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FEBRUARY 22, 2010 • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5

IT’S PARTY TIME ON SOUTH BEACH Page 21

IT’S ANTI-GAY TIME IN LYNCH-BURG Page 5

page

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

3

page

Gay Photogs Snap Away

12

page

SFGN Profile: Earl Rynerson

20

page

Brian McNaught’s Diversity Message

40

10 New DJs at Winter Party

2

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Passages Celebrations

February 22, 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 5

SFGN, as Per HRC & AP, Will Go ‘LGBT’

By A. Sebastian Fortino

W

hen deciding upon a singular appropriate format to use here at SFGN there was some debate over which was more apropos, LGBT or LGBT. While you might think the terms are interchangeable, think again.

According to Wikipedia, “LGBT (or LGBT) is an initialism referring collectively to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.”

However, when both forms were entered into Google the more accepted choice was LGBT. It brought back 25 million responses as opposed to LGBT, which brought back just-under 3 million.

The gay community is familiar with LGBT and LGBT but these are not the

only options.There is LGBTQ, with a “Q” or “QQ” for queer and questioning. If you wish to be snazzy you can write it as “LGBTQ?”.

The use of initials began in the mid1990s, when use of the term “gay community” was deemed old-fashioned and dropped in favor of GLB.Then ultimately a T was added for transgender individuals, which was seen as more inclusive.

Trevor Thomas, of the Human Rights Campaign, is their Deputy Communications Director. He says the standard, accepted format, LGBT replaced GLBT at the HRC in conjunction with the AP— Associated Press—roughly two years ago.

“We witnessed the community as a whole moving towards that initialism.

Because the AP and associated media had gone on ahead with LGBT and since we have to speak with the media every day, this played a factor with the rest of the community adopting the acronym and pushing it forward as a brand,” said Thomas who has been with the HRC since 2007.

However, he does not think it’s impossi-

ble for the current format to change again.

“I think the HRC will move forward with the community,” Thomas said enjoying the tongue-in-cheek nature of the interview.

“Diversity, after all is the bright spot of the LGBT community.”

Gay youth, for instance, have a broad group describing themselves as genderqueer. Some teenage bloggers describe themselves as hetero-challenged. In the case of transgender or androgynous individuals, gender-fluid is a popular adjective.

Last Friday at the opening of The Pride Center at Equality Park—which has not placed LGBT in its name—proclamations and letters of good wishes were read from various activists and politicians.

Rather than use any initials, each speaker articulated the full breadth of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender.To be politically correct, of course.They could have cut 20 minutes off their speeches had they just used GLBT, wait, make that LGBT. Beginning today, at SFGN—another initialism—we will proudly use LGBT, with the occasional “?” thrown in for excitement and BLT thrown in for lunch.

Gay Pulp Exhibit Opening at Stonewall

C

oncentrated Juice: Gay Pulp 1935-1969 will be on view at Stonewall from March 1- May 11, 2010.

The opening reception will take place Monday, March 1, 5:30- 7:00 PM. The exhibition and opening reception are free and open to the public.

Through the collections, programs and services, Stonewall Library & Archives documents, explores and honors the GLBT past while striving to inform, inspire and engage this and the next generation of our community’s leaders.

Funding for this organization is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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 Piero Guidugli

Chief Executive Officer

Features Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joey Amato joey.amato@southfloridagaynews.com

Lifestyle Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Sebastian Fortino sebastian.fortino@southfloridagaynews.com

Arts/Entertainment Editor . . . . . . Mary Damiano

SFGNites Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . JW Arnold

Health/HIV Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Gallotta

Senior Feature Correspondent. . Jesse Monteagudo Correspondents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Fritz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Kevin McNeir

Business Editor ........................... Richard Gary

Contributing Columnists. . . . . . . Tony Adams, Wayne Besen, AJ Cross, Deb Price, Brian McNaught, Jennifer Vanasco

Creative Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . George Dauphin

Online Website Director (Master of Our Domain). . . . . . . . Tom Forcella tommy.forcella@southfloridagaynews.com

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Display Marketing Associates. . . . Robert Brown, Brian Swinford, John Fugate

Display & Internet Marketing Manager . . . . . . . . . . . Cliff Dunn cliff.dunn@southfloridagaynews.com

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National Sales Representative. . . . Rivendell Media todd@rivendellmedia.com

Distributor . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles Braun Enterprises

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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February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Camera Q Gay Photographers in

South Florida

S

By A. Sebastian Fortino

outh Florida’s gay photographers are visible, important members of our community, capturing through their cameras the scores of LGBT events saturating our lives.

This week, SFGN spoke with three of them, Pompano Bill, Steven Shires, and Michael Murphy. There will be more to follow, but these artists have a proven history of publishing work that is uniquely personal and at times titillating, or even lush.

Whether you are in a shirt and tie at the opening of the GLCC, or really lush at Matty’s on the Drive, these lens masters might catch you at the moment you least expect it.

The backgrounds of these photographers are as varied as the images they capture. Perhaps the best-known photographer—for anyone who imbibes, socializes, or dances the night away locally—is Pompano Bill, with an archive of over 100,000 images. continued on page 8

Peacock by Steven Shires

4

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Local News

SAVE Dade to Honor Champions of Equality

By Joey Amato

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stablished to honor leaders of the community who have significantly advanced the cause of equality for LGBT people in Miami-Dade County, the ‘Champions of Equality’ Award winners have been announced for 2010.

South Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, former Miami Major Manny Diaz and Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, and Bacardi U.S.A. Inc. are among the honorees so distinguished.

“The importance of recognizing those in our community who have used their position to advance equality for all is that it gives their colleagues and peers an opportunity to connect with what is righteous; therefore, asking themselves tough questions about their own leadership and participation,” said C.J. Ortuño, executive director of SAVE Dade.

Bacardi promotion

South Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R) is one our strongest and most steadfast allies in Congress. RosLehtinen helped pass the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act into law in 2010. She has earned the title of Champion of Equality for her own support of pro-equality legislation and for garnering support for such legislation from her colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the world’s leading

Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

producer of wine and spirits, and is the first corporation bestowed with the Champions of Equality award for its strong support of the LGBT community and their organizations. For more than 15 years, Bacardi has leveraged its in-kind contributions to boost the fundraising goals of SAVE Dade, Aqua Foundation, The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the Miami Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, among others.

Commissioner Marc Sarnoff and former Mayor Manny Diaz sponsored a domestic partnership ordinance that was passed unanimously, by The City of Miami Commission.

The ordinance offers health benefits to declared domestic partners of city employees and their children in the same manner as the city offers such benefits to spouses of married employees and their children.

Chairman of the Board, Orlando Gonzales explained “Honoring the leadership of Ileana, Manny, and Marc is something I am very proud that we are doing. Their recognition exemplifies that equality is nonpartisan and can be embraced by all parties, religions, and cultures in the rich diversity of South Florida. And, Bacardi of course is long overdue this acknowledgement as they consistently stand behind the community.”

The 2010 SAVE Dade Champions of Equality Award Reception and Silent Auction will be held May 7, 2010. For more information, visit: Savedade.org.

NewsBriefsNewsBriefsNewsBriefs GAY SKIER SAYS FOCUS ON HER SKIS

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ay athletes are often closeted or keep a discrete profile so as not to damage their reputation in the public eye.

However, Ireen Wüst came out prior to the Olympic Games during an interview granted to a Dutch publication in 2009.

In it, she mentions having been in a relationship for more than a year. Now, however, Wüst feels the press devoted too much time to what goes on in her bedroom, as opposed to on the ice.

“I want to talk about ice skating,” said Ireen Wüst in a recent interview with European lesbian website eurout.org. “You are not asking Steven Kramer,” another Dutch Olympian, “about how his relationship is going. So why would you ask me?”

The 23-year-old Dutch speed skater is not happy that her relationship with another Olympian has caught the public’s eye.

Sanne van Kerkhof, also of Holland, 22 is her partner and Dutch short track speed racer.

Wüst feels that if her relationship were not with another woman—and Olympic competitor—it would not be gossip-worthy.Yet, it is interesting to note that she told the press about her relationship in October.

In the age of digital media she or her handlers should have told her the information might get more than a mere passing comment in the press.

Coop

The poor woman reportedly fell through the hole where the firehouse pole once stood, falling an estimated seventeen feet to the floor below!

The incident took place at Coop’s

property last ‘Fall.’ ‘Fall,’ get it?

The suit charges the anchor with carelessness and negligence in leaving holes in the floor exposed. Typically, a homeowner’s liability policy would cover the injuries O’Brien sustained. The building developer is also named as a defendant. Neil Greenberg, the plaintiff’s lawyer, says his client is “lucky she’s alive… The hole should have been securely covered.” Greenberg stated. “The poles were removed. Somebody opened up the coverings before she got there.”

The New York firehouse, located in Manhattan, was built in 1906. It was the former home of a unit of the Fire Patrol, a private firefighting organization backed by the insurance industry.

REPS COMMENTS ON ANAL SEX STIR YOU TUBE FRENZY Here is a piece off advocate. com running through the YouTube warehouse which proves why a newspaper has to be interactive and have online sites. It even may be too graphic for younger readers.

Last week, a New Hampshire state representative warned—very graphically—that schools would be required to teach students the intricacies of gay sex with gay marriage Wüst on the books.

“We’re talking about taking the Ryan Quinn, a gay cross country skier in penis of a man and putting it in the rectum the 2006 Winter Olympics has been quoted of another man and wriggling it around in as saying, “athletes who are gay have nothexcrement,” said Nancy Elliott at a recent ing material to gain by coming out publicly.” session. “And you have to think, would I want If they have nothing to gain why does the that to be done to me?”

LGBT public ask every time the winter or Elliott, a Republican on the house judiciary summer games come around: where are committee, sponsored a bill in January to the gay athletes? /ASF define marriage in the state constitution as a union only for heterosexual couples.The COOP SUED FOR committee rejected the bill Tuesday in a 12-8 vote. Same-sex marriage has been legal in HOLE IN FLOOR New Hampshire for five weeks.

An Interior decorator by the name of Not much longer if she has her way. Her Killian O’Brien, who is a resident of mistake, of course, one typically made by Brooklyn, is suing famous CNN anchor too many straight people, is that they think Anderson Cooper after falling through all same sex relationships are about sex and a hole in the floor at the New York City nothing else. firehouse he is renovating into a home.

5

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

National News

Con Man Goldberg Admits to Criminal Acts Claims Redemption Is His Reward,Takes Shot at SFGN

By Norm Kent

O

n the heels of a SFGN investigation last week which revealed to the world that he was a convicted felon, Arthur Abba Goldberg owned up, in part, to his past frauds, by calling them a “major error in judgment.”

Last week, SFGN revealed that Goldberg, the President of an ex gay group named JONAH, Jews Offering New Alternatives to Homosexuality, was a convicted swindler whose bogus bond schemes ripped off the government and duped thousands of investors for big bucks.

Upon completing his 18 month prison sentence and 5 years of probation

for three counts of felony fraud, Goldberg started the ex gay group out of an office in Jersey City, avoiding any use of his conspicuous middle name. As Arthur Goldberg, he became a huge force in the ex-gay, anti-gay movement, rising to the position of Executive Secretary of National Association of Research and Treatment of Homosexuals.

The stunning revelations that he engineered a 2 billion dollar bond fraud two decades ago has swept through gay web sites all over the ‘Net and throughout the world. SFGN joined with Truth Wins Out, an organization headed by Wayne Besen, to expose Goldberg. The article has been picked up by advocate.com, qwerty.com,

towleroad.com, and at least 100 different bloggers sites, including the Wall Street journal LGBT blog.

Said Besen, “Goldberg has found out that you can run but you cannot hide. This feature exposed him for the con artist he once was and still is.”

Explaining his conduct to a concerned supporter, Goldberg indicated that his backers should not be alarmed by his past frauds and nothing would impair those seeking treatment for their homosexuality.

Goldberg claimed that Judaism taught him to “take responsibility for a major error in judgment which I made more than 20 years ago. I paid the price to society, and then moved on to build a life totally devoted to service of those who suffer with unwanted samesex attractions.”

Taking a shot at SFGN for exposing him, Goldberg went on to say that “Unfortunately, the controversy arose because those who disagree with a message would rather attack the messenger, or assassinate the character of the messenger by digging up old stories and in that way kill the message. Personal attacks on my character should not take away from the science that change is pos-

Liberty U. Conference Warns About ‘Homosexual Demons’

By A. Sebastian Fortino

L

iberty University hosted a two day conference ten days ago warning its students about the “dangers of homosexuality.”

“Understanding Same-sex Attractions and Their Consequences,” featured Alan Chambers a high-brow, ex-gay. He is the president of Exodus International, a Christian organization dedicated to “converting homosexuals.” A chorus of ex-gay leaders also spoke following his keynote address.

“What I was looking for in homosexuality was someone who would give me what was missing in the core of what I was. It wasn’t all about sex. I was craving a relationship with someone who would love me,” Chambers confessed to the audience of Christian law students.

“The average gay-activist knows more about the Bible than most Christians do.

Talk about losing the battle! How can you ef-

Alan Chambers wants to heal you

fectively debate if a gay activist knows more about the Bible than you do,” Chambers said.

Homosexuality is not the “worst sin of all,” he admitted. Chambers believes homosexuality might be genetic, but he points out, so are alcoholism, cancer, and mental illness.

Therefore, he argues that “homosexual urges can be treated with therapy and prayer.”

While Chambers also believes demons are at work among homosexuals he does not believe that full-scale exorcisms are a “necessary step in curing the homosexual.” He asserts that the Church, to date, has “ministered” to the woebegone homosexual incorrectly.

“Anger corrects,” he said, “but hostility destroys. The homosexual must be understood, and brought back to holiness via love and compassion.”

At the conference, Chambers spoke of an outreach ministry he began for gays at a church in Virginia. He spoke compassionately of wanting to “strangle” church members who were loathe to think of homosexuals coming to church.

“We have an angry, bitter gay rights movement today because we created it. The people who are involved in homosexuality are mad for a reason. Mad because we treated them the way Christ never would,” Chambers said.

Virginia’s Liberty University claims to be America’s largest Christian university.

goldberg, in the jersey record, in

1989

sible and that no one is born gay.”

Goldberg concluded his apology by spinning his failure to disclose his criminal convictions and felonious past this way: “G-d works in strange ways. If I did not make the mistake I made during the 1980’s, it is likely there would be no Jonah today. And, if there was no Jonah today, innumerable men and women would not have had the opportunity to successfully overcome their homosexual fantasies, arousals, identity, or behavior. Where would we be then?”

Chambers spoke on the first day of the symposium, but apparently Dean J. Matt Barber did not listen to closely to what he had to say about compassion.

When Dean J. Matt Barber addressed the crowd, his talk was vitriolic, arguing that the gay community desires civil rights, not for “protection against discrimination, but to gain support of the gay lifestyle.”

He complained that gay rights activists “in order to achieve widespread support of gayness had to take the focus off of what homosexuality really is,” driving home conduct in bed. “They try to take the focus off of gay sex, the mechanics of which most of us don’t want to think about..”, he added.

Dean Barber almost taunted the gay community from the law school’s pulpit.

He claimed gay rights activists, bloggers, and writers would watch his speech—although sermon might be a better word— and use it against him and other presenters as “gay bigots.”

The conference concluded with speakers taking the position that the quest for homosexual rights was inhibiting freedoms of speech, religion, and association. Just another typical day in the classroom for the students in Lynch-burg, Virginia.

6

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Anti Gay Comic Strip Stirs Irish at Notre Dame

By Norm Kent BRAD KANE REALTOR® STEVE SHUMAN REALTOR®

ual orientation protection in their stuhe University of dent handbooks. Notre Notre Dame’s stuDame has fought it. dent newspaper made While various adnational headlines last ministrators have con­ month when it printed an demned the cartoon amateurly penciled antiin a press release gay comic strip. The conshortly after it was troversy has not tamed. published, no official The backlash then commitments have was vocal, intense and been made about it. deserved—the comic de­ The petition drive University of Notre Dame picted one character askwill continue through ing another how to turn a ‘fruit’ into a ‘veg- March, and student leaders will then lobby etable.’ The response: ‘a baseball bat.’ the university president, the Rev. John JenEarlier, an equally offensive cartoon- kins, to “do the right thing.” suggesting you turn a ‘fruit’ into a ‘vegetaIt’s only one gay rights item on the agenble’ with ‘AIDS’ had been rejected. da for Notre Dame. The administration will On campus, the response has also been also be called upon to decide whether or fierce and adamant, but very supportive of not to approve a campus Gay-Straight Althe LGBT members of Notre Dame’s stu- liance. Notre Dame has never had an offident body, faculty and staff. cially recognized club of this type, although Only days after the cartoon appeared, an unofficial group, a council for gay and students held a rally protesting the insensi- lesbian students, has existed since the ‘90s. tivity of the publication.

Heidi Schlumpf, a University of Notre Following the public display, groups orga- Dame alum who worked at the student nized to circulate a petition asking the uni- newspaper during her college days, capversity to adopt a non discrimination clause, tured the feelings of most students when which includes sexual orientation. Current- she blogged that “student newspapers make ly, the Catholic institution does not have one. mistakes. But publishing a cartoon that Dozens of other Catholic universities in turns gay bashing into comedy? That goes the United States have already included sex- beyond a simple mistake.”

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Assistant Editor of the Observer resigned after running this ‘cartoon’

7

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

‘Buggery’ Conviction Haunts Gay Brit Seeks to Bounce 50 Year Old Nightmare

By Gregory Katz (AP)

group that has helped Crawford. “We’ve always had a regular trickle of people asking about it, how to get their records cleaned up.”

She said Crawford suffered horrific treatment from the police and should not have to disclose his criminal conviction when seeking employment or volunteer work.

His lawyers wrote to Justice Secretary Jack Straw last week asking that the law be changed so that Crawford and others in his position would not have to disclose their convictions during the job interview process.

If no action is taken by March 12, attorneys will seek a formal judicial review because the policy is not compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, said lawyer Anna Mazzola.

“John Crawford wants to do it, to change the law for other people,” she said. “Others are in exactly the same position. The justice secretary has the power to do this, without going through Parliament.”

Mazzola’s firm has also filed a freedom of information request for data about the number of people convicted of consensual sexual

offenses that would now be legal.

“I think there are quite a lot,” she said.

Crawford’s legal campaign has already

Lesbian Cruise Company Celebrates 20 Years

Cruse adds, “It’s amazing to see what happens when a happy, fun-loving, appreciative group gets together and experiences this level of freedom...its nirvana. Some take for granted being able to dance together or hold hands in public. But for our clientele it remains special.”

Olivia also helps the communities it visits. For example, founding the LGBT Haiti Relief Fund of the Red Cross, for which they raised over $200,000 in the first two weeks following the earthquake. “We visit the Caribbean all the time and our friends in Haiti are suffering in unimaginable ways,” added Dlugacz. “As a community, we believe showing our support through this effort will help strengthen the bonds we have created in the region as LGBT people.”

Olivia’s 20th Anniversary cruise will set sail to the Western Caribbean on February 28, 2010.

The line-up includes The Indigo Girls, Meg Christian, L Word sensation Leisha

LONDON — He was convicted of a crime more than half a century ago, but what he did in 1959—have consensual sex with another man—would be perfectly legal today.

So John Crawford, 70, wants his criminal record cleaned up for good, so that he doesn’t have to disclose his conviction when he seeks volunteer work, and because of a deeply held belief that he should not be punished for his sexual orientation.

“I came into this world without a criminal record and I’d like to leave this world without one,” said Crawford, a retired butler.

“The police beat me and beat me and forced me to confess to being gay, but I know in my heart I did nothing wrong.”

Crawford’s bid to clean up his record is backed by gay organizations looking to help others who were convicted under Britain’s once draconian anti-homosexuality laws, which began to be eased in 1967 as social values changed and sex acts between consenting adults began to be decriminalized.

“These laws were homophobic in the first place, that’s why they were rescinded, but the laws are still penalizing people,” said Deborah Gold, director of Galop, a gay rights

By Joey Amato

O

livia, the definitive leader of lesbian travel, is celebrating its 20th year of chartering cruises and resort vacations. Morphing from the groundbreaking record label in the 70’s to the largest company catering solely to lesbians today, Olivia has continued to meet the needs of the community it has served for almost 4 decades.

Olivia was created to serve a lesbian market. “I am extremely blessed to have been part of this amazing experience. When the company launched 35 years ago, I never dreamed Olivia would become the company that it is today,” says Judy Dlugacz, President

and Founder of Olivia.

Olivia chartered its first cruise in 1990, a 600 passenger ship with Dolphin Cruise Lines. “When we first began, no one wanted our business,” said Jill Cruse, Olivia’s VP of Guest Experience. “They were afraid of a backlash. Now we are one of the biggest clients of Holland America and Club Med resorts. We have over 2000 passengers on our Caribbean ships and go everywhere from the Galapagos Islands to Africa. ” Unlike other travel companies which have suffered in this past year’s recession, Olivia is experiencing higher demand. With 5 trips already sold out in 2010 and many others edging towards 100% occupancy, Olivia enters this celebratory year with great sales.

John Crawford

been productive. In response to a letter from his lawyers, police have removed the record of his conviction from the criminal database, meaning it will not turn up during a computerized criminal records search.

“We are very sympathetic to Mr. Crawford’s concerns,” said a Hampshire police spokesman, who asked not to be identified under department policy. “We recognize that this is an exceptional case and have acted quickly to resolve it.”

The spokesman said the conviction is

no longer relevant and has been taken out of the Police National Computer database.

The special ruling applies only to Crawford, however, not to other gay or bisexual men with similar offenses in their past.

This welcome decision removes one substantial obstacle Crawford faces in his retirement as he pursues voluntary positions, such as hospital work where he would be helping to feed ill people.

He is not satisfied, however, because he is still legally required to reveal the 1959 episode when asked if he has ever been convicted of any criminal offense. This happens frequently on questionnaires when applying for volunteer work with vulnerable persons.

“I think it’s ridiculous,” Crawford said.

His lingering anger comes in part from the humiliation he suffered at the hands of police officers in 1959. He said they abused him physically and harassed him with vulgar taunts, then coerced him into pleading guilty by threatening to continue beating him if he did not cooperate.

As a result of that plea, he said he was saddled with a conviction that would not have been possible otherwise, especially since he was not accused of having sex in public.

“I wanted to plead not guilty, and the case would have been thrown out and I wouldn’t be talking about it now,” Crawford said. “Until the police drop it completely, I won’t be happy. I’ve got to be able to put my hand on my heart and say to the world, I haven’t got a criminal record, and I can’t say that now.”

Judy Dlugacz

Hailey and New York Times’ bestselling author Nicole Schapiro.

For more about Olivia’s Anniversary vacation, visit Olivia.com.

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February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Camera Q

Gay Photographers in South Florida

Pompano Bill

“I

’m not a trained photographer,” Pompano said proudly. “What made you think I was a photographer? It’s not a business for me; it is a hobby that evolved. I retired from IBM in 1987, and got bored so I activated my hobby.”

Club Caribbean, the once legendary North Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale gay resort, is where Pompano got his start. On Sundays, he said, “poolside was packed with over a thousand men in various stages of dress, often sipping Bloody Mary’s in one of the club’s many bars.”

Photo by Pompano Bill

On a Sunday in 1992, Pompano snapped a picture of one of the hot bartenders. At the time, the gay bar magazine of record was Brad Casey’s popular “Scoop”. Casey, now a senior salesman for Mark’s List, thought so much of Pompano’s photo he ran it on the front page of the magazine.

“And,” Pompano says proudly, “I’ve been published ever since. When I started, all I knew about a camera was

Steven Shires

S

teven Shires’ became a photographer after teaching elementary school for 11 years in Richmond, Virginia “burned him out.”

“I’ve been taking pictures since I was 17,” Shires told SFGN. “After teaching, I went to Key West for three years.

I worked odd jobs, and I wasn’t making enough money.

Then I worked for a few photographers, learned what I needed to do then started working with gay publications.

Then everything changed when I started working for The Express Gay News.” Having his pictures published on a weekly basis gave birth to his new career.

Today, Shires no longer considers himself to be a “scene photographer.” He is specializing in weddings, portraits, events, and interior shots.

“I belong to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, and am moving into more mainstream work. I am trying to do it all though, work with the community, and develop my art.” He counts the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus as one of his prominent clients. It is his photos

Photo by Steven Shires

continued from page 3

Michael Murphy

M

ichael Murphy has the energy—and schedule—of ten men. One trend uniting our three photographers is that they chose photography as a vocation after an earlier career. While Pompano retired, and Shires “burned out” as a teacher, native Miamian Murphy was a DJ and “didn’t want to be out until 5 in the morning every night.”

Photo by Michael Murphy In 1990, after taking pictures as a hobby, with a friend, he decided to do something more creative. Without training, Murphy apprenticed with a few photographers in Fort Lauderdale.

Twenty years later, he is now an established and successful photographer, whose prolific work has become a staple of the gay community.

“My exposure comes from the charities and non-profits I support through service as a photographer. These are the people you want to be around,” Murphy exclaimed. “They love their community and want to support other people who All profiles continued just to your right on page 9

9

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

News Analysis

Forget Gay Marriage, Now Texas Opposes Gay Divorce Lone Star State Ruling Upsets Apple Cart

By Norm Kent

T

exas is not known for being progressive when it comes to gay rights.

After all, it was in that state that a gay couple was prosecuted for having sex in their own bed in their own home.

When police broke in to serve a warrant, they were arrested. It was a challenge to that prosecution which led to the landmark United States Supreme Court case, Lawrence vs. Texas, protecting the sanctity of same sex liaisons.

So the Lone Star State is not the place where you would expect gay marriages to open a door to the future. But a gay divorce may do so. Here is why.

Last fall, in a small Texas jurisdiction, County Judge Tena Callahan, entered an or-

der allowing two lesbians, Angelique Naylor and Sabina Daly, the right to be granted a divorce decree.

You see, there is a principle of law called ‘comity,’ which provides that one state must recognize what another state’s laws are.

Thus, if a legally married couple from Massachusetts moves to Texas, and seeks a divorce there, the argument is that the state has to give it to them. That is what happened here, and now the Attorney General is not all too thrilled.

The divorce of the lesbian couple has the potential to affect thousands of gay couples in Texas. In fact, just last month, a Dallas man filed a new lawsuit to divorce his husband.

The Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said the Court had no legal authority to

Camera Q

continued from previous page

Pompano Bill

Michael Murphy

to look through the viewfinder and click.

That’s all I knew.”

Today, his pictures appear regularly in Hot Spots, but there is arguably no gay publication in South Florida that he has not been his pictures published in. “We consider him a national treasure,” said Peter Clark, the publisher of Hot Spots.

His picture on the preceding page is of one of the first Gay Pride Parades ever in Fort Lauderdale, in 1992 on the 17th Street Causeway.

are committed to it. It all comes back to you.”

His photographs strive to capture a common bond of comfort with the man behind the lens. “It is the core of my art,” Murphy says.

His studios feature an enormous collection of his covers from magazines, portraits of couples, newlyweds, pets, and children, as well as corporate events. Within the portraits, you can see the essence of Murphy’s art; his ability to make his photographic subjects, even canines, at ease with themselves—be that canine your ex, or of the four-legged variety.

Whether it’s a trade fair at the Westin Diplomat, a child’s bar mitzvah, or celebrities at play, the sports-loving, fun-loving Michael Murphy’s work exudes a love for his job.

As we left his studio Murphy, this self-described mercenary with a camera, said something that perfectly summed up why we need our photographers so much. “I love this job because at the end of the day it’s great to have people say, ‘Thank you for being there during the most important times in our lives.’”

Steven Shires which appear on their website.

Shires has an active interest in the fine art side of photography. His website displays a collage of photos, as unexpected as the details of a banana skin to studies of Dale Chihuly’s glass forms. Someday Shires hopes to do an exhibition featuring the diversity of the work.

grant the divorce to the lesbians, and that it taught me to have the courage of my convicwould intervene “to defend the Texas Con- tions and to do what’s right.” stitution,” which prohibits gay marriage.

Of her divorce, Naylor said they chose that “Texas can’t have a faulty precedent on the legal vehicle because it made it easier to sort books that validates an illegal law,” Abbott said out their affairs, which included a business they in court documents. He also announced that owned together and an adopted child. he intends to intervene “It wasn’t about gay early on in the Dallas case rights,” Naylor had told involving the two men the Dallas Voice, “It was seeking a divorce. about two people who Abbott’s statement arhad serious legal issues gues that because the law that needed to be reand the Constitution of solved with a judge.”

Texas defines marriage as It may not have been a union between one man about gay rights when the and one woman, voidcase was filed, but as the ance, not divorce, is the story circulates through proper remedy. the national gay media “I’m not sure why the and hits UPI and the AP, Judge Tena Callahan attorney general is choosit may well be a landmark ing to intervene when the matter’s settled case down the road. Watch it closely. and the family’s finally at peace for the first Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, just the retime in a long time,” said Naylor. verse is taking place. Attorney General MarJudge Callahan explained her ruling to the tha Coakley went to court last week asking Stonewall Democrats of Texas in an October a judge to overturn the Defense of Marriage meeting. She said “My dad always used to tell Act, saying it is unconstitutional, and interme that a billion people can believe in a bad feres with their state law allowing gay maridea, and it’s still a bad idea. And that man riages in the Bay state.

Do you always need an attorney to represent you when you are injured in an automobile or other accident?

Even though I have over 30 years experience in representing people who have been injured dure to the negligence of others, the answer is NO. However, in order to make the decision on whether or not you need the services of an attorney, you need to be properly informed of your legal rights. For information which will allow you to make that informed decision, please contact me for a free consultation.

Robert L. Spector Personal Injury Trial Attorney

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement. Before you decide, ask the attorney to send you free written information about his or her qualifications and experience.

10

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Business News

It’s Fabulis, Honey!

Entrepeneur Launches New Gay Networking Site

M

ySpace. Facebook. Love at AOL. the social networking platforms of FourManhunt. Adam for Adam. Man- square or Gowalla, and provide Facebookcrunch. Gay.com. And every new site you like connections among friends. thought you would ever see has already “A deeper component of a gay man’s been thrown at the gay lifestyle is that friends of community. friends become like an exNot to be outdone, San tended part of your famFrancisco gay businessily,” Goldberg said. man Jason Goldberg has Goldberg, who prevideveloped a new social ously founded tech com­ networking site aimed at panies Jobster and Socialgay men that he called a median, came up with “cross between Facebook the idea for Fabulis while and Yelp.” working in Europe. He Private Equity Week has said that when his boyreported that Goldberg, the friend visited from the founder and CEO of Fabulis United States, they were www.Fabulis.com, recently unable to find many Jason Goldberg raised $625,000 in seed gay-centric activities funding in anticipation online. of launching his new The sites he found website this spring. were “representing Goldberg said he 50-year old women, hopes the site, which but not addressing is still in beta test my demographic,” he mode, will become a brand synonymous with said. “I realized then that I needed to create gay men and their love of “celebrating life.” a product that I wanted to use.”

He said Fabulis will provide a place The publicly known backers of Fabulis where gay men can go online to discuss at this time include Goldberg; Allen Morand share places and cities to visit and re- gan, venture partner of the Mayfield Fund; views of what to see there, similar to a Yelp. Don Baer, worldwide vice chairman of BurGoldberg added the site will also include son-Marsteller; and Lars Hinrichs, CEO of a location-sharing component, much like Xing.

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February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Big Blue on Top IBM Ranks #1 in 2010 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index

By Joey Amato

S

tonewall’s Employer of the Year 2010 was awarded to IBM UK & Ireland.

They are the first employer to win this title twice, having previously topped the Stonewall Top 100 Employers in 2007.

IBM recognized the economic downturn as an opportunity to invest in diversity—both to attract the best LGBT talent in the marketplace and to ensure they are the number one supplier for the LGBT community.

Brendon Riley, Chief Executive Officer, IBM UK & Ireland states, “IBM is extremely proud to accept this important accolade.

This is the second time that IBM has been named as the UK’s top employer for LGBT people in the Stonewall Top 100 Employers 2010.”

Stonewall, through its Workplace Equality Index and other pro­ grams, has increased the sense of urgency for organizations across Britain and Ireland to implement effective diversity strategies. 2009 marked the 25th anniversary of IBM’s global LGBT non-discrimination policy, although the company ranked eleventh on the index for the year.

Riley states, “Since last year’s award, we have done much to re-evaluate and strengthen our LGBT strategy as part of our overall commitment to diversity. We’ve looked more closely at the LGBT network group—its value proposition and its life-cycle—to ensure that it continues to deliver value, both to the corporation and to its members.”

Silvy Vluggen, IBM’s Global Program Manager, LGBT Constituency & Cultural Intelligence tells SFGN that the company, “is proud to offer 49 LGBT Diversity Network Groups worldwide.”

In addition, “IBM offers extensive Domestic Partner Benefits, which includes coverage of sexual reassignment surgery,” Vluggen states. “Furthermore, our ‘Out Exe­ cutives’ program keeps track of LGBT executives worldwide and engages them actively in our activities and programs.”

IBM’s Global Corporate Policy on Workforce Diversity states: “The employees of IBM represent a talented and diverse workforce. Achieving the full potential of this diversity is a business priority that is fundamental to our competitive success.”

Furthermore, IBM de­veloped the LGBT Executive Forum, which enables organizations to share best practice and support others in their efforts to establish effective and pervasive equality agendas.

S t o n e w a l l ’s sixth Workplace Equality Index, the basis for the Stonewall Top 100 Employers 2010, is the definitive national benchmark­ing exercise showcasing Britain’s top employers for LGBT staff.

2010 is the second year of revised and updated index criteria, challenging employers to demonstrate how their efforts to support LGBT staff have a lasting impact on their workplace. Employers have responded to this challenge in greater numbers and to higher standards than ever before. Participation in the Index has more than doubled since 2006 and this year the minimum score needed to win a place in the Top 100 is 10 per cent higher than in 2009.

Every employer mentioned in the index has an employee network group to provide support, advice, networking and development for LGBT staff. The companies understand that LGBT equality benefits both individuals and organizations.

11

12

The Earl of Tile

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

tenant in the Air Force.

The military is a major factor in his life today. He spent six years in active duty as an Air Force flight officer and Navigator, and did two tours in Iraq. Leaving the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel, he joined Hewlett Packard in San Francisco, earned an MBA, and became actively involved in his community in northern San Francisco, South Florida Gay News.com has as its goal a commitment to show the LGBT community with “its clothes working with the United Way and neighon.” As such, we will be periodically doing profiles of local businesses and local businessman, simply sharing borhood associations. their product and personality with the public. It was a regular feature in The Express Gay News, and we It is that sense of neighborhood which start our first piece in SFGN with Earl Rynerson’s CLAD Tile, now flooring Floort Lauderdale for a decade.

Rynerson brings to CLAD Tile in Fort Lauderdale

By Cliff Dunn was raised on a farm in Kentucky. He knew today. You enter a softly lit tile something about hard work and tending to paradise, with incense cane came to Fort Lauderdale to re- things on his own. When he started CLAD dles burning and Rynerson’s tire. He was going to spend his TILE & Stone only to find out soon after- dog, Milton, lying on a rug in his office. He days on a boat, and have a small wards that his managers were not managing may not be on a boat, but Earl is relaxed in business someone else could watch and op- it properly, he knew he would have to step jeans and moccasins. erate for him. back to pilot the ship. Not necessarily the Still, Fort Lauderdale has jaded Rynerson a After leaving San Francisco’s St. Francis retirement he planned for. tad. Life has taught him to be wary and hard Woods, he would come to South Florida, Thinking back last week of those start-up nosed. A politically minded individual, he was kick back, throw up his feet, and do some years for his then Hollywood-based com- a candidate for Fort Lauderdale mayor last year, work on a fix-up house. He said he thought pany, Rynerson says “I got a lot of gray hairs running a campaign against waste, corruption, it “would be cool.” in a short period of time.” and a city manager he finds unacceptable.

Those were the plans of Earl Rynerson, “Dealing with South Florida business ethThe very lethargy and waste you find in who had spent the previous two decades in ics was a quite a shocker,” Rynerson confid- government you will not find at CLAD Tile.

San Francisco as a high tech VP of a computer ed. “I learned early on I had to be hands on.” His business is a neatly manicured supermarsoftware company. But the best laid plans of Earl, however is a man who attended the ket, efficiently organized and spotlessly laid mice and men often go astray.

University of Kentucky ROTC program, out. It is a Sunday buffet for tile lovers. You Earl Rynerson, oldest of five children, and eventually graduated as a Second Lieu- can cruise the aisles for all types of flooring, from eco friendly products to all types of porcelain tile and stone. The options include granite, marble and many other unique types of tile, from mosaics, to glass, metal, pool and even leather.

The selection of eco friendly materials at CLAD are particularly impressive. You can choose from recycled exotic woods acquired from the Far East, or reclaimed coconut shell mosaics. There are resin based tiles produced from recycled glass and aluminum, and even sorgum stalks, meticulously laid out in designer patterns and then flattened by a machine press. You can almost smell the gums.

Earl Rynerson is the owner of clad tile Not quite like flying

The Military, Political Spirit, and Business Accumen Mark His Life

missions as he did in “Operation Desert Storm”, but rewarding nevertheless, Rynerson confesses. “You know, customers come in and they are excited about planning their home for a new design, a modern look, and the finished product is the reward,” he says.

Today, with the economy slower, there are not as many new homes to floor, but there are older homes to get creative with. Says Rynerson, “Our projects may be smaller today, but it is still just as important to the consumer. They can retile a bathroom, redesign a kitchen, and give new life to a piece of the home they are going to keep.”

But, he warns, “understand when you rip out tile, and you raise concrete dust, your life can be agony. Garage and warehouse as much as you can before you start. And pretend you are camping for a while. It can be a root canal for your home, but you will be grateful with the finished product.”

A trip to the URL www.cladtile.com and its virtual gallery will give you a tour of the fruits of remodeling. From the new terazzos to the stone flooring, the diversity and designs are unlimited and mind boggling.

In fact, says Rynerson, “You are better off making a little list of what you want before you come in; highlight what you want, find a starting point, and decide your aesthetics in advance.” He is right. While he can offer you many options, if you just come in and start walking around, you are like a kid in a candy store. You will just get confused by all the choices.

Recovering from his entry into city politics last year, there may be yet in his future another building to floor and tile, at City Hall.

Rynerson, who counts his military experience and business credentials as paramount in his life, also underscores political activism as a motivator. He has started a web site that educates the reader about what is occurring in Fort Lauderdale politics and calls attention to the continuing waste of taxpayer money. The URL is www. abetterftlauderdale.com.

However, if you are looking for tumbled stone or slate mosaics for a backsplash or new living room, high grade granite or laminate wood flooring, then a trip to CLAD Tile’s emporium of delight should be your next mission. You get a dose of Earl’s politics, a cup of Earl grey tea, and a new dining room floor, courtesy of CLAD Tile and Stone.

BUSINESS

H

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Celebrations

‘LEGACY COUPLES’ HONORED IN MIAMI BEACH

O

ne of the very valid criticisms of SFGN Valentine’s Day ‘Hottest Bachelors’ piece was that they were all ‘boys.’

So SFGN directs you to go look at the series of pictures of long-time partners prudently photographed and featured recently on Steve Rothaus’ Gay South Florida blog in the Herald.

Steve and his partner Ric Katz were themselves featured in the inaugural issue of SFGN by contributing editor Jesse Monteagudo. You can only learn from the master.

Miami Beach Gay Pride last week sponsored a reception for legacy same-sex couples- together at least 20 years- at Bar 21 off Lincoln Road in South Beach.

The couples—who will all ride in the gay pride day parade—are role models to younger gays and lesbians, said Cindy Brown, operations director for the festival to be held April 17 on Ocean Drive.

Those profiled, from South Beach to Palm

Robert Collier and Charles Hunziker

Beach, included Bob Truax and Tony Fernandez, together 56 years, and Frank Fiorentino, 64, and partner Bill Pease, 72. They’ve been together 41 years.

Steve’s picture collage also includes Robert Collier, 75, and Charles Hunziker, 78; partners for 47 years, and Maurice Colton, 69, and Norman King, 72, together for 39 years. Now these guys know something about Valentine’s Day. How did we miss being there? Oh, yeah, we have been around only four weeks.

Excuses, excuses.

But hang in there, tell you what, we are going to do a story on ‘Single Men Between 40 and The End’ so if you are a middle aged gay man, and willing to appear in our followup Bachelor Issue, please e-male editor@ southfloridagaynews.com, with a picture and paragraph of yourself.

Women, stay patient. Mother’s Day is coming up soon.

13

14

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Circuit Parties Can Create Careless Consequences

By Michael Weinstein

I The late Ron Williams was an editorial cartoonist for the Express

SFGN Editorial

2/22/2010

Norm Kent Publisher

No Forgiveness for ‘Ex Gay’ Icon

F

Last week, in only the fourth issue of SFGN, we were fortunate to team with Wayne Besen and Truth Wins Out to expose a convicted felon who had engineered a two billion dollar fraud against poor people and U.S. taxpayers, from East Saint Louis to the Pacific U.S. territory of Guam.

After getting out of prison 20 years ago, Arthur Abba Goldberg then founded JONAH, Jews Offering Alternatives to Homosexuality, an ex-gay group which has become nationally known. Conveniently, he built his new reputation while running from his past, owning up to no one who he was and where he had been.

In a letter to one of his supporters after our story broke, he accused SFGN of shooting the messenger and denying him his message.

He and fellow spokespersons at JONAH have now explained away his conduct two decades ago simply as a ‘major error in judgment.’

Since Mr. Goldberg even wrote a book entitled “Light in the Closet: Torah, Homosexuality and the Power to Change,” let us share this with him- the Torah is the Book of Truth.

You cannot deny what you have done, or who you hurt. You can’t hit a button and delete your history. Good or bad, it is you.

Consequently, Mr. Goldberg, you can’t call collecting ten million dollars in illegal fees and then orchestrating a billion dollar fraud

in 1989, an ‘error in judgment’ in 2010. It just won’t fly.

Your deeds then were knowing, conscious and deliberate. They were acts which led to a federal criminal prosecution and a sentence of imprisonment. It enriched you illegally, and it was a crime then and it would be a crime if you did it now. Ask Bernie Madoff. It was a crime of significant magnitude at that, causing enormous material harm, heartbreak, and financial suffering to many.

Today, Mr. Goldberg wants to help all of us cure our same-sex attraction. He seeks redemption, and says he has devoted his life to helping people get ‘through’ homosexuality the way they would a ‘drug or alcohol’ problem. Do not know if his openly gay son, a member of the local gay chorus in Jersey, is buying into his prayers. On behalf of the South Florida gay community, neither is this paper or its readers.

We do not have a gay national anthem yet, but if there was one, a likely candidate would be the song from La Cage Aux Folles, where a big drag queen rips off his wig and sings “I am what I am; I am my own special creation.”

Mr. Goldberg, we are proud of whom we are, and we do not need your cures or your healing spirits. You are like the travelling snake oil salesman with a horse and carriage selling his potions from town to town in the old west. Yours is the scam. Our lives, with its promise and potential, its pain or its weakness, are real. Let us be.

Mr. Goldberg, the gay communities of America do not need your praise or want your pity. We bang our own drum, and we sir, have no closets to hide in. Not anymore, and never again. You might want to come out of yours. Start by owning up to a crime, and not an ‘error in judgment.’

n the Mark Wahlberg sci-fi film The Happening, an alien invasion hits the east coast and causes people to commit suicide. The attack centers on concentrations of people and the telltale sign that it has arrived is an uptake in the wind. Strangely, in real life such a phenomenon does attack our communities. That mysterious wind is the scourge of recreational drug abuse.

Like the movie, this invader cannot be seen with the naked eye and the harm that is being done is not usually apparent until a great

drop to the alien invader, the party rages on.

Worse yet, for each new generation the glamour of the altered state and the promise of ecstasy that it brings is appealing and alluring. The circuit parties, and the clubs that they have cloned, have become the ultimate ecstatic experience—beautiful people bonded together by their intoxicated state. It is hard for many young people to resist the tantalizing attraction that this scene offers.

On top of it all—it makes the sex feel better.

People become conditioned to want the uninhibited feeling that they have when they are under the influence. Sober sex seems dull by

Too much fun? Lindsay Lohan before and after

deal of damage has already been inflicted. The enemy attacks our psyche first and then our bodies. Also, like the cinematic enemy, drug abuse is fostered by groups. Not only do people take drugs with others but people participate together in a culture where drug abuse is common and is not stigmatized. In fact, if your mood is not significantly altered by drugs and alcohol it is hard to feel like one of the group.

Unlike a movie, there is not a star of this true story. There is no action hero who figures out who this alien force is and how to combat it. The cold wind just continues to blow and pickoff the vulnerable. Sadly, we become conditioned to it. Most of the people we know whose lives are destroyed drop out of the scene.

Others, who are in recovery, always wonder when the monkey they are carrying on their back will bite them again. And it all seems normal—even inevitable. Even as the ranks of the partiers are thinned by those who

comparison. In our intoxication, our hurts are soothed and our insecurities are swept away.

We imagine that this is how utopia should feel. The consequences all seem distant; carelessness instead of caution rules. Unfortunately, one of those unintended consequences is often a life-long infection with HIV. The action hero that we need is for the community as a whole to become a brotherhood of mutual caring and protection. Standards that are not set by moralizers who are scolding us, but by our collective wisdom drawn from having seen too many of the people we love brought down by this alien force.

In real life, as in Hollywood, we have the capacity to repeal the alien invasion.

Michael Weinstein is the President of the AIDS Health Care Foundation, now with South Florida offices, mobile testing units, and thrift shops, such as ‘Out of the Closet.’ They are also a primary sponsor of the AIDS Walk next month.

15

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

2009 Atlanta Gay Bar Raid Was Unconscionable

By Norm Kent

I

t was in 1991 that the Broward Sheriff’s Office, under the supervision of then Sheriff, Nick Navarro, raided the most popular gay bar in South Florida, the Copa, on a busy Friday night.

It was a remarkable incident. Scores of cops in swat teams enter a huge dance bar with hundreds of patrons targeting half-dozen persons who they had previously done undercover drug deals with. There was no guarantee the named suspects were even going to be there.

Notorious for publicity, the Sheriff personally arrived along with a helicopter, his wife, and television crews. As SWAT type deputies swarmed through the bar, they ordered

all the patrons, at gunpoint, up against the wall, laid them on the floor, and randomly searched them for drugs while publishing denigrating epithets.

The cops became thugs and the patrons became victims. Innocent men and women were unlawfully detained, unjustifiably restrained, and purposely humiliated. Twenty years ago, scores of those customers were still in the closet. They were also marched out of the bar with their hands held over their head to waiting TV cameras which filmed and aired their faces.

The cruel and unconstitutional conduct of law enforcement would not stand. The courageous operator of the bar, John Castelli, now a renowned realtor, hired my law firm to file suit immediately.

Piero Guidugli

Is 2010 China’s Year of the Cock?

A

ccording to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2010 is the Year of the Golden Tiger. It began on February 14, 2010, not many days after a Wilton Manors police officer was accused of manhandling a patron at a local gay bar.

The Chinese year so far has brought some extraordinary examples of the dawning of a new attitude from the Communist Government toward its gay citizens. It is a welcome and hopeful change.

On January 11, The British newspaper “The Guardian” reported on China’s first gay pageant with an article spread over five columns. The event is a striking sign of how far attitudes in China are changing and have changed. The confidence and pride of gay people is increasing.

Today, an emerging gay community is busting Chinese stereotypes. These days, there are gay support groups and web sites helping people explore their sexuality and meet potential partners.

There are gay venues now cropping up in most cities. Shanghai held its first Gay Pride week and in Beijing, campaigners call for same-sex marriages. There is no religious

condemnation and anti-gay violence is rare.

A Mr. Gay China pageant was even planned for early January in Beijing. The winner would go to Norway for the finals of Worldwide Mr. Gay. It did not happen. The police shut down the contest hours before it was to open, but significantly, even if not realistically, they simply said that the nightclub hosting the event had failed to follow proper permitting procedures, and no exceptions would be made.

But what did not happen was as important as what happened. No one got arrested, humiliated, or hauled off in handcuffs. The police cited the bar for not having a license or permits. Change will be slow but it is in motion and gaining momentum.

In China, gay rights have been progressing for a decade now. A notable change occurred during the late 1990s and early 2000s with the removal of “hooliganism” from the criminal law, a de facto decriminalization of homosexuality. In April 20, 2001, the Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders formally removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses. We can’t get some American politicians to do that.

A few weeks ago the Italian newspaper “La Repubblica” reported on the first gov-

Lambda Legal’s Monthly Mag covers raids

The entire gay community was justifiably outraged. The suit would not have been settled and the case would have gone on for years but for the public denying Sheriff Navarro re-election in the next year’s primary. ernment-backed gay bar in southwestern Yunnan. What? A government backed gay bar? In China? That’s correct.

The Chinese Government explained that the reason behind the bar is to promote AIDS Awareness. The bar is meant to be an educational hot spot for folks to help address rising HIV rates in China’s Yunnan province.

The city of Dali where the bar is located is on the top ten lists of Chinese cities with

A new sheriff was elected, Democrat Ron Cochran. He was troubled by the conduct of his department that evening, and instructed his attorneys to settle the case. We negotiated an honorable agreement which served not the pecuniary needs of any one party but the interests of the community.

BSO presented Center 1, then our county’s largest and oldest AIDS agency, with a check for $25,000.

History repeats itself, doesn’t it? Last fall, Atlanta’s Eagle was raided by the Atlanta police department. The issues are identical to the ones South Florida endured two decades ago. The conduct of law enforcement at The Eagle was reprehensible overkill. They busted into the bar in the middle of the evening while it was packed with customers.

Police shoved innocent patrons into the ground, on the floor, restraining and detaining them illegally and unconscionably.

If their conduct had been sensible and continued on page 36

They are beginning to make progress on gay rights too. And what are we reporting about in the US of A? We hear in community after community of the same old police recklessness and homophobia; the same cruel and unconstitutional conduct by law enforcement officials.

You can hear about it at a local bar in South Florida, from Miami to Wilton Manors. You can also read in today’s paper what happened in Atlanta last fall. Publisher Norm Kent relates the story about the gross injustice of Atlanta gay bar raids, now in court.

Did the police do there what they had to do or what they wanted to do?

The police in China did better.

Lambda Legal is picking up the fight These young contestants were vying for mr. gay china against Atlanta’s pothe largest number of HIV cases. The media lice force but that’s after the fact. Innocent flocked to the small city on opening night. people have been scarred for life and will nevA local official actually stated: “We will er be the same. It could happen to you again, not close it or raid it, we will support it”. right here in South Florida. It has before.

Behind the plan is creating a safe space for Study your history. It repeats itself.

LGBT people to gather in a country where Sadly, I have to ask, is it now safer to have homosexuality remains a tricky issue. a drink in a gay bar in China than in AtIt is not enough for China to surpass our lanta? Or on Wilton Drive? productivity and manufacturing output.

Too bad, too, because I need a Martini.

16

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Tony Adams

There’s Too Much Apathy, but Who Cares?

I

n New York City last year, at a rally to protest the California court decision to uphold Prop 8, I got into a lively discussion about religion with the men carrying the “Dignity” banner.

When the parade reached Union Square, I jostled for photo-op positioning inside a circle of well-pierced goth girls debating Obama: friend or foe.

Later, I was part of a large group of gay bloggers weighing the merits of a march on Washington.

Daily, I sift through hundreds of email messages parsing the term “Civil Rights” in terms of comparing the black struggle with the gay struggle.

Meanwhile, In Fort Lauderdale and in Wilton Manors, the common pulse of the men of one of world’s gayest communities quickens

PLEASE CONSIDER SELECTING ONE OR TWO EVENTS OR EFFORTS AND THEN CONTRIBUTE WHOLEHEARTEDLY TO THEIR SUCCESS. only in discussion as to the strength or weakness of the drink one is served. Or maybe, too, in the strength or weakness of the butt of the man serving it.

Long have I avoided speaking up about the widespread apathy that blankets our gay Fort

Lauderdale/Wilton Manors community. I felt that because I was not here all year, I was perhaps missing the moments of activism that surely occurred while I was elsewhere.

I am sad to learn that I was missing nothing, and now I am hard by the mystery of our collective gay silence and inaction, and I am trying to understand it before doing my part to change it.

I am convinced that men of a certain age, myself included, feel they have earned the right to relax. We opt out of the rat race, we begin to cook complicated things that need to simmer through the watching of soap operas, we dig our toes into the sand and surrender to playful waves while planning inconsequential distractions for our nights. We send forth the relaxed laughter of men who have driven spikes through the hearts of their stress.

I rather like this lifestyle, and I enjoy it guilt-free but I practice it in a way that does not induce lethargy and withdrawal. I skate, swim, run and stretch. I read, write, paint, study and learn. I spend time with guys who are half my age, and I don’t mean the ones in

O ver 25 Years of Service

1600 So. Federal Highway #801 Pompano Beach, FL 33062 Telephone: 954.946.0916 Fax: 954.782.3909 E-mail: sjerome_Esq@Bellsouth.net

g strings who want only to fish the dollars out of my pocket.

Most importantly, I show up when our community needs to be visible and vocal.

Even though I have always found politics to be a dirty and tiresome, I show up.

The fact that there was not a single organized Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors protest

scheduled in the wake of the California court decision to uphold Prop 8 really shocked me.

Do you, my neighbors, really feel that what happened in California is not your problem?

Do you feel that your days of protest are over?

Have you mentally passed some kind of torch long before you’ve finished your race? Have you privately decided that nothing will ever change in the struggle for gay rights and that activism is a waste of your time?

If so, I won’t bother trying to change those

opinions because in your hearts you already know they are wrong. Instead, I’d like to remind you of something you may have forgotten. It is something that is personally reinforced whenever I am in New York City, my other home, and surrounded by young men. They need the benefit of my experience. Their energy needs to be guided by the small but fiery trials that I have been through over the decades.

There is some truth to believing that if you stick around long enough, you learn the maze, you avoid the dead ends and you can point out foolish water to those about to drink.

You men of Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors who have opted out of the struggle for gay rights, both local and national, and never speak up about healthy living, are depriving the next generation of the benefit of your experience.

You are the survivors in a generation decimated by a plague. Your voices, your feelings and your opinions are essential for the natural growth and maturity of our gay culture that must otherwise rely on sitcoms and cinema for its role models and heroes.

You are needed not just to bolster the numbers in a parade but to guide the efforts of the young men who rush and stumble and miss the wisdom you hide behind the thousands of locked doors of your thousands of private homes.

Wake up, guys. You are required. There are some tasks that cannot be handed off to the kids. Please consider selecting one or two events or efforts and then contribute wholeheartedly to their success. It won’t kill you, and it may keep the next gay generation from having to reinvent its wheels.

Father Tony, a Roman Catholic priest who has been on an extended vacation from that vocation for many years, has, for the last five years, written the personal blog called Farmboyz/Perge Modo. He is also the editor of QueerNewYorkBlog.blogspot.com.

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February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Jennifer Vanasco

So What if Prop 8 Trial Judge Is Gay?

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hich means that the Proposition 8 case will be decided by someone it directly affects—that is, someone who can’t get married under the current law.

The question of the week, of course, is: Is this fair?

A ferocious debate about this is raging in the press and the blogosphere. On one side is the National Organization for Marriage, the conservative, anti-gay marriage organization that has been fighting Prop 8 all along.

They immediately sent out a letter that read, in part: “[Judge Walker has] been an amazingly biased and one-sided force throughout this trial, far more akin to an activist than a neutral referee.”

This is ridiculous on its face. For one thing, a REALLY biased (for us) judge would have immediately issued a stay on Prop 8,

allowing gay weddings to continue while the case was decided.

The truth is that the National Organization for Marriage would have called Walker an “activist judge” if he ruled against Proposition 8, no matter his sexual orientation.

And odds are that we will win this case in Walker’s court—simply because the antimarriage folks presented a very weak (to non-existent) case.

On the other side are the gay blogs, many of which responded with surprise, secret joy and immediate fear about what the right would say. It almost goes without saying that the gay community thinks that Walker being gay is positive news for us.

But why would it be?

Though Walker lives in the liberal San Francisco metro area, he was appointed by the first President George Bush and is a pro-

Deb Price

America Is Beginning to Embrace Diversity

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hat’s the difference between “homosexuals” and “gay men and lesbians”?

Turns out a lot—a whopping 14 percentage points of support, a New York TimesCBS News poll released on Feb. 11 revealed.

Only 44 percent of adults support the idea of “homosexuals” serving openly in the military, while 58 percent favor allowing “gay men and lesbians” to serve openly.

That’s from a burst of recent polling that provides new windows into the minds of straight Americans and underscores the importance of gay Americans’ being out in all aspects of our lives.

Why are people so much less supportive of “homosexuals” than “gay men and lesbians”?

My gut says the word “homosexuals” conjures up offputting, even scary, images of sexobsessed strangers. “Gay men and lesbians,” in contrast, is more likely to bring up comfortable thoughts of the helpful guys next door or Ellen DeGeneres, the lesbian queen of fun.

Clearly, folks who make no secret of being gay, whether next door or on TV, are an essential part of the engine driving our nation toward equality.

An ABC News-Washington Post poll released Feb. 12 found that 63 percent of Americans say they have a gay friend, relative or acquaintance. People aware of knowing someone gay are far more likely to

Responses of those with a gay person in

their lives, compared to those who don’t

ponent of law and economics, the more conservative/libertarian branch of law that grew out of the fairly conservative University of Chicago law school. He has been a judge for over 20 years without the issue of pro-gay bias coming up.

In fact, gay activists have previously cried

Judge Walker

foul over his actions. The San Francisco Chronicle reported (in the column that outed Walker’s “open secret” to the country) that Walker once “represented the U.S. Olympic support gay rights.

Meanwhile, a new Quinnipiac University Poll unearthed fascinating nuggets about a key demographic group, military families.

When the Pentagon’s top brass -- Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Robert Gates, secretary of defense—testified Feb. 2 before Congress in favor of repeal, they talked about being sensitive to military families.

Military families’ attitudes toward gays in the military are refreshingly similar to those of other Americans, the poll found.

Overall, Quinnipiac found most adults (57 percent to 36 percent) think the law barring openly gay men and lesbians from the military “should be repealed.” That’s the question now before Congress.

On repeal, military families are almost evenly divided, with 48 percent in favor and 47 percent against, Quinnipiac found. The poll was conducted Feb. 2-8, meaning those families were just absorbing the revelation that the Pentagon’s top leaders support repeal.

Asked whether allowing gays to serve openly would be “divisive for the troops and hurt their ability to fight effectively,” a large majority of Americans disagreed with that idea, 65 percent to 30 percent. Likewise, military families by 57 percent to 38 percent said openly gay troops wouldn’t be

Committee in a successful bid to keep San Francisco’s Gay Olympics from infringing on its name,” leading gay Californians to “hold him in contempt.”

But there is a broader issue here that extends beyond Judge Walker: Why are minority identities assumed to be biased in and of themselves?

After all, no one assumes that mainstream identities lead to bias. If a straight judge had won the draw for the Proposition 8 case, no one would automatically assume that he would uphold an anti-gay marriage law.

On the other hand, if he had espoused another minority identity like being Mormon, I bet you that gays and lesbians would have cried foul— even though there are plenty of Mormons who support gay marriage.

This issue comes up over and over again in American jurisprudence. People wonder if African-American judges will fairly rule on issues like affirmative action.

They wonder if women judges will be objective when faced with gender discrimination cases. continued on page 36

divisive or hurt effectiveness.

Quinnipiac explored other issues the Pentagon plans to examine: OUTINGS: An overwhelming majority of Americans (82 percent to 10 percent) wants the military to stop “aggressively pursu(ing) disciplinary action against gay service members” whose orientation is revealed by someone else. That sentiment is almost as strong within military families, 78 percent to 14 percent.

WORKPLACE BEHAVIOR: Overall, by 54 percent to 38 percent, voters say uniformed gays should face “restrictions on exhibiting their sexual orientation on the job.” Military families agree, 59 percent to 33 percent.

BENEFITS: Should the Pentagon “be responsible to provide for the domestic partners of gay personnel?” Overall, voters said no, 50 percent to 43 percent. Military families’ no was louder, 55 percent to 38 percent.

QUARTERS: On whether “heterosexual military personnel should be required to share quarters with gay personnel,” voters overall were in a statistical tie -- 45 percent yes, 46 percent no. Military families tilted toward no, 49 percent to 43 percent.

Openly gay men and lesbians are key to increasing the gains already being seen in straight America.

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February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

‘Camp 4 Health’ Opens Healing Arts Center

By A. Sebastian Fortino

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his Friday, February 26, the Healing Arts Center of Camp 4 Health will open, with light refreshments and a small party on the Equality Park Campus of the new Gay and Lesbian Community Center.

Subtle decorations and quiet music greet you at CAMP 4 Health. It is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) healing arts center committed to providing equal access to quality holistic care. Treatments include but are not limited to acupuncture, massage and Chinese herbs.

CAMP provides complementary therapies to their clients in a compassionate, soothing and supportive environment. They believe healthcare is a right—not a luxury—and their fees reflect this belief. The services are offered on a sliding scale, based on each individual’s income and circumstances.

The goal of CAMP 4 Health is to make sure that everyone who needs their holistic services receives them. Many of their clients will receive acupuncture services and herbs at no charge, and no one will be turned away because of an inability to afford treatment.

Its goal is to work in partnership with the community, and promote a sense of well-

being for its clients in mind, body and spirit.

CAMP 4 Health originated as the Community Acupuncture and Massage Project. CAMP was established by David Pirola, Dianne Meurer and Jeff Irons as a community response to the discontinuation of Federal funding for complementary therapies in 2007. As many clients expressed a continued need for these services, CAMP was established.

Dianne Meurer and David Pirola are Florida state licensed Acupuncture Physicians who combine current scientific research with ancient traditions to produce treatments which effectively address the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of any disharmony.

The fledgling organization has been sustained as a result of the generosity of several private donors, remarkably dedicated practitioners, and the shared resources of the Sunshine Cathedral Foundation, Will Spencer will serve CAMP as its Managing Director. A former executive director of AIDS Project Florida and community philanthropist, Spencer has been a long time proponent of Chinese medicine as well as a driving force to include holistic therapies in the treatment of HIV and all disease.

He presently serves on the Board of Directors of many community foundations and is Chair of the Broward County HIV Health Services Planning Council.

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Please join us at our informative seminar, “Wealth Planning for Domestic Partners,” which will examine these and other important topics: • Challenges facing domestic partners • The importance of wealth planning • Basic and advanced planning techniques • Gifting techniques Dates: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 Time: 9:30 A.M.

Breakfast will be served

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ednesday, February 24, 2010 W 6:00 P.M. Cocktails will be served

Place: Coral Ridge Country Club, 3801 Bayview Dr., Fort Lauderdale Guest Speakers: Jerry Chasen, Esq., LGBT Estate Planning Specialist

Daniel M. Pye, Vice President, Financial Advisor Admission is free, but seating is limited. Please call Sharon today at 954-267-5612 or email Sharon.grabill@morganstanley.com to make your reservation.

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20

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Brian McNaught Knows the Song He Was Taught “No one has done a better job of chronicling what it is like to be gay in America.”

– U.S. Representative Barney Frank

By Tony Adams

T

he soft trickle of water fountains, the scent of a pungent simmering stew, the glow of oil paintings in the Cape Cod style and the warm embrace of two handsome men of a certain age will envelop you upon entering the gates of the gracious and elegant Fort Lauderdale residence of Brian McNaught and his husband Ray Struble.

Although Brian was the focus of this particular visit, distinguishing him from his spouse is difficult given their identical heads of enviably thick salt and pepper hair that partially explain the title of the sixth and newest of Brian’s books, Are You Guys Brothers?

Their similarities go much deeper and contain startling revelations, given the peaceful and comfortable life they share today. Both were altar boys drawn to Catholic

religious vocations in a church that rejected them. Both were victims of childhood sexual abuse. Both have parted ways with alcohol and drugs. Both have attempted suicide.

Both are now highly respected and prosperous professionals.

Their shared life of thirty-two years, described in unusually frank detail by Brian in his books and trainings, is remarkably inspiring. From the sidewalks outside their homes here and in Provincetown, you would see only their financial success, but once inside the warmth of their hospitality, you learn that what they now enjoy has been hard earned and are reminded that the lives of the men around us are not always as they seem.

With Ray upstairs in his office attending to his work as a financial advisor, I sat with Brian who could barely contain his excitement about a forthcoming trip to Tokyo, Mumbai and Delhi where he

will deliver his signature training to some large corporate clients.

Brian is considered the world’s leading corporate diversity consultant dealing with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues in the workplace, and has been referred to

by The New York Times as “the godfather of gay sensitivity training”.

“My invitation from Merrill-Lynch and Goldman Sachs to train their senior managers in Tokyo in April is unprecedented and historic. From there, I go to Mumbai for a presentation to Merrill senior managers, and then to Delhi.

“Merrill Lynch brought me to Hong Kong in 2007, and to Sydney, Melbourne, and Singapore in 2008. Both trips were “firsts” for the region, with the presentation in Singapore being extraordinarily significant because the laws there prohibit homosexual behavior.”

I asked Brian to describe his objectives when training employees in foreign countries.

“When I was brought to Hong Kong, Singapore, Melbourne, and Sydney, it was also a first time experience for those countries, and was of particular significance for Singapore because of its laws. My approach is that a country’s laws on homosexuality are about behavior and the company takes no position on the rightness or wrongness of homosexual behavior. My audiences have been very receptive. The employees leave work and talk at home about what they learned. These presentations, then, are im-

pacting local cultural attitudes toward gay people little ripples at a time.”

Brian laughs about the many gay men and women he encounters who claim to be qualified to deliver this type of training because of their life experiences.

“They actually tell me that they want to be the next Brian McNaught. I don’t think they understand the extremely careful approach needed to correctly convey to heterosexuals the truth of our experience as gay men and women in the workplace.”

I wondered how Brian became a trainer.

“In 1974, I was fired by the Archdiocese of Detroit from my job as a reporter and columnist at The Michigan Catholic for being openly gay. I’ve been working fulltime as an educator on gay, and more recently, transgender issues.”

While Brian’s spirituality is no longer bound by the rules of Roman Catholicism or by the exclusively Christian and western notions of God, he remains comfortable using the language of Christianity to express the deepest truth about himself.

“Years ago, when I was asked ‘Are gay people part of God’s plan?’ I said that when I die, I imagine I will be asked “Did you sing the song I taught you?” I respond, “For the first 26 years of my life, I didn’t. The song I sang was, ‘I am Brian. I am heterosexual.’

I was so afraid of losing people’s love that I lied.”

Brian relates that “after drinking a bottle of turpentine and taking a vial of pills at age 26, I began to sing, ‘I am Brian. I am gay.

Won’t you accept me today?’ I let people know that I was gay but I was still eager for their approval and acceptance. At about the time I turned 40, my song changed one last time. I began singing then, ‘I am Brian. I am gay. I’m God’s gift to you today’. My concept of God has changed dramatically since then. I no longer believe in traditional Christian theology. But I do believe in myself, and I no longer look for people’s approval or acceptance. My life as a gay man is a gift to others.”

Brian worried that I might find this metaphor a bit too sugary. I did not. The integrity of the life he and Ray have built infuses those words with admirable strength. Add in the fact that Brian is into nude yoga, motorcycles and leather, and any taste of sugar disappears.

For more about Brian McNaught, visit his website www.brian-mcnaught.com

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February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Sandra Lee samples a couple of cocktails served by Cuervo models at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.

South Beach Hosts Wine & Food Festival J.W. Arnold

D

ozens of celebrity chefs and thousands of foodies will converge on Miami this weekend for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, but preparations for the popular event began nearly a year ago and a local gay student has been instrumental in its creation.

Matthew Moran, a 26 year-old student at

Florida International University’s (FIU) internationally acclaimed School of Hospitality, is serving as the Director of Logistics. He is responsible for the largest element of the festival, the Grand Tasting Tents on South Beach.

Moran is coordinating the efforts of more than 1000 FIU students who provide the manpower for the festival, which benefits the school.

“It’s a massive job,” the former nightclub

manager says. “We coordinate all of the logistics….location of all the tables, hanging (signage), making sure the tents are in the proper places. We then supply the entire site with their food and products. We’re talking 14 to 15 hour days, if not more, to get ready.”

The Grand Tasting tent showcases more than 190 restaurants, food purveyors and vendors and hosts thousands of guests each day of the festival.

According to Moran, “We assign locations, some drop out, others want to be moved…there’s always something to do.”

In addition to the Grand Tasting, FIU students also produce one of the festival’s other popular events, the Bubble-Q, featuring champagne and barbecue on the beach. They also prepare food for the Burger Bash and other large parties, adding continued on page 26

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February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Nightlife by J.W. Arnold

S

TRIKE! GAY BOWLING KICKS OFF IN SOUTH BEACH. Even in trendy South Beach, bowling shoes can make a statement.Tonight, the popular gay bowling league, sponsored by Lucky Strike Lanes, the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Edison Farrow’s SoBe Social Club, kicks off a fourth season.The league will compete for 10 weeks beginning Monday, Feb. 22, with 8 to 12 four-person teams. In order to compete, bowlers must pre-pay $19 per week, which includes two games, shoe rental and taxes. According to Lucky Strike General Manager Diego Perez, there is still room in the league for more teams and bowlers can just show up at the alley, 1691 Michigan Ave., to sign up, but expect more than just some healthy competition. “It really is like a party,” Perez says. “It’s about being with friends, enjoying the music and drinks….and bowling. DJ Jenni Fox will be providing the music. It’s not too serious. If you win, you’re happy and if you lose, you’re happy.” For more information or to sign your team up, contact Perez at 305-532-0307 or diego.perez@bowlluckystrike.com.

HERE ARE SOME OTHER PICKS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD:

Right: South Beach Bowling League

MONDAY, FEB. 22

I

f you like your dinner with a little Latin spice, kick off your week with Margarita Mondays at Maracas.You’ll find thick, stuffed burritos, chimichangas and sizzling fajitas on the menu (as well as sizzling boys—take-out, anybody?). Best of all, enjoy the $2 house margaritas all night long. Maracas is located at 3001 N. Federal Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale.

TUESDAY, FEB. 23

T

here’s always a fun night to be had at Twist, one of South Beach’s most popular destinations, located at 1057 Washington Ave. On Tuesdays, Dustin Reffca turns the bar into “Funhouse,” with $5 blue Long Island iced teas, an amateur strip contest hosted by Pussila and a live performance by the incomparable Daisy D. at 1 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24

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here are plenty of talented female impersonators out there who can lip-sync to the music of our favorite divas, but Porsche is the complete package. On Wednesday, she brings her show to The Alibi in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors and she’s going to be singing live! The show starts at 9:45 p.m. and will feature the music of Janis Joplin. Start your weekend early with the incredible talents of Porsche.

THURSDAY, FEB. 25

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hursdays are ladies night! In Miami Beach, the hottest girls make their way to Mova, just off Lincoln Road, for Sweet Thursdays.This weekly party, hosted by Pandora Events, features hot music, hot drink specials and hot girls. Mova is located at 1625 Michigan Ave. Meanwhile, up in Wilton Manors, Pandora takes over The Manor for Gloss Thursdays.

Dress to impress at this swanky ladies’ night which promises plenty of sexy surprises.

FRIDAY, FEB. 26 AND SATURDAY, FEB. 27

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atch out for 10-foot-tall, blue-skinned, yellow-eyed drag queens because it’s all about movie blockbuster, “Avatar,” this weekend as Fort Lauderdale’s ultraswanky Living Room nightclub teams up with Miami’s dance machine, Discotekka, for an extraterrestrial double header. Living Room is located on the Las Olas Riverfront, 300 SW 1st Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, and Discotekka is at 950 NE 2nd Ave. in Miami.We hear these parties will definitely be in 3-D. SUNDAY, FEB. 28

W

hat to do on Sunday? Check out any one of the popular tea dances. For a retro sound, there’s DJ Marc Scott’s Jackhammer-in-Exile at Atomic Boom in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. Country meets disco beginning at 4 p.m. at Scandals Saloon. Stop by the perennial favorite at the Sea Monster downtown or the high energy action at VooDoo Lounge.

The practice of law is no practice.

Criminal Defense The Law Offices of

Kent&Cormican,p.a.

Norm Kent, Attorney at Law

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

23

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Miss Veronica Vera Coming Down to Fort Lauderdale

By Mary Damiano

M

iss Veronica Vera is out to feminize the world—one man at a time.

Vera, who founded Miss Vera’s Finishing School for Boys Who Want to be Girls in New York City, will appear in Fort Lauderdale next weekend at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, a component of the museum’s glamorous Edward Steichen photographic exhibition.

Vera, a GG (genetic girl) who was also a model for Robert Mapplethorpe, founded her academy in 1992 as a way to finance a book on her own sexplorations. The school’s website is flirty and fun, but Vera thinks of herself as a nurturer to the men who come to her.

“I think I encourage people to explore and I hold their hands through this exploration,” says Vera. “It can be a little scary and they can feel very alone. I believe in creating a supportive environment for people and I believe in people’s right to explore who they are.”

Vera’s appearance at the museum came about through her association with Roberto Santiago, the museum’s director of communications and strategic marketing. Fifteen years ago, Santiago was a contributing editor for Time Out New York Magazine.

“It just wasn’t a magazine story assignment,” says Santiago. “As a heterosexual man, I did it as a means to broaden my understanding of women by literally becoming one for a day.”

Santiago says the idea of being transformed was threatening to him at first.

“Miss Vera’s transformation course turned out to be an amazing educational experience into the female process of fashion, beauty, glamour; made me examine long-held prejudices,” Santiago says. “I also learned that my counter-part, Roberta, would likely be a stern, matronly lesbian who stays at home with her cats—the kind of woman that men stand at attention when she walks into a room, and never wolf-whistle at.”

Vera’s school features classes in makeup application, manicures and pedicures, corset training, understanding the female

body and walking in high heels, just to name a few. The high heels class became so popular that it is now offered to straight women as well.

Her museum appearances will include two workshops: Amazing Grace: How to Walk, Sit and Pose in High Heels; and Cross-dress for Success: A Transformation Salon for Men and Women on Saturday, Feb. 27. Advance registration is required.

Vera will be accompanied by her partner Stu, aka Misty Madison. Yep, Vera has been romantically involved with a cross-dresser for two years. They met at a party—he overheard her telling some women about the school and he told her about his crossdressing, a declaration she found refreshing.

“Our relationship adds a whole element to my education as to what it’s like to be the partner of a cross-dresser,” says Vera. “There’s a balance in the amount of time he’s Misty and the amount of time he’s Stu, and it works for me. And he knows how to do his own make-up, which is very important.”

To purchase tickets for Miss Veronica Vera’s workshops, visit www.moafl.org. For more information about Miss Veronica Vera’s Finishing School for Boys Who Want to be Girls, visit MissVera.com.

Veronica Vera coming down to Fort Lauderdale

24

Bartender Revives Memories of Cathode Ray

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

FACE THE S IN NEW S

Sinful Sundays at Johnny’s Pours the Past

By Joey Amato

may think the odd mix of people would be awkward.” Matt explains, “The older folks pproximately a year and a half tend to be the first ones there and toward ago, former Cathode Ray bar- the later part of the evening, the younger tender Matt Hakaim took over crowd moves in. Oddly enough the groups Sunday Happy Hour at Johnny’s Fort Lau- mesh very well and many of the older cliderdale. His intent was to make Sunday at entele have now become great friends with Johnny’s the place to be. On a recent visit those half their age.” to the bar, I witnessed a mix of patrons, Frequent patron Daniel Brennan states, young and old, conversing and laugh- “Sinful Sunday’s attraction lies in its memoing with each other as if they were being rable ambiance and plethora of friendly peofilmed for a revival of Cheers. ple, both staff and patrons. Not to mention As Matt pours me my half-priced bever- it fulfills certain hedonistic pleasures absent age, he tells me about in other venues.” his event. “I have been As some venues in running Sundays as the area have experi‘Sinful Sunday’ for alenced a decline in revmost a year now. Offienue, patrons of ‘Sinful cially we start at 2pm, Sundays’ are spending but the bar really starts much more now than filling up around 5.” they have in the past.

Matt states, “Typically When Matt first took the 20 or so patrons arover Sunday Happy riving before 5pm want Hour, he was lucky to to experience personal bring in $300 including attention and share tips. Now, after developsome great stories being a very loyal following, Matt Hakaim fore the crowd arrives.” totals are much higher.

The group begins to thicken around 6pm “Overall, my Sunday’s have become a big but never gets too large. success at Johnny’s. Sean David, the owner, SFGN bachelor Brendan Broderick has told me that it is one of the most popular atbeen attending Sinful Sunday’s since its in- tractions that the bar offers,” said Matt. ception. “I would say the reason most peoTo build on his success, Matt has inple attend is because of Matt. He served me troduced a series of promotions to entice the first drink I ever had in Fort Lauder- customers to sin even more. “I have been dale at Cathode Ray seven years ago and I mailing out SIN CASH to the people who have been going to his bar ever since.” have registered as ‘sinners’ on www.sinfulA pivotal moment for Sinful Sunday’s sundays.com.” Furthermore, patrons can came this past December. “I wanted to give now enjoy free well drinks from 5-6pm. back to the community and thought Kids In Those who may not feel that a strip club is Distress would be a great partner.” Matt re- their definition of an enjoyable Sunday aftercalls, “I personally bought drinks for all of noon, think again. The atmosphere at Sinful the customers who came with gifts in hand.” Sunday’s is warm and inviting, accented by The celebration was a huge success and Matt hot boys wearing next to nothing. collected over $5,000 in new toys for the organization. “Ever since then, my attendance Johnny’s Fort Lauderdale has been growing by 5-10% weekly.”

1116 W. Broward Blvd.

954-522-5931 On the day I attended ‘Sinful Sundays’, I witnessed a crowd ranging from 20-somewww.johnnysbarfl.com things to 60-something’s. “Some people

A

Rita Silverman, Rex Vacca, Nick Boyko, State Rep. Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed, Joe Angelo and Jo Forti, at the Wine and Garlic Festival of the Westside Association of Wilton Manors on Saturday, February 20.

Terry DeCarlo, Michele Balan and Billy Huelsman after Michele’s sold-out performance at The Manor on Friday, February 19.

Nikki Adams & Uwe Schroeder at Friday night’s ArtWalk promoting Uwe’s new “Wolf Cuffs” leather wrist bands.

Alexander McQueen 16 March 1969 – 11 February 2010

“I went straight from my mother’s womb onto the gay parade.”

— Alexander McQueen in Vogue magazine

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Theatre Preview

PLAY: The Golden Gays Friday, Feb. 26 and 27, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 28, 6 p.m.

The Colony Theatre, Miami Beach Tickets $35-$55 at thegoldengaysflorida.com or ticketmaster.com

Thank You for Being a Friend

Play Spoofs “The Golden Girls” J.W. Arnold

A

lmost everyone knows a serious “Golden Girls” fan: one who can recite the dialogue from any episode and even work some of the best lines into everyday conversation. If you’re one of those types of fans—or even if you’re not—“The Golden Gays,” a spoof on the television series, making its East Coast premiere this weekend at the Colony Theatre in Miami Beach, is guaranteed to please.

“The show came about because my partner and I came down to (South) Florida and we did our own ‘Golden Girls’ tour,” explains producer John Trapper. “We literally lived our lives like the Golden Girls for

The Golden Gays

a few days. Anything they did, we did. It was funny and I started to write a script.”

At the time in the early 1990s, the show had just ended its network run and Trapper and his friends were clamoring for more adventures from Dorothy, Sophia, Blanche and Rose.

Trapper summarizes the premise of the play: Four guys are so obsessed with the

show and become frustrated because there are no new episodes. They can’t go forward emotionally and start seeing a therapist on a weekly basis for years. Finally the therapist consults her idol, another gay icon, Marla Gibbs from “The Jeffersons,” who tells them to “become” the Golden Girls in an effort to help them deal with their obsession.

The producer, who has 20 years experience staging gay plays, warns audiences will experience serious spoofs, as well as plenty of audience interaction, “Golden Girls” trivia, and some inventive banter between the girls.

“It’s new. It has to be or we would be shut down,” he says. And for the guys who can recite episodes line-by-line, “There are moments in the show where we work that. We give the audience the opportunity to shout out those lines. We wanted to give people those moments they’ve been dying for.”

The show has already played to packed houses on the West Coast. The first performances were in the trendy gay Los Angeles neighborhood of Silver Lake.

“It kind of exploded,” he says proudly.

A later performance in Palm Springs was actually oversold by nearly 200 tickets.

While Trapper must manage his show on a shoestring budget—the 47 year-old still has a day job as a college media advisor— he’s very pleased with the quality of actors he can attract in Los Angeles. He says most are professionally trained and perform in his show in between auditions and equity roles. The show works because “it’s fun and we have great actors.”

As for Trapper’s favorite Golden Girl, he doesn’t have to think long: “That’s easy, Bea Arthur, Dorothy. I’ve loved everything that woman ever did.

Now, if you asked me which (Golden Girl) I’m most like, that would be different. I’m definitely Blanche, but I’m partnered now.”

The cast is particularly excited to bring the show to Miami Beach, the home to the four colorful retirees.“We never thought we could do it, so when we got the call from Miami Beach Pride, we knew it really could happen,” he says. “We just can’t screw (this opportunity) up.”

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February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Dining Review peanut butter. The grainier selection was hearty and one bite into it was all I needed to decide it was my rustique favorite.

The Tomatoes a la Provencale are a

2401 Northeast 11th Avenue hearty, warming treat! They are topped

Wilton Manors, FL 33305-1224 with herbes provencale, garlic, bread

(954) 530-4641 crumbs, and extra virgin olive oil.

The Goat’s Cheese salad is a filling,

By A. Sebastian Fortino healthy delight. I easily made a meal of the Tomoatoes a la Provencale followed by dvertised as the smallest, cutest the salad. There were 5 or 6 toasts with a restaurant in Wilton Manors, generous “schmear” of chavre cheese, seaLe Patio is not lying. The dining soned with herbs. The spring mix on which room is only about 250 square feet. Much it was served boasted a bounty of green of this is the kitchen area where Veronique beans, poached in herbes a la provencale. and her partner of 22 years Jean bustle The Shepard’s Pie is not something you about, preparing les plats for their guests. would expect to see on a menu adverI am a sucker for small, homey, establishments tising French comfort food. However, on an international level.There is a frenzied the French preparation makes this dish happiness not found in larger restaurants.They worthy to be on the menu. The layer of discuss the specials and assure you it’s all good, potatoes are whipped—not mashed. Beno matter what you order. Veronique, from the neath the piping hot layer you find pearl South of France, and Jean, raised in Dublin both onions, carrots, and unwrinkled peas. Eat know healthy, delicious comfort food. this with a big spoon!

When we went there for dinner, the speLobster Ravioli was served in a darling cial appetizer was a unique Country Paté. little casserole, covered in a cream, champagne One selection was creamy, almost like and shallot sauce. I am not normally one

HERE: Le Patio W

lepatiowiltonmanors.com

A

for crème sauces but this was an exception. It was decadent and rich without overpowering the delicate ravioli or the sublime lobster filling.

My guest had the lasagna, a house specialty.

The preparation elevated the dish. The portion was huge, yet not dripping in grease.

Veronique does the lasagna in the Northern Italian tradition. Instead of ricotta cheese, a béchamel sauce goes in between the layers.

The wine, primarily sold by the glass, is standard table wine. Merely tell Vero or Jean what you are ordering and they will suggest a pairing of red, white, or a special bottle of white that comes from Veronique’s village in the South of France.

The Beef Bourguignon is a pleasant surprise. Vero & Jean’s version features fragrant wine, rosemary, baby carrots, and mushrooms, which surround delicate pieces of tender beef.

By the time I finished dining at Le Patio I did not have room for dessert, but there is a delightful selection. If you don’t have room either, simply engage the owners in conversation—and sip a glass of port.

Reservations suggested on weekends.

2D ays Lat er.. .

Jan uar y V

olu me 25, 2 0 1, I ssu 10 e1

BREAKING NEWS FROM DAY 1

Wine & Food continued from page 21

up to some 26,000 man hours.

One of the most popular volunteer jobs is serving as host to the celebrity chefs and Food Network stars who will appear to host seminars and events throughout the festival. Moran’s roommate landed that coveted job, but he says he isn’t easily star struck.

“We really strive to be professional. We don’t stop them to take pictures and chat,” he emphasizes. That professionalism has landed many FIU students internships and jobs with many of the restaurants, vendors and chefs they work with during the festival.

“I don’t think there’s any other school that gives students the opportunity to work with big name companies the way FIU does,” he says. “This is such an important opportunity for us.”

When the festival closes next Sunday, Moran admits that he will probably “hibernate” for a week, but then the preparations will begin for the 2011 festival. The students provide a team that works yearround to recruit restaurants, sell exhibitor tables and assist in securing sponsorships.

Students also assist with the New York Wine & Food Festival and other fundraisers throughout the school year.

And of course, Moran must keep up with his coursework. He plans to begin a master’s degree program in the summer and one day would like to own his own resort or cruise line.

“I definitely don’t have a personal life right now. I’m working on three or four hours of sleep tonight, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he says. Neither would the thousands of people who will literally enjoy the fruits of his labors.

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February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Theatre Review acters, and their lives are entwined with it. Marta, (Teresa Maria Rojas) a Cuban Melt runs through February 28 mother with cancer, still remembers the at the Balcony Theatre at Actors’ country she left as a child but knows Miami Playhouse, 280 Miracle Mile, is her home. Her son Luis (Javier Siut) is Coral Gables. Call 305-444-9293 an urban renewal consultant determined or visit ActorsPlayhouse.org. to see his legacy in Miami’s rising skyline.

He is challenged by Adelle, (Lela Elam) a black attorney who wants to keep Miami’s growth from further displacing Overtown residents and destroying the landmarks her grandfather helped build. Her brother Jackson, (Reiss Gaspard) was named for the hospital where he was born. Jackson’s partner, Leo (Nicholas Richberg) was born in Miami, to a free-spirited mother unafraid to fight Jewish discrimination policies

By Mary Damiano on Miami Beach in the 1950s. And Leo’s Arts Editor father Isaac (John Felix) is eager to share his memories of his beloved city, before ood bad or otherwise, Alzheimer’s steals them forever. our families are the Lela Elam, who stepped into the role of cornerstones on which Adelle just a few days before the opening our future lies.” when actress Tara Vodihn was hospitalized, That’s what Leo, a Jewish gay man, tells wasn’t off book on opening night, but her his partner Jackson, as explanation of why strong performance was not marred by he’ll never stop trying to make his intolerreferring to her script. Elam is amazing—in a ant father respect their relationship in Melt monologue recalling her grandfather’s memoby Michael McKeever, now on stage at the ries of Miami, she morphs into an old man Balcony Theatre at Actors’ Playhouse in with her voice and body language, and then Coral Gables. just as seamlessly back into her own character.

One of the most touching scenes in Melt is between Marta and Isaac, the Cuban and the Jew, when the two bond over family and illness outside a hospital. Rojas and Felix are excellent as they size each other up, initially with annoyance, but gradually let their baggage fall away as they discover their commonality.

Melt is poetic and lyrical, although the decision Maria Teresa Rojas and John Felix in Melt to stage it with all the Melt is about family—the ones we’re characters on stage weighs it down. To see born with and the ones we create—and the characters frozen in tableau while one how family shapes us as individuals. It’s also scene is spotlighted adds too much solemabout the seemingly small connections we nity to the piece. It’s too somber, and lacks make with other have a larger impact on the pacing that would make this production the world around us. more compelling.

Melt takes place in Miami, which is Still, Melt is a well-written and well-acted portrayed as another character in the play, play, with well-written characters that audia young melting pot of a city on the verge ence members are sure to recognize from of change. Miami hovers over the chartheir own lives.

PLAY: Melt

‘A Valentine’ to Miami Melt Is Well-Written and Well-Acted

“G

Theatre Review

PLAY: The Pride Opens in Manhattan on Christopher Street, off Broadway

‘The Pride’ Opens In NY Gay Life As It Was and Is

By Elliot R. Joseph

SFGN Syndicated Reporter

A

Oliver (Ben Whishaw), who’s written the book she’s illustrating. Along with plumes of cigarette smoke, taboo sexual tensions between the men hang in air.

Just as you settle in for a polite, uptight vintage melodrama, the plot jumps ahead five decades. Now, Philip is an openly gay photographer who’s ditched his boyfriend Oliver, a journalist and sex addict who’s not hard-wired for monogamy. Sylvia is Oliver’s BFF. The play toggles back and forth to show how things have (and haven’t) evolved in a half-century in Britannia.

The Daily News reviewer called it a “handsomely acted and designed production,” saying the American premiere “does the play more than proud.”

AP drama critic Michael Kuchwara is equally enthusiastic, calling the play “an impressive first effort by Campbell,” adding

s a NY Daily News reviewer points out, “the freedom to be out and proud is the stuff parades are made of, but it’s no guarantee of a happy love life.”

It is that central theme which beats at the heart of “The Pride,” an intriguing drama about gay life in England before and after the ‘60s sexual revolution.

The tribulations of gay men, carnal and otherwise, are examined with Hugh Dancy and Ben Whishaw in “Pride” considerable emotion in that the production is “impeccable” and the play, crethe actors’ performances “astonishing.” atively crafted “The drama fares better in the closeted

by Alexi Kaye years, primarily because the tension of the Campbell. closet produces an inconsolable sorrow It opened that is extinguished or at least lessened last Tuesday to when gay pride is allowed to flourish in all positive reviews its rainbow glory,” Kuchwara writes. at off-Broadway’s On her Huffington Post blog, Regina Lucille Lortel Weinrich praised the performances of the Theatre, on famed Christopher Street in cast as well, stating the actors on stage Lower Manhattan. perform with agility and grace. She noted Reviewed by Erik Haagensen for Back that the play was more about dealing with Stage, he called the production: “intelligent “loneliness than pride,” reflecting on life in and imaginative, it grabs your attention the closet for many gay men years ago. from the start and holds it for the next “In the end,” though Kuchwara says, two hours and 20 minutes.” “emancipation comes with a price, a The play starts in the homophobic ’50s. cost that 21st-century gay men seem to Philip (Hugh Dancy), a closeted realacknowledge even as they are aware of estate agent, and his wife, Sylvia (Andrea how far they have traveled in those five Riseborough), an artist, are entertaining turbulent decades.”

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February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

year: Happy Hour SoBe Style with BLT chef Laurent Tourondel at Betsy Hotel rooftop; Dim Sum & Disco with Chef Ming Tsai at apitol Steps — America’s most hi- the Setai and Guy Fieri’s Margarita Madlarious political satirists inject a much- ness closing party at Gansevoort South needed dose of humor and musical madness Beach Club. The South Beach Wine and into the serious business of Food Festival is hosted by the politics. Get ready for some Food Network and presented good-spirited, uproarious,

by Food & Wine. For complete equal opportunity bashing of schedule, tickets and availability, Democrats, Republicans and visit www.sobewineandfoodIndependents alike. Opens fest.com.

February 23 at the Kravis Center. Tickets start at $40. he Indigo Girls — www.kravis.org.

The Indigo Girls have been recording together for atti LuPone — Tony over two decades, producEmeril Lagasse Award-winning Broading eight studio albums, and way star Patti LuPone, fresh off her triumbuilding a fan base that is both strong and phant run as Mama Rose in Gypsy, takes us faithful. Deeply rooted activists, they often on a high-spirited tour of songs write songs that reference social from her colorful life both on issues like environmentalism and and off the stage, including sefeminism. They released a new allections from Gypsy, Anything bum entitled Rarities in 2005 and Goes, and other Broadway their performance will include classics. Since establishing hersongs off of this album as well as self with a Tony winning perforclassic songs such as “Become mance as the original lead in You” and “Closer to Fine.” OpenPatti Lupone Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, ing for the Indigo Girls will be she has wowed audiences in Les Miserables, special guest, A Fragile Tomorrow. February Sunset Boulevard, Sweeny Todd and Gypsy, for 25 at Knight Concert Hall. Tickets start at which she won another Tony $29.50. www.arshtcenter.org.

Award in 2008. The Washington Post says, “Few have the immy Buffett and the knockout punch of LuPone.”

Coral Reefer Band — Now, South Florida gets to Parrot Heads, get ready… enjoy Patti LuPone performJimmy Buffett and his fabulous ing her signature songs and band return to South Florida personal pop favorites in her for a one-night only perforIndigo Girls acclaimed new one-woman mance at the Bank Atlantic concert, “The Gypsy in My Soul.” February Center. Fans are invited to sing and dance 23 at the Broward Center for the Perform- to timeless Buffet classics such as “Maring Arts. Tickets start at $35. garitaville”, “Cheeseburger in www.browardcenter.org.

Paradise” and “Come Monday”.

After Jimmy started writing outh Beach Wine for Buffet Hotel he decided and Food Festival to introduce three of the new — The ninth annual South songs into his set list. The Beach Wine and Food Festhree were “Summerzcool,” tival takes place Feb. 24-28. the quintessential beach song, Popular returning events: which also became the tour Rachael Ray’s ``Burger name, “A Lot To Drink About,” Jimmy Buffett Bash’’ at Ritz-Carlton South a commentary on current Beach; Wine Spectator’s ``Best of the events, and “Surfin’ In A Hurricane,” the Best’’ at Fontainebleau Miami Beach and first surf song Jimmy has ever written. Feb. Perrier-Jou¡t Bubble Q with Emeril Lagasse 27 at the Bank Atlantic Center. Tickets start & Friends at Delano Beachside. New this at $36. www.bankatlanticcenter.com.

C

T

P

Oakland Park Main Street’s 1st Annual Classic Car Show

By Joey Amato

A

s part of an ongoing effort to rev up the downtown business district, Oakland Park Main Street is gearing up for its First Classic Car Show on Sunday, February 28 along NE 12 Avenue on the north side of Oakland Park Boulevard.

Oakland Park Main Street Executive Director Siegi Constantine said this year, the Classic Car Show event will feature German models and run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“This will be an exciting event and fun for everyone who enjoys these fine vintage automobiles,” Constantine said. “Owners of cars such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Volkswagen and others are invited to display their prized vehicles.”

Car clubs throughout Florida have been

J

Used Parts pre-registration is $30 and New Parts Vendors pre-registration is $40. To download a registration form, visit Oaklandparkmainstreet.com The Days Inn on Oakland Park Boulevard & I-95 will serve as the Host Hotel and offer a special show rate for participants and visitors. Phone 954-484-9290 or visit Daysinnftl.com for reservation information.

Proceeds Oakland car benefit show is this sunday Park Main Street and the Oakland Park Historical Society. Oakland

S

contacted and their members invited to participate. Each car will be judged based on AACA (American Antique Car Association) standards, which include exterior, interior, trunk, engine and undercarriage.

Pre-registration for show cars is $20,

Park Main Street, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to building a strong economic environment within Oakland Park’s downtown commercial center in partnership with the local business community, property owners, residents, and the City government.

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February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Heard it on...

end each performance by inviting fans onstage to get a closer look at the maestro’s extravagant piano, jewelry and clothes. He died at the age of 67 at his home in Palm Springs, California due to complications from AIDS.

EVEN LESBIANS CAN’T RESIST THE CHARMS OF MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY

By the Nite Owl MATT DAMON TO PLAY GAY LOVER OF MICHAEL DOUGLAS IN LIBERACE MOVIE Academy Award Winner Matt Damon will play the role of Michael Douglas’ lover in a movie about flamboyant piano legend Liberace, set for release in 2012 It is quite a

change for the Ocean’s 11 star who is used to playing high intensity roles such as the cop in ‘The Departed’ and Jason Bourne in the Bourne trilogy.

Douglas, who will play the Liberace gaudy Liberace is looking forward to having Damon as his gay partner.

“I’m just going to get really comfortable so it’s not a caricature,” Douglas said in a statement. “Matt Damon’s going to be my younger lover. God bless Matt.”

For those readers too young to know who Liberace is, he was a famous American pianist who began playing at the age of four. He studied the technique of the famous Polish pianists and went on to become the highest paid entertainer in the world. During the 1950’s, Liberace earned in excess of one million dollars per year.

The ultimate showman, Liberace used to

. . . as the actor and his girlfriend discovered on a recent trip to Austin, Texas.

The star and Camila Alves were out partying when they stumbled into a gay bar and became the centre of attention.

But it had nothing to do with the stunning Brazilian—the lesbians all wanted to get close to her man.

Alves says, “We go in and I’m like, ‘Yes! Victory!’ because everywhere we go, everybody loves Matthew - I do too but sometimes you want to not have people bother you.

We’re in a lesbian bar, now it’s my turn—people are gonna hit on me. That didn’t happen.

“He (McConaughey) was turning lesbian women straight. We had to have the bar security come and stand in front of us...You just can’t win with the guy. He has it and you gotta love it.”

QUEEN MADGE DIRECTS Madonna is no stranger to scandal. While she is normally the subject of scandal, she will now direct a scandal. Madonna is planning to direct “W.E.” about the affair between Edward VIII and American divorcee Wallis Simpson. The relationship saw Edward VIII abdicated from the throne, a step that pushed Elizabeth II’s father into the position king and in turn brought her the crown.

Madonna Truth or

A shirtless Matthew McConaughey at the beach with Camila Alves and their son Levi

Dare director Alex Keshishian is on board to write the script, with Madonna.

Vera Farmiga, “Up in the Air,” is a hopeful for role of Wallis Simpson.

This is Madonna’s second project as director. “Filth and Wisdom,” her directorial debut, came out in Fall of 2008. The film was largely perceived as a royal disaster.

SOUTH AFRICAN TAKES MR. GAY WORLD PAGEANT TITLE

between those mindsets.”

Delegates from 32 countries competed for the title.

Bryon Adu, 24, from Australia, came in at second place, while fourth place went to 26-year-old Xiadai Muyi from China.

Xiadai’s identity was kept secret after Beijing officials tried to prevent him from joining the contest. A pageant to decide Mr Gay China was due to be held in the city last month but was stopped by police after organizers apparently obtained the wrong permits.

A South African man has scooped the title of Mr. Gay World 2010.

Charl Van den Berg, SIR ELTON: JESUS a 28-year-old restauraCHRIST WAS A teur from Cape Town, ‘MARY’ was named the winner This week, entertainer at a ceremony in Oslo, Elton John, long an activNorway.Van den Berg ist in the fight against said, “It’s my aim to help HIV/AIDS, will host, as break down stereotypes usual, his annual Acadand differing mindsets in emy Awards night party the global community and benefiting the Elton John Charl Van den Berg promote oneness and AIDS Foundation. equality for all people by bridging the gap The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer rocked

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

some boats last week when who was named the most he told an interviewer that he successful male solo artist in believes Jesus Christ was gay.

2008 on “The Billboard Hot Sir Elton said “I think Jesus 100 Top All-Time Artists.” was a compassionate, superReaction from the Christian intelligent gay man who unRight was as expected. derstood human problems.”

Stephen Wright, who directs “Jesus wanted us to be lovChristian Voice, a Londoning and forgiving,” he noted. based ministry, said that John’s “I don’t know what makes remarks were “rubbish.” people so cruel. Try being “The Bible says Jesus was Elton John a gay woman in the Middle without sin, and that rules East – you’re as good as dead,” added John, out homosexuality,” Wright added.

South Florida’s HOTTEST new Contemporary, Professionally Trained, Gorgeous Dance Group

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February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Going Out with Glenn

Hey Glenn, My name is Teresa. I am your Facebook friend and I saw your status update about your new column in SFGN. First of all, that’s awesome and I hope it goes far because it’s something that’s really needed. I write the fashion column in my high school newspaper and it’s a good feeling to be able to get your words and thoughts across no matter what.

I just told my family that I’m bisexual over Christmas break. I first told my sister that I had thoughts when I was 13 and I had only told 3 other people since then. The reason I finally told my family now was because I was 100% sure of it.

Everyone within my family has accepted me, except my brother. On Christmas Eve, he came in my room just to catch up and talk. He started commenting on how my younger sister and I have friends who are gay and he said, “I wish all gays would die.”

The day he left to go home, I sent him an email and told him. He sent me tons of messages saying things like, “You’re not a Christian,” and “Queers make me sick to my stomach.”

I’m upset because my brother won’t accept me but I’m happy because I’m completely okay with who I’ve become.

My sister and I adore “Brooke Knows Best” and love how you are so open about who you are.That takes courage!

Dubbed “a dancing entrepreneur” by The New York Times, openly gay choreographer Glenn Douglas Packard has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment including Pink, Missy Elliot, Brooke Hogan, Nelly Furtado, Whitney Houston, Usher and Liza Minelli. He was also honored with an Emmy nomination for his artistic direction on Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Celebration at Madison Square Garden. If you have a story you would like to share with Glenn, please email him at: WhatsUpGlenn@aol.com

Teresa, It’s crazy right…sometimes you want to be like, “Hello, there are people dying out there and your upset with the fact that I told you I’m gay....come on!” Well it happens all the time, so you need to lead by example. When I say this, I mean shower your brother with love; it’s the best ammo. My parents begged me not to tell my brother, “He’s not going to understand.”

So I kept it a secret but eventually I didn’t feel it was fair to keep it from him and the rest of my immediate family (who were having the worst time excepting me). But when I told my brother, this was his response, “Glenn, if it makes you happy then I’m happy for you.”

That’s my brother for you.

See it was more of my parents and sister not accepting me in the beginning. I understand this now. I understand that people react differently and that there are all different types of people out there. But you can lead by example. Be true to yourself, love your family and they will come around.

Don’t be a hater and don’t judge. Like my mom said on Brooke Knows Best in the Hometown Hero, “Family is family and we will always love you.”

Hope this helps and make sure to keep those amazing letters and comments coming!

Dreaming Big....

GLENN

BRANDY BAIL BONDS, INC. WAYNE SPATH 916 South Andrews Ave. • Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 Broward (954) 463-4333 Dade (305) 945-9944 Keys (305) 296-2245 Fax (954) 462-3954 • www.brandybailbonds.com

Joey Amato

Catching My Breath ‘Catching My Breath’ is a personal reflections column about gay life. This week’s column was written by A.J. Cross. A promoter and GM at Johnny’s, his future columns will appear under the label ‘Sex in Our City.’ If you want to ‘catch our breath,’ submit your stories to editor@southfloridagaynews.com’

Have I Become Too Gay?

I

s there such a thing as becoming too gay? Let’s take my life for example. I am a young gay man, work in a gay town, spend much of my disposable income in gay-owned establishments and write about anything and everything gay.

This past weekend, I became concerned that my life is becoming too gay. Thinking I may have been over exaggerating, I addressed my concern with a few friends and surprisingly, they told me my thoughts were justified. My friend Mike told me that he thought it was healthy for me to feel this way and that he would be more concerned if I didn’t. My boyfriend agreed.

I don’t want to make it sound like I am not proud of being gay, but I am worried that I will morph into someone who forgets that there are other cultures outside our own.

Before accepting a position with SFGN, I lived in Delray Beach, a community that doesn’t contain any gay bars or clubs, although I was told one had closed in the past few years. Because of the minute gay population, we’re forced to blend in with the community.

Then I was invited on a life-changing date to Galanga in Wilton Manors.

I had never heard of Wilton Manors. Call me naïve, but I also have not travelled to gay tourist locales such as Key West, San Francisco or Fire Island, even though I used to live 30 minutes away on Long Island. When I arrived to this town, I was surprised to see the large number of rainbow flags lining the streets. It was quite astonishing actually. I

didn’t know places like this existed.

Over the following months I spent more and more time in the Fort Lauderdale area and began to immerse myself in the gay community. I became involved with the GLCC Pride Center, GLBX and started attending numerous gay events. I strived to be photographed by Hotspots and 411, currently Mark’s List.

The days of attending charity galas hosted by Donald Trump and Governor Charlie Crist at Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach have faded.

I feel like a part of me died when I was introduced to Wilton Manors. I started neglecting a lot of things I used to love to do in favor of being gay. I started passing up the opportunity to network with professionals in Boca so I can share a drink or two with friends on the Drive. I favor partying at Living Room on Friday evening over a weekend getaway. Two years ago, I would have never even entertained the notion.

Over the past few months, I have met people who have mentioned to me that they refuse to do anything outside of the gay community. Most of these people were older, but does there come a point when we become so secure in our current surroundings that we develop a fear to venture away?

That is what scares me and why I wonder if I am becoming too gay.

I don’t like segregation. I like unity. I want to be part of both worlds. How do I find the perfect balance of gay and straight? How do I find a way to combine both worlds and become whole again?

33

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

A.J. Cross

Sex in Our City A Column by AJ Cross about Sex, Relationships, Love & Heartbreak

Visiting Hours 1947

was such an important year for so many people as Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play in major league baseball. For African-Americans this news was so important because it placed all eyes on the great talent and ambition possessed by minorities in the United States.

It was a great year for John Clay Morris as well, but his achievement never made the headlines and his story or name was never known. It was the year that he fell in love.

He fell in love with Anthony Walker, his long time business associate and his love was not unrequited. They could not allow anyone to know how they felt about one another, share public moments of affection or declare a vow of lifelong commitment in front of friends or god.

On the contrary, they had to hide any

Reading the touching and compelling column of A.J. Cross, above, we are of course reminded of Janice Langbehn, a lesbian, who last fall sued Jackson Memorial in Miami hospital, after being denied access and visitation to her dying partner, Lisa Pond, who had suffered a fatal brain aneurysm.

Today, though, we reflect on the life of young Rob Pierce, 34, an NBC Sky 6 photographer who perished in a helicopter crash just about ten years ago.

Pierce’s surviving relatives were unaware that Rob was gay and had a life partner, Frank Gagliano. Rob had been an Emmy award winning photographer, a member of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists’ Association.

signs of what they felt for one another. They had to speak to one another plainly and without emotion at work and both were constantly in fear that someone would read into their body language or even thoughts and everything they had would be ruined.

It was not a time where two men loving one another was understood or accepted. It was a time when such a love being exposed could bring an end to not only the relationship they had, but their very lives.

Many years had passed and they both successfully kept hidden their affections and would travel on so called business trips to other cities and places where they could be with one another. They shared such happiness when they were alone with one another and year after year for over twenty five years they never strayed, open their hearts or beds to any other person. They eventually found a

Upon arriving in South Florida to claim their son’s body, Rob’s family summarily booted Gagliano out of the home in Deerfield Beach he had shared with Rob for the past four years.The house had been solely in Rob’s name. “It’s not right,” Gagliano wrote, “Rob was my soul mate, my lover, my best friend.We lived as a couple and supported each other in sickness and health.”

The Express Gay News interviewed Robin Bodiford at the time, still a respected family law attorney, who reminded us then that “gay couples need wills. Without laws that protect same sex relationships, you can face terrible burdens.”

Those sage words are still true today./ NKent

small house on the outskirts of town where they felt no one would know and they began to collect photos of trips and memorabilia of things they did together. John started a collection of spoons from all of the places they had visited together and eventually the spoons covered an entire wall in their kitchen. John had never loved anyone more and Anthony made so many professional sacrifices to accommodate the needs of the relationship.

On September 18, 1972 after just getting home from work, John noticed Anthony sitting in his favorite chair with no lights on and he sat down next to him and asked what was wrong, as this was not a usual setting for him to come home to. His lover grabbed his hand and with a few tears in his eyes told him that he was diagnosed with lung cancer. It had developed for so long that there was little the doctors felt they could do for him and now it was just a matter of time.

As months passed and Anthony became more ill it became necessary to hospitalize him.

It was decided that his remaining days would be in the hospital and one night around 8pm John arrived at the hospital to spend time with Anthony.

The nurse at the front desk greeted him and when he told her that he was there to visit Anthony Morris, the nurse asked what his relationship to the patient was. It was then for the first time in over twenty five years that he had ever been asked that question and the only answer he could give was that he was his friend. The nurse apologized and told him that only family members or his spouse were allowed to visit. He paused for a moment and asked if an exception could be made, and the nurse told him that it was hospital policy. He barely made it to a waiting

room chair and fell hard into the seat. How could he not be able to see his lover? Not be able to hold his hand and comfort him.

John was devastated and he went home. A few days had passed and though they spoke on the phone, it was not enough and they missed one another desperately. On a cold morning in the early part of August someone knocked on John’s door.

When he opened the door, it was the local Sheriff. He informed John that Anthony’s sister became his executor and due to the surmounting medical bills foreclosed on the mortgage to the house they had shared for so many years. You see the house was in Anthony’s name and as such John had no legal rights to the home or its contents.

The next day Anthony’s sister arrived at the house with movers and for the first time John was confronted about his relationship with Anthony. She told him that she had known for years of what “they were” to one another. She told him that she couldn’t stop her brother from living the life he chose, but she would make sure that his memory would not be disgraced. Anthony had no choice but to watch as box after box of his belongings and memories were taken from the house. He cried as the spoons on the wall began to disappear and he simply looked at Anthony’s sister with tears in his eyes. He was not only going to lose the love of his life, but everything that they had together.

As the last box was being packed, she looked at him and said the last thing she would ever say to him. She told him that he could pick one spoon out and keep it, because she knew whatever her feelings were he had made her brother happy. John died a few years later, never having said goodbye to Anthony and he was buried with the spoon.

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35

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Health

Brushing Your Way to a Longer Life

By Cliff Dunn

W

hether you realize it or not, bacteria live in your mouth as oral hitchhikers. They are fruitful and multiply, but that is not a good thing.

Adults need dental hygiene t

What you were taught as a child on Saturday mornings holds true for you as an adult.

These bacteria can not only adversely impact your teeth and gums, but your blood vessels and heart as well.

More and more dentists are beginning to advise their older patients that proper dental care is a significant way to help prevent secondary cardiovascular issues.

“Getting adults to practice good oral health techniques is often harder than it is for kids,” says Dr. Dr. Howard Cunningham, DDS, of Oakland Park Dental.

“Although we were all taught to brush and floss as children to prevent decay,” Dr. Cunningham says, “as adults, gum disease is just as important an issue. It’s estimated that three-quarters of adults have some form of gum disease.”

Doctor Cunningham noted that the “idea that problems inside your mouth can cause disease elsewhere inside your body may

surprise you, but when you have periodontitis and chew food or brush your teeth, bacteria is released into your bloodstream.”

The plaque that is released from your teeth can then invade and obstruct arteries.

It can be a contributing cause of a potential heart attack.

Dr. David Warner, DDS, at Island City Smiles General & Cosmetic Dentistry in Wilton Manors, says that periodontal diseases in your mouth pose other potential problems for your body as well.

“Research suggests there may be a link between periodontal disease and diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, and increased risk during pregnancy,” Dr. Warner noted.

Dr. Warner adds that it is possible for inflammation inside the mouth to provoke a chain reaction of inflammation throughout the rest of your body, swelling arteries on one hand and conceivably causing strokes on the other.

“Periodontal disease may be passed from parents to children and between couples,” Dr. Warner said.

“Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring,” Dr. Cunningham added.

Brushing and flossing every day, he says, “Outrageous, uproariand seeing your dentist at least twice a year ous and over the top!” for regular cleanings and exams will pay off – L.A. Weekly. in longer life for your teeth and gums andConfident in your smile?

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36

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Tommy’s Tech Tips

By Tommy Forcella

SFGN Master of Our Domains HOW TO FORWARD EMAIL APPROPRIATELY I stumbled upon this anonymous article on the Internet but its accuracy and validity makes it worth sharing with SFGN readers. I touched it up and it should be very useful for you.

A So What If Prop 8 Judge Is Gay? continued from page 17

And so of course they wonder—we all wonder—if Judge Walker feels and thinks differently about the Proposition 8 case because he’s gay.

It comes up, of course, because judges are human. They can’t help being swayed by their full identities and experiences, whoever they are. Sometimes being a minority makes them more sympathetic to the minority plight. Sometimes being a minority makes them LESS sympathetic, partly because they are worried that they, yes, will be

seen as biased.

Being expected to think a certain way just because of your gender/ethnic/religious/sexual identity is insulting.

Democracy is messy. People have all sorts of secret feelings, all varieties of life experience, that can’t be captured in simple Democrat/Republican, straight/gay labels. Judges are trained to overcome these as much as they can, but of course they will be swayed by them.

Which way will they be swayed? We can’t predict. And that’s why identities are not biases.

Atlanta Bar Raid Unconscionable continued from page 17

coordinated, the arrests would have been timed and responsible. Atlanta cops chose to use an inexcusable display of physical force, armed with guns and verbal epithets.

Police could have waited till the bar was closing. They could have then quietly gone into the dressing rooms and charged dancers who allegedly violated laws without humiliating patrons who did not. The police chose the path of harassment and harm instead of restraint and responsibility.

Twenty years ago in South Florida, the sheriff said he had to raid the Copa because it was ‘awash with drugs.’ But the raid found less than five persons in the bar with narcotics. In Atlanta, NO patrons were found to have any contraband.

The conclusion is inescapable. Atlanta police were just plain wrong and reckless.

How much so? Atlanta had a designated police officer who operated as the liaison to the gay community. They did not tell him about the raid.

Lambda Legal, the Southern Center for Human Rights, and attorney Daniel Grossman have now filed a lawsuit against the Atlanta Police Department on behalf of 19 people who say they were forcibly searched and detained during a raid on an Atlanta gay bar.

The suit is formidable, credibly proving that patrons were battered and brutalized, humiliated and detained- without rhyme or reason, cause or justification. No gay community can let this stand.

As my colleague Pier writes in his column today, maybe it would have been safer to be in China. The Atlanta episode should be a reminder that too much comfort is no comfort at all.

friend who is a computer expert received the following directly from a system administrator for a corporate system.

It is an excellent message that ABSOLUTELY applies to ALL of us who send emails.

Please read the short letter below, even if you’re sure you already follow proper procedures.

Do you really know how to forward emails? At least half of us DO NOT! Do you wonder why you get viruses or junk mail? Do you hate it?

Every time you forward an email there is information left over from the people who got the message before you, namely their email addresses & names.

As the messages get forwarded along, the list of addresses builds, and all it takes is for some poor sap with a virus on his computer to contaminate and send that virus to every e-mail address that has come across his computer.

How do you stop it? Well, there are several easy steps: When you forward an e-mail, DELETE all of the other addresses that appear in the body of the message (at the top). That’s right, DELETE them. Highlight them and delete them, backspace them, cut them, whatever it is you know how to do. It only takes a second. To do this, you MUST click the “Forward” button first and then you will have full editing capabilities against the body and headers of the message. If you don’t click on “Forward” first, you won’t be able to edit the message at all.

Whenever you send an email to more than one person, do NOT use the To: or Cc: fields for adding email addresses.

Always use the BCC: (blind carbon copy) field for listing the email addresses.

This is the way the people you send to will only see their own e-mail address. If you don’t see your BCC: option, click on

➊

➋

where it says To: and your address list will appear. Highlight the address and choose BCC: and that’s it, it’s that easy. When you send to BCC: your message will automatically say “Undisclosed Recipients” in the “TO:” field of the people who receive it.

Remove any “FW :” in the subject line. You can re-name the subject if you wish or even fix spelling.

ALWAYS hit your Forward button from the actual email you are reading. Ever get those emails that you have to open 10 pages to read the one page with the information on it? By forwarding from the actual page you wish someone to view, you stop them from having to open many emails just to see what you sent.

Have you ever gotten an email that is a petition? It states a position and asks you to add your name and address and to forward it to 10 or 15 people or your entire address book. The email can be forwarded on and on and can collect thousands of names and email addresses. A FACT: The completed petition is actually worth a couple of bucks to a professional spammer because of the wealth of valid names and email addresses contained therein. If you want to support the petition, send it as your own personal letter to the intended recipient. Your position may carry more weight as a personal letter than a laundry list of names and email address on a petition.

Emails with lottery promises are trash and you should treat them as such by deleting them at once.

Before you forward an Amber Alert, or a Virus Alert, or some of the other ones floating around nowadays, check them out closely.

Many of them are absolute junk mail and have been circling the ‘Net for years. If you have any questions, they can be resolved at Snopes, at this URL: http://www.snopes.com/ Its really easy to find out if it’s real or not. If it’s not, please don’t pass it on.

So please, in the future, let’s stop the junk mail and the viruses.

Finally, here’s an idea!!!

Let’s send this to everyone we know (but strip my address off first, please).

This is something that SHOULD be forwarded.

➌ ➍

➎

➏ ➐

Tommy Forcella is the SFGN Webmaster.

37

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Classifieds: Call Mike 954-928-1862 ACCOMMODATIONS LIBERTY SUITES PERFECT WINTER VACATION RENTALS Winter Sunshine Specials (Valid Through April 30) From $79/Night & $495/Week Studio, 1BD & 2BD Apts w/ Full Kitchens Clothing optional heated pool, laundry, Parking. Close to Gay Dania & Nude Haulover Beaches.

Premium cable, VOIP, Telephone & WiFi Internet. Pets always Welcome! 954927-0090 www.LibertySuites.com -----------------------------------------------NICE CLEAN EFFICIENCY AVAILABLE FOR 250.00 WEEKLY AND ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED. Nice one bedroom apartment available just 2 blocks from the beach 1200.00 monthly. Please call Clint for your move in special. 954-565-8437 or 954-445-7718.

COMPUTERS THE COMPUTER GUY In-home service by nice, reliable guy with over 30 years experience. Find computers confusing? Want your own website? Computer sluggish? Got a virus? I can repair or upgrade your computer and provide training. A+ Certified.

Call 954-295-2220 or E-Mail: ComputerGuyFTL@aol.com -----------------------------------------------NETECH SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS Computer/Network Technical Support for Home and Business/Installations/Upgrades/ Maintenance/Repairs/Training/ Consultations. 10+ years of Enterprise Level Experience and Very Dependable.

Call Peter at (954) 816-4126 or email peter@netechsystems.com ----------------------------------------------GEEK PATROL COMPUTER SERVICES Florida Tech Support Located in Wilton Manors - Windows & Mac (OS X) security, virus & spyware removal, repairs upgrades, wired & wireless networking - gay owned Floridatechsupport@mac.com 954-453-9574 -----------------------------------------------OPTIMA COMPUTER REPAIR COMPLETE IN HOME SERVICE. *Get the BEST performance, protection & value from your computer investment. *A+ Hardware & OS CERTIFIED. *Friendly, professional, RELIABLE service. Reasonable rates. Call: Mike 954-817-3883

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

-----------------------------------------------DAVIDSPA.COM MASSAGE THERAPY David Dantas, LMT 954-918-2015 Lic. MA48221 -----------------------------------------------MASSAGEBYJIM.COM Jim Libonati, NCTMB, LMT 954-600-5843 Lic. MA50898, MM22293 -----------------------------------------------MASSEURFINDER.COM Find the perfect masseur In South Florida -----------------------------------------------METAPHYSICAL MASSAGE Alfonzo Castano, NCTMB, LMT 954-297-7137 Lic. MA57817 -----------------------------------------------78° SPA OPTIMAL COMFORT FOR EVERY BODY John Pimenta 954-630-1444 Lic. MM18817

-----------------------------------------------L. BUZZ MASSAGE NOOK Larry Buzzeo 954-513-5713 Lic. MA32254 -----------------------------------------------MASSAGE BY A NICE JEWISH GUY Let me work my massage magic.

Aventura a specialty. David 305-936-2551 MA15197 -----------------------------------------------MASSAGE BY MARK $40 SPECIAL Soothe your gay nerves, 75 Minutes of therapeutic massage done in the privacy of your home. Call 954-463-6791 or Cell 954-895-2265 MA0016739 (Non-Sexual) -----------------------------------------------TABLE FOR ONE Theraputic Massage by Aig Erumsele, LMT, NCTMB. Lic# MA57818. IN/OUT Calls. Chair Massage, Home, Office, Parties or Events. Call 561-504-1097

COUNSELING GROW FROM LIFE’S CHALLENGES Addictions, relationships, depression, co-dependency & support. Sensitive & Caring Gay Therapist-WM Office.

Kurt Robbins, LMFT 954-604-7893 www.SouthFloridaTherapy.com -----------------------------------------------AFFORDABLE LIFE COUNSELING BECAUSE YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY WITH WHO YOU ARE AND WHERE YOU ARE HEADED • Low Self Image/Esteem • Anger/Resentment Issues • Relationship/Commitment Issues • Weight Control • Self-Sabatoging Behavior • Stop Smoking • Drug & Alcohol Dependence, etc...LIFESTYLES, LLC 954-683-8546 -----------------------------------------------JOHN W. DORAN , LCSW Serving the community for 19+ years, specializing in gay/lesbian/bisexual issues, addictions, relationship issues, HIV/AIDS, anger management, codependency, loss/bereavement. Providing individual/couple/family/group. Most insurance accepted, Wilton Manors location, 954-253-4060 -----------------------------------------------DR . SEAN LEONARD CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST Specializing in issues related to intimacy, relationships, and sexuality in the gay community. Support and treatment are guided by 15 years of training and experience in research of sexuality and intimacy, and psychotherapy for individuals and partners. Specialty areas include relationship enhancement, treatment of compulsive sexuality, overcoming challenges to intimacy and commitment, and sexual self-esteem.

Offices located in both Ft. Lauderdale and Davie. Visit website FloridaPsychology.us or call 954-566-2166, ext. 203 for more information. Licensed Clinical Psychologist (FL PY6552)

-----------------------------------------------MANAGEMENT POSITION A Gay men’s private health club chain is seeking an experienced professional to manage the operations of a gay sauna in Miami. Experience in customer service and employee/staff management is required.

The position also includes supervision of maintenance and repairs to the facility.

Financial responsibilities include supervising cashiers and daily cash reconciliation.

Hospitality industry experience is preferred. Bi-Lingual, fluent English/Spanish is a requirement. Salary is commensurate with experience. Send replies to: Club Aqua Miami, 2980 SW 21 Terrace, Miami, FL 33145-2330 -----------------------------------------------HELP WANTED - CAGED HUNKS - RAMROD Hot, muscular, caged hunks wanted for saturday nights at the ramrod. Cash pay + tips. Call 954-802-5190 after 11 am or see kevin m-th happy hours at the bar -----------------------------------------------JOHNNY’S FORT LAUDERDALE IS NOW SEEKING: in shape, attractive BARTENDERS with min. 2 years exp. in high energy club environment. We are also Looking for Shot Boys,Cocktail boys, Cashiers, Security (must have G License) for interview contact AJ Cross 754-367-6366 or email montrealboyinfl@aol.com or JohnnysBarFL@aol.com -----------------------------------------------DUDES ON THE BEACH Dudes on the Beach is now hiring Bar Staff and Dancers. Looking for people with a touch of class. 3270 NE 33rd Street, 954 568-7777. Apply in person.

-----------------------------------------------SLAMMER IS LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN! bartenders, locker....must be flexible and dependable....apply in person Monday nights 8 pm, no phone calls!

-----------------------------------------------COURTYARD CAFE IS LOOKING FOR SHORT ORDER COOKS All shifts. Must be able to cook breakfast. 2211 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors.

Please apply in person. NO PHONE CALLS -----------------------------------------------MASCULINE DANCERS WANTED The Stable is hiring masculine male dancers. Please contact Howard at 954-296-9512

-----------------------------------------------WANTED: MALE DANCERS Must be over 21. NO house fees. Friday nights at The Depot. Please complete application and submit a picture to Marc at The Depot, 1243 NE 11th Avenue. Mon - Friday 1 PM to midnight.

-----------------------------------------------LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCED BARTENDERS AND DANCERS FOR BUSY NIGHTCLUB IN WILTON MANORS Apply in person, at GAYMART, must bring photo. 2240 Wilton Drive 954-630-0360 -----------------------------------------------EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT 3 days per week to start. $12/hour.

Benefits in 30 days. Must be computer literate (Word, Excel, MSOffice). Business casual atmosphere. Will lead to full time. New company on Wilton Drive. Call Larry 954-826-6579. Immediate Hire!

-----------------------------------------------PERSONAL ASSISTANT Help wanted Part Time Adminstrative assistant with Waiter Experience A plus Call Chuck at 954-205-5960 -----------------------------------------------RECEPTIONIST/GENERAL OFFICE - FULL TIME Exp with professional etiquette/dress code, Bi-lingual English/Spanish REQUIRED, Computer proficient: Excell/ Word/Bank Deposits. Full time, 40 + Salaried, Ft Lauderdale. Fax cover/resume: 954-720-4404 Attn: Chuck -----------------------------------------------COME GROW WITH US! Exp Route Sales, Grocery Dry Goods.

English/ Fluent in Spanish. Dade/Broward/Palm Beach. Cover with Resume attn “Chuck” 954-720-4404

HEALTH/FITNESS ANDRE’S SPA SERVICES Licensed Skin Care Specialist & Cosmetologist, Waxing, Microdermabrasion, European Facials, Manicures, Pedicures. 954-482-3112 www.Spa2urHome.com -----------------------------------------------ROBINS CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Bruce Robins. Quality Chiropractic Care From a Doctor you can Trust.

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POSITION WANTED PERSONAL ASSISTANT Experienced multilingual (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish) for CEO, Business Man. I’m GWM, 35yr., well educated, healthy, honest, mature. Looking for personal assistant position, house manger (butler, run errands, dry cleaning, chauffeur). References upon request.

Worked in same position for a lawyer and TV producer in FTL, NYC and LA. Please contact me by E-mail: xa.is@usa.net

HELP WANTED HOMBRE IS COMING Bartenders, Bar Backs, Security. Apply at www.HombreBar.com

THE BLUE DOLPHIN They have a nice clean efficiency available for 250.00 weekly and all utilities included. Nice one bedroom apartment available just 2 blocks from the beach 1200.00 monthly. Please call Clint for your move in special. 954-565-8437 or 954-445-7718.

-----------------------------------------------PRIVATE PERSONAL TRAINING GYM Rene Endara, World Champion Bodybuilder And Personal Trainer. Call for Free Consultation 954-394-6979 www.ReneEndara.com -----------------------------------------------DUANE LEVANDOWSKI, PERSONAL TRAINER “Back in it for your results” Certified Personal Trainer & Nutrition Counselor 954-655-6799 -----------------------------------------------REMOVE THE HAIR FROM ANYWHERE European Speed Wax, European Hard Wax, Body Grooming. Don DiCarlo 954-734-5531 www.TheBeachSpa.com Lic. CL1183450 -----------------------------------------------MOBILE TEETH WHITENING $49 Hotspots Special $69 Couples Special Call for Info & Appointment 954-583-0511 -----------------------------------------------CARE RESOURCE - HIV RAPID TESTING BROWARD COUNTY 830 E. Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, FL 33334. For Info Call 954-567-7141 FREE and CONFIDENTIAL TESTING FROM 9:30 AM TO 5:00 PM www.CareResource.org/testinginfo.html -----------------------------------------------HIV AND STD TESTING AT THE GLCC 2040 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL 33305. For more details and info call: 954-463-9005 or visit www.GLCCSF.org -----------------------------------------------RESEARCH STUDY - EARN CASH Are you a sexually active gay/bi man?

You may be eligible to participate in a paid research study! Call ROOM Project 954-566-8206

REAL ESTATE THE GAYLE BORDEN REAL ESTATE GROUP www.GayleBorden.com Direct Office: 954-525-3355 Direct Mobile: 954-815-6233 Coldwell Banker -----------------------------------------------RE/MAX PARTNERS LAS OLAS Joe Ando, PA Realtor ® Cell: 954-616-9655 Jim Cunningham, PA Realtor ®, ABR®, e-PRO® Cell: 954-854-3777 www.WereSellingParadise.com -----------------------------------------------PRO-TEAM FLORIDA Mike Walters 954-608-3807 Barry Murac 954-296-7700 www.SunshineHomes4Sale.com -----------------------------------------------BERGER REALTY GROUP, INC. Gary Katz 954-803-0885 heronbayagent@aol.com -----------------------------------------------ATLANTIC PROPERTIES INTERNATIONAL Scott Rouda, Realtor®, GRI, TRC, ICREA 954-643-7077 www.ScottRouda.com -----------------------------------------------MARVILLA CONDOMINIUM Only 2 Units Left $119,000 Developer’s Final Close-Out 2124 NE 5th Avenue, Wilton Manors For Sales Info, Contact 954-971-6775 Preferred Realty -----------------------------------------------CASTELLI REAL ESTATE SERVICES Steven Pizzuto 954-873-2830 www.CastelliHomes.com -----------------------------------------------FT LAUDERDALE/LAUDER LAKES PRIMARILY GAY PARK Hurricane Ready 1,600sf 2BR/2BA 1 Yr Old, 32’ Party Deck overlooks huge Lake.

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

Immaculate. Real Show Place! Pics @ www.twitpic.com/photos/FLParadise4Sale Cost $205K+, Sell $159,900, Call 954.817.6233 -----------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS WATERFRONT Stunning 3 BD/ 2.5BA two story on the river. Totally renovated and remodeled one of a kind contemporary home.

Features large private roof top deck off master bedroom one car garage and open floor plan.$389,000 Call Glenn Smith at Coastland Realty. 954-873-4220

-----------------------------------------------NORTH ANDREWS GARDENS 2BD/2BA Pool home with paver patio, 1 car garage with paver driveway, designer kitchen, new tile roof, new AC, new paint, baseboards, doors, etc. 81 NW 48th Court, $189,000. Gerrity Realty, Bill Gerrity 954-493-8836.

ROOMMATES ROOMMATE SOUGHT, MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE. 30 yr old prof.in search of GWM, age 25-35 to share spacious, clean, all tile apt. Pool, screened in porch. Looking for roommate with “stuff” as I moved down here in a hurry and have no “stuff.” $450/monthRENT/ Contact: 954-515-7185 E -----------------------------------------------GM TO SHARE 2BR/1BA HOME OFF COMMERCIAL BLVD Cable, internet, community pool and golf. 4 to 5 miles to Wilton Manors. $550/month. +$300/sec. Call Mark 954-731-1543 -----------------------------------------------ANDREWS AVE / NW 16TH ST. GWM to share a 3/1 House. Minutes to Wilton Drive. $490/Mo. Includes Utilities. $250 Deposit. Call 954-319-0741 -----------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS - 1 MI. FROM ALIBI Share a 3/2 newer home with two professionals, unfurnished room. No smoking, drugs, x-drinking. Must like quiet and be employed. $550/Mo. + $550 Sec. Call 954-540-1811 -----------------------------------------------HOLLYWOOD - GAY ROOMMATE WANTED Share a 3BD house with hot tub, full use of house. Close to downtown. $375/Mo. Including Utilities. Sal 954-536-6901 -----------------------------------------------AVENTURA - UPTOWN MARINA LOFTS Share a Luxury apt, no smoking, 2BD/2BA + Den. 11’ ceilings, $950/Mo. Call Alex 305-494-1524 -----------------------------------------------OAKLAND PARK Minutes to Wilton Manors. Share a upgraded 2BD/1BA, full bedroom set, tv, cable, internet. Must be pet friendly.

Non-smoker, no drugs. $550/Mo. + $300 Sec. Call 954-579-1958 -----------------------------------------------OAKLAND PARK 2BD/1BA Gated Complex, Mature male looking for same. Quiet, Clothes free Apt, clothing optional pool, laundry & BBQ. No Drunks/Drugs. $550/mo. F/L/S incl. elect., internet & cable in own room. Call 561302-5218 after 6:30 PM -----------------------------------------------CORAL RIDGE - ROOM FOR RENT Gay Professional looking to share a 2BD/2BA, off street parking, laundry in building, cable ready, all utilities included $550/Mo. Must work. Call 954-993-6531

RENT/LEASE 2 BEDROOM 1 BATH DUPLEX IN WILTON MANORS Walking distance to clubs and shops and in a nice neighborhood. Please call Clint at 954-445-7718 or 954-565-8437 for your move in special.

-----------------------------------------------1 BEDROOM 1 BATH IN WILTON MANORS. This unit has large closets and central heat and air. Walk to clubs and shops. Please call Clint at 954-4457718 or 954-565-8437 for your move in special.

-----------------------------------------------2 BEDROOM 2 BATH ON LAS OLAS, this is a large unit and very spacious.

You can walk to the nightlife of Las Olas and have gorgeous views. Unit available April 1st. Please Call Clint at 954-445-7718 or 954-565-8437 for your move in special.

-----------------------------------------------2 BEDROOM 1 BATH DUPLEX IN WILTON MANORS. Walking distance to clubs and shops and in a nice neighborhood. Please call Clint at 954-445-7718 or 954-565-8437 for your move in special.

38

February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

CLASSIFIEDS@HOTSPOTSMAGAZINE.COM

RENT/LEASE CONT’D 1 BEDROOM 1 BATH IN WILTON MANORS. This unit has large closets and central heat and air. Walk to clubs and shops.

Please call Clint at 954-445-7718 or 954565-8437 for your move in special.

-----------------------------------------------2 BEDROOM 2 BATH ON LAS OLAS this is a large unit and very spacious. You can walk to the nightlife of Las Olas and have gorgeous views. Unit available April 1st. Please Call Clint at 954-445-7718 or 954-565-8437 for your move in special.

-----------------------------------------------OAKLAND PARK WINNER! Newly Refurbished Apt. - Large 1 Bedroom/1 Bath, new tiled floors, updated bathroom, new kitchen appliances & A/C. Only $725/month Call Lucien 954-816-1322 -----------------------------------------------MANOR GROVE 2/2 Updated, tile, screened porch, walk to Wilton Drive, $1,200/Mo. Steve Pizzuto 954-873-2830 Castelli RE Services -----------------------------------------------COLONIAL MANOR 1/1.5 Completely remodeled, walk to Galleria Mall, bike to beach. Steve Pizzuto 954873-2830 Castelli RE Services -----------------------------------------------ISLAND CITY LOFTS 2/2.5 CORNER UNIT Stunning, Pool, Fitness Center, on “The Drive”, $1,900/Mo. Steve Pizzuto 954873-2830 Castelli RE Services -----------------------------------------------1414 NE 5TH TERRACE LARGE 2BD/1BA Open, peninsula kitchen w/ smooth-top stive, crisp white cabinets, D/W, tile floors, on-site laundry. C/A, private patio. $1,050/Mo. F/S. Call 954-448-9811

-----------------------------------------------PALM ISLAND VILLAS Brand New Tri-Level 3/3.5 Townhouse, walk to “The Drive”, $1,850/Mo. Steve Pizzuto 954-873-2830 Castelli RE Services -----------------------------------------------1BD/1BA CLOSE TO WILTON DRIVE 550sq ft. apt., newly renovated with granite countertops, European style cabinets, built in W/D, private back yard/covered patio. $850/Mo. Call 954-533-1240 -----------------------------------------------GEORGOUS TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT IN WILTON MANORS 2BD/2.5BA, 2 story townhouse, $1,450/ Mo. Tile floors, central air, W/D, DW, screened in portch, community pool, sits on fingertip canal. In heart and soul of Wilton Manors. Walk to restaurants, shops, nightlife. Can be furnished for $1,550/Mo. Approx 1,200 sqft. One small pet allowed. Call Anthony 215-715-0494 -----------------------------------------------4 BLOCKS TO WILTON DRIVE AND 2 BLOCKS TO THE NEW GLCC 1BD/1BA, large, walk-in closet, bright, clean, quiet, safe, 1 yr. lease. Furnished or Unfurnished $750/Mo. Call 954-934-8360 -----------------------------------------------NEAR THE BEACH 2BD/2BA $1,195/Mo. and 2BD/1BA $1,095/Mo., window treatments, tile, carpet, large private fenced back yard, laundry on premisis, F/S 954-914-9144 -----------------------------------------------DROP-DEAD-GORGEOUS Supersized 1BD/1BA, All New!, open granite kit w/island, D/W, 15’x20’ Bdrm, central air, 1 yr. lease $915/Mo. F/S. Middle River Ter. Call 954-448-9811 -----------------------------------------------SECRET GARDEN Large 1BD/1BA, tile floors, granite kitchen, on-site laundry, newer everything, 1st floor w/large patio, $825/Mo. F/S Lakeridge. Call 954-448-9811

-----------------------------------------------$750 BEHIND GALLERIA ($50 OFF FIRST MONTH) 1BD/1BA, 800 sqft w/ pool, no pets please. Call 954-802-5059 or trmman@ comcast.net -----------------------------------------------NEED HELP LOOKING? At no cost to you, we review hundreds of properties in Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manor areas to meet your specifications and price range. We will even review and prepare the final lease to insure your protection. Call Dick at 954-616-7662 or our office 954-764-6061 East Side Realty Group.

-----------------------------------------------3 MINUTES TO WILTON DRIVE BRIGHT CORNER 1/1 Middle River Terrace, all tiled, open kitchen, bright first floor corner, large bedroom, walk-in closet, small private lushly landscaped bldg., laundry on premises, hurricane shutters, $750/ month - 954-242-7566 - 954-849-4944 -----------------------------------------------1/1 APARTMENT MINUTES TO WILTON DRIVE $695/MO. Private 1/1, cent a/c, all tile, french door to large patio/fenced yard & laundry, cats & most dogs okay 954-849-4944 -----------------------------------------------WALK TO ALIBI Large 2/1 for rent with central A/C, dishwasher, pool, 2 pvt car spaces. Corner unit w/ lots of windows $995/ month Call Ron 917-734-9118 -----------------------------------------------WILTON VILLAGE CONDO Large 2/1 Remodeled, Corner, Next to Pool. Heart of Wilton Manors, 26th Street & 8th Ave. New Kitchen, Bathroom, Tile Floors, Central A/C, 2 Parking Spaces. F/L/S $890.00 Mo. (954)732-2438 -----------------------------------------------1BD/1BA IN FORT LAUDERDALE Conviently located near 95, 595 and Turnpike. Quiet gay complex with private deck and yard. Small pet OK. $750/Mo. Call James 305-213-3473 -----------------------------------------------3/2 POOL HOME IN EAST WILTON MANORS Updated kitchen, new stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, travertine tile, screened in back portch, W/D, quiet neighborhood. Call 954-410-5282

-----------------------------------------------EAST OAKLAND PARK 2BD/1BA, pool, Central AC, yard, plenty of parking, 2 miles from beach, 1.5 miles to Wilton Dr. Close to shopping. Pets welcome. Water and garbage included. $950/mo. Avail. Now. Call 754-204-7400 -----------------------------------------------DRAKE TOWER LUXURY HIGHRISE Large 1BD, 1.5BA, High Security bldg., Pool, BBQ, Sauna, Gated Parking. Cable Included. $850/Mo. High floor, great sunsets. Call 954-295-5163.

-----------------------------------------------PALMAIRE AREA Incrediblle 2/2 Condo in Cypress Bend near Cypress Creek Rd & I-95 Updated with bamboo wood floors large state of the art granite kitchen, huge screened balcony with beautiful 5th floor views of water & sunrise, W/D. Minutes to I-5 and Turnpike. Beautiful complex with pool tennis courts, jogging trail & exercise room Secure and Quiet. Must see… $1,150.00 per month. Call 954-614-9285 -----------------------------------------------NE FT. LAUDERDALE - WILTON MANORS AREA - AVAILABLE NOW Lovely, IMMACULATE, 1/1’s, newer kitchens, lg. BR, walk-n closet, tile floors, a/c, washer/dyer, cable ready, Quiet, all gay complex. Cat considered. $680-$700. By appt. 954-592-3772 -----------------------------------------------1129 NE 5TH TERRACE - 1BD/1BA Full kitchen, bathroom, Beautiful Yard completely fenced in. Move In Conditon.

Laundry on premisis. Of off 13th Street.

Pets OK. $700/mo. Gino 954-551-3621 -----------------------------------------------VILLAGE PARK AT OAKLAND On SALE! Only $750/mo for 2/1 second floor apt. Pool, tennis, exercise room, laundry. New carpet, paint, xtra clean.

Commercial Blvd East of 95 at NE 6 Ave. Adjacent Publix/Bally’s, 1 mile to beach.

954-552-5023. Blueboy1st@hotmail.com Southcore Realty.

-----------------------------------------------OAKLAND & FEDERAL -REMODELED Second Floor, corner 1/1. Brand new appliances, counter top, ceiling fans, light fixtures, flooring and more. Laundry, cat okay. Small bldg, extra clean.

By Coral Ridge Mall, close to beaches. $695/Mo. Owner/Agent. 954-552-5023. zinger8@aol.com

-----------------------------------------------727 NW 1ST AVE-OFF OF ANDREWS AVE. Completely Remodeled 2BR/1BA on beautiful street lined with new townhouses. Large totally fenced yard, very quet, private laudry on premises, parking. Central AC $850/mo + 1/mo security.

Pets OK. Gino 954-551-3621 -----------------------------------------------FURNISHED EFFICIENCY NE 25th ST, behind the Science of the Mind. Utilities included, private parking, annual lease, one adult, pets considered. $565/Mo. F/L/$200/Sec. Call Chaz 954-465-4292 -----------------------------------------------FT LAUD - POINSETTIA HEIGHTS Totally Renovated, Beautiful 1/1 apt with central air, W/D included. $775/Mo. Call Dave at 954-463-3388 -----------------------------------------------WALK TO WILTON DRIVE RESTAURANTS AND CLUBS 2BR/1BA - Central AC, freshly painted, renovated kitchen, built in micro, D/W, tile floor. Only $875/Mo. 30 lb pet limit.

Call David at 917-710-8852, 407-491-1353 -----------------------------------------------VICTORIA PARK VERY LARGE 1 BEDROOM Large 1 bedroom, pool, updated, Walk to Gateway and Galleria. N/S. $1,000/Mo. Call 954-270-0304 -----------------------------------------------MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE TOWNHOUSES Large 2/1½ unit townhouse style. Tile, Central A/C, D/W, microwave, great location in quiet complex. $900/Mo. F/L/S 954-270-0304 -----------------------------------------------EAST OAKLAND PARK - WALK TO SCANDALS 2/2 corner unit, clean condo, w/pool, laudry room, cent. A/C, all tile, great location, ample paking, small pet ok. 2nd floor. $950/mo. 954-486-2621 -----------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS WATERFRONT ON THE PARK Waterfront 2BD/2BA Corner Unit, Large Open living areas, W/D in unit, $1,200/ Mo. Waterfront 1BD/1BA, new kitchen, spacious apt. $875/Mo. Spacious STUDIO apartment, private entrance, tile floors, galley kitchen, full size refrigerator, updated bathroom, wall of closets $575/Mo. Call 954-224-8768

-----------------------------------------------LAKERIDGE COZY STUDIO/ROOM Private entrance w/ patio. Full bath & kitchen. Hardwood floors; Tropical, secluded pool & patio area. Elec, WiFi, cable, & water included. On-site laundry available. ONE person only, no smoking/ pets. 1 mile to Wilton drive & the beach. $600 a month. 954-636-9298 -----------------------------------------------FT LAUDERDALE - MIDDLE RIVER AREA LOW MOVE IN /EASY TERMS* 1BD/1BA in 4 unit bldg. $700/Mo. or $175/Wk*. W/D on premisis. 6 or 12 Mo. Lease. 954-527-9225 -----------------------------------------------MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE Large 1BD/1BA in fourplex. Tile floors throughout, laundry facilities, parking, less than 1 mile to Wilton Drive. $750/ Mo. Call 954-815-2550 -----------------------------------------------EAST FORT LAUDERDALE ONE MINUTE TO WILTON DRIVE - 2/2 IN A TROPICAL PARK-LIKE SETTING Large, quiet 2BD/2 full bath unit. Totally renovated with porcelain tile, granite & stainless kitchen, granite in baths, dining room, central A/C, ceiling fans, D/W, W/D in unit & more. Charming, beautifully landscaped 5-plex close to beach. $1,225/ mo. Call Rick 954-253-1929 or email BoisTropicalHome@aol.com for photos.

-----------------------------------------------MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE 1/1 ALL UPDATED DUPLEX - $750/MO. Impact windows, new kitchen, new bathroom, all tile floors, central AC, screened patio, small yard, 954-849-4944 or 954-242-7566 -----------------------------------------------2BD/1BA - 1470 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY - FTL Everything is new, travertine tile, granite/stainless in kitchen, central air, ceiling fans, W/D on premisis. $950/Mo. F/S Call 954-683-3360

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LYONS SNYDER LAW GROUP Criminal Defense Attorneys 954-462-8035 www.LyonsSnyder.com -----------------------------------------------LAW OFFICES OF GEORGE CASTRATARO Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation, Estate Planning/Wills, Foreclosure Defense & Negotiation, LGBT Issues, Small Business. 954-573-1444 www.LAWGC.com -----------------------------------------------MAYERSOHN LAW GROUP P.A. State/Federal Criminal Defense & White Collar Crime 954-765-1900, 866-765-1900 www.MayersohnLaw.com -----------------------------------------------DRUCKER LAW OFFICES Personal Injury, Auto Accidents, Wrongful Death, Slip/Trip & Falls, Defective Product Injuries, Workplace Injuries. 954-755-2120 www.FloridaLawTeam.com -----------------------------------------------LAW OFFICES OF CHRIS MANCINI, PA Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation Office: 954-522-2744 Cell: 305-219-6919 www.ChrisManciniEsq.com -----------------------------------------------STEPHEN D. JEROME ATTORNEY AT LAW Bankruptcy, Mortgage Foreclosure Defense, Wills, Estate Planning & Probate, Real Estate, Closings, Domestic Partnership Agreements 954-946-0916, SJerome_Esq@bellsouth.net -----------------------------------------------ATTORNEY ROBIN L. BODIFORD, JD, MSW Wills & Trusts, Bankruptcy, Trust Admin, Probate, LGBT Issues, Incorporations 954-630-2707, www.RobinBodifordLaw.com -----------------------------------------------GREGORY W. KABEL ATTORNEY AT LAW Wills & Trusts, Estate Planning, Probate, Domestic Agreements, Business Formation & Transactions, Real Estate. 2312 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-761-7770, gwkesq@bellsouth.net

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February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com -----------------------------------------------EMERGENCY SERVICES 24, INC. Complete Plumbing Services 24 Hour Water Removal 305-557-8998, 561-818-1171 www.WaterDamage24.com -----------------------------------------------EXPERT CARPET, TILE & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING BY DESI $59.99 2 Rooms, Deep Steam Cleaning Carpet or Sofa, Free Deodorizer $99.00 Winter Special Tile & Grout Or 35 cents per sq.ft. 954-383-5054 -----------------------------------------------A&A ROOFING AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS 954-274-9378 Licensed & Insured #93BS00177 -----------------------------------------------“I SHOW UP” HANDYMAN 954-684-9277 Sean SeanHarrenFTL@mac.com -----------------------------------------------BROWARD BOYS PAINTERS Residential & Commercial Interior & Exterior 954-720-9605 www.BrowardBoys.com -----------------------------------------------THE PAINTING COMPANY Residential & Commercial Solids, Faux Finishes, Murals, Color Coordination, Venetian Plaster, Interior/Exterior. 954-292-8219 PAINTandFAUX@aol.com -----------------------------------------------CGR PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Broward, West Palm, Dade Residential/Commercial 786-419-1360 -----------------------------------------------BROWARD PET CARE PROFESSIONALS Pet Sitting, Dog Walking, Day Care, Pet Taxi, 954-612-2278, www.

BrowardPetCarePros.com. Certified, Bonded and Insured -----------------------------------------------TOTAL MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, INC. Condo & HOA Management Bookkeeping, Tenant Screening Contractor/Employee Oversight 954-727-3833, www.TotalMSolutions.com -----------------------------------------------HOME SOLUTIONS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 954-545-3027 Office www.RentSoon.com -----------------------------------------------PANE IN THE GLASS Window Tint Removal, Window Cleaning Power Washing, Screen Repairs Handyman, Painting. Call Scotty 954-566-4415, Lic. & Insured -----------------------------------------------LICENSED CONTRACTOR Carports to Garages, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Home Additions, Complete Roofs, Rotted Facia and More…

Call 561-577-3017, Lic#CGC151692 -----------------------------------------------DINKLE DOG GROOMING WILTON MANORS Small to Medium Dogs 954-562-2278, DinkleDogs@aol.com -----------------------------------------------MY BREAKFAST IN BED AS SEEN ON TV…instead of sending flowers, Send a breakfast in bed! For menus and to order. Online: www. mybreakfastinbed.com Karl’s Catering 305-829-5607 -----------------------------------------------PLANNING A MOVE? At Cousins USA Moving & Storage, we want you to smile when you think of moving day, and we want you to tell a friend how pleasant your moving experience has been. For more info on about how we can make moving day a good day. Call toll-free at 1-888-300-MOVE, ask for Carlos.

-----------------------------------------------DEREK’S 24 HR HANDYMAN SERVICE Introducing our new cabinet shop.

For all your Custom Made Cabintetry, Countertops and Laminates. MUST SEE OUR WORK! JUST ASK OUR CLIENTS! All Electrical to code, any/all plumbing work, drywall finish work/repair, crown/baseboard pro-install, int/ext painting, demo work, pressure washing, DECOR TILE Install, complete home up-dates. For large jobs, 4-man crew abailable. WE HANDLE IT ALL. Instant call back direct service response. No job is ever too small. Excellent references. Derek 954-825-5598 or email: DerekGallaway@att.net

-----------------------------------------------IRRIGATION SYSTEM REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE 19 yrs. experience, excellent work, referrals by request. Call Roberto at 954-383-8980 -----------------------------------------------GREAT MASSAGE! GREAT RATES! PRIVATE STUDIO NOW OPEN! Great Massage, Great Rates. See my Display ad, or visit my website at www. massagebyjim.com Call Jim Libonati at 954-600-5843. Licensed, insured and nationally certified MA50898 -----------------------------------------------HHH EXPERT AIR ADVICE HHH HH AIR CONDITIONING REPAIRS HH Cooling is what we do best.

FPL rebates, insured, CACO 36862 FREE estimates on replacements $75 tune up, Call 954-764-1990 -----------------------------------------------ONE CALL DOES IT ALL BY HOUSE! Carpet Cleaning, House Cleaning, Tile & Grout, Upholstery Air Ducts, Pressure Cleaning- Patios, sidewalks, & drive ways. Construction and Foreclosure Clean Up. Cell 954-515-7615 -----------------------------------------------NEED A LAWYER ?

Criminal Defense * DUI Traffic * Accidents * Injuries * Personal Injury * AAA Attorney Referral Service 24 Hours 1-800-733-5342 -----------------------------------------------RTS ELECTRIC 24 HOUR SERVICE Quality work at a reasonable price.

Licensed & Insured #98-CME-1807-X. Contact 954-257-9509. Also, all size generator service and installation.

-----------------------------------------------BRUCE ELECTRIC CORP. Fair rates/quality work. All electrical services. Repairs/upgrades. Generator sales/ installations. Prompt/reliable/ dependable. State licensed & ins.

EC13001903 954-748-6234 -----------------------------------------------EARLY BIRD CONSTRUCTION ROOFING, CARPENTRY, TILE, PAINT. Honest and ON TIME! 954-274-9378 -----------------------------------------------***CLEAN IT RITE*** THE BEST CLEANING FOR YOUR BUCK! 1BD $45, 2BD $55, 3BD $65.

Excellent rates and references. 10 years in the business. Call Manny at 954-560-4443 -----------------------------------------------HOME REMODELING/REPAIR From Small Repairs to High End Remodeling. Specializing in Kitchens and Baths. Exceptional work ethic.

Carpentry, plumbing ,electrical, etc. 20 Years Experience. Atelier Development.

Call 954-612-7795 for free estimate.

-----------------------------------------------INCOME TAXES DONE RIGHT! SINGLES, COUPLES OR BUSINESSES Serving the community since 1987.

Income Taxes & Accounting. I can meet at your home, business or my office.

Please call for more info or an appt. 954753-9722. Edward Brooks CPA -----------------------------------------------HANDY MAN SERVICE Professional, safe, reliable, painting, bathroom, tile and flooring. Repair or replace faucet fixture ,toilets, ceiling fans electrical outlets and dimmer switches, Install lighting fixtures. I work with Realtors home owners. Installing counter tops and cabinets. Free estimate call Eli for more info 954-638-7034.

-----------------------------------------------BRAZILIAN HIGH QUALITY CLEANING SERVICES Avoid disastrous results and find a quality house cleaning service that will keep your home sparkling clean and give you peace of mind. References upon request and competitive pricing. Please call 754366-4065 or email: sysasius@hotmail. com Simone Silva -----------------------------------------------PERSONAL TRAINER Private gym/pool, one on one workouts, rates as low as $35/session, over 10 years changing lives in S. Florida and loving it! Strength, flexibility, cardio, golf conditioning, nutrition. Frank Ward 954-630-0908

-----------------------------------------------ONE STOP SHOPPING AND ASSOCIATES HANDYMAN/ REMODELING AND MORE WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN ALL PHASES OF...

Home improvements, a/c, extensions, electrical, plumbing, painting, kitchen, baths, flooring/ trim, steel erector and fabricator. PGT Impact Windows at Factory Direct Prices. Former owner of a NY remodeling co. as well as a hands on worker, because I demand perfection in all I do. Please call Mitch for prompt honest and dependable service. Lic. CGC1514441, EC13001388 and insured. (954) 253-4650

SERVICES KFIR MOYAL PROFESSIONAL BODYWORK www.KfirMoyal.com, 404-966-1036 -----------------------------------------------ITALIAN BODYWORK Call me for your next great body rub!

954-494-5936 -----------------------------------------------DEEP MUSCULAR MASSAGE If my massage isn’t one of the best you’ve ever had, you don’t have to pay me. Jamie G. 954-547-4872 -----------------------------------------------BESTOFFLORIDAMASSAGE.COM 8AM – 8PM, 7 Days a week 954-356-9348 -----------------------------------------------RELAX IN A MAN’S HANDS Hot Rubs $70+ North Dade IN/OUT Pro Table Paul 305-903-3331 -----------------------------------------------I WILL RUB YOU RIGHT! Joe 954-270-0357 -----------------------------------------------STEVE-JORDAN.COM Experience the ultimate in bodywork!

954-560-2542 -----------------------------------------------USA BODYWORK Kenn Steed, Fort Lauderdale 954-683-3360 www.USABodywork.us -----------------------------------------------EXTRAORDINARY MASSAGE Through Healing Spiritual Touch Shark 954-478-6728 -----------------------------------------------***TOTAL BLISS**** If you overweight and over 60 you get my $60 special. Totally release every ounce of stress from your body by 43 yr old, 5’6”, 150lbs, moderately hairy, 8.5”, thick rugged hung nude dude. You will find it hard to get off the table when I’m through with you. Showers available.

Ask about four hands! Call Steve 954770-6117 or 954-661-4920 -----------------------------------------------DADDY’S HOME! It’s been a long day and I am looking to unwind by spending some “quality” with my boy. Your dad is handsome, late 40’s, masculine, fit, salt & pepper hair, hairy chest and 9 X 6 uncut. I will arrive at your door dressed in my work suit and tie or jeans and work boots. Either way, I am ready for some “daddy and me” time with you. West Palm Beach to North Broward in or out calls. Why wait another minute? Call me now…10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Dino 561-333-0115 -----------------------------------------------BODY & ENERGY WORK Offering 1 HR Full Body Massage To Release Stress and Tension. Licensed Massage Therapist from Provincetown.

Wilton Manors $55 w/ Table. Call Keith 954-764-8478 10 AM to 8 PM Daily -----------------------------------------------ITALIAN MAN MASSAGE Beefy Italian man 6’ 180# muscular hairy chest will give you a great deep tissue/erotic massage on my table in my Wilton Manors studio from 9am to 9pm at a price you can afford Call Joe 954-270-0357 -----------------------------------------------ORIENTAL WORK Full Body Deep Tissue work given by athletic, muscular, nice Asian guy, 5’7”, 130lbs. 954-548-5081 Lee -----------------------------------------------WWW.HOTMUSCLEMASSAGE.COM Hot Muscles, Massages & More!

Call 786-352-0430 or visit www.hotmusclemassage.com

-----------------------------------------------MILITARY LOOKING AND HUNG 51,Tall, Muscular & Masculine. 8.5 x 6 cut.

Deep muscle. COME and RELEASE your TENSION. IN/OUT calls 8 AM to 7PM EVERYDAY. Clean, STD Free, and discreet.

954-257-0782 or Mineis8.5X6@gmail.com -----------------------------------------------MAN OH MAN 34 yr old, Good looking, Muscular, Hot Body Guy. Available For Full Body Erotic Rubs. Sure To Please Every Aching Muscle. Mike 954-328-2321. www. rentboy.com -----------------------------------------------LET ME SHAVE YOU NAKED! Sensual body shaving and intimate hair removal in the comfort of your own home. Friendly, no attitude, Broward only. $50.00 per session, call Michael at 954-581-4850 -----------------------------------------------SWEET LATIN GUY FOR HOT BODY RUB Masculine, Caring Friendly Touch, 6’ 195lbs, 33yo. Best rates in town. $50/Hr. OUT only. Call Eric 305-322-4179 -----------------------------------------------HUNG BISEXUAL LATIN GUY 28 YO, 5’10”, 170lbs, Smooth, Great Shape & Very Sexy, Honey Eyes, Masculine, 8 Inches, No Attitude - Very Funny, Let me relax you all the way! Call Luis 786-290-4796 -----------------------------------------------SENSUAL RUBDOWN Full body rubdown by hairy guy in the ‘buff’. Very relaxing, happy ending.

Discreet. $40. Gregory 954-254-0927 -----------------------------------------------BLACK GUY 4 EROTIC RUBS Experience the touch of a Caribbean black male. Masculine and discreet. In/ Out. 24/7. Damian 786-270-7745 -----------------------------------------------HEAD 2 TOE Sensual, Erotic, Stress Releasing Full BODY RUB. Body hair WAXING. SHAVING & CLIPPING. In calls only.

Ft. Laud. area. 954-980-2987 -----------------------------------------------BODY CARE SERVICES 4 Hand or Solo Massage Master Haircuts, Body Trims, Private Shaves, Waxing, Facials, Manicures, Pedicures, Personal Trainer, Pet Sitter Daniel 954-260-5588 Lic.# MA15163 www.Masseurfinder.com/bodyspa -----------------------------------------------HAIRY MASCULINE BODY RUB Friendly, Discreet, Professional Sensual Rub $75+ Call Bo 954-880-7543 www.massagem4m.com/musclechest4xrub -----------------------------------------------REAL MASSAGE WITH A SENSUAL EDGE Experienced, Intuitive & Sensual Call Tommy, CMT 646-416-0800 www.masseurfinder.com/BodyworkByTommy -----------------------------------------------AWESOME BODYWORK BY PAUL www.PaulBunting.com/Yoga Escape Now! Experience Hands On Thai Yin Yoga Bodywork and Feel The ultimate enjoyment! 60 or 90 Minute sessions! 954-756-2615

-----------------------------------------------A GREAT MASSAGE AWAITS! I offer excellent massage sessions consisting of Deep Tissue, Swedish and Sensual Touch. I can customize the session to your needs. Try adding a ShaveTrim / Saltscrub / Bodywash / Face Treatment & More! Me: 41, Hot Bear Cub with nice legs and butt. Clothing Optional. Hours 8am -Midnight. To book an appointment, Call David 954-802-8128 http://davidrubnmassage.webs.com DavidRubnMassage@aol.com -----------------------------------------------SENSUAL MASSAGE Indulge yourself in relaxation, revitalization; and, stimulation with a totally relaxing full body Sensual Massage. Provided in the nude by a handsome mature man in an intimate spa like environment. GayBi-Straight men welcomed. Convenient NE Ft. Lauderdale location. Privacy and absolute discretion assured. Call Ryan @ 954-593-6637

MODELS CARLOS 305-812-5085. 27YO, Cuban, 5’7”, 140lbs. Green Eyes, Vers. Top Passionate, Clean Location Miami Beach -----------------------------------------------DANIEL 754-214-3164 Available for Body Rubs & Companionship 6’2”, 215lbs FTL, WPB, Miami -----------------------------------------------HAVE ME ON YOUR DOORSTEP IN 30 MINUTES! TREAT YOURSELF! Alex, 27YO, Cuban American, 5’8”, 160lbs, Masculine No Attitude, Very Well Hung & Versatile. 786-319-7665 -----------------------------------------------YOUR DESIRES IN TOTAL RAPTURE Gay black male, 6’2”, 190 lbs., athletic build, 9” thick cut, TOP GUY. Achieve your climax experience. Wendell 954-646-6222, 24 hrs., discreet. Specializing in body rubs, hair trimming, shaving and waxing.

ONLY SERIOUS INQUIRIES PLEASE. -----------------------------------------------CUTE HOT LATINO. JUST CAME TO TOWN 22 y/o, 5’5”, 135 lbs. day or night. Call 954-709-6252 -----------------------------------------------COLLEGE STUDENT 27 YO Cuban American, 5’7” 158lbs, Beautiful Face, Tan Skin, Light Eyes, HARD Muscular Body, BIG DICK, No Attitude, Versatile. 30 Min to MIA, SoBe, FTL. $150 IN/OUT 24/7. Couples Welcome & Hotels. Call Alex 786-319-7665 -----------------------------------------------THICK LATIN TOOL Naturally smooth, well built 5’ 10”, 155lbs, 7.5 x 6.5 beautiful thick cut tool big shaved nuts. Daily runner, strong legs, tight ass. exxtrathick@hotmail.com Marcus @ 305-772-2099 or 954-463-7685.

-----------------------------------------------TREAT YOURSELF TO THE BEST! DISCRETION GARANTEED Hot, Sexy, Handsome, Masculine, Muscular Latin stud available. 5’’10, 175 lbs.32 waist. Great Smooth skin and physique. I have a fine, clean place. HIVneg, STD free. Great companion. ALL TYPES WELCOME. 50+ is my specialty.

In/Out. Call Tony 954-604-3980

WHERE BUSINESS COMES TO SUCCEED. For advertising opportunities, call John Fugate.

954-530-4970

-----------------------------------------------10 IN VERSATILE TATTOOED JOCK 24yo, 5’10, 160lbs, blonde hair, green eyes, smooth/shaved everywhere, 13 tattoos, 10 in cut, big balls, pink hole, versatile, lean/muscular. Friendly/affectionate. Into anything from vanilla to kink. 3-somes available with my 18 y/o blonde brother. 954-462-3394. www. mattsapartment.com -----------------------------------------------BLACK AMERICAN TOP Handsome, very hard muscular body.

9” cut. ANYTHING GOES, LOVE TO PLEASE. 6’1”, 189lbs, 32”W. Call 24/7. In/ Out. Dosn’t matter how you look. Buddy Available. Call Travis. 954-461-8161 -----------------------------------------------HAKEEM IS IN TOWN! Black Male Power Top, 180lbs., 6’, smooth body, great shape, always horny, 10” cut. In/Out calls. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Call 24/7 305-761-6818, Vers. buddy available.

-----------------------------------------------CHIPPENDALE, GQ-HOT BODYBUILDER / ESCORT Hi, I’m Rock. I’ve been featured in Chippendale Calendars. 6’, 210lbs of rock hard lean throbbing muscle. Very Masculine, black hair, blue eyes. Role Play, Fantasies, Body Rubs, etc. Call Rock 24/7 954-865-7412 -----------------------------------------------BEAUTIFUL MUSCULAR 10’’ LONG BLACK TOP 26 YO 5’9” 185lbs Very solid body!

Specializing in body rubs, role playing, domination, body contact, WS, BB. Very discrete and safe scene. Best top in South Florida! IN/OUT $200. Call Vince 954-594-1574 ADULT PHONE LINES/WEBSITES CALL HARDLINE AND TRY IT FOR FREE NOW! 18+ Hot, Horny, Hung, Bi Studs Ripped Muscle Jocks Big Daddy Musclebears Bi College Fratboy’s 305-455-6969 954-334-5555 Other cities: 1-877-510-3344 -----------------------------------------------UNCUT LOCAL LATIN DUDES Call: 786-364-7729 or 800-777-8000 FREE with Code: 9954 InteractiveMale.com -----------------------------------------------STRICTLY SEX! 18+ Use Ad # 3211 305-651-0051 954-587-6050 561-689-5700 772-293-9125 407-895-0003 WWW.DATEADADDY.COM A Place For Mature Gay Men & Their Admirers. FREE ONLINE DATING SIGN UP NOW!! First 300 Members Get Free Premium Upgrade Customercare@DateADaddy.com -----------------------------------------------DO YOU HAVE GC? Join GC for FREE! www.GCulture.net Blogs, Walls, Video, Photos, Hot or Not, Chat, Video Chat, Video Comments

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February 22, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

PHOTOS BY J.R. DAVIS

Eight DJ’s Make Winter Party Debut

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2010 Winter Party Festival, March 3–8, Features 10 Dance Parties

he 2010 Winter Party Festival welcomes back returning star DJ’s Roland Belmares, Alyson Calagna, Chus & Ceballos, Ted Eiel, Brett Henrichsen, Pride, Rosabel and Tracy Young.

In addition, appearing for the first time at Winter Party this year are eight talented DJs from around the world, including The Perry Twins, who bring their Los Angeles sounds to Miami for the Under One Sun Pool Party on Saturday afternoon, March 6. Another Los Angeles favorite, DJ Saratonin, will take the turntables Saturday night when Pandora presents Industry, the popular women’s dance party at South Beach’s famous China Grill.

Ana Paula, direct from Rio de Janeiro, brings her upbeat, high-energy set to the Winter Party Beach Party on Sunday, March 7. This musical dynamo has a growing legion of fans from around the world. Sunday night will be a marquee event with Boris, a resident DJ at New York’s famed Pacha, spinning on the Space Terrace at Orbit: The Only Official Sunday night dance party.

Neither the Festival nor the talent ends there: another new arrival to Winter Party Festival, New York’s Hector Fonseca, will take guests on a ride through Aftermath at Nocturnal on Monday morning, March 7. And it all comes to a close Monday night at Mova Lounge

(formerly Halo) where local DJ Oren Nizri spins the Recovery Party. Also debuting as opening DJ’s this year are Miami’s own Charlmix for the Under One Sun Pool Party on Saturday and Alexander from Los Angeles for Elevation on Saturday night Winter Party Festival is produced by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Since 1994, Winter Party Festival and its sister event, the Miami Recognition Dinner, have raised more than $2.3 million for organizations serving the South Florida LGBT community. Twothirds of the net proceeds from Winter Party Festival will be distributed to the MiamiDade LGBT community through a granting program administered by the Dade Community Foundation, while the remaining one-third of the proceeds will benefit the Task Force. For information, tickets and a complete list of events, visit www.winterparty.com.

Over 10,000 guests from all over the United States and abroad attend at least one of the 25+ events—including dance, fashion, art, dining, and more—that take place in Miami, Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

The Festival climaxes with the Winter Party Beach Party, a dance event on the sands of South Beach. In 2009, more than 6,000 guests celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Beach Party. Winter Party Festival—it’s MUCH more than a day at the beach.