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July 5, 2010 • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 24

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Who is “

Congratulations on your new publication! My partner and I both find it to be very informative, interesting, and up to date. We look forward to enjoying many more future issues! Best Regards, Michael Stonier, Oakland Park

Michael Stonier “ andwhy is he saying those things

”

I want to congratulate you on the SFGN! I ... feel very enthusiastic about the new and informative publication that will indeed have a great impact on the South Florida Gay community.

The easy to read format and timely informative articles will indeed be appreciated by those, like myself, who have been waiting for such an outstanding publication to come along. Keep up the good work. My best wishes for your continued success. Sincerely, Chuck Nicholls—Tuesday’s Angels, Fort Lauderdale

about “ us?

Frankly, we have no idea who Michael Stonier is or what he looks like. But we love what he and hundreds of other readers have been saying about SFGN

954.530.4970

”

What! A South Florida gay newspaper that requires more than a third grade literacy level and takes more than 30 seconds to read?! Come on Norm, you and your staff are making life hard for us. Seriously, I’m very impressed by the first issue, a sign that the gay press is not dead. Keep it up.

Fred Fejes, Fort Lauderdale

“

”

We would like to express our thanks and appreciation for the work that you and the staff do to publish the new SFGN. We have lived in South Florida now for 20 years....The SFGN is a great improvement over anything we have had in the past. It contains real information, is well written, and speaks to many issues in our community. We see the newspaper as an important product in our community. It not only tells us about the many social events, but also health issues, political points of view, and as a source of information about business such as restaurants and others that we might want to utilize. We hope that you will continue the good work, and wanted to be sure that you know that it is well appreciated. Our most sincere thanks again for giving us all a newspaper that we can be proud to read.

Robert P. Richards & Walter E. Lawrinson MD

”

July 5, 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 24

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

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

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

National News

White House Opens Up to LGBT Media ‘We’ve Carried the Ball a Long, Long Way Down the Field’

By Lisa Keen

tion to pick and choose which laws it would defend, and in part because the president Keen News Service “hasn’t made an argument” concerning the WASHINGTON, D.C.—The purpose of the constitutionality of the laws.

“To be clear, he believes DOMA is dissmall gathering on the second floor of the Old Executive Office Building in Washing- criminatory,” said Barnes, noting the adton Thursday afternoon was two-fold. First, ministration has indicated so in legal briefs.

White House Domestic Policy Chief Melody “But,” said Barnes, “we believe we have an Barnes wanted to give LGBT media a “snap- obligation to defend the law if Congress shot” of what the Obama administration has had a rational basis for passing the law.” She added that the president has been “trying to done, and plans to do, on LGBT issues.

And, second, nine LGBT reporters and move the country forward and change the political bloggers would get a chance to ask narrative” on these issues.

When it comes to prodding Congress to a question.

It was the first time any administration pass pro-LGBT laws, such as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act had arranged to deliver such (ENDA), said Barnes, the ada briefing to LGBT media and ministration is relying on the take questions, and some laCongressional leadership. mented that the access has “We look to the Senate come 18 months into the adleadership to also say to us, ministration and, thus far, ‘These are issues we are prehas not included an interview pared to move forward on’,” with the president himself. said Barnes. “They’re doing But Barnes offered an earthat based on a whole numnest defense of what the ber of variables. And when Obama administration has they are talking about moving done thus far on LGBT isforward with ENDA, they’re sues—“more than any prealso getting an indication vious administration,” she M elody Barnes from us that we support it.” said. She pointed to the signPam Spaulding, a political blogger at paming hate crimes legislation into law, issuing of executive memos to expedite tangible shouseblend.com, told Barnes that there is a benefits where possible, and using the presi- “big gulf” between what national LGBT ordent’s bully pulpit in a variety of settings to ganizations consider to be significant progadvance the public’s understanding of civil ress on LGBT issues and what people at the grassroots think. She suggested a briefing rights for LGBT people.

Barnes was pressed to explain why the like this one might have gone a long way to administration continues to defend laws in mitigate the concern of the grassroots if it court, such as Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) had been held earlier in the administration.

Barnes acknowledged the frustration of and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), even though the president has repeatedly the grassroots, but emphasized, “We are here said both laws should be repealed. Barnes now, and that reflects the desire to be ensaid it’s in part because the president is con- gaged.” She also noted that the White House cerned about setting a precedent that would AIDS czar, Jeff Crowley, has been engaging make it easier for some future administra- the grassroots through a series of town meet-

ings around the country to talk about AIDS. “There’s always a desire and effort to do better, and that’s why we are sitting here now,” said Barnes. “ The only surprise came when—in responding to a question about the relative lack of openly gay people on the president’s senior staff—Barnes credited White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel with having pushed for the hospital visitation directive.

That directive, signed by President Obama, provided for the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that hospitals receiving federal funding respect the wishes of an LGBT patient in deciding who can visit them in the hospital. Emanuel has, for years, been seen as a relative obstructionist on LGBT advances—first, in the Clinton White House and, now, in this one.

“There are a number of very senior members of this administration-- whether it be Rahm, Valerie [Jarrett] or me or Jim [Messina]—who are not gay or lesbian but for whom these issues are important. We have conversations and provide advice to the president on those issues. It is helpful and important to have people… who are not gay or lesbian or transgender who care about these issues and advocate for them in the White House.”

“There are LGBT senior colleagues who

may not have as their portfolio specific LGBT issues,” continued Barnes, “but they come to the table with expertise on personnel, the environment, and host of other issues who do participate in these conversations, who sit at the table and bring their perspective to the conversation on a consistent basis.

So while there isn’t an individual…there are many individuals who care about these issues, who drive this set of issues and think about how we move forward.”

Asked whether the White House vetted its decision concerning the DADT certification requirement with anyone in the LGBT community, Barnes answered indirectly, saying the White House “absolutely consults frequently” with the community. She pointed specifically to staffers Brian Bond and Tina Tchen in the White House Office of Public Liaison, as the point persons to ensure such consultations.

“Brian and Tina are talking to and considering and hearing the positive and negative as we go through the process of both developing policy and articulating what our policy is,” said Barnes.

“We’ve carried the ball a long, long way down the field,” said Barnes. “There’s still work to be done but we’ve carried it a long way down the field.”

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

‘ROOM’ with a View Delaware Study Pays Gays to Talk About Sex

By Cliff Dunn

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“Participants agree to visit our office six to ten times over the course of a year,” said Doug Maesk, who manages the study for the University of Delaware. Inaugurated in August of 2008, it is administered right here in Wilton Manors at the Pride Center at Equality Park in Wilton Manors.

It was established to create an open environment for gay and bisexual men to discuss matters including intimacy, sexuality, friendship, partying and socializing, among other things.

Maesk, who holds a Master’s degree and maintains a private practice counseling office in Wilton Manors, says the study’s purpose is to “reduce the risk associated with substance abuse in sex among gay and bi men.”

Project subjects are asked to complete a number of surveys and take part in discussion groups during the course of a year. The surveys include questions about a participant’s health, attitudes towards the LGBT community, friendships, recent behaviors, including drug use and intimate encounters – known in the vernacular as P&P (or “Party and Play”).

An observational and longitudinal study, subjects are paid for each visit, based upon

their degree of participation in the Project.

Says Chris Stults, a research specialist with the ROOM Project who holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology: “We think of this as less of a clinical experience, and more of an opportunity for guys to come and discuss and explain how they feel about various things related to their most intimate thoughts.”

The study is seeking a variety of men, from all walks of life and backgrounds.

While the study is open to all gay and bisexual men over the age of 18, the researchers are hoping to cast their nets wide.

“We are actively recruiting for the foreseeable future,” says Maesk. “We are especially interested in speaking with men over the age of 55.”

Like other studies which follow the habits and patterns of individuals in order to develop repeated observations over long periods of time, the researchers are in many ways sailing through unchartered waters.

“We’re in the race,” observes Maesk, “and we don’t know what the results of the race will be.”

The researchers insist that all information provided by the study participants and the information shared in both group and individual sessions is strictly confidential.

“This is about the process,” notes Stults.

“We aren’t here to make judgments or attempt to influence people’s behaviors. Besides,” he added, “a watched pot won’t boil.”

Gay and bisexual men over the age of 18, and particularly those over the age of 55, who are interested in finding out if they are eligible to participate in the study, should go online to RoomForMen.com, or call the Project office at 954.566.8206.

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

News Bites

Out of the Closet Thrift Shop Coming to Lauderdale East Sunrise Locale to Open by End of 2010

By Cindy Kent Sun Sentinel

F

or months a sign perched at the lot of a former gas station has promised a new “Out of the Closet” thrift store at 1785 E. Sunrise Blvd.

By the end of the year, the 7,000-squarefoot outlet will be open, according to Matt LaMariana, Fort Lauderdale district manager of retail operations.

The store will be similar to the slightly larger Wilton Manors store, with a pharmacy and AIDS testing center. The thrift store chain is owned by the Los Angeles-

based nonprofit AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which uses proceeds from its thrift stores and pharmacies to pay for research, AIDS testing and prevention programs and medical care for people living with HIV/AIDS. Although the shops will be a little more than two miles apart, they’ll serve “a different demographic,” LaMariana said “We’ll get a different donor base and new customers at the Sunrise location.”

The Sunrise location will feature the chain’s South Florida signature colors, teal and magenta. “You’ll be able to see it from space,” LaMariana quipped.

Until the new store opens, donate small items at the side door of the Wilton Manors shop, 2097 Wilton Drive, or call 877-2742548 to schedule a pick-up of larger items.

This item reprinted by SFGN courtesy of a news sharing arrangement with Sun-Sentinel.com

‘Ferris Bueller’ Actor Jeffrey Jones Faces Felony Charge LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles prosecutors say they have charged Ferris Bueller actor Jeffrey Jones with failing to update his sex offender registration information.

Los Angeles County district attorney’s spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons says Jones was charged Wednesday.

Records show he was arrested by Los Angeles police on June 23.

The 63-year-old Jones pleaded no con-

test in 2003 in Florida to a felony charge of employing a 14-year old boy to pose for sexually explicit photos. He was arrested in 2004 in Florida for failing to register as a sex offender there.

The film actor is best known for playing the principal in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. An email seeking comment from his management company was not immediately returned.

He is due for arraignment on July 14.

Errata In the article ‘10 Gay Candidates Shake Up South Florida’, there were some factual errors relating to the candidacy of Kevin Burns. Kevin Burns is running for the Florida Senate and is no longer Mayor of North Miami. He cancelled his bid for US Senate on May 5th and announced his candidacy for the State Senate. Burns was mayor of North Miami until May of last year and the current Mayor is Andre Pierre.

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

With Friends Like These Dick Cheney: Portrait of a Gay Rights Activist

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REPRINTED FROM 03/01/10

Mary Cheney and father Dick

By Cliff Dunn

A

n investigation into the history of the Pentagon’s anti-LGBT “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy reveals that long before his recent foray into the public debate, former Vice President Dick Cheney was instrumental in crippling the rule which today prevents gay and lesbian personnel from serving openly in their country’s armed forces.

Cheney—who was admitted to George Washington University Hospital on February 22 after suffering a mild heart attack, his fifth—has made no secret that he is the father of a lesbian daughter, Mary, born in 1969.

But it is an almost-forgotten footnote to the DADT debate that while he was Secretary of Defense to President George H.W. Bush in the early 1990s, Cheney virtually abolished the policy before it even officially existed.

And it appears that time and again, it was his relationship with his gay daughter that marked this departure from his otherwise hard-line conservative stands.

In its September 12, 2000 cover story, Sarah Wildman reports in The Advocate that “by the time [Cheney] was leaving Bush’s cabinet [in 1993], Mary was just coming out of the closet to her family.”

The same article quotes LGBT media expert Bob Witeck referring to Cheney’s relationship with Mary.

“It’s rare for any adult, let alone an openly lesbian daughter, and her father [to be so close],” Witeck said.

How did that closeness manifest itself in terms of public policy decisions on the part of the former White House chief of staff under Gerald Ford?

The late Randy Shilts points out in Conduct Unbecoming: Gays & Lesbians in the U.S. Military: “Cheney delivered [an] order to the Joint Chiefs of Staff: He did not want the services to pursue massive purges of gay personnel. Word of witch-hunting tactics had reached him… and he would have no such goings-on on his watch at the Defense Department.”

Shilts—who had previously penned the seminal bestseller And the Band Played On—also wrote about Cheney’s personal intervention in 1990 that forced the Department of the Navy to drop demands it had made for “recoupment” of tuition after three gay Midshipmen were expelled from the U.S. Naval Academy.

After resistant Navy officers tried to force another expelled gay Midshipman to repay his tuition, Shilts reports that Cheney exploded: “Goddamn it, I’ve told the military departments not to hit people up for back tuition!”

According to Shilts, Cheney sent an Assistant Defense Secretary “to repeat his orders to both the Chief of Naval Operacontinued on page 8

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

With Friends Like These continued from page 7

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tions and the Chief of Naval Personnel that purges and recoupment proceedings cease against gay military personnel.”

Perhaps most revealing was Cheney’s reaction to the outing of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Pete Williams by The Advocate in 1991.

The result was an unheard of acknowledgement by a sitting Defense Secretary that gays were currently serving their country in uniform.

In several interviews, Cheney said that gays had always served, often with honor.

He called the argument that gay and lesbian service members were security risks “sort of an old chestnut.” (In response, an amused Congressman Barney Frank told an interviewer that “if Cheney defended the United States the way he defended this policy, we would have been captured by now—by Cuba.”)

Williams not only kept his job, but a senior Pentagon official reported that Cheney had brought the matter to the attention of President George H. W. Bush, who ap-

proved keeping Williams on.

Todd Krough, a former Fort Lauderdale resident and Air Force reservist, says that Cheney’s actions as Defense Secretary had far-reaching consequences.

“This is a lot like the ‘butterfly effect,’” said Krough. “As a civilian policymaker standing up to members of the top uniformed brass, Cheney set into motion the mere idea that this is the reality of the situation, whether you like it or not.”

“That was Darth Cheney’s one moment where he actually got to resist the Dark Side of the Force,” Krough laughed, invoking the former V.P.’s nickname when he served in the Bush-43 administration.

Bruce Shevlin, a Vietnam War era veteran, agrees there was probably an element of practicality to Cheney’s position.

“You have to believe his daughter’s sexuality played a part in his own attitudes towards gay and lesbians,” he says.

“And then again,” Shevlin adds, “whenever you have boots on the ground, some of them will be wearing white socks, some of them pink.”

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

The Rainbow Tree Genealogy Becoming Important for Gays

By Jarrett D. Terrill

their particular family structure is one

of a more “modern” y father keeps very nature. When I came careful genealogiREPRINTED FROM 03/21/10 out of the closet to cal records of our family and his sister keeps thousands of pic- my parents many years ago, I tures of everyone on her hard drive. We have imagined my father sitting in front discovered that we are related to Ethan Al- of our family tree and feeling like len (the Revolutionary War hero from whom someone had just taken an axe to the furniture stores derive their name) and it. The disappointment, whether Winston Churchill (England’s most cel- real or imagined, would have been further complicated by the fact ebrated Prime Minister).

On my mother’s side, I have Norwegian im- that my only brother came out migrants who survived deadly dust bowls and of the closet a couple years after I the Great Depression. I have a great aunt who did. Yes, my parents got hit with a decidedly ignored the social norms of her time double whammy and our little branch on this and ran away to Hollywood to become a less enormous tree had stopped producing twigs.

I am fortunate enough to be blessed with than famous actress.

Genealogy can be very exciting but it can a loving, accepting family and the process also drudge up some insecurity with people if of coming out of the closet was much easier

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for me than it was for many of my friends.

If there was ever any disappointment or resentment on the part of my family members when I told them I was gay, they took care not to blame me for it and they certainly

didn’t dwell on it for very long.

Genealogy is a far more personal investment than hobbies like say, coin or stamp collecting. The post office could do away with stamps tomorrow and all stamp collectors would be equally disappointed. But with genealogy, it’s easy for a person to feel as though the facts of their life just don’t stack up or that their particular family tree has some pretty twisted limbs!

But if this is the case in your family, there is good news on the horizon. Single mothers, domestic partners, adopted children and gay couples are starting to demand equality in all areas of life and we’re beginning to see this play out in genealogical records as well.

There is a good article on this subject by Donna Przecha at Genealogy. com called “Marriage in the Modern Age.” In this article she describes how situations such as gay couplings can be included in a primitive program like Family Tree Maker. She says that “genealogy purists” will have an easier time of it because they only go by bloodline relationships, thus omitting any relationship that is not validated by a marriage certificate or the continued on page 10

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

The Rainbow Tree continued from page 9

production of children. However, she also offers a suggestion for inclusion of alternative relationships.

One work-around in old-school genealogy programs is by clever use of the middle names feature. Basically, you could change your gay brother’s middle name to “See Partner” and keep a separate legend that includes his domestic partner’s name and even elements of that partner’s family tree if you wish.

Now, for some gay people such as myself, this is not nearly good enough but it’s a start.

I am happily single but I still want our family tree to show that I am gay. I want a historical record of my orientation so that there’s never any confusion on the subject and I can make my little mark on our history.

Should there ever be some gay, lesbian or transgender descendant from one of my many cousins in the future, I want them to look at our family tree and see that they are not alone. I want them to take pride in our shared history and feel that they are loved, included and valid. Gays and Lesbians have been systematically deleted from history for far too long and it’s time we started owning our rightful place in the records of our families.

For this purpose, many families have abandoned keeping their records in “The Family Bible” and moved them online where they can be modernized, shared, studied and open to innovation.

People who were previously disinterested in genealogy now have everyday tools at their fingertips that make the subject more appealing and accessible. Social networking sites like Facebook can be useful to track down living relatives. The internet

has changed everything and more personal information is available through blogs and user-friendly chat forums.

In this manner, others can collaborate with you to find common ancestors and share fun facts about who their families were and are. But don’t allow these programs to limit you with their formalities. Make detailed notes about the people who are unique in your family. Not everyone will be the descendant of a Revolutionary War hero or an English Prime Minister.

You may be fortunate enough to discover something even more fascinating... A gay history! Or you might find out that someone in your family was rather infamous, like a bank robber or a horse thief... All is fair when it comes to an accurate family profile.

Bloodline relationships and marriage certificates will always be the gold standards in genealogical research but the fabric of our history is so much more than that. Adopted and foster children certainly want to know as much about their adoptive family as they do about their ancestors. Often times, our friends and non-relatives are just as important to who we really are in society regardless of scholarly tradition or bleak and flavorless medical records.

I advocate that we, as gays, lesbians and transgendered folks be not afraid of our family histories and take part in preserving our rightful place in them. If straight relationships are the roots that keep your tree firm and weathered through the years, then gay relationships can be seen as the flowering branches which make your family tree a thing of unique beauty and wonder!

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Jesse’s Journal Gay Bookstores: A Dying Breed

By Jesse Monteagudo

L

For more Jesse’s Journal, go to www.SouthFloridaGayNews.com

ike many lesbians, gay men, bisexuals or transgender people, I came out of the closet with the help of gay books and gay bookstores. Though we didn’t have a gay bookstore in Miami when I came out in the early 1970s, I took advantage of the mail order services provided by the newly-established bookshops.

My first visit to the Oscar Wilde Bookshop in Greenwich Village (1977) was like a religious pilgrimage; an experience that I repeated two years later when I first visited Lambda Rising Bookstore in Dupont Circle in Washington, DC. Both Oscar Wilde and Lambda Rising were part of a chain of bookshops that dotted the gay ghettoes of North America: Glad Day in Boston and Toronto, Giovanni’s Room in Philadelphia, Outwrite in Atlanta, A Different Light in West Hollywood and San Francisco, Little Sister’s in Vancouver and, of course, Lambda Passages in Miami.

Sadly, the quantity and quality of exclusively gay bookstores have declined during the first decade of the 21st Century.

In 2009 the Oscar Wilde Bookshop drew its last breath; and just last month Deacon Maccubbin, the founder and still coowner of Lambda Rising Bookstore, announced plans to close his stores in Washington, D.C. and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Maccubbin’s reasons are understandable: he and Jim Bennett, his partner and co-owner, want to retire after 35 years in the book business. But their departure will leave a gap in our community that may never be filled.

The demise of Oscar Wilde and Lambda Rising bookstores, among others, leaves behind only a handful of exclusively GLBT bookstores, including Giovanni’s Room, Outwrite, Little Sister’s

and Lambda Passages, all teetering on the edge of insolvency. These and other stores can not compete with major chain stores like Barnes & Noble or Borders, or mail order houses like Amazon.com.

Though the existence of a GLBT book section in a major chain store is of course a step forward for our community, it cannot take the place of our small, independently-owned, queer bookshops. Long before B&N and Borders took notice, our community bookstores were making GLBT books available, supporting GLBT authors and fostering good GLBT literature. Deacon Maccubbin himself criticized gay writers who put links to Amazon and other online sellers on their Web sites: “I wonder if they really think they would have been published at all if not for the gay bookstores that sprang up around the country in the 1980s and 1990s. . . . In the 1970s, that literature barely existed.”

But gay bookshops do more than sell books. According to Completely Queer: The Gay and Lesbian Encyclopedia, “gay and lesbian—and feminist/women’s— book­stores have traditionally served as informal community centers, offering everything from space for bulletin boards to tourist information to legal and medical referrals. Many also provide space for meetings, performances, and readings.”

The late John Preston, writing in The Big Gay Book (1991), called gay bookstores

E BEST OF “the one single most consestaff members who know their TH quential element in the develmerchandise and who are part opment of gay culture. These of our community. Many of REPRINTED FROM 01/25/10 stores have been willing to these shops have websites and/ stock our books when others wouldn’t have or catalog services that makes it is as easy them. They represent a distribution system for us to buy from them as it is to buy from for our journals and newspapers. They are Amazon.com. often the first stop that isolated gay men Ironically, the rise of gay-friendly chain [and lesbians] make when stores and online sellers has been fatal to they get to a major city, des- gay bookshops everywhere. Many survivperate for a gay cultural fix.” ing shops have had to diversify in order to Preston’s statement holds survive, by selling or renting DVDs, t-shirts, true almost two decades lat- greeting cards and jewelry along with books er. The sur­viving GLBT book- and magazines. Independent gay bookshops, especially those that stores, like other “Mom and Mom” or “Pop have coffee shops, provide and Pop” businesses, can only thrive by a social outlet for our com- providing their customers with products munity members, es­pecially and services that the major chains can’t or queer and questioning youth. won’t — such as adult videos or DVDs that Unlike bars, bookstores are are not available elsewhere. alcohol- and stress-free and Only that—and a loyal customer base— are accessible to all segments will allow our few remaining bookshops to of our community. live long and prosper.

Bookstores provide us with hard-to-find items produced by gay-owned, small book, Jesse Monteagudo is a freelance writer and gay audio and video publishers. In lesbian and book lover who lives in South Florida with his life gay bookstores we get personalized service partner. You may reach him at jessemonteagufrom knowledgeable, gay or gay-friendly do@aol.com.

A worldwide research study is now underway to test an investigational treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD, also known as smoker’s cough, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you: • Are 40 years of age or older • Have a diagnosis of COPD • Are a current smoker or were a smoker in the past In addition to receiving studyrelated physical exams and laboratory services at no charge, participants will receive study medication and will be monitored by a medical team, including the study physician.

Ask your doctor if this study is right for you.

For information and to schedule an appointment, contact Verne Appleby, R.N. at The Medical Offices of

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN Editorial

7/5/2010

Norm Kent, Publisher

The Road SFGN Has Traveled

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am sitting in an office with a two com- idagaynews.com. Our website has not only puters, a fax machine, thousands of press every article and each issue we have printed, releases, hundreds of magazines, and but so many more which were posted online dozens of newspapers. The desk is cluttered that did not make the printed edition.

In our very first issue, we published a with news copy, advertising contracts, interoffice memos and jelly belly jelly beans Antonio news breaking story of a Hollywood police officer’s fight to keep his job in the face of gave me from ‘To The Moon Marketplace.’

Frankly, it is hard to believe this office at departmental discrimination. Then we ex2520 North Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors posed an ex gay leader who was an ex con. was an empty shell six months ago, but here We uncovered a would be magazine publishwe are. South Florida Gay News.com has now er who was ripping off his employees. We published 24 issues over 5 months. We have revealed how a drag queen nearly lost her featured national and local news, entertain- nursing job of 40 years because of a lewd acment and theater reviews, editorial columns tion conviction 40 years ago, all while hostand comics, breaking stories and crosswords ing a popular wet jockey contest in a gay bar.

We have given life and attention to gay puzzles. We have poured our heart and soul into creating a vibrant community newspaper swim teams, soccer teams, softball teams and which captures the dimensions and depths of openly gay athletes competing in international competitions. We have sadly written the South Florida LGBT community.

We are here because my business Lewd Lambert mr. Gay Lambasted america partner, Piero, the CEO in our masthead, took a leap of faith in my vision.

But what I foresaw only came about because of you. When we published God a 56 page Pride issue two weeks ago Save with 57 local advertisers, willing to inthe Queen vest in this community and this news‘Tiny Tina’ is fired for a paper, I could only feel awestruck 34-year-old lewd act charge! and humbled with gratitude by your y Verdugo’s response. So many people came up Mike Story, Page 3 to me at the Stonewall Festival about 7 19 how much they liked the paper and how it delivers real news to our community. As about the loss of lives, few more touching I have said, the news and the people have al- than Brendan Burke, the son of the Toronto ways been there to write about. We just needed Maple Leafs’ GM who came out to his peers a responsible vehicle to communicate it. Your but perished in a car accident a few months later. And how about the National Hockey faith has made it happen.

As I give the staff a week off for the Holi- League allowing the Stanley Cup Trophy to days, we have comprised this special ‘Best of’ be carried in this year’s Chicago gay pride Fourth of July Holiday Edition. For those of parade? We have come a long way, baby.

We have covered the Pride Festivals from you who have not seen the paper since its inception in January, this issue features some of South Beach to Australia, acknowledging the our best stories that we have published over success of those who have worked hard and the past five months. We could not include owning up to the crooks who have stolen them all, but what you do not see here in money from our community, one waiting a print, you can read online at www.southflor- date with a judge pretty soon. There are the S T R A I G H T

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choruses and charities and fundraisers held in nightclubs which help out those who are hurting, and we have been able to lend our support and news to promote their cause. We have published ‘The Spirit,’ to remind us that AIDS is a battle still to be won, and our last issue had multiple stories on National HIV Testing Day. Doctors remind us that testing

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Joy Behar Defends gays

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Time for Civil Disobedience: Gays Protest in DC Page 23

January 25, 2010 • VOLuME 1 • ISSuE 1

March 22, 2010 • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 9

SFGn eXClUSive

SFGN EXCLUSIVE

DIRTY LARRY SFGN EXCLUSIVE

‘Wilton Drive Magazine’ Comes with Publisher’s Filthy Laundry

By Joey Amato

ou may know or remember Ray Fetcho as ‘Tiny Tina.’

He is a proud gay 61 year old man who has been a licensed practical nurse for the past forty years; four decades of service to people who are ill.

Unfortunately, in 1976, while hosting a ‘Wet Jockey Shorts Night’ at the Copa, he was busted for promoting a lewd act. Today, that incident has come back to haunt him. The state has told him he can no longer be a nurse because of the conviction.

15 page

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

19 page

Miami Cities Defy New Times

35 page

Alcee Hastings: Do Ask, Do Tell

Mary Damiano Reviews Sordid Lives

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inSiDe THiS iSSUe

page

SFGN Profiles: Journalist Rothaus

page

Former PrideFest Director Linked to Fraud

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IF IT IS NOT IN HERE, IT IS ONLINE. MORE GAY NEWS AT WWW.SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM

candidate for office, then News Editor Jarrett Terrill is headed to your doorstep.

Seeing people like Cliff Dunn sell advertising all day and then find time to write columns at night has been empowering. One you should read online is how the Taliban treat young gay men. Watching George Dauphin work into the night to create a spectacularly visual newspaper has been humbling. A special thank you still goes to Tommy Forcella for developing a safe, comprehensive and complete website. It is now ably maintained by Dennis Jozefowicz. In the middle of the night, Miami Offset goes to press weekly to carefully print a foolproof paper, and then in rain and bad weather John Fugate and Brian Swinford work incredible 24 hours to drop it off at 350 destination points so that it gets where it has to be by the time it has to be there.

The support and help from Peter Clark and HotSpots!, allowing us to print their classifieds to give our paper more breadth, is especially appreciated. All businesses do better when they partner then when they fight.

In summary, creating a ‘Best of SFGN’ edition has meant looking back while planning forward. It demands excluding articles I would have liked to include. Ultimately, it means to me that as far as we have come in such a short time, there is another issue to put out next week, more stories to write, and more lives to share.

On behalf of our staff, enjoy the rest of your holiday, and thank you for giving us the opportunity to be a part of your lives.

page 6

Loss of your Best Friend

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SFGn Profiles eugene ramirez

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hotSpots vs.

Mark’s List

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

3

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Mike Verdugo Sues

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SFGN Profile: Chuck Nichols

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should become a routine part of your health regimen, and we have published articles on exercise, nutrition, and living sound lives.

Our entertainment and nightlife section has featured Broadway reviews and community theaters, from Manhattan to Pembroke Pines. Each week, Mary Damiano and JW Arnold showcase performers who enhance our lives, just as Joey Amato, Tony Adams, Jesse Monteagudo and A. Sebastian Fortino have done business, personality and restaurant profiles on everyone and everyplace from Joan Rivers to local gay and lesbian performers. In 5 months, SFGN has published over 1000 pages of news, over 1000 articles, and written about over 1,000 people. Your business, your profile, your community group may be next. If you are a

Johnny Weir Not a ‘Star’ on Ice

page

Center Spread of PRIDEFEST Photos

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Off the Wall

Call Me ‘Finocchio’

By Pier Angelo Guidugli

‘F

inocchio’ is the most common word used in the Italian language to describe a male homosexual.

You will, however, not find it in the dictionary with this caption.

In the Italian vernacular it is the equivalent of ‘faggot’ or ‘fag.’ On the other hand, the dictionary will tell you that ‘finocchio’ is the vegetable ‘fennel.’

The dark and strange connection to homosexuality has its origins in medieval times, when people accused of witchcraft were burned at the stake. As the pyre was prepared, it was covered with fennel leaves. Why? Its aroma helped masking the smell of burning flesh. The word took on a life of its own and now, many centuries later, it is powerful as ever- the premier Italian slur for all things gay.

I grew up hearing the word describe any-

body suspected of being queer. I was petrified of being called finocchio, to the point that I lied to my mother and told her I did not like fennel, hoping then she would not buy it—then the word finocchio would not be uttered at home.

I had a fear that the mere mentioning of ‘finocchio’ in the house would unmask me in front of the whole family. That’s the power of words. They can be intimidating, oppressive, or self deprecating.They can also be liberating.

As gays, at one time or another, we have been called Queers, Fags, Faggots, Homos, Poofs, Poofters,Queens, Fairies,plus a whole series of obscenities that cannot be printed without a warning.

From the comments that have been posted on SFGN after the article “Who’s in the Soup” was published, I sadly realize that we

aux Folles” opening number are far from being a united comE BEST OF TH “We Are What We Are”). Each munity. After all these years, one of us should know who he we cannot even agree on what to call ourselves. Some object REPRINTED FROM 03/29/10 is without the need for an approved moniker. to gay, others to queer, some to Pick the one you like, use them interhomosexual. One reader invites us to find a new word to describe our community, while changeably, wear them according to your the next in line wants to bring back faggot, moods, or just plain utter them to shock people. Be what you want or ban it. “Variant” was proto be. Find a name for all posed as an alternative toseasons. Embrace them and gether with “Nonhetero”. you will defuse their strongReaders are finding faults hold over you. with each of the words, Don’t worry about what though a few of the compeople think. They don’t do ments were tongue and it very often. A walk through cheek, or so I hope. Wow! the valley of most souls will If so much energy and thought was put into fighting police brutali- barely leave your feet wet. It’s what you think ty, police entrapment, gay bashing, bar raids, that matters. Be proud and be comfortable with corruption and hate spewing churches we who you are. Call yourself what you want. Isn’t would be much closer to obtaining equality it nice to have such a big basket to choose from?

I’m so comfortable with my identity that with our straight counterparts and the gay community would have a better sense of its you can call me finocchio anytime. I couldn’t care less anymore. In fact, I kind of like it own self worth.

So why do we care? It doesn’t matter what now. I even told my mother I love fennel name is used to describe who or what we and when she asks: “would you like a finocare, as the ancient Romans used to say “Su- chio?,” my answer is “Oh absolutely mammus quo Sumus” (made famous by “La Cage ma, bring a few home for dinner.” given them a reference. I rarely say “no.” I rarely say “no” when asked to do anything for someone. No one knows this, REPRINTED FROM 01/25/10 but I am the only person in my building of over 300 apartments who calls apartment. I have ho- the laundry company when the machines meowners’ insurance. break. I sometimes go into the recycling When I needed a car bins and re-sort them when my neighbors for work I got one, kept mix paper and plastic. it in good shape, kept it I always leave a good tip, usually more insured. I have a home than 20%. I don’t yell at waiters or waitair purifier. resses, though I have yelled at drivers who I take vitamins. I try run red lights. I keep my TV and music at to eat well and take a reasonable level, especially late at night so care of myself physi- I don’t disturb my neighbors. I’ve installed cally and mentally. I dimmers in my home to conserve electricity. have a primary care I have a checking and a savings account. physician. I always bring I almost always pay my bills on time. I have a gift to a host or host- an excellent credit rating. I tip all the dooress when I am invited men and maintenance people in my buildinto their home. I say ing at Christmas. I’ve lived in the same “please,” “thank you,” apartment for nine years. I backup my comand, too often I’m told, puter. I buy extended warranties on expen“I’m sorry.” I sometimes send out Christ- sive electronics. I try to share information mas cards. I call friends to say “Happy as often as I can.

Thanksgiving.”

I generally pay more than my share I, not infrequently, get calls from people when going out to dinner with friends. I who used to work for me asking if I would continued on page 28

‘I Am Man. I Am Gay. I Am Proud.’

Columnist Complains: “We Don’t Need Your Tolerance”

By David Badash

I

pay taxes. I vote. I have a passport. I volunteer my time and voice and donate money to charities or causes I believe in.

I have a college degree from a pretty good school. For most of the time since I was 15 I have worked, often 60 – 80 hours a week.

I am in a committed relationship. I try to call my mother a few times a week. I hold the door open for anyone in front of or behind me. I’m generally the last one out of the elevator.

I’ve contacted my local government when I believed something needed improvement.

I have good, long-term friendships. I’ve given money to friends who needed help.

I’ve lent countless items to friends, assuming they will not be returned. I’ve worked to help people I know who were in crisis get through the next day. I’ve sat on the phone for hours with people who were depressed.

I have a dog, the second one I’ve rescued from a shelter. I feed and walk him,

a lot. I pick up after him, every time. I am called upon to help or give an opinion several times a week. I’ve done jury duty. I have never been arrested. I am financially selfsufficient. I have a few credit cards. I have an

E BEST OF TH

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

YOUR

NEWSPAPER Since January, 2010

Read all of our issues at

17

July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Viva La Mission

Story of a Latino Dad and His Gay Son Delivers

By Mary Damiano Arts Editor

R

oots run deep in La Mission, a film about a Latino father who has a hard time coming to grips with the knowledge that his beloved mijo is gay.

As the film begins, Che (an excellent performance by Benjamin Bratt) is a single dad who beams with pride over his college-bound, hard-working son, Jesse (Jeremy Ray Valdez). The two have a close relationship, more like a couple of bachelors sharing a home rather than father and son. But when Che discovers photos of Jesse and his cute blond boyfriend Jordan (Max Rosenak), he lashes out at Jesse, publicly outing him and forcing the boy to make some hard choices. The film focuses not on Jesse, who is well-adjusted and proud of who he is, but on Che’s struggle to find a way to have a relationship with his gay son.

While La Mission examines how being gay can test the bond in even the closest father-son relationship, it also looks at how difficult it can be to come out, especially in the uber-macho Latin community.While the traditional, Latin heart of the Mission District and the gay-populated Castro are only two miles apart in San Francisco, they are worlds apart in mores and attitude.The world depicted in La Mission is populated with gangs, religious iconography and a steadfast hold to old ways of life.

This is the only world Che knows, and he’s immersed in it. He’s an excon with a violent streak, although the audience never finds out what landed him in prison. He’s a recovering alcoholic whose willpower is tested. And he’s an artist, restoring old, lowrider cars into masterpieces.

He’s earned respect throughout his world, which he accepts as a form of redemption. When he finds out Jesse is gay, he does not know how to reconcile that fact with everything he’s been raised to believe.

La Mission is a very personal film—Bratt’s brother Peter wrote the screenplay and directed, and Bratt’s wife, Talisa Soto, plays Che’s sister-in-law. The Bratts grew up in the Mission District, and still have friends and family there. Many of the characters are played by nonactors recruited from the neighborhood, which adds to the flavor and realism of the film.

La Mission is a fine film, less a coming-out story of a gay son, and more a coming-of-age story for a conflicted dad.

Film Review La Mission Opens July 9 at the Gateway in Fort Lauderdale.

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Broward Bares It! Mon 9-5, Tues 8-4, Wed 9-4 Thur 9-3, Fri 9-2

Sexy HIV/AIDS Fundraiser Hits South Florida

O

n Friday, Au­ gust 13, 2010, Broward House and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino will present what is turning out to be one of the most anticipated, most talked about, and sexiest 100% HIV/AIDS fundraisers ever produced in South Florida.

Broward Bares It! will be a one night only traipse through the world of tantalizing temptations, titillating temptresses and torrid testosterone. The evening, featuring some of South Florida’s favorite performers alongside some national dance troupes, will, in the spirit of Broadway Bares Equity Fights AIDS, “Bare It!” in a two hour presentation of tongue in cheek, male and female burlesque acts, to raise money for Broward House, Broward County’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS community service organization.

Just a few of the acts already donating their time this evening include Electra, The Full Monty Boys from C & J Productions, Dance Attack, Lapair Productions, Debra Hampton, Next Step Dance, and Nikki Adams.

“We are so excited to have some of South Florida’s best entertainers donate Tickets for the event are at a three tier level starting at only $25 for balcony tickets, $40 for stage front floor tickets and $75 VIP room tickets which come with a private bar and private restrooms. Tickets can only be purchased online at Http:// www.BrowardBaresIt.com.

their time to this event” says Nikki Adams, director of the show Broward Bares It! “This is a not to be missed evening… it will be an eruption of steamy proportions with hot bodies taking it off throughout the club…”

The event is being held inside of Passion at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida on Friday, August 13, 2010 from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm.

“We are so happy to be doing this event at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, and the fact that they are helping us put on this event just makes it even better” said Terry DeCarlo, Public Relations and Marketing Director for Broward House. This is an event the South Florida community has not seen in a long time and we are hoping that it becomes one of South Florida’s biggest yearly HIV/AIDS fundraisers”

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN EXCLUSIVE

The Fresh Bile and Sex Life of

quick to say that new gay sex of a waist.When I assured him E BEST OF H is hardly carefree. that many men find scars sexuT “Somewhere in your ally attractive because they are unconscious brain the specter evidence of experience, he said REPRINTED FROM 05/02/10 of AIDS lurks, no matter how “Well I’ve got plenty of stories stoned you are and even with a condom. on my belly.”

When ACT UP was in its ending years, I reHe is well aware that some will find the member one of its most important members with this in an effective way. It’s nice that he idea of a sexually active Larry Kramer at

By Tony Adams wants to protect our right to hospital visita- odds with his insistence that gay men learn Jim Eigo saying to me that we haven’t finished our work until we bring sex back again.” to police their own sex lives. n hour into my conversation with tion but it’s no big deal.

Never the shirker, Larry Kramer fears not “People think I’m the one who demanded “We are too passive and too invisible iconic HIV activist and author finishing both sex and his book. that gay men stop fucking altogether but Larry Kramer, he paused and said and too unwilling to demand our equality.

“I worry that I won’t have enough time you have to realize that in 1981 or 82, one This continues to be very painful for me.

“Darling, you’re getting an interview out of and good health to finish this book. I always When I speak about this, people either say had to be something of an alarmist. People me that no one else has ever had.Your ediwould say you’re going to scare us to death wanted to write a really long book but you ‘He’s right’ or ‘There she goes again’. I’m tor should be well pleased with you.” have no idea what it is like to even edit and I’d say that’s what I want.” used to it.”

We had been talking about the seventyHe says that his research and interviews 4,000 pages. I worry that I will lose some I steered him back to speaking about four year old Larry Kramer’s sex life! sort of mental facility before I’m done.” with the owners of hook-up sites lead I consider Larry Kramer’s perpetual insis- longevity.

Let those who respond to his online “I’ve been thinking a lot about older gay him to believe that younger gay men are tence that we not sweep AIDS under the rug profile be forewarned. For the sake of the having more sex, but this does not allevimen because I’m almost 75. I’ve suddenly to be heroic. Others take an opposite view book and because we need his strong voice, of a man whose voice has been the constant started being horny again! My partner and ate the enormous loneliness that applies to both young and old gay men. He is also do not tire him out.

I have known each other since the late deafening siren of an ambulance since his 1960s. This is our second time together. days as a founder of both GMHC and ACT UP in the 1980s. In 2007, he said that Ronald Seventeen years this time. He gave me permission to explore, but what does a Reagan is responsible for more deaths than 75 year old do when he wants to crawl in Adolf Hitler.

Having read his book Faggots when it was bed with a hot young body? I think this is the biggest unwritten thing and there must new in 1978, I had decided he was not a be an awful lot of older men like me who great writer. I changed are hungry for another sexual chapter that sour opinion before they die. I don’t think we many years later talk about it enough.” when I read his FloriWhen I asked him how da based “Mrs. Teffilin,” he handled his new vigor, a short story that is one of he surprised me. the best ever written. When I “Almost as research for my book, I joined told him this, Larry Kramer corrected my pronunciation. “Teh-FILL-in, not TEH-fuh-lin” two hook-up sites and posted my profile on both of them. I get a lot of views but I get no he schooled this goy. takers. Only a couple of old ACT UP memLarry Kramer continues to work on his bers wrote to say they recognized me.”

4,000 page history of the strife of homoI checked out his profiles. His photos are sexuality to be published in two volumes impish, happy and attractive. I suggested that with the title “The American People,” a phrase often used by Ronald Reagan whom the lack of response might be due to intimihe despises. He has been tackling this mam- dation by the prospect of being in bed with the formidable Larry Kramer. He laughed moth project off and on since 1978 and when I offered that my own hands would be its destiny has become a contest between death and his publisher. Kramer who tested shaking under his covers.

“I take a lot of pills for my HIV and my positive for HIV in 1988 gives evidence that liver transplant. Erections are a sometimes the publisher may win. He survived a liver transplant in 2001, and uses his fresh bile to thing, but I can still have an orgasm. I’m grateful for my favorite gay porn sites. In the old attack the same enemies. days I’d just go down the street to the baths.”

“I don’t like Mr. Obama. He is just anThese days, Larry Kramer worries about other in a long line of presidents who have the appearance of his body, distended and dumped all over us. He is not honoring his scarred by disease and surgery. He explained campaign commitments. I really think he Legendary gay rights leader Larry Kramer his signature overalls as a way to hide his lack hates gay people and we are not dealing

Larry Kramer

David Shankbone

A

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Sex in Our City

The Hunt

By A.J. Cross

I

and as you finish the last sip of t’s nine-thirty in the HE BEST OF T your sweet drink, mentally preevening and you’ve just pare yourself for a more savage finished watching the fifth environment. episode of Golden Girls, as a REPRINTED FROM 02/08/10 It’s time to jump in your car familiar mood starts to set in. and head to a well known and busy club.

Your heart starts to beat a little faster and Upon arrival you quickly evaluate your surthe blood starts flowing south.You turn on roundings and find a nice safe corner of the your laptop and login to your favorite gay site in the hopes that there is someone else bar.The adequately cute bartender quickly greets you and you shout over the music for a online with the same craving as you. After vodka and cranberry while catching a glimpse searching through twenty pages of profiles, of his firm and defined chest. After serving looking at appetizing photos and enticing descriptions you realize that there is no one you the drink you smile give him ten bucks and tell him to keep the change in the hopes worth engaging in chat with.

Perhaps you have sent a few emails that have that a good tip will gain you some favor.

You begin to walk around slowly on high yet to be answered, and you come to the realalert for the first sign of anyone that fits ization that your pursuit has to be taken from the virtual world to the outside world.You pick your preference and after completing a full tour move towards the dance floor. Of out casual clothing, jump into the shower and make sure that you are prepared for whatever, course, you have no interest in dancing, but hopefully someone is out there shirtless or whomever might happen. working up a good sweat.

You get dressed, grab some cash and head The dance floor is packed and it’s difficult out.You start off at the local coffee shop for to distinguish one body from the other and your favorite latte, and cruise the room for any hottie, which might help to expedite your you are forced to go in for a closer look.You agenda.There are a few guys on laptops, prob- slide in and brush against several guys simply ably doing exactly what you were before you smiling as you make your way to the first available spot on the floor and then for a moment, gave up on it, and there are four guys playing scrabble. A Pink concert is playing on the tele- close your eyes and allow the music to sink in.

Soon feet, legs and ass start to move and you vision and you quickly decide that your hunt is just beginning and it may be a long night, so let go. Gyrating, sliding and moving around as if having sex with the air, guys around you start the caffeine will definitely be needed to notice and soon one after another they You step outside to finish your coffee in timidly try to dance near and with you. the hopes of spotting your potential prey,

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After a half an hour a sweat starts to build and you take off your shirt and tuck it in your back pocket beginning to dance even harder, and once again close your eyes. This time when you open your eyes, right in front of you he stands smiling with his emerald green eyes, sun kissed skin and sweat misted body. He steps in towards you and for a moment you miss a beat. His hand slowly creeps around your waist and he pulls you in. No greeting or name given. Simply a beautiful face and sexy body giving off intense heat as finally the flesh of his washboard abs makes contact with yours.You begin to grind against one another erotically and sensually and as you lean into him and gently kiss his neck. The saltiness of his sweat drives you crazy and you want more.

His forehead touches yours and your become entranced by his deep green eyes.

You think to yourself that he has to know that I’m aroused because my pants seem as

if they could explode at any moment.Your imagination is at full speed and if any of your thoughts come to fruition you are going to be in for a long and fulfilling night. It takes everything you have to not go in for a kiss and just as you think you can’t stop yourself any longer he leans and presses his perfectly formed mouth against yours and your feet stop moving replaced by the movement of your tongue against his.

He tastes so good and your legs almost give out.When the kiss comes to an end, he smiles at you mischievously, grabs your hand and leads you off the dance floor, and you have no clue or care where you’re headed.

Soon enough you realize you are headed toward the exit of the club and the brisk cool air hits your wet skin sharply as he pushes the door open.

He simply looks back at you smiling and it sinks in that the hunt is over and what remains now is simply history in the making.

21

July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Film Review The Girl Who Played with Fire Opens July 9

Burn, Baby, Burn The Girl Who Played with Fire a Weak Sequel

By Mary Damiano Arts Editor

H

ot on the heels of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo—it’s still playing in South Florida theatres—comes The Girl Who Played with Fire, the next film in the trilogy based on the blockbuster novels of the late Steig Larsson.

The Girl Who Played with Fire begins about a year after the first film ended.

Heroine Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace), a bisexual computer hacker, has traveled the world and has now returned to Stockholm. When she is framed for three murders, Lisbeth must confront her past and clear her name with the help of her old pal and former lover, journalist Mikael Bloomqvist (Michael Nyqvist).

While the two films share the same primary cast members and come from the same source, the directors are different, and it shows. Daniel Alfredson directed The Girl Who Played with Fire, and the film is less stylish, less compelling than its predecessor.

It also lacks the brisk pacing of the first film, and drags in places.

Some of the problems might lie with the

original novel (which this reviewer has not read). One of the things that made The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo so much fun was the unlikely partnership and unique chemistry between Lisbeth and Mikael. This time around, the two are working toward the same goal—clearing Lisbeth’s name and getting to the bottom of a sex-trafficking ring—but they do it separately, with only one brief moment on screen together in the entire film. There are a few jaw-dropping moments, but not enough to sustain the convoluted story.

The reason to see The Girl Who Played with Fire is Rapace, whose depiction of Lisbeth Salander is compelling even when her material isn’t. Whether she’s reuniting with

her lover Miriam (Yasmine Garbi), confronting her troubled past or kicking bad-guy ass, Rapace expertly demonstrates the sensitive core beneath Lisbeth’s hard shell.

There is one more chapter in Lisbeth Salander’s story. The last film in the trilogy, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, also directed by Alfredson, is scheduled to be released in the United States later this year.

The Girl Who Played with Fire may not measure up to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but it’s still worth seeing to experience Rapace’s embodiment of one of the most original characters to come along in years.

Heard it on...

been his willingness — even eagerness — to seek common ground with Democrats,” writes Draper. “For his sins, Glenn Beck termed the senator Obama Lite, while Rush Limbaugh labeled him Lindsey Grahamnesty. Less tame are the blogosphere monikers, like ‘Miss Lindsey,’ that play off of Graham’s never-married status.

During a South Carolina Tea Party rally this spring, one speaker created an uproar by By the Night Owl postulating that Graham supported a guest-worker program Senator Lindsay out of fear that the Democrats Graham and the Gay might otherwise expose his Connection Sen. Lindsey Graham homosexuality.

Advocate.com’s Julie Bo“ ‘Like maybe I’m having a clandestine affair cer posted this story about Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina last Friday. He has with Ricky Martin,’ Graham reportedly told Draper ‘I know it’s really gonna upset a lot of apparently addressed rumors about his sexual orientation in a lengthy profile for The New York gay men — I’m sure hundreds of ’em are gonna Times Magazine, telling writer Robert Draper, be jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge — but I “I ain’t gay,” while gratuitously adding demeaning ain’t available. I ain’t gay. Sorry.’”

Well, this may disappoint you Mr. Graquips about entertainer Ricky Martin. ham, but you are not that much of a looker, Draper broached the subject in the context of recent Republican rumors about one and we can all cope without the visual sight of you under the sheets. You ain’t no Tayof their own. Graham is a lifelong bachelor. lor Lautner.

“His greater transgression, however, has

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Sandra Bernhard: A Post-Modern Donna Reed Comedy Icon Will Perform at Benefit for Broward House

By Mary Damiano

E BEST OF

a glass at Bernhard when she performs at Parker Playhouse Saturday, March Arts Editor 27.The show is a benefit for Broward REPRINTED FROM 03/22/10 House, an organization dedicated to andra Bernhard remembers a performance on a cer- improving the lives of individuals living with HIV and other health issues by providing various tain gay cruise that did not go well. services.The performance will feature Bern“I was laughing about the ship, calling hard’s trademark mix of comedy and music. it the ship of fools, and making fun of the “It’s my style,” she says, “sort of a postwhole idea of being out on the ocean in this modern mash-up of monologues, cultural Vegas-like performance room, and these observations, music and general hilarity.” queens got really bent out of shape and Bernhard’s musical repertoire—she freaked out,” Bernhard recalls. “They were all from the Midwest and saved their money trained as a vocalist and when she was younger wanted to sing opera—mirrors for this trip. They started throwing their her eclectic tastes. She cut her rock and glasses at me and I had to get myself off stage. That was one of the most unpleasant roll teeth on Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, but also honed her ear for pop standards experiences I’ve ever had performing.” with Barbra Streisand, Burt Bacharach and That was 15 years ago, and the world has changed—there’s little chance of anyone hurling Dionne Warwick. Right now she’s listening TH

S

to new material by her pal Chrissie Hynde, the Scissor Sisters, and Lady Gaga, who she calls crazy and interesting. Bernhard will probably perform a mix of vocal classics and rock and roll, as well as songs from her

latest CD, Whatever It Takes.

And for those looking forward to hearing Bernhard’s current world view, expect some riffing on a certain aspect of mass entertainment.

“I think one of the most interesting things is the disgusting evolution of reality television and people who have no talent taking away work from people like me who have spent their whole lives creating a body of work that deserves an outlet,” says Bernhard. “Culturally we’re in a bad period and I don’t see it changing anytime soon because the powers that be support it. It’s cheap entertainment. People want to be the center of attention and they’ll do anything.

I think we’re culturally bankrupt, and that bothers me and disappoints me, and, to a certain degree, pisses me off.”

Bernhard was ahead of the curve when it comes to reality television. In the 1990s she pitched an idea to HBO: a day in the life of Sandra Bernhard, a lightly scripted version of Berrnhard’s own life, something along the lines of Larry David’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” which debuted in 2000.

COMPLETE ARTICLE AVAILABLE ON WWW.SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM

23

July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Catching My Breath

Have I Become Too Gay?

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

I

tually. I didn’t know places like s there such a thing as E BEST OF H T this existed. becoming too gay? Let’s Over the following months I take my life for example. spent more and more time in the I am a young gay man, work in a gay town, spend much of my REPRINTED FROM 02/21/10 Fort Lauderdale area and began disposable income in gay-owned establish- to immerse myself in the gay community. I ments and write about anything and every- became involved with the GLCC Pride Center, GLBX and started attending numerous thing gay.

This past weekend, I became concerned gay events. I strived to be photographed by that my life is becoming too gay. Thinking I Hotspots and 411, currently Mark’s List. The days of attending may have been over charity galas hosted exaggerating, I adby Donald Trump dressed my concern and Governor Charwith a few friends lie Crist at Mar-Aand surprisingly, they Lago in Palm Beach told me my thoughts have faded. were justified. My I feel like a part of friend Mike told me me died when I was that he thought it was introduced to Wilton healthy for me to feel Manors. I started nethis way and that he glecting a lot of things would be more conI used to love to do cerned if I didn’t. My in favor of being gay. boyfriend agreed.

I started passing up I don’t want to make the opportunity to it sound like I am not network with profesproud of being gay, but sionals in Boca so I I am worried that I will can share a drink or morph into someone two with friends on who forgets that there the Drive. I favor parare other cultures outtying at Living Room side our own.

Before accepting a position with on Friday evening over a weekend getaway. Two SFGN, I lived in Delray Beach, a community years ago, I would have never even entertained that doesn’t contain any gay bars or clubs, the notion.

Over the past few months, I have met although I was told one had closed in the past few years. Because of the minute gay people who have mentioned to me that population, we’re forced to blend in with they refuse to do anything outside of the gay community. Most of these people were the community.

Then I was invited on a life-changing older, but does there come a point when we become so secure in our current surrounddate to Galanga in Wilton Manors.

I had never heard of Wilton Manors. Call ings that we develop a fear to venture away? me naïve, but I also have not travelled to That is what scares me and why I wonder if gay tourist locales such as Key West, San I am becoming too gay.

I don’t like segregation. I like unity. I want Francisco or Fire Island, even though I used to live 30 minutes away on Long Island. to be part of both worlds. How do I find the When I arrived to this town, I was surprised perfect balance of gay and straight? How do to see the large number of rainbow flags lin- I find a way to combine both worlds and ing the streets. It was quite astonishing ac- become whole again?

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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for the acquain­tance in question here are many advanE BEST OF TH was on a different plain of extages involved with istence. The admitting diagnoworking in the health sis was AMS (altered mental stacare field. The concept of critiREPRINTED FROM 04/19/10 tus) secondary to neurosyphillis. cal thinking becomes ingrained even in your personal life, so it’s hard to kid He didn’t recognize me. This, I suppose, was a yourself when you do something stupid, blessing to him. I also suppose this explained that the end result will be anything other why he felt the need to pull out his catheter than a mistake. You become an expert at (don’t try this at home as it is held in place by bottom-lining everything. You have the ca- a balloon which will damage your urethra) pacity to help your family and friends in a and his IV, the latter of which he threw at me.

During the best of times, I don’t like people way you couldn’t previously.

The biggest disadvantage is that you deliberately try­ing to expose me to blood-borne become the ‘go to’ person for friends and pathogens. But when the person in quesacquaintances that do monumentally stu- tion is a threat to himself, as well as anyone pid things, who in turn expect you to be health care provider that comes in contact non-judgmental. As with anyone who’s ever with him, it becomes very problematic. been in a long term relationship, I’ve learned When the person in question was on a firstname basis with me for nearly 15 years, it to fake it.

I work in an area hospital’s Infectious Dis- becomes something of a nightmare. ease unit and in that capacity, I’ve learned continued on page 25 far more about my extended circle of friends than I care to know.

While not every patient I’ve worked with who has HIV (the medical term we officially use is 44.9) has syphilis or gonorrhea, to a man, everyone who has syphilis and/or gonorrhea have had HIV. Last week I had the unique experience of having to perform an admission on an acquaintance with whom I’d been friendly with for maybe 15 years.

There’s something awkward about catheterizing (inserting a latex tube into a person’s penis) someone you used to go drinking with. There’s something really awkward in discovering they’re a 44.9er when you have to assume if they wanted you to know, they’d have told you years ago.

For better or for worse

25

July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com As a nurse, you try not to be judgmental.

Because the person in question was a We’re all human beings and being judgmenthreat to himself (not to mention he physi- tal despite what anyone might say in pubcally assaulted a colleague), we received or- lic is merely a rote response. Acting on our ders to put him in restraints. A Posey vest, an prejudices is different from simply processincongruously pastel/plaid vest that straps ing these thoughts.

As human beings we have this innate caa patient to their bed frame was ordered, along with 2-point wrist cuffs. The patient pacity to do incredibly stupid things. And I’m no different. Except squirmed, howled and atthe stupidity that’s part of tempted to bite the four of my charm (or anti-charm us who were applying the I have a sore spot as the case may be) only aforementioned restraints. for people who results in my getting hurt; Well, it wasn’t much of a fight, but he was about as think they exist in there’s enough pain in this world. I don’t feel the need volatile as you could exa vacuum to contribute to it. pect someone who weighed I’m aware I have zeroaround 100 lbs to be.

And even after he was firmly secured and influence on other people. Hell, I barely it was obviously he wasn’t going anywhere, have much influence on my own behavhe fought. Even when his throat was hoarse ior. But I have a sore spot for people who and his ululations became indecipherable, think they exist in a vacuum. People who, be it a case or egotism, anger or inhe continued to scream.

But this wasn’t just another patient. This difference, don’t seem to feel the slightest was someone I’d played cards with, gone obligation to not harm others.

I spent the night trying to divide my to ball games and concerts with. Someone whom I knew well enough to know his favor- time between the people I could help and ite drink and type of one-nighters he favored. the one person I knew I couldn’t. The next Trying to verbally console him was like trying night I asked for (and was given) a different assignment. to maintain a conversation with a dial tone. continued from page 24

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Prime Timers of Fort Lauderdale

By A. Sebastian Fortino

supper. Penas relocated to Florida from Brooklyn in 2000 with his partner of 41 years whom he n 1987 Prime Timer’s met on a subway in NYC. Founder Woody Baldwin As discussed in Joey Amato’s decided—or realized— REPRINTED FROM 04/19/10 that there were few social outlets for older article last week about aging in the gay comgay men. He wanted something more sub- munity, many older individuals face chalstantial than mere nightlife, and more so- lenges. Prime Timers ensures members that cially fulfilling than Sage, whose mission, they have a social organization where the can while still relevant, is LGBT elder advocacy. make friends with like-minded peers.

“We offer bowling, tennis, golf, pool at His first meeting in Boston has—over the past 23 years—spawned an international Sidelines, and fishing once a month,” Penas said. These get-togethers are in addition organization dedicated to gay seniors.

“At the Fort Lauderdale chapter, orga- to mixers, theater outings, and a monthly nized in June of 2003, we now have about lunch and dinner.

President Emeritus Garland Warren served 240 members. Worldwide,” boasts current Fort Lauderdale chapter president Henry from 2007-08. Warren joined when he and his partner relocated here from Baltimore, Penas, “there are thousands of us.”

He is proud to say of those 240 local mem- MD. He became president after only being a bers, 106 attended the last general meeting to member for 6 months.

“I met a Prime Timers Board Member ondiscuss upcoming events and enjoy a potluck

I

TH

E BEST OF

line when we were getting ready to leave Baltimore, and he agreed to help us out by introducing us to people in Florida,” Warren said.

“After half a year I was elected president.”

He denies this quick rise to power has anything to do with his southern charm.

Warren likes the camaraderie, the interesting mix of individuals, backgrounds, and talents available with the Prime Timers.

As president he was always amazed at the willingness of members to donate time and energy to the group.

“Our activities have expanded over the past 3 or 4 years as has our membership.

We’d have 5 or 6 guys show up at the mix-

ers then, now 60 guests are not uncommon.

It’s good for members to meet the others so they can build good friendships.”

Warren is proud to add that several members have forged lasting partnerships.

Their founder, who at 90 is still active in the organization, seems to have forged an association that still exceeds his expectations.

In their February newsletter Baldwin stated, “One member said to me once, “I no longer hate growing old.” Wow, what a powerful thing that is, when you realize that our organization has had such a significance.”

For more information on the Prime Timers please go to Primetimers.org/ftlauderdale

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Crossword Puzzle 55 Least sweet 56 ___ violet Across (straight guy in a gay bar) 1 Arnaz, whose inlaws 60 Tops a cupcake had Balls 63 Stiff-upper-lip type 5 Whitman’s leaves 64 Sea bottom captain 10 Cry of Dorothy 68 Russian singing duo 14 Baseball Tonight channel 69 Reviewer Roger 15 Zellweger of Chicago 70 Like McKellen’s Magneto 16 Not outstanding 71 Years ago 17 Sites for three men in a tub 72 Study stations 18 Cancel out 73 Six feet under 19 Chelsea Pines and others 20 ___ Red (Type of cock) Down 23 Weapon of Caesar’s day 1 Some, on the Somme 25 Actor Bentley 2 Gaydar, for example 26 Scenic view 3 Losing gladiator’s plea 29 ___ orange (Cut fruit, 4 Like a muscle Mary perhaps) 5 Cap and gown wearer 31 ___ yellow (“Cock-eyed 6 Keep getting Optimist” color) 7 Lennox of the Eurythmics 32 The African Queen author 8 Dr. for the children’s hour?

33 Poles for your first mate?

9 VSucceed at pitching 37 “Hollaback Girl” 10 Giving a piece of your mind singer Stefani 11 Carpenter’s tool 38 Where to meet Judy Gar12 Hr. part land, in a movie 13 Meas. of a braggart?

40 Moisten one’s boxers 21 The NBA’s Magic on 44 Where to find It. scoreboards 45 Maupin stories 22 Gardner of Hollywood 50 ___ green 23 Castro Street, on BART (Patty Shehan area) 24 Hanging spot 52 ___ blue (hearing some 27 Threesome for Billie Holliday songs) Michelangelo 54 Undisturbed 28 Objectivist Rand Rainbow Flag

30 Mouth-to-mouth pro 31 CBS show in which semen may be evidence 34 Shake it 35 Small amount 36 Gang’s territory 38 Bessie of the blues 39 Sailor’s rear 40 Inflation meas.

41 Come quickly 42 Saucer pilots 43 On the table 46 Set straight 47 Serve up some whoppers 48 Print measures 49 Army NCO 51 Gave a breast to 53 Official decrees 57 End of a Beatles song title 58 Naysayers’ words 59 Sulu’s star ship captain 60 Simpson case judge 61 When repeated, a 1953 Cole Porter musical 62 Lister’s abbr.

65 She had no heterosexual parents 66 Jenny portrayer on The L Word 67 Like the gray mare See solution on page 31.

28

July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

I Am Man, I Am Gay continued from page 15

generally return calls within twenty-four hours. I keep my home reasonably clean. I subscribe to a daily newspaper, and try to read it almost every day. I keep abreast of current events. I receive my news from a wide variety of sources. When disagreeing with someone, I try to remain civil and respectful.

I compliment strangers sometimes. I call restaurants to cancel if I can’t keep my reservation. I try to validate my friend’s feelings and listen to their thoughts openly. I rarely boast or brag. I try to patronize local businesses. Although it’s hard for me to say this, I’m pretty certain I will have left somewhat of a positive impact on the world by the time I’m gone.

I scattered my father’s ashes where he wanted me to. I flew with my family to attend my grandmother’s funeral. I was captain of the safety patrol in sixth grade. I was president of the theatre society in high school. I wrote to my congressmen to help save the dolphins from tuna fishermen when I was a boy. I want to get married. I can’t, because I’m gay.

I grew up feeling sad and different and

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sometimes ashamed.

I no longer am sad, I’m glad I’m different, and I’ll be damned if I’ll ever be ashamed of who I am or what I believe. Because what I believe is that we are all the same. We are all equal. We all deserve to love and have our love recognized.

I think I’m a pretty good person. I know I’m as good as anyone else. I have done little enough wrong to deserve your forgiveness.

I’ve done nothing that deserves your pity.

And I know that I am good enough to not deserve your tolerance.

Tolerance is for someone who doesn’t know better, like my dog who likes to jump on people.

Tolerance is for someone whose views negatively impact your life, like people who want to stop me from loving the man I love, with all my heart. I do not want your tolerance. I do not deserve your tolerance. I will not accept your tolerance any longer.

What I will do is my best to ensure that we are all given equality and the legal right to love and marry the person who loves us back.

From now on I will tolerate nothing less.

29

July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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A Tribute to Alan Curtis

By Robin Bodiford

A

n activist who made a difference, Alan L. Curtis, passed June 13, 2010, in his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Alan was born July 27, 1946, in Tampa, Florida, of a genteel southern family. He graduated from Florida Southern College, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Before relocating to Fort Lauderdale, he was a high school teacher in Tampa, and worked for Traveler’s Insurance company.

Alan worked for the Hallmark Corporation for fifteen years receiving recognition several times as their most outstanding sales representative, before becoming the proprietor of Alan’s Hallmark Shop in Wilton Manors, in the 1980’s. He is perhaps most well remembered by his hundreds, if not thousands of customers as their salesman in Fleet Sales at Gary Fronrath & Maroone Chevrolet in Fort Lauderdale.

Alan was a bon vivant and social gadfly in Fort Lauderdale in the 1980s and 90s: melding a mix of the straight world of politicos, socialites, and gay men, extremely unusual at that time in South Florida. Alan welded political alliances that served both the politicians that he supported, and, more importantly for our community, created bonds with straight politicians that ultimately led to our winning our rights in both amending the Broward County Human Rights Ordinance to include protections for sexual orientation in the workplace, housing and places of public accommodation in 1995 (later to include transgendered persons), as well as the Domestic Partnership Ordinance enacted in 1999.

A largely unknown fact is that without Alan Curtis, the 1995 amendment would have died in the cradle. He orchestrated a pivotal meeting between attorney activists and Hamilton Forman, a powerful opponent of equal rights for gays, who had great influence over the Broward County Commission in the 1990s. As a result of that meeting a deal was struck that allowed the amendment process to go forward. The inroad Alan created was the path we trod to attain our local LGBT civil rights.

Alan’s community involvement straddled the two worlds he lived in: he was the first openly gay man appointed to any number of advisory boards in the City of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. With his foot planted firmly in the mainstream, he served as an appointee on the following civic organizations: 1993 Cemeteries Board of Trustees, City of Fort Lauderdale; 1994 Economic Development Advisory Board, City of Fort Lauderdale; 1995 Community Services Board, City of Fort Lauderdale; and in 1995 on the Cultural Affairs Council of Broward County.

Alan was a benefactor to Art Serve of Broward County and served on the board of the Public Theatre of Greater Fort Lauderdale. He was a confidant and political strategist to City of Fort Lauderdale Commissioners Jack Latona and Cary Keno, and Broward Sheriff Ron Cochran.

Alan was a founding member of the Dolphin Democratic Club, the Tuesday Night Committee, United Citizens for Human Rights Board, a GUARD member and benefactor, Center One Board Member, and Chair of the 2nd Red Ribbons Awards, all gay groups. For a number of years Alan was a devoted “buddy” to a number of young men suffering from AIDS at the height of the epidemic. Alan was also the first openly gay Sheriff’s liaison to the gay community in Florida and served on the Broward County Sheriff’s Advisory Council.

Alan was known for his beautiful smile, his twinkling blue eyes and quick wit. Also, he was known as a shrewd businessman and political ally. He had a flair for decorating and loved nothing more than turning a sow’s ear into a silk purse: purchasing run down local properties and turning them into gems that dazzled the eye. He will be remembered as a loyal, loving and beloved friend. He is survived by his many friends, his sister, Judi Boulware, and his nieces Sherri Daniel and Jennifer Pearce.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Poverello Center in Wilton Manors, Florida, and/or St.Jude Research Hospital, Memphis,Tennessee. A memorial and celebration of Alan’s life will be held on Saturday, July 24th 2:00 p.m., at Sunshine Cathedral MCC, 1480 S.W. 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315.

July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

It’s good to talk, Aquarius!

With outer planets hanging out near the cusps, Mercury entering Leo and Venus into Virgo kick off a lot of issues. Being cute, outspoken and constructively critical (let’s hope!) will have broad ramifications. Modesty, compassion and forethought are always good to check before speaking.

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Playful banter can help stimulate a better work environment, but not too playful lest your intentions are misunderstood. Spontaneous provocation has its place, but strategic consulting with colleagues will probably prove more effective.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Conflicted about social opportunities? You may be better off in quiet retreat with fewer, better friends. Favor the more productive and creative ones. Save time and energy for your partner, even if you don’t have one – yet.

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Your new playful streak could come off as critical and bitchy. Sometimes a Bette Davis impression just can’t make it right. One should never let go of the Golden Rule – but’cha are, Blanche! Well, you easily could.

Be extra mindful and considerate!

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Balancing friendly conversations with the boss, and maintaining friendships with colleagues, and could get you a huge promotion. Never forget where you came from and that going up the ladder helps you to pull others up after.

GEMINI (May 21- June 20):You have a lot to say and it feels very important to you.Your family and boss may disagree. Look for a new perspective and tweak your message a bit. Listen to friends with radical, challenging suggestions.

CANCER (June 21- July 22): Even if changing jobs seems risky these days, consider taking the chance.

Staying where you are could be worse. Any current dissatisfaction with your job invites self-sabotage.

Seek advice from a friend experienced in the work you want to do.

LEO (July 23 – August 22): However you identify with your words, some separation is good.Your partner can help open you up to powerful new ideas. Look past longheld notions to your most basic values; it’s better to take in those fresh notions.

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Step out of the social whirl for a bit. Focus on taking care of yourself inside and out. A new look should honor your age, not hide it.

Knowing your limits can help you zero in on your strengths.

Solution to Crossword Puzzle on page 27

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Showing off newfound wisdom could quickly force you to admit to the limits of your recent learning. Instead, ask thoughtful questions of a real expert. Don’t be shy! An outré creative approach could spark new directions and insights for both of you.

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Sex seems to be shifting from practice to theory.

That’s OK, especially if you consider deeply what it’s all about. Old messages on the topic take sudden relevance.Tapes to erase? Valuable but forgotten lessons? You could be surprised.

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18):Your sex life should be picking up pretty well.What does your partner say about that? A discussion on the topic is at least in order. People do change and grow.

Even if everything is hunky-dory, it’s good to talk.

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Being playful is important, but for now focus more on the actual work and responsibility of your relationship, real or hypothetical.

When you feel uncertain and use your partner for grounding that may be unfair to him or her.

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 e-mail at QScopes@ qsyndicate.com.

Humor

Q Scopes By Jack Fertig

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July 5, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com