05/10/10 V1I16 by South Florida Gay News

moonstruCK

the tattoo Art of stevie moon

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MAY 10, 2010 • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 16

WRITERS OF THE STORM Two Young Gay Journalists from Wilton Manors Expose an Anti Gay LeaderÕ s Liasion with Rentboy

iNsiDe THis issue

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Honorees for Recognition Dinner

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LGBT youth Celebrate Prom season

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DADT: Gay Vets March on Congress

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Taylor Trensch in spring Awakening

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Heat Advisory

staying safe and Healthy During High Florida Temperatures

May 10 , 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 16

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

NORM KENT PUBLISHER AND EDITOR IN CHIEF PUBLISHERNORM@SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM

BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Officials at the Broward County Health Department would like to remind the public that the high temperatures we are experiencing can be dangerous and to take all necessary precautions. Children, the elderly and people that work outside or may be on certain types of medications, may be more at risk of heat related problems. Heat illness can range from mild heat exhaustion to the most severe form, heat stroke.

Piero Guidugli

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Features Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joey Amato joey.amato@southﬂoridagaynews.com Lifestyle Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Sebastian Fortino sebastian.fortino@southﬂoridagaynews.com Arts/Entertainment Editor . . . . . Mary Damiano

TIPS TO STAy SAFE DURING HIGH TEMPERATURES • Never leave children, the elderly or pets in automobiles • Stay out of the sun as much as possible (especially from 10AM to 3PM when the sun is the strongest) • Try to rest often in cool shady areas • Wear light, loose clothes. Cotton is best • Drink plenty of fluids (water) throughout the day • Wear Sun Screen outside (No matter what your skin color) • Check on elderly family, friends and neighbors • Bring pets indoors and give them plenty of water • Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 80s-90s, fans will not prevent heatrelated illness. Taking a cool shower or

bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. (Hint: Malls, public libraries and movie theatres are air-conditioned) • People that work outside should protect themselves from the sun, regardless of skin color, by wearing a widebrimmed hat (also keeps you cooler), sunglasses, and putting on sunscreen of Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels) People who drink alcohol are 15 times more vulnerable to heat illness because alcohol causes increased dehydration. The following symptoms and conditions may be an indication or warning that your body is too hot—they include dehydration, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, nausea, a rash called prickly heat, edema/

swelling, (typically of the fingers and hands), cramps and fainting. When symptoms occur, drink plenty of water, rest in a cool place and seek treatment if symptoms do not subside. If a person experiences heat stroke, also known as sun stroke, this is a very serious condition. The person is usually observed after he/she has collapsed. The skin will be flushed, very dry and very hot. This is an emergency and medical aid should be called immediately. Symptoms for heat illness in pets include a dry nose, white gums and ears, and droopy eyes. Pet owners should bring animals inside and give them plenty of water. For more information contact the Broward County Health Department’ at (954) 467-4700 or visit their website at www.browardchd.org.

SFGNites Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . JW Arnold Health/HIV Editor . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Gallotta Business Editor ........................... Richard Gary Senior Feature Correspondent. . Jesse Monteagudo Correspondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Fritz Contributing Columnists . . . . . . Tony Adams, Wayne Besen, AJ Cross, Deb Price, Brian McNaught, Jennifer Vanasco Creative Director . . . . . . . . . . . . George Dauphin Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . Jarrett Terrill Online Website Director (Master of Our Domain) . . . . . . . Tom Forcella tommy.forcella@southfloridagaynews.com Display Marketing Associates . . . Brian Swinford, John Fugate Jay Shadden Joyce Bluestein Display & Internet Marketing Manager . . . . . . . . . . Cliff Dunn cliff.dunn@southfloridagaynews.com Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . Mike Trottier classifieds@hotspotsmagazine.com 954-928-1862 National Sales Representative . . . Rivendell Media todd@rivendellmedia.com Distributor . . . . . . . . . . . . ..........Charles Braun Printing and Publication . . . . . . . Miami Offset South Florida Gay News.com is published weekly on Mondays. Our paper is a member of the Associated Press. The views and opinions expressed within this publication, in bylined columns, stories, and letters to the editor are those of the writers expressing them. They do not represent the opinions of South Florida Gay News.com, Inc., or the Publisher. They are included to promote free speech and diversity of thought. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations in SFGN, and it would be careless to do so. For the sake of readable newswriting, the word “gay” in SFGN should, when relevant, be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community. All of the material that appears in SFGN, both online at www. southfloridagaynews.com, and in our print edition, including articles used in conjunction with our contract with the Associated Press and our columnists, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Thus, nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher of SFGN, at his law office, Kent & Cormican, P.A., 110 Southeast 6th Street, Suite 1970, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33301. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright©2010 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

Associated Press

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Media News

THE WASHINGTON BLADE ReTuRNs

he Washington Blade, the award-winning, 40-year-old newspaper of record for the LGBTQ community, returned to newsstands Friday, April 30, after its former parent company filed for bankruptcy and shuttered the paper in November 2009. Since then, former Blade staff members have produced a new print and online publication each week under the name DC Agenda, owned by Brown Naff Pitts Omnimedia, Inc., which was founded by publisher Lynne Brown, editor Kevin Naff, sales executive Brian Pitts and other former Blade employees. DC Agenda recently announced the acquisition of all assets of the Washington Blade, the nation’s oldest LGBTQ newspaper, from bankruptcy court. The purchase included the Washington Blade name, all trademarks and copyrights and the entire

40-year archive. The Washington Blade debuted in October 1969 as a one-sheet newsletter distributed in D.C.’s gay bars. “For more than 40 years the Washington Blade’s commitment to excellence in journalism made it a weekly ‘must read’ for the LGBTQ community locally and even worldwide,” said Editor Kevin Naff. “There are benefits to the brand recognition of a publication that was highly trusted and respected for 40 years,” said Publisher Lynne Brown, also former Publisher of the Washington Blade and an employee of that publication for more than 20 years. “The power, effectiveness and strength of the Washington Blade came from the spirit and intensity of those who wrote the stories and worked with the local community.”

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May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Local News

Task Force Announces Honorees for 14th Annual Recognition Dinner Cindy Brown & Commissioner Katy Sorenson to Be Honored By Joey Amato

he National Gay and Lesbian Task Force announced that it will honor Cindy Brown and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Katy Sorenson at the 14th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 2. The event will be held at the beautiful Fontainebleau in Miami Beach. This major fundraising event recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to the social, cultural, political and humanitarian needs of the LGBT community. “I have had the privilege of watching these two women work tirelessly in support of the LGBT community for many, many years,” says Liebe Gadinsky, event cochair and Task Force board member. “I am overjoyed that we have the opportunity to honor them for all they have contributed to the cause of equality.” Brown, who will receive the 2010 Eddy McIntyre Community Service Award, has served as a volunteer and an employee of many Miami-Dade organizations, including SAVE Dade, Aqua Foundation for Women, Care Resource and the Miami Light Project. “It is an honor to receive the Task Force Community Service Award named for my

Cindy Brown

friend Eddy McIntyre,” Brown stated. “I am humbled to be in the company of those who have been honored before me.” Brown is an active member of the community because, “it is important to me that South Florida, and Miami in particular, are progressive with respect to LGBT issues and I know that won’t happen if I just stand by and wait.” Brown holds the record for most years of service as a steering committee member and as a co-chair of the Miami Recognition Dinner. Brown launched her own event company, Cenergy, in 2008. Shortly after, she was

Katy SorenSon

contracted to produce the first Miami Beach Gay Pride celebration in 2009. The event went on to become the largest one-day event in the city of Miami Beach. Sorenson, who will be awarded the 2010 Humanitarian Award, has represented District 8 on the Miami-Dade County Commission since 1994 and has been a staunch advocate for human rights, champion of regional cooperation, leader in child welfare issues and promoter of the arts. “I am thrilled to be honored by one of the most important civil rights organizations of

our time,” said Sorenson. “None of us can rest until all LGBT citizens of this country have the same rights as all other citizens, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to work for that change.” Sorenson also championed the inclusion of “sexual orientation” to the county’s nondiscrimination laws and successfully defended these equal treatment provisions against attempts at repeal. She was instrumental in ensuring that county employees were awarded domestic partnership benefits in 2009. Launched in 1997, the Miami Recognition Dinner quickly cemented its place as the premier event for uniting the community through honoring individuals and organizations for their achievements in fostering equal rights for LGBT people. Over the past decade, it has become a vital source of funding for organizations serving the LGBT community. Since assuming responsibility for the dinner and its sister event, Winter Party Festival, in 2004, the Task Force has donated close to $800,000 from the proceeds of the two events to the Miami-Dade community. Ticket and sponsorship information is available by calling the Task Force’s Miami office at 305-571-1924.

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May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Jared PoliS (left) and JuStin fliPPen

GAy CoNGRessMAN JAReD PoLis eNDoRses FLiPPeN FoR sTATe House

ustin Flippen, Democratic candidate for the Florida State House, District 92 and Vice Mayor of Wilton Manors has been endorsed by U.S. Congressman Jared Polis. Polis is one of only 3 openly-gay members of Congress. “Congressman Polis ran as an openly-gay candidate and has been a champion of equality in our nation’s capitol,” said Flippen. “I will do the same here in South Florida and be the leader on equality we need in Tallahassee.” Polis said this about Flippen, “Justin has a long record of Democratic activism and support for all communities. Justin will be a voice for all in the Florida legislature, which is why he must be elected as the next State Representative for District 92.”

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May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

By Jarrett Terrill

Ò T Courtney Bright

Candlelight Vigil for Courtney Bright 24 Year old lesbian strangled to death in Polk County by her girlfriendÕ s father Candlelight Vigil for Courtney Bright Time: Gathering starts at 6:00pm Date: Monday, May 10th, 2010 Location: Alibi’s parking lot 2266 Wilton Drive In Polk County, two weeks ago, Jerry Lee Seger, an enraged father who allegedly blamed 24-year-old Courtney Bright for leading his daughter down what he felt was the wrong path—including a three-year lesbian affair— strangled Bright to death and left her body in an abandoned house, say police. He was reportedly intoxicated and on drugs at the time of the slaying. The Gay American Heroes foundation believes it is a hate motivated crime and has asked for support from the gay community in recognizing her passing. he organization was founded by Scott Hall in 2007. Hall was motivated to start the organization after resident of Polk County Florida, Ryan Skipper was murdered for being openly gay; Skipper was 25 years old. Invited speakers include Stuart Milk, Jack Seiler Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, Gary Resnick Mayor of Wilton Manors, Sheriff Al Lamberti, Ken Keechl Mayor of Broward County, Paul Hyman of the GLCC, Justin Flippen City Commisisoner, Carol Benowitz President of PFLAG, Noah Kitty from Etz Chaim and Reverend Durrell Watkins. Stated Hall: “We will honor Courtney’s memory- a young woman who had her life stolen from her because she was gay.”

PHOTO By JARRETT TERRILL

COURTESy OF GAHF

Coral Ridge Ministries Launches Anti-Gay Propaganda Campaign he militant homosexual agenda is a symptom of sexual politics… Sexual politics always trumps religious liberty. Hate crime laws are turning Christians into second class citizens.” This quote is an example of the political punditry that is being satellite and internet broadcasted to over 20 million viewers nationwide by the Coral Ridge Ministries (CRM) production company. The political think-tank operates under the guise of a church, allowing them to use an excess of $45 Million dollars in taxdeductable donations annually for maximum outreach. Bypassing all campaign finance laws, a political media center which calls itself a church can effectively control our nation’s political dialogue in ways that most political action committees could only dream of. Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale has been leading the way in the anti-gay movement in America for over 20 years. During a better economy, they built themselves quite an empire with the big donations that homophobia generated. The huge gleaming white steeple which can be seen for miles in Broward County stands testament not to Christ, but rather to an anti-gay and anti-liberal agenda. However, this is a different economy than what Coral Ridge enjoyed during the Clinton administration. Churches which are favored by the hard-right in America must now work twice as hard for their piece of the pie because their flock are more likely to donate money to a Tea Party political campaign than they are to stock the coiffeurs. CRM has responded to this shift toward the far right by producing Tea Party campaign material thinly disguised as pastoral outreach or mission work. Their hundreds of internet videos, television programs and radio spots clearly define for viewers exactly who they should vote for and against in order to obey God’s commandments. CRM’s propaganda features frequent appearances and interviews from Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, former Louisiana legislator

tower of BaBBle: CrM

Tony Perkins—head of the notorious Family Research Council, and Matt Barber—the Allstate Insurance Security Manager who was fired for being an anti-gay extremist and went on to become an Associate Dean at Liberty University. “The radical homosexual agenda is the frontline of a Totalitarian regime which is hellbent on coercing traditional businesses and churches into doing things that go against their morality,” says Tony Perkins on CRM’s program titled “Pastors, Pulpits & Politics”. From there, other right wing politicians and pastors echo this sentiment by providing their beliefs that gays are responsible for every world woe, including the Holocaust. The running themes in Coral Ridge’s latest programming have been “the militant homosexual agenda”, “socialism” and the “totalitarian government” that President Obama has supposedly brought upon us. By linking the LGBT community to a nefarious plot to overthrow the government, CRM thinks it can influence its viewers to join them in their antigay campaign and collect even more income in the process to afford them their oligarchy. By claiming that gays and liberals were responsible for the holocaust, they believe they can erase the fact that thousands of Jews, gays

and liberals were actually exterminated by Hitler’s Nazis. Interestingly though, this deflection does not come from a faraway place… The Neo-Nazi website called StormFront, where Matt Barber and Tony Perkins’ ideas are tossed around in greater detail, is operated out of West Palm Beach, Florida – not far from Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and even closer to the organization called NARTH – which aims to have gays re-classified as having a mental illness so they can be institutionalized. Recently, this kind of propaganda, which of course is proven false by all historical accounts, has popped up in one other corner of the world as well. Scott Lively, a Christian pastor and lawyer who was educated at Trinity University has taken frequent trips to Uganda along with certain Republican members of congress to preach against homosexuality to Ugandans. Lively is a holocaust revisionist who has written a fictional account of the WW2 era called “The Pink Swastika” in which he states that gays were responsible for the travesty. Lively is listed with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as a proponent of “hate speech” and the leader of a “hate group”. He boldly lies to his uneducated audiences in Uganda but since he is a white man from the USA, the Ugandans hang on his every last word. The result was a fascist law which imposes the death penalty for gays and lesbians, a piece of legislation that raised concern amongst every world leader. The similarities between Lively’s world view and that being espoused by Coral Ridge Ministries are alarming at best. The people at CRM have chosen to re-write world history from their own isolationist and self-victimizing viewpoint. For them, to be Christ-like means only that they practice martyrdom – that they somehow view themselves not as millionaires who have more influence on the world than anyone else, but rather as the poor, persecuted minority who are being oppressed by an all-powerful, evil, homosexual majority. The only question left to answer is – who’s really buying into this or believing any of it?

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

A Tale of Two Proms By A. Sebastian Fortino

he weekend of May 21 will be a weekend of LGBT proms in South Florida. Both Broward and Miami-Dade Counties will host an LGBT prom, on Friday and Saturday respectively. For Miami it marks year 14, Broward however has not had one in ten years. The importance of these events is readily apparent, given the aggressive reaction to North Carolina’s out teens Chase and Jordan, and Mississippi’s Constance McMillen who drew controversy from schools when they planned to bring same-sex dates. Pridelines in Miami, and Sunserve in Fort Lauderdale provide the proms so that our youth can come enjoy an atmosphere more accepting than the traditional school-funded event. Victor Diaz-Herman, Executive Director of Pridelines Youth Services, has been with the organization for several years. “This year’s event will be at Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay campus, on Saturday, May 22 from 7-11pm. Ages 14 through 24 are invited to attend, as it also offers a venue for college-age students to experience something unlike what they experienced in high school.” Pridelines has confirmed the guest hosts, choreographers Glen Douglas Packard and Daniel Miagany. Glen, a contributing columnist to SFGN, has been featured on Brooke Knows Best, Brooke Hogan’s reality show. He’s worked with Michael Jackson and Brittney Spears. The theme for this year is a Night on Mount Olympus, a classical, Greek theme. “Pridelines encourages our youth to feel comfortable, so if they want to come in a tux, come in a tux. If they want to wear a dress, wear a dress. If they want to play with the theme they can certainly come in a toga as long as they keep it cute and clean,” added Diaz-Herman. “Nothing inappropriate, please.” While they have a venue, and hosts, Pridelines is still trying to work with a radio station to provide music. People who wish to attend can purchase tickets at pridelines. org, or at the door. Tickets are $20 per person, $30 per couple. The revenue benefits Pridelines.org. Ricky Alvarado, is 18 years old, from Miami and will graduate from William H. Turner Technical Arts High School soon af-

In terms of being “inter the May 22 event. clusive” the event was first “I’m a Youth Counsel open only to GSA memMember, or YCM,” said bers. However, they have Alvarado proudly, also inopened it up to anyone volved in the 2009 prom. between the ages of 14 “As a YCM it is one of our through 18 who wants to responsibilities to plan the CuMMingS and her Partner attend. prom. Yet, it is the one we They expect about 200 students and 100 most enjoy because even though I’m still in high school I don’t get to plan a prom for chaperones, to make sure that everyone is safe, and respected when arriving and leaveveryone.” Alvarado says he is not taking a date this ing the prom. Tickets are available through year, but will attend with a group of friends. campus GSA chapters and online. The Broward prom will take place on Fri“The majority of friends I’m bringing are straight, but they want to experience a gay day May 21, from 7 to 11pm, on the campus of the Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderprom so, of course I want them to come.” Mark Adler, Executive Director of Sun- dale. The theme is Alice in Wonderland: the shine Social Services and SunServe is very Inclusive Rave. The event is co-sponsored happy to bring an LGBTQ prom back to by SunServe and Safe Schools South Florida. Tickets are $40 per person. Broward County after a ten year absence. Advance ticket sales will benefit the event “The community has talked about doing another one for the last seven years. When itself, and the kids, through advance ticket we realized this is something the kids really sales. The prom committee promises a dance want to do we grabbed the bull by horns.” However, initial plans did not materialize. According to Adler: not wanting to disappoint the kids was a main concern. Cheri Cummings, of Coconut Creek High School, is the school’s Gay Straight Alliance Advisor. She is also a physical education teacher who picked up the pieces when the original plans fell apart. Adler appropriately By Joey Amato said that Cummings “picked up the broken pieces and ran with them.” urrently, there are an estimated Cummings comes from a self-described, six to 12 million children in the “long line of people trying to build a strong U.S. who have a lesbian or gay GSA in South Florida.” parent. An increasing number of same-sex “My uncle, was Roland Funk, who co- couples are looking to expand their families founded Safe Schools of South Florida with and turning to surrogacy and egg donation Robert Lupo. This year’s prom came about as a way of becoming biological parents. when one of my GSA presidents, Andrew This week, The Pride Center at Equality Barrow, stood up and asked why we didn’t Park and Compass have teamed with Mindy have a prom. He had a real concern, as a Berkson, an international infertility / surrosenior he wanted to set the tone for the gacy expert and founder of Lotus Blossom younger students. Knowing Andrew’s pas- Consulting, to help gay and lesbian couples sion, a colleague of mine just asked me to and individuals plan for parenthood. Togo with it. So I did. SunServe has worked gether, they will be leading a complimentary with us in the past and they gladly donated session titled, “Options for Biological Famspace at the Sunshine Cathedral.” ily Building in the LGBTQ Community— Cummings also credits motivation to de- Surrogacy, Egg Donation and Treatment.” velop the prom to Terry Williams, with the The seminars will take place on WednesOffice of Preventions for Broward County. day, May 12 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm at Com“Terry goes above and beyond to give kids pass in West Palm Beach and Thursday, in Broward a safe environment.” May 13 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the GLCC/

contest, prizes, and lots of fun. They will crown a king and queen. Those who wear the crown will be chosen regardless of gender. For Andrew Barrow though, a senior at Boyd Anderson High School, and president of his GSA the event will foster the welfare of his peers. It was Barrow who stood and asked “where is our prom?” “I looked at it as we’re trying to be comfortable with our sexuality. So we need an event where we don’t have to feel like outcasts. I am glad it’s come together because now we can stand and let people know we’re here and we have equal rights to come to the prom like everyone else,” Barrow said. “Just talking about it I have a big smile on my face. I am so excited!” When asked about his outfit for the event he informed SFGN that his father is helping him pull together a casual version of a tuxedo. “My parents are very supportive of me. I wish everyone’s parents were as supportive,” he added. For more information, or to buy tickets, please visit Pridelines.org for the MiamiDade Event and SunServe.org for the Broward County Event.

Compass and Pride Center Host Alternative Family Building seminars

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Pride Center in Wilton Manors. Topics will include egg donation and surrogacy opportunities in the U.S., choosing the right physician, how to identify egg donors, sperm donors and surrogates, understanding the legal environment and how to think through timing, coordination, facilitation and cost of your treatments. The discussion will conclude with a Q&A session with Mindy. Mindy Berkson is the founder of Lotus Blossom Consulting, one of the first infertility consultancies in the United States. With more than a decade of experience at physician’s offices, egg donation, and surrogacy agencies, Berkson assists individuals in working through the often-challenging roadblocks of infertility. She provides the best information and resources available to them from around the world. To attend, please RSVP to mindy@lotusblossomconsulting.com.

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Writers of the Storm

Two Young Gay Journalists from Wilton Manors Expose Anti Gay LeaderÕ s Liasion with Rentboy

By Norm Kent

ilton Manors residents Brandon K. Thorp, 27, and Penn Bullock, 21, met on My Space three years ago but only in the last week has their relationship reached the cosmos. Last week, Thorp, who usually writes the theater column for Miami New Times, joined with his partner, Bullock, to break the story that a young male hooker from Miami had gone on a ten day European vacation with Dr. George Rekers, a founder of the rabidly anti-gay Family Research Council, and a board member of NARTH, the notorious National Association for the Research and Treatment of Homosexuality. Dr. Rekers is not just anyone. He is a nationally reputed leader of the ex-gay movement who has authored books and campaigned vigorously that homosexuality can be cured. Republican Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum actually paid him almost $120,000.00 of taxpayer money to be a star witness for the State of Florida in the legal case seeking to defend state statutes banning gay adoption. When the story by Thorp and Bullock went public on Thursday, it skyrocketed into the national news. Truth Wins Out Executive Director Wayne Besen issued a press release condemning the hypocrisy of Rekers. The Human Rights Campaign chimed in as well. Gay bloggers chipped in their two cents, and national news organizations reached out all seeking exclusive and unique angles. Neither Bullock nor Thorp nor the 20 year old escort, whose identity they tried to protect, was ready for it. The story took on a life of its own. A gay blog site, Unzipped.net, was dissatisfied that the New Times feature refused to reveal the hooker’s true identity, identified by Thorp and Bullock only as ‘Lucien’ in their article. Using the Rentboy search en-

gine, they used the physical characteristics described in their article to track down a photo of the young man, whose picture they then published, along with his Rentboy.com ad. “I guess I expected too much from the gay community,” said Thorp, who had hoped against hope to keep the center of the story from becoming the story. Stated Besen, from TWO, “Bullock and Thorp deserve credit for helping expose a national scandal and hypocritical scoundrel, but there was no way they could keep this kid from the bright light of national exposure.” In short order, it was revealed to the world that ‘Lucien’ was Jo-Vanni Roman, a gay Miami-Dade college student, explaining to the Herald that he “was just looking for extra money to pay his tuition. My family knows I am gay, but they did not know what I was doing to make ends meet.” On Friday, Qweerty.com published 50 photos of Roman on its site, referring to him as the “nation’s most famous hooker.” “I don’t think there is any question that from the beginning we wanted to keep Lucien’s identity private,” Thorp stated. “His life was no one’s business. He was not a national figure trying to screw up people’s lives. We wanted to bring down ‘one of the bad guys,’ a theocratic totalitarian, and expose him for who he really was.” Thorp and Bullock went about the task of writing their story methodically. First, it was not Roman that tipped them off to the lead the young man was in Europe with Rekers. Instead, it was a friend of Roman’s, who was an ‘authorized user’ of his e-mail account. Apparently, while reviewing Roman’s contacts, he came upon the escort’s famous client, and contacted his friend, Bullock. His goal was to expose Rekers, a married man, for hiring a male escort. Bullock and Thorp immediately recognized

dr. george reKerS

the significance of their quarry, and the potentially explosive nature of the story. They arranged to secretly be at the airport with a camera when Rekers arrived, and snapped the now famous photos of Rekers standing over his luggage, with Roman in the background. “Yes,” Bullock told SFGN, “we took pictures at the airport, but we did not talk to either until several days after the event. Then he called Rekers, stated Bullock. “You know, if Rekers had owned up to us that he was taking the kid to Europe as an act of charity to prove he wanted to prove one-on-one he could save a soul, it might have been more believable, but instead he seemed to be grasping for the first excuse that came to his head. That’s when he told us that ‘Lucien’ was simply his travel companion, and that he had no idea he was a ‘sex worker.’” Thorp and Bullock also contacted Roman for the first time, who initially did not want to talk with them. “But he is so incredibly kind and polite, he began engaging in conversation with me,” Bullock related, “and I explained to him the significance of expos-

Ò luCienÓ

ing this fellow, and he agreed.” Bullock empathized with Roman, “Even though we had come into his life without notice, he invited us in, even as he recognized us as two people who could turn his life upside down. Still, he never showed a second of discourtesy and he really is a lovely guy.” Added Thorp, “There is nothing disgraceful about a young college student supplementing his income as a sex worker. Roman is engaged in an honorable profession, as much so as a politician. He is an innocent bystander. The person that matters is Rekers.” While Bullock and Thorp were speaking with Roman, the whole world was seeking to as well. CNN sent a crew to Fort Lauderdale to interview Roman, took comments from Besen, but left Thorp and Bullock out of the picture. Meanwhile, Rekers was posting notices that their New Times story was ‘slanderous’ and he would be retaining an attorney to sue for defamation. That was only one of many times Rekers would put his foot in his mouth. Since their initial publication, Thorp and Bullock, with continued on page 38

Moon Struck

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com Stevie Moon at hiS Studio

The Tattoo Art of Stevie Moon By Tony Adams

aving seen his signature glistening water droplets on flowers, his glowing tiger eyes and luminous jewels on the skin of several friends, I entered the studio at 2336 NE 26th Street at the corner of Federal Highway eager to meet one of the most famous and accomplished tattoo artists alive today, Fort Lauderdale’s own Stevie Moon. I was greeted by Josh, the other artist in residence and the straight half of their studio. As Stevie explains it, “I like to say that we’re a Mom and Pop shop. Josh is the Pop and I’m the Mom.” The message behind his words is that this studio is a fun and welcoming place for every type of client except those who want the kind of old school mermaid, anchor, dice or skull that a drunken sailor might pick from a numbered catalogue in a seaside boardwalk parlor. A quick tour of steviemoon.com will help you understand that Stevie Moon is a visionary artist whose images are as unique as his clients. Having friends who are clothing designers, he describes his work as “couture that doesn’t disguise your personality but enhances it.” Like all artists forced to talk about their own work, he is immediately annoyed by what he has said and wor-

ried that he will sound pretentious. He is not pretentious, but he is unpremeditated and while in his chair you’ll be treated to a roller coaster of conversation as wild as his designs. During my visit, an infinitely patient client named Mike jumped in and out of our conversation (and sleep) having graciously allowed me to photograph the process that he says is not painful. Stevie Moon, who is 41, single and in business for 16 years, grew up in Baltimore, the son of a Columbian mother and a father descended from a Tennessee governor. He was a pre-med student in college before being distracted forever by a woman who became his muse and who gave him his name. Juli Moon was a famous tattoo artist in New Hampshire. “I was 17 when I met her. One day Juli said ‘You are now Stevie Moon.’ The name stuck. I was anointed. Before that, I had no plans to tattoo.” Stevie came out when he was 18. Coming from a heritage of Columbian machismo, his mother was not immediately comfortable with his disclosure. Juli’s reaction was different. “She said ‘Oh my god, that is so cool. This is wonderful. Oh…are you OK with it?’ Over the years I have learned how time can change people. My mother is very accepting now and she just worries that I will always be taken care of and happy.”

How people can change over the course of their lives is an important lesson for Stevie Moon. He had a partner who became seriously ill. For a few years, Stevie became his care-giver. He describes this as being a “single dad.” Those difficult years had an impact on his business and his art. Client expectations and schedules had to take second place to his home-life. Today his business is orderly, and he and Josh enjoy the services of a studio manager to facilitate operations. Stevie had always been a spiritual person (An unusually high number of clients and friends are clergymen.) and the difficulties in his relationship stand as a fulcrum between his old and current selves. He notices that his art is becoming more simplified in composition with a peaceful core inside the turbulent lines and vibrant colors. His designs are less cluttered, more expressive and nuanced. “I’m like a phoenix that rise up from its ashes. I really like the 19th century Japanese artist Kawanabe Ky sai whose work changed after a stint in prison. I’m still very ADD. That’s why I hate to have to repeat a design. I’m like a hummingbird in a rose bush.” Other influences include Michaelangelo, Goya, Caravaggio, Bernini and Velasquez. “I’m a whore for the Renaissance. I use their colors and techniques to create either tension or peace. Here in Florida I can paint with strong colors for the strong sun.” As to subject matter, Stevie is not fond of demonic images or anything that would make children cry. Clients rarely come into

me with a completed image. His favorite clients are those who arrive with just an idea. His direction to them is “You just give me the highway. I’ll choose the direction and drive us both to where we want to go.” Clients are limited by only their imagination and their interest in a dialogue with an artist who is honored that they trust their skin to him. He is also sensitive to the intentions of clients, some of whom will wear their tattoo as a talisman, and others as body armor. Regarding his fascination with vivid colors, Stevie Moon says that all tattoo artists have the same dream in which a perfectly smooth albino walks into the shop requesting full body coverage. This would be like approaching a totally blank canvas. He added that sometimes the dream becomes a nightmare when the albino says he wants only a black ink body suit! In addition to his original work, Stevie Moon has developed a stellar reputation for his clever cover-up technique in which old resented tattoos are reconfigured into new beauties. Referrals for his skill in this area occupy a growing percentage of his time. He spoke of his calming passion for gardening that soothes his exuberant delight in the jumbled kaleidoscope of life that shows forth in his imagery. As I left his shop, he offered me a final self-descriptive critter metaphor. “I guess you could say I’m like a crazy chimpanzee bouncing all over the place, but I’m here.” His mind may be bouncing, but his hand is steady.

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

By Lisa Keen

that a change in policy go through additional steps, such as notice and comment under Keen News Service the Administrative Procedure Act.” “The President’s directive on hospital hen President Obama signed a memorandum this month, visitation will affect the rules that govern calling for an end to discrimi- at hospitals that receive Medicare and Mednation against gays and lesbians in hospital icaid funding,” noted Moss, “so HHS will visitation policies, many unmarried LGBT need to propose a rule change.” “As the presidential directive makes clear, people assumed that meant hospitals would no longer be able to bar them from being with among the questions that HHS will need to their partners during a time of medical crisis. consider is how visitation might affect paBut not all presidential memoranda are cre- tient care and treatment,” said Moss. “Other ated equal: Some go into effect immediately; questions might include how the rule will some require months of rule-making bureau- be enforced.” HHS will also have to answer the question cracy and are subject to public comment. The April 15 memorandum request- of how to define “hospital” and whether that ing the Department of Health and Hu- definition includes assisted living facilities. man Services “to ensure that hospitals that Luis Rosero, deputy assistant secretary in participate in Medicare or Medicaid respect the Office of Public Affairs at HHS, said that the rights of patients to designate visitors” is definition will almost certainly come up during the comment period and he encourages among the latter. And the presidential memo President anyone with opinions about that to submit a Obama signed last June, asking the Office of comment then. First, however, HHS must write a “proPersonnel Management to report back in 90 days with recommendations for “measures that posed rule” for implementation of the can be taken…to provide benefits to same-sex directive and publish it in the Federal Register. Then, the domestic partners of Fedpublic and interesteral Government employÒ THe PResiDeNTÕ s DiReCed stakeholders will ees”? A spokesman for TiVe oN HosPiTAL VisiTATioN have 60 days during OPM says those recomWiLL AFFeCT THe RuLes THAT which to submit their mendations were submitted to the president but are GoVeRN AT HosPiTALs THAT comments on the pronot available to the public. ReCeiVe MeDiCARe AND MeD- posed rule. After the comment period closWhy must some memoiCAiD FuNDiNG,Ó NoTeD Moss, es, HHS will write the randa go through months of public comment and rule- Ò so HHs WiLL NeeD To PRo- final rule—a process Pose A RuLe CHANGe.Ó that takes at least sevmaking while others go into eral more months— effect immediately and why and then the rule goes into effect. are the results of others not made public at all? In the meantime, said Rosero, hospitals Randolph D. Moss, Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel un- are essentially on notice that this is what the der President Clinton, says “it depends on Obama administration intends to do. The what the President is doing and on the un- memo instructs HHS to ensure that hospitals receiving federal funds not deny visitaderlying law.” “A memorandum blocking assets held by tion based on sexual orientation or gender terrorist groups, for example, can go into identity, along with the usual categories of effect without further legal proceedings be- non-discrimination. As for designating the recommendations cause the statute gives the President that authority,” he explained. “But, at other times, sought through a presidential memoranthe underlying statutory authority requires dum as “privileged” information, said Moss,

“that’s not unusual.” Last June, President Obama’s memorandum directed federal agencies to determine what benefits they might be able to make available to the domestic partners of gay federal employees under existing laws. It directed the Office of Personnel Management to prepare a report on the results of their findings, along with recommendations “of any additional measures that can be taken.” John Marble, public affairs specialist for the Office of Personnel Management, headed by openly gay appointee John Berry, said those recommendations are “privileged material” and not available to the public. Marble did not explain, but Moss said the designation “doesn’t strike me as improper.” “If you make [such recommendations]

‘GAy OBAMACARE CONCEPTUALIzED By JARRETT TERRILL

Hospital Visitation Memo Will Take Months to implement

public immediately, before the president and his staff have a chance to look at and consider them,” said Moss, “you may undermine the ability of people in the Administration to have a complete and candid discussion about them.” “That doesn’t mean that the Administration will not make its views public,” Moss added, “just that there is a need for some confidential internal discussion first.”

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

DÕ Anne Witkowski

Creep of the Week: Bryan Fischer By D’Anne Witkowski

ith Supreme Court Justice John Stevens announcing his retirement, speculation about whom President Obama will nominate to replace him is running rampant. Some have even speculated that Obama’s nominee could be a homo. Sen. John Cornyn said, “As long as it doesn’t interfere with their job, it’s not a particular issue,” while Sen. Jeff Sessions even said he’d be open to a judge with “gay tendencies,” whatever that means. But Bryan Fischer of the American Family Association says, “Aw, hell no!” No candyassed pansy judge is going to sit on the bench in his America. For one thing, in an April 15 post to the AFA website he says “a gay judge’s sexual preference will, without any question whatsoever, interfere with their job. It’s not possible for it to be otherwise.”

How so? Well, for one thing, homos are sex criminals, says Fischer. “Sodomy is still a felony in the criminal code of about a dozen states,” he says. “We simply should not elevate to the highest court in the land people who are known for engaging in sexually abnormal behavior which would technically make them felons in a quarter of the states over which they will have jurisdiction.” But wait, what about Lawrence v. Texas? Doesn’t count in Fischer’s view. “The Lawrence decision of 2003, an egregious act of judicial activism, prohibited enforcement of these laws, but the fact remains that 25 percent of the states in the Union still regard it as criminal behavior,” he says. That’s right. Just because a law is struck down as unconstitutional doesn’t mean it isn’t

still a crime. Racially mixed couples and integrated schools please take note. “With an active homosexual on the bench, Lady Justice will no longer even pretend to be blind,” Fischer continues. “She will be peeking out from under her blindfold to determine the sexual preference of those standing

Bryan fiSCher

before her, then will let the fold slip back into place before ruling in every case to legitimize sexual deviancy.” First of all, I’d like to know how Lady Justice determines someone’s “sexual preference.” I’ve heard of gay-dar, but “sexual preference” and “sexual orientation” aren’t the

same thing. Homosexuality is an orientation. “I like to dress up like Spider-Man and rub my genitals on Chatroulette” is a sexual preference, and if Lady Justice can see that just by looking at someone, maybe she spends too much time on the Internet. Fischer also trots out the old anti-gay standby that homosexuals are automatically child molesters, which isn’t true. “For this reason alone, no homosexual should be elevated to the United States Supreme Court,” he says. Not that he doesn’t have other reasons. Fischer claims that gays are incapable of being impartial. “A homosexual judge cannot help but give the home-field advantage to every legal team appearing before him who represents homosexual causes. It will be impossible for the visiting team, the team representing sexual normalcy and natural marriage, to get a fair shake in his courtroom,” he writes. “The scales of ‘justice’ would be tipped irrevocably toward the homosexual agenda and it would be moronic to think otherwise.” That’s right, morons. Gay judges will always rule in favor of gays. It’s called “samesex partiality.” It’s also true that straight judges will always rule in favor of straights. Only when straights do this it’s called “traditional partiality” and it’s what God intended.

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

White House slowing Down on DADT Repeal?

February. Six days after the State of the Union, Gates appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee, with Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Michael Mullen, and stated very carefully that his working group would come up with an “implementation plan by the end of this calendar year.” He did not say they would to put the language into the original DOD implement the plan this year. He said they authorization bill but suggesting, rather, would come up with a plan this year. And that the repeal measure fend for itself as an that plan, said Gates, is to ensure that the amendment. And Defense Secretary Robert department is prepared “should the law be Gates is becoming emphatic that a vote on changed,” not when it is changed. The prospects for change are defined, repeal should not happen until after the Pentagon study group hands its study into of course, by that delicate relationship between the political composition of Conhim –December 1. Gates’ position has not changed since gress and the perceived support of the public as measured through polls. And, for the Obama administration, those prospects are no doubt still haunted by the memory of President Clinton’s failed effort to overturn the ban on gays in the military –the effort that ended up producing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” So, until recently, the White House has been mum on a timetable. So, LGBT activists have stepped up the bers about their sexual orientation. pressure –publicly confronting Obama durStill, the veterans groups are experiencing a speech in Los Angeles, staging three ing a renewed sense of urgency following events in which activists have handcuffed a letter sent on April 30 by Defense Secrethemselves to the White House fence, and, tary Robert Gates to House Armed Servicon May 10 and 11, organizing more than 300 es Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (Dveterans to lobby Congress for the measure. Missouri) in which he “strongly oppose[s] Then, at a regular White House briefany legislation that seeks to change this ing on April 21, Advocate policy prior to the magazine reporter Kerry completion of” a Eleveld asked White House Pentagon report on Press Secretary Robert Gibbs DADT, which is due whether President Obama is to be completed in “committed to letting the December. Pentagon work through its Experts say that working group process until the late deadline December 1?” means that Con“Yes,” said Gibbs. “The gress is unlikely to president has set forward overturn the policy a process with the Chair of this year. the Joint Chiefs and with the Gay rights groups Secretary of Defense to work have demanded that through the issue.” the Obama AdminAsked whether that comistration and CondefenSe SeCretary roBert gateS mitment “rules out legisgress move quickly lative action this year,” Gibbs passed the to pass the repeal. buck. Congress, he said, is “a different However, following the news of Gates’ branch of government.” letter to Congress, the White House issued a Congress was clearly feeling the pressure, statement supporting the Defense Secretary. too, and, on April 28, the chairman of the “The president’s commitment to repealHouse Armed Services Committee—Rep. ing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is unequivocal,” Ike Skelton (D-Missouri)—sent at letter said White House spokesman Tommy Vietto Secretary Gates asking for his views “on continued on page 45

Critics Say Prez is Playing Waiting Game on Promise By Lisa Keen

Keen News Service

on garnering support for a 2010 push to approve the measure through on the annual bill to authorize Department of Defense spending. But now that 2010 is here, another stack of critical bills is piling up on the Congressional floors—immigration, oil spills, climate change, and a Supreme Court nominee. Democratic leaders are not promising

ording is everything in politics. What is not said can sometimes be more important than what is said, and what is said can be subjected to a multitude of interpretations that transform a simple sentence into a powerful new expectation. Such has been the case with this statement, made by President Barack Obama in January during his State of the Union speech: “This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country.” He did not say that he and Congress By Cliff Dunn would “repeal the law this year.” He said he would work with Congress on it this year. ver the next 24 hours, approxiBut, whatever the president’s intention, mately 300 gay and lesbian exthe sentence was widely interpreted by service members will make the many LGBT people and other political nation’s capital their beachhead, as they circles as a promise by the president to reurge Members of Congress to repeal Don’t peal the military’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT). policy this year. And The National Veterans this interpretation Lobby Day, sponsored by has been repeated Servicemembers United often enough that it and the Human Rights has taken on a life of Campaign, was organized its own. to permit gay and lesbian LGBT activists have veterans and their straight reasons for pushing veteran allies from across for repeal this year. the U.S. to directly lobby In part, they are contheir elected officials. cerned about midDuring his State of the term elections this Union address in JanuNovember –elections ary, President Obama anthat many predict nounced his intention to could weaken the repeal DADT this year. Democratic majority CongreSSMan Barney franK (d-MaSS) Organizers of the Vetin both the House and erans Lobby Day say they Senate, making for a tougher vote if repeal expect it to be the largest lobbying event is postponed until 2011. And in part, they to date targeting a repeal of the 1994 law. have been relying on the advice of Rep. The policy was enacted by President Bill Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and the Human Clinton after Congress passed a law that Rights Campaign last September. They banned gays from serving in the military. said then that a floor vote on DADT in the Although the law bars openly gay indiHouse wasn’t likely until 2010 because of viduals from serving, it also prevents the Congress’ preoccupation with health care Armed Forces from asking service memreform. Frank suggested activists focus

Gay Veterans Groups Take Ô DonÕ t Ask, DonÕ t TellÕ Fight to Congress

LGBT Vets Demand Repeal Despite Delays

continued on page 45

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Hemisphere Report

Jamaica: Commonwealth of Hate By Cliff Dunn

n November 2004, the international watchdog group Human Rights Watch issued a devastating report that cited Jamaica as the most virulently anti-gay bigoted nation in the Western Hemisphere. The report, aptly and grimly titled “Hated to Death,” exposed the pervasive homophobia that both drives and permeates the former British crown colony – including the country’s popular culture, law enforcement apparatus, and much of its health care system. That bias has for generations put at further risk some of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens; setting up barriers both external and internal to seeking medical care, and in the process making it extremely difficult to acquire condoms and other items that would help LGBT persons combat the spread of STDs. The island’s prevailing attitudes have made their mark across the region. “As Jamaica goes, so goes the Caribbean,” says The Reverend Robert Griffin, Director of Religious Education and Christian Social Action at MCC Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale. Griffin says, too, that the local pop culture only fans the flames of bigotry, homophobia and violence. “When it comes to gays and lesbians, ‘if you see one, kill one’ is the conventional

wisdom you hear coming from the ‘dancehall’ crowd,” Griffin says, referring to the Jamaican genre of popular music. A version of reggae, dancehall also includes sometimes vicious lyrics that sound off on politics and religion. Dancehall music has been criticized by international groups for its violent and often hoJaMaiCanS: walKing for toleranCe mophobic lyrics. Although a teenager when he recorded Among the more outspoken anti-gay dancehall artists is Buju the song, Banton has never renounced it Banton, a Kingston-born musician arrested and has pointedly refused to sign the Regin Tamarac last December by the DEA on gae Compassionate Act, a musicians’ pledge charges he tried to sell five kilos of cocaine to to refrain from performing homophobic songs or making homophobic statements. undercover agents. Under Jamaican law, homosexuality is a Banton, whose trial in Tampa is scheduled to begin June 21, came under fire from crime punishable by ten years of hard labor. human rights groups because of the lyrics Victims of gay-bashing cannot go to the police to his song “Boom Bye Bye,” released in for fear of official abuse, assault and arrest. Gays and lesbians who are taken to the 1988 when he was 15 years old. They include references of distaste to- hospital following a hate crime often face the wards same-sex intimacy and the threat of added ordeal of openly-hostile hospital staff: violence. (“Two man hitch up on an rub up badly hurt victims of gay-bashing have been on, an lay down inna bed; Hug up on an- insulted by doctors and nurses and made to other anna feel up [the] leg: [instead] fi[nd] wait as much as 24 hours for treatment. Amnesty International reports that LGBT an [auto]matic an[d] [an] Uzi instead.”) persons have been “beaten, cut, burned, raped and shot on account of their sexuality.” The organization further confirms that Jamaican authorities, instead of assisting victims, are often themselves guilty of homophobic “violence and torture.” Since 1997, Amnesty International has documented the murders of 35 LGBT Jamaicans, and since 2008 it has catalogued more than 30 incidents of anti-gay mob violence. Sadly, much has failed to change in the more than five years since the release of “Hated to Death.” In the Spring of 2010, the data still suggests that the AIDS epidemic may be deepening in Jamaica and that unprotected sex is far more common than hoped. On April 7, leaders from the international movement of the Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) participated in the first pub-

lic HIV/AIDS march in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The Walk for Tolerance was sponsored by Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, the largest and oldest Jamaican non-profit organization providing support services to persons with HIV and AIDS. The Caribbean, including Jamaica, has the second-highest HIV infection rate in the world, behind sub-Saharan Africa. The United Nations estimates that 25,000 Jamaicans are infected with HIV; a significant number do not know that they have the virus. The goal of the public walk was to engender goodwill, support and tolerance for persons living with HIV and AIDS. The march drew 150 participants, and was hailed as a historic first for the Montego Bay community. Among the participants were Rev. Nancy Wilson, Presiding Elder and Moderator of MCC, along with Rev. Pat. Bumgardner, who chairs the church’s Global Justice Team, and Fort Lauderdale-based Griffin, who serves additionally as Staff Pastor for Sunshine Cathedral Jamaica and MCC Liaison to Jamaica. Wilson landed in Jamaica fresh off the White House Easter Prayer Breakfast chat-and-chew with President Barack Obama. Having spoken privately with the American chief executive prior to her departure, Wilson arrived in the British Commonwealth nation with the afterglow of the Presidential Presence. “The members and adherents of Metropolitan Community Churches stand in solidarity with all persons with HIV and AIDS,” said Wilson. “Jesus stood with those who were marginalized and rejected by their societies. Jesus loved those who had been made to feel like outcasts; Jesus welcomed such, embraced them, loved them and cared for them. Those who would be Jesus’ followers today must show God’s same extravagant love,” she added. Griffin notes the importance of gaining the support of members of government and media, and of identifying straight allies, of all political persuasions. “We want to influence the culture in a positive way without threatening all the good that Jamaica has to offer,” Griffin adds.

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

sFGN editorial 5/10/2010 Norm Kent, Publisher

The Hypocrisy of George Rekers “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.”— Plato, (427 BC – 347)

here are few things more ironic than Anderson Cooper covering a story about some one else covering up his homosexuality. But last week he did. AC 360 hosted a feature on CNN in which a young Miami man suggested he accompanied a nationally known anti-gay leader on a European vacation, providing pubic and personal services ‘down there.’ George Rekers, the person who rented the rent boy’s services, is claiming he just used him as a travel assistant, and no sex was involved. But today’s Miami New Times blog by Brandon Thorp and Penn Bullock, the young men who are the subject of our cover story, will blow that line out the window too. That said, George Rekers is the same expert witness paid by the State of Florida with your tax dollars to testify at a trial held to defend the laws against gays adopting in this state. Nice, your money went to pay a guy to say you can’t raise boys. But he can rent them. This man is an unadulterated hypocrite. You don’t go to the rentboy.com home page, which boldly reads, “Pimp yourself out today,” to find someone to carry your luggage. On Rentboy’s front page you find naked men with erect penises and ads for escorts and sex toys. I am guessing even an expert in heterosexual parenting might know this is a gay hook up site. There are no offers for ‘travel assistants’ on the home page. And I am guessing Rekers has been there before. The attempt by Rekers to say he hired the Rentboy model, Jo-vanni Roman, aka ‘Lucien,’ shows how remarkably stupid these right wing evangelists can be. It also proves their ‘testimonies’ and speeches are mindless, meaningless, and mendacious. These anti-gay critics fight the very homosexual contacts they cry out for. They censor the activity they cannot stay away from, thinking perhaps if they condemn the act they will distance their soul from the urges within which consume them. The Jimmy Swaggarts, Ted Haggards, and George Rekers evolve out of the same mold. They are

foolish men all, condemning others for what they cannot control in themselves. As for the escort, he is a nice young kid supplementing his income by offering himself out as a companion and more. He knows that involves massage and sex and more. He goes to hotel rooms and homes not knowing whether the person answering the door at the other end is a lonely gay man looking for a quick release or a married man seeking to escape his wife and kids. He just wants to make a quick buck and move on. He is not expecting to turn a trick in the Hyatt on a Friday and have the Larry King Show and Anderson Cooper calling on Saturday. A young kid exposed to this light can easily get burned. He is already being called a liar by Dr. Rekers. Now let’s turn to Brandon K. Thorp, a 27 year old theater critic for New Times. He and his partner, Penn Bullock, 21, a freelancer for a few publications, live in a small Wilton Manors apartment. They go home at night and feed their cats and along the way try to make ends meet. Thorp also moonlights as an employee of a not for profit foundation. You just don’t necessarily go from reviewing ‘Spring Awakening’ at the Arsht Center on a Tuesday, to having CBS News call you on Wednesday to ask you how you broke the story. They, too, are a bit overwhelmed, caught in a tumultuous whirlwind of publicity surrounding their revelations. On one hand, just another day in South Florida. On the other, let’s have a shout out to two young writers plying their craft and making news by writing news. Similarly, let’s praise Jo-vanni Roman, a young male sex worker, who took a plane ride which took him to London one day and national scrutiny the next. To his credit, he has risen to the occasion, revealing the truth, standing by it, and sharing it with the public. It was not something he bargained for when he put an ad in Rentboy sharing the size of his manhood and the sexual positions he favored. The message to all these young men, as it was to the student who stood naked before a cannon on April 14, 1989 in Tiananmen Square, is sometimes the world comes calling, and you have to answer the bell.

Letters, We Got Letters Comment on:

DRiViNG WiLToN: GRouP HoPes To NARRoW TRAFFiC, iMPRoVe sAFeTy oN WiLToN DRiVe (4/26): Dear Letters to the Editor: The members of the Main Street program in Wilton Manors could better serve their time joisting with windmills rather than wasting it attempting to get Empress Mayor Resnick and her court of Commissioner Jesters to lower themselves to the level of the common people and provide any sort of comfort in the form of shade trees on Wilton Drive. The Main Street Program has been in existence for years and submitted various plans to each succeeding Emperor and Empress who have lorded it over the business owners and residents of Wilton Manors and not engaged the City in planting a single shade tree along Wilton Drive between the Drive the sidewalk to give shelter to shoppers and pedestrians from the unrelenting Florida summer sun.

Empress Resnick made sure that when she was one of the Commissioner Jesters that a new building would be constructed for her to rule from and that no shade providing trees would be planted along the front of the building, most likely as to not ruin the sport of watching speeding vehicles running over pedestrians on the Drive while no marked police vehicle is ever stationed on the Drive during busy business nights to slow down those speeding vehicles. Empress Resnick and her Jesters know putting a vote about taking over Wilton Drive from the State and landscaping it with shade trees to the cash strapped voters of Wilton Manors will end up in defeat as only about 14% of the voters will most likely turn out as they did during the last election as the majority of registered voters seem more interested in dialing for Dick on the Internet rather than voting. Marie Antoinette was quoted as saying, “Let Them Eat Cake,” in regard to her subjects starving with no bread to eat.While Empress Resnick sits in her newly built air conditioned City Hall office, the motto of devoid of shade Wilton Manors seems to be, “Let Them Bake.” Richard Claycomb Fort Lauderdale, FL

Cutting riBBonS or Cutting CornerS?: Mayor reSniCK at a CereMony in hagen ParK

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Lee Lynch

The Amazon Trail We Are Living History

p on the podium is a short, wide dyke in a cowboy hat. Next to her is a shirtless gay guy in leather pants, suspenders and cap. They take turns at the mike, exhorting the crowd. Down in the audience a slight balding man in a pink tutu periodically does demi-plies as he applauds the speakers. Back a few rows two white-haired women, one in a wheelchair, are so moved they are crying. Millions of gay people have now witnessed scenes like this. They’ve been happening for at least 40 years now. It’s an ongoing story with the makings of history even as we live it, even as gay historians document it. When my first few books were published, readers thanked me for depicting our history. I’d explain at readings that I wasn’t writing history, that I was writing reality as it is experienced by many gays who aren’t

on the ramparts. The stomping diesel dykes who wear high heels to work and effeminate male hairdressers who are still married to women, for example, are not anachronisms. They are alive and well and always would be with us in some form or other. History happens in daily life. The first time a teacher came out to her school principal, she made history. Teachers continue coming out today. History is an accumulation of these acts. When I meet young readers I can see that nothing but the present is real to them. The way they see it, a book I wrote twenty-five years ago depicts history, while to me it’s my reality. My fictionalcharacters dress with a style that could seem a bit stale to kids with piercings and tattoos, but is true to the dykes I see. The irony is that I have always been bored silly by history. I would never purposely

write an historical romance. At the library today I was perusing a two-volume edition of Herman Wouk’s War and Remembrance. In his introduction, he called those towering novels historical romances even though all the events happened in his lifetime. Maybe I have been writing history all along. I really hated world civ in college. This weird teacher would climb on the long table at the front of the auditorium and pace, gesticulating wildly with his mic. It was hard to concentrate on Roman Emperors and Visigoths while waiting for him to fall off. In section classes he’d have us, college students, color in maps. He provided the crayons. I learned best from teachers who were passionate about their subjects. Guys like him bled passion out of history. What if the schools had taught gay history, would I have liked the subject then? Well, they couldn’t. It wasn’t documented back then. We had no pictures of gay heroes, no Gayttysberg Address to memorize, no significant dates about which to write reports. Gay history was left to the novelists: Gale Wilhelm, Radclyffe Hall, Gore Vidal, Mary Renault. Today, because our history has become

Leslie Robinson

The Lot of the LGBT elder

s if arthritis and profuse nose hair weren’t enough. Aging is already loaded with physical and emotional challenges. Now we hear that LGBT elders face a distinct set of burdens in addition. It gives growing old all the appeal of a colostomy bag. Called the first major collaboration between LGBT groups and mainstream organizations for the elderly, a report called “Improving the Lives of LGBT Older Adults” lays out the problems LGBT seniors face and offers recommendations. A twink’s recommendation might be, Just don’t grow old! It’s hard when you’re young to imagine yourself over 40, let alone 70. But aging happens to every soul on the planet. Unless you see to it that you depart the planet early, determined to be a pretty corpse. At 46, I’m showing signs of aging, from gray hair to assorted aches to wrinkles morphing into crevices. I’m on my way to elder-

hood—if I’m lucky—and I insist that all these LGBT-specific probMiChelle oBaMa greetS elder lgBt aCtiviSt franK lems be fixed before I qualify for KaMeny in waShington dC. Medicare. Given how my back feels right now, there’s no way it will support be- of it, contrary to stereotype. “LGBT older adults are poorer and less financially secure ing old AND discriminated against. The report on the lives of LGBT elders than American elders as a whole due to a was co-authored by the Movement Advance- lifetime of discrimination compounded by ment Project (MAP) and Services & Ad- major laws and safety net programs that fail vocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Trans- to protect and support LGBT elders equally.” The report examines the impact of everygender Elders (SAGE) in cahoots with the American Society on Aging, the National thing from Social Security to estate taxes. Senior Citizens Law Center, and the Center I’m so glad there are people out there who for American Progress. AARP provided the undertake the scrutinizing of such imporforeword, lending the whole affair a certain tant subjects. If I had to analyze Medicaid and long-term care I’d drift into a coma— geriatric panache. According to the abstract on MAP’s Web requiring Medicaid and long-term care. The second area of concern is health and site, the report hones in on three bugaboo areas for LGBT seniors. And no, the diffi- health care. It’s trickier for LGBT seniors to culty of singing “I Am What I Am” with ill- stay healthy, for reasons including inhospitable health care environments, nursing fitting false teeth is not one of them. The first is money. Gay elders have less homes that fail to protect gay seniors, and

visible, it has also started to look more like our present. The tattooed baby gays are keyboarding us: churning out stories of the here and now that reflect this new world. They’re doing love scenes between characters who can legally marry and mysteries featuring party boys unabashedly mobbing the streets. The tableau of the gay guy and the gay woman at the podium is a sign of both early and later post Stonewall years; they couldn’t get more current, yet they’re making history. The lesbian pushing her lover’s wheelchair and the gay boy dancing for joy in a pink tutu are living history. Their acts become bedrock we stand on. Every book a gay person writes about a gay life, every time we come out to a boss—or every time we hide while the bigots win elections—we may think we’re just living our lives, but we’re actually determining our history. Lee is a former Express Gay News columnist and well known lesbian author who has been proudly writing lesbian stories since the 1960s when she was a frequent contributor to The Ladder, the only lesbian publication at the time. She now lives in Valrico, Florida.

medical decision-making laws that shut out LGBT elders’ partners. Just reading how hard it is to get healthy makes you sick. The third area of particular difficulty is LGBT elders are more likely to be socially isolated. “Despite a high level of resilience and strong friendship networks, social isolation has still been found to be higher among LGBT older adults.” The idea of a previously animated social butterfly sitting with his wings clipped in a lonely apartment makes me want to cry. A waste of fabulousness. The report notes that gay elders are more likely to live alone. They also face housing discrimination, which may mean separation from loved ones. Further, LGBT elders can feel as welcome in senior centers as dry rot. Another reason for LGBT elders’ social isolation is they “often lack support from, and feel unwelcome in, the broader LGBT community.” I don’t doubt it. Gay men especially put such a premium on youth, holding off aging like it’s a rampaging movie monster. We don’t celebrate our elders; we collude in keeping them hidden. It’s time to make gay seniors a glamour group. And soon—like the moment I become a member.

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May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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GLseN To HoNoR CyNDi LAuPeR AMoNG oTHeRs 7th Annual Respect Awards take place May 24 By Joey Amato

LseN, the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, will honor Cyndi Lauper, Pfizer, American Express, and David Dechman and Michel Mercure at the seventh annual Respect Awards – New york on Monday, May 24, at Gotham Hall.

GLSEN will also recognize its Student Advocate of the year, presented by AT&T, an honor given to a student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and a courageous voice in efforts to promote respect for Cyndi lauPer ShowS her true ColorS at the graMMyS all students. The Respect Awards, held annua company with a long history of supporting ally in Los Angeles and New york, recognize LGBT inclusive policies and practices. Ameriindividual and corporate leaders who have can Express is driving innovation by connecthelped propel GLSEN’s efforts to ensure safe ing employees, merchants and customers schools for all of America’s students, regard- through its LGBT employee networks and less of sexual orientation or gender identity. diverse market efforts. The Inspiration Award will be presented to The company’s PRIDE employee network, Cyndi Lauper for her LGBT advocacy over established in 1990, now has nine chapthe years. Lauper founded the True Colors ters across the globe with more than 1000 Fund in 2008 to inspire and engage everyone, members. American Express ranks number particularly the straight community, to be12 on the DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for come involved in the advancement of LGBT Diversity, as well as appearing on the Top 10 equality and selected GLSEN as its official list for LGBT Employees. education partner. David Dechman and Michel Mercure will Pfizer will be the recipient of the Corporeceive the Lifetime Achievement Award. rate Role Model Award. The drug maker’s The two were among GLSEN’s very first diversity and inclusion aspiration is straightmajor supporters and were instrumental in forward: We will be an industry leader and building the organization from the ground one of the Top 10 global corporations in up. Dechman was the first openly gay partDiversity and Inclusion. For seven consecuner at Goldman Sachs and is the co-founder tive years, Pfizer has scored a perfect 100 on and CEO of Summit Rock Advisors. Mercure the HRC Corporate Equality Index and was is the founder and president of AD+ Incorthe first pharmaceutical company to achieve porated, a large format printing company. that distinction. Dechman and Mercure are active in many The Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion philanthropic organizations including the Gill award will be presented to American Express, Foundation.

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Top Ny Court Grants Lesbian Visitation Rights Ruling Protects Children from Trauma of Separation

By Michael Virtanen Associated Press Writer ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ New York’s top court ruled Tuesday that a woman whose lesbian partner gave birth following their civil union in Vermont has parental rights including visitation. The Court of Appeals was divided 4-3 in upholding its 19-year-old precedent that biological connection or adoption generally establishes those rights under state law. But all seven judges agreed that the woman has standing to claim visitation rights in New York based on recognition of other states’ laws. The decision allows the woman, identified only as Debra H., to seek visitation and shared custody at a court hearing on what would be in the child’s best interests. “The availability of second parent adoption to New Yorkers of the same sex negates any suggestion that recognition of parentage based on a Vermont civil union would conflict with our state’s public policy,’’ Judge Susan Read wrote for the majority. New York lawmakers have not legalized samesex marriage or civil unions. The woman’s partner was artificially inseminated and the couple separated three years later. Her ex-partner began cutting off contact with the child two years after that. Once-weekly visitation has continued while the case went through appeals. Both women live in New York City and had visited Ver-

mont for their civil union ceremony. The court majority declined to set aside the “bright line rule’’ requiring adoption or biological parental connections, saying it “promotes certainty in the wake of domestic breakups otherwise fraught with the risk of ‘disruptive ... battle(s).’’’ While many states have laws establishing visitation or custody rights for others, such as primary longtime caregivers, Read wrote that would take legislative action in New York, not revamping legal precedent. In her majority opinion Tuesday in a related lawsuit, Judge Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick wrote that in “countless’’ cases, the requirement for adoption or biological connection has constrained lower courts dealing with nontraditional relationships, forcing them to either “permanently sever strongly formed bonds’’ or engage in “deft legal maneuvering’’ to explain taking steps to preserve them. In that case, also involving a lesbian couple, the judges concluded Tuesday that Family Court has authority to determine whether a female ex-partner is a parent and

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must pay child support. The biological mother who was artificially inseminated filed for support from her expartner, saying they planned to conceive and raise a child together, though her partner left four months after the birth. Ciparick wrote that since Family Court unquestionably has jurisdiction to determine support obligations of a female parent, it also has ``the inherent authority to ascertain in certain cases whether a female respondent is, in fact, a child’s parent.’’ The top court sent the case back to a lower court and took no position on the merits of the child support claim. Judge Robert Smith, in a concurring opinion, wrote that the positions of the expartners who are not biological parents is an increasingly common one and existing legal approaches often leave a child with only one parent. ``To put a large and growing number of our state’s children in that status seems wrong to me,’’ he said. Smith proposed a rule for lesbian couples that would generally presume a child conceived through artificial insemination with the knowledge and consent of both adults

living together is legally the child of both. An analysis of census data from 2005 showed 50,854 households in New York of same-sex couples, men or women, with 18,335 children in them, said Susan Sommer, an attorney for Lamba Legal, a national legal organization that promotes equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Children are devastated when wrenched away from people who in every practical sense are parents, Sommer said, and the larger solution lies with the state Legislature approving legal recognition for them. “It’s a sadly common occurrence,’’ said Sommer, who represented Debra H. ``We get dozens and dozens of calls to our office seeking help in those kinds of cases.’’ Attorney Sheri Eisenpress said her client, identified in the ruling as Janice R., is considering an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court and agreed the ruling appears to be narrowly drawn to affect only couples where a child was born following a civil union. Eisenpress said her client ``feels like she intentionally declined to allow this person to adopt her son, and now she’s being forced to co-parent with somebody she doesn’t want to.’’ “There needs to be some clear guidelines ... as to who is a parent and when they’ve become a parent,’’ Eisenpress said. “Certainly if she knew by entering into a civil union she would be conferring parental rights on Debra H. she wouldn’t have done it.’’

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

PFLAG offers support to Friends & Family By Joey Amato

any gay people forget that it may be equally as difficult for straight friends and loved ones to accept their lifestyle as it is for them to live an openly gay life. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) was

Pflag deMonStration in front of CaPitol

created for the purpose of helping straight individuals understand and support the LGBT community. The organization was formed in 1973 by Jeanne Manford after she marched with her gay son in New York’s Pride Day parade. During the celebration, many gay and lesbian people ran up to Jeanne and begged her to speak to their parents about how to support their lifestyle. As a result, Manford formed PFLAG. “Currently, PFLAG operates over 500 chapters in 14 countries around the globe,” states Carole Benowitz, PFLAG Florida State Coordinator. A far cry from the 20 members who attended the organization’s first meeting in 1973. Benowitz currently oversees all 28 Florida chapters as well as those in Puerto Rico and Mexico. The tremendous growth of the organization can be partially attributed to a “Dear Abby” advice column in 1980 which mentioned the organization. PFLAG received over 7,000 letters as a result of the column and in 1981, members decided to launch a

national initiative. Consequently, the first PFLAG office was established in Los Angeles under founding President, Adele Starr. Over the years, PFLAG’s mission has never changed. “Our primary goal has always been to give support to LGBT people, and to their families and friends,” Benowitz states. In addition, the group wants to educate and enlighten an ill-informed public and end discrimination. “One of our more recent goals is to make schools safe for LGBT youth, who are coming out at an earlier age.” Benowitz, who became involved with the organization in 1991, is quick to state that PFLAG has an open-door policy. “We are a support group and do not charge for services or literature.” Support is available for Spanish speaking members as well. Despite being a large organization, PFLAG still relies mainly on grassroots marketing for growth. In addition to becoming involved with gay and non-gay events, Benowitz has created her own efforts. “I am an in your face PFLAG mom. I wear my PFLAG pin everywhere and educate everyone I come in contact with about the group.” Benowitz is a proud parent of her son Neil, who has been with his partner Paul for over 20 years. The organization is continuing to grow in South Florida and Benowitz encourages the LGBT community to get involved with PFLAG and help spread the word. For more information, please contact Carole Benowitz at pflag@pobox.com or visit Pflag.org.

etz Chaim screens the Best and Worst of Times

he Jewish Americans is a six hour, three-part PBS documentary that explores 350 years of Jewish American history. Congregation Etz Chaim will be screening Part Three, “The Best of Times, The Worst of Times”, which covers the modernday era, on Wednesday, May 19th, at 7 pm. Congregation Etz Chaim is located at 1881 NE 26th Street in Wilton Manors. The event is free, free, free, and is part of their ‘Movie Mogul’ series. Written and directed by award-winning filmmaker David Grubin, The Jewish Americans is a journey through time, from the first settlement in 1654 to the present. It is about the struggle of a tiny minority who make their way into the American mainstream while, at the same time, maintaining a sense of their own identity as Jews. Focusing on the tension between identity and assimilation, The Jewish Americans is quintessentially an American story, which other minority groups will find surprisingly familiar. Narrated by actor Liev Schreiber, this landmark series features Jewish Americans who

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have made significant contributions to American life – from Louis D. Brandeis and Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Henry Morgenthau, Hank Greenberg, Betty Friedan, Molly Goldberg, Carl Reiner, Sid Caesar, and Tony Kushner. However this story is also about Jewish American tailors and shopkeepers, soldiers and bankers, peddlers and merchants, labor organizers and civil rights activists, all of whom also helped shape the American landscape.

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May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

LeGeNDARy ARTisT To MAke TWo GuesT APPeARANCes iN CoCoNuT GRoVe By Joey Amato

Miami Celebrates the Return of Peter Max

n impressive collection by American pop-icon, Peter Max will be available for viewing and acquisition at the Max in the Grove Gallery in Coconut Grove beginning May 8 and extending through May 16. Fans of Max’s work will have the opportunity to meet Peter Max himself during two appearances scheduled for Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16. With paintings on exhibition in hundreds of museums and galleries worldwide, Max and his vibrant colors have become part of the fabric of contemporary culture. Max has been successively called a Pop Icon, Neo Fauvist, Abstract Expressionist and the United State’s “Painter Laureate.” This exhibit features some of Max’s most celebrated paintings including the Barak Obama portraits, the iconic Statue of Liberty and his new life size portrait of former Miami Heat superstar Shaquille O’Neil. Max’s famous “Flag” pieces, “Umbrella Man” and the prestigious 10 Cent Stamp bearing the title “Preserve the Environment” will also be on display. Max talks about his latest project. “I wanted to make the painting of Shaq larger than life,” said Max. “But painting him to his actual dimensions was mind boggling itself. When people saw it at my studio they couldn’t believe that it was just life size.” Taking on a life size portrait of the 7’1” NBA star seems large, but pales in comparison to some of Max’s other projects including painting a $160 million Boeing 777 for Continental Airlines and a 500 ft. stage for the Woodstock ‘99 Music Festival. “Shaq’s great personality matches his physical stature,” states Max. “He has been a pleasure to get to know and I am proud to have him as a new friend.” In addition to the works on display during the exhibition, Max has also created portraits of six U.S. Presidents including Carter, Reagan, Clinton and Bush, The Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Mickey Mantle and Muhammad Ali, just to name a few. For more information about Peter Max, one of America’s most well-known and most collected artists visit Petermax.com. Max in the Grove Gallery Receptions with Peter Max: Saturday, May 15, 7pm - 10pm Sunday, May 16, 1pm - 4pm 786.313.332 (RSVP)

Nightlife by J.W. Arnold

Where the Girls AreÉ . Aqua Girl Comes to south Florida

housands of women will converge on Miami Beach this weekend for one of the most popular weekends on the women’s circuit, Aqua Girl. Founded in 1999, the weeklong festivities benefit the Aqua Girl Foundation, which promotes equality, strength, health and visibility of LGBT women through grants to local organizations. Miami Beach will begin to heat up on Wednesday, May 12 with the Lady Luck Bowl-a-thon at Lucky strike, 1691 Michigan Ave.Admission is $9.95, but for $15 you get two games and shoe rental. Thursday night’s party is Traffic Jam at Dream, 1691 Washington Ave.All the hot ladies will be wearing colored glow necklaces and you know the drill: red means she’s taken, yellow means approach with caution, and a green is full speed ahead. Look for hot go-go girls and outrageous drag kings, too.Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Enjoy fun in the sun Friday afternoon, May 15, at the splash pool party at the Surfcomber Hotel, 1717 Collins Ave. and don’t forget your sunscreen. DJs Just steph and Zenho will be providing the music.Admission is $9.95 in advance and $15 at the door. Comedian elvira kurt performs for the ladies at the Colony Theater on Lincoln Rd. later on Friday evening with an 8 p.m. show. A veteran of the famed Second City comedy troupe and star of Comedy Network’s “Popcultured,” Kurt will have the girls in stitches. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. After laughing the evening away, the girls will get their Latin groove on at Nikki Beach, 1 Ocean Dr., for Havana Nights. DJs Tatiana and Citizen Jane will provide sizzling sounds at this upscale party.Tickets are $30

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

in advance and $35 at the door. On saturday, more than 2000 women will head back to the Surfcomber pool for the the Aqua Beach pool party.The Miami Heat Dancers will add some sizzle to the party, which costs $19.95 in advance and $25 at the door. The party moves downtown Saturday with Paradise at Mekka, 950 NE 2nd Ave. Wynter Garden will be performing live at the signature dance event of the weekend.Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Strict dress code will be enforced. The weekend wraps up sunday with two very popular events: Aqualicious tea dance at klutch, 136 Collins Ave., from 2 to 7 p.m. and Afterglow at score on Lincoln Rd.The boys are invited to Aqualicious and go-go girls and boys have been lined up to provide some sexy eye candy.Tickets for Aqualicious are $19.95 in advance and $25 at the door and tickets for Afterglow are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. These are just a few of the events of the week. For more information and tickets, go to AquaGirl.org.

MEANWHILE, UP IN BROWARD COUNTy… he dancers at Johnny’s have a reputation in South Florida for being among the hottest performers and now the world will get a chance to see for themselves on Mondays, May 10 and 17.The bar will be broadcasting the first gay talent competition and with $10,000 in prizes, we’re sure it will be a great show. Go to JohnnysGotTalent.com for all the details. Popular local sports bar sidelines on Wilton Dr. celebrates its fourth anniversary this week with four days of food and drink specials and raffles.The festivities culminate on Wednesday, May 12 with a free buffet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Happy Birthday and congratulations to everyone at Sidelines. She’s baaaack! Popular songstress Debra Hampton is back at Galanga Thai kitchen and sushi Bar on Thursdays nights performing on the patio beginning at 7:30 p.m. Sip on a $3 lycheetini and enjoy the mellow sounds of one of South Florida’s most distinctive performers. Reservations recommended by calling (954) 202-0000. Galanga is located at 2389 Wilton Dr. in Wilton Manors. We hear the Depot, a friendly neighborhood watering hole, is heating things up on the weekends with sexy dancers taking the stage on Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 9 p.m. you can find the boys at 1243 NE 11th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.

Apple Rejects Gay sightseeing App By Joey Amato

hile Apple has given the go ahead to promote controversial gay male social networking applications such as Grindr and BoyAhoy, the Cupertino-based firm has twice given a thumbs-down to what they call a “racy” gay sightseeing app. Anthony Grant, co-creator of “Gay New york: 101 Can’t-Miss Places” calls the rejection “homophobic and discriminatory to the point of hostile.” The app was the vision of Grant, a contributing writer to Forbes and New York Times, in conjunction with San Franciscobased technology company Sutro Media. Apple wrote Grant to reject the application, taking issue with images that show too much skin and a caricature of former

vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin. But Grant says “far racier photographic material is routinely available on other apps” and his images of a go-go boy wearing a Speedo and the reproduction of a male nude painting are PG-13 by comparison. “This is all part of gay culture,” Grant states, “which happens to bring tons of money into this city.” Apple provided Grant with screenshots of the images the company objected to, and encouraged him to resubmit the app for review if he could make the necessary changes. The company has previously come under fire for rejecting mildly racy images from smaller app publishers while accepting apps from the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition and Playboy, in addition to other controversial apps.

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

BoyAhoy Making Waves in social Networking Competes with Grindr for Market Share By Joey Amato

“Who Checked you Out?”, “Buzz” and “My Hotlist”, a feature which organizes a s if the concept of member’s list of hot guys Grindr isn’t scary with pictures and status enough, yet another gay updates. social networking apUnlike other apps, BoyAhoy plication is on the market also offers the ability to send and gaining share on its users virtual gifts and get extra competitor. BoyAhoy is attention through the “Look described as a mobile gay At Me” feature. “These feadating application and the tures have to be purchased by future of dating. users and is one of the ways Like Grindr, BoyAhoy we are generating revenue uses both location-based since we do not charge for the and real-time interface systems, which allow users to connect, chat, initial download,” states Wiklund. During my test of the app, I found it was and share pictures with people nearby. Christian Wiklund, developer of BoyAhoy inferior to Grindr. Not only were no more than two people “online” at any time, but tells SFGN that the company currently is some users who were interested in chatting proud to boast over 260,000 subscribers with me were located 2,000 miles away. Talk and is growing. “It’s really rewarding to be able to connect people in real-time,” states about a long-distance relationship. However, this would have been underWiklund. The company plans on adding standable since the app is fairly new, but 40,000 users this month alone. Based in San Francisco, the company also Wiklund informed me that Miami was the 5th largest market for the company, Los operates a website, offering non iPhone Angeles being the largest. owners the ability to utilize BoyAhoy’s features. Wiklund is fast to note the differences between his company and the competition. Guys interested in opening an account can visit “We offer many features which Grindr BoyAhoy.com. iPhone owners can download the doesn’t.” Some Wiklund mentions are called application for free from the iPhone App Store

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May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Music Review

ALLeT GALA Get ready for clowns, intrigue, and magic, not to mention more wonderful dancing, as Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida gears up for its last performance of the season. Artistic Director, Vladimir Issaev, is bringing back Harlequinade, a ballet that has been all but forgotten, and once again, his creativity and ingenuity combine with his reverence for the classics, allowing him to create a ballet that sparkles with fresh inspiration while still remaining true to its roots. Along with Harlequinade, the company is bringing back the neo-classical Glinka Suite Fantastique, Don Quixote, El Encuentro, and Spring Waters. May 14-15 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.Tickets start at $25. www. browardcenter.org.

oAN JeTT & THe BLACkHeARTs Rock icon Joan Jett is back in South Florida and will be performing all our her greatest hits including “I Love Rock & Roll”, “Crimson & Clover” and “I Hate Myself for Loving you.” Come see this extraordinary performer rock the house

Joan Jett

along with the legendary Blackhearts. May 15 at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. Tickets start at $35. www.seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com.

AZZ oN THe LATiN siDe: NeGRoNiÕ s TRio Pianist/composer José Negroni, drummer Nomar Negroni and bassist Marco Panascia are one of Miami’s hottest jazz ensembles. Their “straight ahead” jazz weaves dramatic lyricism punctuated by explosive rhythmical play. Negroni blazes “a percussive trail and dares his audience to keep up” -- All About Jazz. Don’t miss this exciting trio, nominated for the 2008 Album of the year. May 12 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $35. www.browardcenter.org.

For that, the album is brimming with ballads, and though there’s nothing as epic as the career-catapulting “Un-Break My Heart,” that By Chris Azzopardi doesn’t mean she can’t cut a solid slowie nearly 15 years later. “yesterday” meddles Hunter Valentine LessoNs FRoM THe LATe NiGHT in the omnipresent modern-day mold. If not remarkably original, it’s still a damn good Hunter Valentine play tough, but undiva moment. Better are the goosebumpsderneath the rowdy rock spasms of the giving vocals on “Woman” (dramatic pause all-lesbian band’s music lies heartbreak and relationship woes. The Toronto threesome’s included!) and “If I Have to Wait,” making it clear that Braxton’s still best when she’s third album – the follow-up to their first breaking hearts. full-length released in 2007 – is impressive, embracing the quality-over-quantity adage at Grade: B just seven songs totaling a measly, but mighty, kaki king 23 minutes. Each one baits with irresistJuNioR ible hooks and Kiyomi McCloskey’s rousing Even with more singing, the masterful temper tantrums, shredding the angsty lyrics like a lawn mower plowing through a field. If guitarist’s wistful fifth album is an inescapable Bermuda Triangle of dreamy and hypnotic radio would embrace real lez love, and not just in the cheap doing-it-drunk way, Hunter sounds. King’s a better guitar player than vocalist, as she’s proved with early instrumenValentine could have a shot at seizing a wider audience of punk-rock peeps that dig tal-only projects, but still a genius capable of creating crescendos that suck you deep into hardcore queer bands like The Cliks. They their epicenter. No surprise, then, that the thrash through the first five songs with aggressive control, singing of broken promises best cut on the album is one of the few that and trust on the defiant “Treadmills of Love” are vocal-less: “My Nerves that Committed Suicide.” So moving that it speaks to you and the in-your-face “Revenge.” There’s even without a voice. a frenzied sprint to “Barbara Jean” and a sing-along refrain to the grunge-rock of “The kate Nash Stalker,” but these girls clean up nicely, too: My BesT FRieND is you “A youthful Existence” is a quieter tale of As “I’ve Got a Secret” fizzes out and this belonging, emoting with lines like, “There is British alt-rocker intones “homophobic some place left for you.” Hunter Valentine pricks” in this coming-out cut, how can might not fit in, but they sure do stand out. you not like her? The sophomore CD from Grade: B+ the MySpace-launched wonder is almost as likable, exploring relationship facets with a Toni Braxton hard-edged bite and lots of bad language. PuLse What a bitch it’s been for past-their-prime Sometimes going R-rated over radio-friendly works, like on retro-ed “Do-Wah-Doo,” but pop divas like Mariah,Whitney and Toni when she pushes too hard with the sexual Braxton.To stay cool, they’ve had to take cues from the “kids,” indulge in Auto-Tune spoken-word riff “Mansion Song” she risks alienation with indignation. and hang with rappers. But if Whitney can take a crack at it (excuse the pun) Natalie Merchant and muster something that’s decent enough to endure, Braxton can pull it off LeAVe youR sLeeP This isn’t how Natalie Merchant left us with flying rainbow colors even if she’s before going on a seven-year hiatus.Whereas swinging outside her R&B roots. She 2003 found the former 10,000 Maniacs frontcan still sing, for one – though almost woman doing straight-up folk, this sprawling everything she’s released in the last literary double-disc undertaking shifts into faidecade has been meager compared rytale whimsy and Celtic-sounding songs – all to her ’90s output. So what’s a diva to complimented with an elaborate storybook do? Go gayer. “Make My Heart,” the that’s definitely something to marvel over. As second single, is a supersonic discofor the 26 songs, they’re all non-mainstream, dance song with the clubs in mind. ambitious and off in their own world. One It’s not bad, but it isn’t a showpiece that brings sleep more than leaves it. for her voice’s multi-toned dexterity.

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

CHeLy WRiGHT Troubled Country Music songstress Comes out

By Joey Amato

hely Wright may now be one of the most popular stars in country music, but although she scored chart-topping success with the track “Single White Female”, it is her sexuality which has propelled her to current superstardom. Last week, Wright became the first country musician to openly declare her homosexuality. This may not seem like a big accomplishment for some people, but in Nashville, being gay is almost frowned upon, especially on Music Row. “I lived in Nashville for 20 years and nobody knew I was gay,” Wright tells SFGN. “I’ve been called a humanitarian, a great American and now, I’m proud to say that I can be called a lesbian.” Wright was living much of her life in isolation. “I was hiding my true feelings and losing friendships I made along the way. I

stopped being invited to parties because I was afraid to bring my partner, so I didn’t go. After a while, people stopped calling me.” It was around that time when she began to go into a downward spiral. Although Wright came out to her sister in 2004 and her father in 2005, she still hid her sexuality from her friends and fellow musicians. “I was in a very dark and scary place. I attempted suicide in 2006. I actually had the barrel of a gun in my mouth. Something made me stop from pulling the trigger,” Chely stated. “I guess at some point, we all hit rock bottom.” instead of taking her own life, began writing about her tribulations in the form of song. The story begins in the winter of 2006, with a heartbroken Wright self-exiled herself to her bedroom, living in her pajamas, began putting pen to paper, opening her heart to the world. “I was going through a very rough time in my life.The songs are a reflection of

that time period,” stated Wright. “I was on the verge of breaking down and couldn’t live a lie. I kept running but where do I hide?” Wright decided to reveal her sexuality to her entire family and friends in the summer of 2007, but the groundwork for her latest album had already been laid. The heartbreak and struggles Wright endured can he heard on her latest album Lifted off the Ground. The album would never have come to be were it not for an equally dramatic personal transformation, which she has candidly and painstakingly documented both in music and in words in her autobiography, Like Me. After writing a dozen or so songs, Wright reached out to one of her musical heroes, Grammy-Award winning producer Rodney Crowell. She barely knew him, but she’d somehow captured his number in her cell phone, so she called him cold and asked if she could come see him. Minutes later, she

was standing on Rodney’s porch, guitar in hand. To Wright’s relief, Rodney then offered his musical and personal support. “Making a record is like a marriage,” Wright states,“you need to reveal everything, so I came out to Rodney in hopes to make a better record.” Crowell, along with Wright agreed that if Chely were going to come out publicity, she would have to do it right. “I didn’t want to say it and then chase my tail and defend my faith, truth and integrity. There were very profound reasons why I hid for so long and I wanted young people who may be like me in small town America to understand that it is okay to be who you are. Even though someone may listen to Justin Timberlake or the Black Eyed Peas, they can still relate to my story.” Both Wright’s album and autobiography are now available in stores. To learn more about Chely Wright, please visit her website Chely.com.

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

south Florida Chefs unite to Fight Hunger 19th Annual Taste of the Nation: May 13

Gelati Martini Lounge: La Dolce Vita By A. Sebastian Fortino

which often overwhelms gazpacho, did not do so here. The garlic and spices added a uy Le Houx recently opened Ge- nuanced, well-rounded bite. I had the Creole Cold Cucumber soup, which was divine. The lati Martini, a savory sister to his already successful Gelato Station, texture is akin to creamy chèvre cheese. The Salmon Enchiladas – like the gazpaa few doors down. The interior boasts café tables, and comfy, club style chairs for you to cho—were an unusual take on a standard sit in while you sip and nibble. The menu and dish. Spinach tortillas were filled with salmon, baby spinach, and covered in a sherry cream atmosphere are reminiscent of an upscale Italian bar, something you might find in Milan sauce, topped with creamy Fontina cheese. The dish was decadent without being heavy but certainly not a sleepy Italian village. and gave balance to the robust flavors. Enthusiasts of Italian travel know that a The Niçoise Salad is not your standard bar isn’t only for cocktails. In Italian bar’s tuna, string beans, piece of ham affair, too patrons stop by for espresso in the mornoften presented at eateries with European ing, then perhaps for a panino and wine at lunch. After dinner, people meet friends for a flair. Gelati Martini’s Niçoise merges blackened bay scallops, capers, black olives, and wild rice. The freshness of the greens and the smokiness of the scallops really made this item stand out. As the name implies, Guy has not left everything sweet a few doors down. For dessert he has a new concept: luscious, homemade gelati or sorbetti, served in a martini glass, infused with an array of liqueurs. Names like Marlene Dietrich, and Coco “digestivo”—Italian for “desert drink”. Chanel playfully title the martinis. My guest When my friend and I went to Gelati, we dined outside. Server Dani and manager John opted for the Shirley Jones—rich dulce de took excellent care of us. The menu revolves leché cheesecake gelato, kissed with apple rum and fresh whipped cream. I was tempted every six weeks, with weekly wine specials. by Coco but went with Carlo Ponti. The For our first course we went with the crisp Italian director is honored with mocha coffee Catrala Sauvignon Blanc, with peachy, citrus, grassy tones. For our main dishes we had the gelato infused with coffee liqueur, topped with a shot of espresso and chocolate fudge. ruby-colored Catrala Merlot, with bursts of Each martini is a luscious, sophisticated way smoky oak and berry flavors. First we sampled the Truffle Mousse, Spin- for an adult to enjoy an ice cream confection. Guy and his staff hope to make Gelati Marach Artichoke Dip, and a Seafood Cheese tini Lounge a destination for regulars and occaDip. Each ramekin was trimmed with fresh sional guests alike.Whether you come weekly herbs and surrounded by gourmet crackfor a meal or only when he has live music ers. The mousse was my favorite—the rich scheduled, you’ll be able to capture a little bit truffle flavor tempered by the addition of liver. The Seafood Cheese Dip reminded me of Italian bar culture on Wilton Drive. of Greek Taramosalata, but was much lighter. For more information please call My friend Darren had the Andalusia 954.537.7731 or stop in to say ‘Ciao!’ at Gazpacho. The appearance and taste is more 2037 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. subtle than traditional gazpacho. Tomato,

COURTESy OF GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

By Joey Amato

are Paul & young Ron of BIG 105.9. More than 45 of the city’s finest chefs and restaurants will participate in the tasty event. Along with Event Chairwoman Kelly Murphy and Chef Chairman James Dean Max of 3030 Ocean in Fort Lauderdale, participants will include top award winning restaurants and chefs from the two-county area, providing guests with the opportunity to enjoy the city’s finest foods paired with perfect wines. In addition to fabulous food and drinks, this year’s event will feature exciting live and silent auctions with once in a lifetime items including rare and boutique wine lots, wine dinners, and exotic vacations such as trips to Costa Rica and the Bahamas. Event General Admission tickets are $90.00. The VIP Chef Reception, offering a pre- event party with an opportunity to meet the chefs and savor hors d’oeuvres, champagne and martinis, is available at $200.00 per person.

ith a passion to fight childhood hunger, Broward and South Palm Beach County’s hottest chefs, restaurants, and mixologists will gather for Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation, the city’s premier culinary benefit. Taste of the Nation Fort Lauderdale will raise critical funds needed to support Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger in South Florida and across the nation. This year’s event will be on Thursday, May 13, at the Broward County Convention Center from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM with a VIP reception beginning at 6:00 PM, which includes early admission, a champagne reception, a catered dining area, celebrity chef mingling, gift bags, and exclusive wines. This year’s theme is an international one as guests are invited to enjoy an array of entertainment from all over the globe. Featured special guests are Food Network star Ingrid Hoffman of Simply Delicioso, and Chef Ralph Pagano, Hell’s Kitchen alum, and For tickets and information visit Strengthsouthstar of Pressure Cook. Hosting the event florida.org.

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May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Lips Gospel Brunch: Drag for Jesus

and performing. It is interesting to note that people bring their parents. Even dad looses his inhibitions when teased by hostesses during their gay sons birthdays. “you need to get drunk just to get through your first drag show,” and other remarks were made by headliners. By A. Sebastian Fortino The diversity among guests is intriguing. At Lips you get a respectful, albeit curious, f you want a little—a lot of—entercrowd that wants to mingle with the gay tainment to celebrate a birthday, special occasion, or even just Sunday, Lips community. While I thought the place was packed to Gospel Brunch is a perfect destination. “you do realize tomorrow is my birthday,” the gills with people celebrating birthdays my guest told me as we pulled up to the club. Nicolette told me otherwise. “Our weeknight dinner events draw bigI actually forgot. He then told me about a slight fear of drag queens and not to reveal ger crowds, and more people celebrating,” she said. “Bachelorettes find Lips to be a fun his birthday was the next day. After we received “holy water,” a Bloody venue during the week.” The advantage of celebrating on Sunday Mary, and were seated the divine Velvet is a menu boasting a dozen or so entrees, came to our table. She asked if we were set at $16.50, plus a $5.00 show fee. My celebrating anything. I told her it was Darguest and I were hungry, so we went for ren’s birthday. He tried to lie but Velvet, in steak and eggs. burgundy choir My eggs were robe, had the poached perfectly upper hand. – and the hearty “you never steak was rare, as lie to a drag I ordered it. That’s queen,” she quite an accomtold us in mock plishment considanger. “Especially ering almost every on Sunday!” table was booked. Darren was In addition to commanded to the show and wear a crown brunch plates the and later—along “holy water”— with other mimosas, Bloody Marys, and champagne are crowned birthday heads—posed with two performers before show’s end. He evidently unlimited. Jesus himself turned water to an unending amphorae of wine…so why not? lost his fear because the complementary picture was quickly scanned onto Facebook. They also had a frozen cosmopolitan special The event, emceed by Nicolette, features of which many brunchers took advantage. This means you can have quite the party the divas initially in modest choir robes, later discarded to reveal more heavenly attire. and come in at a very modest budget. I recPerformances might sound like Whitney or ommend cabbing it there and back if you’re having a birthday brunch, that way no one Mariah tunes but are true gospel songs. has to play designated driver. “The Gospel Brunch started in 2007, “There are two “services” each Sunday, at when Lips opened its Fort Lauderdale 11:00 and 1:30,” Nicollete told me. “The Sunlocation,” performer Nicolette told SFGN. day event is so popular it proves we’re your There’s a family atmosphere with the Suncelebration destination.” day cast, featuring Velvet, Deja, Nicole, and So whether it’s a birthday or just a Franchesque. “Everyone in Sunday’s show Sunday you don’t feel like reading the arts has been with Lips since we opened. We section, find an excuse for a revival of the love cross-dressing for Christ.” While drag performers often tease audi- spirit and head to Lips. Please note, while the Lord loves everyone, ence members—especially straight males— the good sisters of the Lips Congregation do Lips has a dinner-theater sensibility. Cast members all work together in both cajoling insist upon a reservation.

Hyatt Regency Pier sixty-six By Joey Amato

sample a little bit of everything. The buffet also offers a wonderful carving station consisting of two meats. First, the hose who would like to celebrate Sunday Brunch in style should head Black Pepper Crusted Rib Eye with Swiss mustard demi was cooked to a perfect over to the beautiful Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six.Their extravagant brunch medium rare. However, I favored the Herbtakes place in their rotating rooftop or better Crusted Baby Lamp Chop with mint jelly. The pasta station offers a combination yet, pier top restaurant and offers a grand selection of small plates, made-to-order items of fresh vegetables, meats and cheeses. The pasta chef chose to prepare her Lobster Mac and delectable desserts. For a fee of $65 excluding tax and gratu- & Cheese special, a plentiful and delicious portion consisting of fettuccini and fresh ity, guests can enjoy over 50 items available lobster tossed in a tomato cream sauce. in an elegant buffet style, as well as endless Two additional offerings are prepared in Champagne, Mimosa’s and Bloody Mary’s. what is referred to as a “family-style” station. Not to be outdone by the food is the The Paella Valencia was made with yellow restaurant’s glorious panoramic views of Downtown Fort Lauderdale and the ocean. rice and an assortment of meat and fish, To start, I highly recommend glancing over served in individual crock pots and packed the menu which is provided and then take a with flavor. In addition, served in a similar fashion was the Braised Duo of Short Ribs gander at each of the food stations before and Veal Sweet Bread. Both entrees were making selections. Traditional offerings hearty and almost impossible to finish. include pancakes and waffles topped with Of course, we needed to leave room a variety of fruits and compotes as well as for dessert. The bar of delectable goodies a charcuterie and cheese station offering a fine selection of meet and cheeses including contained seven individual desserts in addition to a Dark Chocolate Fountain. Stand prosciutto, salami and imported brie. outs include Tiramisu, Rice Pudding and my For sushi lovers, Pier Sixty-Six offers a variety of nigiri and sashimi made fresh by a favorite, Key Lime Pie. Overall, I think the overall experience is sushi chef. worth it, although a bit on the expensive Next, head over to the restaurant’s side if you are just looking for a light brunch. small plates station, located in the middle Come hungry and take note that the chef of the circular buffet. This week, selections changes the menu every two weeks to keep included Patron Cured Salmon with queso guests coming back. fresco on grilled focaccia, Seared Scallops with kimche pork belly and cherry wine glaze and Seared Duck Breast with curry Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Spa peach, mascarpone and cherry compote. 2301 S.E. 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale My favorite of the small plates was the 954-525-6666 yellow Tail Snapper Escabeche with tarragon oil. Portions are small enough so you can

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

bees’. Sexual awakenings and puberty have been dealt with by young people throughout time, but we deal with it in an honest way. It’s a beautiful piece of art that everybody needs to see.” While the production retains Wedekind’s original setting in a repressive German village, today’s world is juxtaposed with a long forgotten time as performers pull microphones out of their costumes and the sets are instantly transformed into a rock concert or nightclub. Trensch feels the show’s music bridges the span with an accessible score that “you could listen to on the radio or your iPod, true pop or folk rock music.” At times “head-banging,” he feels the music effectively channels the angst and confusion the SCene froM SPring awaKening teenage characters are feeling. Trensch’s character, Moritz, was a parBased on an 1891 German play of the same stage event ticular challenge for the young actor, who is title by Frank Wedekind that was banned spring Awakening taking leave from his drama studies at Elon in Germany for nearly a century due to its College to tour with the show. Moritz, the portrayal of taboo sexual themes (masturbaArsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami tion, abortion, rape, bondage, child abuse, and subject of abuse from his classmates and Tuesday, May 11 – Sunday, May 16 school masters, eventually takes his own life. suicide), the musical bridges 19th century Tickets $25-78 at ArshtCenter.org “It’s crazy how recent puberty feels after Germany and today with a contemporary doing this show eight times a week in this alternative rock score by Duncan Sheik. show. I definitely relate to my character, For one cast member, 20 year old Taylor Trensch, an openly gay actor originally from the misfit of the bunch, as my interests Tampa, the play is relevant more than a century later. “I think what’s so remarkable is that the themes are just as relevant and important today. It was written 100 years ago and was so distant, but there isn’t really as big of a distance when you start to think about it. J.W. Arnold Maybe we haven’t advanced as much as we think as a society,” Trensch says. he more things change, The actor, who joined the touring comthe more they stay the pany about a year ago, adds, “It’s funny now same.” This old adage since I saw it [on Broadway] years ago and proves true for “Spring Awakening,” the have been doing it now for a year, but it Tony Award-winning musical that opens at doesn’t seem strange now to go to work and Miami’s Arsht Center for the Performing teach the audiences about the ‘birds and the Arts this week for a six-day run.

Tony-Winning Musical at Arsht Center Takes on young Love

Ò T

were different and I never conformed with my peers, Trensch explains. “Unlike today, Moritz didn’t have anywhere to go for help.” The young actor is still amazed how little the issues young people face have changed over the years, but praises “Spring Awakening” as one of the most beautifully written

taylor trenSCh

and conceived shows to take on these universal themes. “I feel so lucky and grateful to have had this experience, especially on a show that has been such a phenomenon,” he concludes.

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Gilty Pleasure, Not empty Bank Account

Pondering new ClotheS? try giltMan.CoM

By A. Sebastian Fortino

a weekend shopping, or walking through department stores geared towards women. Well, that’s not true, at least for gay men. iltMan.com allows men to buy All gay men love to shop, and make a day the “coolest stuff they want in a of it with their “girlfriends,” rounding it out discrete, easy and fun format,” with lunch and martinis…right? says General Manager, Nate Richardson of “No,” says Wes Niarhos, a Product the New york-based sample sale website. Gilt Groupe began in 2007 when Richardson Manager from Philadelphia. “I don’t like polled his buddies. Despite the metro-sexu- shopping, it’s almost a workout. I generally need a nap afterwards.” The 33 year old is alization of America many still hate wasting

tall and lithe, so body image doesn’t cause his shopping ennui. In addition to disliking shopping, there’s another reason people hate shopping lately. Money. If you like the thrill that shopping brings, you might not venture into the mall. Where temptation lurks behind every clothing rack. Therefore, GiltMan.com is an excellent alternative for men who don’t like shopping, or fear irresponsible credit card bliss. Whether you want classic staples, or some fun, sample salepriced, fashion-forward pieces GiltMan. com is ideal. “Whether it’s a pair of boxers, a bottle of premium champagne, or a mountain bike we don’t want guys to lose valuable time, hunting for the most desired products and brands. So we find them for our customers.you can then find our products online, or through our iPhone and iPad applications,” said Richardson. There is no membership to join, although like sample sales you must be “in the know.” Members can join through a current member or waiting list found on the site. Sales are emailed to you at noon, so you can go shopping at lunch. Granted, you won’t find the same brands each time. However, that’s

part of the allure, finding new trends and hot designers. GiltMan puts Trovata, J. Lundberg, and Ted Baker in your (ahem, my) price range. Perhaps you will get your first pair of 7 For All Mankind Jeans, discover a “heritage brand,” or book a trip to a romantic locale through their Jetsetter site. It’s all possible with GiltMan. However, my opinion cannot compete with those fashion-forward enough to work at Gentlman’s Quarterly. Nate Richardson kindly shared some quotes from them. “you can score big on this sample sale site; think 70 percent off a Thom Browne suit. It’s invite-only, so you’ll have to get on the waiting list, but the wait’s usually less than a few weeks,” Jason Chen, GQ “Long story short, the T-shirt arrived the very next day in a clean, dare I say masculine box with nicely folded black tissue paper and a friendly note from the founders thanking me for my purchase,” Damien Nunes, GQ. Perhaps the best part about Gilt Groupe is the $25 incentive. If you invite a friend to join, and buy something you are credited $25. Which really adds up. For complimentary membership, visit GiltMan. com/sfgn

out and out.com Launch Ô Team ouT TodayÕ New Online Video Channel Focuses on Gay Lifestyle and Culture By Joey Amato

ut, the world’s leading gay fashion and lifestyle brand, has created “Team OUT Today,” a new online video channel that goes behind the scenes at the iconic Out brand. “Team OUT Today” follows Out team members, including Editor in Chief Aaron Hicklin, Fashion Director Grant Woolhead, Junior Fashion Editor Brent Coover, Associate Editor Noah Michelson, and Assistant Photo Editor Jason Rodgers, as they maneuver the publishing world to diligently design the magazine’s June/July “Hot List Issue.” The channel debuted last week on Out.com

and continues for five weeks with daily vlogs from the team members, weekly webisodes, polls, editorial, daily giveaways, and more. “‘Team OUT Today’ is the newest series in our slate of original online content. Combining original videos, blogs, interactive chats, photo galleries, giveaways, and more, this is by far our most ambitious program to date. It is setting the bar at an all-time high for the standard of all original Web series to come,” says Senior Vice President of Integrated Marketing Josh Rosenzweig. “Team OUT Today” provides a firsthand account of what goes into producing a prominent fashion brand. From previewing new fashion collections and interviewing hot

artists and celebrities to executing exclusive photo shoots for the pages of Out. Out team members utilize their mobile devices to publicly share their hectic daily schedules by providing real-time text, Twitter, and photo and video updates.

In addition to the videos, the channel provides detailed team member profiles and will conduct polls and offer questionnaires that will be used to influence Out editorial decisions.“Team OUT Today” visitors will also have direct access to the team during regularly scheduled live chat sessions with individual team members. Visit the “Team OUT Today” channel at Teamouttoday.com.

Art

Inner Reflections by Liora By A. Sebastian Fortino

not that these are without merit from other artists. Her mastery of watercolor reveals controlled lines, but scenes that still evoke the energy of a day ort Lauderdale based painter and waterin Paris, or the a nighttime still of a Prague square. colorist Liora unveiled a show at Camp It is also apparent in her mandalas, meditative, 4 Health on May 7 on the Equality Park Tibetan sand paintings rendered in paint. Campus in Wilton Manors. Displayed are 31 yet, the watercolors are what kept drawing me examples in her chosen media, plus a quantity of in. Their calm immediacy needed to be taken in smaller, unframed works. “The Garden Buddah is from last year, but there over and over again. Liora, a graduate of Parsons School of Design in are works from when I lived in Europe,” Liora said. New york City, teaches painting at ArtServe in Fort “That was about ten or eleven years ago.” Lauderdale. Liora’s palette is vibrant, lush, with colors that “My goal,” Liora stated, “is to elevate the viewer demand attention, yet they do not scream. This is because the elements she choses artfully form not to a place of beauty and harmony, and awareness of the present moment, regardless of the subject only the composition—the construction—of her (or not) that I paint.” work but also the colors themselves. A portion of all proceeds will benefit Watercolor is a very unique and difficult meCamp 4 Health. dium, though it is often times a child’s first tool in art. It must be manipulated quickly, and carefully joined, lest the colors bleed onto each other with For more information on the artist & the show unintended results. Liora’s energy with the paint please visit Lioraart.com and Camp4health.org however does not deliver “watercolor sketches,”

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Midnight Gay Boy

acknowledges that he’s seriously ill. Filming, however, had taken its toll. Hoffman remembers, “I just didn’t have the energy to do it. I asked, ‘you want to come back and do it in the morning?’ Jon says, ‘We have to do it now.’ ‘Voight was just so lovely, and he told me that he loved me, that I was a good actor. He petted me. He went, ‘C’mon, c’mon.’ And he got me to where I had to be. I’ll never forget it.” The sexual ambiguousness of Joe Buck’s and Ratso Rizzo’s relationship was an unspoken motivation for the actors. By Cliff Dunn As Hoffman told Vanity Fair: “Both Voight and I - it or people born before 1990, the hit us. ‘Hey, these guys are cultural significance of the letter queer.’ I think it came out of ‘X’ has more to do with interactive the fact that we were in the games played on a certain ‘Box’ than with abandoned tenement [where movie ratings. they lived]. We were looking In these days of V-chips, parental conaround the set, and I said, trols and NC-17 ratings it may be hard to ‘So? Where do I sleep? Why remember and even more hard to believe do I sleep here and he sleeps that just over 40 years ago an X-rated film there? Why does he have the won the Oscar for Best Picture. really nice bed? Why aren’t yet that is precisely what happened on I—yeah, why aren’t we sleepApril 7, 1970, when, at the 42nd annual Acading together? C’mon!’” emy Awards, the movie Midnight Cowboy Hoffman also rememearned—in addition to the aforementioned Jon voight and duStin hoffMan in a SCene froM Midnight Cowboy bers the closeted director trophy for best picture—Oscars for director center of Ratso was something that was not Schlesinger being troubled by the dichotomy. that it would be difficult to make. John Schlesinger and writer Waldo Salt. acting. An actor loves being able to play the “He said, ‘Oh God! Please! It was hard The producer said during an April 2000 “you couldn’t make Midnight Cowboy essence of a character that he feels is him.” enough to get the financing. Now all we have now,” Schlesinger, who died in 2003, said in interview with Vanity Fair that “if there was to do is tell them that we’re making a homoThe producers still hadn’t cast their any hint of homosexuality it would be a a 1994 interview. “I was ... at dinner with a sexual film. I was hoping we would get the Midnight Cowboy. The word was out in top studio executive, and I said, ‘If I brought catastrophe,” reflecting the sensibilities of Hollywood about a hot script property, and college crowd. We’ll get no one.’ He absofilm-going audiences at the time. you a story about this dishwasher from lutely—and I’m sure he was right—did not it brought all manner of hot actors who There was also the sensitive matter at Texas who goes to New york dressed as want to make it explicit,” Hoffman added. wanted the role of Joe Buck. the time of director Schlesinger’s own a cowboy to fulfill his fantasy of living off Actor Bob Balaban was cast as a student A knowledgeable insider told Vanity Fair sexuality. Recalled Hellman: “When I met rich women, doesn’t, is desperate, meets a John he was still carrying on this charade of that “Elvis Presley’s person from MGM said, ‘If who says he’ll pay to go down on Joe Buck. crippled consumptive who later pisses his It was Balaban’s first film role, and he called you’d clean up this script, get rid of some of being a straight man.” pants and dies on a bus, would you—’ and his parents to tell them. He said, “I have a At United Artists, the head of production the smut, it could be a vee-hicle for Elvis!’” he said, ‘I’d show you the door.’” scene with Jon Voight.” His father, Barney But casting director Marion Dougherty was David Picker. Picker said he liked MidIn 1965, a friend gave the London-born Balaban, President of Paramount Pictures night Cowboy the novel and that wanted to was pushing for a young actor named Jon and closeted Schlesinger an explosive new for 30 years, asked, “What’s the scene?” Voight. “I felt so strongly that I was supmake the film, but, according to producer novel that included several gay sex scenes. Hellman, he told Schlesinger that “My part- posed to do that part, because I felt I knew “Well, it’s in a movie theater. We kind of The book, Midnight Cowboy, told the story meet in the bathroom.” “Do you have any how to do it,” Voight remembered. of Joe Buck, a sexually uncertain, Texas-born ners here, the older men in the company, lines?” “No, not many lines.” “So it’s a walkRecalled Hoffman: “There was a lot of aren’t going to understand it. So it’s got to dishwasher-turned-gigolo who travels to electricity in the air between us because we on …?” “It’s with the star—I give him a the Big Apple in hopes of preying upon sex- be [no more than] $1 million, all-in!” blow job.” were young, vying actors. It’s not that you Now came time to cast the principal starved women. Unsurprisingly, not everyone warmed Schlesinger passed the novel to his long- characters, Joe Buck, the Texan-turned-New don’t want the other one to be good, you up to Midnight Cowboy. The motion picture just don’t want to look bad.” york-male prostitute, and his compatriot, time producer, Joe Janni. After reading the ratings board saddled the film with an The feelings of competition and camarabook, he told Schlesinger “John, oh my God, the doomed street hustler Ratso Rizzo. X-rating—the first X-rated movie to be Dustin Hoffman was acting Off Broadway derie that fueled the relationship between are you crazy? This is faggot stuff. This will released by a major studio. both Hoffman and Voight and their characwhen he first discussed playing the part destroy your career.” The reviews were less than glowing. ters translated onto the screen. Disappointed, Schlesinger took the novel of Ratso. “I connected with the role,” said Variety called the film “generally sordid.” In a compelling scene, Ratso, whose to producer Jerome Hellman, who told the Hoffman. “I felt very unattractive growing director that it was fascinating material, but up. I was always on the periphery. The whole physical condition has steadily worsened, continued on page 44

40 Years Later, the Only X-Rated Film to Win Oscar Is Still Breaking Rules

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Heard it on...

raging Stallion auStin wilde

By the Nite Owl RiCky MARTiN To Do PoRN?

virgin, just coming out and all. Ward revealed he and Tony Dimarco would co-direct the scene, with steve Cruz as videographer and kent Taylor as principal still photographer. Wilde said he was “flabbergasted” to hear about the offer. “I was shocked and honored to be named RSS Man of the year, but wow,” he said. “This pales in comparison. When Chris called me, I just about fell off my chair. This is by far the biggest honor I have ever received.” Hmm... am I the only one who suspects this was his own idea to begin with? Shocked, my ass! If Martin agrees to the terms of the offer, the scene would be shot sometime in the fall with a projected January 2011 release date. Ward said the studio would make the scene available not only on RagingStallion. com, but also at NakedSword.com, AEBN.net and the network of membership sites in the GunzBlazing affiliate program, all of which are owned by RSS parent company AEBN. Fluffers, take a number!

soPRANos HeAVy sLAMs oBAMA AND Ô JeRsey sHoReÕ HoTTies

There’s coming out... and then there’s Actor steve schirripa, who played coming WAy OUT! No sooner did Ricky chubby wise-guy Bobby Bacala on Martin confirm he is gay—ending years of HBO’s “The Sopranos,” has come out with speculation about his sexuality—than the both barrels blazing, blasting President offers from porn studios start pouring in. Barack obama for remarks he made Take Raging stallion studios, which during the White House Correspondents’ has offered the Latino pop singer $1 million Association dinner about the reality show to have sex on camera with RSS exclusive “Jersey Shore.” Austin Wilde. Wilde is reigning co-Man Calling the show’s this-side-of-trash cast of the year at the gay adult studio. “not my type of Italians,” Schirripa criticized “We felt that Ricky Martin would be a Obama for watching the show. perfect fit for Raging Stallion,” studio chief Said an annoyed Schirripa, “That’s why Chris Ward said. the country’s in the “Men have been shape it’s in: Obama is fantasizing about watching ‘Jersey Shore’ having sex with instead of taking care of him for years. ... the country.” Austin is one of our At the May 1 dinner, hottest guys, and the Fan-in-Chief joked who better to put that “Jersey Shore” in bed with Ricky stars snookie, Martin?” Well... J-Woww and The ahem... I can think situation “will be of one person right excluded from the now... unfortunately, indoor-tanning tax” Ricky is a little too included in the recently inexperienced for passed health care the Situation, Star of Jersey shore, on a me—practically a legislation. reCent triP to MiaMi

THATÕ s HoW RuMoRs GeT sTARTeD! This is one of those stories about always knocking before you enter a room. It seems that May 5 American idol guest perpetual hunk Harry Connick Jr. had to share a dressing room with host Ryan seacrest (who swears he’s really straight in spite of persistent rumors to the contrary). It was only a matter of time before someone would barge into the room without knocking. Next thing you know, some assistant is in the hall screaming, “Oh my God!!! Harry Connick and Ryan Seacrest both with their... um... shirts off!” The next day, on a South Florida local radio show, Connick set the record straight: “Ryan and I both had our pants off,” the former Will and Grace star said, “not our shirts.” Connick continues his reputation for being a straight man who’s not afraid to tell the truth, a classy guy, a hunk with a sense of humor. Now, why can’t I find a boyfriend like that? (Don’t answer that!)

Carla Bruni with her ClotheS on

FReNCH PResiDeNTÕ s WiFe To Be DiReCTeD By WooDy Say what you want about movie director Woody Allen, but he has a knack for casting the most interesting and beautiful women in his movies, as well as in his life. The Élysée Palace in Paris has confirmed that the ‘First Lady’ of France, Carla Bruni-sarkozy, wife of President Nicholas sarkozy, will “make an appearance” in Allen’s next film. The former model and sometimes notorious Mrs. Sarkozy will join the cast of Midnight in Paris, along with owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Michael sheen and Oscar winners Marion Cotillard and kathy Bates.

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Cover Story: Ô Writers of the stormÕ by Norm kent continued from page 9

access to an authorized user of Roman’s online accounts, have also published e-mails pretty much showing that Roman and Ekers had prior liasions, negating Reker’s representations that he only learned Roman was a male sex worker during the trip. Jay Leno and Jon Stewart mocked Rekers’ disclaimers in their nationally televised monologues. Popular gay blogger Joe Jervis, at Joe.my.god., also scorned his hypocrisy. The mainstream press covered the story as

well, mostly noting the story broke in New Times. And while Rekers is defending the use of the male escort on his website as a ‘travel assistant with a daily contract of $75 per day’, the Family Research Council is rapidly moving to distance themselves from the now-disgraced expert. The FRC told CNN they have ‘had no knowledge of Dr. Rekers or his activities for over a decade.’ NARTH representatives, who are still reeling from the scandal exposed by SFGN in March, which revealed their Secretary/

Gay Brit Found Guilty of u.k.Õ s First Domestic Partner Murder Heating Bill Argument Turned Deadly By Cliff Dunn

gay British man has been convicted of Britain’s first domestic violence murder within a samesex marriage. Michael Edwards, 32, knifed 35-year-old John Edwards in the heart shortly after their second wedding anniversary. The murder followed an argument over a heating bill. The men were among 8,728 gay couples married in the United Kingdom in 2007 under the Civil Partnership Act passed by Parliament in 2005. They were described in an interview with the Daily Mail newspaper as a “lovely couple.” But their marriage was plagued by incidents of domestic violence in which Michael regularly beat up John, even attempting to strangle him during at least one “stress”-fuelled rages. On May 7, Edwards, of Manchester, began serving a life sentence after confessing to the murder. Edwards was ordered to serve a minimum of 13 years and four months before he’s eligible for parole. During the proceedings, John Edwards’ mother described her late son as a “lovely lad, very happy and would do anything for anyone.” John and Michael Edwards both worked as bartenders. They were married in a civil partnership in November 2007 after meeting in 2000. Although friends and co-workers say the pair generally appeared happy and content,

John edwardS

MiChael edwardS

Õ til death do uS Part

there were concerns about domestic violence between the couple, with Michael Edwards admitting he beat up John as a “means of relieving stress.” The owner of the Manchester pub where the couple worked told the Daily Mail that John was the “more sensible and quiet one who doted on Michael,” while describing Michael as “highly strung and temperamental.” His fears were borne out on November 27, 2009. In his confession, Michael admitted to an argument which evolved out of the heating bill. It led to Michael grabbing a knife while John fled into a nearby bathroom and shut the door, to no avail. He was stabbed numerous times, with Michael attempting to tell the police first that the wounds were self-inflicted, and then that it was in “self-defense.” The lead investigator for the Greater Manchester Police, Vinny Chadwick, said after the verdict: ‘This case demonstrates that domestic abuse, in all its guises, can have a damaging effect on any relationship regardless of sexuality or gender.”

Treasurer, Arthur Abba Goldberg, as a convicted felon, said they take the “allegations seriously and are looking into them.” Last Thursday’s print edition of the New Times article authored by Bullock and Thorp has been followed by a series of blogs, revealing Roman’s admissions that the escort was providing more than just travel services for Rekers, admitting that ‘nude massages’ along with ‘reciprocal touching down there’ was part of the ‘contract’ for services. The story, if you will forgive the pun, just keeps on growing. Stated Bullock, “Lucien came around and gave us all the salacious details of his nude and sexual encounters with Rekers, and the online blog we post on Monday the 10th on New Times will advance the story considerably.” For Bullock, a talented young writer whose articles have appeared in Wired and Reason Magazine, he sees the feature on Roman as “as a break out story which I hope is my break out moment.” Not bad for a 21 year old who came to South Florida three years ago, in June, 2007, as a drop out from a Seattle high school. Thorp and Bullock met on MySpace on Christmas Eve in 2006, in “Marlboro country,” Thorp explained, “Well, really- I had run a profile saying I was looking for ‘a gay atheist between 18 and 25 who was a smoker,’ and Penn replied. Then we started emailing and calling each other,” he added, “and then in the spring he agreed to come here once, and I agreed to go there once, and well here we are together.” Thorp works full time as an executive assistant for the James Randi Educational Foundation, a rather unique group. The or-

ganization’s aim is to promote critical thinking by reaching out to the public and media with reliable information about paranormal and supernatural ideas so widespread in our society today. Since earning his GED, Bullock is hoping that in five years he is “writing regular features and columns for the New Yorker,” with his partner, Brandon, by his side. Meanwhile neither is relishing the moment as it is unfolding. In fact, says Bullock, “We are having a hard time enjoying the success of this story because it has had such a tumultuous effect on the people we wrote about. It’s actually incredibly stressful.” And Thorp simply adds, “I have stories to write, deadlines to meet, and I can’t get anything done. Everyone is calling.” As for ‘Lucien,’ the boy they inadvertently outed into the national spotlight, Thorp says he “seems to be adjusting to it well, taking to the moment like a fish to water.” Still, he is concerned that the young man is not getting the most sage advice. Blogger Joe Jervis agreed, imploring the gay community to “close ranks and block the Christian right from hurting him.” For the moment, both Brandon and Penn are Writers of the Storm, a vortex of publicity surrounding them. They are at the epicenter of a national controversy, which might blow by them or propel them to prominence in their chosen profession. Staying atop the crest of the wave is going to be a difficult challenge, both for the young male escort and the young men who wrote about him. Either way we can be sure of this- Rekers is yesterday’s news.

the handler and hiS Baggage: reKerS (l), Jo-vanni roMan

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

MARK FREERKS

Gale Force: Redefining Business in S. Florida By Joey Amato

ou may have seen his name in print, but now you get a chance to meet one of the leading men behind the South Florida Business Journal. Kevin Gale is the editor of South Florida’s largest and most respected business publication. Gale oversees all aspects of the paper’s news operations in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties in addition to writing a blog on the cruise industry. Gale joined the Business Journal as editor in 1998 after 15 years with the Sun-Sentinel where he was business editor for five years. Kevin grew up in Freeport, IL and is a graduate of Northwestern University with a degree in journalism. Shortly after graduation, Gale accepted his first journalism position as copy editor of the Clearwater Sun. “I enjoyed being with a small paper. It gave me the opportunity to witness and be a part of the various components of publishing.” After the paper was sold, Gale took a position at the Sun-Sentinel as the Metro Copy Editor and later served on the business desk. “I made the transition to business journalism in 1984 and was then recruited by the former publisher of the Business Journal.” The South Florida Business Journal is a weekly publication covering business throughout the tri-county area. It is part of American City Business Journals, whose more than 40 newspapers make it the nation’s largest publisher of metropolitan business newspapers. American City is part of the Newhouse family’s Advance Publications Inc., which

Jeffrey KoKer (left), holding dee dee, their toy Poodle; gale (right) holding Cotton, a Coton de tulear

also includes Condé Nast Magazines and Newhouse Newspapers. “Our company is one of the only publishing entities that doesn’t carry any debt,” Gale states proudly, referring to the vast number of publications that have dissolved in the past few years. Despite a rough economic climate, paid circulation at the Business Journal has increased the last three years and the publication has a large online presence. “We also have about a dozen awards programs a year to recognize people in the business community,” Gale states. The Business Journal will present the

O ver 25 Years Of service

1600 So. Federal HigHway #801 PomPano BeacH, Fl 33062 TelePHone: 954.946.0916 Fax: 954.782.3909 e-mail: Sjerome_eSq@BellSouTH.neT

2010 Miami Ultimate CEO Awards on June 24. The event will take place at the RitzCarlton Coconut Grove. Honorees will be announced on May 28. Although Gale spends the majority of his day acclimating himself with the latest happenings in the South Florida business community, he still finds time to enjoy a few hobbies. “I enjoy running, weight lifting, kayaking and recently took up Pilates.” Gale also tells us that he is a Weight Watchers lifetime member. Since joining the program, he is happy to say that he has lost about 45 pounds.

In addition, Gale is an active member of the Fort Lauderdale Front Runners, an LGBT group for people who enjoy walking and running. Gale recently served as president of the organization. Gale shows his philanthropic side by donating time and money to local and national organizations. “Jeff and I are big supporters of Plan USA, also known as Childreach. For many years, we have contributed to the organization, which was created to help children in developing countries around the world.” Kevin and Jeff, his partner of 28 years, currently reside in Wilton Manors.

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Crossword Puzzle

THe sARToRiAL eDGe

Across 1 Ferries, for example 6 Strip in the locker room 10 Second name in cross-dressing 15 “___ having fun yet?” 16 First man to say to a man, “you slay me!”? 17 Rimbaud’s turf 18 More like some straits? 19 “___ there, done that” 20 Doesn’t squeal, with “up” 21 Start of the advantage of being gay, per Seinfeld 24 ___ on a Hot Tin Roof 25 Tickles pink 26 Carbon compound suffix 27 Grammy winner Puente 28 Count (on) 29 More of the advantage 33 The Music Man setting 34 Safe and sound 35 Shady retreat 39 More of the advantage 42 Goes down in defeat 43 Ballets Russes founder Diaghilev 45 Some lodge members 47 More of the advantage 50 SapphoÕ s Leap author Erica 54 Marine flyer

55 Roadside stop 56 Water cannon target 58 Fairy tale, so to speak 59 End of the advantage 62 Leave alone 64 One that plays with balls at the circus 65 Deuce follower, for Mauresmo 66 Susan of Goldengirl 67 Canadian oil company 68 X-Men actress Berry 69 Cooks, as fruit 70 Pronto, in the OR 71 Tatum of The Bad News Bears Down 1 Wisconsin mascot 2 Diamond bird 3 Over one’s head 4 Score, nonsexually 5 Suit material 6 Perfume brand 7 Aid’s partner 8 Herman of kids’ television 9 Weather whipping boy 10 Emulate Paul Cadmus 11 Martin of the Daughters of Bilitis 12 Like Will’s roomie? 13 Generator part 14 Touches up

22 ___ buco 23 Jacks take them 27 Big name in model trains 30 Cries from an S/M bottom 31 Spring month for Debussy 32 Some have electric organs 33 Put out 35 “Not to mention ...” 36 Take new bearings 37 Madonna, originally 38 Stare at 40 Grandpa Walton 41 Wing for Julia Morgan 44 Prefix that means “queer” 46 Smith of DawsonÕ s Creek 48 Burdens of proof 49 Disturbance at Stonewall 50 Stateswoman Barbara 51 Peter who played Lawrence 52 Award for Ursula LeGuin 53 Fairy-tale daughter 57 My Own Private ___ 59 Deep desires 60 Cary Grant’s I ___ Male War Bride 61 All the time 63 Bend over Solution on page 47

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May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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FuRNisHeD HousiNG PERFECT RELOCATION RENTALS - 3-6 MONTHS From $250/week & $1,000/ month. Beautiful Studio, 1 & 2 BR Apts. Turn key, fully furnished & equipped, clothing optional pool, laundry, parking. Close to Gay & Nude Beaches. Pets Welcome. Incl. utilities, cable, tel., Wi-Fi Internet. 954-927-0090 or visit www. LibertySuites.com

ReNTALs BRoWARD 2/2 PALM AIRE COUNTRY CLUB - GREAT LOCATION Spacious, quiet, w/screened-in balcony, new wood floors, hurricane proof windows/shutters, central AC, ceiling fans, W/D on floor, elevator, pool, golf course. $900/Mo. Includes cable tv/water. Easygoing Landlord. Call 754-224-6146 ------------------------------------------------HOLLYWOOD STUDIO APT. WITH SEPERATE BEDROOM (NO LIVING ROOM) FULLY FURNISHED, FULL EAT IN KITCHEN, CABLE T.V.,UTILITIES INCLUDED. $650/ MONTH. 954-929-2365 ------------------------------------------------NE POMPANO – Lg. 2BD/2BA House w/ Courtyard-Patio Entrance PLUS!!! Nice neighborhood ½ BLK OFF US1; remodeled, tile floors, new appliances, W/D, central AC, ceiling fans, dining room & eat-in kitchen. Huge family room + big fenced-in “PARTY-STYLE” back yard w/ LOTS OF PATIO/ foliage & BBQ. $1,250/ Mo. MUST SEE! Call 954-798-7959 ------------------------------------------------2BD/2BA IN PRIVATE COMMUNITY DEERFIELD BEACH Ground floor near pool, patio, freshly painted, new carpet, dishwasher, new W/D in unit, pool/hot tub, water & cable included, $1,100/Mo. Call 954-428-1710

ReNTALs FoRT LAuDeRDALe FT LAUDERDALE - MIDDLE RIVER AREA LOW MOVE IN /EASY TERMS* 1BD/1BA in 4 unit bldg. All Tile $690/Mo. or $175/Wk*. W/D on premises. 6 or 12 Mo. Lease. 954-527-9225 ------------------------------------------------LAKERIDGE RENTAL HOME 3BD/2BA house in friendly neighborhood blocks from shopping, beach and Wilton Manors nightlife. Well maintained property, tile throughout, totally fenced yard, with ceiling fans and extra laundry/ mud room. (W/D not included). REDUCED $1,250/Mo.F/L/S. References. Call Randy for appt. 954-347-1016 ------------------------------------------------LAKERIDGE - PERFECT 1BR/1BA Newer everything, granite kitchen, icemaker. Steps to Holiday Park. $725/ Mo. F/S. Pets ok. Call 954-448-9811 ------------------------------------------------DROP-DEAD-GORGEOUS Supersized 1BD/1BA, All New!, open granite kit w/island, D/W, 15’x20’ Bdrm, central air, 1 yr. lease $915/Mo. F/S. Middle River Ter. Call 954-448-9811 ------------------------------------------------731 NW 1ST AVE-OFF OF ANDREWS AVE. Completely Remodeled 1BR/1BA on beautiful street lined with new townhouses. Large fenced yard, very quet, private laudry on premises, parking. $750mo + 1/ mo security. Gino 954-551-3621

------------------------------------------------MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE - MINUTES TO WILTON DRIVE - IMMACULATE EFFICIENCY & 1/1’S With your own PRIVATE backyard or patio, tile floors, large closets, tile floors, newer kit/bath, water/garbage/ pest cont incl., cable ready, W/D avail, QUIET all gay complex. No pets. $575-$700/ Mo. Will work w/ you on move-in costs. Call 954-592-3772 ------------------------------------------------3 MINUTES TO WILTON DRIVE!! Large bright 1st floor corner 1BD/1BA in small private beautifully landscaped building! Freshly painted, ceramic tile throughout, lots of windows, updated kitchen, extra lrg walk-in closet, laundry on premises, good parking, small pet considered! $750/ month. 954-849-4944 or 954-242-7566. ------------------------------------------------MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE - PETS OK Spacious 1/1. Recently Painted. Tile and appliances. Large private yard/patio. Free laundry facilities on premises. Cent AC, private parking in nice quiet neighborhood and near the beach and Georgie’s. $750/Mo. + electric. Call 954-873-2066, 954-739-2995 ------------------------------------------------MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE Large 1BD/1BA in fourplex. Tile floors throughout, laundry facilities, parking, less than 1 mile to Wilton Drive. $750/Mo. Call 954-815-2550 ------------------------------------------------SLEEPING ROOM Private entrance, private parking, $150/ week + 4WK Sec. No Pets. 954-465-4859 Leave message. ------------------------------------------------MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE 2/2 plus den; half-duplex. Less than 1 mile from Wilton Drive. Recent paint, new flooring, fenced tropical yard, pool. Offstreet parking. W/D on premises. $1,200/ Mo. Call David, 954-806-8520 ------------------------------------------------MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE 1/1 Minutes to Wilton Drive, 2 miles to the beach. Nicely landscaped fourplex. All tile, central ac, new kit/bath, walk-in closet, french door off kit to priv 20x20 yard w/ privacy fence, laundry on prem, parking, pets ok, $750/Mo. 954-849-4944 ------------------------------------------------EAST FORT LAUDERDALE EFFICIENCY WITH LARGE PRIVATE YARD Full size fridge, walk in closet, laundry on premises, 20 x 20 private fenced yard with table and chairs, parking spot right outside unit, water/electric included. There is no stove in unit $525/ month. Call 954-849-4944 ------------------------------------------------3/1 DOWNTOWN FORT LAUDERDALE W/ DETACHED EFFICIENCY that can be rental income, making this a 4/2, A/C, W/D, large fenced yard, pets ok. $1,500/Mo. Call 954-270-4544 ------------------------------------------------VICTORIA PK 2BR/2BA W/POOL - $795/ MO Beautiful gated gay complex, private tropical setting, minutes to beaches and Galleria. AC, ceiling fans, skylight, laundry facil, private covered porches. Perfect for roommates. 954-524-5188 ------------------------------------------------VICTORIA PARK CONDO 2BR/1BA fully furnished condo for rent. Central air & heat, pool, tile floors, D/W, balcony, parking space, secured building. No Pets. $950 per month plus electric, F/S. Call 954-565-2714. ------------------------------------------------POINSETTIA HEIGHTS Large 3/2 Duplex Apartment for Rent. Tile floors throughout. Eat in Kitchen, W/D, Guest Bedroom with Private Entrance. $1,100/Mo. + utilities. F/S. Call 954-5652714. ------------------------------------------------LAKEVIEW CLUB CONDOS 2/2 condo, fully furnished, all wood floors, alarm, WiFi Internet, $1,075/ Mo. 2/2 condo, lakeview w/screened balcony. Unfurnished $1,050/mo. Full size washer/dryer in units. Pets OK to 50lbs .State of the art gym, olympic size pool. Close to Downtown Ft. Ld. & only 5 miles to the beach. Call Robbie BH&G Rlty. 954-849-5223

------------------------------------------------EAST FORT LAUDERDALE 2BD/2BA CONDO. Open granite kitchen, patio, cable, water, & pool. 6mo. lease + $1,150/ Mo. Call 954-816-1939 ------------------------------------------------FURNISHED 1/1 FORT LAUDERDALE Quiet unit attached to home w/ sperate entrance, central AC, french doors, HW floors, fenced yard, hurricane windows, kitchennette w/ micro, fridge, no stove. $800/Mo. includes electric, cable and internet. Non-smokers, 1 person occupancy. Call 954-707-0264

ReNTALs oAkLAND PARk 2/1, PRIVATE COURTYARD, CENTRAL AC, GREAT NEIGHBORS Rarely available very nice 2/1 apartment Brand new kitchen, tile, central AC, unique private fenced courtyard, $900/Mo, 954655-2299 for pics email pep446@aol.com Oakland Park area, come take a peek! ------------------------------------------------1BD/1.5BA - CLOSE TO WILTON MANORS Beautiful w/ 3 heated pools, 30% gay complex, $850/Mo. 2nd Month FREE. Gated community. Call 954-281-6098

ReNTALs WiLToN MANoRs 1/1 COTTAGE STYLE WILTON MANORS AREA Private fenced yard, gated entrance Front/back patio tile throughout updated kitchen/bath. ALL pets considered $750 mo 954-557-7447 ------------------------------------------------GARAGE APT FOR RENT 1BD/1BA, private entrance, laundry facilities, pool, privacy fence. $650/Mo. Call 954-401-1726 ------------------------------------------------4 BLOCKS TO WILTON DRIVE AND 2 BLOCKS TO THE NEW GLCC 1BD/1BA, tropical sitting area, tile, safe, quiet, W/D on primases, 1 car parking. $750/Mo. F/S. Call 954-934-8360 ------------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS Furnished efficiency near everything. Electricity, utilities, Cable TV, WI-FI included. $595/Mo. Call 954-563-7769 ------------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS - HALF A DUPLEX $1095/Mo. Large 2BD/1BA on NE 16th Street: Central AC! W/D, Kitchen w/ big fridge and DW. Nice backyard. No Pool. No Dogs. Please call Yoshi at 954-854-7711. Thanks! ------------------------------------------------WILTON VILLAGE CONDO 2/1 Remodeled new everything! Corner next to pool, very bright, beautiful quiet complex in the Heart of Wilton Manors. New kitchen, bathroom, tile floors and central air. $875/month F/L/S CALL 954-732-2438 ------------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS NEIGHBORHOOD Efficiency. $550/Mo. Includes all. No Pets. No Smoking. 954-290-6538 1532 NE 3rd Avenue. Call Ron.

RooMMATes BRoWARD HOLLYWOOD - YOUNG GAY ROOMMATE WANTED Share a 3BD house with hot tub, full use of house. Close to downtown. $400/Mo. Including Utilities. Sal 954-536-6901 ------------------------------------------------ROOM FOR RENT @ CYPRESS BEND 2/2 Apt in Cypress Bend-Pompano, 45 y/o Latin Professional. No smoking, no drugs, no pets. $450 + Deposit, includes utilities and basic cable. Call JC 954-682-9595

RooMMATes FoRT LAuDeRDALe FORT LAUDERDALE/A1A Ocean view. Share luxury accommodations. 2BD/2BA condo. $600/Mo. Includes TV, Utilities, Internet Connection, Pool. LOW MOVE IN. NS/DDF. Call 954-907-9564 ------------------------------------------------GM TO SHARE 2BR/1BA HOME OFF COMMERCIAL BLVD Cable, internet, community pool and golf. 4 to 5 miles to Wilton Manors. $500/ month. +$300/sec. Call Mark 954-731-1543 ------------------------------------------------SHARE 2BD/2BA HOUSE IN CORAL RIDGE Nice Big House. Includes electric, laundry, high speed internet, satellite TV, own bath. Huge back yard, close to everything. $600/mo. 1st/last. Must be responsible and like dogs. 954-612-7876 ------------------------------------------------$1,000/MO. SHARE HOME FORT LAUD M4M ROOMMATE Home owner is currently looking for a gay professional male to share a great place in the heart of Coral Ridge - Fort Lauderdale, located right off Bayview Drive close to the Galleria Mall and Coral Ridge Mall. Accessible to airport 15 min away, close to all restaurants, beaches, Las Olas Blvd. Person should be open minded, energetic, clean, organized, can be social drinker, easy going, knowledgeable of plants, gardens, pool maintenance, eager to help with normal home activities. I work a lot of hours and may rely on you for some assistance in daily routines. Must love a dog, and cat, no allergies. The house is set up as split bedrooms w/ 1 full bath. House is secluded by foliage, private backyard, with pool, Jacuzzi, cabana bar for entertaining friends. Plasma TV available w/ room. ( unfurnished ) will also allow the den/ 3rd bed to be additional space for your area. Plenty of parking, for our vehicles, nicely landscaped, washer and dryer is available. Split utilities, some expenses for household. Serious inquiries only. 1 yr Lease is required: 1mo. security deposit for damages or neglect is negotiable. References and currently employed. Send info to my email or call my cell 954-629-5212 George. We can arrange a meeting and go over details and view the home. ------------------------------------------------ROOMMATE WANTED Private room, near downtown and buses. Cable, WiFi, Water & Electric included. $150/week + $600 deposit. Call 754-244-2177

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com LAWN MAiNTeNANCe/ iRRiGATioN

Classifieds: Call Mike 954-928-1862 RooMMATes FoRT LAuDeRDALe, contÕ d FORT LAUDERDALE - NW 16TH AVE Fully Furnished Room in nudist house. All utilities Incl. Central AC, Cable TV, Pool, Fenced Yard, Pets OK. Couples OK. Must like dogs! $150/WK + $300 Sec. Call 954938-5980 Email: TDstallion7cut@yahoo. com. Labrador Puppies FOR SALE, Stud service and cheap Dog Sitting available. ------------------------------------------------CORAL RIDGE - LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!. Gay Professional looking to Share 2 bedroom-2 bath Great apartment $575.00 plus 1/2 utilizes. Off street parking Laundry in building. Must like animals Call 954-993-6531

RooMMATes oAkLAND PARk 2BD/1BA - PRIVATE COMPLEX - OAKLAND PARK Gay male to share w/same. Your private room has cable and internet. Quiet complex has a clothing optional pool, laundry facilities, BBQ, close to I-95 & Wilton Manor. $550/mo incl.Util. 561-302-5218

RooMMATes PALM BeACH 55+ GENTLEMAN ROOMMATE WANTED IN DELRAY BEACH Share 2BD/2BA house. Quiet, 55+ area. Pri. furn brdm/bath, clst, house privledge. Clean reference/background. No guests. $600/Mo. covers all F/L/S 561-496-4536 for app. Non smoker/(have cat).

RooMMATes WiLToN MANoRs GR- ROOMATE WANTED FOR CLOTHING OPTIONAL POOL HOME IN WILTON MANORS 3BD/2BA. Must be dog friendly. Access to laundry facilities. Furnished Bedroom $600/Mo. per month includes maid service twice a month. Please call Robert at 954-401-1726. ------------------------------------------------LOOKING FOR ROOMMATE to stay in 1Br apt. Must have drivers license and work reference. Call 954537-2616

ATToRNey NEED A LAWYER ? Criminal Defense * DUI Traffic * Accidents * Injuries * Personal Injury * AAA Attorney Referral Service 24 Hours * 1-800-733-5342

CLeANiNG seRViCes EXECUTIVE CLEANING SERVICE We are the area’s finest cleaning service. Our trained staff works in variety of settings,including home and office. Best rates,Best service CALL TODAY -954-263-0768 ------------------------------------------------ONE CALL DOES IT ALL BY HOUSE! Carpet Cleaning, House Cleaning, Tile & Grout, Upholstery Air Ducts, Pressure Cleaning- Patios, sidewalks, & drive ways. Construction and Foreclosure Clean Up. Cell 954-515-7615 ------------------------------------------------HOUSE CLEANING BY JOE - BEST MAID OF THE YEAR! House, Apartment, Condo, Move-IN/ OUTs. I personalize services for you at affordable rates. Try me now! Call Joe 954-801-3161 Ask about my specials!

------------------------------------------------AFFORDABLE HOME CLEANING Dependable, friendly, honest...providing quality work with great rates. Let us give you a quote today. Call JUDITH 954-548-5532 ------------------------------------------------CLEAN IT RITE. THE BEST CLEANING FOR YOUR BUCK! 1BD $45, 2BD $55, 3BD $65. Excellent rates and references. 10 years in the business. Call Manny at 954-560-4443

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eLeCTRiCAL RTS ELECTRIC 24 HOUR SERVICE Quality work at a reasonable price. Licensed & Insured #98-CME-1807-X. Contact 954-257-9509. Also, all size generator service and installation. ------------------------------------------------BRUCE ELECTRIC CORP. Fair rates/quality work. All electrical services. Repairs/upgrades. Generator sales/ installations. Prompt/reliable/ dependable. State licensed & ins. EC13001903 954-748-6234

HANDyMAN DEREK’S 24 HR HANDYMAN SERVICE Introducing our new cabinet shop. For all your Custom Made Cabintetry, Countertops and Laminates. MUST SEE OUR WORK! JUST ASK OUR CLIENTS! All Electrical to code, any/all plumbing work, drywall finish work/repair, crown/baseboard pro-install, int/ext painting, demo work, pressure washing, DECOR TILE Install, complete home up-dates. For large jobs, 4-man crew abailable. WE HANDLE IT ALL. Instant call back direct service response. No job is ever too small. Excellent references. Derek 954-825-5598 or email: DerekGallaway@att.net ------------------------------------------------ONE STOP SHOPPING AND ASSOCIATES HANDYMAN/REMODELING AND MORE WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN ALL PHASES OF... Home improvements, a/c, extensions, electrical, plumbing, painting, kitchen, baths, flooring/ trim, steel erector and custom design fabricator. Pressure cleaning & power washing service. Former owner of a NY remodeling co. as well as a hands on worker, because I demand perfection in all I do. Please call Mitch for prompt honest and dependable service. Lic. CGC1514441 and insured. 954-253-4650

HoMe iMPRoVeMeNT * EARLY BIRD CONSTRUCTION * ROOFING, CARPENTRY, TILE, PAINT. Honest and ON TIME! 954-274-9378

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PRo MoViNG/sToRAGe GUYS AND DOLLIES Moving • Storage • Packing • Crating • Shipping. “A” Rated Member of the BBB. Registered Movers since 1976. Major Credit Cards accepted. For FREE price quote call 954-566-1270 ------------------------------------------------PLANNING A MOVE? At Cousins USA Moving & Storage, we want you to smile when you think of moving day, and we want you to tell a friend how pleasant your moving experience has been. For more info on about how we can make moving day a good day. Call toll-free at 1-888-300-MOVE, ask for Carlos.

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SENSUAL MASSAGE Indulge yourself in relaxation and stimulation with a full body Sensual Massage. Provided in the nude by a handsome mature man in an intimate spa like environment. Gay-Bi-Straight men welcomed. Convenient NE Ft. Lauderdale location. Discretion assured. Ryan 954-593-6637 www.RyanMassage.weebly.com ------------------------------------------------A GREAT MASSAGE AWAITS! I offer excellent massage sessions consisting of Deep Tissue, Swedish and Sensual Touch. I can customize the session to your needs. Try adding a Shave-Trim / Saltscrub / Bodywash / Face Treatment & More! Me: 41, Hot Bear Cub with nice legs and butt. Clothing Optional. Hours 8am -Midnight. To book an appointment, Call David 954-8028128 http://DavidRubnMassage@aol.com davidrubnmassage.webs.com ------------------------------------------------HUNG BISEXUAL LATIN GUY 28 YO, 5’10”, 175lbs, Smooth, Great Shape & Very Sexy, Honey Eyes, Masculine, 8 Inches, No Attitude - Let me relax you all the way! Call Luis 786-290-4796 BY POPULAR DEMAND, DINO IS BACK! You asked for it, so for a limited time, Dino is back in Palm Beach County and is ready to rub, sooth, relax and release your stress away. Handsome, fit, hairychested, mature man 6’1, 180lbs. 9 X 6 uncut. What are you waiting for? Satisfaction is only a call away. 561-333-0115 IN calls: $75. 10AM - 9PM, out calls $100 in the West Palm Beach area ONLY. ------------------------------------------------BODY & ENERGY WORK. Offering 1 HR Full Body Massage To Release Stress and Tension. Licensed Massage Therapist from Provincetown. Wilton Manors $55 w/ Table. Call Keith 954-764-8478 10 AM to 8 PM Daily

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sFGNÕ s CLAssiFieD soAPBox

Manors Chief of Police Ô kiDnappedÕ

ilton Manors police chief Rick Perez has been “KID’napped’ by Kids In Distress (KID) and could use your help to help raise his ‘ransom’. According to a note the kidnappers have released to the media, KID will keep him ‘captive’ until he reaches a financial goal- and the deadline is May 31st.

Join Me in My effortS to KidS in diStreSS!

SuPPort

“your donation toward my ransom will help set me free and benefit thousands of children in South Florida. Kids In Distress provides so many different services to children and families - from food, clothing and shelter to prevention services, therapy, preschool, and more. For more information about the KID programs go to: www.kidsindistress.org,” says Rick, now in week two of this continuing hostage crisis. you can help free the Chief, by going online or mailing a check to Kids In Distress at 819 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors, FL 33305 . Remember to put the chief’s name, Ric Perez, in the memo. All donors who give $25+ will be entered into a raffle to win 4 Lower Bowl Tickets to a 2010-11 Florida Panthers game. Others who prefer to keep the Chief hostage, with no bread or water, and subject to occasional lashings, should donate $50 or more. “Thanks for your help!,” says the Chief! “And, be assured, no amount is too small to be appreciated.”

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May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

sports

Are you Gay or straight? Miami Dolphins Flap Highlights Questions for NFL Rookies

By BARRY WILNER

The Associated Press

ome of the queries are just weird. Occasionally, they’re intrusive and in questionable taste. Following the storm surrounding Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland asking Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant if his mother was a prostitute, for which Ireland later apologized, NFL rookies at minicamps last weekend told The Associated Press they fielded some oddball inquiries from team executives before the draft. Bengals fourth-round pick Geno Atkins said one club, he couldn’t recall which, asked him about his sexual orientation. “The only unusual question I got was if I was straight or gay,” said Atkins, a defensive tackle from Georgia whose father, Gene, played 10 seasons in the league. “And that was about it. “’McDonald’s or Burger King?’ I think ‘pillow or blanket?’ was another one. Those were the strange, unusual ones I got. I was like, ‘What does that have to do with football?’ I think they were kind of trying to loosen me up a little bit.” Read more: miamiherald.typepad.com/ gaysouthﬂorida/#ixzz0nBg19zLw miamiherald.typepad.com/ gaysouthﬂorida/#ixzz0nBg1BcUe

Or tighten him up. The interviews are designed to test a young player’s demeanor as much as a 40-yard dash is used to measure his speed. So potential draft picks have to be prepared for outlandish questions, even if they never get them. They’ve also got to be ready to get baited. “Some of the interviews were different,” said Cowboys second-rounder Sean Lee, a linebacker from Penn State. “Like I had one team that really came and criticized me and the school I was at, and they’re really trying to just get you fired up. They’re really just using different tactics to try to see you face adversity, how you react to somebody getting on you. “That was probably the most unusual thing I had, somebody came at me and said ‘I’ve never seen a guy from Penn State make plays.’ Really, you just have to keep your cool and come back with passionate but respectful answers.” Most teams begin the interviewing process at the NFL combine in February, when a player might meet with a dozen or more clubs in one day. It’s a monotonous process for the collegians, and sometimes just as tiresome for the front office executives conducting the sessions. Still, there is a certain protocol, something Ireland admittedly violated with Bryant, who was suspended for most of the 2009 season for lying to the NCAA about his activities with Deion Sanders. “My job is to find out as much information as possible about a player that I’m considering drafting,” Ireland said in a statement. “Sometimes that leads to asking in-depth questions. Having said that, I talked to Dez Bryant and told him I used poor judgment in one of the questions I asked him. I certainly meant no disrespect and

apologized to him. “I appreciate his acceptance of that apology, and I told him I wished him well as he embarks on his NFL career.” Others embarking on NFL careers said they experienced nothing like the BryantIreland incident. “No, nothing that I just wanted to go Incredible Hulk on somebody,” said Cowboys safety Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, a fourthround pick from Indiana-Pennsylvania, a Division II school. “I’ve never been asked anything like that,” added guard Jacques McClendon, Indianapolis’ fourth-round choice out of Tennessee. “You just know these teams want to get whatever information they can. If they’re going to invest that kind of money in me, then you have to be cooperative with the process.” The process includes more than a quick

Q and A. Players undergo all kinds of mental and psychological tests, too. They might meet with a dozen members of an NFL team, from scouts to coaches to general manager - perhaps even the owner in the cases of the Cowboys and Jets, for example. Teams also send along a packet of questions for players to answer. That might lack the personal touch, but can be effective in its own right. The packets are where the dog versus cat question often comes up. Generally, those questions are within the bounds of good taste. “No, no. I didn’t get any of that. That would be a whole entire different level,” Lee said. “That’d be a lot tougher to deal with.” Mississippi running back Dexter McCluster, a second-round pick by Kansas City, did have one team go “American Idol” on him. “One coach asked me to sing,” McCluster said.

international Gay Rugby star Featured in SI

ugby player Gareth Thomas is one of his Wales’ most prominent athletes in his field. Known for his tough exterior, Thomas most notably led the British Lions to a Grand Slam title in 2005, the team’s first since 1978. He also made international headlines when he came out in 2009, making him the only openly gay professional athlete currently on a major team sport. But as Sports Illustrated senior writer Gary Smith writes in the May 3 issue, under the exterior of tattoos, bruises and a mouth of missing teeth was a tormented man struggling with his identity. Now, months after coming out, Thomas and

Smith both ask, when will the U.S. have its turn at a gay athlete? “The e-mails and letters and Twitter I get tells me there is so much confusion on this issue, and so many gay kids who love sports but get pushed away from it,” Thomas says in the article. “A lot of the notes are from America. I love the United States...but why wouldn’t the people who run your sports and who sponsor them make a public announcement that they welcome gay people and will support them? Because even if they feel that’s bringing too much attention to something that should be a private matter, at this point that’s what’s needed.”

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Midnight Gay Boy

Jon voight aS Joe BuCK continued from page 35

Roger Ebert wrote that it was “an offensively trendy, gimmick-ridden, tarted-up, vulgar exercise in fashionable cinema,” and Rex Reed declared that it was “a collage of screaming, crawling, vomiting humanity.” The film grossed $44.8 million, the equivalent of about $250 million today. And the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was—surprisingly—much kinder than the critics: the film received seven Oscar nominations, for best picture, best director, best adapted screenplay, best actor (for both

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Hoffman and Voight), best supporting actress (Sylvia Miles), and best film editing. How the generally conservative members of the Academy—which included such Old Hollywood Old Guard as John Wayne, Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra—were swayed by Midnight Cowboy remains something of a mystery four decades later, but perhaps United Artists production chief David Picker put it best when he said of the only X-rated film to win Oscar gold: “The picture did fabulous business, and it’s a great fucking movie.”

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

White House slowing Down on DADT continued from page 14

the advisability of legislative proposals that may impact” the DADT policy. “I expect this issue will be raised at a number of junctures throughout” the process of reauthorizing the DOD funding bill, wrote Skelton. Skelton opposes repeal of DADT, so his letter appeared to be a request for ammunition against consideration of a repeal measure. On April 30, Gates and Mullen, responded –although the response came on the letterhead of the Secretary of Defense and was written in the first-person singular: “I believe in the strongest possible terms that the Department must, prior to any legislative action, be allowed the opportunity to conduct a thorough, objective, and systematic assessment of the impact of such a policy change; develop an attentive comprehensive implementation plan, and provide the President and the Congress with the results of this effort in order to ensure that this step is taken in the most informed and effective manner.” The Gates letter advised Skelton that it is “critical” the DOD working group be able to “systematically engage our forces, their families, and the broader military community.” “Our military must be afforded the opportunity to inform us of their concerns, insights, and suggestions if we are to carry out this change successfully,” said the letter. “Therefore, I strongly oppose any legislation that seeks to change this policy prior to the completion of this vital assessment process,” stated the letter. To change the policy prior to this study completion, said Gates, “would send a very damaging message to our men and women in uniform that in essence their views, concerns, and perspectives do not matter on an issue with such a direct impact and consequence for them and their families.” It was an unusually blunt message from a man who has demonstrated he is capable of being politically cautious –even neutral-on this issue. Now, suddenly, Gates was drawing a line in the sand and warning of failure for repeal should Congress approve it prior to the study’s completion. Then, the White House issued a statement that same day: “The President’s commitment to repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is unequivocal. This is not a question of if, but how,” said

the statement. “That’s why we’ve said that the implementation of any congressional repeal will be delayed until the DOD study of how best to implement that repeal is completed. The President is committed to getting this done both soon and right.” Given the timing and bluntness of the White House statement, some might have interpreted it as a pushback against Gates’ letter. But LGBT activists reacted angrily to the president’s willingness to wait on repeal “until the DOD study of how best to implement that repeal is completed.” “The commander in chief sounds like he is deferring to his Defense Secretary, to a House Chairman who opposes him on repeal, and to his political operatives,” said Aubrey Sarvis, executive director for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN). Michael Cole, a spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), said the repeal effort lacks “clarity and leadership” and added, “We expect and demand that clarity and leadership from the administration immediately.” There may be a compromise in the works. On April 30, the same day Gates drew his line in the sand and the White House responded, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (DCalif.) issued a statement suggesting the administration “immediately place a moratorium on dismissals under the policy until the review has been completed and Congress has acted.” It’s a suggestion Pelosi has raised before but which has gotten little attention or support from either LGBT activists or the DOD. “Our first priority is for full repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ this year,” said a statement released by SLDN spokesman Trevor Thomas. “It is premature to be looking at moratorium options right now.” The White House has scheduled for today a meeting of 100 gay vets and officials in the White House Office of Public Engagement. But Shin Inouye, a spokesman for the White House for LGBT media, said the meeting is simply one of the “many outreach meetings we do on a wide range of issues.” HRC’s Cole agreed. Cole said the meeting was scheduled as part of HRC’s lobby day effort “for the veterans to hear from the White House about their plans for repeal and for the veterans to share their stories and impress upon them the need for repeal this year.”

Vets Take DADT to Congress continued from page 14

they have to listen to our stories of abuse, or. “This is not a question of if, but how.” But he added, “The implementation of any degradation, humiliation and outright disCongressional repeal will be delayed until crimination by our peers and leaders while the [Department of Defense] study of how serving in the military,” he said. “All for best to implement that repeal is completed.” simply being who we were created to be.” Opponents of the policy also say that Although Gates opposes an immediate DADT hurts military readiness and nationrepeal of DADT, he has set into al security, and that it puts American solmotion changes that make it diers who are fighting overseas at risk. more difficult for gay service “The Commander-in-Chief and his members to be dismissed beJoint Chiefs need to get their heads on cause of their sexual identity. straight on this once and for all,” said Carl The Lobby Day organizers Hackworth of Wilton Mansay these superficial changes ors, a Desert Storm vet. are beside the point. On February 2, Ad“Such a large number of vetmiral Mike Mullen, erans all coming to Washthe chairman of ington, D.C. together at the Joint Chiefs of this critical time should Staff, told Memsend a strong message to bers of Congress Congress and even to the that he personalPresident that we fully ly supports endexpect this law to be reing the policy. pealed this year,” said “It is my perAlexander Nicholson, sonal belief that alExecutive Director of lowing gays and lesServicemembers lt. Col.viCtor fehrenBaCh, bians to serve openly United. one of Many vetS aCtively fighting dadt would be the right thing Added Nicholson, a former U.S. Army interrogator discharged to do,” Mullen told the Senate Armed Services under DADT: “We have laid out a path to Committee. “No matter how I look at the issue, I repeal for this year that very much respects the Pentagon’s position on this issue. There cannot escape being troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy which forces is simply no excuse for further delay.” Approximately 14,000 service members young men and women to lie about who have been discharged under “Don’t Ask, they are in order to defend their fellow citizens,” Mullen added. Don’t Tell” since its inception. The Veterans Lobby Day on DADT will That number includes nearly 1000 mission critical specialists, Arabic linguists take place immediately before the National Defense Authorization Act is debated on among them. Mark LaFontaine of Oakland Park, a Capitol Hill. Supporters of the repeal say that the bill U.S. Coast Guard veteran who sits on the national board of American Veterans for should contain language overturning the discriminatory law. They may have a little Equal Rights, supports lobbying efforts. “It really resonates with Congress when longer to wait.

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May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Passages

The Little New yorker with the Big Voice By Cliff Dunn

middle of crossing a street—mid-block—when a passing cab cut short is Facebook the life of the East Vilpage described lage’s Little Big Man. him as a “disHis April 30 funeral in abled, gay, Jewish, leftForest Hills, Queens, was ist, middle aged dwarf attended by friends and who ambulates with admirers, as well as a crutches.” But despite gaggle of New York City his disabilities, Harry elected officials he took Wieder’s friends say he turns supporting and would take great excepharassing. tion to being considered Christine Quinn, Speakhandicapped. harry weider er of the New York City Wieder, 57, who died April 27 in New York City after being Council recalled of Wieder: “You weren’t struck and killed by a taxicab driver, spent done talking to Harry until he was done most of his adult life campaigning for LGBT talking to you.” There were also stories of his Big Apple rights, public housing, universal health care, rights for the disabled and hundreds days: about the time Wieder drove himself to Key West to relax at a clothing-optional of other lefty causes. As reported in his obituary in The New York gay resort; and the time he showed up for Times, as his hearing failed with each passing an Easter protest at Radio City Music Hall year, he would ask opponents at City Council dressed as a bright pink bunny; or the time meetings or other gatherings, “Again, please? he banged his crutches into a friend’s shins Again?” until that person was forced to raise to let her know that he hated her newly his or her voice, which gave Wieder all the bleached hair (he was right, she said). Added Council Speaker Quinn: “Harry excuse he needed to shout back. The only child of Holocaust survivors, went out of his way to be devilish, and as we Wieder never complained about how diffi- continue to struggle in his name, we need to cult it was for him to walk; he was in the maybe be a little more devilish ourselves.”

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Q scopes By Jack Fertig

Humor

strut your stuff, Leo! With the Sun in Taurus,Venus in Gemini and Eris in Aries all in harmony one can hardly resist the urge to flirt and banter, even a bit competitively. Do keep the quips friendly! ARies (March 20 – April 19): Try to keep those playful impulses simply playful.you can get caught up way too easily in one-upmanship. If you really know who you are and what you’re about, you have nothing to prove. TAuRus (April 20 – May 20): What you own is not who you are. Keep repeating that.you’re in no immediate danger, but as a spiritual exercise imagine losing all your belongings, having only your own self and the people you love. Scary? It could be liberating! GeMiNi (May 21- June 20):Venus is augmenting your own natural beauty. That alone won’t help you find love. Throw yourself into community service or political activity. Invest your time and energy in a better global future and your personal future should brighten up too. CANCeR (June 21- July 22): Meditative inspiration, support from friends and professional advancement are as necessary as food, water and air. Each of the three is necessary to support the other two. If you can balance them all, you’re sure to thrive and succeed. Leo (July 23 – August 22): Strut your stuff. Don’t hold back. Be gracious in welcoming all challenges and arguments as they will give you an opportunity to show your prowess. But go easy! Kindness to your opponents will pay off big for you. ViRGo (August 23 – September 22): Charming your way to the top will get you noticed – and annoy the competition. Stay nice and principled in dealing with critics and backbiters. Don’t sink to their level; kill them with kindness.

Solution to Crossword Puzzle on page 40

LiBRA (September 23 – October 22): Looking for love? you’ll find it more easily far from your usual hunting grounds. Keep an eye out for someone you can play and compete with. Got love? Spice it up with some competitive sport. Wrestle for top – or bottom. sCoRPio (October 23 – November 21):your erotic charisma is cranked way up. Enjoy it the easy way (the gym, jogging, any exercise or sports make you irresistible) or sublimate that energy to promote your work, and to get colleagues to cooperate more effectively. sAGiTTARius (November 22 – December 20):your competitively playful spirit can help boost morale at work. If you and your co-workers have no rivals to conquer, strive for a team/personal best. Pride in your work and going for that personal best will help you find love or keep it. CAPRiCoRN (December 21 – January 19):you can shine in games or sports, especially where you can show off your running or your vocabulary. Creative handicrafts, particularly that come out of your ethnic background, can show you to be handier than some people – including yourself – may think. AQuARius (January 20 – February 18): Try your hand at any sort of domestic creativity. Cook, decorate, upholster the children, whatever strikes your fancy. Add your own touch to old family recipes and styles. Can you do better than Mom? Better than your sister at least? Prove it! PisCes (February 19 – March 19): Swap old family stories , either with your family to brush up your genealogy or with friends just for the fun of it. No family tales you care to share? How about recipes? Invite a few pals to share old favorite dishes.

Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-8648302, through his website at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

May 10 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com s P o R T s

FLoRiDA sToRM: on the Road to Cologne By Jesse Monteagudo

occer, know in Europe as ‘association football,’ is the world’s most popular sport. However, in the United States, soccer is played mostly by children, immigrants and minority groups. But soccer’s relative unpopularity in America has never stopped fans and players alike from forming and nurturing teams devoted to “The Beautiful Game.” In South Florida, LGBT soccer aficionados have the Florida Storm Soccer Team to call their own. Established 7 years ago by a group of friends, Florida Storm Soccer is a nonprofit, gay and lesbian-friendly organization that provides an opportunity to play soccer in a positive and friendly environment. According to Marcos Oliveira, President of Florida Storm Soccer, the team has over 60 members, including 32 players. “Our team is a crossover of all paths of life representing straight, bi, gay, Latino, Black, Asian, European, white, old and young,” Oliveira says. “We have players in Division I and Division II levels. Every Sunday the men of the Florida Storm play at the yMCA in Boca Raton, where we hold regular practices and scrimmage to support our team development and enhancement of new skills,” he added. Florida Storm also plays in domestic and international tournaments sponsored by Atlanta, New york and the International Gay & Lesbian Football Association (IGLFA). The largest LGBT organization of its kind, IGLFA brings together 80 teams from more than 20 countries and schedules tournaments around the world. The Florida Storm Soccer joined IGLFA in 2004 and, according to Oliveira, has played in every major tournament since. The Storm won the gold medal in the 2nd Division at the 2003 Championship in Boston; the gold medal in the 1st Division at

the 2004 Championship in San Francisco; and the bronze medal in the 1st Division at the 2005 Championship in Copenhagen, Denmark. In 2006 the Storm participated in Gay Games VII, held in Chicago. “Florida Storm Soccer had an amazing experience in Chicago Gay Games 2006,” says Oliveira. “We were able to compete with two teams playing Division I and II. Division II went all the way up to the semifinals but Division I team did even better.” He adds: “We played the best games ever in our 7 years of history against Liverpool in the finals. We finished in 2nd place,

winning the silver medal, and that is one of the greatest accomplishments we had done so far,” Oliveira notes proudly. Next on the Florida Storm’s agenda are Gay Games VIII, to be held in Cologne (Köln) Germany from July 31 to August 7. “We are finalizing our roster and playing hard every week to get in shape to be able to compete against the best gay teams from all over the world,” says Oliveira, adding that he is very excited to be able to represent the city, state and country at the Gay Games. To raise the funds needed to take the Storm to the Games, the team is holding multiple events, including a pool party at the Villa Venice guest house in Fort Lauderdale. But going to the Games is not cheap; and

Oliveira invites SFGN readers to consider donating through our Team Web page and help raise funds to complete the team registration, support the purchase of team uniforms and warm up to the match representing Florida. “Soccer is a genuine sport with great acceptance worldwide,” Oliveira says. “We take it seriously, have fun and throughout the years built a great reputation with great accomplishments in domestic and international tournaments. And, he adds, “No matter your sexual orientation, you will find a unique environment to be yourself and expand your mind and your circle of friends.” For more about Florida Storm Soccer, visit www.floridastormsoccer.com. Jesse Monteagudo is a regular contributor to SFGN.