03/01/10 V1I6

Mr. Gay America

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March 1, 2010 • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 6

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Joy Behar Defends Gays

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Page 36

Page 2

SFGN EXCLUSIVE

God Save the Queen ‘Tiny Tina’ is fired for a 34-year-old lewd act charge!

By Joey Amato

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

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

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

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

7

page

Former PrideFest Director Linked to Fraud

19

page

Loss of Your Best Friend

30

page

SFGN Profiles Eugene Ramirez

40

page

HotSpots vs.

Mark’s List

2

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Up Close & Personal

Worldwide Mr. Gay Contestant:

March 1, 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 6

Brent Douglas Kuenning

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

By Joey Amato

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he Worldwide Mr.Gay Pageant was held last month in Oslo, Norway The winner of the event was Charl van den Berg of South Africa, but SFGN got up close and personal with the United States entrant, Brent Douglas Kuenning, 40, of Nebraska.

Kuenning reflected on his present situation, “Similar to many gay individuals, I was raised in a modest, remote community, sheltered from the colorful complexities that abounded in the big cities.”

He continues, “I had never met a gay

Contestants

person nor had my family ever been exposed to anyone different from themselves, until me. In Nebraska, you go about your very routine life, which was fine because all I ever wanted was what everyone close to me had, someone to marry.”

Kuenning eventually relocated to NYC, where he began working for a real estate development firm. The opportunity to compete in the Worldwide Mr. Gay pageant occurred by mere chance. Someone submitted his name anonymously.

From all of the bios, pictures and submissions, the pageant received, Kuenning was chosen and called upon to represent the USA. “At first I was a little shocked and said I needed a day to think about it. After I thoroughly found out what I was taking part in, I knew I wanted to be part of this competition.The organization really wants to show that being a gay man is more than just circuit parties.We can be positive role models to all men.”

His sudden entry into the pageant meant a swift regimen of strenuous workouts, photo shoots and fittings. “I met with clothing designer John Bartlett for fittings as he was costuming me for most of my costumes.

John & I decided that my nation’s costume should reflect a cowboy theme. We put together a wonderful ensemble. Only thing missing was a cowboy hat.

Mr. Randy Jones, the original cowboy of the Village People lent me one of his.”

In just two weeks, Kuenning

Brent Douglas Kuenning

was ready to represent the USA. “I was looking forward to having a wonderful time and meeting some great guys from around the world.” But Kuenning had many challenges ahead.

Kuenning boarded a non-stop flight from New York to Oslo. If the jet lag wasn’t enough, he soon realized that he and Mr. Norway were the oldest competitors in the pageant. “My age was definitely a bit noticeable. Most of the guys were in there early to mid 20’s and just a handful in their 30’s. But even with the age differences, we were all there for the same reason.”

As with any big production, Kuenning recalls, “There is a lot of chaos that can happen and all you can do is let it roll off your back and breathe.”

Although he didn’t place, Kuenning will never forget the experience. “I had such a great time and made some lifelong friends that I will never forget.With the wonders of Facebook I will be able to keep in touch with them.”

Kuenning encourages interested gay men to enter the pageant. “Life is way too short to not enjoy all that there is and to take advantage of such an amazing pageant.

To learn what gay life is like in other countries is a great experience.”

“I think a lot of my friends admire the way I choose to live my life and how I always try to be true to myself. I stress that we are not all built the same, have the same ideas or even have the gay fashion sense.

If you are true to yourself and not try to be something you’re not, your friends and family will always be there and help you become the best you can be.”

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

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

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

NationalGayNews.com Webmaster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Meyers

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

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

Classified Advertising. . . . . . . . . . Mike Trottier classifieds@hotspotsmagazine.com 954-928-1862

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

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

Printing and Publication. . . . . . . . Miami Offset

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

God Save the Queen continued from page 1

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or the past 15 years, Fetcho has been an acclaimed and honored employee at Victoria Villa, an assisted living facility in Davie, recognized for his “compassionate service to the elderly.”

On March 31, 1976, Fetcho, performing as ‘Tiny Tina’ at the Copa in Dania Beach, was charged and convicted of promoting ‘lewd and lascivious’ behavior by throwing small buckets of water on boys’ briefs while hosting the irreverent ‘Wet Jockey Shorts’ contest.

Last month, that dated conviction from his past became a nightmare. Last week, Ray Fetcho was summarily fired from the job he has loved and cherished. A state licensing agency, the Agency for Health Care Administration, doing a routine screening inspection of nursing home employees,

told him he would be ineligible to remain on the job at his facility “because of the lewd act conviction” from thirty plus years ago.

During the 1970’s and 80’s, the Copa was the most renowned and preeminent gay bar in South Florida. It was an international destination for tourists and a ‘coming out’ venue for anyone local, gay, and seeking an all night dance club.

30 years ago, John Castelli, and his partner, the late Bill Bastiansen, were the owners of the Copa, which hosted renowned drag queens like Tiny Tina, Nikki Adams, and the late Dana Manchester.

Today, Castelli is a respected broker of Castelli and Associates in Wilton Manors. After being told of Fetcho’s plight Saturday morning, Castelli commented: “Oh my God! What century are we living in? It was such an innocent situation.

The boys always wore briefs. No one was exposed. That was during the Anita Bryant era, a lifetime ago.” Castelli even remembered the incident, noting he and his partner had to bond Fetcho out of jail.

Unfortunately, those acts then have impacted Fetcho’s life today. Unless he petitions and receives an exemption for

his past misconduct, the Department of Health can stop him from working anywhere in the state as an LPN, a job which has paid him close to $40,000 a year.

Lucie Eichler, his now former employer from the Villa thought the decision was equally incredible, “Fetcho has been a valuable addition to our company. He is so well-liked that he still maintains relationships with the families of residents who have since passed.”

Eichler attests to Fetcho’s, “reliability and strong ethical character,” and says that she is “sorry to see him leave.”

Ann Garfinkel, the daughter of a Victoria Villa resident, was in disbelief when informed of Fetcho’s firing. “His termination is a great loss to the residents of Victoria Villa and the nursing profession in general.” She continues, “I believe the State of Florida is making a big mistake.”

Added Linda Greenfield, “Ray took care of my mother while she was suffering from dementia at the Villa. He is the most caring and considerate nurse you ing for him in a new Coconut Creek can imagine; he brings patience and love assisted living facility. Kelley Madigan, the administrator at Dayscape, a senior and humor to his work.”

Ironically, Fetcho has a new job wait- continued on page 42

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Local News

NewsBriefsNewsBriefsNewsBriefs US Senate Confirms 3 Gay Nominees

THE TIMES IS CHANGIN’

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Philanthropic businessman helps others Robert Joshua, owner of the popular furniture store, The Joshua Tree, tenders a $1,000 donation to benefits victims of the Haiti earthquake, last Saturday at The Mix on the drive, during a fundraiser.

Joshua made the news last November when he was charged with receiving crystal FedEx’d to his home. He continues to maintain his innocence, alleges he was framed, and is offering a $5,000 reward for anyone with meth in a package which was

information that will lead to the apprehension and arrest of the person who shipped him the package containing contraband. He asks anyone with information concerning the episode contact his attorney’s office at

954-763-1900.

Godmothers Rescue a Fairy

By A. Sebastian Fortino A few weeks ago I asked for donations of furniture, housewares, and other sundries for myself, and my roommate, our Office Manager Matt. While Matt has relocated back to Atlanta I still remain! Since I have to furnish the apartment from top to bottom I need a foundation before I embark on that great gay pastime: decorating!

Two SFGN readers – Trish and Jane – kindly answered the request. These selfdescribed “fairy godmothers” have donated kitchen goods, linens, a lovely wicker chair, and some other necessary items. However the search is still on! If you have anything in your shed, garage, storage unit, or if you are closing up a property, please contact me at the information provided below.

I really appreciate Trish and Jane’s kindness! As an added bonus: if you donate

your picture gets in the paper!

A. Sebastian Fortino, Lifestyles Editor 954-530-4970, ext. 105 or 954-515-7185, mobile sebastian.fortino@southfloridagaynews.com

he U.S. Senate last Thursday confirmed three openly LGBT individuals to highranking roles in the Obama administration—including a gay man to a top position in the Defense Department—as part of 27 nominees that moved forward by unanimous consent. Senators confirmed Douglas Wilson, to the position of assistant secretary of defense for public affairs.

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which prevents openly gay people from serving in the U.S. military, doesn’t apply to Wilson because he was appointed to a civilian position in the Defense Department.

The Senate also confirmed Cynthia Atwood, a lesbian appeals judge, to the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The body is an independent federal agency that rules over contests of citations or penalties of OSHA inspections in the American workplace.

Additionally, senators confirmed David Mills, as assistant secretary of commerce for export enforcement. Mills, an attorney, had served at the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

The three gay officials were nominated to their positions after being recommended by the Presidential Appointments Project, a Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund-led initiative that helps openly LGBT individuals get appointments in the Obama administration.

The Senate confirmed the officials after President Obama threatened to use his power to make recess appointments for his nominees. Holds by Republican senators had prevented the confirmation of more than 63 nominees.

According to the Victory Fund, the three confirmations bring the total number of openly LGBT appointees in the Obama adminstration to just over 100, including 22 Senate-confirmed officials.

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ll the news that is fit to print at The New York Times no longer includes that a new senior appointee, Richard Berke, happens to be a gay man. Word is that the former assistant managing editor of the paper is to assume the role of Susan Daley as their new national editor, come March 22 of this year.

The apBerke pointment was made by executive editor Bill Keller in a memo to the news staff. As noted by gay blogger Michael Petrelis, “no mention was made about Berke being gay, which is a good thing these days. I would not expect the Times to tell readers about a staffer’s race or gender, when such personal characteristics have no bearing on his ability to do the job he has been appointed to do.”

Keller did describe the openly gay Berke as being well suited to the national editor’s job of directing a staff of reporters in bureaus around the country, noting his background in covering national politics.

The moral of the story in a changing and more diverse America is that when you are gay and make news and it is not news that becomes news../nk

Frank

Frank: ‘We were very close’ on ENDA

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arney Frank said the Employment Non-Discrimination Act is on track to pass through the House of Representatives, but he is less certain about its success in the Senate, he said in an interview with DC Agenda, the successor to the Washington Blade.

“We were very close, just before we were snowed out, to basically come to an agreement on a bill that would get a majority vote in the Education & Labor Committee,” he said.

Frank said he expects a vote on the floor

of the House in March.

“The speaker has promised me that as soon as it passes the committee, she’ll bring it up to the floor of the House,” he said.

Frank noted that there could be problems with transgender protections.

“There has always been a problem with the question of people who are transgender in situations where people are totally or partially unclothed,” Frank said.

While Frank expects ENDA to pass the U.S. House easily, the Senate may pose a problem. Frank doesn’t think there are 60 votes in the Senate to overcome a filibuster on ENDA.

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Marc Adams with demonstrators who were protesting his lectures

Author Marc Adams to Highlight ‘Leap of Faith’ Event

By Joey Amato

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inter Party Festival in partnership with SAVE Dade’s InterFaithOUT Committee, PFLAG the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Miami, will present “Leap of Faith,” an evening of choral music and interfaith discourse on Friday, March 5, 2010 from 7:00 to 9:30 pm at Miami Beach Community Church, 1620 Drexel Avenue & Lincoln Road Mall, Miami Beach.

Highlighting the event will be a lecture by Marc Adams. He has authored eight books including his award-winning autobiography, The Preacher’s Son, The Do’s & Don’ts of Dealing with the Religious Right, and five collections of poetry.

Adams was reared in a fundamentalist Baptist home, and became aware that he was gay by the age of seven. After weaving his way through religious schools, including Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University, and

reparative therapy techniques, he started his journey to self-acceptance at age 23.

He is also the founder and executive director of HeartStrong, Inc., an educational nonprofit whose sole mission is to provide outreach and support to GLBT students “terrorized” at religious educational institutions.

“With the increase in anti-LGBT bullying and persecution in religious educational institutions worldwide, I am excited to include Miami in our stops on this, outreach & education trip,” stated Adams. “I will be sharing not just my own journey but the stories of students from religious schools who have survived persecution and found their way to a path to a life of self acceptance, hope and peace.”

“Leap of Faith” is the first event to be hosted by SAVE Dade’s new InterFaithOUT committee. The event is free and part of the Winter Party Festival lineup.

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

New Foreclosure Fears Will Florida Be Worst Hit?

By Cliff Dunn

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new wave of home foreclosures could have its hardest impact here in the Sunshine State. Officials say that high unemployment numbers may make it especially tough for homeowners to make their mortgage payments, and there’s little relief from federal programs designed to ease some of the pain.

It was a year ago this month that the Obama Administration announced the formation of the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), which offers cash incentives to banks to reduce mortgage payments.

But financial institutions participating in the $75-billion program have been slow to make temporary mortgage pay­­ ment reductions per­ manent. A number of causes have been cited, and there’s no shortage of finger-pointing.

“Paperwork has proved a major stumbling block for the president’s foreclosureprevention program,” explains Fort Lauderdale-area attorney George Castrataro.

“Homeowners complain that their servicers constantly lose the documents they send in, while financial institutions argue that borrowers haven’t been sending in their paperwork,” he adds.

Moody’s Economy.com, which analyzes credit reporting data, says that about 4 million homeowners in the U.S. are at least 90 days delinquent on their loans, or are already in foreclosure proceedings.

Delays, including trial modifications, have kept many mortgages out of foreclosure, but by year’s end about 2.4 million borrowers are expected to lose their homes—an increase from 2.1 million foreclosures and short sales in 2009 and a 500% increase in the annual numbers from earlier this decade.

Hardest hit will be Florida, California, Nevada and states where home prices have dropped the steepest and the numbers of homeowners who are struggling have risen.

That means it isn’t all bad news, especially for some potential real estate investors in South Florida.

“There are many good deals in this market,” says Brad Cohen of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate on East Las Olas Boulevard, “but buyers must also think about maintaining their investment over the short term and look to have gains over the long term.”

“East Fort Lauderdale is a rare market that offers an outstanding opportunity for solid real estate investment,” adds his partner, Steve Schuman.

Even with that being said, a report this month from Moody’s Investors Services said the impact of the federal modification program has been “underwhelming.”

Federal officials say the program is on track to lower the mortgage payments of between 3 and 4 million homeowners between now and 2012.

At year’s end, the program had assisted in getting over 787,000 home loans modified for three months, with an additional 66,465 modifications made permanent.

The program has its critics. Not all homeowners are eligible for modification; the program covers only owner-occupied homes, and leaves out a variety of mortgage types.

Banks complain they have trouble getting necessary documentation from homeowners. Homeowners are angry at the level of bureaucracy involved in HAMP. The program has also been criticized by federal watchdog groups. And many believe that financial institutions could do more to prime the pump.

“I don’t think they’re very motivated to do modifications,” says Castrataro. “Often they appear more focused on fees and collection.”

Castrataro says homeowners who face the prospect of foreclosure need to first be honest with themselves, and then act purposefully.

“Homeowners who want to keep their property should start with seeking a loan modification as early as possible,” he advises.

NewsBriefsNewsBriefsNewsBriefs Jail Stay Starts With Pulling Roomie’s Pants Off

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ure, pantsing (pulling someone’s pants down) is funny. But some folks take being pantsed well, and Goal! some don’t. Take the case of roommates Andy Narine, 36, and David Dibella, 47. As reported by The Daytona Beach NewsJournal, the fallout between the roommates started last Thursday night while Narine and Dibella were cutting trees in their backyard and drinking beer, according to deputies.

As Narine made his way up the ladder, Dibella pulled down Narine’s pants. Narine was not amused.

A bit of an understatement as Narine went into a tantrum, grabbed a knife and a shotgun and came at Dibella.

Inside the house, Narine ordered Dibella to the floor and put a .12-gauge shotgun to the back of his head, neck and back, and threatened to shoot him.

A fight ensued, the police were called, Dibella was hurt, and well—one of the guys went to the hospital, the other to jail. When the hospitalized Dibella came home from the hospital, upset about his treatment after the pantsing incident, he showed a temper of his own. Deputies said he vandalized the home, which property records show is owned by Narine’s relatives.

Dibella discharged a fire extinguisher throughout the house, then collected containers of barbecue sauce, fruit juice, cooking oil and mustard. He emptied the contents throughout the house on the walls, floor, living room hallways and bedrooms. And before he left, Dibella completed his revenge by emptying almost a gallon of gasoline on Narine’s bed, the report states. The relatives called the cops on Dibella. His turn at the hoosegow.

Word from the Daytona sheriff is that they are NOT sharing the same jail cell, but they are both locked up.

Unknown if Dibella was assigned to kitchen duties.

Galileo launches LGBT money managing group

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eported last week at 365.gay.com, a great web site to check out: “Niche investment banking is tough, but that is not stopping

Galileo Capital Management from entering the market.

Galileo launched LGBT Capital, an advisory and investment management group that will focus exclusively on the queer market.

In addition, LGBT Capital is preparing to introduce a fund that will invest in companies that cater to the LGBT community.

“LGBT-oriented business owners often have the desire to expand, but also frequently lack the expertise, correct capital structure or knowhow to access funding,” Paul Thompson, a co-founder of LGBT Capital, said in a statement, according to The New York Times. “We believe there is a significant opportunity to provide the financial expertise typically found within an investment banking context to LGBT companies, which in turn would allow quality companies to secure funding.”

‘DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE’ INDEFENSIBLE IN MASS.

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n Thursday, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley said the Defense of Marriage Act, the law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, interferes with her state’s right to regulate the institution, and she asked a judge to find the law unconstitutional Martha without a trial, the Associated Press reports.

Hummers now History?

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he very heterosexual bad boy car is being sent to the trash heap! Hummer has always provoked a passionCash! ate response from consumers, for better or for worse.When McDonalds put toy Hummers into Happy Meals in 2006, you might have thought they were handing out packs of cigarettes. One environmentalist group provided a form email people could send to McDonald’s headquarters: “I am appalled that McDonald’s, which claims to be a kid-friendly company, would use Happy Meals to promote Hummers.”

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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FLPD Investigates Former PSF Director for Alleged Theft of Non Profit’s Funds

By Norm Kent

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he Fort Lauderdale Police Department Economic Crimes Unit has opened an investigation into the theft of funds from Pride South Florida by one of its former officers and directors.

Mike Cruz, PSF’s former treasurer, who served on the board from 2003 until his removal by acclamation in May of 2009, is the target of the police department inquiry. The alleged theft or misappropriation of funds is potentially in excess of $40,000. The long time treasurer of the organization, was said to have run the group with “an iron fist.”

The allegations of purported misconduct were first uncovered last May, after Pridefest 2009. The disclosure of the alleged impropriety came from a former PSF treasurer who worked at the banking institution in Sunrise where PSF housed its account. He contacted then board members Roger Handevidt and Laurie Whittaker, indicating that there were “dubious and suspicious” cash transactions involving Cruz and PSF funds. They could involve cashing numerous checks payable to himself for $2500 a pop.

Whittaker, a prominent North Miami Beach attorney, who is also a partner in Sidelines Sports Bar, and Handevidt, a hotelier who has served as President of the Rainbow Alliance, became alarmed and immediately contacted City of Sunrise law enforcement authorities.

Stated a Sunrise detective who turned “a solid case” over to the Fort Lauderdale po-

The present inquiry is currently being lice for eventual prosecution, both Whittaker and Handevidt “did the right thing, handled by Detective April Reddish, and is presently an ‘open’ investigation, this inpromptly and professionally.”

After satisfying themselves that the activi- hibits the police department from officially ties they uncovered were improper, Handev- speaking about the case in any way. Howidt and Whittaker then confided in the PSF ever, Detective Reddish is in the process of board, who then summarily removed Cruz taking sworn statements from present and past board members both as a signatory to of Pride South Florida. the account and as a She hopes to complete board member. her investigation withAt the same time, in a couple of months. a former board memCommented Marc ber sought to confront Lyons, a criminal deCruz about his confense lawyer in Fort duct, but discovered he Lauderdale, “These dehad been hospitalized, lays are not unusual. and was unconscious at Economic frauds inBroward General. The volving banking instisame source told SFGN Mike Cruz tutions are very time could only be described consuming to unravel. as an “apparent suicide Detectives have to amass attempt.”

“In Fort Lauderdale, multiple documents from After months of resome of these frauds a variety of sources to search to acquire the involve millions shore up their cases be­ records and documenof dollars, not just fore presenting it to the tation sufficient to satthousands.”

State Attorney. In Fort isfy their inquiry, the Lauderdale, some of Sunrise Police Depart— Marc Lyons these frauds involve milment, for jurisdictional lions of dollars, not just reasons, has now had to turn the case over to the Fort Lauderdale thousands.” Lyons himself was once a prosPolice Department Economic Crimes Unit. ecutor in the Economic Crimes division of It has been determined that the alleged mis- the Broward County State Attorney’s office.

The present Board of Directors of Pride conduct occurred within Fort Lauderdale South Florida is also inhibited from speakcity limits.

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954-530-4970

ing publicly about the allegations of the purported theft and ongoing investigation.

All the board members have cooperated and are still working with authorities. As noted, Whittaker and Handevidt were instrumental in advising authorities of the alleged improprieties.

None of the allegations in any way involve any of the present members of the Pride South Florida board, all of whom are new members.

The present board members are employing significant fiscal oversight to insure the management of funds for this year’s Pridefest, including utilizing a former banking professional, Joel Slotnick, as their treasurer. Additional accounting procedures have been set in place to insure all funds are properly channeled and processed. Their efforts have kept Pridefest alive.

The Board stated to SFGN that their goal is to “run and manage an untainted Pridefest, which insures the complete integrity of the fiscal process and protects all the funds of the community and the PSF benefactors.”

Pridefest is a not for profit corporation, under the umbrella of Pride One of Broward County, Inc. Presently, the board includes Jacqui Charvet as Chair and President, Marc Hansen as Vice President, Joel Slotnick as Secretary/ Treasurer, and board members Sonia Mitchell and Shawn Manning. Miss Vicky Keller also serves as a Board Member Emeritus.

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

International News

The Count – A Census for Broward County’s LGBT Community

Only 2% of LGBT Population Respond

By Joey Amato

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he LGBT Task Group of Broward County, with the partnership of United Way of Broward County, GLCC Pride Center, Sunserve and Broward Department of Health launched The Count on June 21, 2009.

The Count is a first ever comprehensive web based census and needs assessment of the LGBT community in Broward County. The Census, which closes on March 30 will be presented and shared with the Broward community at large including LGBT organizations, health and human service providers and Broward County Government.

Dave Wallace, Co-Chair of the LGBT Task Group of Broward states, “The goal for the census project is that it will provide hard data that will highlight the real versus perceived needs of the LGBT community.” Furthermore, “It will help organizations identify gaps in services, and provide justification for grant dollars and funding requests for local government, non profits organizations and health and human service providers.”

All LGBT individuals are encouraged to participate to insure that our voices are heard.

Currently, only a mere 2% of our community have participated in the census. The final push for participation in will take place at PrideFest. Wallace mentions, “Volunteers will be passing out palm cards at tables of our LGBT Task Force partners, in a last minute effort to increase participation.”

If people are unable to attend PrideFest, they can still take part in The Count and help make a difference in the community by visiting Lgbtcensus.com.

Guyana Group Demands End to Cross-Dressing Ban

By Bert Wilkinson

Associated Press Writer GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) — A group representing gays and lesbians in the conservative South American coun­try of Guyana is demanding the government remove a colonial-era law that bans cross-dressing in public.

In an affidavit filed late Monday, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination said the law is no longer relevant and violates people’s rights.

“These laws are unconstitutional and discriminatory against a social minority,’’ spokesman Joel Simpson said Tuesday. “We are seeing a pattern of more and more abuses by police.’’

Police did not im­ mediately return calls for comment.

The group will pursue the case in the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice if it is struck down in local courts, said Simpson, who is a cross-dresser.

The affidavit also complains about a local judge who told a group of cross-dress-

Map of Guyana on North-East coast of South America.

Left: A native cross-dresser

ers last year to “go to church and give their lives to Christ’’ after they were detained for illegally wearing women’s clothes in public, according to New York-based Human Rights Watch.

In a letter sent last year to President Bharrat Jagdeo, several international rights groups said the eight men were ordered to strip. Several were placed in solitary confinement.

The men were charged under an act that also prohibits beating a mat in public and selling cattle in the wrong part of town.

They were ordered to pay a fine of less than $40 each.

“It was one of the most humiliating experiences of my life,’’ said Seon Clarke, 29, who was among them. ``Life is tough for us because in Guyana because people think we are the scum of the earth.’’

While some islands in the Caribbean have laws against homosexuality, it is rare to find laws that condemn crossdressing.

9

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Business & Professional Group Networking for a Better Tomorrow

By Joey Amato

F

ormed approximately 30 years ago, the Business & Professional Group (BPG) is a business networking and social group which strives to bring together professional gay men and women throughout the community. Now boasting a membership of approximately 80 individuals, the group relies mostly on referrals for its success.

People interested in joining are required to attend four functions before they are invited to be members. Each member is then asked to complete an application and interview with the Board of Directors to ensure synergy with the rest of the organization.

The Business Professional Group believes that building long-term relationships between community members enhances personal and business growth.

Howard Cohen, Vice President of Membership describes the benefits. “BPG offers members the ability to network with other professionals in the community. In attending, they are invited to attend social events, ad- vertise in our monthly newsletter, attend open houses and are included in our annual membership directory.”

Dr. Howard Cunningham of Oakland Park Dental credits BPG for growth in his busi-

ness. “When I first opened my office ten years ago, I was invited to join the BPG by a friend who was a member. The BPG immediately became one of the best sources of referrals and networking. I have met numerous wonderful people who have become patients, and who have become friends.”

Cunningham is a frequent attendee of BPG’s weekly breakfast meetings, which take place every Thursday from 8 to 9am at Primavera Restaurant.

While guests enjoy a buffet-style breakfast, they are treated to a fifteen minute presentation by a fellow member. Occasionally, a guest speaker addresses the audience concerning matters of community interest.

As with any networking organization, attendance isn’t mandatory, but recommended.

Ralph Girnun of Lauderdale BMW has been a member for ten years. “The organization is great, but it’s all about what you put into it.”

BUSINESS

In addition to being a networking group, BPG also sponsors social events such as dine-arounds. These help showcase local restaurants and clubs.

Furthermore, members sponsor open

houses, like the one I attended last week hosted by Weichert Realtor Steve McAleer.

These open houses showcase the member’s business and provide other members the opportunity to learn about an industry they may not be familiar with.

McAleer states, “I joined BPG for many reasons. I have found that BPG is a great organization to meet other gay business leaders and to share experiences, information and referrals. The organization is based on the principals of networking and friendship.”

Although only a member for six months McAleer has received, “numerous referrals that have turned into actual business.”

In addition, Cohen adds, “Many of our members belong to community organizations and have raised funds for groups such as Broward House, HRC and Equality Florida. The group has also sponsored numerous charities within the community, such as the Pride Center at Equality Park, SunServe, SmartRide, and Tuesdays Angels.

BPG relies mostly on word-of-mouth advertising to increase membership, but is diversifying into other forms of marketing. For more information about BPG, visit their website Bpgftl.com or visit their booth at PrideFest.

10

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Indian Prof Booted for Rickshaw Sex By A. Sebastian Fortino

T

he Times of India reported last week that Dr. S. R. Siras of Aligarh Muslim University has been suspended for having gay sex.

“Siras was captured on camera having Dale Saunders is pictured here in front of his tire shop at 250 West Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale, just west of Andrews. Dale is back at the helm of the shop he thought he sex with a rickshawsold a year and a half ago, bringing fast and quality service at low prices to consumers puller. It’s a scandal Gay Pride in India whose wheels and rims are in need of replacement. Dale’s Tires offers more too, as Dale that no institution of can do brakes, alignments, and perform other services for your vehicles as well. repute can overlook. Therefore, he was placed to. I am not going to offer any clarification.

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

Chiefs Warn Against Lifting Gay Ban Too Quickly lifting the ban, and Adm. Gary Roughead, who is chief of naval operations.

At Tuesday’s hearing, Schwartz said he was concerned there is “little current scholarship on this issue’’ and wants to wait until Gates finishes his assessment.

“This is not the time to perturb the force that is, at the moment, stretched by demands in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere without careful deliberation,’’ Schwartz told the House Armed Services Committee.

Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which advocates to repeal the law, said it’s important to note that Casey and Schwartz didn’t oppose Gates’ study on how a repeal would be implemented.

“There will continue to be differences Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey: “SLOWER... SLOWER... PLEASE!”

By Anne Flaherty

Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Top Army and Air Force officers said Tuesday they would be reluctant to overturn a 17-year policy that prohibits gays from serving openly in the military without more time to ascertain it won’t hurt the services.

“I do have serious concerns about the impact of a repeal of the law on a force that is fully engaged in two wars and has been at war for eight and a half years,’’ Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey told Congress.

“We just don’t know the impacts on readiness and military effectiveness.’’

As Casey cautioned the Senate Armed Services Committee against moving too fast to repeal the law, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz made similar remarks before the House.

The carefully crafted comments indicate reluctance among the military’s senior ranks to act anytime soon on President Barack Obama’s plan to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell’’ policy.

Obama says the policy is wrongheaded and should change. Defense Secretary Rob-

ert Gates agrees but wants to move slowly, and has ordered a lengthy assessment on how to lift the ban without affecting troops and their families.

Officials expect the study to be complete by the end of the year, but that it could be several more years before the repeal is fully implemented.

In the meantime, congressional Democrats are debating how to advance the issue. Some party members are reluctant to repeal the 1993 law, while others want an immediate moratorium on dismissals.

The testimony by the service chiefs is considered crucial to the debate. As the top uniformed officials in each service, the chief is in charge of recruitment and preparing troops for deployments. If the policy on gays is overturned, they would have to decide how to implement the changes.

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, already has said he thinks the law should be changed because it forces gay troops to compromise their integrity by lying about who they are.

On Wednesday, lawmakers will hear from Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway, who is said to be an opponent of

around the margins, but at the end of the day, I think the chiefs will salute’’ the president and other leadership, Sarvis said.

Casey said he would oppose legislation being considered by Sen. Carl Levin, the committee’s Democratic chairman, that would force the military to immediately suspend dismissals. Levin, D-Mich., says he wants a moratorium on firings under the law until Congress and the Pentagon can agree on how to repeal the law.

Among the questions likely to be answered through broader legislation is whether the military would recognize gay marriages and extend benefits to gay partners.

Casey and Army Secretary John McHugh said a moratorium on “don’t ask, don’t tell’’ would put existing cases in legal limbo and introduce confusion.

“This process is going to be difficult and complicated enough,’’ Casey told Levin.

“Anything that complicates it more, I think I would be opposed.’’

McHugh, a former New York congressman and Republican, said he would support a repeal if that is what the president and Congress decides.

Military Justice

Reserve Officers Association changes position on gays in the military

M

embers of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States voted to rescind its previous call for complete exclusion of gays and lesbians serving in the U.S. military.

The association also rejected by a twothirds vote a proposal to endorse the current Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) law, which allows gays and lesbians to serve, provided they keep silent about their sexual orientation.

“While our membership voted down a position supporting the current law, our actions fell short of endorsing the administration’s current position that would allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military,” said retired Rear Admiral Paul T. Kayye, ROA president. “No inference should be made as to the association’s position as we do not currently have one on this issue.”

“The sense of the membership was that this issue should be resolved by currently serving military leaders,” he said.

Previously, ROA had urged Congress “to exclude homosexuals from induction, enlistment, commissioning and continued

service in the Armed Forces of the United States.” This was U.S. government policy before DADT went into law in 1993.

A revised proposal “to make no changes to the current law” (DADT) was also voted down. As a result, ROA currently has no proposals to either repeal or retain DADT. The members of ROA may or may not elect to establish a position regarding this issue at its next meeting this summer.

The association held its national convention here last month, setting its legislative and national security policy positions.

The conversation regarding DADT was only one of 48 issues discussed.

The Reserve Officers Association is the 63,000-member professional association for all uniformed services of the United States. Chartered by Congress and in existence since 1922, ROA advises and educates the Congress, the President, and the American people on national security, with unique expertise on issues that affect the 1.5 million men and women now serving in America’s Reserve Components.

12

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Health

FDA Warning on AIDS Drugs WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Food and Drug

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Administration is warning about potential heart risks of combining two anti-HIV drugs.

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The agency says preliminary data suggest Roche’s Invirase and Abbott Laboratories’ Norvir can effect the electrical activity of the heart when used together. The FDA is reviewing data submitted by Roche on heart activity of patients using its drug with Abbott’s Norvir.

FDA says the HIV drug combination can lead to ir-

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Anti-Smoking Ad Campaign Offends French Racy Ads Compare Smoking to Oral Sex

By Cliff Dunn

The tag reads: “Smoking means being a slave to tobacco.”

A spokesman for the French ad agency that developed the campaign said the ads weren’t designed “to please or shock people, but to change, to put back into the news a topic we don’t talk about enough, which threatens young people.”

The French Office for the Prevention of Smoking reports that between 2004 and 2009, the numbers of French 14-year olds who smoke daily rose from 5% to 8%;

French anti-smoking ads: a long way from Gigi

W

hen a television public ser­v ice campaign has even the French squirming uncomfortably, le monde takes notice.

An anti-smoking campaign that depicts teenagers in positions suggesting fellatio with a cigarette has sparked uproar in La Belle France, with critics denouncing the ads as offensive and drawing a false parallel between smoking and oral sex.

The commercials, sponsored by an anti-tobacco group called Droits des Non-fumeurs, or Nonsmokers’ Rights, depict an older man in a suit pushing his hand down on the head of a teenager whose lips are wrapped around a cigarette, suggesting fellatio.

among 16-year olds it increased from 14% to 18%; 25% of French 18-year-olds say they smoke every day.

The ad agency spokesman said that “young people think they’re invincible.

They like to flirt with danger.” He noted that teens often think of smoking as a taboo, or “transgressive act.”

He said the ads were meant to convince them that smoking cigarettes is “an act of naïveté and submission.”

The group’s president said the point of the ads was to provoke a response from teens.

“Using sex is a way to get their attention. And if it’s necessary to shock, let’s shock,” said Gerard Audureau.

LGBT ‘Butt’ Campaign Launched

O

hio is instituting a pilot project to deter tobacco use among the state’s lesbian, gay, bisexual. and transgender youths.

State health officials cited statistics indicating that the LGBT young people have a 60% higher rate of smoking than their straight peers.

The state’s health department hopes this project, ButtOut Ohio, will offer educational tools about the risks associated with tobacco use as well as provide resources and support for LGBT youths, age 12 to 20, who want to kick the habit.

While young people traditionally pay little heed to mainstream health campaigns, such programs aimed at LGBT teens are especially challenging “because many fear discrimination if their sexual orientation is known,” according to an Associated Press report.

For more information, go to ButtOutOhio.org.

13

14

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Marijuana Use by Seniors Goes Up as Boomers Age

By Matt Sedensky

Associated Press Writer

88

years, Florence Siegel has learned how to relax: A glass of red wine. A crisp copy of The New York Times, if she can wrest it from her husband.

Some classical music, preferably Bach. And every night like clockwork, she lifts a pipe to her lips and smokes marijuana.

Long a fixture among young people, use of the country’s most popular illicit drug is now growing among the AARP set, as the massive generation of baby boomers who came of age in the 1960s and ’70s grows older.

The number of people age 50 and older reporting marijuana use in the prior year went up from 1.9 percent to 2.9 percent from 2002 to 2008, according to surveys from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The rise was most dramatic among 55- to 59-year-olds, whose reported marijuana use more than tripled from 1.6 percent in 2002 to 5.1 percent.

Observers expect further increases as 78 million boomers born between 1945 and 1964 age. For many boomers, the drug never held the stigma it did for previous generations, and they tried it decades ago.

Some have used it ever since, while oth-

ers are revisiting the habit in retirement, either for recreation or as a way to cope with the aches and pains of aging.

Siegel walks with a cane and has arthritis

nents were older Americans who were not familiar with marijuana and had lived through the ‘Reefer Madness’ mentality and they considered marijuana a very dangerous drug,”

in her back and legs. She finds marijuana has helped her sleep better than pills ever did. And she can’t figure out why everyone her age isn’t sharing a joint, too.

“They’re missing a lot of fun and a lot of relief,” she said.

Politically, advocates for legalizing marijuana say the number of older users could represent an important shift in their decades-long push to change the laws.

“For the longest time, our political oppo-

said Keith Stroup, the founder and lawyer of NORML, a marijuana advocacy group.

“Now, whether they resume the habit of smoking or whether they simply understand that it’s no big deal and that it shouldn’t be a crime, in large numbers they’re on our side of the issue.”

Each night, 66-year-old Stroup says he sits down to the evening news, pours himself a glass of wine and rolls a joint. He’s used the drug since he was a freshman at Georgetown, but many older adults are revisiting marijuana after years away.

“The kids are grown, they’re out of school, you’ve got time on your hands and frankly it’s a time when you can really enjoy marijuana,” Stroup said. “Food tastes better, music sounds better, sex is more enjoyable.”

The drug is credited with relieving many problems of aging: aches and pains, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and so on. Patients in 14 states enjoy medical marijuana laws, but those elsewhere buy or grow the drug illegally to ease their conditions.

Among them is Perry Parks, 67, of Rockingham, N.C., a retired Army pilot who suf-

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fered crippling pain from degenerative disc disease and arthritis. He had tried all sorts of drugs, from Vioxx to epidural steroids, but found little success. About two years ago he turned to marijuana, which he first had tried in college, and was amazed how well it worked for the pain.

“I realized I could get by without the narcotics,” Parks said, referring to prescription painkillers. “I am essentially pain free.”

But there’s also the risk that health problems already faced by older people can be exacerbated by regular marijuana use.

Older users could be at risk for falls if they become dizzy, smoking it increases the risk of heart disease and it can cause cognitive impairment, said Dr. William Dale, chief of geriatrics and palliative medicine at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

He said he’d caution against using it even if a patient cites benefits.

“There are other better ways to achieve the same effects,” he said.

Pete Delany, director of applied studies at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, said boomers’ drug use defied stereotypes, but is important to address.

“When you think about people who are 50 and older you don’t generally think of them as using illicit drugs — the occasional Hunter Thompson or the kind of hippie dippie guy that gets a lot of press maybe,” he said. “As a nation, it’s important to us to say, ‘It’s not just young people using drugs it’s older people using drugs.’”

In conversations, older marijuana users often say they smoke in less social settings than when they were younger, frequently preferring to enjoy the drug privately. They say the quality (and price) of the drug has increased substantially since their youth and they aren’t as paranoid about using it.

Dennis Day, a 61-year-old attorney in Columbus, Ohio, said when he used to get high, he wore dark glasses to disguise his red eyes, feared talking to people on the street and worried about encountering police. With age, he says, any drawbacks to the drug have disappeared.

“My eyes no longer turn red, I no longer get the munchies,” Day said. “The primary drawbacks to me now are legal.”

Siegel bucks the trend as someone who was well into her 50s before she tried pot for the first time. She can muster only one frustration with the drug.

“I never learned how to roll a joint,” she said. “It’s just a big nuisance. It’s much easier to fill a pipe.”

15

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

HIV Drug Guide each drug from a well-respected physician and activist. Readers will also Published find tips on how to use each

T

he 14h Annual Positively Aware HIV Drug Guide, widely recognized throughout the country as the “musthave” tool for HIV service providers and consumers alike, is now available.

With 28 FDA-approved HIV therapies to choose from, finding the most effective regimen is more important than ever. The Positively Aware HIV Drug Guide provides vital information to individuals living with HIV as well as their caregivers on how best to manage their treatment.

Inside, readers will find a page devoted exclusively to each medication, along with a special color pull-out drug chart. This year’s HIV Drug Chart is sponsored by Walgreens, and allows users to easily and quickly pinpoint dosing information as well as food and liquid requirements for each drug. Also included in the guide are viewpoints on

medication, plus detailed information on side effects, drug interactions, HIV drugs in the pipeline, and more.

This year’s HIV Drug Guide also contains an updated and expanded article outlining the various drug co-pay and patient assistance programs being offered by many pharmaceutical companies. “In our ongoing economic crisis and continued high rates of unemployment, these programs offer much-needed assistance to people who may or may not have health insurance, but are being adversely affected by rising copays and HIV medication costs,” says Positively Aware Editor Jeff Berry. The magazine is published bi-monthly by Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) in Chicago.

For more information about TPAN and Positively Aware magazine, or to acquire the HIV Drug Guide, visit www.tpan.com and www.positivelyaware.com.

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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

By Cliff Dunn

A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The late Randy Shilts points out in Conduct Unbecoming: Gays & Lesbians in the

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country in uniform.

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

He called the argument that gay and lesbian service members were security risks “sort of an old chestnut.” (In response, an amused Congressman Barney Frank told an interviewer that “if Cheney defended

Mary Cheney and father Dick

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

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

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

According to Shilts, Cheney sent an Assistant Defense Secretary “to repeat his orders to both the Chief of Naval Operations and the Chief of Naval Personnel that purges and recoupment proceedings cease against gay military personnel.”

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

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

the United States the way he defended this policy, we would have been captured by now—by Cuba.”)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Gay Sex Facebook Scam Gets Teen 15 Years

By DINESH RAMDE

felony charges of repeated sexual assault of a child and third-degree sexual assault.

Investigators said he posed as a girl on Facebook and tricked more than 30 male WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin teen who used a Facebook scam to collect classmates into sending him naked photos naked pictures from his classmates and of themselves. He then used the photos to later blackmail the boys for sex was sen- blackmail seven boys between the ages of 15 and 18 for sex. tenced Wednesday to 15 years in prison.

Waukesha County district attorAnthony Stancl, 19, ney Brad Schimel, who had requestof New Berlin showed ed a “substantial” sentence, said he no emotion as the senwas satisfied with the tence was handed down.

15-year sentence plus Moments earlier, Stancl 13 years of extended suapologized for his bepervision. havior and promised to In pre-sentencing work hard in therapy so arguments, his athe could emerge from prison a torney had portrayed changed man.

Stancl as a good stu“To the individual victims of this dent and hard worker, case I am deeply, deeply sorry for but someone who was the pain and suffering I have caused Anthony Stancl uncomfortable with to you and your family,” he said in a clear, unwavering voice. “I cannot imagine, his budding bisexuality.

Kuhary said an openly gay student with or even begin to understand, how much of an whom Stancl formed a romantic relationship impact my actions have had on you.”

Stancl pleaded no contest in December to outed Stancl at school before he was emo-

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tionally ready. Stancl’s classmates shunned him and his grade-point average plunged from 3.7 to 1.8, Kuhary said. Those events drove him to act out, he said.

“It doesn’t happen in a vacuum, judge,” Kuhary said. “He didn’t do this for the sake of doing it. He did it because he felt cornered and he was isolated from the rest of the group.”

The prosecutor noted that when Stancl was 13 years old, he was convicted of having sexual contact with a 3-year-old boy and

served 10 days in secure detention.

Police identified 31 victims, each of whom exchanged nude photographs or videos with someone they thought was a female. More than half said the person with whom they communicated threatened to release the images unless they agreed to let the person’s male friend perform sex acts on them.

Judge Mac Davis said he was concerned that Stancl’s Facebook scam showed planning, effort, and a ``gift’’ for manipulation.

18

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN Editorial

3/1/2010

Norm Kent Publisher

The Past Comes Back to Haunt Tiny Tina

L

ast month, Ray Fetcho, who many of us know as ‘Tiny Tina,’ was fired from his job as a licensed practical nurse, because a routine screening in 2010 revealed a ludicrous lewd act conviction from 1976. He had been a nurse for 40 years, since turning 21 in May of 1969.

As Ray himself notes in SFGN’s front page story, he always kept his ‘real’ world of nursing and ‘show business’ world of fantasy separate and apart from each other. He humorously stated he was not just ‘a queen.’

He billed himself as ‘the queen.’

As a young man coming out in the late 1970’s, I remember those ‘wet jockey nights’ at the Copa. I remember the night my roommate strutted his stuff on stage. Ripped and cut, he nearly won.

On that night, however, in a moment of spectacular irony, some obese 300 pound guy showed up and wiggled his butt, shook his gargantuan beer belly, and blew the crowd away with laughter. It was hilarious.

The overweight contestant won, leaving the roster of buff-boy challengers frustrated and broke. Everything was in fun. We all laughed, went home and charted the episode into our memory banks.

Law enforcement does not have our sense of humor. Did not back then and does not still today. One night, decades ago, they arrested Tiny Tina for promoting a lewd act by splashing water on young men in jockey shorts. The arrest was asinine then and is ridiculous today. But because Ray Fetcho has just lost a nursing license he has held for 40 years and a job he has had for 16, this is no laughing matter. Instead, it is something to litigate. Thus, in 2010, we are again reminded about the kind of invidious discrimination which haunts homosexual conduct even today.

When Ray called me a few weeks ago, it was not here at the newspaper. It was at my law office. He had no clue what his legal

rights were. He just knew he did not have a job anymore. My partner and I knew that he was wronged. We undertook his cause as a case, and we will petition to secure for Ray the lawful exemption he is entitled to receive. Based on Ray’s impeccable employment record over the past four decades, I can assure you this injustice will not stand.

I am a bit conflicted and it is a little embarrassing to have someone who becomes my client wind up as the front page story.

However, as your publisher, I knew and understood that I had more than a case to handle with Ray Fetcho. I had a story to tell in this newspaper. I am sure you are as outraged at the injustice being visited upon Ray Fetcho, aka, Tiny Tina, as I am.

As John Castelli, his former employer at the Copa said, “What century am I living in?”

In our very first issue, we told the story of Mikey Verdugo, a decorated Hollywood cop fired for doing a gay porno video five years before he ever applied for the police department.

Last week, we ran a piece about a 50 year old conviction a British man, John Crawford, had for ‘buggery’ which affects his life today.

Each time he applies for a job he must list to prospective employers his prior conviction for the crime of ‘homosexuality’, even though that ‘crime’ no longer exists in England.

Though Ray Fetcho and Mikey Verdugo and John Crawford do not know each other, they are now all inextricably linked as partners in our mutual and international revo-

lution for LGBT civil rights.

Ray Fetcho’s appeals will eventually lead to a ruling by some unknown operative in Tallahassee, hopefully not one appointed by the Church of Jeb Bush. During that time, he will be denied the opportunity to perform his life’s work of 40 years, serving the elderly with compassion and care.

That is unfair.

Separately, Mikey Verdugo is not being allowed to serve as a cop. With the help of the law firm of George Castrataro, he is going to undertake a difficult legal challenge to an arbitrator’s ruling stating his firing was lawful. It is yet another gay rights battle that has to be fought in the courts.

Make no mistake about it.

There is still a war on for our civil rights. Suddenly and unexpectedly, some of us are called into battle to right unjust wrongs. I am proud that this newspaper can be a partner in the process and shine light on injustice, whether it is visited upon a patron in a nightclub on Wilton Drive or a gay citizen of Uganda. Ours is a shared battle without borders.

Of course, what Ray Fetcho did as ‘Tiny Tina’ at the Copa 34 years ago never should have been illegal. It was a playful and funny show then, but it has taken his rights and job away today. Do not think for a minute that his cause is any less than your own, one that you may yourself one day face. In a world of uncertainty, one thing is certain- that even in the year 2010, gay men and women still have to fight for their civil rights.

Support a just cause today, and make yourself a partner, not just a passenger, in our ongoing struggle.

Write to the Editor Please send your letters to: Letters to the Editor, SFGN 2520 N. Dixie Highway Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Letters, We Got Letters

Comment on:

Con Man Goldberg Admits to Criminal Acts From: David Refaeli “As someone who was a part of JONAH, it doesn’t surprise me to learn the true nature of Mr. Goldberg’s character. I found JONAH when I was 16, religiously observant, and unsure how to deal with the questions of my sexual identity. 4 years later, after thousands of dollars in therapy bills (with psychologists that seem to stop caring when you cant afford to pay their fees), countless nights crying myself to sleep not understanding why I wasn’t “changing,” conversation after conversation making me believe I had a valid psychological disorder, and a truly miraculous and eye opening car accident on the way to the airport that prevented me from going to Utah for the “Journey into Manhood” retreat, I came to the realization that there was, and is, nothing wrong with me. There’s a reason the APA, NPA, NASW & others agree that homosexuality is NOT a disorder! Such ignorant and condescending views can only be the reality of those who are lying to others, or worse, lying to themselves.”

Comment On:

A Gay Cop Fights Back From: “John” “The thing is he made many films. I have seen them so when they come up with those watch Mike....they will get you for lying again. I am sorry this happened to MIke Verdugo him but what do you expect from Hollywood Florida anyway........move on.”

OR EMAIL: editor@southfloridagaynews.com more letters on page 42

19

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Susan Estrich

For the Love of Hersh

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hen I was growing up, we never had a dog. My mother told us we would be too sad when it died. She was not one for that “better to have loved and lost” business. Loss, to be spared at all cost, could at least be avoided on the pet front by not having one.

Later, my brother got a cat, but when he and my mother moved into an apartment, the cat went to the farm.

So although I have buried my mother and father and lost close, close friends, I had never lost a dog, until we lost Hershey Kaplan on Sunday. In loving Hershey, and in losing him, I understood one more time how wrong my mother was, and how much poorer her life, and ours, was because of it.

When Hershey died, I cried for all of us.

Heaven, more than one person has said, is the place where you get to see all the dogs you’ve loved.

I wasn’t there when my father died. I’d left the hospital a few hours before -- I don’t know why, probably to “get some sleep,” because that’s what I did every night for the 10 days after my father had his heart attack.

Some days he was better than others. Some days I had hope. The last day I didn’t, but I went to get some sleep anyway.

Many years later, many years older, I flew to my mother’s bedside, where she lay dying.

I arrived before dawn, sat with her as the sun came up, held her hand and sang familiar blessings as she took her last breath. My mother’s death was calm, peaceful; it was not scary. Thinking about it, as I had my father’s

Gays Without Borders

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death for so many years, was much scarier.

My mother prepared me to lose my first dog. Her death prepared me for his. How ironic and sad.

Hershey was a much-loved dog, and he loved us in the way only a dog can, despite everything, forgiving everything. He did not

by local Muslim clerics.

Instead, we must do what we can. And we can do a lot.

On the home front, we can use our political power to ensure that African gays and lesbians who are in danger in their home countries find political asylum here. And some extreme, anti-gay rightwingers en- when they get here, we can help them find couraged fear of gays within the Ugandan homes, jobs, education.

We can pressure our leaders to make government. Some have taken responsibilpublic statements against anti-gay violence ity for that; some have not.

But it is not enough anymore for the gay Barack Obama, of Kenyan heritage and becommunity to stand by while our African loved in Africa, would be a particularly efbrothers and sisters are rousted from their fective spokesperson.

And we can encourage our Congressional leaders to tie the billions of dollars of HIV/AIDS funding that we send to gayfriendly education efforts.

If Republicans can add pro-life strings, why can’t we add pro-gay ones?

But I think we can be even more creative than that.

Model for gays?: ‘Doctors Without Borders’ at work in Kenya Christians, after all, homes, beaten senseless, arrested and killed. didn’t have pull in Uganda because they We cannot sit back and expect our home- made a speech. They have influence because grown American extremists to make it bet- they have spent millions of dollars in Afriter. After all, they might have been respon- ca—on AIDS, yes, and also on infrastrucsible—or at least instigated—the situation ture, on food aid, on personnel to educate in Uganda, but Kenya’s horrors were incited and heal and help. They send missionaries

Jennifer Vanasco

he gay news from Africa gets more frightening every day.

In Uganda, a member of Parliament said he would hang his son if he learned that he was gay.

He said this while the Ugandan Parliament debated an anti-gay bill imposing harsh penalties for homosexuality—including the death penalty.

In Malawi, a gay couple faces 14 years in prison because they held an engagement party. There, gay marriage is not just illegalmeaning, not allowed—it is criminal.

And in Kenya, mob violence greeted fake reports of the marriage of two gay men. Rioters destroyed computers and other equipment in an AIDS clinic. They beat more flamboyant men in the street. And they went house to house in a witch hunt to find gay men, arrest them—and beat them.

The American reaction to this—even the gay American reaction—tends to be one of two things. We’re indifferent. Or we’re horrified, but blame American Christians and expect them to fix it.

We blame American Christians because

A Chocolate Cocker Spaniel

have it easy. Our neighbor hit him with his car one Halloween night, his leg broken. He suffered from a cocker’s bad ears, one infection after another, ending up deaf in both.

For years, he had bad kidneys and yearned for an old-fashioned biscuit or bone. But through it all, through the cyst on his head and the careless grooming that cut his leg, through separation and divorce and kids going back and forth, through sickness and health, we all loved him, and he loved us.

When I cry for Hershey, I also cry for my children, watching them grieve for their dog, understanding that someday, as it should be, they will grieve for me and for their father. I hope they will remember, someday, that the painful price of love is a small one to pay for its gifts. It is a dog’s last lesson to those he loved to teach them this, to show them that they can let go, and still hold on, that true love really does never die.

Rest in peace, Hershey Kaplan. A handsome chocolate cocker, he would have been 13 in April. May God bless you and keep you and grant you peace, my very good man. to live among the people. They recruit.

It is time we did the same.

We need Gays Without Borders. We need to start pooling our talent and resources and assisting developing countries.

After all, gays and lesbians—lesbians in particular—tend to gravitate toward nonprofits. We are social workers, doctors, nurses, teachers. Why shouldn’t we put that knowledge to use to help Africans? Who knows how to organize the medical establishment (or lack thereof) to fight AIDS better than gays and lesbians? Who can tend to AIDS patients better or with more empathy?

And we wouldn’t help just gay Africans, either. Christian relief groups don’t just help Christians. Instead, the idea is to be a model—and to encourage a certain way of thinking. In our case, that way of thinking would be: Gay is OK. Many Africans think of gay people as being perverted. They think of us as an underground sexual cult of some kind. But Gays Without Borders could show them first hand that we are a people to be respected, emulated, idolized.

We are scared and horrified by the news coming out of Africa. It is time we did something about it.

Jennifer Vanasco is an award-winning, syndicated columnist. Email her at Jennifer.Vanasco@gmail. com. Follow her at Twitter.com/JenniferVanasco

20

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Thirty Years with Roger Handevidt Forging A Rainbow of Alliances

By Tony Adams

I

n South Florida, terrain left untended and the men who settle here soon revert to wild. Careful gardens become jungles and diligent souls become playful.

There is a good and a bad side to this inevitable process. At its worst, a jungle becomes impenetrable and perilous. At its best, it is lush and alluring. At his worst, a man becomes a frail burn-out. At his best, he becomes a community leader without guile.

I sat down with one of the good guys, Roger Handevidt, to discuss the cyclical rise and fall of the Fort Lauderdale gay economy, its small hotels and its business associations, including the Rainbow Alliance of which he is the chairman.

I arrived at his guesthouse, the Orton Terrace, hoping for a combination of history and gossip from a man who has lived here for exactly thirty years and thirty days. I was not disappointed although I suspect that some of what he told

me on Monday might be repeated differently on Tuesday and further revised by Wednesday.

Such is the privilege of a sixty-nine year old.

It is the listener’s responsibility to dissect the braided decades, keeping in mind the significant difference between colorized memory and dishonesty. I suspect Mr. Handevidt of colorful honesty.

I asked him about the life of an innkeeper.

“Well, I acquired Orton Terrace during a real estate spike, one of many we have all been through, along with the drops. As you can see, I’m answering the phone and managing this operation all day and every day. My partner, Mago, also works full time here. He’s busy right now clearing breakfast. In tougher times you have to be willing to work harder and with smaller staff to get the same things done. Of course there are always many improvements that you wish you could make like paint and furniture. You do them as money permits.

Even so, there is not a single day when I say

for the Rainbow Alliance to produce a strategic marketing white paper that projected out two, five and ten years, but in recent times, illnesses kept our membership from producing that study. Now there is a new group called the Rainbow Business Coalition in addition to the Chamber’s GLBX.” I got the impression that a man less polite than Roger might have voiced an opinion about how the volunteers of these various groups have succeeded or failed at working to­gether, but he seems to have no taste for the bitRoger Handevidt, Owner of Orton Terrace ter, and he seems focused on the original goal of these organizations rather than that I don’t want to go to work here.”

Assuming that the small hotels of Fort Lau- on the debilitating plague of ego-gratification derdale are like wine, each with its own char- that sometimes besets volunteers.

I was impressed with his wise acceptance acteristic flavor (Rich? Fruity? Well aged?) and admirers, I asked about the identity of the Or- of the imperfections of the human being. He described a previous relationship without acriton Terrace.

“Over the years, I have built up a clientele mony although it was obvious to me that the that you might describe as ‘laid back’. This is guy had treated him badly.

The recent revelation that a former treaa casual comfortable place to stay. No attitude. surer of Pride South Florida may have stolen Not fou-fou. Men come here to relax.”

This led us into a discussion about the Rain- or misappropriated significant funds involves bow Alliance, an entity born of an earlier or- Roger’s swift and prudent actions which helped ganization called the Rainbow Carpet Lodging safeguard that organization, but his account of and Hospitality Association (RCLHA). Roger is that situation includes a gentle sympathy for the unfortunate plight of the accused man. In a the Chairman of the Rainbow Alliance.

“In June of 1996, there were nine gay guest world full of activist-divas and hell-bent avenghouses on the beach. By December of that year, ers, Roger Handevidt is refreshing.

Here on the beach, everyone has a story to there were eighteen, and a year later there were share, and if traffic is an indicator, Roger’s messy twenty-seven!”

“In 1999, we formed the RCLHA to work office is a place where those stories are deposited together to welcome tourists. In 2006, RCLHA and warehoused. A steady stream of other innbecame the Rainbow Alliance to rope in all the keepers, vintage guests, neighbors, community businesses that support tourism. We did all this organizers and businessmen kept interrupting us via phone, email and in person as I began before the Chamber had its gay committee.

“The Rainbow Alliance produces a map/ to see that Roger really has two full-time jobs, guide to greater Fort Lauderdale, and we par- albeit one of them—the one that benefits our ticipate in LGBT travel shows. We are about community greatly—is entirely volunteered.

While Roger Handevidt, like all of us who to tackle an important question: ‘How should the Rainbow Alliance evolve to keep up with wash up on this beach and stay for decades, has changing times?’ We are seriously looking at lost some of the distinction between a blurred the 20-something tourists. Do they want small past, present and future, his gentility and the busiguesthouses? Do they want high-end? We ness instincts behind his words are a sharp and current community asset. Served and guided by need to understand that market.”

“I thought that it would be a good thing much worse, we are lucky he is with us.

21

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Brian McNaught

To Give or Not to Give?

That Is the Question

S

ome people believe that Catholics live guilt-free lives because of the ability to confess their sins to a priest and be forgiven by God. This is not true. I don’t identify as Catholic anymore, but even if I went to confession and reported that I didn’t give a dollar to a person who begged for one, I would nevertheless feel guilty.

All the way home from the grocery store, I chastised myself to the point of nearly turning around and making amends for my behavior. My first t r a n s g re s s i o n was in not allowing the young man who bagged my groceries to accompany me out to my car.

“I can handle it,” I said accurately and with no malice. But besides proving to myself that I was strong enough to lift groceries into the trunk, I didn’t want to have to find a dollar. As I was packing the car, a homeless youth approached me and begged, “May I please have a dollar?” Smiling but shaking my head “no,” I justified my quick decision with the thought that he could earn that dollar by packing groceries like the young man in the supermarket.

Initially, I justified my miserliness by reminding myself how hard it is to pull out my new money clip, pull back the sides, extract the credit cards and cash, and finger through the bills to find a dollar. Besides, the dollar to the homeless youth would probably be spent on alcohol or drugs, I reasoned, as I so often do when impatiently waiting for a traffic light to change so that I don’t have to say “no” to the person with the paper cup heading toward my window.

If I give a dollar to a person who is begging, I say to myself, aren’t I encouraging begging as a way of life? If the word gets out that every driver gives a dollar to every person begging, won’t the intersections become jammed with panhandlers and aren’t you enabling a person to avoid taking responsibility for his or her life.

Blah. Blah. Blah. Clearly there are times when you should not give money to a person.

Many of us have had the experience of being the “personal ATM machine” to people who see us as a soft touch, and there are people out there who you know are scamming you, such as those who e-mail you from Liberia or Nigeria promising to send you four million dollars if you just deposit $10,000 in their bank account.

But most people I see on the street who ask for help need the help and a buck here or there isn’t going to hurt my cash flow.

A dollar from me might have reminded the young man working as a bagger at Publix is better than finding a less honorable way to make money for school. And I wish I had given a dollar to the young homeless man who asked for one in the parking lot. It would have taken me a minute to find the dollar, but my life is not ruled by the clock. Now I carry loose one dollar bills in my pocket so that it’s easier to find one in those situations.

Had I given away a couple of dollars, not out of guilt but because I liked the feeling of doing so, I would have had a much nicer ride home from the store, with my mind on the beauty of the road, and not on how I had failed to help another person in need.

Some people might wonder how I could spend time worrying about two dollars for two people who have other sources of income when hundreds of thousands of Haitians are without food, water, shelter, medicine, and hope for a better life. But the thoughts that ran through my mind when confronted with men and women in need locally are the same that some people are having about donating money to help the destitute in Haiti.

I have heard people say, “Well, I don’t want to give to the Red Cross because they can’t be trusted to send the money to Haiti. They

took money sent for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and put it in their operating budget.”

Others have grumbled, “I’m not going to give to Catholic Charities. I won’t give the Catholic Church a dime.”

Blah. Blah. Blah. There are always reasons not to give money to those in need. Yes, if the Catholic Church sold all of the priceless art it has squirreled away, it could possibly feed and clothe everyone in the world, but that’s not going to happen. And yes, it’s just as important to take care of the people in our own backyard as it is those living in another country. And yes, there will always be disasters and we can’t save everyone. But we can choose to make a difference and not spend the rest of our lives wondering why we didn’t try.

One of my favorite stories related to this issue is that of the child who is walking the beach carefully picking up and throwing starfish that have washed ashore during a storm back into the sea. “You’re wasting your time,” said an adult beachcomber. “Look ahead. There are hundreds of starfish dying on the beach. What you’re doing isn’t going to make a difference.”

The child smiled, picked up and threw another starfish back into the water and replied, “It did to that one.”

Next time I go to the grocery store, I’m going to let the bagger help me to my car. And next time a homeless person asks for my help, I’m going to give him- or her- a dollar.

In the big picture, it may not make a big difference to me, but it will- to them.

Dan Pye on Retirement

Organize Your Estate While You Can

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very year around the beginning of importance to us because of the potential for the year I always hear some resolu- challenges to an estate.

While you are organizing, it is the perfect tions: “I plan to lose twenty pounds.

“I’m going back to the gym” and the one time to do a beneficiary review. Proper benthat always resonates with me, “This year I eficiary designation helps to distribute your estate in the most tax efficient manner. When am going to get organized!” Sure you are.

Have you ever made this statement? Have you was the last time you reviewed beneficiary actually followed through with it? Whether it designations on your IRA’s, CD’s, 401k’s, etc is organizing your desk, kitchen or closet, find- and are they all in concert with any estate planning you have done? I ing the best solution is have countless stories half the battle. When it of partners and single comes to you and your folks who have forgotpartner’s critical docuten to change a benments such as will, eficiary election when trusts, powers of attorsomething in their life ney, insurance policies, has changed. bank and brokerage Selecting a benstatements can you put eficiary is sometimes your hands on all of One option for backing up and storing more complex than them right away? You documents is a portable storage drive. should be able to do Some PSDs come with safes. Others, such as saying all money will that; I help my clients this LaCie Rugged Drive, designed for travel, go to my partner. I use come encased in a protective rubber shell. a simple guide to help by providing them a you review the beneficiaries on your accounts “Family Records Organizer.”

We constantly see how phenomenally im- and life policies. You might need help to deciportant it is to have these documents organized pher the options you have available when sein emergency situations. Recently the partner lecting a beneficiary to ensure your wishes are of a client of mine passed away and it took over carried out exactly as you want after your death.

Planning properly, getting organized and rea year for the surviving partner to locate all the necessary paperwork to settle the estate. This is viewing your beneficiaries are critical to your exactly not what he wanted to do or deal with peace of mind in retirement and ultimately to the during this period of mourning. As members of legacy you may plan to leave behind. Be sure you the LGBT community, organization is of greater plan today to prevent problems tomorrow.

22

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Cliff Dunn

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

Sunshine Is the Best Disinfectant

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he Board of Pride South Florida was caught between a rock and a hard place.

Standing before them was a publisher about to reveal to the world that their former director was the target of a criminal investigation for stealing over $40,000 of your money. And they are two weeks from this year’s PrideFest, fearing the worst- that these revelations could bring down the entire event.

They had nothing to worry about. They FAW10_PrintAd_R1.pdf

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had sunshine on their side. It is the best disinfectant.

While the Board of Pride South Florida knew better than anyone that Mike Cruz was being investigated by the Sunrise and Fort Lauderdale police, they were asked not to discuss the pending investigation. They honored the request of law enforcement, while cooperating fully with them.

The story has now broken. The earth is still on its axis, and there will be a Pride­Fest

next week, even though our community has been tainted by yet another scandal, none of it this board’s doing.

But Caleb ben-Avram of the Naked Grape Wine Bar was not happy. He recently gave me an earful.

“There’s too much of this in the gay community,” he chided me, referring to a recent front page story broken by SFGN concerning an iconic local non-profit.

“It gives ammunition to the ones who say gays and lesbians can’t keep their houses in order,” Caleb offered, speaking as you might to an especially slow pupil.

And that was BEFORE we broke the story on Pride­Fest’s former director.

I respect his caution, and would add that there are plenty of people—straight and gay—who are always on the look-out for potential drama.

As my mother would say, there is always someone with “their claws out.”

The trouble for me is that too often the cover up becomes bigger than the event it was meant to gloss over.

In the 1920s, as his administration was preparing to be upended by the far-reaching Teapot Dome Scandal, President Warren G. Harding asked Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover, “If you knew of a great scandal in our administration, would you for the good of the party and the country expose it publicly or would you bury it?”

“Publish it, and at least get credit for having integrity on your side,” Hoover replied.

More recently, Bill Clinton could have spared himself, his family, his supporters and his legislative agenda a hellish ride if he had said “I slept with that woman” BEFORE Ken Starr began asking embarrassing questions.

And Dick Nixon might have never had to resign the presidency if he said, “yeah, I told a bunch of idiots to go spy on those dumb Democrats.” Instead, we got Watergate and the cover up of the century- if you don’t count the Kennedy assassination and the ‘lone gunman’ theory.

Whether it was Lee Harvey Oswald, or some vast conspiracy involving the CIA, FBI, KGB, Mafia, pro-Castro Cubans, anti-

Castro Cubans, etc., history proves there WAS a cover up following JFK’s assassination. There were all the federal agencies scrambling to distance themselves from their prior knowledge of Oswald’s activities.

There was J. Edgar Hoover and his crossdressing boyfriend Clyde Tolson at the FBI, and a closing of the ranks in the Secret Service and other agencies about proper crimescene methods; it was all there.

When the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis said “Sunshine is the best disinfectant,” he was embracing the benefits of transparency and openness.

Is there any question that the most credible and res­ pected organizations operate in an atmosphere of openness?

Not only as members of the Greater LGBT community, but as human beings, we should learn to not only accept honest criticism and advice, but also to embrace them.

How much more important, then, for an organization that espouses and advances the ideals and goals of an entire segment of our society to do so? Maybe a good person went bad, maybe some people were asleep at the helm, but we have to own up to either.

It’s clear the PrideFest board did not want this information out in the open right now.

But there is no bad time to do the right thing. These are good and hardworking people doing a yeoman’s service to preserve a legacy event in this community- even with their own internal problems to deal with. We must still support them and see them through, as we will weather whatever wrongdoing may have been visited upon them and us by the alleged culprit’s purported misdeeds.

If George W. Bush had accidentally found Monica’s stained dress in the White House laundry room, it would not be his responsibility to make excuses for the presence of Clinton’s DNA. When troubles arise, the fresh air of openness and public discourse is the best tonic. Sadly, people who aren’t comfortable under the bright light of scrutiny often have something to hide. Caesar’s wife must be above reproach, and all that.

23

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Ryan Sorba’s Sudden Rise

Political Analysis

was not scheduled to speak. He went after the people who invited them.

“Just to change the subject for a second,” he said, “I’d like to condemn CPAC for yan Sorba of California Young Ameribringing GOPride [sic] to this event,” said cans for Freedom appeared at the controversial American Conservative Union’s Sorba to a chorus of boos.

“Bring it!,” he replied. “I love it,” he (ACU) Conservative Political Action Conferadded, sounding like a drunken frat boy. ence (CPAC) recently. Also in attendance, “Civil rights are GOProud, a group that grounded in natural rights, recently broke off from the natural rights are grounded Log Cabin Republicans. in human nature, human The presence of nature is a rational…reGOProud was not wellationship, the intelligible come by everyone. The end of the reproductive ultra-conservative Liberty act is reproduction,” Sorba University cancelled their claimed, with bravado. He own involvement in the was booed off stage.

CPAC conference, when Sorba has gone farther they learned of the gay Ryan Sorba than condemningly ride the group’s presence. coattails of the LGBT community in order Students for Liberty (not affiliated with Liberty University) representative Alexander to gain attention. He has penned a book McCobin was bold enough to thank the ACU yet to be picked up by a publisher, entitled “The ‘Born Gay’ Hoax.” It is a 95-page manfor including GOProud in the conference. uscript easily found online. Its catchy table “Not because of any politics,” said Mcof contents seeks to set “pro-sodomy” indiCobin, “but because of the message that it viduals back to pre-Kinsey understanding. sends. If what you care about is freedom, On a lighter note, conservative gay bloglimited government and prosperity, this ger Alex Knepper urged Sorba’s girlfriend symbol is a step in the right direction.” to “give him a blowjob so he could experiSorba, however, did not care for GOence the joys of sodomy.” /ASF Proud’s presence, even though the group

Gay GOP Group Draws Fire R at Conservative Confab

By Cliff Dunn

T

he ‘big tent’ Republican Party envisioned by Colin Powell and the late Jack Kemp may have a few less entrances, as witnessed at this year’s Conservative Politi­ cal Action Con­f e­ rence (CPAC) in Washington, D.C. last month.

The annual grip-and-grab of conservative glitterati may have been missing notables like Sarah Palin—who is now sniping with the group—but it did include a contingent from a new organization called GOProud.

Founded by former members of the Log Cabin Republican Federation, GOProud leaders say they hope to marry conservative values with gay pride.

In an irony of placement, GOProud’s booth was only a few stalls from that of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), which opposes gay marriages or civil unions, institutions supported by GOProud’s founders.

“It’s the ultimate Washington power grab to say let’s have a federal constitutional amendment that will federalize the question of marriage,” said the group’s chairman, Christopher Barron, the former political director for the Log Cabin Republicans national organization, in a reference to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Reaction among attendees of the conservative pow-wow was mixed.

Although he introduced himself to Barron and shook his hand in front of reporters, NOM spokesman Chris Plante told CNN that “gays and lesbians have the right to live as they choose, but they don’t have the right to redefine marriage for the rest of us.”

Some were blunter in their intolerance. Liberty University Law School refused to attend the event

when it was announced that GOProud was co-sponsoring the conference. But as noted by SFGN correspondent Sebastian Fortino in the companion column, the attendees were respectful of individual liberty and homosexual issues. When one speaker sought to condemn the GOProud group, he was booed off stage.

Andy Eddy, a South Florida Log Cabin Republican, says he wasn’t how­ever, surprised by the actions of Liberty University, an institution founded by the late Rev. Jerry Falwell. Featured in last week’s SFGN, some of Liberty University’s professors recommended ‘the exorcism of homosexual demons’ at a recent conference.

“Their hard-line fundamentalist agenda basically relishes in the Constitutional guarantee of ‘Freedom of Religion’ but forgets that hinged to that is the right to ‘Freedom from Religious Persecution’,” said Eddy.

“They are disabling the concept of ‘Separation of Church and State’ politically and seemingly aren’t aware of it,” he added.

As for GOProud’s efforts to reach out to mainstream conservatives, Eddy says that he’s “personally pleased they jumped into it with both feet.”

“My hope is that they came out conservatively-gay friendly and not tinged by what some African Biblical Fundamentalists preach on the execution of gays and bisexuals, and the punishment of those who attempt to shelter them,” he said.

24

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Humor

Employee Vocabulary Directives

Dear Employees:

Governor Charles Crist The Pink House Tallahassee, Florida

It has been brought to management’s attention that some individuals throughout the company have been using foul language during the course of normal conversation with their co-workers.

Due to complaints received from some employees who may be easily offended, this type of language will no longer be tolerated. We do, however, realize the critical importance of being able to accurately express your feelings when communicating with co-workers.

Therefore, a list of 18 New and Innovative ‘TRY SAYING’ phrases have been provided so that proper exchange of ideas and information can continue:

1 TRY SAYING: I think you could use more training.

INSTEAD OF:You don’t know what the f___ you’re doing.

2 TRY SAYING: She’s an aggressive go-getter.

INSTEAD OF: She’s a f___ing bit__.

3 TRY SAYING: Perhaps I can work late.

INSTEAD OF: And when the f___ do you expect me to do this?

4 TRY SAYING: I’m certain that isn’t feasible..

INSTEAD OF: No f___ing way.

5 TRY SAYING: Really?

INSTEAD OF:You’ve got to be sh___ing me!

6 TRY SAYING: Perhaps you should check with...

INSTEAD OF: Tell someone who gives a sh__.

7 TRY SAYING:We weren’t involved in the project.

INSTEAD OF: It’s not my f___ing problem.

8 TRY SAYING: That’s interesting.

INSTEAD OF: What the f___?

9 TRY SAYING: I’m not sure this can be implemented.

INSTEAD OF: This sh__ won’t work.

10 TRY SAYIN G: I’ll try to schedule that.

INSTEAD OF: Why the f___ didn’t you tell me sooner?

11TRY SAYING: He’s not familiar with the issues...

INSTEAD OF: He’s got his head up his a__.

12 TRY SAYING: Excuse me, sir?

INSTEAD OF: Eat sh__ and die.

13 TRY SAYING: So you weren’t happy with it?

INSTEAD OF: Kiss my a__.

14 TRY SAYING: I’m a bit overloaded at the moment.

INSTEAD OF: F__ it, I’m on salary.

15 TRY SAYING: I don’t think you understand..

INSTEAD OF: Shove it up your a__.

1 6 TRY SAYING: I love a challenge..

INSTEAD OF: This f___ing job sucks.

17 TRY SAYING:You want me to take care of that?

INSTEAD OF: Who the f___ died and made you boss?

1 8 TRY SAYING: He’s somewhat insensitive.

INSTEAD OF: He’s a pr_ck.

25

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Winter Party Festival, benefiting the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, starts this week in South Florida. Quick look at the main events in Nightlife by J.W. Arnold on page 26.

Or go to WinterPartyFestival.org.

Photo by J.R. Davis

26

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Nightlife by J.W. Arnold

L

et’s Party! Winter Party Tops Week After months of eager anticipation,Winter Party Festival, benefiting the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and dozens of local organizations, is here! Here’s a quick look at several of the main events:

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Thursday, March 4

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he boys will be at Score on Lincoln Road for Rip Current, the official weekend kick-off party. DJs Pride and Roland Belmares will be providing the beat as the Winter Party Festival heads into the long weekend.

Friday, March 5

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J Rosabel (the amazing team of Ralphi Rosario and Abel) headline Rising Tide on Friday night at Dolce, 1500 Ocean Dr.The event, presented by Hilton and Myron Wolman, will also feature a special performance by Erika Jayne.

Ladies will enjoy a Latin beat at The Copa tonight at Casanova Restaurant and Lounge, 524 Ocean Dr. Icandee Events hosts this party with music by DJs Dezrock and Citizen Jane.

Saturday, March 6

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inter Party weekend is about the sun, so catch some rays at the Under One Sun pool party this afternoon from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at the official host hotel, the Doubletree Surfcomber, 1717 Collins Ave. The party moves to downtown Miami later for Elevation at Park West nightclub, 30 NE 11th St.There will be a shuttle running from the host hotel, but be sure to arrive early for the special opening set by DJ Alexander.

Ladies will enjoy Industry at China Grill, 404 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. Pandora Events has put together a hot night of “Women Gone Wild” featuring DJ Seratonin and an opportunity to meet “The L Word” star Pam Grier.

The excitement isn’t limited to Miami, though. In Fort Lauderdale, the legendary Sea Monster, 2 W. New River Drive West, gets in on the fun with Rough Waters, featuring DJ Ted Eiel.

Sunday, March 7

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f you attend one event, don’t miss the crown jewel of Winter Party Weekend, the famous Beach Party.The sands at the 12 St. Beach are transformed into a magical wonderland.

Thousands of hot men dance the afternoon away to the beat of DJ Ana Paula and the sound of the pounding surf.

Later, everyone moves indoors for Orbit at Space, 34 NE 11th St. DJs Boris and Tracy Young will be in the booth and look for a special performance by Therese. A shuttle will run from the host hotel between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Monday, March 8

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ftermath, “The Monday Marathon” rounds out the weekend with music Hector Fonseca and Alyson Calagna at Nocturnal, 50 NE 11th St. in Miami.The party starts at 5 a.m.

Tickets for individual events are still available at WinterPartyFestival.org.

A Little Controversy nce again, controversy brews over one of South Florida’s big circuit weekends.

All eyes will be on Mansion Sunday to see what kind of turnout New York City DJ Peter Rauhofer draws for his unsanctioned party. Local activists contend that Rauhofer’s party piggybacks on extensive national promotion for the Winter Party Festival and ultimately drains funds from the many local charities that benefit from proceeds of sanctioned weekend parties. Rauhofer got into a previous tiff with White Party organizers and started competing parties in the fall and has returned to South Beach again this Spring. Local activists have organized a grassroots campaign, engaged the media and created a website, StopPeter.com.

We’ll see what happens….

O

Happy Birthday outh Beach promoter extraordinaire Edison Farrow celebrates the ninth anniversary of his Tuesday night event, Martini Tuesdays, on March 2 at Liv in the Fontainebleu Miami Beach. Edison knows how to throw a blowout party and promises plenty of eye candy by Elite Underwear. In a town where many clubs and lounges come and go faster than you can do a Google search, Farrow’s longevity is a tribute to his charisma and skill.

Edison Farrow

Drink Up, Boys e all know the currency of choice along Wilton Drive are the tokens many bars distribute for 2-for-1 happy hour drinks. Unfortunately, they don’t work after 9 p.m.

Sidelines Sports Bar is extending its happy hour 2-for-1 specials through the evening on Fridays, so the party no longer ends at 9 p.m. Speaking of Sidelines,Team Sidelines, the bar’s AIDSWalk team, will hold a car wash on Sunday, March 7 from 11 a.m. to $3 p.m. Get your car lovingly washed and rubbed down by a hot stud for just $7 and it’s not just a cheap thrill, but benefits a great cause!

Team Sidelines

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

How to Touch a Naked Man

Cosmopolitan Shares it Secrets

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alk about racy cover stories. Cosmpolitan, the popular woman’s magazine, which appears on supermarket shelves everywhere in America, is running a feature this month about the ‘sexiest spots to touch Him!- down there. Branded as ‘How to Touch a Naked Man’ the specific directives outlined in the article specify the best ways to arouse the ‘manatomy’ of your partner.

Starting off the article with a medical quote from a clinical sexologist from Georgia, Gloria Brame, the magazine opines that “a man’s penis, and the area surrounding it, has certain spots that are packed with nerves.” Just in case you did not know. The feature then gives you a ‘road map’ for a man’s private parts, and suggests the sexiest ways to arouse them.

Each sexual area is labeled with an initialism, such as ‘The T Spot,’ or ‘The P Spot,’ or ‘The F Spot’. Each area is explained in detail,

from the tip of the penis, to its underside, to the perineum, the patch of skin between a man’s testicles and his anus, which the article explains, is “full of orgasmic potential.”

How specific is this magazine’s sex guide this month? Turn into the homoerotic pages and they suggest things you can do “down there,” with shoelaces, warm washcloths, fine tooth combs, mangos, and ‘lace camis.’ They call them the ‘Toys for the Boys.’ Then there is the part on oral, suction and the tantalizing doggie style maneuvers you can employ to arouse your partner.

Finally, even notes on the creative use of your fingersto manipulate your man for ‘maximum intensity.’

Really, it’s all there, in your Cosmopolitan Magazine, this month. On newsstands everywhere, from Walmart to the little bookshop right outside Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Probably even next to Reverend Fred Phelps church in Westboro, Kansas. Definitely available at the CVS Pharmacy in Wilton Manors at 5 Points, next to the SFGN offices.

Don’t blame us, here at South Florida Gay News. We are just reporting the news.

27

28 ates a personal theology with horses serving as a “God” and develops conflicts PLAY: Equus between sexual desires and societal mores, expectations and institutions, as Shaffer has

March 5 – April 4 described in interviews. Child Psychologist Dr. New Theater Alan Dysart must diagnose and treat the boy 4120 Laguna St., Coral Gables as he examines his own sense of purpose.

Tickets $40 at New-Theatre.org “Structurally, it’s not a well-made play, but it’s a well-made play. It deals with emotions and the mind, with a simple story,” Martinez says. “It’s almost like watching a Hitchcock movie. Every scene leads to the next. That’s what fascinated us. This season, I’ve been playing around with different types of structure and it was the perfect fit. It’s an incredibly theatrical piece and all the artists are (on stage) watching the play unfold.”

Audiences can J.W. Arnold expect a traditional interpretation of the he theater play: “Because the world was piece is so fascinatabuzz two ing, it is morphable years ago when “Harry into many differPotter” star Daniel ent visions. We are Radcliffe was named paying our respects to star in a West End to the language. This production of Peter is the old school of Shaffer’s disturbing 1973 theatre, with pages play, “Equus”, a story of monologues. Then about a psychiatrist who you have action and attempts to treat a teenthen pages again of ager with a pathological monologues. These religious and sexual aren’t the kind of fascination with horses. things most writers While critics and fans speculated whether the wholesome “Potter” are doing now. It’s going to be a challenge.

It’s close to three hours (long), also. Hopeactor would disrobe on stage for the full fully, the audience comes out of it just as frontal nude scenes (he did), local director much in catharsis as the actors. Afterwards, Ricky Martinez of Coral Gables’ New Theatre saw his hopes of mounting a production everybody is drained. I can’t ask for anything better than that,” he adds. in South Florida dashed--until now.

Because of the challenges of Shaffer’s “We’ve been trying to get the show for character, the role of Strang is rarely played two years,” he explains. “We were trying to get the rights before it was done on the by a teen. Martinez cast local New World West End and the reason they wouldn’t was School of the Arts alum David Hemphill in because of that production. We didn’t even the role. Hemphill has been turning heads know who would be starring in it and then recently in shows across South Florida and Martinez promises another moving perforit came to Broadway.” mance from the talented young actor.

Martinez has been fascinated with “David is fantastic and he brings a beauti“Equus” for many years and even directed a ful grace to the role. We’ve tried to map out student production while in high school. different versions of the character. (Strang) Playwright Shaffer was inspired by the is usually so intense and angry, so we’ve story of a boy who blinded six horses in looked for a new take on that role,” he says. a small town outside London and wrote a A strong ensemble rounds out the fictional account, imagining what might have production, which Martinez promises will been going through the teen’s mind and definitely surpass his attempt in high school. how he would be treated. (“Of course, it was horrible,” he laughs.)

In Shaffer’s story, the boy, Alan Strang, cre-

Theatre Preview

A Fascination with Horses ‘Equus’ Gallops Back to Gables’ Stage

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com dance around each other.

The true denouement of DVD: Little Ashes the movie is as outrageous as Dali becomes, there are certain Distributor: E1 boundaries he will not cross.

The film, in turn, becomes an epic historical piece of unrequited love, especially after Bunuel convinces Dali

By Steve Fritz to move to Paris. There Dali meets his Gala, and Lorca hits the heights of ales of remarkhis poetic powers while at the same able college friendships are time one can see he won’t be on the planet nothing new, neither are love much longer...and he might not care. triangles. Yet many of them pale when Whether one wants to say the film is compared to what happened at Madrid’s about one man’s jealousy of two others, Student Residence in the early 1920s. another’s inability to cross one last boundThere, a young freshman named Salvador ary or the last’s forcing an issue and scaring Dali met upper classmen Luis Bunuel and off his beloved, Morrison and Goslett leave Frederico Garcia Lorca. those machinations to the viewer. Little Little Ashes tells of this incredible interAshes is a better film for it. section that would profoundly shook their Even more remarkable is how Morrespective artistic disciplines. Directed by rison managed to assemble one incredible independent film veteran and Oscar nominee Paul Morrison (Solomon and Gaenor), sequence to the next. Whether it’s by the and the first work of writer Phillipa Goslett, Andalusian or Cadaques ocean fronts, the grottos of Madrid or the rural woods of it grabs one’s attention from opening shot Spain, he manages to capture the conflict to stunning ending. of the modern shaking down the millenniaBeginning in 1922, Bunuel (Matthew McNulty), Dali (Robert Pattison…best known old ramparts of Catalonian culture in the early 20th Century. In this sense, a DVD is a as Edmund of Twilight) and Lorca (Javier Beltran) troll the ancient grottos of Madrid superlative medium for the movie as scene after scene demands multiple viewing if only and rural plains of Southern Spain dancing to fully appreciate all the detail the director to the latest hot jazz. has hidden in the film’s shadows.

What we also see is this triangle devel-

Theatre Preview

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ops into an intense rivalry for Dali. Lorca is half out of the closet at the beginning of the film. Dali is a proud virgin. McNulty plays Bunuel with a particularly Spanish manner of hetero bravado, and his homophobia become more pronounced as the film progresses.Yet there’s something deeper going down as his two companions start a mad

The film features incredible performances out of his three main actors, but also high on this list is Marina Gatell as a woman in love with Lorca. It’s a sympathetic, tragic role remarkable its mirroring the Lorca/Dali relationship.

Hopefully getting this movie out on DVD will bring broader awareness to it.

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

A Musical Mosaic

Manors, as well as the Miami Shores Performing Arts Theatre.

Simon was so impressed with Finn’s work that he gravitated toward Finn’s A New Brain and included in the theatre’s 2003 season.

Songs from Falsettos are included in Make Me a Song: The Music of William Finn. Mosaic, which has a LGBT event for each show they produce, will have a reception and special guest speaker on March 11. The name of the speaker has yet to be announced.

Make Me a Song: The Music of William Finn features a cast of four: Stephen G. Anthony, Patti Gardner, Julie Kleiner and Joey Zangardi. Finn’s music created the biggest challenge for Mosaic.

“The harmonies are so comBack Row: Stephen G. Anthony, Patti Gardner plex,” says Simon. “Thnak god our Front Row: Julie Kleiner, Joey Zangardi Piano David Nagy musical director, David Nagy, started with the actors a week before Mosaic Theatre, finds a certain appeal in the director, Mike Larsen, came to town.”

By Mary Damiano Besides A New Brain and Falsettos, Finn’s Finn’s music.

Arts Editor “I’m not a big musical theater guy so it usical is not the first thing is quite rare that a score will inspire me to that comes to mind when one put it in a season,” says Simon. “I’ve always found the idea of storytelling through song thinks of Mosaic Theatre.

The theatre, located on the American a difficult sell, but Finn’s music makes me Heritage campus in Plantation, has become feel alive every time I hear it. The music is Broward’s most highly regarded and consis- so complex, so rich, so beautiful, that it can tently awarded theatre, known for thought- transform one’s spirit quite easily. His irreverent humor, intricate provoking work that harmonies and sense deals with tough topof politics make my ics. But the current heart smile.” show at Mosaic is a Simon first bedeparture from the came familiar with company’s usual draFinn’s work when he matic plays. saw Falsettos in New Make Me a Song: The York. Falsettos is a Music of William Finn musical comprised is only the second muof a trilogy of plays sical in Mosaic’s nearly that Finn wrote about decade –long exisnewly out Marvin, his tence. The first was L to R: Julie Kleiner, Patti Gardner, Stephen G. Anthony, Joey Zangardi lover Whizzer, his exA New Brain, also by William Finn, with sometime collaborator wife, their son and her new husband. FalJames Lapine. A New Brain is Finn’s autobi- settos deals with a new kind of family and ographical musical about a composer who AIDS, which changes the lives of the charis diagnosed with what might be terminal acters dramatically. Falsettos, which won brain cancer, and his attempts to under- Tony Awards in 1992, has been produced in South Florida by Stage Door when they stand the place music holds in his life.

Richard Jay Simon, artistic director of operated the 26th Street Theatre in Wilton

The Music of Falsettos Creator William Finn is Featured in New Show

Photo by George Schiavone

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29 work includes writing the music and lyrics for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Elegies: A Song Cycle. He lives in New York City with his longtime partner and is adjunct faculty member of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Simon’s affinity for Finn’s work has lead him to consider including more musicals for Mosaic productions.

He’s even looking into investing in wireless microphones for the theatre.

“I think he’s right up there as one of the best,” says Simon of Finn. “As far as a lyricist and composer, he ranks supreme in my eyes and his material speaks for itself.”

Make Me a Song: The Music of William Finn, runs through March 21 at Mosaic Theatre, 12200 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation. For tickets and information, call 954-57-STAGE, or visit MosaicTheatre.com.

30

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Waking Up with Eugene Ramirez

By Jesse Monteagudo

do. In Miami, he says, “I was offered the opportunity to do feature stories that are more lifestyle-oriented and in a morning show format where the idea is to help you leave your house in the morning on the way to work with a smile on your face and not all stressed out because of what was in the news.”

He stated that he is enjoying the tran-

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orning Show TV reporter Eugene Ramirez began his career in journalism while a student at Belén Jesuit Preparatory School in Miami. Like many young men, he was unsure of what direction his future would take him or the career he sought.

“I wanted to be a lot of different things,” he recalls. “At one point, I wanted to be an architect. At another point I wanted to go to school for business. And at one point I wanted to own a restaurant. And the reason I got into journalism was actually by mistake. When I was looking for an easy elective in high school my friend suggested to me to do either the newspaper or the year book. The year book class was already full so I ended up with the newspaper. I fell in love with it.”

As part of the curriculum at Belén, young Eugene went on a field trip to Channel 51, Miami’s Telemundo Spanish language station. While at the station, he was given an offer he could not refuse—an internship. “I really liked the immediacy of television; how fast news and information are delivered and that is when I realized that TV is the way I wanted to go instead of print.”

Ramirez began his broadcast career at another Spanish language station, WTPH Azteca America 14, in Cape Coral. In 2006, he joined News 13 in Orlando, as anchor/ reporter for News 13 en Español. While in Orlando, Ramirez did both English and Spanish language reporting.

Though Ramirez believes that “news is news regardless of what community it comes from,” he realizes that Spanish language news offer “a lot more stories that are specifically about that [Hispanic] community and those oftentimes English language media outlets ignore.” He was proud that he could present news in that forum.

Still only 26 years old, Ramirez moved back to Miami last year, hired as a reporter for the WSFL-TV ‘Morning Show,’ broadcasting on Channel 39. Here Ramirez joined a personable cast that includes hosts Dave Aizer and Kristin Anderson, news anchor Lisa Hayward and weather person Jeff Mielcarz.

Ramirez jumped at the chance to come back home: “My family is here. Many of my friends from high school and elementary school are here and I like to see them on a regular basis. And it was an opportunity to do something a little differently,” he added.

Ramirez was doing hard news in Orlan-

sition. “I have done so many crazy things with the show that I have never done before. There was one time they tied me up to a bunch of balloons and flew me out of Dolphin Stadium. I got to report on the fans and the excitement from the Super Bowl.” A great job if you can get it, even if Ramirez has to wake up about 2 o’clock in the morning to prepare for his early morning appearance.

Ramirez defends “The Morning Show” against critics who decry it as fluff journalism. “The Show is there to give you information but also to entertain you. And I

think we have been very successful doing so. We have a very loyal audience who regularly tune into the Show, e-mail the Show, visit our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. We are very interactive…. This is a very big market and we are the alternative,” Though Eugene Ramirez is out at work, he hasn’t had any trouble being openly gay, in Orlando or South Florida. “I know that, from my experience, there are many gays and lesbians who work in television at every level, from production staff to writers and talent. Much of the gay talent in South Florida isn’t publicly out- but in their workplaces they are out and it’s very acceptable.”

Ramirez has covered hard news features involving gay men, like a piece about a gentleman who applied for a job at the airport with TSA to check bags and was denied the job because, according to him, he was HIV positive. “Then there are the human interest stories where the humans involved just happen to be gay.” On one of the days he hosted the show last month, there was a Valentine’s Day feature spotlighting a gay couple who had been together for ten years.

Notes Ramirez, “It is this cutting edge openness and attitude perhaps that has won our program a very large gay audience.”

Ramirez is currently single, which doesn’t surprise him. “I don’t think anyone can put up with my work hours,” he says; that aside “from working and sleeping and going to the gym there is not much that I do.” The awkward work schedule doesn’t keep him from being a loving parent to his three-year old his four legged “son,” Spencer, a not-so-miniature schnauzer mix.

While he does not know how long he will wind up doing the show, Ramirez does know that right now “I definitely love what I am doing. I love television. I love it in English and I also love it en Español.

Right now I am focused on improving my work and being as good as I can be but I’d love to have my own show some day.”

The Morning Show airs Monday through Friday from 5 to 9 a.m. You can also follow Ramirex on Twitter, where he promises to share trade secrets you might not find on TV. But one thing is for sure. Eugene Ramirez is no longer a secret to the LGBT community.

Jesse Monteagudo (jessemonteagudo@aol.com) is a regular contributor to SFGN.

31

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Spa Review

WHERE: Chi Asian Massage 2415 N Dixie Highway Wilton Manors, FL 33305

954-563-0001

info@chiasianspa.com

Open 7 Days a Week

Chi Asian Massage An Invitation to Relax

and couldn’t find a place doing exactly what we wanted so we decided to open one ourselves.”

Recently I treated myself to a Chi Mini Revitalize package. The package consists of a one hour Chi Massage, under the masterful hands of Bill.

“I do a combination of massages,” Bill said.

“Thai, Swedish, and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi.”

He has been doing massage for over a decade and has even handled the sore muscles and aching backs of celebrities when they visit the Gold Coast.

My right ankle had been tight recently

By A. Sebastian Fortino

J

ust off Wilton Drive, Chi Asian Massage offers you an invitation to unwind and relax, starting with a warm entrance embraced by a cup of herbal tea.

The hour-long massage that followed finished what the tea initiated. The interior is decorated with Thai art and antiques, and the massage room I was told to step into had a large, elegant Buddha hanging on the wall.

Owner Todd Stolfa and his partner Tom, who is the manager, opened the spa two years ago. “Todd would visit Thailand for 6 months, then return to the States. He was spoiled by the massages he became accustomed to there,” Tom told me. “We started looking around in Fort Lauderdale

and I was thrilled to hear it pop under Bill’s masterful technique. It hasn’t bothered me since.

After the hour-long deep and revitalizing massage I was heartily rubbed down with a Sugar Scrub. My skin was exfoliated for 45 minutes with organic sugar flakes, and essential oils, scented with lemongrass and ginger.

Then, after a quick rinse off in the inroom shower my smooth skin was treated to a 30-minute body butter moisturizing process. My feet—as many people suffer from—are normally shall we say, not so soft. Since the exfoliation and body butter process my feet have been smooth and feel as if they are someone else’s.

The spa also offers “Nuad Pan Boran,” a traditional, intense Thai massage for which Chi is known. They also offer a Couple’s Massage, Five Elements Hot Stone Massage and Reflexology among other services.

“We have clients that come in once a week,” said Tom proudly as he handed me a hot towel, second cup of herbal tea and a multi-grain granola bar after my session was over. Make sure to schedule your massage on a day when you don’t have much to do. When I got back to SFGN offices I was glad it was Friday. I was almost too relaxed to work.

Manor Features Valerie Tyson Band

By A. Sebastian Fortino

T

he sounds of music are alive and soothing Wednesday evenings at the Manor, the new gay epicenter at 2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors.

Valerie Tyson has been dubbed the “Concert Queen,” and rightly so as her soulful voice filled the Epic Room of the Manor with- well, epic sounds. The eclectic band has been performing dates with Ms. Tyson at every major concert event in Southern Florida, not to mention the wedding of one of the Manor partners, Brett and Roby Tannenbaum. Ms. Tyson’s resume includes opening for acts such as Janet Jackson, but her headlining performances at local venues, including charitable affairs, have won her much regional acclaim.

The rendition of “At Last” was really arresting. The song—originated by Etta James—has been sung in a variety of ways, from sweet and sad, to jazzy and excited.

Still, few numbers have ever been performed with such vitality. All it takes is one number to give an evening a special memory, and this song did that. On par with the disco and classic rock that the

band emulates and loves, Miss Tyson’s rendition of “At Last” came from wanting to sing something jazzy, yet her performance was electric- above and beyond jazz.

Championing a marvelous stage presence, Ms. Tyson interacts with and teases her adoring audience. She even left the stage to engage her admirers in some meaningful banter which charmed the crowd. The Manor is alive with energy and Miss Tyson raised the roof fusing a variety of sounds, from R and B, to jazz to rock.

“I have 36 years in the business personally,” she said, and proudly points out she has had no professional training. “I would say I was gifted, never took lessons or anything that! I was just blessed with it.”

While Ms. Tyson is blessed with her voice, you can capture the the energy and

skills of her band at The Manor on Wednesday nights, starting your evening first with an early dinner in the showroom.

Valerie Tyson Band The Manor — Every Wednesday Night 2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL Call 954-620-0082 for reservations.

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

FACE THE S IN NEW S

Robin Bodiford & Terry Etling

Camp4Health Grand Opening Reception

Faces from Thursday night’s BPG Open House hosted by Steve McAleer of Weichert Realtors Distinctive Homes.

Jerry O’Brien, Chris Berthelson and Shawn McCormack Denny Hamann, Andy Harrison, & Gary Kempler Jeff, Ben, & Jack

Steve Thiessen, Jim Crandall & John Hand

Dr. Steven Abel & Will Spencer, Director

Therapy room Dennis, Scott, Jim, and Eric

Acupuncturist Dianne Meurer & her brother Billy

For advertising opportunities, call Brian Swinford: 954-530-4970

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Delray String Quartet Expands to Fort Lauderdale based educator and composer, is an important and impressive contribution to the genre of American string-quartet writing.

Sleeper’s compositions have been performed by orchestras around the world including the Central Philharmonic of China and the Berlin Philharmonic. He currently resides in Miami, where he serves as Conductor of the University of Miami Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Florida Youth Orchestra.

Greg Stepanich of South Florida Classical Review praises the string quartet. “They can be proud of their new role as champion of contemporary music. One looks forward not only to the upcoming recording the group plans of Sleeper’s Third Quartet, but to the adoption of this fine piece by enterprising string quartets everywhere.”

By Joey Amato

T

he Delray String Quartet continues its sixth season with concerts in Delray Beach and Fort Lauderdale. The theme of the concerts will be Stand back, Buenos Aires!, a diverse program presenting the music of Mozart, Puccini, and Ginastera.

The great Argentinian composer Ginastera uses the sounds of strumming guitars and rhythms of his country. Italian composer Giacomo Puccini recycled his string quartet for one of his greatest operas.

The Delray String Quartet brings together world-class musicians. Violinists

Mei Mei Luo and Megan McClendon, violist Richard Fleischman and cellist Claudio Jaffé are scheduled to perform.

In the past, the quartet has performed diverse programs including the classical works of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Arriaga. In addition, the standard romantic works of Franck, Tchaikovsky, Glazunov and Puccini and Gershwin have become staples.

World premieres, favorite masterworks and less familiar gems are included in the Delray String Quartet’s repertoire. In February, 2009, the quartet presented an exciting new piece written especially for them, The String Quartet No. 3, composed by Thomas Sleeper. Sleeper, a University of Miami-

More information can be found at www.DelrayStringQuartet.com.

Future Performances: DATE:

March 6, 2010

LOCATION: All Saints Episcopal Church, Fort Lauderdale 33301 Time:

7:30 p.m. Pre-Concert Lecture 8:00 p.m. Concert

DATE:

March 7, 2010

LOCATION: The Colony Hotel & Cabaña Club, Delray Beach Time:

Pre-Concert Lecture 4:00 p.m. Concert

34

Dining Review

WHERE: Trina (Atlantic Hotel) 601 N. Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd.

(954) 567-8020

By Joey Amato

T

o celebrate Valentine’s Day, I thought it would be fun for my partner and I to sample items off of Trina’s new menu. The restaurant, located at the beautiful Atlantic Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach is a wonderful setting for a romantic evening any day of the week.

Our gracious host José was kind enough to offer us a Valentine’s Day menu containing selections from Trina’s new menu. For starters, we chose the Borata Mozzarella, a dish containing fresh mozzarella cheese, heirloom tomatoes, watermelon and mango, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

The cheese, of course, was the highlight of the dish. It is creamier than traditional mozzarella. The aged balsamic and accompanying fruit gave the dish added flavor.

For our second starter, we decided on the Calamari Corn Fritters. Not knowing

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com what to expect, we received a dish containing delicious fried calamari along with a few corn fritters. Both were served with a sweet and sour chili sauce. The calamari was tender and plentiful, while the corn fritters were a bit under seasoned for our liking. The chili sauce didn’t do much for the fritters either, although it was a welcomed addition to the calamari. On my next visit, I really want to try the Arugula Salad, with candied walnuts, dates, manchego cheese and granny smith apples.

As we sat on Trina’s patio, we listened to the sounds of the ocean as we waited for our entrées to arrive. I opted for the Lobster Rigatoni, a hardy serving of rigatoni, complete with lobster, artichokes, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella tossed in a light white wine sauce. We both liked this dish very much, although it did need a touch of grated parmesan. Okay, I’m Italian… everything tastes better with cheese. The inclusion of lobster was a nice twist to this traditional Italian dish.

Our second entrée was the Crispy Roasted Mahogany Duck, a duck leg confit stuffed with homemade corn bread and sautéed rare duck breast. Both were served with a huckleberry peppercorn sauce. Duck is a

very hard dish to prepare, but Trina nailed it.

The duck was tender and juicy and the skin was crispy, just the way I like it. The corn bread stuffing added an interesting component to the dish, while the huckleberry peppercorn sauce accented the wonderful flavor of the duck.

To wrap up our wonderful Valentine’s Day dinner, we decided to try both of the new dessert items being added to the menu.

The first is Gateau Marjolein, a hazelnut cake served with white and milk chocolate mousses accompanied by raspberries and strawberries. The second item was the Tropical Pineapple Upside-down Cheesecake. Although both selections were good, neither were as memorable as the entrées.

I would definitely visit Trina if you are looking for an enjoyable alfresco dining experience.

deli • drinks • delightful food

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2163 Wilton Dr. Wilton Manors, FL 33305

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

A

n Evening with Xaviera Hollander — Xaviera Hollander: the most famous Madame of “the world’s oldest profession,” author, Penthouse columnist, legend, performer, raconteur and theatrical entrepreneur will be the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival’s special guest as they present screenings of “The Happy Hooker” and her new documentary “Xaviera Hollander, the Happy Hooker: Portrait of a Sexual Revolutionary.” After the screening, Ms Hollander will lead a discussion about her life followed by a signing of her new book, The Happy Hooker: My Own Story. March 1 at Cinema Paradiso.Tickets are $15.

Pink Floyd www.FLIFF.com.

A

fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular.

How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for the most completely satisfying new musical in a long time. March 3-21 at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $41.50. www.arshtcenter.org.

T

he Pink Floyd Experience — The performance echoes everything that made Pink Floyd one of rock & roll’s greatest icons. It is Pink Floyd—up close and personal without losing the scope and power of their performance. Featuring live ‘note for note’ musical recreations of all of Pink Floyd’s hits, this all new production includes mindblowing lighting and surreal video as well as several classic Pink Floyd hooks—a collapsible wall, the light bulb man and a 12 foot flying pig blimp.

The end product is truly an unforgettable concert for audience members of all ages.

March 5 at the Kravis Center.

Tickets start at $20. www. kravis.org.

Tribute to the Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber & Les Misérables — No one sets the stage for Broadway like Bob Lappin & The Palm Beach Pops! Featuring Broadway stars soprano Tamra Hayden of Les Miserables and tenor David Burnham, Helen Hayes Award winner for Best Actor and star of Wicked. rish Tenors — Since they Delight in breathtaking selections first joined voices in 1998, from famed Broadway shows The Irish Tenors have toured Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Les Andrew Lloyd Webber constantly, thrilling old fans Misérables and other classics. March 2 and and winning new ones around the globe.

3 at the Kravis Center.Tickets start at $29.

In the United States, they have become www.kravis.org. one of the most successful Irish touring acts ever, second only to U2. Performing a soothing and nostalgic mix of Emerald icked — Back by “Popular” Isle tunes—from “Danny Demand. The Boy” to “When Irish New York Times calls Eyes Are Smiling,” along Wicked “Broadway’s with several contembiggest blockbuster,” porary classics such as and when it first played Celine Dion’s “My Heart in Miami in 2007, Will Go On” and Jimmy it broke box office The Irish Tenors Kennedy’s “South of The records and sold out in Border,” the Tenors continue to enchant record time. Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two oth- and delight audiences everywhere. March 6 at the Parker Playhouse. Tickets start at er girls meet in the land of Oz. One— $39. www.browardcenter.org. born with emerald green skin—is smart,

I

W

Scene & Be Seen The Colony Hotel 155 Hammon Avenue Palm Beach 561.659.8100

The Colony Hotel Palm Beach

By Joey Amato

H

ost to Presidents Bush and Clinton, the Windsor’s and other royalty, The Colony Hotel has been the center of Palm Beach society for more than 60 years, An intimate, friendly boutique hotel with British Colonial flair, it is steps away from world famous Worth Avenue and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.

This landmark hotel recently completed an extensive $15-million renovation and offers guests the choice of charming hotel rooms, luxurious suites, spectacular penthouses and spacious two bedroom villas.

One of its most impressive features is Polo, a sophisticated bar and restaurant, and hotspot for gay Palm Beachers for the past five years. Every Thursday evening around 7:30pm, the bar begins to fill up with the who’s who of gay Palm Beach society. Business owners, attorneys and doctors crowd the bar to enjoy fruitful conversation while sipping champagne and martini’s.

Although Palm Beach has a reputation for being pretentious, I found that not to be the case. Being new to the scene, I was

greeted with friendly smiles, handshakes and the occasional kiss. A couple visiting from Oklahoma was impressed by the large turnout. David states, “This would never happen where we live, that’s why we come to the Colony every time we visit.” His partner Brian, a little bit more reserved, spent most of his time gazing through the crowd.

Local resident Alfred Fiandaca, owner of several high-end boutiques bearing his name, says that the evening gives Palm Beach, “a sense of neighborhood.” Fiandaca has been attending for five years and describes the atmosphere as “very friendly and welcoming.”

Peter Emmerich, proprietor of Grandview Gardens, a Bed & Breakfast in West Palm Beach tells SFGN that he and his partner Rick are also long time regulars.

“Rick and I have been going ever since we moved to West Palm Beach. We go there because it is the only venue for a gay event which happens at an upscale location with lots of space and light, an educated crowd and no blaring music.”

Emmerich adds, “You can actually talk to people, not yell at them like in most places. We like to take friends there who are visiting from Europe, because it is very “Palm Beach” on the one hand and truly gay on the other. They always meet a lot of people and have a good time chatting.”

The Polo bar isn’t the only option for a wonderful Thursday evening at the Colony.

The hotel has played host to world-famous talent for decades. Coming to the Royal Room Supper Club in March include Hollywood Squares host, John Davidson and Marilyn Maye March, a singer who holds the record for most appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Heard it on...

By the Nite Owl

Obama full of Glee

Being the president’s wife apparently has its perks Sources confirm to me exclusively that First Lady Michelle Obama has invited the cast of Glee to perform at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll (whitehouse.gov/EasterEggRoll) on Monday, April 5 — and, barring any last-minute glitches, they’re gonna do it!

Rumor has it Mrs. O and her daughters are big fans of the show. And since a White House gig is an offer that’s pretty darn hard to refuse, Glee’s producers did some lickety-split schedule rejiggering in order to honor the request.

All in all, not a bad stretch for the Glee club: Glee The Music Volume 1 just moved up to No. 1 on the UK album charts, ahead of the ubiquitous Lady Gaga!

Penn last week?

Award-winning actor and director Sean Penn, who played the late gay activist Harvey Milk last year, has been charged with battery and vandalism for allegedly attacking a photographer and breaking his camera.

The incident was captured in footage that was posted by the TMZ celebrity website, the blog of the Los Angeles Times reported last week.

“We are alleging he kicked a photographer, and we are also accusing him of breaking the photographer’s camera,” Frank Mateljan, a spokesman for the Los Angeles city attorney’s office said to the Times.

If convicted in the misdemeanor case, the 49-yearold Penn could be sentenced to as much as 18 months in jail.

Joy in the Advocate Brendan Voss spent some time on the set of the Joy Behar show last month and now has a nice profile of the talk show host in the current issue of The Advocate.

First, Behar is with Suzie Orman and rips the fact that she cannot legally marry her longtime partner, Kathy Travis.”

It’s a disgrace,” she says, “I mean, what kind of bullshit is that?” she continues off-camera during a break, sipping a Diet Coke through a lipstick-smudged straw,

Harvey Milk Would Not Be Proud “I am from Hollywood and I am here to attack you.”

Were those the words of Sean

Sean Penn in a more saintly role as Harvey Milk

Voss reports.

Later, while chatting with guest Joan Rivers about their mutual love of Bette Davis, Behar exclaims, “We’re like a gay man’s wet dream!”

It’s just another day on the set of The Joy Behar Show, which debuted last September on HLN, CNN’s sister network.

Never one to hide from a hot gay topic — she memorably criticized the Ukrainian government for not letting Elton John adopt an HIV-positive orphan in a post on CNN.com.

She is also nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for an episode about gays and the Mormon Church that featured ex-Mormon Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black.

“I see myself as an ally of the gay community for sure…It’s not like I’m on some kind of a mission; it’s just the way my brain works.” Go to Advocate.com to read the rest of this terrific story!

cently came out as a lesbian.

The 2003 “American Idol” runner-up said he wrote his own remarks after notes given him seemed too political. The original remarks included a slam at former President George W. Bush.

“I don’t feel like this is the place to be horribly politically charged and bash people and talk about the wrongs that have been done,’’ Aiken said. “My goal is to be hopeful, that it’s time for everyone to have equal rights.’’

Aiken says Joy that Americans should support equal rights for every citizen. That includes allowing gays to marry and enjoy rights that straight couples take for granted, including hospital visitation and inheritance.

He said that could take decades.

“It’s more important to me, as a parent, A VAMPIRE COMES OUT that my son have all the rights—if he’s Towleroad, the popular gay website, gay—than it is for me. I don’t want to do is reporting that Vampire Weekend’s anything today that’s going to inhibit, or Rostam Batmanglij came out of the closet to OUT magazine when he shared be a detriment to, his rights,’’ Aiken said.

Parker, Aiken’s son, was conceived via in that his presence let “ a homosexual vitro fertilization. He was born in August perspective” come out, if you will, in 2008. Parker’s mother is music producer the band’s songs. He told OUT that the band’s “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” track Jaymes Foster, who lives in California.

She and Aiken, who lives in the Raleigh from their 2009 debut was intended area, have joint custody. to be a ‘gay pop anthem.’ He is The pop star says hoping it will be still: “there is still that some members time,” he said. of his family have Added Batmanglij, “I had fun with handled his coming the song, but at the same time I out better than others. was being honest—those lyrics “Some Southern famicome from my heart.” lies like to sweep things under the rug,’’ Aiken Clay Aiken Speaks R o said.

“We just don’t talk OUT For Gay Rights stam Batma n g lij about it.’’

A year after he disclosed that he is gay, Clay Aiken took time to speak at a gay-rights event this weekend in his Ginch Gonch at Cozmo’s hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina.

A new male strip club appealing to a Aiken, 31, spoke at the Human Rights high end clientele has opened on East Campaign Carolinas gala. He was joined Oakland Park Boulevard in the long time by actress Meredith Baxter, who revenue that was once Rosebud’s. With a

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

name like Cozmo’s, you would think they would have a signature drink. Instead they have an exclusive right to some erotic and sexy male briefs.

How many inches are in your Ginches? The product line is a very popular and hot male underwear line called Ginch Gonch, and the boys of Cozmo’s wear them very, very well. Anthony P. Diaz brings in differ-

ent dancers each week, and their dance manager, Hugo, is promising a huge, very huge, variety of featured ginch gonch artisans. Cozmo’s is a small, intimate place, very attractive and appealing—with a new larger dance club opening next door on March 18.

That’s Club Oz, and we will be saying much more about it in the Gayvine. Keep your ears tuned.

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

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Edward Steichen

In High Fashion

By Tony Adams

SFGN

The Condé Nast Years, 1923-1937

attended a preview of the internationally renowned exhibition Edward Steichen: In High Fashion the Condé Nast Years, 1923-1937 that debuted at the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art on February 26.

The exhibit, remarkable in both quality and size, is housed in Florida at the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, through April 11, 2010. It features over two hundred of Steichen’s celebrity and fashion portraiture made while he served as chief photographer for Vogue and Vanity Fair magazines between 1923 and 1937. His influence is felt in the field to this day.

Steichen’s portraits of icons include Joan Crawford, Winston Churchill, Greta Garbo, Katharine Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, Amelia Earhart, Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire, Loretta Young, Martha Graham, Gloria Swanson, Dorothy Parker.

“Edward Steichen produced a body of work of unequalled brilliance. He revolutionized fashion photography, and pioneered a new visual language of glamour, profoundly shaping the look of celebrity and fashion to this day” said Irvin Lippman, Executive Director of the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale.

The exhibition is organized by the Musée de l’Elysée, Lausanne, and the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography, Minneapolis, in conjunction with the International Center of Photography (ICP). It opened in New York City at ICP in early 2009, and has since been shown throughout Europe. continued on page 39

Above: Edward Steichen, “Black”: Model Margaret Horan in a black dress by Jay-Thorpe, 1935 Left: Actress Mary Heberden, 1935 Courtesy Condé Nast Archive, New York © 1935 Condé Nast Publications

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Steichen continued from previous page

Fashion designer Ivonne de la Vega has created a gown inspired by Steichen’s photographs of high fashion. It will be on view during the exhibition and sold as a benefit for the Museum of Art. Edward Steichen, a working-class kid from Milwaukee, had a stellar 70-year career in photography that included portraiture, advertising, fine art and fashion.

Because our eye is accustomed to gleaming and high-contrast images, these photographs seem somewhat underdeveloped. In

our Photoshopped world in which we don’t just remove bags from under the eyes of models, but one in which we routinely correct every aspect of an image to suit contemporary taste in color, temperature, sharpness and lighting, we have lost something that Steichen had achieved: the feeling of real crêpe de Chine draped over the real bosom of a model, the filtered natural light through the velvet drapes of a Paris salon, and the startlingly real faces of Hepburn, Dietrich and Garbo. For all its deco-finesse, Steichen’s fashion photography is the opposite of stagey and he delivers gorgeous results with few technical tools.

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

Marlene Dietrich, 1934 Courtesy The Richard and Jackie Hollander Collection, Los Angeles © 1934 Condé Nast Publications

IVONNE DE LA VEGA DRESS Fashion designer Ivonne de la Vega has created a gown inspired by Steichen’s photographs of high fashion.

It will be on view during the exhibition and sold as a benefit for the Museum of Art.

For more information www.moafl.org

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Battle Between Hot Spots andMark’s List Over Url’s and Racks Settles in Atlanta!

By Norm Kent

A

last-ditch, last minute effort by Mark’s List publisher Bobby Blair to acquire the defunct URL websites of the South Florida Blade and 411 failed last Thursday in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Atlanta, Georgia.

However, a bidding war between Blair and Hot Spots publisher Peter Clark was also averted when the two parties reached an ‘amicable resolution’ concerning the limited assets of the bankrupt corporations.

As reported in the February 8 issue of SFGN, Unite Media went into bankruptcy last November, shutting down its operations and the offices of the South Florida Blade and 411, along with its sister publications in both Washington, D.C., and Atlanta.

Upon the filing of the insolvency papers, the US Bankruptcy Court appointed a trustee to sell off any of the remaining assets of the companies to mitigate the losses of the publications’ multiple creditors. Unfortunately for U.S. taxpayers, the actual losses were ‘in millions’ and the remaining assets ‘in the thousands.’

The bidding concluded at the end of Jan-

uary, and Bankruptcy Trustee filed papers with the court approving the sale of the URL’s of Genre, South Florida Blade, Express Gay News, and 411 to Hot Spots publisher Peter Clark. The sale price for the once million dollar enterprise was a meager $3,200, including a box of monitors stored in a warehouse and used and damaged newsracks in venues all over the tri county area.

“As is, where they are,” said Stuart Clayton, the bankruptcy trustee.

Clark’s decision to make the purchase was obviously on one hand to point the URL’s towards his own magazine, but also to donate the archives of the websites to the Stonewall Library.

The only bidder, he was informed late last Wednesday that a mysterious third party had at the last minute put up a $4200 letter of credit to outbid him. SFGN discovered that the bidder was indeed Mark’s List publisher Bobby Blair, who flew to Atlanta on Thursday morning to do an end-around

by Clark. But having himself got wind of the effort, so too did Clark brave the 26 degree cold and fly to Atlanta with the intention and purpose of outbidding the Johnny come lately, Bobby Blair. The drama!

As far as the bankruptcy trustee is con-

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cerned, dutibound to acquire as much money as he can to offset the losses the Small Business Administration and the IRS sustained from the defaulted loans, he could care less who bid what as long as he got the best deal.

With Blair and Clark both sitting outside the courtroom at 10 am and a potential bidding war about to ensue, they struck a deal which apparently worked out well for both parties.

First, the US Bankruptcy Court entered an order granting Clark the exclusive right to all the URL’s for the originally proffered

sum of $3,200.

In exchange for Blair walking away from a bidding war, both parties agreed to mutually donate the archives of the defunct publications to the Stonewall Library. But there may be significant disappointment at all levels with the archives, unless someone has the information stored on back up discs.

Sadly, SFGN has learned that the servers of the Blade and 411, which housed the magazine and paper’s content, out of Boston, may have discarded and destroyed some of

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com their product during the lengthy period of to what we can put where or if we can put time in 2009 when Window and Unite Me- anything anywhere even if we want to.”

Rumors abound that Mark’s List may have dia were not paying their debts, just prior to to get even newer stickers than their filing for bankruptcy. the ones they just attached to Blair also wrested from Clark the old 411 and Blade news an agreement to let him keep racks. As word of their ‘rethe news racks of 411 and the alignment’ party gets around Blade now situated in multiple town, inside sources indicate South Florida venues. SFGN that Mark’s List magazine is had reported last month that going to re-brand itself with Mark’s List employees were yet another new name at the seizing the racks and placing big shindig slated for The their nametags on them prior Manor on March 11. to the final decision of the fedFor its own part, the ‘Read eral court. A minor feud had Red’ and ‘Read all Over’ developed as many distribution campaign of the South Florpoints are swamped with free ida Gay News launches with publications and there is limited this issue, as the newspaper space which tabloids and magaSFGN’s ‘Read Red’ Campaign places, deploys and distribzines fight for.

Stated Travis Duncan of Coast to Coast utes over one hundred and twenty five new Media on Las Olas, “It does not matter which fire engine red indoor wire news racks and publication it is, sooner or later I am clean- outdoor news boxes over the tri county area.

Any venue seeking to acquire a distribuing a mess up off the floor.” Many owners feel similarly, but also recognize they need to tion rack should contact the SFGN office carry the free papers. Joel Quinn, the depart- manager, Steve, at 954 530 4970. They are ing manager of a Wilton Manors Starbucks available, first-come, first served, and do indicates that the “corporate offices are be- not need the approval of a US District Court coming even more restrictive and limiting as judge prior to their disbursement.

BRAD KANE REALTOR® STEVE SHUMAN REALTOR®

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

God Save the Queen! continued from page 3

activity center told SFGN, “I was Fetcho’s supervisor at the Villas for six years. He is dedicated and pleasant, dependable and compassionate. I am prepared to employ him

Ray Fetcho today

the moment he clears this hurdle.”

Fetcho has retained long time Fort Lau­ derdale constitutional rights attorney, Norm Kent, who is the publisher of SFGN. Stated Kent, who is taking the case on a pro bono basis, “I promise you that this injustice will be cured and that Ray Fetcho will get an exemption- and be restored to his tenure as an LPN.” He addresses the issue in today’s SFGN editorial.

Kent has to petition the Department of Health and make a case to its administrators. He explained the legal process that Fetcho must initiate: “Employees seeking an exemption have the burden of setting forth sufficient evidence of rehabilitation, including the circumstances surrounding the criminal incident for which an exemption is sought, and the time period that has elapsed

Of Fetcho’s termination, stated John Castelli, the owner of the Copa in 1976, and a realtor today, “Oh my god. What century are we living in?

This can’t be happening.”

since the incident, and the history of the employee since the incident,” Kent said.

For his part, Fetcho is upset and concerned about his future. “I love being a nurse and I love my job and I can’t believe this is coming back to haunt me 30 years later. It was stupid then. It is ridiculous now.”

Added Fetcho, “I should be working up

to my retirement in five years, not looking back at something from the past. I never mixed my two careers together. One was show business, one was real. I had the best of both possible worlds but if I have to fight today to help some other nurse tomorrow, they are going to have to fight ‘The Queen’ in her court.”

Reflections on a Nite with ‘Tiny Tina’

audience member.

“Just another tacky queen from Queens, New York,” she said to one youthful admirer, who laughed until the tears ran. That would be me. She was always glib, never

By Cliff Dunn bitter—biting without ever feeling the need to draw blood. Fetcho had been working n any given Saturday night at crowds since his days as a bartender at the the Copa 25 years ago, a thouEverglades Bar on US1. But it was in drag sand twenty-something men—and a that she reigned as ‘The Queen.’ few women, mostly fag hags—would “I was the first impersonator hired crowd around their sunken dance floor, at The Copa,” Fetcho the elect among them recalls. “I hosted ‘Sight packed like veal calves in Pollution with Tiny Tina.’ kneeling positions as the After that I became the house lights dimmed and emcee of the Wet Jockey the spot shone on the Shorts contest, which center of the polished became an overnight wooden floor. phenomenon. EveryCue the music and body talked about it.” there she stood: two hunOne of those contests dred and fifty pounds of led to police filing a wara tall, stunning, and proud rant for him promot‘Tiny Tina,’ towering over ing lewdness. He was the crowd. booked, went to jail, As the music reached and bonded out by Copa proprietors, Bill a crescendo, she would begin to lip-sync the first lines of Gilda Radner’s irreverent Bastiansen and John Castelli. The fine was $150. Until last week, he thought little of “Let’s Talk Dirty to the Animals.” that arrest.

“Hi, sissies. Hi!” she would shout But if you go to the gay pride offices, from stage.

It was her signature greeting.The crowd there are plaques of Tiny Tina for service erupted with applause and howls of laughter. to her community. There is even a Miss Congeniality Award named after her. She Ray Fetcho had been playing to audiis part of our history, and now we must be ences for over a decade. As Tiny Tina, part of hers, backing her in this effort to she always knew just how much she could get away with when calling-out an overturn the ruling taking her license away.

O

A free subscription to SFGN if you can name the cast of characters above from the Copa in 1976

43

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Letters, We Got Letters BANT RANT

Comments On:

National Anti Gay Leader Is a Convicted Felon, Con Man From: “Joseph” “People make mistakes. What’s so different about this guy. I think it’s great that he lifted himself up out of his sordid past to do something positive with his life. Why is it that gay advocates always seem to manage to climb upwards on the carcasses of people they destroy viciously? There are more civilized ways which have more of an air of dignity!”

From: “Steven” re: “Joseph” …”Are you serious? This guy is scum. He crippled Guam’s economy and stole money from poor people. He is a con-man, plain and simple. He has a record of defrauding people, not caring who he hurts.

He and Bernie Madoff are cut from the same cloth. How can you defend scum like him?”

From: “Michael” “Homophobia is a sin like lying, stealing and murder. Sin leads ot other sin so it’s not surprising that radical anti-gay activist Abba Goldberg went from stealing and lying to homophobia.

One wonders how much unrepentant homophobe Goldberg is making off his “treatment” of innocent gay people? Sounds like he is far from learning his lesson and is just trying out the latest in a long line of scams which ultimately enrich himself and harm others.

The good news is that he could stop the sinning right now by repenting and leaving homophobia. Thousands and thousands of others have managed to walk away from homophobia. So can Abba Goldberg if he tries.”

Dear Publisher I was pleasantly surprised a few weeks ago when I found that a new gay newspaper was being published in the South Florida region. I liked the offset appearance, the layout and design. I found most of the articles I read entertaining and informative.

However…

When I red the article on page 36, entitled “TIM TEBOW FEATURED IN ANTIGAY AD,” I was really surprised. I knew Tebow as a team leader, a good student of good character and one of the better quarterbacks in college football history, qualities that used to be admired and praised in the country I live. Now thanks to your headline I find out that he’s also anti-gay. I was disappointed and didn’t look forward to his anti-gay ad. But watch it, I did.

The ad featured Tim and his mother. The message was even though things can get tough, families should stick together. We all know that the message was anti-abortion.

(Tim’s mother was encouraged to have an abortion by her doctor but she made the choice to go to term.) But in no way was it anti-gay.

We also know that “Focus on the Family,” was the sponsor of the ad. We know as well that the “National Organization of Women,” and similarly focused organizations were vociferously opposed to the ad.

Following the showing of the ad, NOW described it as another example of violence against women.

Knowing the background of those organizations, as I sure you do, how could you determine that ad as anti-gay? If choosing to go to term is anti-gay are the many lesbians, who give birth, love, and raise their children anti-gay? I think not!

In closing I was intrigued with your slogan, “Gay News, Straight Facts.” It reminds me of the slogan Fox News uses, “Fair & Balanced” and “We Report,You Decide.”

Based on the subject in your first edition, the slogans are similar and particularly misleading.

Bruce N. Bant

Tim Tebow and SFGN’s unnecessary roughness

HBO Plans Juicy Biopic on Anita

By A. Sebastian Fortino

H

BO has announced they are developing a biopic about legendary antigay activist Anita Bryant.

The film will be directed by “Sex and the City” creator Darren Starr, and written by “Project Runway” creator Chad Hodge.

Given that the film is at the creative control of two individuals whose work is loved by the gay Anita Bryant w community might wind up beith the Sta tue of Libe on the cove rty, ironica ing a pie in the face to Ms. Bryr of her al lly, bum for Col umbia Recor ds ant. It would not be the first, as one of the more spectacular of her career its outcome. The gay activwas when, in 1977, she was pied by a gay ists’ victory was short-lived. An organization Bryant founded, Save Our Children, activist in Des Moines, Iowa.

Hodge has a connection to Bryant as they was instrumental in overturning the law both attended Northwestern University. “She within a year.

She antagonized thousands of gays across is a fascinating person on every single level…

The twists and turns of her life,” he told The the country with her admonition that “As a mother, I know that homosexuals cannot Hollywood Reporter, “are incredible.”

Ms. Bryant was born in 1940 to a religious biologically reproduce children. Therefore, family in Oklahoma, but that did not stop they must recruit our own children.”

Her condemnation of the gay community, her parents from divorcing. At the age of 18, she had appeared on talent shows and was however, caused celebrity backlash against named Miss Oklahoma. She would eventu- the Florida Citrus Commission. Stars such as ally compete in the Miss America Pageant, Barbra Streisand, Mary Tyler Moore, and John Waters joined a boycott of the organization, and finish as a second runner-up.

By 1960, she was a multi-platinum pop which resulted in her dismissal from the post.

Meanwhile, gays boycotted the orange juice star, having sold 3 million albums. “Paper Roses” was one of her biggest hits. She soon and vodka cocktail called the screwdriver. married Miami disc jockey Brian Green, They replaced the orange juice with apple juice, and named the new drink in her honor. with whom she would have four children.

In 1969, she was a spokeswoman for the Sales of the ‘Anita Bryant’ went on to fund gay Florida Citrus Commission, singing in sev- activists campaigning around the country.

Bryant then led several campaigns to eral of their commercials. Her wholesome nature caused her to become an early Chris- overturn or block the passage of similar laws in cities including St. Paul, MN and tian celebrity.

Her notorious claim to fame within the Eugene, OR. In the movie Milk, archival gay community began in 1977, when she footage is incorporated into the film showswitched from recognizable celebrity to po- ing Bryant at it again. She supported the litical activist. It was that year Miami County, Briggs Initiative, a failed, 1978 California now Miami-Dade County, tried to prohibit campaign to ban LGBT teachers from their public schools. discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The Hollywood Reporter said that the biThe human rights ordinance dispute led to a national discussion of gay rights, and opic’s creator, Chad Hodge, would like to celebrity status for Bryant. As Miami was speak to Bryant about the project. No word one of the first counties in the US to try to yet whether the former Orange Juice Queen pass such legislation, the nation focused on will go for the squeeze.

44

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

45

March 1, 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! 954-927-0090 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.

------------------------------------------------PRIVATE SUITE WITH FULL BATH IN WILTON MANORS - ONE BLOCK FROM THE DRIVE For rent weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or annually. Poolside, private entrance, fenced in private yard, micro/fridge in unit, king-size bed, day-bed, TV with cable, WiFi internet. Close to all the fun!

Call 954-937-5696

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 ------------------------------------------------DALE THE COMPUTER WIZ In Home/Office On Site Service. Vista/XP, Hardware/Software, FIX-IT-NOW Remote Service/Tune Up Starting at $30.00. 11 Years Experience. 954-579-7587 www.

GayComputerWiz.com

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 ------------------------------------------------JOHN W. DORAN , LCSW Serving the community for 19+ years, specializing in gay/lesbian/bisexual issues, addictions, relationship issues, HIV/AIDS, anger management, co-dependency, 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)

Help Wanted 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 -----------------------------------------------MALE DANCERS NEEDED Dudes on the Beach is now hiring Dancers. No House Fees. 7 days a week. 3270 NE 33rd Street, 954 568-7777. Apply in person.

-----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------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!

-----------------------------------------------CAREGIVER WANTED! To assist an 85 YO Woman 2-3 days a week. Male only. 954-815-1853 -----------------------------------------------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: Please note corrected address. Club Aqua Miami, 2980 SW 21 Terrace, Miami, FL 33145-2330

-----------------------------------------------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.

Health/Fitness PRIVATE PERSONAL TRAINING GYM Rene Endara, World Champion Bodybuilder And Personal Trainer. Call for Free Consultation 954-394-6979 www.ReneEndara.com ------------------------------------------------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

SFGN’S Classified SOAPBOx

Two years ago I spent a few days

in Fort Lauderdale before departing on an RSVP cruise with friends. It had been several years since I had been here and I fell in love with Fort Lauderdale. I knew it would be my new home someday.

Last year, I announced plans to relocate from Connecticut to my family and friends. I sold my house, and arrived in South Florida on December, staying in a hotel temporarily. On January 7, I moved into my new home in Oakland Park. I have been getting settled in. Now, the next phase begins: finding a position here that matters. I have 2 BFA’s, one in Visual Design, and the other in Art Education.

In Vernon, CT, I was general manager at Landmark Pools for 15 years and grew with the company. My boss relied on me as his right hand man, and while my title was General Manager, the best description of my job there would be Designer & Project Coordinator. I designed and educated people about the pools they dreamed about.

I was also responsible for running the business, in that I handled office management, human resources, permits, banking and taxes. Everything involved in running a successful business. I did it all, proudly and successfully.

Now that I am here, I hope to find an employer that will see my potential and give me the opportunity to prove my worth. I look forward to a fulfilling life of working hard, mixed with a social life that only this area can give. I have already made wonderful friends, and if I could find love along the way all the better! If I can help you, my email address is Glennsuchon@gmail.com

------------------------------------------------ROBINS CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Bruce Robins Quality Chiropractic Care From a Doctor you can Trust.

Free Constultation & Exam 954-523-5336 701-D East Broward Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

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 ------------------------------------------------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.

-----------------------------------------------MOBILE HOME FOR SALE 2 MILES WEST OF 95 OFF OAKLAND 2BD/2BA, Shed, Carport, Sunroom. Gated & Secure Park. Appliances include W/D & Micro. A Must See! $12,900 OBO. Call 954-861-7044

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. Small pets and smokers are OK. $450/monthRent/ Contact: 954-515-7185 -----------------------------------------------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

-----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------ROOM FOR RENT $500/Mo. 3 min from Wilton Drive. Plus $100 Security Deposit. Includes All Utilities, DSL & Laundry Fac. Pet Welcome.

Must have references. Call 954-524-4118 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------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 2/2.5 townhouse on the water, pool, natural habitat, pet and smoker friendly.

Furnished bedroom with private bath. $750 mo, short term considered. Call 954-224-3523

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 954-445-7718 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.

------------------------------------------------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 954-445-7718 or 954565-8437 for your move in special.

------------------------------------------------OAKLAND PARK A 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 954-8732830 Castelli RE Services ------------------------------------------------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

46

March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

CLASSIFIEDS@HOTSPOTSMAGAZINE.COM

Rent/Lease cont’d 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 ------------------------------------------------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.

------------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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.

------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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.

------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------SAILBOAT BEND - DOWNTOWN NEAR RIVERWALK Large 1BD/1BA, tile floors, AC, ceiling fans, walk-in closet, laundry room, $725/ Mo. Call 410-251-0061 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------TIRED OF LOOKING? WE’LL DO IT FOR YOU No cost, no hassle. Hundreds of Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors rental properties to choose from and we do the work finding the right one for you. Call Randy at Eastside Realty Group 954-599-9437 ------------------------------------------------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

------------------------------------------------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.

------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------1910 OLD FLORIDA COTTAGE-1/2 ACRE! Lovingly restored 2/1 with pine floors, open beam ceilings, granite/maple/SS kitchen, crown molding, high baseboard, designer plumbing. W/D, CAC, D/W. Lush tropicals, orchids, palms. PRIVATE. Bob K 954-536-7515 Honeybearoffice@gmail. com $1,195/month ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------OAKLAND & FEDERALREMODELED 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 ------------------------------------------------MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE 2/1 Corner unit updated, central a.c, quiet, lots of windows, great location in quiet complex. $900/mo. F/L/S 954-270-0304

------------------------------------------------VICTORIA PARK SPACIOUS STUDIO Studio, pool, updated, new kitchen/appliances. Walk to Gateway and Galleria. N/S. $825/Mo. Call 954-270-0304 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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.

-----------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS - 1 BLOCK TO ALIBI Large, Clean, Studio Apartment.

NEW Kitchen, Bath, Tile, Windows, A/C. END UNIT, Pool, W/D on premises. $650 mo. F/L/S References. 954-942-0870 or 954-263-7650 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------NEW IN TOWN? COMING TO WILTON MANORS SOON? FURNISHED 1/1 $395/WEEK Walk to Wilton Drive, bright comfy spotless nicely updated furnished (pots, pans, dishes, etc.) 1st floor corner 1 bdrm, cen a/c, $395 a week includes electric, water & cable, pet considered; call for details.

Laundry on premises; 954-242-7566.

------------------------------------------------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

------------------------------------------------**$800.00 Great Location In Wilton Manors 1 bedroom 1 bathroom in a triplex unit just south of Stork’s Bakery.

Updated bathroom with tile throughout unit. Call Melissa for info at 954-563-6672 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------LAKEVIEW CLUB CONDOS 1/1 1st floor condo, unfurnished or furnished. Laminate wood floors thru out. $795/mo or 2/2 condo , lakeview w/ screened balcony. Unfurnished $1050/ mo. Full size washer/dryer in units. Pets OK to 50lbs.State of the art gym, olympic size pool. Close to Downtown Ft. Ld. & only 5 miles to the beach. Call Robbie 954-849-5223 ------------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS AREA APARTMENTS **$675 Large Studio with full bathroom, kitchen, and walk in closet with laundry facilities on site, and private locked courtyard. All utilities included. **$1200 Large 2 bedroom, 2 full bathroom’s and walk in closet Apt. Newly remodeled with new cabinets and tile throughout the unit; and laundry facilities on site. Private locked courtyard. **$775.00 Large 1 bedroom & 1 1/2 bathrooms with pantry, and 6 Ft’ long closets. Also features tile floors (approx.

800 sq. ft’) with laundry facilities on site, and private locked courtyard. Includes W/S/G/L. ------------------------------------------------1/4 BLOCK OFF WILTON DRIVE Nice renovated 2/1 condo, 4 unit ranch style building, Wilton Dr and NE 9th Ave, just a few steps from The Manors & Rosies. D/W, Central AC. Utilities Not Included. $895/Mo. Call 954-484-6147 or 313-460-3881 ------------------------------------------------1BD/1BA IN FORT LAUDERDALE Conviently located near 95, 595 and Turnpike. Quiet gay complex with private deck and yard. Small pet OK. $725/Mo. Call James 305-213-3473 ------------------------------------------------VICTORIA PARK CONDO 2BR/1BA fully furnished condo for rent.

Central air & heat, pool, tile floors, D/W, balcony, parking space, secured building.

No Pets. $950 per month plus electric, F/S. Call 954-565-2714.

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, GLBT 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

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.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, GLBT 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 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------CGR PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Broward, West Palm, Dade Residential/Commercial 786-419-1360 -----------------------------------------------TOTAL MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, INC. Condo & HOA Management Bookkeeping, Tenant Screening Contractor/Employee Oversight 954-727-3833, www.TotalMSolutions.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 -----------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------EXPERT AIR ADVICE AIR CONDITIONING REPAIRS 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.

------------------------------------------------***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 -----------------------------------------------THE PAINTING COMPANY Residential & Commercial Solids, Faux Finishes, Murals, Color Coordination, Venetian Plaster, Interior/Exterior. 954-292-8219 PAINTandFAUX@aol.com ------------------------------------------------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. 954-7539722. Edward Brooks CPA ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------D.A.D.S. ELECTRIC, LLC For Quality Work at Fair Prices, Call David & Dennis, Gay Owned & Operated.

Licensed & Insured. 954-549-0102 ------------------------------------------------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.

------------------------------------------------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.

------------------------------------------------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 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 ------------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------HEAD 2 TOE Sensual, Erotic, Stress Releasing Full BODY RUB. Body hair WAXING. SHAVING & CLIPPING. In calls only.

Ft. Laud. area. 954-980-2987 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------GREAT BODY RUB Cum and Get It! 6’, 195, Ready To Please.

Tri county from 7 am to 12 am IN/Out. Danny 954-266-9771 ------------------------------------------------A GREAT MASSAGE AWAITS! I offer excellent massage sessions consisting of Deep Tissue, Swedish and Sensual Touch. I can customize the session to your needs. Try adding a Shave-Trim / Saltscrub / Bodywash / Face Treatment & More! Me: 41, Hot Bear Cub with nice legs and butt. Clothing Optional. Hours 8am -Midnight. To book an appointment, Call David 954-802-8128 http://davidrubnmassage.webs.com DavidRubnMassage@aol.com

------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------***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 954-770-6117 or 954-661-4920 -----------------------------------------------DADDY FOR YOUR PLEASURE Tony Studone, 65 YO Handsome, Stocky 7” Uncut. A Rub To Remember!

10AM - 3PM ONLY. Call 954-770-6117 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 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------MATURE MAN TO RUB YOUR BLUES AWAY! 60yo, slim, hung, top man (8”) will rub your blues away in all the rigth places.

Call Randy 954-629-4832 before 8 pm daily.

-----------------------------------------------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 www.Masseurfinder.com/bodyspa Lic.# MA15163 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------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

Models CARLOS 305-812-5085 27YO, Cuban, 5’7”, 140lbs.

Green Eyes, Vers. Top Passionate, Clean Location Miami Beach -----------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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.

------------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------ASSAHOLIC! Smoking hot Latino 5’7”, with dark hair and eyes. Nice bubble butt and naturally tan skin. Well hung, and always hard!!!

Muscular Build. Male couples, Bruthaz, Bi-curios, and first timers a plus! CALL TONY 305-781-1711 No private numbers.

Errors,We Make Errors Last week we ran a series of photos about photographers.

Photographers are entitled to get credit for their photographs.

We are supposed to give it to them.

Occasionally, we slip up.

And over our first five weeks, we have indeed done so.

Thus, our apologies, and corrections— • First, the fun loving front page dance photo of the Gay Men’s Chorus in Issue 4 should have given photo credit to Steven Shires.

-----------------------------------------------35YO TOTAL TOP South American, 5’9”, 160lbs, Smooth, Athletic Body, Shaved Head, 9.5” uncut, In Town for a few weeks. Will Travel. Call Tony 323-304-7254 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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. HIV-neg, STD free. Great companion. ALL TYPES WELCOME. 50+ is my specialty. In/Out. Call Tony 954-604-3980 -----------------------------------------------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.

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

• Second, the handsome page 3 photograph of the choral director,Todd Wiley, was a Michael Murphy creation.

• Third, the stunning silhouette of Richard Cortez in the SFGN profile that week should also have been credited to Michael Murphy.

• Fourth, the photograph of Miss Vicky with Ms. Kay in the Faces in the News was a photo by Pompano Bill.

Thank you.

Norm Kent Publisher South Florida Gay News.com

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March 1, 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com