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June 14, 2010 • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 21

Summer

staycations 14 29 40 52

Page 31

Pictured Above: The Angler’s Boutique Resort

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

page

Ain’t Easy Bein’ Green

page

page Joan Rivers Interview

page

Gallery XO

Gay Softball Lawsuit

2

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Update

Tiny Tina Battles Health Problems

June 14, 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 21

Iconic Drag Performer Loses Leg to Diabetes Complications

Editorial Offices 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

By Cliff Dunn

year, was fired as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) after a routine background n a sad post-script to his victorious screening of the assisted living facility that employed him found a decades-old battle to be reinstated as a nurse by state officials, Ray Fetcho—a/k/a arrest on his record.

The arrest had occurred in 1976, Tiny Tina—has lost his leg due to complications from a long battle with diabetes. when Tiny Tina was hosting a “Wet Jockey Shorts Contest” at The Copa, a Fetcho, who was the subject of an popular Fort Lauderdale nightclub for SFGN investigative series earlier this over 30 years.

Fetcho contacted SFGN to report his dismissal, and Fort Lauderdale-based attorneys Russell Cormican and Norm Kent—who is the Publisher of SFGN— volunteered to take the case in order to secure an exemption from state officials to allow Fetcho to return to work.

But the sweet victory of those past months has been replaced by the stark reality of Fetcho’s increasingly poor health. Shortly after SFGN reported the original story, Fetcho was hospitalized from an infection that turned into a wound, which in turn quickly became gangrenous.

Life-saving surgery was performed on Fetcho on June 10, at which time his left leg was amputated below the knee.

According to Fetcho’s former partner, Robert Trout, “Ray is going to require Ray Fetcho as Tiny Tina rehab and assistance with the daily costs

I

of living. In addition to his hospital bills he’s going to need a wheelchair, a special ramp for access to his home, and help with daily expenses.”

At the time he was hospitalized, the newly-reinstated nursing professional had plans to start a new job in Coconut Creek at a senior activity center. Out of work for months prior, he had no insurance coverage. As Trout observes, Fetcho’s age leaves him in a virtual noman’s land for services.

“Ray is 62.That means he doesn’t qualify for Medicare,” he notes. “He falls between the cracks, because there are no state programs to pay for him to go to rehab, or to the bank, or the grocery store.”

Trout, who has been granted power of attorney for Fetcho, says that an account has been established at Fifth Third Bank in Fort Lauderdale where donations can be made to help with Fetcho’s bills. A benefit co-sponsored by SFGN is also planned.

Added Nikki Adams, a fellow drag emcee and long-time colleague of Tiny Tina’s “For over 30 years, she’s been there whenever anyone needed her to perform, to emcee, or just to bring a heart full of love. It’s time to give back to her.”

Norm Kent Publisher and Editor in Chief publishernorm@southfloridagaynews.com Pier Angelo Guidugli

Chief Executive Officer Vice President, Sales. . . . . . . Cliff Dunn cliff.dunn@southfloridagaynews.com Creative Director. . . . . . . . . George Dauphin george.dauphin@southfloridagaynews.com Online Website Director. . . . Dennis Jozefowicz

Editorial Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . Joey Amato joey.amato@southfloridagaynews.com Copy Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . Penn Bullock penn.bullock@southfloridagaynews.com

News Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . Jarrett Terrill jarrett.t@southfloridagaynews.com

Lifestyle & Features Editor. . A. Sebastian Fortino sebastian.fortino@southfloridagaynews.com Arts/Entertainment Editor . . Mary Damiano marysfgn@gmail.com SFGNites Editor. . . . . . . . . . JW Arnold Health/HIV Editor. . . . . . . . Paul Gallotta Business Editor . . . . . . . . . . Richard Gary Senior Feature Correspondent. . . . . . . . . . . Jesse Monteagudo Correspondent. . . . . . . . . . . Steve Fritz Contributing Columnists. . . Tony

Adams, Wayne Besen, AJ Cross, Deb Price, Brian McNaught, Patricia Nell Warren

Sales Display Marketing Associates. Joyce Bluestein John Fugate Brian Swinford Classified Advertising. . . . . . Mike Trottier classifieds@hotspotsmagazine.com 954-928-1862 National Sales Representative. . . . . . . . Rivendell Media todd@rivendellmedia.com Distribution Manager. . . . . . John Fugate 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

3

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

V O T E A U G U S T 2 4 TH

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Deidra Bergmann

How Dad, People, and Pets Formed Her Life

By A. Sebastian Fortino

D

r. Deidra Bergmann, D.O., has a passion for medicine, pets, and people. This comes from her childhood in Bay Village, Ohio, where even her beginnings were unique.

“I was delivered a week earlier than expected and my mother’s doctor was on vacation. So, I was brought into this world with the help of the infamous Dr. Sam Sheppard, best known as the real-life inspiration for TV’s The Fugitive,” Bergmann said.

Her late father—whom she describes as her rock—was a pathologist, and also a medical examiner. Her mother was a teacher, and she spent idyllic summers on her grandparents’ farm. When young Bergmann’s mother needed some personal time, she went to work with her father in the hospital.

“Going to work with my father taught

me compassion for people at a young age,” Bergman fondly recalled.

In 1985, she graduated from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida—the first of her class of 54 other aspiring doctors. As her father was one of the professors at the medical school, he was allowed the honor of “hooding” Bergmann. Upon her graduation she was aware that surgery was seen as a “man’s world.” Not wanting that to remain the status quo, she applied for a residency in surgery.

In 1990, Bergmann became one of 28 female General Surgeons in the country. By 1995, she was made a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, which made her father proud.

Surgeons, like musicians and artists, require steady hands. However, in 2000, she attended a gay ski-weekend in Aspen, Colorado.

“Then it all changed,” she said. “I slipped

on the ice and fell. The result was damage to my left hand.

After surgery and rehabilitation, my hand was never fully functional, as required for a surgeon. So, in 2002, I had to give up my lifework… or so I thought.”

Instead of going into a depression, the strong-willed Bergmann decided to devote her time to the causes and issues for which she is passionate. In 2002, she became the president of the Broward County Osteopathic Medical Association for a 2-year term. In 2003, she began work with The Pet Project for Pets, which ensures that people with serious medical conditions can still maintain their pets.

She also rejoined Women in Network (WIN) in 2005, after an eight-year hiatus, and by 2009 Bergmann became a board member and the chairwoman of the Membership & Social Committee. WIN, an organization featured in SFGN recently, offers a safe, social and professional organization for lesbians—and the opportunity to meet

other women in a professional and socialnetworking environment.

However, she did not stop there. Her spirit—like a surgeon at the operating table— cannot know fatigue. In 2009, she became a board member at SunServe, the non-profit organization that realizes everyone has the right to quality services.

“And I mean everyone,” she said emphatically. SunServe’s Senior Day Care, the world’s first and only program for LGBT seniors, was “a perfect fit for my father and me.”

Bergmann has dedicated her life to the care of others, and unlike many busy, urbane, professionals with a lust for life, she did not turn her back on the man she describes as “my rock.” When he became too frail to take care of himself, she moved him into her home.

“This man guided me and supported me for my first 18 years. I decided I would be there for his last,” she said of her father.

Her father passed away in March. Yet we see in Bergmann’s story, and in her father’s guidance, the legacy of fathers on their children. We must not only thank Deidra for her commitment to the community, but we must posthumously thank her father, Dr. Donald Bergmann.

5

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Local News

New Resort Planned for Wilton Manors G Worldwide Launches Brand in South Florida

By Joey Amato

N

ew York-based G Worldwide plans to break ground on a 700,000 square-foot resort at an estimated cost of $80 million in Wilton Manors. The luxury resort, scheduled for completion in 2011, will bring over 500 new jobs to the area and is the first in a series of projects for the company catering to the LGBT community.

David Holzapfel, COO of G Worldwide, is enthusiastic about the project. “The reason we chose Wilton Manors for our first project is because we felt that South Florida is a wonderful location.” Holzapfel likes the community of Wilton Manors, stating that the company has already garnered a great deal of support for the project.

The resort will feature numerous lavish amenities. “We will have a fitness center, spa, nightclub, and a variety of dining options, all on property,” Holzapfel says. In addition, the resort also plans to offer a rooftop lounge and garden, as well as an art gallery and banquet center.

The property, located at 1224 NE 24th Street, will only be a short walk from the Wilton Drive entertainment district, offering visitors an array of shopping and nightlife options.

G Resort Wilton Manors also plans on attracting 25 major events to the resort, including conferences that will ultimately generate revenue for local businesses.

In addition, G Resort will feature a timeshare component, allowing visitors to purchase units in the building. “Timeshare brings a lot of value

to the property, especially from the developer’s point of view,” states Holzapfel. “That component of the resort will only be about 20 percent of inventory, but will provide us with a steady stream of customers.”

The 172-unit, all-suite resort will feature four unique floor-plans. Most notable are the three-story, 3,000 square-foot penthouse suites, which promise to offer visitors superior luxury amenities.

The Wilton Manors property will surely impact local business. Reece Darham, managing director of Island City Health

& Fitness, is excited about the project. “I believe it will be a fantastic opportunity for all LGBT businesses. This luxury hotel will bring a level of tourism that otherwise may not have come to Wilton Manors.”

Lori Deak, vice president of the Pride Factory, has mixed feelings on the project. “I think anything that benefits the LGBT community is wonderful, although I’m not really sure, in an area with such an amazing beachfront, whether it truly makes sense to put a resort in the middle of the city.” continued on page 54

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Judge Lists His Questions for Prop 8 Closing Arguments This Week

By Lisa Keen

Keen News Service

T

he federal judge presiding over the highly publicized Proposition 8 trial distributed to attorneys on both sides of the controversy Monday a list of 39 questions he’d like them to address during closing arguments June 16. It’s the kind of lists, said one veteran gay legal scholar, that promises his decision—whatever that turns out to be—will likely be a “blockbuster in its scope.”

Among the questions Walker poses are: “What does it mean to have a ‘choice’ in one’s sexual orientation?” and “If spouses are obligated to one another for mutual support and … if legal spousal obligations have no basis in the gender of the spouse, what purpose does a law requiring that a marital partnership consist of one man and one woman serve?”

Mon 9-5, Tues 8-4, Wed 9-4 Thur 9-3, Fri 9-2

High-profile attorneys Ted Olson, challenging Proposition 8, and Charles Cooper, defending it, will attempt to answer those questions in their closing arguments before Walker Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for Northern California, in San Francisco. If they choose, they can also do so in writing before that proceeding is adjourned.

But after June 16, Walker will take all the arguments he’s heard and all the facts he’s been delivered back to his chamber to render a decision.

Nan Hunter, who for nine years headed up the ACLU’s National Gay and Lesbian Rights Project and is one of the most veteran and respected scholars in LGBT legal matters, said Walker’s questions suggest he may have already drafted an opinion in the four months since he adjourned the evidentiary segment of the trial, in late January.

The detail and breadth of the questions, she noted, “are literally all over the place, but in a good way.”

“Since I assume that most of them arose from a draft of the opinion,” said Hunter, “the list strengthens my expectation that this decision will be a blockbuster in its scope.”

“Judge Walker seems to be preparing an opinion that will comb through the evidentiary record,” said Hunter, referring back to his question list, “to discuss history (how can a right be characterized as fundamental, given the Supreme Court’s focus on tradition, when it did not exist in American society until a few years ago), culture (what is the difference between gays and lesbians on one hand and heterosexuals on the other), social theory (why is the ‘deinstitutionalization’ of marriage bad), and psychology (could sexual orientation be immutable for men but not for women).”

One question that stands out for Hunter and other LGBT attorneys watching the case is the first: It asks attorneys challenging Proposition 8 to assume that it has been established that Proposition 8 is not rationally related to a legitimate state interest but that “voters genuinely…believed” it was. “Do the voters’ honest beliefs, in the absence of supporting evidence, have any bearing on the constitutionality of Proposition 8?”

“That,” said Hunter, “alludes to a funda-

Judge Vaughn Walker

mental conflict in constitutional democracy that has been with us since the founding.”

The key question before Walker, as a judge, however, is whether California’s ban on same-sex marriage, passed as an initiative by voters in November 2008 as Proposition 8, violates the U.S. Constitution.

This trial is the first time state bans on same-sex marriage have been challenged under the federal constitution in federal court. (Other lawsuits have been filed –notably Smelt v. U.S.—but have been subsequently dropped.)

Olson and his team, which include wellknown liberal attorney David Boies, put on a broad-scale attack, similar to one staged against Colorado Amendment 2 in 1993. Both cases tackled such matters as the history of discrimination against gays and whether sexual orientation is an immutable trait, but the Colorado Romer v. Evans case was about anti-discrimination laws in general.

Perry v. Schwarzenegger, in San Francisco, is about marriage in particular.

Olson and his team, representing two same-sex couples, say Proposition 8 violates the federal constitutional guarantees of equal protection and due process. Cooper and his team say it reflects the will of the majority in a democratic system and that will is —not to express hostility to gays but—to “preserve the traditional definition of marriage.”

The 39 questions that Walker posed to

the two sides—and to San Francisco’s openly gay Deputy City Attorney Therese Stewart, who will also give closing arguments— delve into both law and facts. They also touch on the federal Defense of Marriage Act—a federal law banning the recognition of same-sex couples which is under challenge by two active lawsuits in a federal court in Boston.

Judge Walker asked the attorneys challenging Proposition 8 to say whether they believe the court “could find Proposition 8 to be unconstitutional without also considering the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act.” Gary Buseck, legal director of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, which is waging one of those challenges against DOMA, said he thinks Proposition 8 can be found unconstitutional without implicating DOMA. “After all, we have marriage in five states and D.C. with DOMA in effect,” said Buseck, and the Massachusetts supreme court ruled, in 2003, that the Massachusetts constitution required equal marriage rights without needing to reach DOMA. “Practically, people may have views on whether DOMA could stand given some bases on which Prop 8 might be struck,” said Buseck. “Then again, some narrow theory for striking Prop 8 may have no necessary effect on DOMA.” In some cases, Walker’s questions appear to be hinting that the evidence submitted thus far for certain critical facts may not be sufficient. He asks, for instance, “What are the constitutional consequences if the evidence shows that sexual orientation is immutable for men but not for women? Must gay men and lesbians be treated identically under the Equal Protection Clause?”

If a minority is treated poorly because of an immutable trait, such as skin color, the courts may scrutinize laws that treat them differently with a much tougher review— called strict scrutiny.

“We think that term ‘immutable’ has a meaning different in this analysis from just continued on page 48

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com 3% Other

2010

44%

Approve

CBS and Gallup Polls Finds More People Know, Support LGBT Persons, Issues

53% Oppose Gay Marriage

3% Other

2009

Approve

5% Other

1996

Approve

68% Oppose Gay Marriage

New Polling Data Suggests American Attitudes towards LGBT Issues Becoming More Progressive

By Cliff Dunn

N

ew polls from respected organizations are shedding light on the changing attitudes of ‘straight’ Americans toward LGBT persons.

The findings of a new CBS News poll indicate that 77% of Americans today say they know a gay or lesbian person; that’s an increase of 35% since 1992, when most Americans indicated they had no LGBT friends or acquaintances.

The poll also found that more than 60% of Americans have a close friend, relative or work colleague who is gay or lesbian. Only 22% say they do not know anyone at all who falls into that category.

Among the most startling changes were found among men, especially those under the age of 50: there was a 20% jump among men aged 18 to 49 who said they thought gay and lesbian relations were morally acceptable.

The last stat comes from a Gallup poll released at the end of May, which also found that for the first time in history, a record 52% of Americans say that gay and lesbian relationships are morally acceptable, and the percentage of people who say that LGBT relationships are “morally wrong” dropped to 43%, the lowest numbers in a decade, and a drop of 19% from 1978.

In 1978, 25% said they saw nothing

IBM, Google, and Morgan Stanley in Top 5

By Joey Amato

40% 57% Oppose Gay Marriage

27%

IGLCC Announces Results of Survey of Corporate Gay-Friendliness

wrong with homosexual relations; that number is now 48%, a jump of 23%.

The CBS poll found that demographics contribute to attitudes. Those Americans under the age of 30 are generally accepting of gays and lesbians, while those over 65 years old are more likely to disapprove.

According to the poll, 84% of Americans under 30 know a gay or lesbian person, while only 66% of those over age 65 say they do.

There’s also a political component, with liberals, Democrats, independents and moderates generally approving of gay relationships, and conservatives and Republicans generally disapproving.

The Gallup poll found greater acceptance among political Independents (11%) and Democrats (9%) than Republicans (9%), with gains in acceptance also found among moderates (14%).

In other findings, the CBS News poll shows that 51% of Americans believe people are born gay, a jump of 8% since 1993, while 36% say homosexuality is a choice.

Same-sex unions and gay marriage have also gained wider acceptance among Americans. In 2009, 57% opposed gay marriage and 40% approved; this year 53% oppose gay marriage and 44% approve.

In 1996, when Gallup first polled Americans about same-sex marriage, 68% opposed it, and just 27% were in favor.

T

he International Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (IGLCC) recently unveiled the results of the second edition of the International Business Equality Index. The index is a measurement of the performance of multinational corporations in relation to diversity and inclusion issues in the countries where they have offices, specifically regarding to LGBT communities.

It serves as an indicator of the diversity leadership taken [???] by global corporations in the local communities in which they serve.

This year, the top five most LGBTfriendly corporations in the world are IBM, Google, BT Group, Morgan Stanley, and Cisco Systems.

According to IGLCC founding president and secretary general, Pascal Lépine, registration in this year’s In-

ternational Index has more than doubled, compared to the 2009 inaugural edition of the survey. Twenty-five global corporations submitted the complete survey.

“On behalf of IBMers worldwide and our LGBT communities, IBM is extremely proud to receive this recognition from the International Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (IGLCC),” said Frank Kern, senior vice-president of IBM’s Global Business Services. “IBM’s heritage on diversity spans nearly 100 years, and we’re as committed today as at any point in our history to continuously evolving our innovative global workplace policies and practices.”

The enthusiastic participation of so many firms in the 2010 index is an indication of the increasing role global corporations are playing in introducing and championing diversity wherever they have a presence.

“International business has an immeasurably important role to play in developing tolerance and diversity throughout the world,” said Lépine. “Not only do diversity programs such as those measured by the International Index contribute to the communities, but they are good for business and help ensure that every employee is as productive as he or she can be.”

“It is extremely encouraging,” said David Pollard, chair of the International Business Equality Index Committee, “that 22 out of the twenty-five largest participants in this year’s study had diversity and inclusion programs in all of the countries

in which they operate, and even more impressive is that the same number included LGBT issues in their global diversity program. This is very exciting and demonstrates how business can contribute to the community globally.”

Again this year, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) and its European Region (ILGA-Europe) have played an instrumental role in the index’s development. “The growth of the index, and its reinforced global coverage, is very good news,” said Gloria Careaga, co-secretaries general of ILGA. “In the light of the fact that too many LGBTI people still experience rampant harassment and other forms of discrimination in employment in many workplaces around the world, leading by example is crucial, which is why rewarding the best LGBTI inclusion policies and practices through the 2010 International Index is the best way to indicate other companies the way to follow.”

To download a copy of the index report, go to Iglcc. org/index2010

8

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Rainbow Alliance Selects New Chair

By Joey Amato

T

erry Hochmuth, proprietor of the Villa Venice Resort, has been appointed Chairman of the Rainbow Alliance of Greater Fort Lauderdale.

Keith Blackburn, proprietor of Mary’s Resort and Ed Lugo, proprietor of Ed Lugo Resort were selected as new board members. Roger Handevidt, proprietor of the Orton Terrace Guesthouse, returns to the board as immediate Past Chair and founding member Richard Gray of the Royal Palms Resort continues as Board Member Emeritus.

The Rainbow Alliance attempts to lead the Greater Fort Lauderdale GLBT hospitality and lodging industry by focusing their efforts on strategies which build consumer awareness, maintain the strength of its membership base, and tap into the growing groups and events arena.

“I look forward to working with everyone, Board Members and Members alike, in a cooperative effort in charting a new direction for the Rainbow Alliance” stated Chair-

man Terry Hochmuth, and “One of the primary goals is to promote and encourage a more cohesive feel within the group and to foster an improved mutual trust and cooperative atmosphere amongst Members. By doing this, we can all contribute in reaffirming Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premiere Gay travel destination in North America.”

To accomplish some From left; Richard Gray, Keith Blackburn, Terry Hochmuth, Ed Lugo and Roger Handevidt of these goals, the Rainbow Alliance will Lauderdale as a gay friendly destination. with the Rainbow Alliance as we recognize continue to work closely with the Greater With their newly adopted internet portal the significance and economic value of the Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors “GoGayFortLauderdale.com” the 40+ GLBT market,” commented Nicki GrossBureau as it has for the past ten years, to man, President & CEO of the Greater Fort member group is shifting gears to better promote Greater Fort Lauderdale in local, facilitate a cooperative effort to represent Lauderdale CVB. Grossman was recently national and international gay media and recognized by the Rainbow Alliance for her and promote gay and gay friendly businesses publications. to prospective gay visitors. tireless efforts in promoting Greater Fort “We have been very fortunate to work

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

GOP Studies Options Against DADT Eyes Webb and Pryor

repeal if a vote comes up before mittee in February, the genthe Pentagon study is submitted. erals more frankly opposed Keen News Service Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is not repeal. Casey said he has “sethe only controversy brewing in epublicans are reportedly scour- rious concerns” about the imthe Defense authorization bill. ing for filibuster votes against the pact on “readiness and military There’s also a fight over whether Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repeal and effectiveness.” Air Force Gento fund an alternate engine for the are expected to focus their efforts on win- eral Norton Schwartz said, Air Force’s existing F-35 fighter ning over Democrats Jim Webb of Virginia “This is not the time to perjets. The House version of the Deturb the force.” and Mark Pryor of Arkansas. fense authorization bill includes One day after the historic And The Hill newspaper reported Monday the funding; the Senate version that, in the alternative, some Republicans may votes on the House floor and that passed committee does not. try to amend the repeal language to require in the Senate committee, DeBoth the Pentagon and President that—not just Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman fense Secretary Robert Gates Obama say the alternate engine is Admiral Mike Mullen but also—the chiefs of issued a message to serviceSenator Webb with Virginia Army National Guard 3rd battalion, not needed, and President Obama all branches of service certify the readiness of members to let them know 116th brigade at Kuwait Naval Bas has vowed to veto any DOD auwhat the Congressional actroops in order for repeal to take effect.

Such an amendment, if approved, would tion on repealing DADT means, thus far, to another Republican might try to filibuster thorization bill that includes it.

And Senator McCain successfully amended likely create a big hurdle for repeal because them. His brief message, May 28, was clearly the DOD bill in an effort to kill the repeal.

To amend the DOD bill to require all the DOD authorization bill to require 6,000 several of the branch chiefs have made very intended to emphasize the repeal is not yet service chiefs certify repeal would require National Guard troops be sent to the Arizoa done deal. public their opposition to repeal.

“First, the legislative process is long and 51 votes. To stage a filibuster, Republicans na-Mexico border. The amendment passed The DADT repeal language approved by the full House and by the Senate Armed Ser- complex,” wrote Gates. “While it appears would need 41 votes, and they have 41 Re- on a 15 to 13 vote. That same language has vices Committee on May 27 calls for repeal likely that Congress will eventually change publicans in the Senate. But since moderate been rejected by the Senate in earlier efforts to take effect once the President, the Defense the ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ law, we do not ex- Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine and will likely face opposition during the Secretary, and the Chairman “certify” that pect the legislation that would do this to voted for repeal in Committee, she is not floor consideration of DOD authorization.

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network three things have taken place. Those three be presented to the President for months -- expected to support a filibuster against it.

And The Weekly Standard, a conservative predicts the full Senate could take up the Dethings are: 1) that the three men have “con- perhaps not until the end of the year.”

“Second,” said Gates, “the legislation in- political website, predicts her moderate fense authorization bill, which contains the sidered the recommendations contained in the report and the report’s proposed plan of volved is a deferred repeal. In other words, Republican colleague Olympia Snowe of DADT repeal provision, as early as June 18.

The Senate takes a recess on July 4 and action,” 2) that the DOD has “prepared the it would repeal ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ but Maine would also support repeal.

What Republicans are hoping for now, returns Monday, July 12. The Senate then necessary policies and regulations to exer- only AFTER, I repeat AFTER, the ongoing cise” repeal, and 3) that the implementation Department of Defense high level review suggests The Weekly Standard, is that Dem- takes recess from August 9 through Septemof those policies and regulations is “consis- is completed and only after the President, ocrat Jim Webb of Virginia –who opposed ber 10. Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich.), chairtent with the standards of military readiness, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and I all repeal in Committee—will join a filibuster man of the Armed Services Committee, has military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and re- can certify that we are ready to make this attempt. Their next best bet for a 41st vote, said he thinks the DOD authorization bill cruiting and retention of the Armed Forces.” change without hurting unit cohesion, mili- it said, would be Senator Mark Pryor of Ar- will likely come up before the July 4 recess Just one day earlier, the chiefs of the Air tary readiness, military effectiveness and re- kansas, who has said he would vote against or the August 9 summer recess.

Force, Army, Marines, and Navy sent a letter to cruiting and retention.”

“Third, while this process plays out over Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), an opponent of repeal, expressing their carefully couched time,” said Gates, “nothing will change in concerns about repeal. Those concerns pri- terms of our current policies and practices. marily involved a desire to get significant input Current law, policies and regulations refrom servicemembers and their families and – main in place and we are obligated to abide “We treat you like part of the family!”

•Back Pain as Army General George Casey put it— get a by them as before.”

DR. TROY LOMASKY • Neck Pain And fourth, said Gates, “the Department better understanding of “what the impacts on Graduate, New York Chiropractic College • Auto Accidents of Defense review on this issue that I initireadiness and unit cohesion might be.”

But before the Senate Armed Services Com- ated earlier this year will continue as before • Sports- & Workand is more important than ever.”

Related Injuries Gate’s statement in full: Senator John McCain, the ranking minor• Pinched Nerves defense.gov/speeches/speech. ity member on the Senate Armed Services aspx?speechid=1480 • Headaches Committee, has not yet announced how The Weekly Standard article: 2608 NE 16th Ave., Wilton Manors • Massage WALK-INS weeklystandard.com/blogs/will-senate- he will oppose the repeal language during Therapy EMERGENCIES FL LIC # MM13657 filibuster-dont-ask-dont-tell-repeal floor debate. Early reports suggested he or

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Parenting

Study: Parents Don’t Think Their Teen Kids Are Having Sex Findings Show Most Parents Think Other Kids Are to Blame for Promiscuity

By Cliff Dunn

A

new study by researchers at North Carolina State University (NCSU) reveals that, while many parents think everyone else’s kids are sexually active, most refuse to believe their own teens are interested in the birds and the bees.

According to Sinikka Elliott, assistant professor of sociology at NCSU: “Parents I interviewed had a very hard time thinking about their own teen children as sexually desiring subjects.

“At the same time,” she added, “parents view their teens’ peers as highly sexual, even sexually predatory.”

The numbers clearly don’t bear out these notions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that there were 435,436 births to teenagers 15 to 19 years old in 2006, and 6,396 for 10 to 14-year-olds.

Experts add that the contradiction in thinking has far-reaching consequences. When parents view their own kids as immune to the lure of sexual experience, they pass responsibility for sexual activity onto others. In other words, if their child gets pregnant, it must be someone else’s fault.

NCSU’s Elliott interviewed 47 parents of teens. The subjects included 41 moms and six dads. The interviews included questions about parents’ experiences and beliefs concerning teenage sex.

The findings showed that parents consistently characterize their teens as young, naïve and immature.

Although Elliott interviewed more mothers than fathers, the research showed that fathers viewed their daughters as immature

as the mothers did. Elliott reported that, in essence, the parents consider their teens to be sexually innocent—even asexual.

Parents didn’t seem to have trouble picturing other people’s kids as sexually promiscuous, saying their teens’ friends were “real sexual.” Said one parent: “[Teens] got their cute little bodies and their raging hormones. They’re like raring to go.”

Elliott, writing in the May issue of the journal Symbolic Interaction, says that parents’ “binary thinking does more than simply establish their teens as asexual and, therefore, good; it also creates a scenario in which their teenagers are imperiled by their peers.”

As an example of this, Elliott found that parents of teenage boys feared that their sons would be ensnared by hyper-sexual teenage girls. At the same time, the parents of teenage girls expressed concerns that their daughters would be lured into sexual situations by sexually-charged teen boys.

The experts say that these notions, while not only disavowing responsibility on the part of any given parents’ teenaged children, also contribute to stereotypes about sexual behavior.

Notes Elliott: “By using sexual stereotypes to absolve their children of responsibility for sexual activity, the parents effectively reinforce those same stereotypes.”

They have the added consequence of showing heterosexual teen relationships in an unflattering light.

“Although parents assume their kids are heterosexual, they don’t make heterosexual relationships sound very appealing,” says Elliott.

Children of Lesbian Parents Are Better Staff Reporters

T

he children of lesbian parents outscore their peers on academic and social tests, according to results from the longest-running study of same-sex families.

The researchers behind the National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study say the results should change attitudes to adoption of children by gay and lesbian couples, which is prohibited in some parts of the US. The finding is based on 78 children who were all born to lesbian couples who used donor insemination to become pregnant and were interviewed and tested at age 17.

The new tests have left no doubt as to the success of these couples as parents, says Nanette Gartrell at the University of California, San Francisco, who has worked on the study since it began in 1986.

Compared with a group of control adolescents born to heterosexual parents with similar educational and financial backgrounds, the children of lesbian couples scored better on academic and social tests and lower on measures of rule-breaking and aggression.

A previous study of same-sex parent-

ing, based on long-term health data, also found no difference in the health of children in either group.

“This confirms what most developmental scientists have suspected,” says Stephen Russell, a sociologist at the University of Arizona in Tucson. “Kids growing up with same-sex parents fare just as well as other kids.”

The results should be considered by those who oppose the right of gay and lesbian couples to adopt children, adds Gartrell.

A handful of states, including Florida, prohibit same-sex or unmarried couples from adopting, although many of the state laws are being challenged in the courts.

“It’s a great tragedy in this country,” says Gartrell. “There are so many children who are available for adoption but cannot be adopted by same-sex couples.”

Over 100,000 children are awaiting adoption in the US, says the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, a research and advocacy organization based in New York. The institute estimates that just 4 per cent of all adopted children—around 65,000—live with gay or lesbian parents, despite research suggesting that samesex couples may be more willing than heterosexual couples to adopt.

11

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Mike Trost

Inspiring Entrepreneurs across America

By Joey Amato

M

ike Trost may not be a household name, but if he has his way, he may soon be. The local philanthropist and entrepreneur is hoping to be the newest hire of talk-show impresario Oprah. Yes, as in Oprah Winfrey!

A resident of Wilton Manors, Trost grew up in Dania Beach and relocated to Los Angeles at age 21. He took a position as a barista at City Café, a venue owned by Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Millike, the hosts of Too Hot Tamales, a popular cooking show which aired on the Food Network in the late 90s.

“The ladies taught me a lot, and that’s also where I established a love for cooking,” Trost said. During our interview, he whipped up a quick and easy pasta dish that would have made Rachel Ray proud.

Trost then received the opportunity to work for Sandy Gallin, a top record executive who at that time managed the careers of superstars

including Patti LaBelle, Dolly Parton and Neil Diamond. “I started in the mailroom and was eventually trained in record promotion and client services,” Trost said. “I wasn’t even 30 when I was promoted to junior manager and began traveling across the country with various musicians. It was a great experience.”

Tired of the entertainment business, Trost began dabbling in real estate. “I started buying up and remodeling homes in the Los Angeles area,” he said. Before long, Trost had remodeled over 50 homes.

He used the money he earned during that time to begin his philanthropic ventures. One of his most important charities was GLASS, short for Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services. For a period of time, Trost served on

the board of directors of the organization.

Five years ago, Trost relocated back to South Florida and began a very close relationship with the Pride Center at Equality Park, hosting annual fundraising events at his beautiful home. “I think we have raised over $50,000 in the past three years,” he said. “We are really known for the silent auction. It’s something I take a great deal of pride in.”

Trost’s next event will be held on October 14.

Currently, Trost is helping friend and local cooking-school owner Lenore NolanRyan produce a series of television shows.

Nolan-Ryan is a finalist in Paula Deen’s Real Women of Philadelphia contest for her “Salmon Wrapped in Pastry with Philly Cucumber Sauce” recipe. If chosen, she will receive $25,000 and the opportunity to host

her own cooking show produced by Deen.

In addition to his love for cooking, Trost enjoys collecting art, playing billiards and traveling. He has been to 45 countries and counting, including Spain, Egypt, Indonesia and China.

If that weren’t enough, Trost is trying his own luck at fame and fortune. He has entered into a contest produced by Oprah Winfrey and Mark Burnett (creator of Survivor and The Apprentice) in search of the next big television star. The show will give one lucky person the opportunity to host their own series.

Trost’s show concept is to travel around the country and interview successful entrepreneurs, in hopes of building confidence in the U.S. economy and inspiring others to follow suit. “We hear of so many negative stories in the media today. Why not spotlight the people who are successful?” Trost asked. “This could ultimately motivate other entrepreneurs and create jobs.”

Although small businesses don’t employ as many people as large corporations, they are still considered the driving force in the overall economy. Trost is trying to rack up as many votes for his concept as possible before the June 29 deadline.

To view his submission video, visit Myown. oprah.com/audition, and search for him in the “Browse and Vote” section.

Matthew Rush and Brent Corrigan Lend a Little More than Their Names to Safer Sex

By A. Sebastian Fortino

DC

fukit.org is a grassroots program developed to educate men who have sex with other men. It was formed by members of the Washington, D.C., LGBT community, and it’s supported by private donations, as well as through the Metro D.C. GLBT Center.

The group has a fun, irreverent—and in its latest endeavor—campy manner of getting its voice heard. Fort Lauderdale resident, model, and actor Matthew Rush can be seen with Brent Corrigan in a roughly five-minute, black-and-white video in which Corrigan learns how to put on a condom effectively.

The video is set in a locker room. Rush plays coach, and Corrigan plays student.

They make sure to overtly state that it is a college, not high school, locker room.

“I did a prior video for DCfukit.org and

they asked me to come back and do another one,” said Rush, who was flown up to D.C. to film the safer-sex educational film. It was the first time the actors had worked together in the same scene, although they have appeared in the casts of other films. Both actors donated their time to the film.

“The other video was just me, showing how to put on a condom,” said Rush.

The website has other videos as well, and some pictures are pretty steamy. Dcfukit.org certainly knows that gay men like to have fun, even when it comes to safer-sex education.

“FUK!T’s explicit social marketing campaign was created as a response to a 2008 study reported in the journal AIDS and Behavior, which recommended that: ‘Health promotion specialists who plan to create Internet-based approaches to HIV prevention should focus on re-engaging HIV-positive men who engage in UAI [unprotected

anal intercourse] with multiple partners; consider using ‘highly sexually-explicit media,’” said Terry Gerace, MD, co-founder of Fuk!t.

In the past year, the organization has distributed over 100,000 safer-sex kits at gay-frequented venues in the D.C. area. Their mission statement is simple and eloquent.

“Enjoy your sexuality responsibly: choose condoms and other safer sex practices, or monogamy, or abstinence. Love yourself. Love your partners. Love our community. Stop the Spread of HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections.”

For more information, visit DCfukit.org

12

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Passages

Long Time Gay Rights Leader, Alan Curtis Passes Away

By SFGN Staff

L

ong time Fort Lauderdale civic activist Alan Curtis, known for his work in fighting for gay rights in local government, has passed away at 63.

Born on July 23, 1946, Alan was integrally involved in the creation of the Broward County Human Rights Initiative, and had volunteered at the former CenterOne. Alan passed away in his residence yesterday in Fort Lauderdale of natural causes, after a long illness.

Alan was among the first of many South Florida activists to be out of the closet as a professional. He once served the community as the local liaison to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, under the late Sheriff, Ron Cochran. “He engineered campaigns and immersed himself in gay politics. He was one of our pioneers,” said attorney Robin Bodiford, who has promised to write more about Alan’s contributions to the community in a subsequent issue of SFGN. A popular car salesman at Gary Fronrath Chevrolet, each week Alan would run an advertisement featuring him shaking the hand of happy new car owner.

13

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Sex-Change You Can Believe In Switching Genders a Cinch under New Government Rules

By Penn Bullock

L

ast week, the State Department introduced a new policy that makes it easier for transsexuals and transgendered people to change their designated sex on passports.

Under the old policy, applicants could only be issued updated passports if they had gone under the knife. The new policy removes that prerequisite. Now, an individual needs nothing more than a doctor’s certificate verifying that he or she is transgendered—no sex-change surgery required.

Michael Kirby, the deputy assistant secretary for the Bureau of Consular Affairs, told SFGN that the criteria for whether an individual is transgendered will be left to doctors and not decided by the State Department.

“We’re making it fairly simple. The physician tells us what gender the person is. We

say, ‘Thank you,’ and issue a passport accordingly,” Kirby said.

“Now [the policy] is consistent with what the medical field says—that is, that the medical community doesn’t believe you have to undergo an operation to undergo gender change.”

LGBT activists first proposed the policy change to the State Department in February. “We were asked in February and we did it in June, which for government is pretty darn quick,” Kirby said.

On June 10, he unveiled the new policy to a meeting of Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies. It was a radical step, but Kirby said it was received with the subdued pleasure characteristic of diplomatic circles.

“You know, we’re diplomats, so we’re not necessarily exuberant,” Kirby said with a chuckle. “I think there was just pleasant surprise… and thanks.”

Pride South Florida Bestows Grants on Local Recipients $1K Grants Benefit Area Groups, Agencies

By Cliff Dunn

A

lthough most of the attention this week will be focused upon the June 20 Stonewall Festival hosted by Pride of Greater Fort Lauderdale, Pride South Florida, which hosted PrideFest on March 13 and 14, announced the recipients of its 2010 grants, continuing its tradition of giving back to community organizations.

According to Pride South Florida chair Jacqui Charvet, fourteen organizations requested funding for a variety of projects. Grants were awarded to groups for their service and projects enhancing the lives of Broward’s LGBT population.

Recipients, who received their checks – mostly in the amount of $1,000 – at a ceremony on June 12 in Pride South Florida’s office, included Red Hispana Florida; the

South Florida Musical Guild-Pride Wind Ensemble; the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus; KP Productions; Women in Network; Arts United; Transgender Equality Rights Initiatives (TERI); the Stonewall Library and Archives; the Names Project (AIDS Memorial Quilt); and the Lambda Men’s Brotherhood.

These various community groups provide a variety of services that, in the words of Pride South Florida vice chair Marc Hansen, “don’t qualify for six-figure bequests. They need seed money to help with day to day expenses, and to get the word out for their other fund-raising efforts.”

PrideFest Secretary-Treasurer Joel Slotnick presented the grants along with Charvet and Hansen. “These organizations do so much for our community,” Slotnick noted.

The new policy is also flexible for those still in the process of changing genders.

Such individuals can now be issued altered passports with two-year validities. Individuals who have completed their gender transition get a 10-year passport.

The State Department is even offering to change the sex listed on Consular Reports of Birth Abroad—the birth certificates issued to Americans born overseas—with a doctor’s note.

Kirby said the State Department hopes the new policy will widen acceptance of transsexual and transgendered individuals.

“People should be free from fear of violence,” he said.

According to Kirby, the State Department considered possible complications arising from the change.

“We were aware that in the transgendered community, if a person from outward ap-

pearance was female, and had ‘Male’ on the passport, that that could cause some problems with police or a port of entry.

“With the new policy,” Kirby said, “those risks should be reduced.”

And he emphasized that individuals’ new gender identities would be backed, both stateside and overseas, by the full recognition of the U.S. government.

Kirby said there haven’t been any political attacks on the new, relaxed rules—at least not yet.

“I have not seen any criticism—that isn’t to say there won’t be. The change is not broadly known yet.”

14

Ain’t Easy Bein’ Green

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Florida Gays Concerned About the environment

Rob Johnson and Friend

By Jarrett Terrill

“I

grew up in an oil town with three refineries,” says Rob Johnson of Tampa, Florida. “I moved away from there when the ‘boom & bust’ oil economy tanked in 1985, and from there I moved to Dallas, another city rich from an oil economy.”

Rob is telling me about his history of being around oil the way I might expect someone to recount their stories of child abuse.

For him, that’s probably what the Deepwater Horizon oil spill feels like—an unwelcome visit from an abusive parent he’d been trying to move away from.

“Maybe my intense loathing for oil companies has something to do with the places I’ve lived my entire life,” Johnson continues. “I thought moving to a non-energy related state would be more appropriate to my values.”

Johnson’s assumption was a reasonable one before Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich crafted the “Drill, Baby, Drill” movement that held Florida as a target state. Now, instead of boating and walking along the beach with his husband, he spends his free time protesting offshore drilling with his “beachy friends.”

Rob is joined up with a group called Hands Across the Sand. The name of the group is exactly what it sounds like—a bunch of concerned citizens who go out and lock hands with each other all the way

down the coastline in a symbolic gesture to a healthy status to becoming immediately close and we can’t connect to it, then ultimately, we don’t even regard it.” show their disapproval of offshore drilling. endangered.”

Mark Foley concurs. In a separate interMark Foley is not the only gay environThe group has become twice as focused and half as patient since the oil spill. Now, mentalist out here doing sea-turtle rescue view at the nearby Hugh Taylor Birch State some of the members pore used motor-oil into the wee hours of the morning. He intro- Park, Foley tells me that the gay community over themselves (or is it maple syrup?) and duces me to another guy, Adam Nardelli, who could be a lot more hands-on with environmental protection. “None of the bars rehold up anti-Republican signs when they go is relatively new to the operation himself.

Nardelli, who holds a bachelor’s degree in cycle their bottles and cans, and I find that out to demonstrate. A few of the members are still in good humor. I got a good chuckle marine science, speaks almost like a surfer very disappointing,” he says.

Foley is hesitant to separate gays from out of the woman carrying the “Don’t OIL dude: “It’s our karmic duty to give back.”

He tells me that being out here is part straights when it comes to evaluating how Me Bro!” sign.

Right now, on Florida’s other coast, here of his master plan to become a “respon- concerned people are with the environin Fort Lauderdale, a much more subtle sort sible and knowledgeable” scuba instructor. ment. “It’s got nothing to do with sexuality,” he says, “It has to do with geographical culof environmentalism is happenture. If you go to a place like San Francisco, ing on the beach—sea-turtle resyou’re going to see a lot of gays who are into cue. On the dark beach at about the environment because that’s part of the midnight, Mark Foley, a local regional culture.”

Park Naturalist is standing next Together, we bat around ideas for a gayto what looks like the scene of a nightclub recycling program before moving murder. There is a “do not cross” on to a discussion about the oil spill. tape outline around a 10-foot “I can’t really comment on that in any offipatch of sand, and Foley has a cial capacity,” Foley says in disappointment. red lamp attached to his forehead “I don’t want to present my opinions as beand another one in his hand. ing connected with my employment. But I “You can’t take any pictures can tell you that environmental concerns are here,” Foley says, looking at my being put on the back burner because people camera. “Not if there’s a flash have a lot of apathy and don’t present the dethat will go off.” He explains that mand that’s necessary to effect change.” sea turtles are very sensitive to light and anything bright; white flashes can disorient the hatch- Mark Foley lings and cause them to run in the wrong direction. It turns out that there Currently, he works for Atlantic are eggs the size of tennis balls under this Coast Kayaks, owned by a woman quarantined patch of sand, and they could named Susan Richards. “I don’t know if gay men are really leading open up at any moment.

Cameras and white flashlights are not the way with environmentalism,” the only thing that Foley has contempt for he confides, “but I find that there when it comes to protecting a sea-turtle are a lot more ‘green lesbians.’ But nest. This particular nest is right in front of a lot of gays do come on our kayak a hotel’s staircase to the beach. “They need tours. Our business is nature… so to turn their lights down to stop causing on some level that’s got to create light pollution here,” he says, looking up at awareness.”

Nardelli is interested in a handsthe hotel like it’s an angry God. “This infrastructure has only been built on approach to environmentalwithin the past couple of decades,” Foley ism. “Humans are very tangible,” Adam Nardelli explains, “and sea turtles went from having he says, “and if we can’t see it up

15

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Gay Friends Named Prom King and Queen

A

According to the Register-Star, stuhigh school in Hudson, New York dents at Hudson High School overwhelmtook a leap forward Saturday by naming two gay best friends, Charlie Ferrusi ingly approved the idea, and school and Timmy Howard, prom king and queen. officials and their parents supported their decision to run.

“By prom night the overwhelming majority of students cast their votes in the open ballot race,” reported the Register-Star.

“They won by such a wide margin the school didn’t crown any runners up.”

Ferrusi and Howard said the toughest part of the experience was deciding who would be king and who would be queen. Based on their research, the young men believe they are the first such pair to be recognized.

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

s d e F e h t g A n i Grad : s e u s s I T B G L on , s C o w T , s B e Thre s D e e r h and T

By Dana Rudolph Keen News Service

panel of six LGBT activist leaders were asked in April to give a grade to the Obama administration thus far on LGBT issues. Three panelists gave the administration a “D,” two gave it a “B,” and one a “C.” Keen News Service decided to take a look at eight major federal departments and apply a similar grading system.

The result was strikingly similar to that which emerged from the April 22 LGBT Leadership Townhall panel, hosted by Sirius XM Radio’s Michelangelo Signorile Show. The panel’s average came to 1.8 on a scale that gives 1 point for a D and 4 for an A. Looking at the Obama administration’s major departments, the KNS analysis came up with a 2.0.

The Departments of State and Housing and Urban Development each earned a “B” from KNS, a grade given for taking significant steps toward equal rights for LGBT people, even if some inequities remain. Health and Human Services and the Office of Personnel Management each earned a “C,” given for taking some steps toward equal rights and making no efforts to obstruct equality, while many or major inequities remain within that department’s purview. And Defense, Justice, and Education each earned a “D,” for taking few steps toward improving equal rights and making some efforts to obstruct such rights.

None of the departments warranted an “A,” for taking significant and comprehensive steps toward improving equal rights for LGBT people—or an “F,” for doing nothing to improve equal rights for LGBT people and also taking steps to block such equality.

Department of State (DOS) Grade: B

The DOS said it would provide the same benefits to the same-sex partners of foreign service employees sent abroad as it does to opposite-sex spouses, including diplomatic passports, use of U.S. medical facilities, emergency evacuation, and training at the Foreign Service Institute.

Two major items are not covered, however: health care and retirement benefits.

President Obama, in a memo requesting partner benefits for federal employees, stated that federal law prevents his administration from extending those benefits.

DOS has additionally changed its policy so that a person in a legal same-sex marriage can apply for a new passport using his or her taken (married) surname.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has publicly decried Uganda’s proposed harsh anti-gay bill and spoken directly with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni about it. Karl Wycoff, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, testified at a January House hearing on the Ugandan bill and said the U.S. embassy in Uganda has been working with the Ugandan government and local gay and lesbian groups

to stop the legislation.

The DOS also issued a statement condemning the Malawi government’s sentencing of a couple—a gay man and a transgender woman—to 14 years of hard labor for “carnal knowledge against the order of nature” and “gross indecency.”

The DOS worked with President Obama to appoint David Huebner as U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand in December 2009. Huebner is the first openly gay person to be appointed to an ambassadorship in the Obama administration, and the third in U.S. history.

Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Grade: B

HUD has commissioned the first-ever national study of discrimination against LGBT people in the rental and sale of housing. Already, it has conducted town hall meetings in three cities to solicit input for shaping the study.

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan has also proposed policy changes that would stop discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in HUD’s core housing programs, require those who

participate in HUD programs to comply with local anti-discrimination laws that cover sexual orientation and gender identity, and end mortgage-loan discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The policies are being drafted and will go through a period of public comment before being enacted.

HUD has two openly gay appointees who required Senate confirmation, Raphael Bostic, Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research, who will be overseeing the LGBT discrimination study, and Mercedes Marquez, Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development.

Department of Commerce (DOC): Grade: B. The DOC changed Census Bureau policies in order to retain data on same-sex couples reporting themselves as “married.”

The Census Bureau also cooperated with Our Families Count, a coalition of LGBT organizations, on an education campaign to motivate LGBT Americans to take part in the 2010 Census.

The DOC has two openly gay appointees requiring Senate confirmation, Michael Camunez, Assistant Secretary for Market Access and Compliance, and David Mills, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement.

The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force’s Queer the Census project, however, is still working to have questions about sexual orientation and gender identity included in future Census surveys.

Health and Human Services (HHS) Grade: C

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Kathy Greenlee, the openly lesbian Assistant Secretary of the Administration on Aging, announced plans to establish the first national resource center for LGBT seniors. To that end, they awarded a three-year, $900,000 grant to Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders (SAGE).

In addition to Greenlee, HHS has one other LGBT appointee requiring Senate confirmation, Richard Sorian, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs.

HHS in July 2009 ended its longstanding policy of banning people with HIV/AIDS from traveling to the U.S. The department also worked with President Obama and Congress to reauthorize the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act, the largest federal program dedicated to HIV care and treatment.

HHS is now drafting rules to support the President’s memo ensuring hospital visitation and decision-making rights for patients’ designees, including same-sex partners. They will then make the proposed rules available for continued on page 18

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

s the Fed g n i d a r G : T Issues B G L n o s, s, Two C Three B ee Ds and Thr

continued from page 16

public comment before enacting them, a process expected to take several months.

And a draft of “Healthy People 2020,” a decennial document to set national goals for health and reduce health disparities, includes sexual orientation and gender as attributes that may cause disparities.

LGBT disparities were in fact noted in Healthy People 2010, the version published in November 2000 under President Clinton. For the 2020 version, a commentary submitted by the National Coalition for LGBT Health and many major LGBT organizations calls for more acknowledgement of gender identity and greater inclusion of LGBT demographics in all relevant federal health surveys.

HHS, however, through its U.S. Healthy Marriage Demonstration Fund, continues to provide over half a million dollars a year to the anti-LGBT Iowa Family Policy Center (IFPC). The grants, begun under President George W. Bush, go from the IFPC to a thirdparty marriage-counseling program called Marriage Matters, reported the Iowa Independent. The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa told the Independent May 7 that it plans to investigate whether the grants violate the separation of church and state.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Grade: C

Head of the department is John Berry, the highest-ranking openly gay official in any federal administration. Elaine Kaplan, his general counsel, and Vic Basile, Senior Counselor to the Director, are also openly gay.

Under Berry, OPM added gender identity to sexual orientation in the Equal Employment Opportunity statement for federal employment.

Last June, President Obama directed federal agencies to determine what benefits they could make available, under existing laws, to the same-sex partners of federal

Grading the Feds

employees. He told OPM to prepare a report on these findings, along with recommendations “of any additional measures that can be taken.” A spokesman for OPM told Keen News Service those recommendations were submitted to the president but are not yet available to the public.

Berry ordered the health insurance companhy of a lesbian federal employee not to comply with a 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals order to include her partner on her insurance plan. Berry said, at the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force’s 2009 Leadership Conference, that Kaplan and the DOJ both concluded that neither OPM nor the president have the authority to provide such benefits. He said that is one reason the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, which would institute these benefits, is so important.

Department of Defense (DOD) Grade: D

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chair of the Joint Chiefs Adm. Mike Mullen have told Congress they would implement repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) if Congress approves it, and Mullen said he personally believes that’s the right thing to do. Gates, in March, amended existing regulations to make it more difficult for gay and lesbian servicemembers to be discharged under the policy.

On April 30, however, Gates said Congress should not vote on repeal of DADT before DOD completes its study on its impact and come up with an implementation plan. On May 25, he said he would accept a proposed congressional amendment that would repeal DADT but not go into effect until after the DOD study is complete—but he said he would still prefer that Congress wait until after the study before passing legislation. The study is due December 1.

The DOD boasts one openly gay appointee who required Senate confirmation, Douglas Wilson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Grade: D

The DOJ filed briefs in Smelt v. U.S. and Commonwealth of Massachusetts v.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services et al. strongly defending the Defense of Marriage Act, and in Log Cabin Republicans v. U.S., defending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, did, however, issue a strong statement in support of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, said at the LGBT Leadership Townhall that DOJ has been doing “spectacular” community education around the Act. She explained in an interview that NCTE has been working with The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights to help train the DOJ’s Community Relations Service (CRS) about LGBT-related hate crimes. Based on that experience, she said she believes CRS “wants to implement the law right,” according to the spirit as well as the letter of the law. The DOJ is also preparing to train local law enforcement about the Act this summer.

Earlier this year, the DOJ also filed a motion to intervene in the case of a New York teen who was bullied and physically assaulted at his public school for being effeminate.

DOJ lawyers backed arguments made by the New York ACLU, which said that Title IX of the federal Equal Opportunity in Education Act, which prohibits gender-based discrimination, also applies to discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender expression.

The DOJ motion was still pending when a settlement was reached between the school district and the student. In the settlement, the court noted the U.S.’s desire to intervene and its wish to resolve the student’s claim without further litigation.

Although National Public Radio reported the case as “a novel interpretation of the

Title IX statute,” Title IX was in fact used in at least three federal cases under President Clinton and two under President George W. Bush to combat harassment based on sexual orientation or gender non-conformity.

There are three openly gay Obama appointees to the DOJ that required Senate approval: Jenny Durkan, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, Sharon Lubinski, U.S. Marshal, and Laura Duffy, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California (awaiting confirmation by the full Senate).

Department of Education (DOE) Grade: D

The LGBT community had high hopes for the DOE when President Obama appointed openly gay Kevin Jennings, founder of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, as head of Office of Safe and DrugFree Schools (OSDFS).

But, the OSDFS budget was slashed 40 percent even before Jennings took office.

The remaining money will be used to fund a “Successful, Safe, and Healthy Students” program that will provide grants for schools to address a variety of problems. Anti-bullying programs that include LGBT-based bullying could be one possible component.

The DOE has done little else to address the high incidence of bullying based on real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.

No DOE officials testified in a July 2009 House committee hearing on “Strengthening School Safety through Prevention of Bullying.”

The DOE included no specific call for federal anti-bullying protections or programs in the Blueprint for Education that sets forth President Obama’s framework for a major reform of education policies, despite bills in Congress that would provide such protections.

The DOE has also issued no statements on the several bullying-related youth suicides—at least two of which were because of harassment based on perceived sexual orientation—that have occurred since President Obama took office.

19

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN Editorial

6/14/2010

Norm Kent, Publisher

Censoring the Gay Men’s Chorus Again

W

elcome to our 2010 Pride issue, our 21st edition. SFGN is five months old today. At 56 pages, this is our largest issue, and the size speaks for itself.

The publication this week is a tribute to the support and faith of our advertisers who have been sponsoring us since Day 1. They are our business partners and your neighbors, individuals who help make SFGN happen each and every week. As they support us, so should you support them.

These businesses face challenging economic times, yet they have been willing to use their limited economic revenues to support a strong and vibrant gay community newspaper. This leaves us gracious and humbled. The costs to do what we do are not cheap. That so many have joined us so quickly is testimony to the fact that this community sought and will support a credible LGBT newspaper.

Our goal is to give measure to our lives, and shed light on the good we do. A newspaper, however, cannot pick and select the news we report. As surely as we may celebrate the achievements of our own, so too must we censor and condemn conduct which diminishes us. It is therefore with regret that we note today the continuing myopic and moronic mindlessness of the board of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus.

A charitable group which receives county funding from the tourism board, they have nevertheless again followed an agenda which provides they may only publicize their concerts exclusively in another publication. Thus, instead of editorial copy and free ads in our paper, they have publicized their Spring concerts elsewhere.

As a result of this, the good deeds and fine music of many, instead of being disseminated freely, gets mismanaged by its Board of Directors. Just as we will call upon Bro-

ward County to cease and desist from funding them further because of their discriminatory business practices, so too do we call upon its Board to resign and turn the reigns of its organization to more sophisticated leaders who will not succumb to the false lure and economic blackmail other publications try to impose.

This week, on another page, we publicize the fact that Broward County has launched a training program for prospective HIV counselors. We would hope that press release also appears in other LGBT publications. We would not dare to limit or restrict its distribution. If the news is genuine and the cause is worthy, then we want the announcement spread so as to reach as many as possible. How dumb is it for a non profit choral group to limit their outreach to one publication? Well, very dumb. And it is sad that as we publish our largest and most voluminous issue this week of pride, the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s chorus is shamed, by neither sending us a press release of their latest concert nor allowing us to advertise it.

The people in charge of the ‘groovy concert’ they are hosting this week should take no pride in the stupidity they have generated. One of the songs they should sing is “What Kind of Fool Am I?”

Write to the Editor Please send your letters to: Letters to the Editor, SFGN 2520 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 OR EMAIL: editor@southfloridagaynews.com

CA MPA I G N

WATC H

Alex Sink Does Not Support Gay Marriage Cites Religious Convictions as Reason

By Jarrett Terrill

gala, director Nadine Smith introduced Alex Sink and others by saying, “When you look n Thursday, June 10, speaking to around at these galas… you see the backa group in St. Petersburg, guber- bone of the gay community.” Alex Sink took natorial candidate Alex Sink con- to the podium soon after, where she made a total of eight pleas for campaign money tradicted her pro-equality image by saying: “I don’t support gay marriage. I think that is while saying nothing about specific actions entirely a religious decision that individuals she would take as governor in favor of the LGBT community. can make. I do support civil unions.”

“I know that together, we can make equal“That’s not good news for gay marriage ity for all Floridians a reality,” Sink said to proponents hopeful that a new governor the guests at the 2009 Equality Florida event. would make changes,” writes Christina “That is—with the right officers in place.

Silva, who broke the story for the St. “Tonight I stand before you as a candiPetersburg Times. date for governor—a position for which no This is in contrast with what the LGBT woman has ever been elected. And in 2010, community might expect from the winwith all your support and encouragement, ner of Equality Florida’s esteemed “Voice and maybe some of your money, I intend to of Equality” award for the year 2009. At put Florida under new management.” the reception gala, she garnered standing Alex Sink was not immediately availapplause from about 200 of South Florida’s gay community leaders. She spent approxi- able for comment, however, Nadine Smith of Equality Florida issued the following mately 10 minutes giving a stump speech statement: “I disagree with all candidates about how “every American deserves to be treated equally,” but mostly she gave the of both parties who do not respect full audience her resume from her days at Bank legal equality for LGBT families including of America. She did not, however, talk about equal protection under our country’s marriage laws. Equality Florida will continue to Florida’s controversial “Amendment 2,” which bans LGBT persons from participat- advocate for full equality, mobilize voters and educate candidates and elected officials ing in both marriage and civil unions. until we achieve full equal rights.”

At the beginning of that November 2009

O

21

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

General Gayety Coming Out Enhanced by Trashy Lesbian Flicks

By Leslie Robinson

A

fter we finished working out and I had breath again to speak, I asked my friend Louisa about her weekend plans. She said she intended to cozy up with a lesbian romance.

It’s not that Louisa doesn’t have anyone real with whom to cozy up. She’s a year into her first lesbian relationship, and that’s the point.

Because she’s in love, because she’s new at this Sapphic thing, she gets sustenance from LGBT books, publications and movies.

Even a trashy romance. Especially a trashy romance.

Whether you’re in a relationship or not, when you’re in the process of coming out, gay books and such affirm that process. They tell you, most basically, that you’re not alone.

They help you make sense of what you’re feeling. It doesn’t matter if you’re 13 or 75.

LGBT books offer clues for the clueless.

I asked Louisa if her romance was a Naiad book, referring to the defunct publisher of all kinds of lesbian novels. She said yes. Ah, I said, Naiad helped many newbies through their lesbian adolescence, including me.

Good thing the fruits of that company’s labor are still around, helping other, um, fruits.

Louisa’s voice held only a tinge of embarrassment for reveling in a romance. For a professor, that’s pretty good. As an academic who teaches literature, she’s practically required to dismiss romance as being as unworthy as rude limericks. I’m just glad she has tenure.

Wayne Besen

The Tipping Point on LGBT Equality Has Arrived

A

couple of week ago I wrote, “The war over gay rights in America and other modern nations has been largely won. Too many people have come out of the closet and will never go back in for the clock to be turned back.”

This trend towards acceptance has only accelerated since my column and may have reached a tipping point. New York Times columnist Charles Blow wrote about a new Gallup Poll that found, for the first time, the percentage of Americans who perceive “gay and lesbian relations” as morally acceptable has crossed the 50 percent mark. Also, for the first time, the percentage of men who hold that view is greater than the percentage of women who do.

Blow attributes these advancements to LGBT people coming out and the realization that it is primarily weirdoes and socially stunted hypocrites who are obsessed or

threatened by homosexuality.

“Virulent homophobes are increasingly being exposed for engaging in homosexuality,” wrote Blow. “Many heterosexual men see this, and they don’t want to be associated with it. It’s like being antigay is becoming the old gay. Not cool.”

Blow is correct. Normal, healthy, functional heterosexuals do not become paranoid or fixated on homosexuals. It is primarily people with sexual hang-ups, extreme religious indoctrination or deep, dark secrets that are preoccupied and consumed by the sexual orientation of others.

Of course, this does not mean that all supporters of civil rights for LGBT people are comfortable with the idea of gay sex. The good news is they don’t have to be. While speaking across the nation I have found an easy way of diffusing this issue. I ask the crowd to look at people they assume are

Of course, she also subscribes to the journal The Gay & Lesbian Review, a fact she can remind herself of should she start feeling a bit too plebeian.

When my partner Anne served as the advisor for a new lesbian support group at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Va., in the late ‘80s, the first thing the organizers did was head to a gay bookstore in Washington, D.C. Before returning to Lynchburg, where Jerry Falwell ruled, they loaded up on books that would’ve made his hair ignite.

The topics of the fiction and nonfiction included relationships, sex, discrimination, coming out and other baby-dyke essentials.

Anne says the students chose books that provided “a chance to see how others had survived. And thrived.”

My experience tells me that sometimes the works we seize on in our early days are just lousy. Take the lesbian movie “Claire of the Moon.” Hardly a soul in the film can act, lesser characters are achingly stereotypical,

and did I mention hardly anyone can act?

But I watched that movie more often than film buffs watch “Citizen Kane.” Because my lesbian celluloid options were limited.

And because of one hot sex scene, if I’m honest. And absolutely because I could relate to the emotions and longings, despite their being so badly packaged.

That’s how desperate we can be as gay people to see ourselves on the screen or on the page. We need to see our lives represented at any time, but when someone is newly out, the need is especially primal.

Gimme a gay fix. Now. I’m thinking Lesbian Starter Kits might be a good idea. Buy one for the rookie lesbian in your life. Choose from a variety of books, magazines and movies. Suitable for housewarmings, birthdays, bat mitzvahs or any occasion.

I can’t remember the last time I watched “Claire of the Moon,” and I haven’t read a Naiad novel in a long while. I think for most gay folks the hankering for gay books and films doesn’t evaporate, but it does become less acute. No longer do I yearn to acquire written or filmed lesbiana.

But I haven’t forgotten what it’s like to be newly out. I should write a book.

heterosexual in the audience. Then, I ask if they would want to see all of the people they stared at having sexual intercourse.

The answer is inevitably and resoundingly, “No.” Then, I simply make the point that there are many people, heterosexual and homosexual, they would not want to witness in bed. And, they never have to unless they

gay. The message of the campaign is, “come as you are, just leave a little fatter.” Okay, I added the last part.

While such an ad is not likely to air in the United States anytime soon, it does not have to in order to have a positive impact.

Thanks to the Internet and talk shows, millions of people will see the ad and associate the message with their beloved Golden Arches.

Speaking of the impact of social media, in Newsweek, Joshua Alston made the case that websites such as Facebook are accelerating the demise of the closet. He wrote about the, “painstaking labor that goes into being secretly gay in the age of information sharing.”

His advice to a friend who was outed by a seemingly innocuous tweet: “if you want to be in the closet, you can’t be on Facebook and Twitter.”

Crucial to the sudden surge of success is the falling of ugly stereotypes, such as the old canard that LGBT people are a threat to children. This week, the research journal,

French McDonald’s commercial

elect to do so—making any objections in terms of the “ick” factor moot. As simple as this sounds, it works and audiences “get it.”

Adding momentum to the LGBT struggle for equality is a cute McDonald’s television commercial in France that dealt with a teenager who had not yet told his father he was

continued on page 47

22

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

O ver 25 Years of Service

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23

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Father’s Day in Our Lifestyle Celebrating with Two Daddies

By Jarrett Terrill

Y

ou may know Fred Phillips from his years spent volunteering for gay causes and especially his work with the Stonewall Library & Archives. A well-respected man in the Fort Lauderdale scene, he has even been described by many who know him as a “rock” or friend they can always count on.

But Phillips and his partner Joey have been significantly busier for the past two years because they have a daughter now.

“She’s in daycare right now... loving, playing, coloring and just being a little angel,” says Phillips. He’s re-invented a common parental phrase and refers to the “terrific twos” when talking about his own little 2 ½ year old. He points out that “She is a Sagittarius,” as though it’s all that needs to be said about her pleasant demeanor.

You might not have known about this aspect of their lives because they are reluctant to parade her around or make her the subject of tokenism. Phillips is very protective in this regard and even requested that SFGN not reveal her name or any prominent photos of her face.

“I worry like crazy about so many things now. Protective instincts just came with being a dad. Who knew,” says Phillips with a

knowing smile. “This is the main reason we do not want her images put out there. But of course, we do share more photos with our close family and friends.”

Those protective instincts are some of what Phillips considers the unexpected challenges of parenting. “When she is sick, it is very frustrating,” he says, “we want her better yesterday.” Also ranking in the list of challenges is their new social calendar, “We had very busy lives prior to becoming dads, but now we have to plan to go to movies or out to eat.”

This Father’s Day, they are planning a visit with Phillips father. “She likes her grandfather; he is 77 and has Alzheimer’s.”

Adding to all the regular stresses of parenting are the politics of the situation. Phillips is the biological father of his daughter and is partnered with Joey. His daughter’s “bio-mom” as she’s called, is partnered with another woman too. Under Florida law, things would get real sticky if the family were not close friends who had the little girl’s best interests at heart. Fortunately, everyone in Phillips family seems to be in good standing with each other.

“Before I made the decision to do this, I consulted with my partner, my brother and a couple of other close allies,” Phillips recalls, “and then when the mothers ap-

proached me again in 2006, I meditated on it and consulted The Goddess. I couldn’t fi­ gure out a good reason NOT to do it.”

Fred and Joey are not the kind of couple who sit around waiting for the government to give them their rights. They seem to be aware that it’s an exercise in futility. “Having four parents without the legal protection given to heteros is not fair,” he states flatly, “I came out in 1975 and I do not have much hope in Florida’s government.”

Networking with other parents seems to be one solution to keep things together for gay parents. “In Florida, it is going to

still be problematic for LGBT parents for some years to come. I know a few other LGBT parents and we network with each other at events.”

“There is some support,” Phillips says of organizations who provide communitybuilding opportunities for gay parents, “but it is mainly a build your own network. It is necessary to create one, especially if you have no local family or many friends.”

Phillips’ daughter may have deeper roots than other kids born or fostered by gay parents in Florida. “Our girl is a second generation Floridian. My dad has Alzheimer’s and is easier to get along with now than ever,” he says only half-sarcastically, “She likes Granddad”.

“We see the moms a fair amount too. I have known them for over a decade and I think they are wonderful parents.”

One thing is certainly obvious when hearing Phillips and his partner talk about the newest addition to their expansive family; the rewards far outweigh the challenges: “Our daughter was the first female born into my immediate family in 70 years. I have four brothers and eight nephews. Having a girl has been beyond anything I can express in words except to say I now know what unconditional love is.” His partner Joey adds, “As fathers, there is nothing we would not do for our daughter.”

24

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Writer, Catholic and Lesbian: for Gay Love, Against Gay Marriage New York Times Article Spotlights Gay Conservative Catholic Eve Tushnet

By Cliff Dunn

T

he June 4, 2010 edition of The New York Times includes a profile by Mark Oppenheimer of Eve Tushnet, the Ivy League-educated openly-gay, openly-celibate conservative Catholic writer.

Yale-educated (Class of ’00), Tushnet, as Oppenheimer observes, “can seem a paradox: fervently Catholic, proudly gay, happily celibate. She does not see herself as disordered; she does not struggle to be straight, but she insists that her religion forbids her a sex life.”

Tushnet wrote in a 2007 essay: “The sacrifices you want to make aren’t always the only sacrifices God wants.”

Although she argues that “gay sex should not be criminalized,” she believes fervently that “gay men and lesbians should abstain,” instead enjoying passionate—and platonic—friendships, or redirecting their sexual impulses into other channels.

Tushnet, who expounds daily online at eve-tushnet.blogspot.com, says that marriage should be the preserve of heterosexuals: Oppenheimer writes about her assertion that such “relationships can be either uniquely dangerous or uniquely fruitful. Thus it makes sense to have an institution dedicated to structuring and channeling them.”

On the other hand, Tushnet wrote in 2007 in The New York Post that same-sex marriage “can bring one of three outcomes: A two-tiered marriage culture, where heterosexual couples are asked to do the hard

things (sex only within marriage, marriage for life in most circumstances) and homosexual couples work out their own marriage norms; reshape marriage into an optional, individualized institution, ignoring the creative and destructive potentials of ‘straight’ sex; or encourage all couples to restrict sex to marriage and marry for life, and hope that gay couples accept norms designed to meet heterosexual needs.”

The Times’ feature relates how Tushnet entered Yale in 1996 well-adjusted and openly gay, the product of a progressive upbringing that tolerated her sexuality.

As a freshman, Tushnet became affiliated with the Party of the Right, a conservative group associated with the Yale Political Union.

Despite the group’s political bent, most members gave no thought to Tushnet’s sexuality. Oppenheimer writes that “she was drawn to the Catholics among them, who corrected her misimpression that the existence of sin ‘means you are bad.’ It means ‘precisely the opposite,’ they taught her. ‘It means you have a chance to come back and repent and be saved,’ she says. She began reading books like St. Anselm’s ‘Why God Became Man.’ She began attending church.

Her sophomore year, she was baptized.”

Following a post-college stint working for the weekly National Catholic Register, since 2002 she has contributed to liberal Catholic publications like Commonweal and secular conservative magazines including The Weekly Standard.

Oppenheimer writes: “But it is on her blog that a small but presumably learned readership finds her most ambitious writing: lengthy, often obscure, for gay love, against same-sex marriage, and serious about Scripture, saints and medieval philosophy.”

For the complete story, go to SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Health

Study Shows Gay Men Are Healthier than Straight Men But Lesbians Aren’t Healthier than Straight Women

By Joey Amato

of the report positive. “The fact that research is beginning to focus on overall health trends in recent MSNBC rethe gay community, rather than port shows that gay only on sexual and emotional men are healthier problems,” he says, “is positive than straight men. The report and indicative of LGBT people’s also found that gay women growing status as an important tend to be heavier than hetsector of society.” erosexual women.

Dr. Pizzi agrees with the Boston researchers determined study’s findings. “It makes sense that gay women were more than Dr. Gregg Pizzi, Psy.D. that people, men or women, twice as likely as straight women to be obese, while gay men are 50 percent less who are in relationships with men would likely to be obese compared to their hetero- generally take better care of their bodies, sexual counterparts, according to a report since men tend to be more visual in their atpublished in the American Journal of Pub- tractions and make it pretty clear that they are looking for a partner who looks good. lic Health.

After scrutinizing a health survey of more Women, on the other hand, do value looks— than 67,000 Massachusetts residents be- however, they frequently place security, intween the ages of 18 and 64, the research- telligence, humor, and other non-physical ers found that 14 percent of gay men were characteristics at the top of their list.”

Esther Rothblum, a professor of women’s obese versus 21 percent of straight men.

On the flip side, 26 percent were found to studies at San Diego State University, adds: be obese, compared with 17 percent of the “Another example comes from an older study of bisexual women. When the bistraight women.

The researchers also found that both gay sexual women were asked to describe their men and gay women are more likely to experiences with women and men, the difsmoke compared to their heterosexual coun- ferences were dramatic: they often reported terparts and that gay women were more like- that they got more pressure to be thin when ly to have multiple heart-disease risk factors. they were with men.”

Other researchers have found further evi“Earlier studies that looked at health in the gay community focused mostly on sexu- dence of this male effect while studying perally transmitted diseases and mental health, sonal ads and dating sites like Match.com, rather than on chronic illnesses like obesity Rothblum explains. “Men will say they are and heart disease,” says the study’s lead au- looking for a partner who is not above 35 thor Kerith Conron, an associate research years-old and not above 135 pounds,” she scientist at Northeastern University and a re- said. “Women don’t typically do that. They search fellow at the Harvard School of Pub- say they are looking for someone with good lic Health. “This may mean that we in the sense of humor, intelligence, and creativity, public health community need to come up or someone who is not an alcoholic.”

Furthermore, Dr. Piozzi states, “LGBT with more tailored messages to reach these groups, just as car dealers do when they want people are more likely to abuse alcohol, to reach a specific target audience,” she says. drugs, and to smoke, probably due to the Conron suspects that cultural differences disproportionate amount of stress and demight at least partly explain the weight divide. pression that gay people suffer as a result of “It may be more acceptable in the lesbian com- being told their entire lives by society that munity for women to be full-sized,” she says. they are unhealthy, flawed, or sometimes Dr. Gregg Pizzi, Psy.D, a licensed psychol- downright evil because of their sexual oriogist in Aventura, finds the overall nature entation.”

A

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

POLITICAL ANALYSIS

Enoch Lonnie Ford, that he had a homosexual affair with Crouch during the 1990s.

TED HAGGARD, 2006. Was the pastor of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs and was the president of the National Association of Evangelicals. Haggard’s position allowed him occasional access to President George W. Bush. In 2006, it was alleged that Haggard had been regularly visiting a male prostitute who also provided him with drugs. Haggard admitted his wrongdoing and resigned.

PAUL BARNES, 2006. Founder and former senior minister of the evangelical church Grace Chapel in Douglas County, Colorado. He confessed his homosexual JIMMY SWAGGART, 1987. The Self-Ap- activity to the church board, and his resignation was accepted on December 7, pointed Judge of America’s Televangelists 2006 This scandal was notable because found himself the penitent when he was it was similar to Ted Haggard’s (above), it caught patronizing a prostitute.

MIKE WARNKE, 1991. A popular Chris- occurred in the same state (Colorado), and around the same time (late 2006). tian evangelist and comedian during the 1970s and 1980s. In 1991, Cornerstone LONNIE LATHAM, 2006. Latham, the seMagazine turned up damaging evidence nior pastor of South Tulsa Baptist Church and a of fraud and deceit. The investigation also member of the powerful Southern Baptist Conrevealed the unflattering circumstances vention Executive Committee, was arrested for surrounding Warnke’s multiple marriages, “offering to engage in an act of lewdness” with affairs, and divorces. a male undercover police officer.

JIM BAKKER,1991. The founding father COY PRIVETTE, 2007. Baptist pastor, of the Praise the Lord Club was involved in conservative activist, politician in North a sex scandal with Jessica Hahn. Around Carolina, president of the Christian Action the same time, various improprieties in the League, and a prominent figure in North business dealings of PTL were uncovered. Carolina moral battles. In 2007, Privette He wound up being sentenced to a 45-year resigned as president of North Carolina’s term in prison for fraud. His wife Tammy Christian Action League and from the became a favorite gay icon. board of directors of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, following JOHN PAULK, 2000. Former leader of Focus on the Family ‘s “Love Won Out” and revelations on July 19 that he had been charged with six counts of aiding and abetformer chairman of the board for Exodus International. In September 2000, Paulk was ting prostitution found and photographed in a Washington, THOMAS WESLEY WEEKS, III, 2007.

D.C. gay bar, and accused by opponents of Married fellow evangelist Juanita Bynum in flirting with male patrons at the bar.

2002, but they separated in May 2007. In August 2007, Weeks physically assaulted EARL PAULK, 2007. (no relation to the above) was the founder and head pastor of Bynum in a hotel parking lot and was convicted of the crime in March 2008. The Chapel Hill Harvester Church in Decatur, couple divorced in June 2008 and Weeks Georgia, from 1960 until the 1990s. A remarried in October 2009. number of women from the congregation came forward during the 1990s claiming JOE BARRON, 2008, one of the 40 that Paulk had sexual relations with them. ministers at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Some of these claims have subsequently one of the largest churches in the United been proven correct.

States, was arrested on May 15, 2008 for PAUL CROUCH, 2004. Founder and pres- solicitation of a minor after driving from the Dallas area to Bryan, Texas, in order to ident of the Trinity Broadcasting Network, allegedly engage in sexual relations with the world’s largest evangelical television what he thought to be a 13-year-old girl he network. In September 2004, the LA Times had met online. The “girl” turned out to be published a series of articles raising quesan undercover law enforcement official. tions about the fundraising practices and financial transparency of TBN, as well as the TODD BENTLEY, 2008. Rose to promiallegations of a former ministry employee, nence as an evangelist at the Lakeland

By Pier Angelo Guidugli and Cliff Dunn

“Elmer Gantry Was Drunk”

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hat’s the opening sentence of the novel Elmer Gantry—the most scathing satire Sinclair Lewis ever wrote.

It tells the story of a young, narcissistic, womanizing college athlete who becomes a Methodist minister and spends his life as a false prophet, until his “con act” finally leads him, and many followers, to misery.

The novel, written in 1926, created a public furor. The book was banned in several states and denounced from pulpits across the USA. One cleric suggested that the author should be imprisoned for five years. And like with the ayatollahs’ “fatwa” against Salman Rushdie for his 1988 book, The Satanic Verses, there were also threats of physical violence against Sinclair Lewis.

The novel could easily have been written today. It satirically represents, and brings to life, the hypocrisy behind the multimilliondollar, “Duty Free,” industry of religion. Elmer Gantry remains unpopular with most evangelical Christians to this day.

It hits too close to home.

SFGN has compiled “The Hypocrisy AList.” It features preachers and Republican politicians who get caught in unholy scandals of one type or another—preferably of a sexual nature.

These people tend to be extremely homophobic in their sermons and their politics.

“The Hall of Shame” Part 1: THE PREACHERS—FALL FROM GRACE (Part 2: The Politicians will follow) BILLY JAMES HARGIS, early 1970s.

A prolific author and radio evangelist.

Formed American Christian College in 1971 in order to teach fundamentalist Christian principles. However, a sex scandal erupted at the college, involving claims that Hargis had had sex with male and female students.

25 Revival in Florida. In August 2008 he stepped down permanently when it was revealed he was separating from his wife, Shonnah, and was in a relationship with Jessa Hasbrook, a member of his staff.

TONY ALAMO, 2008. Federal agents raided Tony Alamo Christian Ministries headquarters as part of a child pornography investigation involving allegations of physical abuse, sexual abuse, polygamy, and underage marriage. In late July 2009, Alamo was convicted on ten counts of transporting minors across state lines for sexual purposes, sexual assault and other crimes. On November 13, 2009, he was sentenced to the maximum punishment of 175 years in prison.

GEORGE ALAN REKERS, 2010. Baptist minister, co-founder of the right-wing Family Research Council, and a member of the notorious National Association for the Research and Treatment of Homosexuality, took a 10-day trip to Europe with a 20-year-old male prostitute.

A special entry for wackiness is reserved to: PAT ROBERTSON & JERRY FALWELL In 1999, Jerry Falwell suggested that Tinky Winky, ibe of the Teletubby characters, was gay because “.. it has the voice of a boy yet carries a purse. He is purple, the gay-pride color; and his antenna is shaped like a triangle, the gay-pride symbol..”

After the 9/11 attacks, Falwell said: “I really believe that the pagans, the abortionists, the feminists, the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People for the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say ‘you helped this happen.’”

Fellow evangelist Pat Robertson concurred with his sentiment. Falwell further stated that the attacks were “probably deserved.”

On June 10, 1988, Pat Robertson said Orlando, Fla., should beware of hurricanes, since it and Disney World allowed Gay Days to be held there.

“I would warn Orlando that you’re right in the way of some serious hurricanes, and I don’t think I’d be waving those flags in God’s face if I were you,’’ Robertson said on his TV show, The 700 Club.

In the months following the statement, Orlando was spared, but hurricanes Charley and Frances made landfall in Texas, dumping heavy rains, killing over 14 people, and hitting the town of… Corpus Christi. Apparently even God has a sense of humor.

Background: Burt Lancaster as Elmer Gantry

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

HUD Adds Civil Rights Protections Applicants Will Be Required to Comply with State & Local Lgbt Anti-Discrimination Laws AP—WASHINGTON—For the first time in its history, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will require grant applicants seeking HUD funding to comply with state and local antidiscrimination laws that protect lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. Today, HUD published a notice detailing the general requirements that will apply to all of the Department’s competitively awarded grant programs for Fiscal Year 2010.

“We‘re using every avenue to shut the door against discrimination,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “Today, we take an important step to insist that those who seek federal funding must demonstrate that they are meeting local and state civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Traditionally, HUD requires all applicants for competitive grant funding to comply with all applicable federal fair housing and civil rights requirements including those expressed in Fair Housing Act; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Now HUD will further stipulate that applicants and their sub-recipients must comply with state or local laws proscribing housing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. It is estimated there are approximately 20 states and the District of Columbia that have laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation discrimination. In addition, 12 states and the District of Columbia prohibit discrimination based on gender identity.

HUD’s General Section will not consider an applicant’s submission if they fail to meet minimum thresholds which will now include being able to demonstrate that they have not been charged with a systemic violation of state or local law proscribing discrimination in housing based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Last October, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced a series of measures to ensure that the agency’s core housing programs are open to all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition to the notice published today, HUD intends to propose new regulations that will clarify that the term “family” as used to describe eligible beneficiaries of HUD’s programs include otherwise eligible LGBT individuals and couples. The Department’s intent to propose new regulations will clarify family status to ensure its core housing programs are available to all families, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will also instruct its lending community that FHA-insured mortgage loans must be based on the credit-worthiness of borrowers and not on unrelated factors or characteristics such as sexual orientation or gender identity. Finally, HUD will commission the first-ever national study of discrimination against members of the LGBT community in the rental and sale of housing. The Department is currently seeking online public comment from interested parties in how it might design this new study.

In addition, HUD will provide enhanced customer services for members of the public who bring fair housing complaints to the Department’s attention on the basis of LGBT status. Specifically, in places where state or local laws already prohibit LGBTrelated housing discrimination, intake staff in HUD’s Office of Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity will ensure these complaints are directed to the appropriate state and local anti-discrimination offices. HUD intake staff also will be trained to identify any allegations over which HUD has existing authority under the Fair Housing Act, such as HIV/AIDS-related discrimination, that may be considered grounds for enforcement action based on the law’s current protections (i.e., against disability discrimination).

The Battle for a Fair Election Why Gays Should Vote for Amendments 5 & 6, but not 7

By Jarrett Terrill

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air Districts Florida had a really great idea. What if our legislators had to stop playing chess with the minority communities in Florida and had to start running for office based on their merit?

To these ends, Fair Districts Florida has proposed two amendments for voters to take a look at in the upcoming election season.

Both of Fair Districts Florida’s amendments, numbers 5 and 6, have received plenty of bipartisan support and are off to a good start. The group has already collected 1.7 million signatures in order to be placed on the ballot, whereas only a couple thousand were needed.

Amendments 5 and 6 would make it so that voting districts would be relatively square and even in population. They would basically outlaw a practice called gerrymandering—where politicians re-draw district lines all loopy and crazy and confusing-like just to corral a loyal group of constituents and keep themselves in power.

But now a new amendment has been added to the upcoming ballot that seeks to nullify the two that would curtail gerrymandering. Unlike Amendments 5 and 6, which are citizens’ initiatives, Amendment 7 was placed by a few of those legislators who are scared of facing the voters in a fair election.

Amendment 7 uses specially crafted language to make the voter think that it’s for minority rights. In fact, Amendment 7 would allow politicians to continue to redraw districts for the sake of “minorities”

and “common interests.” Effectively, it’s gerrymandering all over again, but dressed in politically correct language.

According to Ellen Freidin, who is the campaign chair for Amendments 5 and 6, “Under our present system, the incumbents can re-draw voting districts to keep themselves in office, and we all know that the current legislature isn’t in favor of LGBT concerns.”

Fair Districts Florida is very confident that the citizens’ initiatives they proposed will benefit LGBT persons as much as anyone else. They have good reason to believe so.

Repeated efforts have been made to include sexual orientation as a protected category in Florida’s civil rights laws, and they have been met with refusal to assign the measures to any committee. Inclusion in the civil rights laws would protect LGBT citizens from discrimination in housing, employment, and accommodations.

But Amendment 7 is very sneaky. In fact, Freidin calls it a “poison pill.” The language of that ballot measure is misleading and states that “communities of common interest other than political parties may be respected and promoted.” The incumbent legislators who promote Amendment 7 (like Senators Mike Haridopolos, Gary Siplin and Alfred Lawson) characterize their initiative as one that would “help minorities.”

It is simply untrue, and Amendment 7 will certainly do more harm to all minorities— whether they are religious, sexual, racial or language-based. This is because when a non-minority incumbent is given the opportunity to redraw districts to their liking, they invariably cut minority districts in half to divide minorities’ voting power. “This [Amendment 7] is about incumbency protection and preserving the status quo,” says Richard Steinberg, a representative in the state House.

“Equality has to start with fair districts,” says Friedin. “The Fair Districts Amendments 5 and 6 will ensure that our elected legislators will reflect the attitude of all Florida citizens.” It will do this by making sure that the districts must be drawn to contain equal populations of people and reflect existing city, county, and geographical barriers. If we vote for Amendments 5 and 6 (but not 7), we will have voting districts that accurately represent the voters.

For more information on these amendments, visit www.fairdistrictsflorida.com or www.ballotpedia.org

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Gay News, Straight Facts

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Joan Rivers The Face that Launched a Thousand Snips

By Tony Adams

J

oan Rivers sat down for an exclusive SFGN interview anticipating the June 11th release of the documentary film covering the 75th year of her life, Joan Rivers—A Piece of Work.

Her appetite for work, her boundless energy and her slim and fit appearance suggest some secret vitamin or nutrition regimen. She denies this. “I’m a bad eater. It’s all DNA.” Clearly, the juggernaut that is Joan Rivers is not looking forward to rest and relaxation.

“I can’t imagine not working. I don’t know what I would do if I had to retire. Even if I had to go to prison, in five minutes I’d be organizing The Prison Follies and I’d be saying hey you in cell 5, can you tap? Get over here.”

The film is an intimate portrait of a powerful and driven woman who lives to perform. Her movements onstage are jumpy and dynamic but offstage, her slower shuffle is markedly different and more appropriate for someone who turned 77 on June 8th.

“Actually, it’s these fucking Stuart Weitzman high heels. They’re very tight.”

The significantly revised face of Joan Rivers, is animated and luminous in person, a startling contrast to the immobilized mask delivered by television. Her eyes are engaging and energetic, and she is genuinely curious about anyone near her. In unguarded conversation, she becomes a study in contrasts. Fearless, insecure, successful, doomed, powerful, shunned, gracious, uncensored, wounded, lovable, and finally, a woman alone and surviving.

“In truth, it’s a 50/50 split between career and family, about what is more important. If I had to choose between the two, of course I would choose Melissa, but Mel says my career is my other child. It’s like she has a sibling.”

Joan is instantly funny and always the first to send up her own foibles, including the perpetual anxiety she harbors about her appearance.

“Someone once told me to stop worrying about my thighs on the beach because everyone else is worried about their thighs, so

why bother. No one ever told me I was ugly.

I still don’t know why I felt that way but a few weeks ago I was watching a video from many years ago when I was on the Mike Douglas show and I remember feeling gigantic and very fat next to some thin woman in a pants suit. That feeling never goes away.”

Although she does not know why she is insecure about her appearance, Joan does know where she got her strong work ethic and her comedic skills.

“My mother was funny, my sister, my whole family. It’s just the way we are. I got my work ethic from my father. He worked nights as a subway driver to put himself through medical school.”

In A Piece of Work, we meet the offstage Joan Rivers whose free time is spent working to secure her next booking. She allows a film crew to track her for 14 months. The 84 minute result is crafted from over 200 hours of intimate and fascinating filming that reveal a Joan Rivers sure to surprise those who know only her more cynical red carpet per-

sona. In one particularly candid scene, Joan places her hand on a stack of yearly ringbound date planners. Opening one of them to a page full of commitments, scheduled interviews and appearances, she says “This is what a good year looks like.” She opens her current volume and shows us page after page of blank white. “You see this? This is hell.” Today, the pages of her planner are no longer the dreaded pure white. “Things are going great. But next year, who knows.”

Joan is appreciative of her huge gay fan base.

“I appeal to gay people because in me they get a strong woman who makes her own way. I have some very close gay friends. Ellen, Rosie, Lily. I’ve never been sexually attracted to a woman. I never went through that stage where I was in love with my camp counselor.”

About Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and gay marriage rights, she is brief.

“Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is just plain stupid.

It should be stopped. And gay marriage? You want it? Go ahead and have it, but I don’t continued on page 44

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Nightlife by J.W. Arnold

Out and Proud for Pride Weekend in Wilton Manors

a performance by Tatiana from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in the Epic Nightclub—and there’s no cover.

Or, you might check out the “Man Dance” at Ramrod, South Florida’s he Stonewall Street Festival is just popular leather-and-Levi bar, located at 1508 NE 4th Ave. (the stretch that becomes a few days away and you know Wilton Drive). One of our favorites, DJ what that means: thousands of out-and-proud gays and lesbians of all flavors Herbie James, will be providing the beat, but we wonder just how much dancing will will be converging on Wilton Manors for be going on in the dark corners of the bar. one of the biggest weekends of the year.

And if you’re feeling really nasty, Atomic In conjunction with the festivities, area bars and clubs are also planning one of the Boom in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors is hosting “Sin,” a Pride leather event from biggest weeks of the year, with plenty of Hard Core Leather Productions. special parties and promotions leading up to the main event Sunday on Wilton Drive. Gio will be performing live on stage, and if you wear your leather, the drinks are cheap, Here’s a look at some of the highlights: cheap, cheap, not unlike many of the men on Wednesday, June 16 the prowl later that night. verybody likes a cheap drink, and StaSaturday, June 19 ble on Oakland Park Blvd has a way for many local guys to save some $$$ all he Mustang Lounge in Bill’s Filling night long. Just show bartender Mike your Station salutes an icon of gay pride, tattoo—wherever it may be and whatever Judy Garland, with a performance by it may be—and get happy-hour pricing from Ann Marie Olson and Jeff Hess. Olson open to close. There’s no reason anymore is a recent graduate of the New World to be ashamed of a cute little butterfly School of the Arts (Hess is on the faculty) tramp-stamp, guys! and not only bears an uncanny resemblance to Judy, but also brings the same magic to the Thursday, June 17 entertainer’s signature songs. She’s sure to offer a rendition of “Over the Rainbow” that chool may be out for the summer, will put the magic in our pride weekend. The but college boys are still welcome duo will perform between 6 and 9 p.m. at Cozmos Lounge on Thursdays. The retro ’80s party features DJ Maximus 3000 and special guest artists. Tonight’s drink specials are 2-for-1 cocktails and $10 you-call-it beer buckets. Cozmos Lounge is located at 2674 E. Oakland Park Blvd.

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Friday, June 18

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riday is a big night with several events kicking off the weekend. Living Room, the swanky downtown nightclub on the Las Olas Riverfront, is bringing in New York DJs Dave and Gerardo for their big event, “Return to Egypt.”

Living Room is located at 300 SW 1st Ave. on the upper level.

Meanwhile, on Wilton Drive, The Manor is presenting its official Gay Pride dance event featuring

DJ Maximus

Celebrating the Male Dancer

Local Company Dances Out of Recession

By J.W. Arnold

a techno rhythm. There is definitely something to stimulate audiences, a well-rounded evening of dance.” he recesCrowley admits that one of the biggest sion has challenges for a choreographer is finding the taken a right dancers to interpret and execute his huge toll on nonwork. For this latest production, he has profit arts groups turned to six seasoned veterans. across the country, as “I like to surround myself with dancers donations tanked and I can trust with a level of professionalism, ticket sales slumped. integrity and shared vision of my choreogBut William Charles raphy,” he says. “They may be leaping and Crowley, artistic jumping and diving to the floor, but they must director of Next Step also understand the character and inspiration Dance Company, made tough choices last year that are allowing behind the piece… That’s how you achieve a truer, more authentic interpretation.” his company to leap back onto the stage as With more than 20 years as a performer, the economy recovers.

10 years as a teacher and seven years serving “Last year, due to the economy, I had to cancel my annual performance,” he explains. as the artistic director of his own troupe, the Chicago native sees this program as a natural “It turned out to be the smart thing to do to make sure the company remained solvent. evolution of his art, especially as he will be joining the dancers on stage for the program.

A year later, we decided an encore perfor“It makes for an interesting rehearsal promance of our most popular shows would be cess. I have to wear two hats: dancer and directhe best way to bring our audiences back.” tor. I must be spatially aware of what I’m doing On Saturday, June 19, Next Step Dance on the stage, but at the same time be able to returns to the Amaturo Theater stage at step out and watch my dancers to make sure Fort Lauderdale’s Broward Center for the they’re performing at the highest level. It can Performing Arts with Celebrating the Male be a bit schizophrenic at times,” he chuckles.

Dancer, showcasing some of the company’s But the hard work will pay off for the most popular dances from the 2008 program. choreographer, who acknowledges his meThe 90-minute program will feature dium is an “ephemeral art form” that affects seven works conceived by Crowley and audiences in very individual ways. three guest choreographers, including two He concludes, “If I put my best foot forpremieres: “Bring On the Men,” a cabaretward—pardon the pun—present an evening style opener; a theater piece based on the of quality dance, and the audience walks play Equus; and “Andamento,” named after a musical term that also is used to describe away having witnessed something that was moving and thought-provoking… well, that the flow of color in mosaic artwork. will be enough for me.” “‘Andamento’ is a new work inspired by mosaic-design patterns,” Crowley says.

“The more I researched the mosaic idiom, it Celebrating the Male Dancer took on a life of its own as I learned more Next Step Dance, Inc. about the history and culture. It grew into Saturday, June 19, 8 p.m. something bigger than just a design-oriented Amaturo Theater, Broward Center for the work based on geometric patterns. There Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale are cultural references to Turkish dance and Tickets cost $26.50 at BrowardCenter.org a wonderful score influenced by Middle Eastor 954-462-0222 ern traditional instruments backed up with

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Summer

staycations Summer is the perfect time to get away, but sometimes it is difficult to travel out of state, especially if you or your partner have a busy work schedule.

SFGN has decided to highlight three local destinations, all unique and ideal for a weekend getaway. From gay guest houses to Five-Diamond resorts, South Florida offers something for every taste and budget. g By Joey Amato

Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach

P

alm Beach may not be the first destination people think of when choosing a gayfriendly vacation. However, let me assure you that not only is Palm Beach gay-friendly, it provides LGBT couples the opportunity to experience other facets of life not offered in more wellknown locales.

The Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach is one of the crown jewels of the island. The spectacular resort recently underwent a $130 million renovation and is the pinnacle of everything Palm Beach. From its oceanfront property to its luxurious spa, the Ritz-Carlton can offer you and your partner a priceless one-of-akind experience.

From the moment Daniel and I pulled up to the valet, we knew we were in for a treat. Checking in to the resort took less than five minutes and before long we were in our corner suite overlooking the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Our stunning room featured a private sittingarea, two bathrooms, a luxurious master bedroom with oversized tub and walk-in shower, and a spacious balcony ideal for watching the sunrise.

It had been a while since my partner and I had a chance to relax and unwind from the daily grind of gay life in Fort Lauderdale, so we decided to head straight to the spa.

Eau Spa at the Ritz-Carlton offers guests an abundance of splendid treatments and

amenities. Unlike most other spas, guests or locals not interested in partaking in a treatment can still enjoy the glorious facility by purchasing a one-day pass.

At 42,000 square-feet, the glamorous Eau Spa offers a sublime retreat with a distinct setting for adults to engage in a magical experience. The centerpiece of the spa is the Self-Centered Garden, an open-air sanctuary where guests can swing on chairs while trailing their feet in a pool of shallow water.

Guests can utilize the Scrub and Polish Bar where you can create a personalized blend of aromatic herbs, soothing oils, and gritty sea salts. In addition, the spa offers three opulent Couple’s Villas providing an intimate experience, complete with lavish garden enclaves, oversized tubs and outdoor rainfall showers for an open-air spa experience.

After our spa experience, Daniel and I prepared to dine alfresco at Temple Orange, the resorts all-day dining establishment, which touches on the flavors of the Mediterranean.

For starters, we decided to try the Panzanella e Gamberi, a simple dish of chilled jumbo shrimp; and Zuppa Di Pesce, a delightful bowl

of soup prepared with shrimp, scallops, and mussels. I would highly recommend the soup, even though summer is around the corner.

Next we decided to try a chef recommendation, La Burrata, a creamy slice of burrata cheese served with roasted bell peppers and basil. The cheese, reminiscent of mozzarella, was rich and delicious, a perfect prelude to our next course.

For our entrees, Daniel decided on the Fettuccine Alla Bolognese, a hearty serving of pasta topped with a tasty meat sauce. I chose the Osso Bucco Al Barolo, a dish I haven’t had in about 10 years.

A large veal shank is simmered for hours and is fall-off-the-bone tender. The dish was accompanied by a wonderful veal reduction and a side of polenta. continued on page 34

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Summer Jam

to Make You Shake Your Booty

By Steven Cisowski in Philly, with A. Sebastian Fortino in FTL

tion picture, telling the story of her android persona Cindi Mayweather in the futuristic community of Metropolis, from ummer is finally here, and you all outlaw on the run to society’s know what that means. No, I’m not Messiah. Sounds like a science talking about beach diets and sexy fiction story, right? You’re not little swimsuits, although we love boys in completely wrong, but it’s worth them! I’m talking about the hottest songs for mentioning that Monae’s voice summer. If you’re looking for some great new could easily work on Broadway, tunes for your next barbecue, pool party, or and the story she weaves with your own personal playlist, look no further. her voice is nothing short of a potential Here are the top 10 jams that will provide you Album of the Year candidate. She is without a memorable soundtrack for summer 2010. a doubt this year’s breakout star.

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10. N*E*R*D feat. Nelly 7. Shanell – ‘Hair Down My Furtado—‘Hot and Fun’ Back’ There’s not much to say about our #10 pick other than what the title suggests—it’s hot and fun. This track is a sweaty joint that requires dancing, whether it’s sexual, aggressive, or drunk. The official video features something unique, footage shot entirely when the band visited Philadelphia’s Temple University for a recent concert.

Multi-talented artist Shanell has a lot to offer. This singer/songwriter/professional dancer, signed to Lil’ Wayne’s Young Money record label, is serving up the summer’s sassiest dance floor anthem for all of the ladies—and some of the boys—who are proud of their long, natural hair. Even if you don’t have long hair, you will likely find something to boast about as you hear this song come on over the speakers. With an attention grabbing chorus— “I got hair down my back, bitch”—how can you not?

prison to serve his one-year jail sentence 5. Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg – ‘California Gurls’ for attempted criminal weapon possession.

Speaking of Katy Perry, the release of her new single “California Gurls” comes at the perfect time of the year, since it is essentially a summertime anthem about—and for—West Coast girls. The lyrics are a bit juvenile, even for Katy, but they match the simple pop arrangement. This song is so deliciously dumb that it is almost perfect for Ke$ha, who also happens to be from California. Coincidence?

Maybe not. She did after all appear in Perry’s video for “I Kissed a Girl.”

4. Timbaland feat. Katy Perry – ‘If We Ever Meet Again’

Acclaimed hip-hop producer Timbaland, who has helped launch the career of Missy Elliott and urbanized Justin Timberlake, has admittedly “sold out” and decided to focus on making pop music that caters to the 9. M.I.A. – ‘XXXO’ female 30-something demographic. However, Maya Arulpragasam, othas long as he has an audience to produce erwise known as M.I.A., music for—we’re very happy! Tim’s latest achieved commercial album, Shock Value 2, is a collection of tracks success last year with her featuring unlikely pairings with a single “Paper Planes.” The edgy, political and often 6. Kanye West feat. handful of rockers and pop acts, including Daughtry and Miley outspoken artist is set to Dwele – ‘Power’ Cyrus, among others. This track, release her third album “/\/\/\Y/\,” which has Kanye West has had one hell of a year. After which is making its way around already generated some buzz after the graph- his infamous hijacking of Taylor Swift’s accepthe airwaves, weaves together ically violent 9-minute video for the opening tance speech at last year’s MTV Video Music single “Born Free” premiered online. The first Awards, he received much public chagrin, can- a club beat, a nice hook, and a breezy aura of summertime romance. official single, “XXXO,” on the other hand, is celed his co-headlining tour with Lady Gaga, a danceable electro-pop number that might and went into hiding. He went behind the 3. Lil’ Wayne feat. Nicki actually get some airplay this summer. scenes to lend production skills to Drake’s deMinaj – ‘Knockout’ but album, but for the most part, he remained Lil’ Wayne and Nicki Minaj are arguably the 8. Janelle Monae feat. Big removed from the public eye.This hottest male and female rappers in the game Boi – ‘Tightrope’ track, the lead-off single to his new right now, so why is it that they sound so Janelle Monae is an artist unlike album, is a re-emergence for the artgood doing a pop-rock record? This duet, many you know. This Kansas ist. Kanye is back on top of his game, off of Wayne’s Rebirth rock album, tells the City girl, who is one-part robot letting his ego do most of the talking, story of two high-school sweethearts, played and one-part James Brown, has posing the question of exactly how out in the locker room scenes of the video. just released her first full-length much power one person’s actions can The clip itself is a low-budget endeavor shot album, The ArchAndroid. The album, released under Sean “Diddy” Combs’ have on the public, and surprisingly expressing entirely on a green screen. This was most a tiny bit of remorse for “acting a fool.” likely done in a hurry before Wayne entered Bad Boy Records, flows like an epic mo-

However, the song itself is so simple and catchy that it’s almost genius.

2. Kelis – ‘Acapella’ David Guetta, who penned the dancefloor hit “When Love Takes Over,” is the producer of our #2 pick, “Acapella” by Kelis.This multifaceted singer, who is no stranger to reinvention over the duration of her 11-year singing career, has reemerged as a new club-music goddess with this pulsing, tribal house-anthem.

Her new album Fleshtone is a 9-track progression of non-stop dance music that channels Madonna’s Confessions on a Dancefloor.

And lastly, our top pick for the summer is well…the title says it all! You’ve heard it— and seen the video—at bars and nightclubs from Key West to San Francisco, and probably still can’t get enough of it!

1. La Roux – ‘Bulletproof’ This is our absolute top pick for the summer! You probably first heard La Roux on the radio last summer.

“Bulletproof” contradicts itself a little bit, though, because once you get into La Roux you won’t be bulletproof against her, as the London-based La Roux finally begins to make waves in the U.S.! The video is hipster meets Ace of Base, with fun—yet cheesy—early ‘90s-esque animation. It’s our favorite song for the summer, and we can only hope more and more people get into her electro-pop grooves!

Well, hope you enjoy! While we love the Gaga, she has not appeared on this list because it goes without saying that she’ll be on our—and your—playlists. Have a safe, crazy, dance-filled summer!

To view the original, please visit Phillygaycalendar. com/pages/col.php?id=410

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

By Mary Damiano Arts Editor

S

George Schiavone

Rite of Summer City Theatre Shows Their Shorts ummer Shorts, City Theatre’s annual festival of short plays, has become a rite of passage here in South Florida, the kick-off to the summer season. The company has changed things up in recent years, dividing their plays into two programs, Signature Shorts, which are supposed to be more mainstream plays, and Undershorts, a slate of edgier fare.

It’s short attention span theatre, so if you don’t like a play, there will be another one along in a few minutes. This year especially, that’s a very good thing.

While the acting talent in this edition of Summer Shorts remains stellar—Elena Maria Garcia, Scott Genn, David Hemphill, Chaz Mena, Erin Joy Schmidt, Laura Turnbull, Stephen Trovillion, Breeza Zeller—the writing is not always up to par. Word is that these 15 plays were chosen from more than a thousand submissions, so does the problem lie with the level of writing or the folks that chose the plays?

The answer to that question is up for debate. But what we do know is that the Summer Shorts cast gives their all and turn even overwritten plays, such as Susan Westfall’s Look at Me, or nonsensical plays such as Iddle Minglish by John Olive or Poor Shem by Gregory Hischak, into something watchable.

The main thing that’s off in this year’s festival is that there is less of an ensemble feel to Summer Shorts. With two monologue plays in Signature Shorts, the actors seem underused. There is also less of that frenetic energy that has been such an important element of Summer Shorts’ success.

If there’s a theme to Signature Shorts, it’s crisis. Existential crises, marital crisis, a crisis of guilt,—it’s all in Signature Shorts.

Undershorts features more varied plays, with no real thread between them.

“Signature Shorts” winners include The End of a Perfect Game by Jay Rehak, about a pitcher going through an existential crisis that could cost him a perfect game and a world series win. Stephen Trovillion and

Theatre Review

PLAY:

Summer Shorts

Runs through June 27 at the Sdrienne Arsht Center in Miami and then June 1-3 at the University School at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. For a complete schedule and to purchase tickets, visit CityTheatre.com.

cell phone. Not a Creature Was Stirring

by Christopher Durang is a silly bit of fluff about a tyrant dad and his frightened family on Christmas Eve. “Undershorts” fares much better. Banging Ann Coulter is silly but hysterical, and it’s about exactly what the title promises. Beds

by Susan Cinoman is a witty take on infidelity. The Pap is a laugh-out-loud piece about a woman’s appointment with a young gynecologist on his first day at work. Extremely

by Rolin Jones is an imaginative piece about two dudes who’ll try anything for a thrill, broken bones be damned. One of the best plays in either program, Daddy Took My Debt Away, features a pitch-perfect performance Stephen Trovillion and Laura Turnbull in Banging Ann Coulter Elena Maria Garcia in Matterhorn by newcomer Breeza Zeller, about a debt collector and a young woman who calls in to discuss payment. It’s a funny and poignant play that doesn’t belong in the Undershorts category. The same could be said of It Was Fun While It Lasted… by Laura Eason, about a political comedy that would have bolstered the “Signature Shorts program. Another play, F**k You! By Joshua James, is funny but basically a rant.

While each of the eight actors have their moment in the spotlight, there are some stand-out performances. Summer Shorts newbie Scott Genn gets to sink his teeth into some varied roles, and shows he’s adept at both comedy and drama. Summer Shorts vet Elena Maria Garcia, who won a Carbonell Award for her performances in last year’s fest, once again proves she’s one of the best comediennes around. And David Hemphill morphs seamlessly into terrified child, a diplomatic catcher, a klutzy gyno and a death-defying dude.

David Hemphill and Scott Genn in Extremely Fifteen plays are presented, eight in Signature Shorts and seven in Undershorts. takes a while to get into, but features a Elena Maria Garcia are real and funny in Both programs have their head-scratcher, Matterhorn by Rich Orloff, a festival revival heart-breaking performance by Stephen Trovillion. Another monologue play, Euxious what-were-they-thinking moments, but about a couple examining their marriage while waiting in line at Disneyland. Lobster by Bridget Carpenter, features a terrific per- overall Undershorts is the better program, so if you can only see one program in the formance by Laura Turnbull as a busy exec Boy by Dan Dietz, a monologue about a festival, go with Undershorts. who has a life-altering experience with her teacher recounting a childhood tragedy,

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Ritz-Carlton continued from page 31

After dinner, we decided to enjoy a leisurely stroll on the beach before returning to the resort for cocktails by the outdoor fire pit. Dozens of guests were engaged in casual conversation as they sipped wine under the stars. I guess you can call this the Ritz-Carlton’s version of camping.

Sunday morning began with an invigorating session of beachfront yoga. Our wonderful instructor led us through a series of posses and stretches, which helped jump start our day. After breakfast, we decided to enjoy the fabulous pool, complete with private cabanas, which can be rented for the day.

Adjacent to the pool is Breeze, a lovely café featuring a small selection of light fare with a Caribbean influence, custom cocktails, and delicious frozen drinks. The café also offers a tempting burger bar, which I plan to taste on my next visit to the resort.

In all, the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach is an ideal way to spend a weekend without traveling very far. Although a room at the Ritz may cost a little more than some of the less luxurious hotels in the area, the experience is worth it.

For more information, visit RitzCarlton.com.

For Partygoers: The Lounge located on Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach is always enjoyable. Although not a nightclub, the venue does offer a dance floor and small stage for performances.

Friday and Saturday evenings are the best nights to attend.

Another option is iRock, a new, completely gay venue developed by the former owners of Cupids. The club is fairly large, although not yet complete.

A few finishing touches will surely make this destination favorable among the gay crowd.

Ritz-Carlton 100 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan 561.533.6000

Villa Venice Fort Lauderdale

the top-rated luxury gay guesthouse in Fort Lauderdale by the members of PinkChoice.com. or our second staycation, we visit “When a guest makes a Villa Venice, a quaint guesthouse return visit, they are always just blocks away from Fort Lauwelcomed home—not derdale beach. Upon entry into the resort, merely welcomed back,” we were greeted by our gracious host and says Hochmuth. “As freowner of the resort, Terry Hochmuth, who quent cruisers aboard the made check in a breeze and then proceeded ships of Crystal Cruises, my first visit to a guesthouse ever. I was very to give us a tour of the property. late partner and I learned this from them curious and a little anxious, but the people Although small,Villa Venice offers many and the way that they value their repeatand staff at Villa Venice make their guests of the same amenities of a larger, more visiting guests.” feel at home, referring to them by their expensive oceanfront property, including a The resort takes pride in providing supelarge pool, spa, business center, and massage first name and giving them reign over the rior luxury amenities and accommodations, services. After settling into our large room, property throughout their stay.

Each morning guests are greeted to freshly at reasonable prices, in a friendly, laid-back complete with all the necessities needed for a romantic retreat, my partner and I headed baked muffins, hot coffee, and an assortment atmosphere.Villa Venice is also a completely gay-owned and gay-operated resort; not all of fruits and cereals in the resorts common to the pool for a little relaxation. area. On the morning of our stay, the staff at guesthouses in the area are, to my surprise.

The clothing-optional resort offers plenty Visitors to the property can expect to be Villa Venice prepared freshly baked zucchini of fun. From the complimentary happy-hour treated like family. After staycationing at Villa Mai Tais to the nonstop dance music,Villa Ven- bread, which was absolutely delicious.

Although there isn’t a restaurant on prop- Venice, I understand the company motto: ice is a great getaway, whether for a weekend erty,Villa Venice is just walking distance away “Stay with us once, you’ll stay again.” or just a day.The resort comes alive in the from numerous dining establishments and afternoon, with a dozen or so men enjoynightlife offered along Fort Lauderdale Beach. ing conversation or frolicking in the pool, Villa Venice was purchased by the current complete with plenty of pool toys, including a Villa Venice owner in December 2001 and underwent a volleyball net, floats and beach balls.

2900 Terramar Street, Fort Lauderdale Beach $1.2 million renovation in July 2002. For the If you have never been to a clothing-op(954) 564-7855 past four years, the resort has been named tional resort, don’t be scared. This was my

F

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

alfresco need not worry about rain; the outdoor dining area is covered.

We began our ur final staycation brings us to meal with a South Beach, the entertainment lovely assortmecca of South Florida. In a city ment of starters. dotted with small hotels and mega-resorts, Although I am we decided to stay at the Angler’s. I had not usually a fan never seen nor heard of this resort, so I of fried fish, the wasn’t exactly sure what to expect.

Frito Misto with Ideally located on Washington Avenue lemon aioli was a between 6th and 7th street, the Angler’s light and flavorful Boutique Resort was impressive from the delight. Prevery start.Valet parking is available and sented in a large check-in is a breeze. In fact, the hotel offers paper cone, the rare in-room check-in. dish contained calamari, shrimp, scallops, asin Miami Beach history. The grand MediA brief walk through the courtyard and paragus, and other vegetables.The aioli works terranean-revival buildings stand out in a pool area leads us to our room, a specwell with all components of the selection. tacular three-story Pool House Villa, with a neighborhood surrounded by Art Deco Next, we sampled the Bulgogi Tacos, a private roof-top deck. The suite offers two masterpieces. In addition, the property that was once frequented by Ernest Hemingway delicious blend of hanger steak, pickled full baths, flat screen TVs, an iPod dockcucumber, quick kimchee and Korean BBQ now hosts numerous professional athletes ing station, a state-of-the-art audio/video sauce. It’s definitely a wonderful twist on a and celebrities. system, mini-bar, wireless internet and fine After a leisurely stroll along Ocean Drive, taco that should not be missed. For our enEgyptian cotton linens. trees, we selected the highly recommended we took in some rays on our semi-private At 700 square-feet, the villa contains Twelve Hour Braised Short Ribs, made with rooftop terrace, which even features an everything one would expect in a luxurious porcini and truffle risotto and accompanied South Beach resort. After a quick tour of our outdoor shower. At some points we even by a port wine reduction. The meat was forgot we were in Miami. room, my boyfriend and I decided to relax Every evening from 6-8 p.m., the Angler’s fork-tender and the risotto absorbed all the with a cocktail in one of the resort’s poolside delicious flavor and aroma of the port wine. bar hosts a happy hour, offering a complicabanas. Although not a gay resort, the Finally, we sampled the Organic Chicken mentary glass of wine to all of their guests. property, staff and guests are exceptionally It was a great prelude to the delightful din- “Milanesa” with heirloom tomato salad, gay-friendly. They made us feel comfortable ner that was to follow at 660 at the Angler’s. local greens and lemon. Although I wasn’t and welcomed throughout our entire stay.

The intimate restaurant offers both indoor impressed with my first bite, the dish quickly Built in the 1930s by architect Henry grew on me when I tasted the chicken, toand outdoor seating.Those looking to dine Maloney, the Angler’s holds a special place

The Angler’s Boutique Resort

O

V

mato, and greens together.We both enjoyed this dish tremendously. Even though we opted not to order dessert, I was intrigued by the restaurant’s Croissant and Bailey’s Bread Pudding, made with dark chocolate, salted caramel, and caramelized banana ice cream. I wished we hadn’t ordered so much food!

After dinner, the bar at the Anglers comes alive, with a DJ spinning dance music and dozens of gorgeous South Beach locals and guests mingling and sipping cocktails.The ambient music is even heard by the pool, making it a perfect place to unwind with a martini.

The resort, located minutes away from Twist or just a short cab ride away from Lincoln Road hotspots Score and MOVA, makes clubbing a breeze. Late night partygoers should take note: the Angler’s weekend brunch begins at 11 a.m. but lasts until 5 p.m., so sleeping in is definitely an option.

Serving everything from traditional brunch favorites—from Eggs Benedict with red bliss potato hash to the famous 660 Cobb containing grilled chicken, applewood smoked bacon, avocado, and gorgonzola—the choices are endless.

Overall, the lush landscaping, first-class service and serene atmosphere of the Angler’s Boutique Resort provides a wonderful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Ocean Drive, but it’s still only steps away, making it a perfect choice for a memorable South Beach staycation.

The Angler’s Boutique Resort 660 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach 305.534.9600

V I L L A V E N I C E R E S OR T F ORT

L A UDE RDA LE

“Fort Lauderdale’s #1 Luxury Gay Guesthouse”

2006 2007 2008 2009

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(954) 564-7855

(877) 284-5522

VILLAVENICE.COM

A GAY-OWNED RESORT

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1:05 PM

Page 1

Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Proudly Presents

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Lady Gaga and Robert Pattinson Comic Books Hit Stores

T

wo of the most recognizable celebrities today, Twilight actor Robert Pattinson and music sensation Lady Gaga, have released biographical comics through publisher Bluewater Productions.

Fame: Lady Gaga and Fame: Robert Pattinson hit stores across the country last week, and they’re available online at Amazon.com.

The comic gives fans of both celebrities a chance to trace their favorite stars’ rise from obscurity to fame.

Long before Pattinson played the hot vampire Edward Cullen in the Twilight series, he was an unknown stage actor in England.

In fact, his first performance came in Tess of the D’Urbervilles at London’s Barnes Theater.

Writer Kimberly Sherman and artist Nathaniel Ooten brought Pattinson’s story to life. “I love having the ability to introduce high-profile people to readers through an unexpected medium that is both written and visual,” Sherman said. “These biography comics are designed to illustrate interesting tidbits to fans about their favorite figureheads, and inspire them to learn more. I chose to conceptualize A-lister Robert Pattinson from a unique perspective, immersing the reader into the life of the talented actor beyond his most famous role.”

Lady Gaga had a similar career path. She got her start singing in bars and nightclubs before becoming an international celebrity.

Writer Dan Rafter and artist Kristoffer Smith tackled the Lady Gaga comic. “Lady

Gaga is a different sort of celebrity. So when writing a biography of her, I didn’t want to resort to putting out a straight celebrity biography,” Rafter said. “Instead, I wanted to take a look at how Lady Gaga’s fame could impact even the most unlikeliest of individuals. I figured this approach will be different from people looking for a straight biography, but I just couldn’t bring myself to not try something a little different with Gaga.

“Even if you don’t particularly like her music, you have to admit that there’s something special about Lady Gaga,” Rafter said.

“She’s a master of attracting attention.”

Fame: Lady Gaga and Fame: Robert Pattinson are part of Bluewater Productions’ muchpublicized biography line of comic books.

Past Bluewater biographies have turned such varied figures as Nelson Mandela, Sarah Palin, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Ellen DeGeneres and Barbara Walters into comic-book stars. Upcoming biographies will detail the lives of 50 Cent, David Beckham and Kristen Stewart.

“Each of our biography comics takes a different approach in bringing our stars’ stories to life,” said Darren G. Davis, president and founder of Bluewater Productions. “You’ll see that in this comic, as writers Kimberly Sherman and Dan Rafter took very different approaches to highlighting the careers of Lady Gaga and Robert Pattinson.”

For more information, visit Bluewaterprod.com.

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Art

Gallery XO Celebrates the Male Nude

By A. Sebastian Fortino “What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express and admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god! The beauty of the world, the paragon of animals—and yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust? Man delights not me —nor woman neither, though by your smiling you seem to say so.” —Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2

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allery XO on Wilton Drive, owned by partners in life and business, Maciel Cantelmo and Tommy LaFashia, will have you smiling.

Cantelmo, a native of Brazil, is the artist, and LaFashia, a native of Pennsylvania, is the marketing director—although LaFashia also creates his own stained glass, for sale on site, and does the framing in the couple’s homestudio above the gallery space. They also carry the work of other artists, and, in addition to Cantelmo’s originals, limited-edition prints are offered for sale in various sizes.

The delicate pencil drawings that Cantelmo executes appear to come from years of experience.Yet he is honest about his training.

“No, I never studied art in university, or professionally.When I was a teenager in Brazil, I took some private courses with a painter, but that was really about it,” Cantelmo said.

To which LaFashia admiringly responded: “It’s amazing that he hasn’t had that training.

He painted a flower for my birthday and we decided he had to do it.”

When you learn an artist is self-taught, it’s easy to think, “Well, why can’t I do that?”

The answer is simple—patience. Many nights on the Drive, passing the couple’s gallery, you can find Cantelmo at his easel, delicately sketching, coloring and shading with pencil— his favorite medium—from a photograph.

“I prefer to draw from a photograph” as it allows for consistency, Cantelmo said.

The drawing is the core and the soul of paintings, which Cantelmo also displays and sells. Drawing, as an art form, is often

Tommy and Maciel at the Gallery

smudging or damaging completed sections.

Erasing a pencil sketch is very tricky, in terms of the final results.

When they opened the gallery in January there were only 18 pieces on display. They displayed primarily erotic—or suggestive— images of male nudes, which, according to LaFaschia, is a matter of taste. There are also female nudes as well. To his credit, the female images are as sensual, wellproportioned, and finely executed as the overlooked.Yet many art historians would male subjects. rather study the preliminary sketches of a “Some people came in and hated it; other great painting, such as a Rubens or Michelanpeople came in and have since bought gelo, instead of the painting itself. It is not a surprise that those old masters are known for several pieces. We like the erotic images their male nudes, and Cantelmo says they are because we are on the Drive, in the middle of the gay community,” LaFaschia said. indeed counted among his influences.

However, word of Cantelmo’s work The drawings are often cited as more lively, spread quickly. A gallery owner in New York and experts contend that the paint over top often obscures the original intent of the artist. requested that he do some mainstream type of work. The gallery owner sent a With a so-called “finished drawing,” such as Cantelmo’s work, in which the drawing is the photograph of his mother and two children on the beach. Cantelmo took the photowork itself and not the preliminary sketch, graph and rendered a finished drawing that the pencil must be manipulated while not

he sent back to New York. He will also take commissions from patrons.

When I went into Gallery XO to conduct this interview, the two were happy to tell me that a gallery in Provincetown, Massachusetts, is interested in displaying and selling Cantelmo’s work. In addition to this, they plan to have a booth for New York City Pride on June 27.

For the Stonewall Street Festival on June 20, they will be open for business and will have a display rack in front of the space.

In terms of the selected works in SFGN, it is interesting to note that the drawing of the father and son on the beach was done in LaFaschia’s childhood. It is indeed “Father & Son.” “Drawing,” according to Cantelmo’s Gallery XO brochure, “was a gift awoken from within me by my grandfather. He was the person who woke up this dormant ability in me.”

We can only imagine that your grandfather would be very proud of your craft, indeed.

For more information please visit, stores.homestead.com/hstrial-MCantelmo/-strse-template/ about/Page.bok

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

830 E. Oakland Park Blvd. • 954.564.6363 • www.trueitalian.com

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

The Wedding Singer Limbaugh’s Unlikely Crooner

By Penn Bullock

of his business and supports gay civil unions.”

If that’s true, Limbaugh has kept his support for gay rights well concealed behind e sang at Princess Diana’s funeral and performed a duet with reams of homophobic rants. In one instance, Lady Gaga at the 2010 Grammy in 2004, a teacher phoned into his radio show to express concern that conservative Awards. Then Sir Elton John surprised the prejudice encouraged bullying of gay kids at world by serenading Rush Limbaugh last her high school. week at the right-winger’s wedding cerLimbaugh had no sympathy. The openly emony in Palm Beach.

This was Limbaugh’s fourth marriage, and gay students were “trumpeting” their sexuno expense was spared. The openly gay Elton ality and “inviting dissent,” he declared. “Militants” were “asking for this fight” and “want got a million bucks for the gig. Queerty and others threatened to disown him for croon- to be confrontational.” When the teacher insisted her gay students weren’t trumpeting to an enemy of his own community. ing their sexuality at all, Limbaugh made his But Zev Chafetz, author of a new biography on Limbaugh, rushed to assure everyone meaning clear: their mistake was coming out of the closet in the first place. in an article in the Wall Street Journal that In another classy move in February 2009, gay people have a friend in Limbaugh. In fact, Chafetz claimed, Limbaugh’s as liberal on gay Limbaugh broadcast a song about gay congressman Barney Franks, chair of the House issues as Barack Obama.

Financial Services Committee. The song was “In an interview last summer,” Chafetz called “Banking Queen.” wrote, “he told me that he regards homoPerhaps Elton John will perform it at sexuality as most likely determined by biology, considers other people’s sex lives to be none Franks’ wedding.

H

Heard it on...

available for public view in 20 years will be on the auctioneer’s block at Christie’s in London. The piece is expected to draw just shy of $12,000,000 at the June 30 auction.

Warhol found Taylor to be “so glamorous,” and she was thus a muse for the boy from Pittsburgh. Warhol, who married art to objects and – in this case – celebrities, completed a series of 13 paintings of Taylor in 1963. “Silver Liz” is 40” x 39”. It’s one of only five portraits done

By The Night Owl by the artist in which he depicts her famed blue-violet eyes in a shade of psychedelic, Brazilian Minister of ‘60s-appropriate, intense violet.

Health: “Have More Sex” If you have one lying around, be sure to Official says Sex, Dancing Might Fix High Blood Pressure call Christie’s. Hugh Grant sold one from the same series in 2007 for about Brazil’s top health official says there’s a $16,000,000 just six years after buying the cure for his country’s skyrocketing hyperpiece for just under $3,000,000. tension epidemic: have more sex.

Not a bad investment.

Health Minister Jose Temporao announced last month that adults need to exercise more in order to keep their blood Osbournes Shout Down Anpressure down, and that a good cardiovastigay Protesters cular workout includes sex—“always with “You should be ashamed of yourselves!” protection, obviously,” he added.

Sharon Osbourne yelled when she and Temporao said that a healthy diet, regular her daughter Kelly, grand marshals at the blood-pressure checks and dancing should Los Angeles Pride parade on Sunday, came also be part of an adult’s regimen. face to face with antigay protesters, RadaTemporao made the announcement dur- rOnline.com reports. ing the launch of Brazil’s national campaign The protesters approached the Osbournes’ against high blood pressure. Brazilian health float as it worked its way down Santa Monofficials say that 21.5% of Brazilians had ica Boulevard. After Mrs. Osbourne had her high blood pressure in 2006. That number say, Kelly Osbourne took the microphone jumped last year to 24.4%. and yelled, “My God loves gays.”

She and her mom then lead the crowd in a “God loves gays” chant that drowned out Silver Liz A portrait by Andy Warhol of gay icon the protesters, an eyewitness told RadarOnline.

Elizabeth Taylor that has not been

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

CATCHING MY BREATH

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Father’s Glee

By A. Sebastian Fortino

By A. Sebastian Fortino ‘Catching My Breath’ is a personal reflections column about gay life. This week’s column was written by A.Sebastian Fortino. If you want to ‘catch your breath,’ submit your stories to editor@southfloridagaynews.com’

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n the May 11 episode of Glee, Kurt Hummel feels rejected by his father. His glee club assignment that week is to sing something that really represents him. Kurt states his father is the most important person in his life. This leads him to sing a John Cougar Mellencamp song, “Ain’t That America,” a favorite of his father’s.

While Kurt thinks the song is about some aspect of design based on the line about “little pink houses,” it’s about the lot of the workingman in the 1980s, his father informs him. Kurt reinvents himself for the song, discarding his fey clothes for a trucker cap and flannel shirt. Kurt’s rendition is forced, and not well received by the rest of the glee club.

After the song, he is informed by lusty fellow glee club member Quinn that she never made out with him because she thought of him as “gay with a capital G.” Now his new look has her thinking otherwise. Kurt, in turn, thinks dating her might make things with his father easier.

The highlight of this episode, and why I chose to make it the subject of Catching My Breath for Father’s Day, is not the scene with the two ill-matched teens making out.

It is Kurt’s taking a very classic, very female Broadway song and giving it new meaning.

He chose “Rose’s Turn” from Gypsy.

His anger, stemming from confusion over his sexuality, really comes across in that rendition.

“All that work and what did it get me,” Mama Rose asked. But with Kurt it comes to mean, “All that work trying to be the boy you wanted and what did it get me?”

For the sake of continuity, he replaces Rose with “Dad,” when he belts out, “I had a dream, I dreamed it for you, dad!” It reveals that most of us, as children, wish that the feelings of difference and feelings towards other boys would go away. We all want to

be like dad, and we all want dad to love us, even if there is something in our psyche that isn’t like dad.

Having never heard “Rose’s Turn” sung by a guy before—with, perhaps, the exception of hearing it sung at the famed cabaret of the same name in Greenwich Village—it took on the weight of a torch song. But not one mourning the neglect or loss of a lover, but of the young,“different” boy trying desperately to be loved and accepted by his father.

The song then turns into self-realization. Kurt, like Rose, will no longer live out his life trying to live for someone else.

The lights go on and there, in the auditorium, is Kurt’s father, clapping. They talk.

His father says that he did dream about taking his son to baseball games, and talking about girls with him, but he loves him. He is willing to let go of the traditional dreams of fatherhood so he can have something better—a relationship with his son.

In one of the first issues of SFGN we reacted to a conservative blogger who asked—well, decided, really—that Glee is too gay. Since then the show has been called unChristian by other bloggers, in part because of gay themes.

After hearing Kurt sing “Rose’s Turn,” in which he got angry and belted out his pain, his frustration, and his fear of losing his father’s love because he cannot be everything his father might want, I can say that I agree with the blogger.Yes, Glee is way gay, but is not un-Christian. For, even though his father might not understand his son’s sexuality, he still loves him—something no child should ever lose just because he or she is gay.

SFGN wishes you a Happy Father’s Day, and hopes for a time when all parents are as accepting as Kurt’s dad!

Courtesy of Maciel Cantelmo

By A. Sebastian Fortino

I

t can be a challenge finding a gift for “dear old dad.” To complicate matters, you might have plans to celebrate Pride on Father’s Day. So, we provide you with some great ideas from the obvious to obscure.

Granted, you could buy him a tie, but that’s what your straight brother is getting him!

1. Gift Certificates: the great thing about them is you can get one from a merchant as specialized as a golfing, homerenovation or specialty store, or something general like a gift card offered by your bank.

If you do something really general like the latter though, you might want to attach it to a nice bottle of wine, or slip it into a case of his favorite beer.

2. Stocks: Professionals know the best time to buy stock is when the market is down. After May’s market decline, now is the best time to purchase a few shares of dad’s favorite stock.

Buy shares of a company that dad likes. If he drives a Caddy, buy shares of GM; if he likes to drink Gatorade, buy shares of PepsiCo. A few shares can turn into a large profit.

3. Cigar Bars: at one time, perhaps, you used to watch dear old dad sit by the fire, or on the porch, and light up a cigar. Now that you are, presumably, of age, why not take dad out to your local cigar bar? They generally stock spirits such as Cognac, whiskey, brandy, bourbon, and excellent beers.This is perhaps “less fussy” than brunch. If there is a family brunch, maybe take him out on his own, for a stogie the weekend of Father’s Day. 4. Weekend Away: granted, you might not want to take your father to a gay resort. However, suggest a weekend camping, or a trip to the city of his favorite team, and buy tickets to a game. If you live near a theme park – surprise dad and spend the

day reliving your childhood and his fatherhood. This time, however, don’t get sick on too much cotton candy.

5. Food: it doesn’t get any simpler than that. Simply go to a website offering his favorite food, and send him a package of steaks, or a gift basket. To personalize it more, head to a small gourmet shop and load up on non-perishables that will be able to make the trip.

6. Toys: men all love toys. No, this is a Father’s Day gift guide—not those kinds of “toys.” Therefore, why not surprise dad with the Wii your mother won’t let him buy, and a few games?

7. Make Dad Dinner: given the economy, it might be advisable to offer to cook for him at home. Of course, this is easier if your partner or your siblings live nearby.

Simply tell him you are going to make the meal of his choice; supply some excellent wines and a lovely dessert at home. For a laugh, tell mom she has to do the dishes!

8. Massage: it’s stressful being a dad.

Especially if you’ve had to ask him for a loan lately! Get your father a gift certificate for a private massage.You could make it a couple’s massage—for mom and dad—if you don’t think mom will blush!

9. Photo Cards: personal pictures always make great gifts! Simply take a favorite photo of you with dear old dad and take it to a printer. They should be able to reprint the image on a piece of heavy stock that’s twice as large as the image. Either have them print a saying on the inside or—using your best calligraphy—write a greeting.

10. Home Movie: have you moved recently? Is dad unable, or hasn’t been able, to come for a visit? Simply use your camcorder—or borrow one from a friend— and document your home, neighbors, day at the office, or a walk with your dog through the park. Then mail this off—perhaps with a gift card or a photo-card idea.

Hope this helps you figure out what to send dad! Of course, the ideas are endless!

Books, music and movies are always great— just think of his favorite subjects. Another time-tested idea is a great gag-gift. A friend recently told me she once gave her father an industrial order of Post-it Notes and a GPS because he can’t remember where anything is, or how to get there!

42

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

CD Reviews

By Mary Damiano Arts Editor Lucy Woodward Hooked (Verve)

L

ush vocal, big band orchestrations and a sense of humor highlight Lucy Woodward’s new CD Hooked.

Woodward’s third CD is a mélange of her own original compositions—she co-wrote most of the songs—and classics, including “San Souci,” made famous by Peggy Lee, Hoagy Carmichael’s “Stardust” and “I Wan’na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)” from The Jungle Book. The result is a modern torch album, with Woodward as a smart and sassy chanteuse. She explores lost love in the rollicking “He Got Away,” pure lust in “Ragdoll,” baby lust in the apty titled “Babies,” and a mistress’s lamentation in “Another Woman,” written by Nellie McKay. Woodward sounds like she’s having a blast, her sense of humor and sense of fun are evident from the get-go. Many of the songs are catchy, but Woodward never sacrifices her musicianship for the gimmick. She melds the two effortlessly, making Hooked the kind of CD you’ll listen to over and over again.

Marina & the Diamonds The Family Jewels (Atlantic)

T

he Family Jewels is not a CD from some retro-sounding band, but rather the debut CD from Welsh singer Marina Lambrini Diamandis, who goes by the stage name Marina & the Diamonds. And what a debut it is. Marina’s voice is unique in its depth, and she uses it to great effect on catchy numbers like “Hollywood,” an insightful take on American culture and celebrity, or the CD’s breakout hit “I Am Not a Robot,” a raw look at relationships. Don’t look for love songs or romance here; these songs are provocative commentaries on love life and sex. Marina & the Diamonds has real personality that comes through the music, a nice change from the cookie cutter cuties that populate the airwaves. The radio-ready songs on The Family Jewels are a little New Wave, a little alternative pop, and a little punk, and Marina & the Diamonds is endlessly enjoyable, danceable and singable.

43

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Paul Gallotta

Instant Fatherhood

By Paul Gallotta

I

’ve always loved children. If you cook them right they taste like chicken. But as a Kinsey six, I never expected to have any. Until about 3 days before it happened little over 15 years ago. I was 2 years into what would turn out to be a 13 year relationship. My ex was employed as a child abuse investigator. He remains one of my personal heroes, but he was never the brightest creature on God’s green earth. They told him he needed to start bringing his work home with him. He got a little confused and the next thing I knew there was Princess.

At the time, I was pretty sure she was destined for a psychiatrist’s couch in about 25 years. I wasn’t sure I had any paternal instincts. I loved my sister’s kids—for about 45 minutes apiece. Then I’d reach for the large bottle of chloroform. But there are a lot of things they don’t tell you about parenthood.

The first time their eyes light up when you walk in the room you’ll be waving a

white flag. Sure, I’ve gotten The Look from other guys before, but there has always been a hint of “sure I love you but if you cheat on me I’ll bludgeon you to death with a tire iron in your sleep.” With Princess there was no artifice. No “I love you but” or “I love you as long as” just unconditional love No one told me that as a gay man, I would lose 80% of my friends because of Princess. No one said “I can’t be your friend anymore” but it was inevitable. Most gay (and single) men don’t know how not to talk about the last tryst they had, or how not to pepper their speech with expletives.

And in fairness, after much research, I’m pretty certain they don’t want to hear about

which toddler television show host you’d like to see spontaneously combust.

Most gay men’s home’s are not childfriendly (“Daddy what are those men doing in that picture?”). Things break. Pools might get peed in. Sure there are babysitters, but any parent gay or straight, will tell you that if you can get a babysitter, you can think of something better to do than go over someone else’s house.

There were many days I’d come home from work willing to sell nuclear technology to the Al Queda, and Princess would flash the look and the soundtrack in my mind went from Metallica to The Carpenters.

No one tells you that children have a way of bringing back a sense of child-like wonder back into your heart after you had exiled these thoughts shortly after high school. Anytime I’d take Princess to a playground, she’d play with anyone regardless of color or the quality of the clothes they were wearing and she’d usually have a new best friend by the time we left.

No one tells you that you’ll have to eventually go to school programs where you’ll sit through 3 or 4 grade levels of other people’s kids (never as cute as yours) singing off key Christmas carols. For the 3 minutes or so your child is up there your heart will sing. The rest of the night you’ll be wondering if you could play ‘Domino Theory’ by

tripping the first member of the next class to come tromping down the aisle. That and would anyone would notice if you filled a bottle marked Zephyrhills with peppermint schnapps? For the record no one ever does.

And they always complimented me on how minty fresh my breath was.

No one ever tells you that you’ll (sooner or later) have to take your child to godawful tween movies or concerts like Hannah Montana or Hilary Duff. And if you are driving, that means no beer. And they hate it when you try to throw your underwear on stage. Not enough so they’ll stop asking you to take them to the next one. But just enough so that you’ll hear about it for the next two weeks.

No one tells you that when your child hits 15, space aliens come and take her away and leave an industrial strength package of hormones in her place. She goes from the Disney Channel to an outtake from a George Romero movie. She’ll still want you to take her to concerts; she just won’t want you to sit with her. And she’ll lie—poorly, but she’ll lie— about everything. And she suddenly stops talking to you about anything meaningful.

But they tell me the space aliens will bring her back when she gets half way through college and grows out of the teenage rebellion phase.

Going to be a long next few years.

Joan Rivers: SFGN’s Exclusive Interview by Tony Adams continued from page 29

know why you want it. Almost half of them are going to fail. What you are really getting is the right to gay divorce.”

The film does not shy away from her 22 year marriage to Edgar Rosenberg that ended with his suicide. Joan speaks honestly about her husband and about letting a film crew into her private life.

“I gave them carte blanche.There was only one scene in the film that I had them remove and it involved Edgar. Melissa asked that it be taken out.There was a scene where I walk by Edgar’s photograph, and I say ‘Fuck you’ for what he did. Unless you’ve lived through a suicide, you don’t know what it’s like.You never get over being angry with someone who leaves you like that.They were very nice about taking it out.”

Her favorite scene in the film is one in which she is chatting with her young grandson who is the most important man in her life. While A Piece of Work emphasizes the fact that she is totally absorbed by her work,

it also depicts a woman with close friends and family. Joan divides her time between homes in Connecticut and Manhattan but she spends much time in Florida visiting friends who have moved there for tax reasons. She says she loves both Florida and Manhattan, relishing their differences. In Connecticut she loves to have friends to dinner.

At home or at work, Joan Rivers is a woman who prefers the driver’s seat. Directing a movie would seem a logical next career move, but she explains why that is not in her plans.

“I directed a beautiful little movie in 1978 called Rabbit Test. Great cast. I loved doing it, but the critics hated it.Tore it to shreds. I vowed I would never direct another movie and I won’t.”

Despite her setbacks, she says she has absolutely no regrets about anything she has done. She does regret not doing some things such as sleeping with Robert Mitchum and Robert Ryan when she had the chance.

Will she always be alone? Is there a straight man alive today who is strong enough to love

and live with a woman as forceful and iconic as Joan Rivers? She laughed at this question and admitted that there had been a man in her life a few months ago.

Her voice indicates no desperation or bitterness about where her life has brought her. Even though Johnny Carson eventually cut her out of his life because she dared to launch a competitive late night talk show, she chooses to remember the better times.

“Carson was the best straight man in the business. So appreciative.When he leaned back in his chair and laughed, that was your paycheck.”

“Look, nobody is 100% happy. I’m 93% happy which means that I am very lucky. I think anyone who gets to even 60% should be glad.You know what a good day is for me?

I get a call from Melissa and she’s doing fine. I get a call from my grandson and he’s happy. I get a call from my accountant and he tells me I’m OK. That’s a good day.”

In another particularly moving scene in A Piece of Work, Joan is leafing through the

script of a possible pilot. She becomes frustrated whenever she does not find any lines assigned to her. As she turns each page, she repeats “I’m not finding myself here.” Finally she throws down the script saying “I’m not finding myself anywhere.” Have 77 years of living left her uncertain of her place?

“Look, the whole idea of this movie is my reinventing myself. Did I do it? No. I’m the same person, but now I own it. I never used to admit my age. Now I do.You asked me about death. I’ll tell you how I want to go. On stage in the middle of a set. I just want to fall off the stool in the middle of a one-hour routine. I have written instructions that I am not to be resuscitated unless I am capable of doing 60 minutes of stand up. Oh wait.

I should fall off the stool after 31 minutes because they don’t pay you unless you do at least 30 minutes.”

Joan Rivers—A Piece of Work opens in theaters on June 11th.

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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46

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Legal News

Between Two Hard Places Gay Porn Actor Tells Adult Entertainment Giants:You’re Too Big for Me

By Cliff Dunn

A

Wilton Manors teenager has been caught in the crossfire of a million dollar lawsuit between two multimillion dollar gay porn sites.

Last November, Corbin Fisher.com filed a lawsuit alleging that a young model uploaded copyrighted images of himself on an escort site owned by Men4Rentnow.com, violating a prohibition on Corbin Fisher models marketing themselves as rent boys.

Named as the defendant was 19 year old Justin Krueger, last seen working the coffee counter at The Manor on Wilton Drive.

Krueger and the two porn giants battled it out in the United States District Court in Orlando.

The lawsuit by Corbin Fisher was filed by a nationally respected first amendment attorney from San Diego, Marc Randazza, their general counsel. The complaint alleges that Krueger took seven copyrighted images of himself, which were produced by Corbin Fisher.com, and he illegally uploaded them to Men4Rentnow.com, in order to promote his escort services.

Jealously guarding their copyright, Corbin Fisher sued, seeking damages of $150,000 per violation, or a total of $1,050,000, pursuant to federal copyright laws. Randazza told SFGN that upon receiving the lawsuit, lawyers for Men4Rentnow.com swiftly negotiated a settlement, which their counsel,

Justin Krueger

Peter L. Arvant of Troy, Michigan, confirmed. Both parties entered into a stipulation for dismissal of all claims. Krueger’s pictures were promptly taken down from the website, and a confidential settlement agreement was entered into by both parties.

Meanwhile, Krueger was hung out to dry.

Still named as a defendant, the Plaintiff’s lawyer claims the young man exacerbated the problem, by refusing to accept service of process, filing motions to transfer the lawsuit to South Florida, and failing to show up for a settlement discussion. “At first,” Ran-

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dazza said, “we did not want to sue him. But now he is going to have to pay for our time spent dealing with his frivolous maneuvers.”

For his part, Krueger lays the blame on Baileey Productions, specifically on the shoulders of his agent. “Baileey told me he was talking to Randazza regularly, and that I had nothing to worry about; that he would handle it. That is what an agent is supposed to do.” Court records confirm Krueger’s representations.

In Randazza’s petition for attorney’s fees, he notes that “Baileey is talent agent and the general point of contact for business affairs between Krueger and the Plaintiff.” Randazza’s court documents further show that he attempted to settle the suit directly with Baileey. After contacting Baileey by e-mail, he sent certified letters to the agent, including prospective documents which could resolve the case, but they went unclaimed at the post office.

SFGN has now learned that Baileey’s real name is Justin Caro, and that while he has represented and continues to represent dozens of local South Florida models, securing work for them doing porn, he is not now, nor has ever been licensed in Florida as a registered talent agent.

Krueger says that it was Caro’s boyfriend, Keith Carpenter, known in the industry as Dallas Reeves, who first hooked him up as a ‘porn star.’ “We met on Adam 4 Adam,” Krueger says, “and Reeves told me that his partner was an agent who could get me, with my looks, regular gigs doing porn.

And that’s when I lost my virginity in every sense- on the set of ‘Anal Initiation Rites.’ “ Acknowledging that the lure of working in the adult entertainment industry is highly seductive, Krueger is one of many young South Florida men who supplement their incomes with sex films

and off-camera work as escorts.

Krueger immersed himself into the sex industry, working professionally under the name ‘Jake Lyons.’ The diminutive good looking man has a tight frame which commanded his growing appeal in the industry.

He was booked for scenes in over a dozen films. Krueger claims that it was Caro who put him into contact with the Corbin Fisher photography studio and the case documents support the assertion.

“I signed a contract with them [Corbin Fisher] under his guidance,” Krueger recalls.

Under his agreement with the studio, Krueger would model and Caro would receive a 20% commission as the actor’s agent.

Krueger claims that Caro played fast and loose with the bookkeeping.

To augment his porn income, Krueger says that Caro suggested he start to escort.

The popular sex trade site Men4RentNow. com required Krueger to submit images of himself for approval before posting his ad.

According to Krueger, Caro suggested they use some of the photos which Corbin Fisher had taken, in violation of fine print of their licensing agreement with the studio.

“I was in [Caro’s] office and needed to put this ad together,” he recalls. “Baileey says, ‘let’s use the Fisher pictures.’ I told him we shouldn’t, but he said it was alright to use the Corbin Fisher shots.”

Emails between Krueger and Men4RentNow.com customer service indicate that the pictures and his ad were originally denied because of a username error. Krueger says the website encouraged him to use the name “Corbin Fisher” for the ad.

Krueger alleges that Caro, his agent, told him to play hardball with the studio and its lawyers.

“Baileey said, ‘I will take care of it. I’m going to give this to my lawyers.’ What was I supposed to do?” he wonders.

Krueger says he was surprised that Men4RentNow.com left him holding the ball. “I was hoping they would come to my aid,” he says. As the judge now prepares orders for pre trial discovery, Krueger is still without counsel, attempting to answer the pleadings on his own.

SFGN Publisher and constitutional rights attorney Norm Kent has attempted to work out a resolution for Krueger. “Unfortunately for Justin, he was getting some bad advice from people he believed were acting in his interests. Then, working alone he compounded those poor judgments,” Kent says.

47

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SEX IN OUR CITY

By A.J. Cross

The Small Talk A Column about Sex, Relationships, Love & Heartbreak

I

have been waiting fifteen minutes for the train to come, as a male voice announced over the PA system that the train has been delayed. At 11:30PM, on a barely lit subway station in New York City is the worse place to be told that you have to wait longer than you already have to get on the train, which is a lot safer than sitting on a bench alone. I have become so bored that I have occupied my time by watching the fog come out of my mouth into the freezing cold air. I was just about to leave the station and spend the extra twenty bucks on a cab, when finally I could see the lights of the train in the distance.

Thank God, I made it. Anything could happen to a little gay boy all alone on an abandoned train station in the middle of the night. I stood up and waited near the tracks and when the train finally stopped I rushed onto it, and out of the chilling air. The train was so warm, that I didn’t mind the overwhelming smell of urine that soon made its presence known.

The train was almost as desolate as the station bench I had occupied for over an hour, and I immediately started to scan the train for signs of life. There was an older Latin woman sitting in a corner seat holding onto her bag of groceries and looking down as if to

shut out anyone else on the train. There was a small black boy, sleeping so adorably on the lap of a woman who may have been his mother or sister. I actually decided to draw a picture of him, because it amazed me that a child could feel safe and comfortable enough to fall asleep on a New York City train.

I looked behind my seat cautiously and almost instantly caught a glimpse of a guy wearing a thick wool cap, heavy colorful scarf and navy style pea coat. I didn’t want to break my neck to look at him, so I switched to the opposing seat so that I could sneak peeks at him more easily. He was beautiful. His eyes were so silver, that they seemed to be the only thing that glittered on the train and his lips were so full and red against his pale white skin. He had a bit of a five o’clock shadow, which was just full of enough to be sexy.

I thought to myself that had I got on an earlier train I would never have seen him, and I was so pleased to see him. He was intoxicating. I began to draw him on my small notepad and I was nervous the entire time that he might catch me starring at him. I mean just because he was so attractive didn’t guarantee that he would be alright with some strange guy giving him so much attention.

I began to draw the outline of his strong

Besen continued from page 21

Pediatrics, published a study by Nanette Gartrell, a professor of psychiatry at University of California, San Francisco and Henry Bos, a behavioral scientist at University of Amsterdam. The article discussed a landmark study that measured the long-term affects on children who were raised by lesbian parents.

“We simply expected to find no difference in psychological adjustment between adolescents reared in lesbian families and the normative sample of age-matched controls,” says Gartrell. “I was surprised to find that on some measures we found higher levels of [psychological] competency and lower levels of behavioral problems. It wasn’t something I anticipated.”

Finally, The Human Rights Campaign reports that Kaiser Permanente updated its Patients’ Bill of Rights to fully protect LGBT patients and their families from discrimination. These changes make Kaiser Permanente the first large health network to have a fully inclusive non-discrimination policy for LGBT people.

Sure, full legal equality may take two decades and the battle against bigotry will last forever. But, there is no denying that the LGBT movement is on the move like never before.

The homophobes are finally the minority and appearing more secluded and deluded by the day. It’s not time to crack open a bottle of champagne, but feel free to treat your self to a cold beer and appreciate the progress.

face and wondered what kind of hair if any was hiding under the hat. I went into some possessed sketching frenzy focusing on his amazing eyes, delicious lips an perfectly formed face. As I drew I imagined that he had caught me looking at him and walked over to inquire as to what I was doing. He sat in front of me and grabbed the notebook out of my hand. He smiled and gave it back to me and told me that his being closer should help me to be more accurate with my drawing. My heart raced as he spoke. I couldn’t believe that he wanted me to continue and now the pressure to draw something spectacular was on my shoulders, because my only agenda now was to please him.

It was so hard to not lose my concentration while looking at his stunning eyes that reminded me of a moonlit ocean. He continued to lick his lips and I had wished every time that it was my lips he was licking. He began to ask me questions about me, wondering where I was from, my name, and how long I had drawn people for. I answered every inquiry while continuing to put pencil to paper.

He continually would grab the notebook from me, checking up on the status of his drawing even though I continued to tell him to not look at it until I was finished. I didn’t mind, though because once when he grabbed the book, he touched my hand accidentally and even that small encounter of his finger against my hand was amazingly pleasing to me.

He told me that he didn’t like how he looked with his hat on, so he removed the dark wool cap and shook his head a bit and the most beautiful golden blond hair fell down. His hair was slightly curly and messy and had hints of brown, amber, and multiple gold tones and perfectly cascaded onto his forehead. He just became even more attractive me to me and now the picture was complete. I gave him my book and he looked at his image for quite a while.

He looked up at me and asked if he could have it, and I replied that I had drawn if for him. He carefully ripped the page from the book and handed me the book back.

He looked down at the photo some more and then he unexpectedly leaned into me, placed his strong hands on my chin and gently pressed his lips against mine and I lost all control of my senses, except those in my lips. When he pulled his lips away from mine, I heard him say thank you and then my eyes finally opened. He went back to his seat with the drawing and I just sat there in awe of him. Two stops later without even looking at me he got off the train.

The train pulled away and he faded into darkness, and I looked at the portrait of him wishing that the small talk that had taken place in my mind had really happened, but it did not and all I had was a pencil, a book and a picture of the beautiful man that I had never talked to.

48

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Crossword Puzzle

Gay and Colorful

Across 1 “___ to differ!”

5 Fairy godmother’s stick 9 Endora portrayer 14 Lorca’s zip 15 It’s for skin 16 Relief that rhymes with “homo” 17 Singer Williamson 18 Jungle transport 19 Composer Copland 20 Publication that just introduced a gay character 23 Command to Fido 24 JFK preceder 25 ___ Circle (DC gaborhood) 29 Biblical prophet married to Gomer 31 Xena deity 33 Tyler of Lord of the Rings 34 Pride of the Clintons 37 Phallic fishes 38 Straight woman with a crush on 51-Down 41 Joy of man’s desiring, to Bach 42 Stops in 43 “I Got Rhythm” writer Gershwin 44 Italian auto 45 Grate stuff

49 Tales of the City author Armistead 51 Cattrall of Sex and the City 53 Good-boy connection 54 Character of 20-Across rumored to be gay 58 City Porter loved in song 61 A, as in Edison 62 Mayberry jailbird 63 What a vacillating groom says to the other groom?

64 Kind of milk 65 Historic Stonewall event 66 Vixen’s master 67 Peter and then some?

68 “Get ___ the Church on Time” Down 1 Way to pay 2 Bodega setting 3 Decrees of a queen 4 Vagina, in urban slang 5 Did a hand job?

6 Leisha’s character on The L Word 7 Lesbianism, to Dr. Laura 8 Regard as 9 You can count on it 10 Catch on to 11 Mail carrier’s conjunction 12 Teen fashion style

and music genre 13 Jason to Barbra 21 My Own Private ___ 22 Lofty standards 26 Jackie’s designer 27 Aida backdrop 28 Boob tubes 30 Sandy-colored 31 Where to see a derby win, or a tie 32 Cut the crop 35 Conclusion 36 Old Italian currency 37 Maker of some fruity flavors 38 Wang in fashion 39 Birthright seller 40 President born in Hawaii 41 Carrey of Bruce Almighty 44 Party for Frida 46 Babe at a bar 47 Director Stephen 48 Looks after 50 Reproduce, in a way 51 Gay character of 20-Across 52 Mosque leaders 55 Sound of disbelief 56 Actress Chase 57 Something to deviate from 58 P’s for Plato 59 Canine care org.

60 Dancer Reagan Solution on page 55

Judge Lists His Questions for Prop 8 continued from page 6

whether something is ‘changeable’ in the dayto-day sense,” said Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund attorney Jenny Pizer.

“Just because a person’s expression of their sexuality may be different at different stages of their life doesn’t mean their orientation is a matter of voluntary will at any given moment or, more to the point, that the government has any business telling the person to change as the price of equal treatment under law.”

“Think of it this way,” said Pizer, “people who are raised in an orthodox faith may be less likely to change their religious views or

affiliations than people raised in faiths that accept greater diversity of belief. But do the orthodox get more constitutional protection for their exercise of religion than those whose beliefs are broader or more flexible in their expression? No. Equal protection means equal.”

“And while sexual orientation and religious faith have very different sources,” said Pizer, “both tend to be deeply rooted in personal identity and not something our government has a right to judge or require be changed as a condition of equal citizenship.”

Whatever questions prevail near the end of the case, they certainly foreshadow an active last

The practice of law is no practice.

Criminal Defense The Law Offices of

Kent&Cormican,p.a.

Norm Kent, Attorney at Law 110 Southeast 6th Street • Suite 1970 • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 763 1900 The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement. Before you decide, ask the attorney to send you free written information about his or her qualifications and experience.

day in court. Walker also issued instructions on Monday that closing arguments would begin at 10 a.m. Pacific time (1 p.m. Eastern) and, after a 12 to 1 p.m. lunch break, would resume from 1 p.m. until 3:45 –a total of less than four hours but approximately the same as opening statements.

Walker is expected to be an active questioner during closing arguments, as he was during opening statements on January 11.

On that day, Walker quickly interrupted plaintiffs’ lead attorney Ted Olson to ask, “Does the right to marriage mean you have the right to a marriage licenses from the state?” He interrupted Proposition 8 defender Charles Cooper’s opening statement to note that, if President Obama’s parents— an interracial couple—had lived in Virginia “their marriage would have been unlawful.

Doesn’t that indicate there’s been quite a change in our understanding of what people are entitled to marry? Couldn’t an argument be made that there’s been a similar evolution with respect to same-sex marriage?”

Walker was equally active in challenging both sides throughout the three weeks of testimony in Perry v. Schwarzenegger in January.

The trial itself spanned almost three weeks, with 16 witnesses for the plaintiffs challeng-

ing California’s same-sex marriage ban, and 3 witnesses who support the initiative.

Judge Walker, an appointee of President George H.W. Bush, is chief of judges in the U.S. District Court for Northern California.

His credentials coming into the case were predominantly conservative. In addition to being a Republican appointee, his reputation included having been one of the attorneys representing the U.S. Olympics Committee in 1985 when it prohibited the San Francisco Arts & Athletics Association from calling its event the Gay Olympics. Walker and his colleagues won the USOC’s case against Gay Games in 1986, at the U.S. Supreme Court.

But days after Walker adjourned the witness portion of the trial, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that it is an “open secret” in San Francisco that Walker “is himself gay.”

The paper made its report without identifying any named sources and with only a “no comment” from Judge Walker himself.

An estimated 18,000 same-sex couples obtained marriage licenses in California between June and November 2008, after the California Supreme Court ruled that the state’s constitution required they be treated the same as straight couples.

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

PHO THE TOS IN NEW S

Corner Pub: New Owners, New Attitude Long-time local bartender, Shannon Henne, and his partner, Anthony Pignanelli, have taken over as the new owners of The Corner Pub bar, on N. Andrews Avenue, and had their grand opening on June 10. They have also “Johnny Sunshine” and Bob Rosa acquired Island City Pizza next door and plan on opening the establishment in the next week.

Shannon has bartended at the Cubby Hole for over 13 years, and released a statement before the opening. “Although I love Cubby Hole, I had to look towards the future. I love bartending and will continue to do so at the new location. A dream has come true.”

Henne and Pignanelli plan to create a neighborhood atmosphere, which was evident on opening night. The Corner Pub is located at 1915 N Andrews Avenue in Wilton Manors. Information about daily events is at CornerPubBar.com.

Anthony Pignanelli (left) and Shannon Henne on opening night.

Tom Vogrin (left) and Paul Berlin

‘Where the gays are’ exhibit opening at the stonewall Library and archives

Michael Faerber, Greg Hardy

Mike Preihs, Chad Thilborger, Donn Rubin

49

50

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Classifieds: Call Mike 954-928-1862 Help Wanted Full Time BUSY DENTAL OFFICE Near Oakland and Federal looking for full time office help/receptionist. Must be professional, punctual and drama free. Call 954-566-9812 ------------------------------------------------WANT TO JOIN THE HI-LIFE CAFE FAMILY? Looking for experienced waiters and bartenders. Please call 954-5631395 for an appt.

------------------------------------------------FULL TIME REGISTERED LICENSED BARBER CALL 954-564-7383 ------------------------------------------------SMARTY PANTS BAR is looking for 3 experienced bartenders.

Are you up beat with a positive attitude?

Then this is an opportunity for you. Full time and part time positions available for the right person. Accepting resumes or applications Mon - Fri before noon.

------------------------------------------------HOMBRE IS HIRING Hombre is Hiring.. All positions apply on-line, www.HombreBar.com ------------------------------------------------FULL TIME ASSOCIATE Jimmies Chocolate Cafe and Jimmies Chocolate’s Wilton Manors is looking for Full time associate Possible management opportunities. Must have transportation 40+ hours Please stop in on our Dania location at 148 N. Federal Highway(1/2 mile south of the airport) or 1426 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors to fill out an application.

------------------------------------------------HISTORIC INN NEEDS ASST MGR. Late middle aged owner seeks asst mgr for small inn. Salary plus stock. Some hospitality experience, good tools skills, positive attitude, and the maturity for a commitment like this. Relocation to St. Augustine, FL. Respond with letter, resume, and photo to drs4614@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------SALES REPS. Rapidly growing health agency needs sales pros. Real time leads, live transfers, strong income potential. Call Brad 954-773-2800.

Help Wanted Part Time LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCED BARTENDERS AND DANCERS FOR BUSY NIGHTCLUB IN WILTON MANORS Apply in person, at GAYMART, must bring photo. 2240 Wilton Drive 954-630-0360 ------------------------------------------------MASCULINE DANCERS WANTED The Stable is hiring masculine male dancers. Please contact Howard at 954-296-9512

Help Wanted Other OLDERMEN WANTED FOR CAM WORK Attention all daddies and Grampas: Great opportunity to work from home AND MAKE $$$$$. Requirements: computer literate , knowledge of webcam use and a DSl/cable. We are the largest older men website online for over 12 years older4me.com info@daddylive.com ------------------------------------------------OLDER DADDIES/GRANDPA’S (50-75) WANTED FOR XXX MOVIES. Please be handsome, well built and clean. You don’t have to have a perfect body, just a nice looking one. Belly is okay, hairy is great! Also looking for younger men (18-35) WHO LIKE OLDER MEN (50-75) for XXX movies. Please be handsome, well built and clean. Contact Pedri 786-389-3311

Counseling JOHN W. DORAN , LCSW Serving the community for 19+ years, specializing in gay/lesbian/bisexual issues, addictions, relationship issues, HIV/AIDS, anger management, codependency, loss/bereavement. Providing individual/couple/family/group. Most insurance accepted, Wilton Manors location, 954-253-4060 ------------------------------------------------GROW FROM LIFE’S CHALLENGES Addictions, relationships, depression, co-dependency & support. Sensitive & Caring Gay Therapist-WM Office.

Kurt Robbins, LMFT 954-604-7893 www.SouthFloridaTherapy.com

Home Health Care PERSONAL AT-HOME CARE GIVER AVAILABLE I am a young and experienced care giver; available to help with daily chores, companionship, driving, etc. in the NE Broward or SE Palm Beach areas. Call me. 954-224-5056 ------------------------------------------------HOME HEALTH CARE C.N.A State Certified Nursing Assistant(Insured) Speaks German and English Fluently Hourly and Weekly Rates Call Hilde 786-227-4359 email gourdetabt@gmail.com

Licensed Massage Disclaimer The following advertisers listed under the category “Licensed Massage” are state licensed in Florida and provide therapeutic massage services.

------------------------------------------------MASSAGE BY A NICE JEWISH GUY Let me work my massage magic.

Aventura a specialty. David 305-936-2551 MA15197 ------------------------------------------------MASSAGE BY MARK $40 SPECIAL Soothe your gay nerves, 1 HOUR of therapeutic massage done in the privacy of your home. Call 954-463-6791 or Cell 954-895-2265 MA0016739 (NonSexual) ------------------------------------------------MAGIC HANDS PRO MASSAGE NCBTMB Certified, FL Lic. MA51008 Very reasonable IN Call Studio rates by mature, experienced LMT. In West Central Palm Beaches. Early/Late OK 561-254-8065

Yoga NEWFITYOU.NET Yoga Teacher/Personal Trainer Certified by NCSF and The International Yoga Vedanta Academy 786-718-8849 www.newfityou.net

Attorney NEED A LAWYER ?

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

Cleaning Services HOUSE & APARTMENT CLEANING Call Haroldo and Henrique today to get a FREE QUOTE and have your house sparkling clean! Great References.

Call us at 954-242-5044.

------------------------------------------------***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 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------SUMMERS CLEANING - WHERE CLEANING IS PERFECTION! Bruce’s mission is to provide professional, friendly and quality service. Give Bruce a call 513-490-7906 Licensed and Insured.

Computers DALE THE COMPUTER WIZ In Home/Office On Site Service. Vista/ XP, Hardware/Software, FIX-IT-NOW Remote Service/Tune Up Starting at $30.00.

11 Years Experience. 954-579-7587 www.

GayComputerWiz.com ------------------------------------------------GEEK PATROL COMPUTER SERVICES On-Site & Remote Support Located in Wilton Manors - Windows & Mac (OS X) security, virus & spyware removal, repairs upgrades, wired & wireless networking - gay owned www.

FLTechSupport.com 954-453-9574 ------------------------------------------------**OPTIMA** COMPUTER REPAIR COMPLETE IN HOME SERVICE. *Get the BEST performance, protection & value from your computer investment. *A+ Hardware & OS CERTIFIED. *Friendly, professional, RELIABLE service. Reasonable rates. Call: Mike 954-817-3883

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

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.

------------------------------------------------***ALWAYS MOVING*** 1 MO. FREE STORAGE Flat rate or hourly. FREE estimate.

FREE wardrobe usage. Lic. & Insured.

Since 1991. No Job Too Small! Visa/MC Accepted. Local and Long-Distance. Call 305-650-9080

Business Opportunities GAY BAR FOR SALE - SW FLORIDA Owner Nets $127K Absentee Ownership Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT Phil Rice 239-216-4915 phillip.rice@flcomml.com ------------------------------------------------SEEKING INVESTOR/LOAN, UP TO 18% INTEREST +$50,000/yr dividend for helping us open luxurious private pay drug rehab in the Catskill Mountains. Your loan is safe.

Call J. at 845-335-5200 only serious Angel Investors Please!

Lawn Maintenance/ Irrigation

Real Estate For Sale Broward

IRRIGATION SYSTEM REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE 19 yrs. experience, excellent work, referrals by request. Call Roberto at 954-383-8980

NEW & USED MANUFACTURED HOMES Quiet adult Community located East of I-95-- Choice Rentals Available.

Call Chris 954-522-7478

Broward County Health Department Offers HIV/AIDS 101 Training

C

lass open to the general public and professionals whose certifications require certificate of training in HIV/AIDS. BROWARD COUNTY – Broward County Health Department is offering a four hour HIV/AIDS 101 Training Class on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 from 8:30AM to 12:30PM in the 2nd floor auditorium at the Fort Lauderdale Health Center. The Health Center is located at 2421 SW 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, 33315.

The HIV/AIDS 101 Training Class is recommended for persons in professions whose certification does not specify Continuing Education Units (CEU’s), but requires certificate of training in HIV/ AIDS. The class provides the basics and fundamentals of HIV/AIDS and participants will receive information on the latest HIV medications, research and comprehensive HIV prevention. The class also provides information on national, regional and local statistics and discussions on evidenced based interventions. There is a $20 fee for those seeking certification (a certificate

------------------------------------------------FT LAUDERDALE/LAUDER LAKES PRIMARILY GAY PARK Hurricane Ready 1,600sf 2BR/2BA 1 Yr Old, 32’ Party Deck overlooks huge Lake.

Manufactured Home. Wood Cabinets & Granite Tops, Slate & Marble floors.

Immaculate. Real Show Place! Pics @ www.twitpic.com/photos/FLParadise4Sale Cost $205K+, Sell $149,900, Call 954-817-6233 ------------------------------------------------8 UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING IN E WILTON MANORS. $73K+ Income. Directly across from the new Wilton Stations townhomes and close to the social center of town, this 8 unit has been greatly reduced for sale because of major family illness. Near shops, restaurants, parks, libraries and a bike ride to Ft. Lauderdale beaches. For operational data and viewing information, go to the www.the1best.us and click on Wilton Manors.

------------------------------------------------8 UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING IN EAST PROGRESSO $57K + Income. Near town and all East side amenities. Easy bike ride to Manors activities, beach, parks, restaurants, and shops. Greatly reduced for sale because of major family illness. For operational data and viewing information, go to the www.the1best.us and click 5th Avenue East.

------------------------------------------------CONDO FOR SALE Las Olas area, riverfront 25 story condos, rooftop pool with fabulous views. Waterfront gym, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and more. Two bedroom two baths from 195,000, Also available 1and 3 bedrooms and studios. Riverwalk Properties 954-462-2340

Rental Agents LET ME FIND THAT PERFECT RENTAL At no cost to you, we review hundreds of properties in Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manor areas to meet your specifications and price range. We will even review and prepare the final lease to insure your protection. Call Dick at 954-616-7662 or our office 954-764-6061 East Side Realty Group.

Vacation Rentals ASHEVILLE ANYONE? Brand new 1BD/1BA Apartment for rent in Asheville, North Carolina for weekly rental. 5 minutes to downtown and Biltmore House. Close to Beaver Lake. Overlooks pond, beautiful country setting w/ 2 patios. Call Joey 828-505-2220

Rentals Furnished Housing

will be issued at the end of the class). If no certification is needed, attendance is free of charge, on a first come first served basis.

Participants are encouraged to register early.

For more information, or to register call (954) 467-4700 extension 5812.

Broward County Health Department is an equal opportunity provider. If you require accommodations for this class, please call (954) 467-4700 extension 5812 no later than 12Noon, Friday, June 25, 2010.

NEW IN TOWN? COMING TO WILTON MANORS SOON? FURNISHED 1/1 $295/ WEEK Walk to Wilton Drive, bright comfy spotless nicely updated furnished (pots, pans, dishes, etc.) 1st floor corner 1 bdrm, cen a/c, $295 a week includes electric, water & cable, pet considered; call for details. Laundry on premises; 954-242-7566.

------------------------------------------------LIBERTY SUITES PERFECT VACATION RENTALS Best values in Town! From $59/night & $350/week. Complimentary upgrades when available. 2007, 2008 & 2009 PINK CHOICE Award Winner. Beautiful studio, 1 & 2 BR apts. w/ full kitchens.

Clothing optional heated pool, laundry, parking, Close to Gay Dania & Nude Haulover Beaches. Premium cable, VOIP telephone & WiFi internet. Pets always welcome. 954-927-0090 www. libertysuites.com ------------------------------------------------DOWNTOWN FORT LAUDERDALE Relocation Rentals 2-6 Months. 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. $800 - $1,100/Mo. Fully Furnished. On bus line close to Las Olas and Riverfront. Call John Hart, Owner/Agent 954-764-3137

51

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

CLASSIFIEDS@HOTSPOTSMAGAZINE.COM

Rentals Fort Lauderdale 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 ------------------------------------------------JUST MINUTES TO WILTON DRIVE FROM $695!!

Both 1/1’s, one in small private beautifully landscaped Middle River Terrace bldg! Fresh paint, ceramic tile thruout, updtd kitchen, big bdroom, extra lge walk-in closet, laundry on premises, good parking. Another 1/1 in Wilton Manors, 2nd floor, all tile, fresh paint, updates, walk to Wilton Drive, cat OK. 954-561-3332 or 954-242-7566.

------------------------------------------------SLEEPING ROOM Private entrance, private parking, $150/ week + 4WK Sec. No Pets. 954-465-4859 Leave message.

------------------------------------------------LAKE RIDGE TOWNHOUSE Lg 2BD & 2Baths 1,200sf, Hurricane Shutters, Pets OK, fenced yard, tile down stairs and carpet up, Full W/D, big kitchen, covered pkg, great for sharing, Near Beach & Galleria $1,475/mo. Call Owner/Agent 954-661-4481- Avail May 1 ------------------------------------------------VICTORIA PARK UPDATED 1 BEDROOM Completely Renovated 1 bedroom, Central Air, Walk-In Closet, DW, Micro, Hurricane Windows/Doors. Walk to Gateway and Galleria. N/S. $850 mo.

954-270-0304 ------------------------------------------------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. $900 per month plus electric, F/S. Call 954-565-2714.

------------------------------------------------FORT LAUDERDALE EAST OF I-95 Great location 1BD/1BA w/ extra large walk-in closet, french doors lead to private deck and yard, built-in desk looks onto central courtyard, tile floors, small-quiet pets ok, coin laundry, $700/ Mo. Call James 305-213-3473 ------------------------------------------------FURNISHED/UNFURNISHED 1/1 FORT LAUDERDALE New unit attached to home. Central AC, french doors, HW floors, fenced yard, hurricane windows, kitchenette w/ micro, fridge, no stove. $750/Mo. includes electric, cable and internet. Reliable landlord. Non-smokers, 1 person occupancy. Very Nice. Call 954-707-0264 ------------------------------------------------$700 DOWNTOWN / SAILBOAT BEND Quiet, small complex. 1BD/1BA. Large walk-in closet, fully carpeted (new 2009).

Living room, dining area, kitchen, FREE hot water, NEW A/C, LOW electricity bills, assigned parking, **MOVE-IN SPECIAL** $700/Mo. 954-249-0874 or 513-257-1760 ------------------------------------------------RENTAL Las Olas area 25 story condos with hotel style amenities. Pets OK. Rooftop pool and clubhouse with views of ocean and city. Waterfront gym, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and more. Walking distance to Las Olas and business district. www.riverwalkproperties.net One bedrooms condos from $1,500. 2/2 from $1,850. 3/2 from $2,400. Riverwalk Properties 954-479-2988

------------------------------------------------NE FTL APARTMENTS AVAILABLE - EFFICIENCIES, STUDIOS & 1BDS FURNISHED/UNFURNISHED Walk/bike to beach, shopping, downtown. Pets OK. On-site laundry facility, private patio areas & plenty of off-street parking. $625-$850/Mo. All utilities included. Call 954-520-2353 ------------------------------------------------LAKERIDGE- NICE QUIET 1/1 GARDEN APT. Newly remodeled.

Close to Wilton Manors, downtown and beach. Includes utilities, premier cable and hi-speed internet.

Available weekly or monthly. Call Jeff 954-593-6833 ------------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS AREA 1BR/1BA Cottage with Private Fenced Yard in Gay Complex. Ceramic Tile Throughout, New Kitchen, Pet’s OK. F/L/S $795/Mo. Call Frank 954-816-2566

Rentals Oakland Park 1BD/1BA IN OAKLAND PARK - 1 MILE FROM WILTON DRIVE Central AC, W/D, ceiling fan, eat-in kitchen, dishwasher, $725/Mo. Call 954-818-9422 ------------------------------------------------EAST OAKLAND PARK 1BR/1BA Duplex with nice private patio, tropical landscaping, enclosed yard with pets, near Wilton Manors and beach.

East of Dixie Highway. Lots of charm.

Pets welcome with approval. Satelite, water, garbage included $795/mo. 954632-6662

Rentals Palm Beach DELRAY BEACH DOWNTOWN 2BD/1BA, central air, fenced yard, parking, pets ok, $850/Mo. + utilities. F/S. Call 305-296-7744 ------------------------------------------------1/1 LAKE WORTH DOWNTOWN $750 Lg 1/1 in duplex, 2nd Ave South at South M Street, front porch, rear patio, gas/ water/partial electric included, walk to ICW and beach, NO SMOKING inside, SMALL pets considered, 1 year lease, $750/mo, F/S required. Available 5/31/2010. Call only: 561-315-3281

Rentals Wilton Manors MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE Bright, corner, 1st floor - 1 Bdrm in small Bldg. Cent A/C, tile floors. Xtra clean, C. Fans, Laundry, small pet ok. Near 5 points. Hurricane windows. $725/mo.

954-552-5023 ------------------------------------------------1/1 COTTAGE STYLE WILTON MANORS AREA Private fenced yard, gated entrance Front/back patio tile throughout updated kitchen/bath. ALL pets considered $735/ Mo. 954-557-7447 ------------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS - $1,095/MO. + TWO (2) FREE MONTHS! 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 MANORS RENOVATED STUDIO Nice full kitchen w/ stove, nice bathroom, A/C, tile, W/D, private & fenced.

Walk to shops, clubs and park. $500/ Mo. $800 moves you in. All utilities paid.

954-325-1591 Jason

------------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS GAY COMPLEX Remodeled 1BR/1BA on ground floor.

Heated pool. Pets OK. One block to Wilton Drive. $800/Month, $1700 moves you in. 954-600-0620 ------------------------------------------------2 AND 1 BEDROOM APTS NEAR SHOPPES OF WILTON MANORS Huge 2 Bedroom ~ 2 Full Baths~2 Large Walk-in Closets~ Over 1,000 sf of Fully Tiled Living Space~Dishwasher~New Cabinets~Onsite Laundry~Gated Private Complex~Gay Friendly~Small Private Yard~$1,000 Per Month~Wilton Manors 1 Bedroom Apt~Tile Throughout~Conveniently Located near Stork’s or GLCC. Starting at $775. Call Melissa for info at 954-563-6672 ------------------------------------------------2BD/2BA IN MANOR GROVE Brand new kitchen w/ stainless appliances and granite counter tops and new wood floors, updated bathrooms, available either June 1st or July 1st. $1,250/Mo. Unfurnished (furnished avail).

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52

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Sports

Gay Softball, Bi Any Other Name

By Dan Woog

T

his sounds like one more story of discrimination based on sexual orientation in the sports world.

Three bisexual men filed a lawsuit after they were disqualified from playing in a Softball World Series tournament. And, they say, because they are bisexual their team forfeited its second-place trophy.

But hold on. As in Alice’s Wonderland, the world of athletics is not always what it seems. The defendant is the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Association. The event was the 2008 Gay Softball World Series in Seattle. The bisexuals claim they were discriminated against not by straight people, but by gays. They say they were kicked out not for being gay, but because they’re not gay enough.

The men are being represented by the National Center for Lesbian Rights. That group is involved, says its Sports Project director Helen Carroll, because the NCLR cares deeply about making sure that bisexuals – men as well as women – are welcomed

and included in the gay community.

The lawsuit says the NAGAAA asked “intrusive” questions about the three men’s sex lives. (NAGAAA rules limit each team to no more than two heterosexual players.) An NAGAAA official then allegedly said, “This is the Gay World Series, not the Bisexual World Series.”

A host of through-the-looking glass issues are involved here.

The NAGAAA’s own Articles of Incorporation says it is “dedicated to the promotion of amateur sports competition, particularly softball, for all persons regardless of age, sexual orientation or preference.” That seems pretty straightforward (pun intended).

In addition, NAGAAA attorney Beth Allen was quoted on the Queerty blog as saying the NAGAAA strives to create an environment in which athletes can “play ball together…(and not) face any type of discrimination.” The OutField is not a lawyer, but kicking bi players out of a tournament —and recommending sanctions against both their team and their entire San Francisco league—seems, well, discriminatory.

“Public vs. private” issues come in to play too.

Helen Carroll

Attorney Allen says that if the NAGAAA were a “public accommodation” they could not enforce rules based on sexual orientation.

But because they are a private organization, “seeking to provide a forum for gay and lesbian athletes, or those who would like to become athletes, to play ball together in an environment where they don’t face any type of discrimination,” they can, well, discriminate.

Yet the tournament was played not on a private field in Seattle, but at public venues.

Washington state law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in public accommodations.

The public/private debate reminds The OutField of another controversy. The Boy Scouts of America has been roundly criticized for its refusal to hire gay leaders or administrators—and its ouster of gay Scouts.

When the BSA claims that it is a private organization, the gay community replies, “But you use public facilities!” (So far, the Scouts have prevailed.) As in Wonderland, things get awfully weird when they’re examined through a different end of the looking glass.

Marketplace

The mind reels. What would the NAGAAA say if someone tried to organize a tournament that allowed only two “homosexuals” per team? Or even no more than “a combination of two gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and/or transgender persons”?

Who made the NAGAAA the arbiter of sexual orientation anyway? When did they decide that bisexuals are not members of the gay community? And, by the way, what is the definition of “bi”? Is there a hard definition of bisexuality? A percentage or number of encounters above or below which one qualifies as “gay” or “not gay”? And where do fantasies fit in all this?

Taking this Alice-like further down the rabbit hole, what if a team really, really likes three or four straight players, and those guys really, really want to join a gay team? Would it be OK if they lied and said they were gay?

Would they have to prove it by going to gay bars? Making out on the dance floor? Or is it OK just to crank up Lady Gaga?

Of course, we all know gay guys who pass as straight. They’re married, they’ve got kids, yet they’re all over Craigslist. Where do they fit in? Do they count as gay—’cause they are—or as straight, which is the way the rest of the world sees them? It’s all so confusing.

Maybe the solution is to forget about labels and apply a simple test. When someone wants to join a softball team, just ask: “Pitcher or catcher?”

If he laughs, he’s in—no questions asked.

If he says, “Actually, I’m a center fielder,” tell him you’re not interested in that position.

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53

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Gay Marriage Could Stay in Iowa Forever

By Jarrett Terrill

T

he Iowa Republican primary election carried an important moral for anyone who was paying attention on Tuesday. The anti-gay group known as the Iowa Family Policy Center ran a candidate in the primary, Bob Vander Plaats, who was slain at the polls.

Plaats ran his gubernatorial campaign with promises of removing judges who had supported or were likely to support gay issues.

About 60 percent of Iowa Republicans evidently did not think that was a very important issue.

The GOP primary-winner was Terry Branstad—who said much less about gay marriage in the state.

“Today, Iowa Republicans put their faith in Terry Branstad, and so, too, will a majority of Iowans this November,” said Republican Par-

ty of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn. “Iowans deserve principled leadership from a governor who will spur job growth in the private sector, reign in out-of-control state spending, and demand excellence from Iowa’s educational system. Terry Branstad is just the kind of leader Iowa needs and deserves.”

But now Branstad goes on to face incumbent Democrat Chet Culver, who “believes that marriage is between a man and a woman,” but is just relaxed enough to do nothing about it. Culver told the Iowa Register that Iowans “stood firm for the civil rights of every Iowan by saying loudly and clearly that any and all efforts to add discriminatory amendments to our state constitution have no place in our state constitution.”

Culver then added: “The overwhelming majority of Iowans do not want to amend our constitution in such as a way that’s discriminatory. I think that’s the bottom line.”

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Anti-gay groups like the National Organization for Marriage have so far been disinclined to put gay marriage to the voters in Iowa. Part of this is because it’s not as easy to put a voter initiative on the ballot in Iowa as it is in some states.

But also, some speculate that the move would not have the same effect as it did in California and could therefore have a blowback effect—making Iowa the first state to permanently enshrine gay marriage with a majority vote.

Nate Silver writes on FiveThirtyEight. com that if Iowa Republicans can’t get a bill on the ballot to ban gay marriage before 2013, any attempts thereafter will “fail” and a majority of voters will actually vote for gay marriage.

According to over one-third of Republican primary voters in a poll conducted by the Iowa Register, “some Iowans have overreacted on the issue, and gay marriage in the state is just not that big a deal.”

New Resort Planned for Wilma continued from page 5

Both Darham and Deak welcome the economic im­pact the resort will have. “The revenue brought into the surrounding businesses will be a welcome relief in this economy,” Darham says. He is most eager to see the increased level of job creation in the community.

Not everyone is optimistic about the project. Terry Hochmuth, owner of Villa Venice guesthouse on Fort Lauderdale beach, has a contrarian view. He doesn’t think the current economic landscape will be able to support such a large project. “First off, with the economic climate as it is now, I would find it doubtful that any entity would even venture to commence on a project of this scope,” he says.

Although Hochmuth’s guests prefer staying at smaller entities, he say that larger chains are trying to venture into the LGBT market. “Other hotels, such as the W in Fort Lauderdale, are going after the gay dollar.” The results have already effected a few businesses. “During the past couple of months, at least one gay guesthouse has been closed and another one has been purchased by straight interests,” he says.

Roger Handevidt, owner of Orton Terrace and chairman of the Rainbow Alliance, agrees with Hochmuth, but believes the news is positive for the region. “Fort Lauderdale will see an increase in LGBT travel.

Hotels as large as G will be spending a lot of money promoting their property and the area in as a whole,” he says.

G Worldwide also plans to bring its brand to other markets in the future, including New York, Palm Springs, Las Vegas and San Francisco.

The company claims to be the first-ever LGBT luxury-lifestyle resort and brand with a goal of amassing a collection of hotels, resorts, and vacation clubs specifically designed to fulfill the needs and desires of the LGBT traveler.

For more information, please visit Gresorts.com.

55

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Q Scopes By Jack Fertig

“Jarrett’s Smart List” is a new feature for SFGN where Jarrett Terrill will be giving his advice on the best (and worst) businesses to support based on their business practices, politics, hiring policies, and contributions to the gay community.

Your baby wants to play, Aquarius!

Venus in Leo quincunx to Pluto in Capricorn adds awkwardness in trying to manage relationships. A simple seduction, or trying to work out any little problem with your partner, can seem a big deal. Mars is in Virgo offering resolution—with hard work and self-criticism, yes, but keep it simple!

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Make a plan as you approach any task, but remember that in reality, plans need flexibility and adjustment. Expect challenges from above. A little creative improvisation is good, but think elegant and clean, not frilly.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22):You can easily dazzle all your friends, but you want a deeper, darker connection. Are they mutually exclusive? Take a little time out to figure how you might use that outer brilliance to find a more heartfelt connection.

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): As much as you love your home you need a drastic change. Resist at least briefly the urge to toss everything, but imagine you did and the changes you’d make. That’s a start. Somewhere between there and reality is your solution.

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): People are noticing your work, but maybe only seeing the surface.You’d rather convey something deeper. Friends and colleagues may be better than you in getting that across. Don’t be shy! Ask for help.

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Flirting comes easily, but what does it lead to? It’s easy to mix signals and for you or your companion to have heavy, but unfounded expectations. Say what you mean and mean what you say.You can do that pleasantly too!

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20):You’re super charged to get ahead in your work, even with some very alluring, but pesky distractions. Those could provide inspiration to better work. Talk it over with your boss or another expert.

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Money problems with your partner may have no clear resolution.

A close friend or sibling can help get you both on the same page.

Single? Being too nice can keep you that way. A little bitchiness can help you connect.

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19):You’re craving an exotic adventure and sure to get one, although it will probably be quite different than you expected and more than you bargained for.

Be shrewd and attentive to novel details.You can handle it.

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Much as you want to live up to a mythical standard, efforts to do so can get expensive, but also cause stress, constipation, hemorrhoids … ick! Tighten your wallet, not your ass; just relax and be yourself.

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18):Your baby wants to play.You’re distracted by the quest for deeper, more internal truths.

Sharing that with your partner can offer you both deeper chances for insight and to excite. It could even make important changes in your relationship.

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Nobody likes hearing about their inner beauty.We all want the outer kind. One doesn’t exclude the other.That deeper, more sensitive charm works for you now, but work that sexy-librarian _thang_ and you’ll be irresistible inside and out.

Solution to Crossword Puzzle on page 48

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): The daily routines of a relationship seem to clash with profound dreams and desires of where you want to go in life.

Realistic goals get constant adjustment in life. It might mean giving up daydreams to build a future together.

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 415-864-8302, through his website at www.starjack.com, and by email at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

JARRETT’S SMART LIST

Recreation and Travel

By Jarrett Terrill

Thumbs Up Disney World, Travelocity, Hilton Hotels Hilton Hotels Corporation • 53% of Political contributions went to Democrats • Lobbying expenses were only 25% of what Marriott spent.

•H ilton Hotels include Domestic Partners in all their available benefits. Hilton also has a FULL Non-Discrimination hiring policy which includes Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgender people.

• Warning about Marriott International and the HRC: The HRC Corporate Equality Index is apparently not the best source on hotel politics because they have rated Hilton 10 points lower than the Mormon-owned Marriott whose insurance policies are incomplete and who were the single largest donor to Republican candidates within their sector of the economy for 2009. HRC has yet to explain why companies like Marriott can receive a perfect score of 100 in their CEI while ignoring heavily partisan funding and the fact that their namesake CEO is a trusted leader in the church which provided the most funding for Proposition 8 in California.

Disney World • 74% of political contributions went to Democrats • Disney spent over $10 million on lobbying congress.

•D isney has a FULL Non-Discrimination hiring policy which includes Gays, Lesbians, Bisexual and Transgender people.

•D isney also has Full Domestic Partner Benefits and Health which even includes medical treatments relating to gender identity. Now that Meg Whitman is no longer with Disney, they are free to keep some jobs in America.There has been some confrontation between anti-gay groups and the gay community whereas Disney is concerned for many years now. Disney’s reaction to this sort of controversy varies from year to year, but overall they seem to be ahead of the curve on LGBT issues.

Travelocity • 7 2% of Political contributions went to Democrats • L obbying expenses were $0.

• Travelocity has a FULL Non-Discrimination hiring policy which includes Gays, Lesbians, Bisexual and Transgender people.

• Travelocity also has Full Domestic Partner Benefits and Health which is available to transgender employees but certain treatments relating to that are not yet covered.

Travelocity has made it widely known through advertisements and promotional materials that they are a fun, gay-friendly company.

Thumbs Down Butterfly World, LaQuinta Inn, Priceline Priceline.com Incorporated • 8 1% of Political contributions went to Republicans • L obbying expenses were $0.

•P riceline does not include LGBTs in their non-discrimination policy.

•P riceline has a staff of over 300 employees but they hide their corporate contacts from the public and do not respond to media inquiries effectively. They have been named in lawsuits relating to unpaid taxes on hotel reservations.

La Quinta Inns/LQ Management LLC • 9 0% of Political contributions went to Republicans.

• L obbying expenses were $0 but they owned by the Blackstone Group which spent over $10 million lobbying congress in 2009.

• L Q Management LLC does NOT have an equal opportunity hiring policy covering LGBTs. Butterfly World – Special Dishonorable Mention • 1 00% of political funds are aimed at anti-democratic action including an online ministry of propaganda.

• Lobbying expenses were $0.

•B utterfly World has no protections or benefits for LGBT employees or domestic partners. While the ‘Smart List’ rarely covers small businesses, Butterfly World is noteworthy this week because the owners are proud supporters of one of America’s leading anti-gay propaganda campaigns – Coral Ridge Ministries. Ronald Boender has even used their Coconut Creek nature center as a de facto “church” for people so vehemently anti-gay and anti-democratic that they even had to break away from Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church.

56

June 14, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com