be an amazing weekend. Like Goldilocks I’m full of excitement to be surrounded by so many Bears.” BeachBear is also proud to support a charity that serves another urgent, often overlooked need in our community. BeachBear will also donate funds to Abandoned Pet Rescue, a no-kill shelter.

Did you know? +Over 1000 visitors and 80 vendors attend The Pride Center’s Flea Market on the first Saturday of every month +The Pride Center hosts monthly Transgender Educational Series collaborative community workshops +Over 100 people play Bingo at The Pride Center on the second Saturday evening of every month. +The Pride Center’s Healthcare Navigator links people daily to vital medical care +More than 10,000 people used The Pride Center’s computer center last year

Wells Fargo Mural Unveiling

The Pride Center is honored to be included on the mural alongside Harvey Milk at the Five-Points location of Wells Fargo in Wilton Manors. Wells Fargo generously donated $10,000 to The Center.

Gilda’s Club hosted and Broward Health-Imperial Point and Edward Jones-Darcy Beeman, CFP sponsored a recent Founders Reception. Founders provide at least $1200 annual to support the programs and services of The Pride Center. Photos by Stephen Lang

VOICE Spring 2014

Vision 2015 Contributors

Gil Corwin

George A. Kling, MD Estate of James Rampe Attorney Arthur B. Smith Jim Stepp and Peter Zimmer Sunshine Athletic Association Doug Tinklepaugh and James Rickard Estate of Lawrence Zinman

Pillar Society - $100,000

Equality League - $10,000

John Graves Society $500,000

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

Cornerstone Society $250,000

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

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 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

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Founders Circle Reception at Gilda’s Club

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

Founders Circle Reception at Embassy Suites Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale hosted and sponsored a recent Founders Reception. Founders provide at least $100 monthly to support the programs and services of The Pride Center.

VOICE Spring 2014

Photos by Stephen Lang and Steve Shires

Women’s History Month Art Reception

Our Women with Pride program again held a popular art reception for Women’s History Month. This year’s exhibit was entitled Movement: An Artist Interpretation of Women on the Move. Angie Sowers of Closet Talk spearheaded the event in collaboration with Pride Center galleries curator Emilio Aponte and Women with Pride Coordinator Roya Amirniroumand. Photos by Ed Garcia

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Florida AIDS Walk

The Pride Center was honored to participate again in the Florida AIDS Walk along beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach. Organized by AHF, the AIDS Walk allows The Pride Center to receive the funds specifically raised by our team for use in our vital HIV services. Photos by Liquid Radar and Kristofer Fegenbush

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s honoree at Lambda Legalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual event was Pride Center CEO Robert Boo. Guests enjoyed the tropical atmosphere of the Bonnet House on Fort Lauderdale Beach.

VOICE Spring 2014

Lambda Legal Honors Robert Boo

Evening in Paradise: Carnaval!

The Pride Center collaborated with the City of Wilton Manors to present Evening in Paradise â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Carnaval! Evening in Paradise, now in its third year, has grown to represent the signature Spring fundraising and entertainment event for The Center and the community. The event raised over $50,000 for the programs and services of The Center. Returning as co-chairs were Jim Walker (Center Board Vice President), Lee Rubin, Joe Guerrero and Irwin Drucker. Bobby Kyser of Panache Style designed the over-the-top affair.

VOICE Spring 2014

Photos by Steve Shires and Stephen Lang

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

The Equality Park Garden Club and The Pride Center partnered to produce the second annual Tropical Plant Fair. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fair expanded to two days plus a VIP reception and included some of the most prestigious nurseries in the area. Richard Perez spearheaded the event in collaboration with Chuck Nicholls.

VOICE Spring 2014

Tropical Plant Fair

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Black Gay Pride Art Reception

Photos by Pompano Bill

United Faces of Pride

Diversity of Center groups, programs and events expands

By Cheryl Bennett

VOICE Spring 2014

nited Colors of Benetton” Do you remember that ad? Well, if you happened to be a zygote in the 80’s, then perhaps not, but trust me… it was good. What’s the point you ask? I have used this reference no less than a dozen times in my life to point out the diversity in my group of friends or my community. As I’ve learned about the diversity of the programs offered by The Pride Center, this automatically came to mind. I came to The Pride Center in a round-about sort of way. I was new to the area and knowing no one, decided to become part of The Pride Pack, The Center’s bike team for The SMART Ride. Best decision of my life. It has led me to things that were beyond my imagination and a team of friends that very much resembles that Benetton ad. We are about as diverse a team as one could possibly imagine. Women, men, gay, straight, black, white and every shade in between, we are a direct reflection of the Pride Center: united in our diversity, working toward a common goal. The Center’s ongoing work isn’t much different: to bring services, resources, programs and events to our diverse communities in South Florida. The Center served over 30,000 people last year to be exact. I will freely admit that I didn’t realize all that The Pride Center has to offer until I sat down and starting looking at the vast number of programs and groups that are offered there every month. There are over

60 groups that meet at The Center regularly! Yes, SIXTY! Impressed?! Yeah, I was too… Where would these groups meet without The Center? As I’ve explored all The Center organizes, there is literally something for everyone. Did you know that they host art exhibits? They provide workshops for LGBT parents. Almost 200 Seniors gather every Tuesday for Coffee and Conversation. Women play basketball weekly. They offer an ongoing spirituality series. They organize movie nights. The Center provides workshops on immigration, dating, holistic health, gender identity and Happy Hineys. Did you know that they sponsor Black Gay Pride? Or, my personal favorite: Breast Fest? There is invaluable information passed along at this particular event and many more like it.

Have you been trying to quit smoking? Did you know that they offer a FREE, as in NO COST TO YOU, program to help you do just that? Men, women, seniors, youth, gay, lesbian, transgender, health, art, spirituality… You name it, they’ve got it. Do you like a good bargain? (I mean, who doesn’t?!) Check out the monthly Flea Market! Do you need help with Financial Planning? They’ve got you covered… In recovery? There are so many meetings daily. The Pride Center has grown exponentially in recent years and has added some amazing events and groups. If you haven’t been here recently, chances are you’re missing something great! Come check out a yoga class! Maybe I’ll see you there.

SMART Ride 10 Check Distribution

The Pride Center received $149,548 from SMART Ride 10. The Center utilized these funds in HIV care linkage, prevention, outreach, testing, support and education. Our Healthcare Navigation, Couples Speak, and Community Wellness Workshop programs would not exist without The SMART Ride. In total, SR10 distributed $1,070,101.41 to HIV agencies across Florida.

The Riverside Hotel hosted and sponsored a recent Founders Reception on historic Las Olas. Funds donated by Founders Circle underwrite life-enhancing programs and services to the community.

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

VOICE Spring 2014

We Offer:

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

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Founders Circle Reception at Riverside Hotel

THE

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Photos by Dennis Dean

The Pride Center at Equality Park - 2040 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors FL - 954.463.9005

Zen Garden Cabellero provides comforting service to people needing HIV care By Rafael Reyes

VOICE Spring 2014

alk into Oscar Caballero’s office at The Pride Center and you might think you’re in the wrong place. You’re greeted by warm light emitting from sculpted lamps, dark stained tree barks, serene paintings he created, a lovely set of iron chair sculptures and a Buddha head as the finishing touch. I feel I have stepped into a little Zen palace room, comforted and welcomed, and I don’t want to leave. The attention to detail gives me the sense that he’s very organized and detail oriented. It’s been three months since Oscar began his job at The Center as ARTAS and Testing Specialist. He links to care newly diagnosed HIV+ individuals, folks that have fallen out of care, and people that have relocated to Broward county needing assistance. He ensures that they’re connected to medical care and Ryan White service providers. He also travels around the County providing HIV testing and outreach. Working with others in the outreach and testing team, Oscar strives to identify new HIV testing

sites, reaching people in their own back yards. He’s passionate about targeting high risk groups in the Latino, Caribbean and African American communities. Oscar has long been professionally involved with the HIV community. Since 2003 he’s played a vital role in Latinos in Accion, a multi-agency HIV prevention committee that meets once a month at The Pride Center. “It’s a great group,” says Oscar. “We talk about what’s going on in the Latino community, and together we assess and help plan prevention programs.” He worked as a volunteer for what was then the GLCC in 2004, and as a Testing Counselor and Project Specialist with Care Resource, supervising the HIV prevention programs for both Dade and Broward. Most recently, he was Lead Care Coordinator at MDE, Inc., in charge of their Anti-Retroviral Treatment and Access to Services program, better known as ARTAS. “My work at The Pride Center is similar to what I did before,” says Oscar. “I’m linking people to Ryan White and medical care. Now there may be more people with private insurance coverage, but my job is still to make sure that people get connected to services and that they are in care.” “The LGBTQ community at large looks to The Pride Center more and more for answers to questions they may have about health and insurance, and other issues of concern like housing, legal and immigration,” says Oscar. “I work hand-in-hand with our Healthcare Navigator to make sure we are helping to address all of the clients’ needs.” Oscar continues to learn. “Being neutral is most important when it comes to clients,” Oscar adds. “Each case has to be treated as

Did you know? +Our Women with Pride program hosts a monthly book club +Our CouplesSpeak program builds relationship skills, improves communication, lowers risks, and enhances sex +The Pride Center spearheaded a local initiative to create a tri-county LBT Women’s Health Directory with over 300 culturally-competent healthcare providers +The Pride Center provided more than 1,500 tests in the first quarter of 2014

+The Pride Center distributes more than 200,000 condoms annually. That’s a lot of safer sex!

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

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

project

+We hosted more than 2,500 group meetings at The Pride Center last year

separate from that last, even if I may see similarities. It helps to have some level of empathy.”’ As I leave Oscar’s abode and face the harsh, yellow greenness of the fluorescent hallway lighting (Aaarrrghh!) I know that someone so picky about décor takes obvious personal pride and joy in what he does. I leave feeling, like most people, that I was in the company of a good man, who made me feel at home, and who has my best interest in mind.

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

LIFETIME

Bob and Hal Bernier-Peterson Gil Corwin John C. Graves Charitable Fund Alan Schubert 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 Scott Kean / LSeven Solutions Norm Kent / South Florida Gay News The Howard Greenfield Charitable Foundation Glen Weinzimer and John Rogatzki / The SMART Ride

Premier Business

Tomas Soto, Ph.D., MPH and Frank Lefevre, M.D. Dr. Leslie Leip (Board Member) and Fritz Leip John Leyden and Tom Valentine Bill Linehan Charles Loring Juliette Love (Board Member) Norton Lyman and Kimio Sato Joe Markonic / Gables Wilton Park Cheryl Mauro / Hibiscus Café Michael McArdle and Thomas Holland David O. McConnell Joe McConnell and Michael Lennon Kent McIntyre and John Tambasco Ian McKay Dick McManus and Tom Nohilly Ken Merrifield and Fred Berger Drew Miller and Kevin Murdoch Anthony Molluso and Bill Volbrecht Rodney Monroe / South Beach Afters David Moon and Eugene Smith Gregory Moore and Dr. Allan Barsky Anthony More New York Life Insurance Company Richard Nolan and Robert Pingpank Neptune Society Northern Trust Bank Charles Ohsiek Ernest Olivas / Emerald Home Health Cecilia Perez-Matos, Esq. / The Berman Law Group Jim Pierce /Pierce Aire, Inc. Peter Pileski and Bob Avian Mona Pittenger Stephen Schram and Richard Powers /PowersSchram, LLC Karen Prescod and Tulip Prescod /Florida Blue / SunSure Insurance Bruce Presley and Chris Hedlund Yamilet Ramirez and Claudia Mosley /Merchant Processing Solutions Sharon Rebuck / Another Perfect Party Dr. Will Richardson / Natura Dermatology & Cosmetics Douglas Tinklepaugh and James Rickard / Pinnacle Constructors, LLC Stanley Rosenthal / Forest Trace Luxury Resort Adult Community Tom Runyan, Esq / Runyan Law Firm, PA Pastor Leslie Rutland-Tipton (Board Member) / Church of the Holy Spirit Song Rick Salomon John Sapp Geph Scarr and Sergio Medina Quintina / Scarr Insurance Group Jack Schlossberg and Greg Fineman Tony Seguino and Dan Ayers Danny Selvin James Senior Sharp Marketing Steve Shires / Steve Shires Photography Tim Singer and Richard Cascarelli / Tim Singer & Assoc. Kimberly Sorondo Will Spencer / Camp4Health David Starkey and Arianto Sumargo Jeffrey Sterling / Sterling Tax Richard Stoll, Esq. Terry Stone and Mike Bush Dave Stubbins 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 Tower Club Bruno Trambusti and Randy Grant Dean Trantalis Esq. David Treece / Treece Financial Group Carl E. Trough Mark Turner and Chuck Nicholls Ted Verdone and John Curtin Vincent Vigliotti W Hotel – Fort Lauderdale Fred Wahl and Fred Marzec Bruce Walther Steve Wetzler Sumner T. White Norris Wildhagen and Dr. Troy Robinson C. Theodore Wolf and Frank Decolator Tom Wolf and Fernando Rodrigues John Zieba and Cliff Mulcahy/ Rosie’s Bar & Grill

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

VOICE Spring 2014

Bobby Kyser / Panache Style Wells Fargo Foundation DIAMOND DC Allen and Ken Flick/No Gay Hate Fund at OurFund, Inc Ilene Berliner (Board Chairperson) and Maura Lane Jared Falek and Don Chorpenning Oliver Kamm David McLaren and Joseph Laurino / Periodic Products Dr. Dale Russell Richard Safaty (Board Member) and Omer Mizrachi / Freedom Travel Wayne Schrebe Ted Schultz Arthur B. Smith Jim Stepp and Peter Zimmer GOLD Atlantic Surf Club Bayview Cadillac Don Biehn / Biehn & Associates, Inc. Broward Health Foundation – Imperial Point Mark Budwig (Board Member) and Nick Scalzo / S. Mark Graphics Michael Camardello Chris Caputo (Board Member) / MetroMediaWorks City County Credit Union Coffee and Conversation Dr. Howard R. Cunningham / Oakland Park Dental Michael Dager and Harvey Shapiro Chris Dunham and Joseph Dominguez / Dunham Insurance Services Andrew Fischman Victor Flores / FastPrintz Robert Hubbard and Bill Greeves 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 Riverside Hotel Lee Rubin and Jim Walker (Board Member) Russell Sassani, MD & Michael Schneider /Take Shape Plastic Surgery Heidi Schaeffer JJ. Schmidt Richard Schwarz and Tom Massey Paul M. Smith and Gerald Kennedy George Zuber and Anthony Snyder SILVER Anonymous (2) A Celebration of Friends Adam’s Interiors Paul Alpert Chris Ambs and Scott Clearwater Neel Amin and Tom Macek / American Pain Experts B Ocean Fort Lauderdale Alfred Bacchi and Craig Ross Don Barlow Steve Barnard Andrew Bartfield 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 Mitch Bloom (Board Member) and Paul Wardell Gary Bitner / Bitner Goodman Boardwalk Robin L. Bodiford, Esq. / Law Office of Robin L. Bodiford John Bolton Robert Boo

Al Bove, DMD Bryon Bowlby and Robert Baldwin Broward County Sheriff’s Office Patricia Burdett / United Capital Financial Advisers Rishi Burke Gerald Byers and Rudy Wengenroth Jae Camino / Jae’s Sinful Delights Karen Caroll and Julie Slater / Chic Optique George Castrataro, Esq. / The Law Offices of George Castrataro, PA Jeff Cato and Bob Tentscher / Cato Insurance Group, Inc. Sam Chalfant and Tom Rouland / Affordable Health Insurance Nicholas Chaparos Harvey Chasser Brian R. Claeys / The Law Offices of Brian R. Claeys Howard Cohen and Daniel Wasinger / Concept International Design Bob Collier and Chuck Hunziker Lynn Corning /Newman Insurance Cox Media Group Tracey Cramer /Ameriprise Financial Joseph Daniel and Fred Silverman Esmeralda and Peter Dekaj / Stork’s Bakery Robert Delehanty Diplomat Pharmacy Thomas Dowd and Cesar Rivera / Water Mill Flowers and Fruit Bouquets Hon. Stephen Driscoll and Robert Tocci / National Stonewall Democrats Dolphin Democratic Club Irwin Drucker Eden Funeral Services Robert Eldredge / RWE Real Estate Embassy Suites Hotel H & R Block Holland & Knight, LLP Howard Elfman and Juliever Villan Ted Emery Craig Engel (Board Member) and Greg Briche Michael Faerber / D’Angelo Realty Group Brian Farley and Ron Alose Paul Fasana First Congregational Church GalleryONE Fort Lauderdale Joel Geils Eric Gilbert / SunTrust Bank 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 Haines / Mark’s List Mark Halacy and Thomas Pollock Peter Hardy-Smith and Steven Devito Cal Harrison Timothy S. Hart / R3 Accounting LLC Brenda Hartley (Board Member) / BankUnited Tyler Healis Dr. J. Heider and Thomas Carr / Ultimate Smile Scott Herman and Cale Choi Lazaro Hernandez and Steve Figlmiller Eldon Ross Hills / Caldwell Banker Neill Hirst, MD and Greg Hughes Michael Hisey Hans Hochkamp and Joseph DeBacco Paul Holoweski Kenley Hoover and Tom Pflepsen Mick Howard and Brian Jackson / Mayors Jewelers iBeria Bank Adam Irvin / The Grateful Palate A.J. Jabre James Jagielski Paul Jennings Bret Johnson George Johnson James A. Johnson Dr. Charmaine Johnson-Leong, DDS, PA Clifford W. Jolley and Paul Clive John Jovanovich and Paul Holoweski Robert Judd and Russell Neal Greg Kabel / 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 Don Kocher and Jonathan Salt Maria Kondracki Dwyer and Jim Dwyer Edwin Kowalski and Michael Donnan Joe Kraus Ellen Krider, CFP / RBC Wealth Management Robert Kuhn and Steven Geyer Dr. David Kyner and Richard Bray Thomas LaFramboise / LaFramboise & Bergeron, PL Julia Landis and Shawn Fanshier Bruce Lane Bernie Langeluttig and Dennis Fitzkee

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

The Pride Center Founders Circle

Book Reading and Signing Lesbian author Carol Lynne Smith Madison read from her published works and signed books as part of our ongoing Women with Pride Empowerment Series.

THE

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

because...

Photos by Dennis Dean

The Pride Center at Equality Park - 2040 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors FL - 954.463.9005

Meet and Greet with MMA Champ Jessica Aguilar

WSOF Champ Jessica Aguilar spoke on her involvement and her advocacy for the LBT Health Directory LTHealth.org The Pride Center spearheaded the creation of the directory in collaboration with Aqua Foundation for Women, Women in Network, SunServe and BLAST.

VOICE Spring 2014

Photos by Ed Garcia

Stoned: The Highs and Lows of Weed and the LGBT Community Part of our Vital Signs series, a diverse panel explored the social, mental and physical impacts of cannabis use within our community. Photos by Ed Garcia

Photos by Ed Garcia

A free program for men in relationships or for those who want to be. It doesn’t matter if you’re HIV negative or living with HIV. This program is a great way for you to build relationship skills, share with new friends and have fun.

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

New four week session starts every month. space is limited so sign up now.

“Couples Speak” Join the FREE 18 week LIFE Program

For Four Weeks you’ll meet in small groups with other couples to:

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.

 Improve healthy communication  Manage conflict and differences  Engage in fun learning activities  Discuss sex openly and honestly  Make your love life more exciting & safer  Learn to love better  Reduce your risks  Enhance your health and...  Have fun!

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

PALS

PROJECT

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

PALS

project

For more information contact The Pride Center's PALs Project... Lorenzo Robertson email LRobertson@PrideCenterFlorida.org or call 954.463.9011 ext. 306

VOICE Spring 2014

Want A Jump-Start To Healthier Living?

www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Coffee and Conversation

Weekly attendance at our Tuesday morning Coffee and Conversation events for Seniors has grown to nearly 200. Our Senior Advisory Council and Senior Services Coordinator continue to plan and provide engaging, creative activities, services, resources and programs for Seniors.

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

3.5” x 2”