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March 8, 2010 • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 7

PRIDEFEST

ISSUE

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Gay Resistance Through Time

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The Census: Be Counted

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Tiny page Tina Update

Solo Sex Hanging?

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Breaking News

PrideFest 8 March 2010 J.W. Arnold

Vatican Supports Inquiry into Boy Choir Sex Scandal

This year, the committee has also introduced afternoon tea dances, featuring DJs Blaine Soileau, Bill Hallquist, Paradox and Miik.

Blaine Soileau A second dance tent, sponsored

by PNN Radio features beats from DJs Silvio, Maximus 3000 and Corey D from Southern California. Featured entertainers include CeCe Peniston, Pepper MaShay, Gioia Bruno, Heather Craig, Tony Cruise, Marc Hansen and Noa Tylo.

SFGN thanks Stacy Reale, a graduate of SUNY at Oswego, for the design of the front page ‘Who We Are’ poster, created last fall for National Coming Out Day.

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

Pride South Florida, the organization that produces the annual PrideFest has rolled out a number of changes for the 33rd annual event this weekend, Saturday, March 13 and Sunday, March 14.

The most noticeable change is the new location, Jaco Pastorius Park in Oakland Park, located at the intersection of Dixie Hwy. and 40th Ct. After several years at the War Memorial Auditorium, the festival moves to a more intimate, family-oriented space for the festival, which regularly attracts thousands of LGBT attendees and their friends and families.

March 8 , 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 7

Chief Executive Officer

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

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

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

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

Health/HIV Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Gallotta Business Editor ........................... Richard Gary

Senior Feature Correspondent. . Jesse Monteagudo Correspondents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Fritz

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

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI poses with group

By Alessandra Rizzo

Associated Press Writer VATICAN CITY (AP) The Vatican said Saturday it backed a German diocese’s efforts to shed light on sexual abuse allegations connected to a renowned boys’ choir once led by Pope Benedict XVI’s brother.

The Regensburg Diocese, which oversees the school connected to the Regensburger Domspatzen choir, said Friday that a former singer came forward with allegations of sexual abuse in the early 1960s, and that it was hiring a lawyer to help it carry out a “systematic” clarification of abuse allegations.

The Vatican said it supported the diocese in its “willingness to analyze the painful question in a decisive and open way.”

“The main reason for the church’s clarification is to render justice to possible victims,” the Vatican said in a statement published in its newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano.

Mons. Gerhard Ludwig Mueller, the bishop of the Regensburg Diocese, said in L’Osservatore that the cases that have so far emerged “do not coincide with the term of Prof. Georg Ratzinger,” the pope’s brother, who led the choir from 1964 to 1994. Ratz-

inger told German public radio he did not know of any abuse cases at the choir.

German weekly news magazine Der Spiegel reported in the March 1 issue that therapists in the region are treating several alleged abuse victims from the choir.

Franz Wittenbrink, who lived in the boarding school until 1967, was quoted as saying that a “sophisticated system of sadistic punishments in connection with sexual lust” had been installed there. “Everyone knew it.”

Wittenbrink argued that the pope’s brother must have known of these practices. “To me it is inexplicable, how the pope’s brother, Georg Ratzinger, who led the choir since 1964, would have not known about it,” the magazine quoted Wittenbrink as saying. An advance of the article was released Saturday.

From 1969 to 1977 the pope, then Joseph Ratzinger, taught theology at the University of Regensburg.

Germany has recently been hit hard by a Catholic Church sex abuse scandal, which has grown from the claims of seven former pupils at a Catholic-run Berlin high school to more than 170 ex-students from several of the church’s most prominent educational facilities in Germany.

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SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Local News

capitol dreams !

Galvin MAKES CONGRESSIONAL RUN

Professionally, Galvin serves as the Vice President ay North Miami Councilman Scott of Education Galvin has announced his candidacy for Junior for U.S. Congress in Florida’s 17th District.

Achievement of Councilman Galvin is a North Miami naGreater Miami. tive who was first elected to its town counHe recruits and cil in 1999, and has been re-elected in 2003 trains corpoand again in 2007 without opposition. rate volunteers to bring lessons of finance In a press release, Galvin stated “I know I and community to children across Miamican continue the tradition of public service Dade County. With a degree in education, and leadership we deserve in Washington.” he also served as an aide to U.S. Rep. Carrie Galvin has been a two-term president of the Greater North Miami Chamber of Com- Meek from 1993-1999.

The seat is currently held by Kendrick merce, as well as the North Miami Jaycees.

Meek, now running for U.S. Senate. One Councilman Galvin also sits on the interother candidate would also be elected as a national Board of Directors for the AIDS ‘first’- Marleine Bastien, running as a HaitianHealthcare Foundation (AHF), the nation’s American for the same seat. The district is largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care. the home of the highest Haitian American He graduated from North Miami Senior concentration in the nation. According to High in 1986, and in 2003, established the gay blogger Ron Gunzburger at the nationnon-profit “Pioneer Pride Fund” to benefit school programs. His efforts were acknowl- ally recognized Politics1 blogsite, there is a crowded field of almost a dozen candidates edged in 2004 when Galvin was elected to for the well sought after seat. the school’s “Golden Pioneer” hall-of-fame.

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A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW FIRM FOR EVERY LIFESTYLE

• Former Special Unit Prosecutors • Members of the Florida Bar and U.S. District Court • Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce: GLBX

Marc Lyons, Esq.

Concentrating on defending individuals charged with:

Drug-related offenses Domestic violence offenses Driving under the influence All felony and misdemeanor offenses Economic and white collar crimes Violations of probation

Philip Snyder, Esq.

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement.

Before you decide, ask the attorney to send you free written information about his or her qualifications and experience.

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Marc Hansen

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Pride, and a Prejudice for Fun

Ask Marc Hansen what keeps him motivated, and the PrideFest co-chair answers without batting an eyelash: “It’s very important for me to give back to this community.”

By Cliff Dunn

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t’s hard to know exactly which ‘community’ the former E.R. nurse, E.M.T. and U.S. Air Force veteran is referring to at any given moment, since he devotes his time in the pursuit of charitable and benevolent functions for veterans, persons with HIV/AIDS and, course, South Florida’s large and diverse LGBT population.

And that’s when he isn’t recovering from cancer surgery or one of the other health challenges he experiences as a gay man living with HIV nearly a quarter century.

“It was December of 1985 when an Air Force flight surgeon broke the news to me,” Hansen recalls.

“I was devasted. It was a death sentence. I remember asking a nursing colleague if I could bum one of her smokes,” he remembers.

“She said, ‘Marc, you don’t smoke anymore.’ I told her, ‘what’s the difference now?’”

Hansen’s diagnosis that he was infected with HIV came during the peak of Reagan Era American, when AIDS was still a mystery to many, both straight and gay, one to be avoided, even in polite conversation.

“This was in the days when people would lower their voices into a barely audible register and whisper ‘I think he’s sick.’ It was a terrible time.”

He breaks into a smile. “But here I am,” he says, winking.

This week, ‘here’ is Jaco Pastorius Park, the new home for PrideFest 2010, for which Hansen serves as co-chair.

Service is a recurring theme in Hansen’s life. After he was medically discharged from the airforce, he immersed himself in activism, including support and participation for the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, an annual nationwide event sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in which he has won four gold medals in multiple singing categories, solo and group.

The dual impulses to entertain and for service found an enthusiastic vessel in Hansen, who was earnest in his desire to give to the LGBT community.

“I don’t care if they give back to me; do they give back to my community?” he stresses.

As a performer and emcee, Hansen has given his time to benefit numerous charitable and philanthropic organizations, including Tuesday’s Angels and Poverello.

“Back in those days, we didn’t charge to work at benefits. [The late] Dana [Manchester], Nikki [Adams], Tiny Tina, me. We did it for the good of the community.”

Hansen became involved in the Stonewall Pride Festival about five years ago.

“These were some great events, some great years.

Greg Phelps of Alibi and Scott Holland from Hotspots and I ran it for five years,” he says.

Although he started to volunteer with PrideFest about five years ago, and started singing the National Anthem at the event three years ago, this year marks Hansen’s first on the Board of Pride South Florida.

His short tenure hasn’t been all lollipops and roses.

“People say I can be too matter of fact,” he laughs.

“That’s because I try not to mince words. I say what I have to say.”

He says his health issues have helped inform his attitude.

“Bottom line: I only have so much time. I have had to deal with HIV, prostate cancer, liver disease. Time is a precious commodity.”

Hansen says he tries not to get personal when organizational conflicts arise. “You can’t take anything personally.”

He argues that South Florida’s LGBT community has not realized the full power of its influence, and that the obstacles are largely self-inflicted.

“We have the largest portable LGBT library in the country, the largest community center [the Pride Center at Equality Park] in the country. If we just came together we would be an unstoppable force.”

In his first year as co-chair for PrideFest, serving alongside Pride South Florida chair Jacqui Charvet and Secretary/Treasurer Joel Slotnick, Hansen says he’s learned what the event isn’t.

“Many people, even long-time supporters, think of PrideFest as a bazaar or outdoor market. It is that, but that’s just a single facet,” he observes.

“It is about being proud of whom and what you are.

It’s about raising money for local groups who can’t get six-digit grants from Uncle Sam or the Carnegie Endowment.”

There have been challenges, not least being the ongoing criminal investigation into the possible theft of $40,000 by the organization’s former treasurer, Michael Cruz.

Hansen and the other Board members have been asked by law enforcement to avoid discussing the investigation, which was first reported in the March 1 issue of SFGN. “I feel angry and betrayed by Mike [Cruz],” is all Hansen would volunteer, respecting the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing police inquiry.

Hansen’s personal challenges have been tempered by a support system he says he’s grateful to have.

“I have a wonderful partner who works at a wonderful place.” (His husband, Mark Maybee, is the bar manager at Rosie’s Bar and Grill in Wilton Manors.)

And, Hansen says, in spite of a reputation for being “matter of fact,” there’s a softer side to his occasionally forceful personality. “I’m worth knowing. I’m a lot of fun.”

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Who’s Who among Entertainers at

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eCe Peniston: The R&B sensation has enjoyed a career spanning two decades, beginning with her signing on to A&M Records in 1990 and her breakout hit “Finally,” released the following year. In 1996, Peniston toured with the all-star cast of the musical The Wiz, performing as Glinda the Good Witch. Her 2001 “Lifetime to Love” hit #2 on the Billboard dance chart. In 2005, she was featured on “Deeper Love,” the first single from trumpeter David Longoria, which peaked at #14 on the Billboard dance chart. Peniston also worked last year with musical sensation Montell Jordan on their hit “He Say She Say.”

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ori Michaels: Me & the Girls: Named one of CURVE Magazine’s 2008 seven ENTERTAINERS OF THE YEAR, Michaels career took off in 2006 after her official “Coming Out” party at House of Blues in Atlantic City. CURVE wrote that “her live shows are the stuff of lesbian legend.”

Her debut album “Living My Life Out Loud” earned Michaels the sobri-

quet “THE Dyke Diva.” Appearing on the August 2008 cover of GO! Magazine, and again in 2009 as one of the “100 Women We Love,” the magazine said “Every once in a while an enigmatic, stereotype-breaking artist like Lori Michaels comes along to level the playing field and change the rules of the game. She is also highly recognizable to sports fans for her appearances at numerous NFL, NHL, NBA, and WNBA games singing the National Anthem, along with memorable pre- game and half-time performances.

Michaels is a popular featured performer at numerous LGBT Pride events across the U.S.

Her 2008 “Got To Give The People What They Want” and “Does Your Mamma Know” are still crowd pleasers.

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ioia Bruno: Born in Bari, Italy and raised in New Jersey, she started singing in night clubs at age 16. In 1986 she auditioned for a group in Florida and relocated. While performing at Gee Wiz in Miami, she was offered a spot in musical sensation Exposé. Gioia sang epper MaShay: A lead on Exposé’s “Let Me Be the frequent name on the One,” “What You Don’t U.S. Hot Dance Club Know,” and “Tell Me Play and Hot Why.” She co-founded Dance Airplay the West Broward Percharts, with forming Arts Acadsingles includemy. When Exposé ing “Something reformed in 2006, To Feel” (1995), she returned to the “Happiness” group for the first (1997), “Step time in 15 years. In Into My Life” 2008, Gioia went (1998), “Sextacy” (2000) and “Send Me an Angel” into the studio to begin working on her second solo album.

(2005). Her voice may be best known from the “Let’s get soaking wet!” helina: Singer, songchant in Barry Harris’ writer and choreographer, “Dive in the Pool”, the “Dominican Diva” rewhich appeared in leased her sassy single “Vivir Sin the American version Tu Amor” in 2009, which charted of Queer as Folk. In at #1 in the Dance Crossover 2006, she earned her Charts. Her flavor, style, charisma first solo chart-topper and infectious energy capture on the U.S. Hot Dance audiences visually, and her powMusic/Club Play chart erhouse vocals seal the deal. Shewith “Lost Yo Mind”. lina released her Tropical/Dance

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album , “No Te Aguanto Una Mas” in 2008, earning the Premio Estrella award for “Best Salsa song of 2007” and Shelina performed “No te Aguanto Una Mas” at the 2008 Premio Estrella awards held at the James L. Knight Center in Miami. Shelina was the only Latin artist invited to perform at the 2007 Winter Music Conference in Miami where she performed at Halo Lounge, Twist and Score.

“Latino Boys Magazine” featured Shelina in April 2009.

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eather Craig: Solo artist and lead singer of Out Loud, an all-gay and lesbian band, which performed at New Moon in Wilton Manors this month.

OUT LOUD CAME together for their first performance this past October. The group formed when Craig, a mortgage banker, was at a networking event and met realtor and fellow musician Linda Jain. “It was Linda’s idea to have an all-gay band,” Craig says. The two put an ad in a local newspaper looking for other gay performers and the rest, as they say, is LGBT music history.

Tony Cruz: An accomplished balladeer, songwriter, and entertainer who brings a combination of charm, good looks and a captivating voice to the delight of audiences. A resident of Miramar,

he has been crooning his way into the hearts of South Florida since the age of 12. His voice can be heard all over South Florida on advertisements for almost everything imaginable. Cruz has performed with some of the greats, including The Drifters, The Beach Boys and Patti Labelle.

Tony works full time as a musician, writing and recording.

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oa Tylo: In trying to describe the South African native’s style, Top Forty Magazine has likened him to Madonna in her early days, when her sexually charged performances and provocative views pushed all boundaries.

When asked what inspires him, Noa says he hopes “to represent a new generation with a new perspective on sex, love, intimacy and emotion.” Now residing in New York, Noa is considered an international rising star, with audiences for some of his performances topping 10,000.

Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus Ensemble: Now in its 24th season, the mission of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus is to build community through quality musical performances that promote a world accepting and valuing diversity.

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arc Hansen: When he isn’t serving as your PrideFest 2010 co-chair, Marc can be found entertaining audiences with his accomplished

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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PrideFest 2010 Emcees

Craig Stevens: Coanchor of the WSVN 7 News, he has been an anchor and reporter for nearly 20-years. He began his career in 1987 in the mailroom at NBC News in Washington, D.C. His reporting has included a wide range of stories, including several hurricanes beginning with “Andrew,” the Oklahoma City bombing,

the disputed 2000 Presidential Election. He also spent weeks following the murder of fashion designer Gianni Versace and the manhunt for his killer, Andrew Cunanan, as well as Pope John Paul II’s visits to Cuba and the United States, the death of JFK, Jr., the Elian Gonzalez saga, and Fidel Castro’s visit to the United Nations. Craig is active in a number of charities and organizations. In September 2005, “Florida Monthly” magazine named Craig “Best Local TV News Anchor”.

The Broward/Palm Beach “New Times” honored

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rancillia: Lead singer of Tampa/US Virgin Islandsbased psychedelic pop-dance outfit Beatnik Castle, Francillia rocked the charts this year with the release of her hit dance/pop single “Will U B Mine?” and other songs from solo CD “Temptation.” “Will outh Florida Pride U B Mine?”

Jazz Ensemble: One is currently of the nation’s most respected LGBT jazz groups, the played on radio across ensemble has thrilled audithe country, ences with their talent, timing including XM/Sirius BPM as well and energy. One of their signal as on radio stations in Europe honors came in 2008, when and Australia. In addition to bethe group performed at a priing an accomplished recording vate fundraiser for the Hillary Clinton for President campaign, artist and performer, Francillia is a US Army veteran and an active an intimate affair hosted by attorney and community leader member of the US Reserves. She performed at the 2009 Winter Dean Trantalis and his partner Richard Smith. The event culmi- Music Conference in Miami. Her nated with the arrival of former sultry vocals energize and invigorate and her presence captures President Bill Clinton. the essence of creativity. vocals as well as by emceeing Drummer leather events around the U.S., and calling Bingo at the Pride Center at Equality Park here in Wilton Manors (which he’ll do immediately after PrideFest’s first day ends on Saturday!).

In addition, Marc has served as a Board member for the last 4 years for Stonewall Pride (although he insists he’s way too young to be a “Chairperson Emeritus”).

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Stevens with the same distinction in 2003.

Denise & Donna: Hosts of the internet radio show “The Lesbian Lounge,” they have been called “pee in your pants hilarious.” The laughout-loud pair host their live broadcast every Wednesday evening at 9 p.m. on MyLesbianRadio.com.

Marky G: A former radio host and a regular feature at Pride South Florida events for years, Marky is a perennial crowd-pleaser.

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rag It OUT: A multicultural grassroots esteem-building group that empowers people to question gender roles. Embodying creativity, self-expression, community-involvement and free, Drag It OUT supports and educates the community through workshops, mentoring and FUNdraising events that challenge gender stereotypes. DIO’s fundraising troupe performs at charity events, clubs, theater shows, and your 2010 PrideFest.

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P Lords: A performer since the age of 16, TP was “discovered” after her club kid days by South Florida event producer and promoter Gary Santis. She has been active in female impersonation in venues of every size, and is a regular featured entertainer in VOODOO Lounge’s “Life’s a Drag.”

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Gay Pride on the Drive

by A. Sebastian Fortino

Gay Pride means…well what does it mean? SFGN decided to head out to New Moon and Matty’s on the Drive to really learn what Gay Pride means to you, our readers!

1) Name: Greg 2) Age: 40, I turned 40 last week bitch!

3) Occupation: Bartender, Matty’s-on-the Drive 4) How do you identify? Gay, and tattooed 5) Where are you from? Boston 6) How do Pride Celebrations there differ from Pride here, in South Florida?

Oooh, let’s see, I think they are more festive here, less political. I would go to the Common and see all the rallies…here it’s more fun.

7) What does Pride mean to you?

To me it means fun and all about being able to show your true sexuality, showing your true state of being.

1) Name: Laura 2) Age? 23 3) Occupation? Claims Specialist 4) How do you identify? Bisexual 5) Where are you from? Cincinnati 6) What does Pride mean to you? It’s expressing freedom. We get to be in public and be whatever we want to be. And I love the unity that it brings together! Every year I march with Boardwalk or Living Room, and do it proudly with people I love!

1) Name: Tim Thorne 2) Age? 49 3) Occupation? Promote redhispanafl.org 4) How do you identify? Gaaaaaay 5) Where are you from? New Hampshire 6) How do Pride Celebrations there differ from Pride here, in South Florida?

They have them!

7) What does Pride mean to you?

The ability to go everywhere and do whatever I do and say what I say and never worry because this is the way I am and who I’m supposed to be.

1) Name? Wayne 2) Age? 36 3) Occupation?

Self-employed 4) How do you identify? Gay 5) Where are you from? Chicago 6) How do Pride Celebrations there differ from Pride here, in South Florida? Never celebrated in Chicago, I left when I was 10.

7) What does Pride mean to you? Big party!

1) Name? Papi Bobby 2) Age? 23 3) Occupation? Assistant Manager 4) How do you identify? I’m gay, bitch 5) Where are you from?

Lincoln, Nebraska 6) What does Pride mean to you? Celebration of who you are, and you don’t have to deal with other people’s bullshit. You can do, be what you want. That’s what it means to me!

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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No Pride in Tallahassee!

USA Pride 2010

Florida on Bottom of Nation’s Equality Lists

By A. Sebastian Fortino

By Cliff Dunn

“The Republican legislature is largely opposed to everything we stand for, which is equality for new ranking by an LGBT all Floridians,” Stork observed. advocacy group rates the “Pretty revolutionary stuff.”

Sunshine State NumUnder the organization’s criteber 47 out of 51 when it comes to ria, a state is awarded one point equality for its gay citizens. for each Equality Goal it meets.

The privately-funded organizaJim Stork Half a point is given for the partial tion eQualityGiving places Florida near dead last among the 50 states and achievement of a goal. Since repeal of DADT the District of Columbia when it comes to is a federal goal, the maximum number of points a state can earn is six. promoting LGBT equality.

No state has earned a perfect score.

This number is especially notable since Florida received a score of 1.5 points, Florida ranks among the top 10 states for donations made to national, state and local placing it near the bottom of the list of rankings; only Idaho, Mississippi, Ohio LGBT organizations.

“We have the money, but we need a differ- and Tennessee scored lower.

The Sunshine State ‘earned’ its abysmal ent strategy to change the dynamics,” says Jim Stork of Wilton Manors, who serves on ranking based on the following criteria: There is no statewide law prohibiting the advisory board of eQualityGiving.

The group, founded in 2005, provides discrimination based on “sexual orientafree services and advice to individuals tion” or “gender identity or expression.”

There is a statewide law prohibiting gay and groups with an aim of achieving legal men and lesbians from adopting children. equality for LGBT Americans.

Both the Florida Constitution and state The organization lists seven Equality Goals: federal hate crimes protec- laws prohibit gays and lesbians from marrytion; protection from discrimination in ing their partners.

While the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for employment, housing, pu­blic accommoAll Students Act dation and credit; specifically pro­hi­ a repeal to the bits “sexual, relimi­litary’s Don’t Ask, gious, or racial haDon’t Tell (DADT) rassment,” the law po­l icy; marriage makes no referequal­ity; re­cognition ence to either “sexof gender identity ual orientation” or and expression under “gen­der identity or hate crimes legislaexpression.” tion; protecting LGBT Ex-Mayor youth; and parental Stork says that rights for same-sex one avenue of recouples.

Only the first of the goals has been real- dress for these inequalities would be the ized, with the passage last October of the passage in November of Amendments 5 federal Matthew Shepard and James Byrd and 6 to the Florida Constitution.

“We need to have sensible legislative Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Stork says there are some political reali- districts based upon community boundties in the Sunshine State that explain this. aries,” he said. “A blue-ribbon panel of “We are a deeply Red state in terms of our Independents, Democrats and Republilegislature,” says Stork, who was Mayor of cans. Floridians—gay and straight—deserve that.”

Wilton Manors from 2002 to 2004.

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Atlanta: “Pride Begins With You!” The 40th Annual Atlanta Pride Festival will take place October 9-10 this year at Piedmont Park. These dates will cause the event to be on the eve of National Coming Out Day, observed in the US on October 11.

Please visit Atlantapride.org for more information.

Boston: Also will celebrate its 40th Pride this year. Boston is known more for tea parties than gay pride but that shouldn’t be the case! This early pioneer of gay marriage has a week long festival kicking off Friday June 4, with a flag raising at City Hall, the AIDS Walk on June 6, and a whole lot of fun before it ends on Sunday June 13.

Please visit Bostonpride.org for more information.

Chicago: “One Heart, One World, One Pride” comes to Chicago during June. The Windy City celebrates Pride for one month with about 100 different events. The parade takes place on Sunday June 27th. Last year the Boystown event saw 500,000 attendees.

There is also a 2-day festival that takes place before the parade. Please visit Chicagopridecalendar.org for more information.

Dallas: If you want to be a PrideHead, which some people are, the Dallas, TX event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 19. The Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade is named after Alan Ross, an early LGBT pioneer in Dallas. He developed and hosted the first parade in 1972. Please visit Dallastavernguild.org for more information.

Los Angeles: “PRIDE 365: Power. Passion. Purpose.”

Christopher Street West Proudly presents the 40th LA PRIDE celebration June 11 —13, 2010. Experience Pride at the West Coast’s most celebrated Pride Festival on June 12, from noon until midnight.The Festival reopens on Sunday, June 13, and remains open until 10:00 p.m.The Festival takes place on San Vicente Blvd., between Santa Monica Blvd. and Melrose Ave. Please visit LApride.org for more information.

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Street at noon. There is Rapture on the River on the 26th for the girls, and the famed Pier Dance for the boys on the 27th. If you haven’t been I highly recommend it! Please visit NYCpride.org for more information.

Philadelphia: The City of Brotherly Love will host its annual Pride Festival on Sunday June 13, at Penn’s Landing. This is the 22nd anniversary of pride. The parade kicks off at noon in the Gayborhood, then proceeds to the festival site which empties out at 6.

Miami: The Miami Beach The revelers will head back Gay Pride, Extraordinary Day Out, takes place on April to the Gayborhood for 17, 2010. This is only the 2nd dancing and drinks. Please visit Phillypride.org for more annual Gay Pride on Miami information.

Beach. Last year’s inaugural parade saw 24,000 guests, San Francisco: 2-day friends, and well-wishers!

Miami Beach Gay Pride is an celebration Saturday 26/27 of June and 40th anniverextraordinary celebration sary year. Focus on that, on that brings out the the history for both the best in us all. parade & celebration.

Please visit The parade on Sunday, MiamibeachJune 27kicks off at gaypride.com 10:30 Market and Beale for more Streets, and ends in the information.

Celebration area at the Montreal: For a little Civic Center area. Around 1,000,000 people attend this French flair head to the Montreal Pride Celebrations ever-changing historic event.

Please visit SFpride.org for August 12 -15. Entertainmore information. ment is promised on Place Emilie-Gamelin. A Community Festival is scheduled on Toronto: “You Belong,” the 14 and their extravagant marks the 30th Annual Gay parade starts at 1:00 pm on Pride Toronto. The event lasts 10 days, from June 25Sunday afternoon. Please July 4. Events include a flag visit Fiertemontrealpride. raising, a youth pride, street com for more information. fair, and the parade starting New York: “Heritage of at 2:00 pm. Cyndi Lauper will perform on July 3 at Queen’s Pride” is an amazing sight if you haven’t been up to see it! Park. (We will not call atIt starts on June 19 with a ral- tention to the irony!) Please ly in famed Central Park. The visit Pridetoronto.com for March will take place on Fifth more information.

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Jesse’s Journal

From the Purple Panthers to Pensacola Beach

Fighting Back Gay: A History Lesson

By Jesse Monteagudo

R

Riots of 1969 are merely the climax of a maelstrom year of mounting LesBiGay and Trans resistance.

History provides us with many examples of LGBT resistance. Through the years, queer people continued to live, work, love,

esistance takes many forms. For some of us, it means staging a demonstration or starting a political action group. For others, it means being defiantly different in a society that hates difference. As John Rechy and Charley Shively noted more than three decades ago, queer sexual activity was in itself subversive in states that (pre-Lawrence) criminalized sodomy and used our outlaw status to justify Above: The Struggle for equal rights discrimination and violence.

Below: The Gateway Theatre, a mecca for gay culture Historically, gay men have been willing to take many risks to fulfill their desires for specific sexual acts with other men, wrote the late Eric Rofes in Dry Bones Breathe: Gay Men Creating Post-AIDS Identities and Cultures. Men have risked loss of jobs, loss of families, and loss of life. All this can be attributed to the power of the sex drive —the same force that makes salmon swim upstream leads some men to have sex in public places. But cruise, have sex, find lovers and create muRofes agreed with Ilan Meyer in his opinion sic, literature and art in spite of repeated that gay sex is more than just the means to attempts to kill, maim, jail, raid, fire, evict, scratch an itch: Gay sex is also about identity. cure or vote against us. Acts of gay resisTo a large extent, the history of lesbian, tance happened all the time, and at the most gay, bisexual and transgendered people in unexpected places. One of those acts took the United States is the history of resistance. place 38 years ago in South Florida’s Dania Jonathan Ned Katz wrote about it in his Beach, now John U. Lloyd State Park. Alclassic Gay American History (1976), in ready a favorite gay hangout, in 1962 the a chapter aptly titled Resistance. Another gay men on Dania Beach faced two engreat gay history book, John Loughery’s The emies: police officers who harassed and Other Side of Silence: Men’s Lives and Gay arrested them for lewd and lascivious acts Identities (1998), is likewise the history of and straight teenagers who rode their dune five generations of gay Americans who were buggies at top speed to scare away the fags.

Though police harassment remains a determined to express their sexuality and fulfill their identity in spite of all opposi- problem till this day, the young gays on tion. Unlike other gay histories, The Other Dania Beach eventually took care of the ridSide of Silence goes beyond New York City, ers. According to the late Jerry Mitchell, a San Francisco and Los Angeles to uncover South Florida gay and AIDS activist, some gay life and gay resistance in places like gay men buried pieces of wood with proBoise, Denver, Louisville, New Haven and truding nails in the sand. When the buggies Omaha. In Loughery’s book, the Stonewall came by later that day, their tires got punc-

tured. Angered by this unexpected turn of events, the riders jumped out of their cars ready to fight. However, instead of encountering a group of frightened sissies, the homophobic dune drivers encountered a bunch of angry fags wielding baseball bats

Anita Bryant gets a facial

they had kept hidden in the sand. These gay men, the Purple Panthers, are now a proud footnote in the history of LGBT resistance.

Three years later, in Pensacola, some gay men came up with a novel way to deal with the postal authorities annoying (and illegal) habit of opening plain brown envelopes that were addressed to single men. According to Loughery, these men dealt with their dilemma by having all of their mail order books, magazines, films, etc. sent to a mythical Emma Jones at a local post office box. One good idea led to another; and in 1966 those men decided that Emma Jones should host a beach party on the Fourth of July weekend. Though Emma sent out 25 invitations to her first beach bash, 50 people showed up. Attendance grew to 200 people (including women) in 1967 and to 400 in 1968. To make a long story short, by the early 1970s Emma Jones was hosting the largest gay gathering held in the South to date.

Over two thousand men took part in activities which lasted all weekend long and included elaborate drag revues and the Mr. Gay U.S.A. contest. Black men and white men socialized in what was still a segregated South. According to Loughery, by 1974 this isolated act of gay resistance had made a major impact on gay life in the Southland. Thanks to Emma, innumerable friendships had been made, an example of gay economic clout had been established, and an exuberant gay presence had asserted on the Florida panhandle that, whatever the setbacks ahead, would never disappear entirely.

It takes more courage to be lesbian or gay, bisexual or transgendered, in Pensacola Beach than in the Castro, Chelsea, West Hollywood or Wilton Manors. Just being on the streets and saying I am gay or holding your partner’s hand is an act of resistance, when it is done in the Bible Belt. The late, great activist Jack Nichols lived the last three decades of his life in Cocoa Beach, Florida, where he continued to be openly and uniquely himself. For years South Carolina held its annual Pride Parade in a town or a city that had experienced homophobic acts, which in South Carolina could be anywhere.

One year South Carolina Pride was held in Greenville, where the County Commission had passed a resolution condemning the gay lifestyle. Another year it was held on Myrtle Beach, where the mayor had a record of making phobic remarks. In 2005 South Carolina Pride was held in the capital city of Columbia, and once again thousands of lesbian women, gay men, bisexual and transgendered people and our straight friends came out to declare once again, in this Southern Baptist state, that we are here, that we are queer, and that we are not going away.

Jesse Monteagudo is a freelance writer and gay activist who lives in South Florida. Write him at jessemonteagudo@aol.com.

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN Columnist & Partner Step Up for Stonewall Brian McNaught and Ray Struble Donate 36-Year Collection

By Joey Amato

A

n extensive collection of me­ morabilia will soon be on display at the Stonewall Library and Archives. Brian McNaught and his partner Ray Struble have donated their extensive thirty-six year collection of LGBT artifacts. Currently on display at their homes in Fort Lauderdale and Provincetown, MA, the collection will soon be housed at the Stonewall for all to see.

Consisting of over 70 unique artifacts, the collection depicts various aspects of LGBT history. Books, letters, signatures, art and political artifacts dot the collection.

Highlights include a very rare copy of Walt Whitman’s book Two Rivulets. The book is a one-of-a-kind gem, which has

been personalized, signed and dated by Whitman himself. Furthermore, Whitman hand wrote three last-minute changes to typed sentences within the book.

Works of art being donated to the Archives include Sappho, a rare painting of the lesbian poetess. Sappho was an Ancient Greek poet, born on the island of Lesbos.

The bulk of her poetry, which was greatly admired throughout Greece, has been lost, but her association with lesbian culture has endured through surviving fragments.

McNaught and Struble also acquired a significant amount of political artifacts.

Some noteworthy objects include a letter signed by Detroit Bishops Thomas Gumbleton and Joseph Imesch praising McNaught’s fight to end discrimination

Brian McNaught and Ray Struble

against homosexuals. In addition, their collection includes a contraband poster from the 1982 Gay Olympics in San Francisco.

“The collection in and of itself is amazing and of tremendous value to our community and to Stonewall. On another level, the collection is an extraordinary testament to the life and the important influence that Brian McNaught and Ray Struble have had on the LGBT world,” said Chad Thilborger, Development Director.

Asked about the reason for his contribution, McNaught states, “Ray and I are so impressed with the Stonewall Museum in Fort Lauderdale, and with its curator, Jack Rutland, that we have decided to donate our sizeable collection of LGBT and feminist memorabilia to them.”

McNaught is dedicated to making the Library into a world-renowned destination.

“I have joined a group of enthusiastic individuals who want to make the Stonewall a crown jewel, regardless of the theme.”

Brain McNaught, a thirty-six year veteran of the gay civil rights movement has been named “the godfather of gay diversity training” by The New York Times. Most recently, McNaught served as an advisor to the former Surgeon General David Satcher on matters of national sexual health.

To date, there is no other entity like the Stonewall Library, and Archives. It is a stateof-the-art facility, housing over 18,000 books, audio-visual materials and information pertaining to the LGBT community. New titles are added every week and are available in the “New Arrivals” section of the Library. The Library also offers over 60 national and regional periodicals in the John Graves Reading Room.

13

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com TGUIDE PRIDEFES

PrideFest of the Palm Beaches

By A. Sebastian Fortino The Seventeenth Annual PrideFest of the Palm Beaches will take place March, 27 & 28. Festival admission is a budget friendly $7.00 at the park. If you buy your tickets before the event it’s a mere $5.00. No pets are allowed at the Bryant Park location. Other confirmed events are The Pride Business Alliance PrideFest Mixer, for members and professional friends. That takes place at the Cottage on March 10. Compass promises an interfaith service, but they are currently awaiting confirmation on the locale. The much-loved “Send in the Queens” fundraiser complements PrideFest and will take place at the Lake Worth Theater March 26 & 27 at 8:00 pm.

Please see Compassglcc.com, Gaypalmbeaches.com, and Lakeworthplayhouse.org for further details.

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Here? Queer? 2010 Census Wants to Count on You

The 2010 Census: By the Numbers How to complete the census:

By Cliff Dunn

Each household will fill out one form. Person 1 answers 10 questions. Persons 2 through 6 have seven questions to answer. Persons 7 through 12 fill out just their name, sex, age, and birth date, and check whether or not they are related to Person 1.

For Persons 2 through 6, the second question is, “How is this person related to Person 1?” There are 14 choices given. If “Husband or Wife” or “Unmarried Partner” is checked and both persons are the same sex, they will be counted as a gay or lesbian couple. If “Roomer or Boarder” or “Housemate or Roommate” is checked, they will not. The other choices are a variety of familial relationships and “Other Non-relative.”

For the census’ first 200 years, LGBT Americans essentially didn’t exist. That changed during the he 2010 Census promises to be a census’ Bicentennial year, alhistoric moment for LGBT Amerthough it happened as a fluke. icans. For the first time In 1990, the U.S. government in the institution’s 220-year hisbegan to collect data on heterotory, same-sex couples who idensexual couples who were untify themselves as husband and wife married. This was the opening will be counted and reported sepathat permitted same-sex courately from heterosexual couples. ples to check the census box In addition, the number of samefor “unmarried partners,” folsex couples who refer to themselves as lowed by answering their genders. unmarried partners will also be counted That year, about 190,000 same-sex couand reported. ples revealed themselves. The data was not The census represents a snapshot of the tabulated by the Census Bureau, but anaAmerican population that’s taken every lysts were able to find the numbers by sifting ten years. Census forms should arrive on or through the bureau’s raw data. around March 15. Officials say they should Ten years later, be completed and returned in its self-addressed, stamped envelope by April 1.

Become familiar with graphics around 600,000 sameand accessories that identify sex couples “came One of the biggest changes in this deemployees of the Census Bureau out” in their census cade’s census is that people can respond the responses. Again, the way in which they self-identify. data wasn’t tabulated by the Feds, but it didn’t But while gay and lesbian couples living matter: a major corner had been turned. together will be counted, no category will Utilizing the bureau’s raw data as well as identify LGBT singles. numbers taken from government surveys, a And while no question asks for sexual oriennumber of groups—including the National tation, same-sex relationships will be extrapo“We take an oath for life that all infor- Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) Pollated from the information that’s provided.

Officials stress that all census answers are mation will remain confidential,” said Jay icy Institute and the Williams Institute at completely confidential, and that no one will Fresquez of Pompano, a census volunteer. UCLA—produced the very first extensive be ‘outed’ as a result of their census responses. “That means we’re subject to a $250,000 statistical analysis of same-sex couples.

Gary Gates, senior demographer at the In addition, no one will know how a par- fine and five years in prison, or both.”

“Believe me, I’m not going to tell your Williams Institute, says the numbers were ticular individual answered their census form. If someone’s parents believe that per- landlord how many people live in your apart- revealing.

“The [2000] census data undermine[d] son lives with a roommate and they answer ment,” Fresquez added. “I just collect data.” many of the stereotypes that often work against LGBT people,” Gates said. “Samesex couples look a lot like married [straight] couples. They’re raising kids, they don’t all live in urban areas, they own homes, and they serve in the military.”

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“married” in the census form, that information remains entirely confidential.

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LGBT partnership leader for the U.S. Census Bureau.

The census is one of the few mandatory requirements of the federal government, outlined in Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution.

It determines the number of members each state sends to the U.S. House of Representatives, and helps with deciding where $400 billion in federal funding for hospitals, schools, and public safety goes.

Analysts say the 2010 Census will be the most important yet for LGBT Americans. For the first time ever, same-sex couples who call themselves “husband” and “wife” will be counted, with the results reported separately from straight couples. And the number of same-sex couples who identify as unmarried partners will also be counted and reported.

The census has partnered with a number of organizations to encourage participation.

San Francisco-based Community Marketing will be conducting focus groups in Fort Lauderdale on March 10, as a subcontractor for the Census Bureau. There is a fee paid for those selected to participate.

“There are a number of groups to fill and at this time we are looking for gay men or lesbians in relationships, with or without children,” says Glen Fishman, projects director for Community Marketing.

“Since we need to balance groups, we especially need women over 40 and men without college, but we do still need a broad range of people,” Fishman added. “Anyone interested should call us for a short phone interview at 1-888-330-8610.”

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Alberto Abreu and Stephen Wolff, Wilton Manors residents and long time partners stand in front of the Dixie Highway Dunkin’ Donuts reviewing their issue of South Florida Gay News.

The couple is fans of the paper and the cheap breakfasts at Double D’s.

Stop by and get your morning java and get your copy of SFGN from our bright fire engine red newsbox in front of their store at Five Points. Remember to Read RED, because ‘We are Read All Over!’

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16

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Kosher Queens and Bagel Chasers

‘Matzah Boyz’ and ‘Meats’ at Manor

by Jesse Monteagudo

S

outh Florida has one of the largest LGBT and Jewish communities in the USA. However, until recently, the only groups that catered specifically to LGBT Jews and their friends were Congregation Etz Chaim in Wilton Manors and the LGBT Ruach in Temple Israel of Greater Miami.

Now comes Matzah Boyz, a “social organization for gay Jews in Broward, Dade and Palm Beach Counties.”

Matzah Boyz is the child of David Refaeli, a 24-year old Internet marketing profession-

al. Born in New York City, Refaeli has been living in south Florida since age 7. Raised as an Orthodox Jew, Refaeli “lost touch with much of Jewish involvement since fully coming out of the closet at age 20, after 4 years of failed ‘reparative therapy.’ Over the recent years and months, I have come to learn much about myself as a gay Jewish man. I’ve grown to understand to be content and fulfilled in my identity, without feeling as though they are contradictory.”

According to the group’s website MatzahBoyz.com, Matzah Boyz’ purpose “is to organize events which bring Jews from all religious affili-

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David Yalen of the CEC Men’s Club, Michael from New York, David Refaeli of Matzah Boyz, and Daniel Shoer Roth of the Herald

ations, or no affiliation at all, together in a social setting.”

Refaeli was inspired in his task by other Gay/Jewish organizations, especially one Attorney Stephen Jerome Hugo, bartender at the Manor that organizes events jelly-filled cookies eaten on Purim, “HOMOin New York City on Christmas Eve. Matzah Boyz events are geared towards taschen” featured the disk jockeying talents both “Kosher Queens and Bagel Chasers”: of the famous Daisy D., who spinned a blend Gay Jewish Men and their Gentile friends. of open-format records with a sprinkling of Refaeli credits Jayson Littman of “He’Bro” modern Israeli music in the mix. Members of for coining that phrase. Or, as Refaeli puts Congregation Etz Chaim’s Men’s Club minit, “who doesn’t love a nice Jewish boy?” Ev- gled with secular Gay Jews from Miami-Dade eryone is welcome to Matzah Boyz events, and Broward Counties.

Refaeli hopes that Matzah Boyz’ “Christhe says, “whether you are a gay Jew, just gay, just a Jew, a friend or family member, sup- mas Eve Jewfest” and “HOMOtaschen” are “only the beginning.” His plan “is to do porter, ally, or simply an admirer.”

The first Matzah Boyz event, the “Christ- events once every three months or so, to mas Eve Jewfest,” was held on December 24 eventually have a full calendar of events at the Vlada Lounge in Downtown Miami. Its throughout the year. I’d love to hear from second event, “HOMOtaschen,” was held on other members of the community with feedFebruary 26 at Wilton Manors famed Manor. back and other suggestions for future MatNamed after hamantaschen, the delicious, zah Boyz events.”

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

W Fort Lauderdale Hosts ‘homme’ Improvement at Bliss Spa on Beach

By Joey Amato

O

n Wednesday, March 10 from 7-9pm, Bliss Spa at W Fort Lauderdale invites the LGBT community for a mid-week night of pampering with complimentary ‘homme’ improvement oxygen blasts, hand massages, champagne and hors d’eouvres.

Guests who book treatments during the event will receive a 20% discount at the upscale spa. At 9pm, the party moves to Whiskey Blue for Indulge Wednesday’s.

Serving $5 signature cocktails until 10pm, Indulge is the LGBT community’s hottest Wednesday night party. The first 75 guests to arrive at Whiskey Blue from the Bliss party will receive complimentary cocktails from 9-10pm.

Bliss Spa currently boasts more than 4,000 sq.ft. of tension-fighting facilities at W Fort Lauderdale. Four treatment rooms and Bliss trademark touches such as rhythm & blues tunes, a retail beauty boutique, and the legendary brownie buffet, make Bliss the ultimate destination for stylish jet setters and beauty-loving locals. W Fort Lauderdale guests and residents also receive “BIP” Bliss Important Person status for priority reservations, exclusive in-room sampling and much craved sink side Bliss amenities.

Bliss Spa W Fort Lauderdale 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd 954-414-8230

18

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

P R ID E F E S T G U

ID E

PRIDEFEST

GUIDE

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

SFGN Editorial

3/8/2010

Norm Kent Publisher

A Pride Day Coloring Book

I

t has been about ten years since I was told that I am in remission from lymphoma.

But I have never looked at my recovery from cancer as a second chance at a first life. I have always looked at life as a precious commodity to be cherished. I have always thought it a tabula rasa, a blank tablet to be colored in with our experiences, at all levels.

With or without cancer, our lives are precious, out futures uncertain, and our tomorrows unknown. One of the things I learned during the days of my own illness was how many others have also experienced loved ones who endured cancer. Things that are intimately most personal are inevitably universally most common.

Cancer patients who meet in groups are told to “Make Every Day Count’. I don’t think that you need to be a cancer patient to believe that.

South Florida celebrates gay pride this week, and in cities across the world, so too do many other LGBT communities gather in festivals and song to proclaim our pride.

Let us however, not delude ourselves. We should not need a special day to live our lives in a special way.

There is a Jewish story of the Baal Shem Tov, a great rabbi, that was told by a young student at his funeral. “He lived 99 years,” remarked one lad. “I wonder what could have been the most important thing he ever did?”

A wise rabbi overheard the student.

He responded: “Whatever he was doing

at the moment.”

Don’t second guess in life; first choose.

Cast your lot by making each day special and every day meaningful.

As a kid, I grew up learning how to draw on Venus Paradise sets where you have to color in defined borders by pencils with particular numbers. And now I cannot draw at all today.

Our lives, particularly gay lives, are not to be defined by an interlocking 500-piece crossword puzzle with the pieces tightly bordered and spread about the coffee table in your living room. We are only limited by the boundaries of our imagination.

Hopefully, your life is enriched with treasured friends, spiritually grounded hobbies, a wonderful occupation, educative experiences, and a loving partner. Hopefully, your life’s lot is bouncing with the vitality and spring of a rubber Spalding ball on a concrete city street. Maybe you won’t land where you want every time, but every day you will find new energy to believe again in yourself.

We create the world we live in by each and every choice we make every day. Do what frees you. Do, and your life matters.

Liberate your spirit, journey to the center of your soul, and be chained only to the promise of fulfilling the voices that yearn within.

They often contain messages we suppress in the daily toll of our busy and material lives.

Keep the child alive within you. As kids, we were taught to believe in God, our social studies books, and that we could change the world. So what have we learned? God is an underachiever, historians doctored texts, and the world changes us. Give a damn anyway.

Faced with the certain prospect that everything we believe in will inevitably be shattered, or be taken away this evening by a tsunami, let the beach sands warm the soles of your feet.

Do not worry about the fact that the performer you are watching in concert earns more in one evening then you will earn in this year. So what? Live your life, not theirs.

How many of them are really happy anyway?

Take deep breaths. Walk your dogs. Give

Letters, We Got Letters

Comments On:

god save the queen: ‘Tiny Tina’ is fired for a 34-yearold lewd act charge From: “Harry” I am gay and have been an LPN for 20yrs.

I find this truly absurd! Doesn’t Florida have more important things to be concerned with besides an well liked and well love nurse who happened to be a drag queen who through water on men in underwear? What a pathetic joke! The governor should intervene (oh wait - he is a Republican, and a gay one at that.)

peace a chance, and be not troubled that a walk through the valley of most souls will barely get your feet wet. Walk anyway. Live passionately, use marijuana medicinally, and remember that while homosexuality may keep you from joining the Boy Scouts, it is also likely to get From: “Mary” I think it’s ridiculous that Florida or any you a network television series. Yes, you too other state would penalize this man for can grow up to be President. Look at our last something that happened 30+ years ago! three. Be who you are and become who you Let’s face it, anyone in the club was there want to be. Run the race you have never run. to see “whatever”; America is becoming It is okay to put a little hot fudge on your a scary place to be oneself. Nursing is a hard profession, not sundae, but not every meal. Eneveryone should be joy a high protein diet, and never a nurse; it appears eat meat loaf prepared by anyone that this man has other than your mother. Eat your not only been sucgreens, and learn patience- prefcessful but rememerably by noon tomorrow. bered and lauded for his compassion Every time you close the door and professionalon reality, it sneaks in through the ism. .Hope he gets window. Stare out at the stars anyhis day in court and way, and if you do not believe in wins! Hope he finds heaven, at least find beauty in the out which bigot targeted him and all darkness. of those patient’s You may only have one life but families who have it is not a crime to have multiple Tiny Tina in black and white been touched by lovers, although probably not at his goodness go after the agency, governing the same time. In this electronic age, rebody or individual responsible! Good luck member that you no longer have any prito him... I hope he kicks butt! vacy, and we know not only your credit card number but which movies you rented last From: “Tim” year at Blockbuster.

Can’t he get a pardon from the governor?

Live your life in a grounded fashion, find yourself an anchor and plant it in your soul.

From: “JM” Beneath the earth lies fertile soil. It is what you Yeah, why not ask Governor Charlie? feel and not what you see that matters. Reread There’s a good chance he was in the audience Peanuts, keep your weight down, and chin back at the Copa during one of those shows! up. Walk with your shirt off this weekend.

Remember what matters is not what you make but what you keep; not what you From: “CK” All the bigotry imaginable comes to the take, but what you give. You only get one surface wherever there is a gap, like puss chance, so, as Rudyard Kipling wrote, give seeping from a boil. That harridan Anita the unforgiving minute sixty seconds worth Bryant and her ilk have kept a tight grip on of distance run.

Florida over the years... can’t believe their Give it everything you got before the govspindly old fingers still creep over legislation there... Appalling!!!! ernment takes everything you get. And if I have not said so already, thank you so much for reading our newspaper.

19

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Off the Wall

by Piero Guidugli

Is Being Queer So 1990?

S

FGN’s Joey Amato’s article “Have I Become Too Gay?” in issue 4 was cheeky, clever, funny and very 2010.

In his column, Joey is looking for the perfect balance of gay and straight, for a way to combine both worlds. He is afraid he is going to forget there are other cultures outside our own if all he does is engage in gay related activities.

That’s his quandary.

How times have changed.

While I spent more than half of my life in the closet he gets to be out and proud for the rest of his, and he is barely 30. I cherish my gay life, and yet he sounds as if he might already be bored with his.

In a way it is great he feels that way. Maybe he takes everything for granted, bless him, but I must warn him—we are not out of the starting gate yet. Not by a long shot .

In fact, my problem with today’s gay world is the lack of outrage. The lack of a fighting spirit; the apathy. In fact, we are not gay enough to care. The last time we stood up for something was in the 80’s, at the height of the AIDS crisis, thanks to ACT UP. Since then we have acted down.

Do You Believe in Cher After Love?

C

they want to have children, they want to be absorbed, and they want to mirror their breeders’ counterparts. We are “Disney-fying” ourselves. And then what?

The legal system has been written by and for the straight majority, and anything we are able to obtain will result in equality on hetero terms. We need to renegotiate sexual values and laws or eventual “equality” will always involve straights dictating the terms.

Gays are too complacent. We should be up in arms demanding comprehensive laws to protect all sections of society- with no exceptions. Our agenda should be setting the pace of social change by demanding a ban on all forms of discrimination and a true and enforced crack down on hate crimes.

The time has come for our own Tea Party instead of another T-Dance.

Maybe I’m a bit envious of Joey. At his age I did not have the luxury of even conceptualizing his dilemma, but he should not worry about wanting to take part and share the hetero culture in order to be “less gay”.

He will probably one day find out that the straight world won’t let him forget he is not always invited to the table as an equal or full partner. Some would love to see you back in the closet. So, be fabulous and be yourself. Don’t conform; change the world.

Don’t wait up for a membership card into straight society. It may never come, and you probably should not want it.

Which brings up an ontological dilemma.

Did we produce Cher or did Cher produce us? Who’s copying who? Drag Queens would be put out of business if Sonny had married Sherry. She’s true north for anyone wanting to sport Weeping Willow hair, a beaky nose and a cheeky pose. I had a boyfriend once—the cutest, straightest-looking guy I’ve ever gone out with, the kind even your mother wants to screw and he… wait, I lost track. Oh yeah, one day he made me close my eyes and sit at the foot of his bed for a surprise. He pulled out a long wig and a slinky Bob Mackie knock-off.

I saw his lips move but I just couldn’t bring myself to hear it.

I lost a boyfriend but I gained a new level of respect for Cher’s potency. She’s ego and id to the gay mind. She is She Who Must Be Obeyed. We have no choice. But neither does she. As far as I’m concerned she created us as much as we did her. We follow each other’s lead: We turn our

unusualness into strength, our bodies into temples, our clothes into news, our hair into art and to top it off we wrap all the oxygenated genius and creativity with an alarming attraction to drivel. If we didn’t exist, Cher would have to invent us.

Loving Cher is like loving Barbara. Or Bette. It means you can come out to your parents simply by showing them your CD collection. Which is why I hate loving her. It’s like being outed before you’re ready.

There is no out to loving Cher, though I have tried. I’m Nicholas Cage confessing my love to her in “Moonstruck.” WHAP! Comes her slap across my face. “Snap out of it!” she yells.

Oh, if Only I could.

The only huge advance for queers over the last 25 years has been cultural visibility.

Whereas once TV shows wouldn’t even mention homosexuality, now almost all feature, or have featured, a gay character or two if not a full queer cast.

We have a few openly gay politicians, lesbian celebrities, pride festivals, a TV channel, porno galore, internet sites, sponsors, news coverage and of course people who still hate us.

We have our own flag, newspapers, bars, and ghettos, Cher and a Community Church. Even an openly gay bishop.

On the downside: the num- Johnny Weir, accused of being “too gay” by Isaac Mizrahi ber of out gay team sports stars is a chilling organizations that host parties to honor milzero like the number of Republican senators lion dollar celebrities. There is a difference between feeling good and fighting a just cause. supporting gay marriage.

My personal conclusion is that homoPublic acceptance of our lot has progressed, albeit slowly. Two steps forward, one step sexuals are failing because homosexuals back. The biggest disappointment remains have opted for a respectable accommodation the lack of legal acceptance and reform. with heterosexual society. We have been Straights continue to be privileged over co-opted by the very forces which suppress queers in everything from partnership rights us. Gays and Lesbians want to get married,

Slouching in Gomorrah by Mike Alvear

her is a queer. Not a lesbian, she’s queer. She’s got more gay in her bejeweled fingers than we do between our legs. She is GAY in a sequined gown, a jiggy-jiggle pop tart who flaps her wings, flips us out and frappes our panting, pickles hearts.

Or maybe it’s just me.

I doubt it. Cher stops everybody in her tressed up tracks. Even straight guys look at her and say, “I’d turn queer for her.” But there’s something vexing about Cher. She is both the glory of gay spirit and the goo of its culture. She’s the be-bopping babe who beat the devil by flicking her hair and flaunting her stuff. Like we did. But she’s also the Queen of Crap, like we are. She is Gay Man and Gay Culture in one strapless evening gown. How else can you explain the magic

to membership in the armed forces.

The only things we have in common for sure are that we both pay taxes and then die. But wait, even that is not right. We can’t claim the same exemptions straight couples do. We may not even be able to visit our lovers on our death beds in some city’s hospitals.

How can we overcome our status as second class citizens and secure legal rights? We have no real organization that stands up and fights for our liberation. Yes, liberation. We have

of her movies and the dreck of her music? I submit Cher isn’t just a gay man, she’s every gay man who ever got together with throngs of other gay men. Meaning: she puts out crap so painful you wonder why we bother at all. Gay culture—that pooling puddle of banality—has a sister doing it for herself.

And for us. Cher’s music has gay group mentality written all over it—weepy sentimentality, forced lock-step marching and an ouvre so shallow there’s a “No Diving” sign to cut down on neck and spinal cord injuries.

The Gay Dilemma is written small in Cher’s career. In her quiet moments she must say (oh God please make her aware enough to say it), “How can I ignite the heavens with my movies and then piss out the fires with a torrential burst of musical urine?”

Left: Inspired by one of her costumes, a Bob Mackie original, this Cher doll is the next best thing to being with Cher... or... being Cher

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Dermot Meagher From Judging Juries to Juried Shows

By Tony Adams

D

ermot Meagher does not make small talk, and when he looks at you, there is nowhere to hide.

I learned this on Monday, March 1, at the Stonewall Library and Archive where an exhibit of his drawings was unveiled. Dermot is also a print maker, and a retired Massachusetts judge who was a founding member of the Massachusetts Lesbian and Gay Bar Association. He is also a writer of short stories and gay mystery novels. He could also have had a convincing career as a Hemingway impersonator in Key West, but his imposing exterior quickly gives way to the warmhearted man who graciously welcomed me into his Fort Lauderdale home and encouraged my questions.

While we were talking, his partner came into the room to say hello. I had been told that his name was Renato and that he was a very handsome Italian.

Both of these things are true.

The men have been together for nine years, sharing homes in both Fort Lauderdale and Provincetown. When I asked Dermot why they had not availed themselves of marriage in a state where it is legal, he replied “I think gay marriage is great. We just haven’t gotten around to it yet.” While Renato returned to his work as a software developer, Dermot and I talked about artistic process.

Dermot studied art in Massachusetts and first exhibited his work in Provincetown in 1999. In 2001, his work was selected for the Provincetown Art Association’s Emerging Artists Show. Since 2003, he has been represented by The Schoolhouse Gallery in continued on page 44

Left: Dermot Meagher explaining the Provincetown White Line Woodcut Process Above: Meagher’s materials and sketchbooks on display A collection of Dermot’s short stories called Judge Sentences will be published in the autumn of 2010 by UPNE (University Presses of New England). Five of these stories have already been published in Boston Magazine and six others in Doubletake.

The Exhibition Dermot Meagher: Drawings and Woodcuts will be at the Stonewall Library and Archives, 1300 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, March 1 -31. For more information, please visit www.stonewalllibrary.org

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Brian McNaught

Pride in My Body as I Turn 62

M

y friends Matthew and Milton car from the driver, and the soul from the treated me to a day at a spa for body. For me, it is indeed my ego that cremy birthday recently. It wasn’t ates the confusion. For instance, the other actually a spa, but I did get a facial, a mani- day I participated in a four-hour Tantric cure, a haircut, and had the toxins in my Breathing workshop in which I was strongly body removed through an ionizing foot bath. tempted to compare my body to those of 20 We are caretakers of our body, just as car other gay men, mostly younger than me, but some my age. Though I owners are responsible was aware of my age for the condition of because of my gray their automobiles. hair, my body was It’s our job to no less flexible or keep our vehicles fit than theirs. clean, ensure that The challenge, I the parts function find, is in not overly emproperly, and do everyphasizing the importance of thing necessary for a smooth my appearance. Years ago, I was ride for its full life expectancy. struck by the drawing of a woman That’s why we go to the doctor, admiring herself in the mirror, dentist, ophthalmologist, and which if looked at differently, was dermatologist for annual checkalso clearly a picture of a large ups. As we get older, we reguhuman skull. Created by C. Allarly check for signs of prostate lan Gilbert in 1892, the illustraor breast and cervical cancer tion is titled “All Is Vanity.” The and on our levels of good and impact of the drawing on me was bad cholesterols. We know the profound. It didn’t stop me from body can’t run indefinitely, but obsessing nervously as a teenagwe’d like to get as much mileage er about pimples, nor as a young out of it as possible. gay man about the imFor some of us, it portance of youth and doesn’t end there. We SFGN asked for a photo of beauty, but it has served watch what we eat beBrian’s body and this is what we got as a tether that prevents cause we don’t want to force our hearts, backs, and limbs to carry me from getting too far from the awareness too much weight. We brush and floss our of aging and death.

The reality of my own death became teeth because we want them to last. We put creams on our faces and avoid sunburns more personal to me in a recent visit to so that our bodies don’t age prematurely. the dentist. In an office that felt like the We avoid situations in which we think we bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise in Star Trek, might unnecessarily injure our bodies be- I looked at a three dimensional x-ray of my yond repair, such as not driving after drink- mouth and saw clearly what my skull will ing alcohol or while talking on a cell phone. look like for eternity if I were not going to There are, or course, more layers of be cremated. It wasn’t a scary sight, but it maintenance, some of them helpful such was sobering. I became more aware that I’m as massage and acupuncture, and some less not all that many years from being seen by so, such as cosmetic surgery. Changing the other people as a skeleton rather than as the color of the car or having the dents removed form I now possess.

I have long considered my body as my won’t make it last longer. That has more to do with the ego of the driver than it does friend rather than my identity. Such thinking was nurtured by stories of St. Francis the health of the vehicle.

Sometimes it’s very hard to separate the of Assisi referring to his human form as

“Brother Ass.” It is in this frame of mind that I often lie in bed and thank my body, piece by piece, and part by part, for serving me so extraordinarily well. I begin with my feet and think of the many places they have reliably carried me, and then one by one I thank all of my bones, my blood, my organs, my brain, my senses, and my skin for enabling me to experience the human condition so completely. My body has never let me down. When I leave it, I will do so with enormous gratitude for its service to me.

That is why I try to take care of my body, to make it feel strong, healthy, comfortable, and pain-free. I feel I owe my face an occasion facial, my fingers an occasional manicure, and my whole body a frequent massage. It’s my way of saying “thank you.”

Taking my body to the Tantric Breathing workshop, or to any other similar experience, isn’t about hoping to get ‘Best in Show’ as much as it is to allow it to run with the big dogs and go home feeling satisfied and stimulated. When I start to identify with my body and the reaction it gets, I try to remember the woman in the mirror and me in the x-ray.

This month, my body will be over 62-years-old if you count the time it developed in my mother’s body. I’m aware that the warranty is closer to running out than it was last year but I suspect it has a few more miles on it. Who knows what exciting and challenging places it will take me? To make sure I can continue to make the journey, I’m committed to keeping it happy.

Happy birthday month, body.

P R ID E F E ST

G U ID E

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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n unidentified U.S. senator appears to have placed a secret hold on the confirmation of gay law professor Chai Feldblum and four others to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

All the nominations, including Feldblum’s, were approved by a Senate committee in December.

According to Lisa Keen of Keen News Service, “There is no indication in the Congressional Record or the Senate Calendar as to who has put the hold on the confirmation of Feldblum and the others. While the Congress recently enacted legislation to make it harder for senators to anonymously put such holds on confirmations and bills, there are still ways in which they can do so.” Keen is the former editor of the Washington Blade.

Keen reports that Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama put a hold on more than 70 nominations last month to leverage support for

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A spokesman for Senate majority leader Harry Reid told Keen that Reid is “working to get an agreement” with Republicans on the confirmation of Feldblum and other EEOC appointees.

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Business News

Diversity in the Skies

American Airlines Befriends the LGBT Community

By Joey Amato

F

or over a decade, American Airlines has been a pioneer in implementing fair-minded policies and practices for its LGBT customers and employees. The organization has consistently held the highest possible ranking (100) on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.

The airline remains the most gay-friendly of all U.S. airlines through its generous partnerships with the LGBT community. As well as its loyalty and respect for customers, employees and shareholders, the company maintains unflagging commitment to diversity.

George Carrancho, American’s National Sales & Marketing Manager for the LGBT Community states, “We know that all passengers have many choices when it comes to travel. We want your loyal business and we will work to earn it.”

American Airlines became the first major airline to implement same-sex domestic partner benefits which offers equal health and travel benefits to same-sex partners of LGBT employees.

Furthermore, they were the first major airline to implement both sexual orientation and gender identity into its workplace nondiscrimination policies.

The airline has even launched a dedicated LGBT-specific website complete with a comprehensive event calendar, consumer newsletter and booking engine: AA.com/rainbow.

Another element of the airline’s diversity policy is The Rainbow TeAAm, which consists of travel specialists working with gay and lesbian community groups and national organizations to expertly handle travel needs and benefits. In addition, the company is one of the leading corporate members of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel

Legal News

Should Men Use the Ladies’ Room?

G

ainesville.com is reporting that the Gainseville.com.

Lowe supported a 2008 city councilcontentious issue of transgender rights in public restrooms won’t go away in approved ordinance that allowed transgender people to use the restroom they Gainesville, Fla. It is back in the news. feel comfortable in.

New transphobic An antitransgender posters related to an effort to repeal that upcoming mayoral ordinance, sug­­gest­ race have emerged ing grown men recently on the city’s would swarm womstreets, bringing the en’s rest­rooms, was issue front and cenrejected by voters ter for the third time in 2009. in two years.

One Gainesville Yellow and black mayoral candihandbills declaring date, Don Marsh, that mayoral canCraig Lowe has voiced support didate and current city commissioner Craig Lowe is “Responsi- for repealing the now voter-approved orble’ for legally allowing MEN in WOMEN’S dinance and said he supports the mesRESTROOMS!” have been spotted on light sage of the new posters.

The story was picked up by Advocate. poles. The posters include the “male restroom symbol holding hands with a smaller com as well, making it officially an item child-like female restroom symbol,” reports again.

Association (IGLTA)—the world’s leading gay and lesbian travel association.

John Tanzella, President and CEO of IGLTA says, “American Airlines is generous with too many gay organizations to count.” He continues, “With IGLTA specifically, they’ve been a platinum sponsor since 2006, providing financial support to our not-for-profit

association and air discounts for our global membership to attend IGLTA conferences.”

Additionally, American Airlines is a founding corporate member of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, as well as the first and only airline today to include LGBT-owned businesses in its supplier diversity program.

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ID E P R ID E FE ST G U

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Humor A graphic rendering (OK, OK, it’s a comic-strip) guide to living with HIV and AIDS, by Chris Companik.

Don’t bogart that, Obama

A

n upcoming Los Angeles “pot party” celebrating President Barack Obama’s first year in office has chosen the leader of the free world as the star of an ad campaign for the event.

The ad features Obama Photoshopped smoking a fake joint above the words, “GET MEDICATED CALIFORNIA / 420.”

Obama isn’t known for toking, though his doctor did tell him he needed to permanently quit smoking when he went in for a check-up last week.

The ad and the event’s organizers plan to “celebrate Obama ending DEA raids” on medical marijuana dispensaries.

According to the popular blog TMZ, which posted the image of the ad above, a White House spokesman said they—not surprisingly—didn’t sign off on the use of the president’s image, and that they have a policy “disapproving of the use of the President’s name and likeness for commercial purposes.”

The White House apparently declined to say whether they’d take on the ad’s creators.

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25

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Cirque Dreams Illumination Arrives in Hollywood Page 31

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Theatre Review

PLAY:

Wicked

Wicked runs through March 21 at the Adrienne Arsht Center Ziff Ballet Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. For tickets and more information, call 305-949-6722 or visit www.arshtcenter.org

The Secret Lives of Witches Musical Is Wicked Good Fun

kers, the two were unlikely college roommates—Elphaba, the shy green girl, and Galinda, the popular blonde. The friendship the coeds form is the basis of a story that is not only original but details the iconography of The Wizard of Oz. At its heart, Wicked is a show about seeing things in another way, a common refrain of dialogue between Elphaba and her beau, Fiyero, played with dashing fire by Richard H. Blake. Wicked is also unique in that four of the lead characters undergo a substantial character arc, an evolution that typically happens to a single character in a story. ‘a prequel to the wizard of oz’

By Mary Damiano Arts Editor

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lot happened in Oz before little Dorothy and Toto came along.

That’s the premise of Wicked, the blockbuster musical prequel to The Wizard of Oz. Based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. Back before they had such descriptive moni-

The Queen’s Jubilee:

The Restoration of Tiny Tina Community Responds to Injustice against Activist Performer

By Cliff Dunn

I

t was an avalanche of support that followed SFGN’s exclusive March 1 story about long-time South Florida resident and award-winning community activist Ray Fetcho—better known to fans and friends as drag emcee ‘Tiny Tina’— whose unjust termination as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) has made local and national headlines.

“I am overwhelmed,” Fetcho says, clearly moved. “I didn’t realize how strong the outcry would be. It’s humbling.”

As previously reported in these pages, Fetcho was informed two weeks ago that a state regulator, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), had uncovered a thirty year old conviction for promoting

Performers in touring Broadway musicals, especially a show as popular as Wicked, don’t really get a chance to create a character—they’re on the hook to satisfy the expectations of a mass audience by duplicating what the originator of that role has already done. That said, Chandra Lee Schwartz is effervescently perky as Glinda, and Donna Vivino is fittingly moody as Elphaba. The two have real chemistry and plenty of vocal power to pull off the show’s demanding numbers. Vivino makes the walls of the Arsht rumble with her second act stunner “No Good Deed,” while Schwartz is perfect in the comedic gem “Popular.”

Both leads nail Wicked’s signature song, the first act curtain number, “Defying Gravity.” No matter how many times you’ve seen show, the

LGBT community, a community he has in many ways helped to midwife from its birth in the 1970s.

And Fetcho has been the recipient of numerous accolades from both supervisors and patients he has worked with in his capacity as an assisted living nurse.

Even the facility administrator who was forced to terminate Fetcho by AHCA is among the first to attest to his “reliability and strong ethical character.” “I am sorry to see him leave,” says Lucie Eichler of Vic-

lewd behavior which made him ineligible to continue his employment as a nurse at a Broward County assisted living facility.

That conviction resulted from an arrest that occurred on March 31, 1976, when Tiny Tina was emceeing the Wet Jockey Short Contest at the former Copa night club in Port Everglades.

For decades, Fetcho believed that conviction and the subsequent $150 fine was past history.

In the intervening decades, Fetcho and Tiny Tina have been honored and recognized for the performer’s laudable serTiny Tina and Cathy Craig caught without their make-up vice in South Florida’s

Z veddy vicked vitch!!

moment when Elphaba finds her power and rises above the stage is a thrilling piece of theatrical awesomeness.

Richard Kline, best known as Larry on “Three’s Company,” gives a moving performance as The Wizard, while Randy Danson captures the ultimate spin doctor in Madame Morrible.

Wicked is a spectacle, and the production fills the Arsht with lavish costumes,scenery and special effects. It’s a fun romp down the Yellow Brick Road.

toria Villa in Davie.

Following its initial report in SFGN, the story of this injustice has been picked up at news venues locally and nationally, featured in The Advocate and Queerty.com, as well as locally on CBS4 and in other local gay media.

Fort Lauderdale defense attorney Russell Cormican, who has taken on the case pro bono, says there are several avenues open to Fetcho.

“We have petitioned for an exemption from the Department of Health, which can otherwise prevent him from working as an LPN anywhere in the state,” said Cormican.

“When you ask for an exemption, the burden is on the petitioner—in this case us—to show sufficient evidence of rehabilitation, including the circumstances that surrounded the arrest. I think we have a pretty clear case here of an unreasonable standard for what was lewd,” Cormican said.

“And, of course, there’s always Governor Crist,” he added with a smile.

“That would be rich,” said Wilton Mancontinued on page 43

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Book Review

TITLE: Jeffrey Kilmer’s 23% Pure

Gay Men Love Their Tattoos

of that age when you think that smiling is a sign of weakness.”

Albo incisively adds that “You can see timelessness in Kilmer’s portraits—in the practiced expressions and awkward sexuality of these young people, but this book could end up being totemic. The photos depict a moment in culture—when the internet was less controlled and kids

A

s reported by Mike Albo on Out.com, there is an awesome book of boys and their tattoos which you can paste into your heart. Just go to www.jeffreykilmer.com to paypal it to your doorstep.

“In the past,” Albo correctly notes, “when you wanted to capture the face of disaffected youth, you would hang out in record stores or McDonalds parking lots. Kilmer found most of his subjects through MySpace, from 2002—2008. Most of them are musi-

Images from Jeffrey Kilmer’s book

cians or members of local bands. In many ways nothing has changed with youth: these are kids who have perfected their fame pouts and slouchy attitudes before they really know themselves. In the midst

were using MySpace to express themselves and as a flyer for their bands. Now there is less chance for unfettered connection on the internet… In a way these portraits are a snapshot of a virtual Wild West, when people made thrilling, sometimes scary connections with total strangers and it still felt fresh. Moody, tattoo-ey, using their hair to express their emotions, the subjects that Kilmer captures embody the real face of American youth as it was briefly in this wandering, hungry era: the strangely excessive yet depressingly weighty Naughties.”

Don’t know which was better, the book, or the descriptive and expressive way it was captured in words by the skilled and talented Mike Albo.

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ERSEY BOYS “Too good to be true” raved the New York Post for this 2006 Tony Award®winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi.This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history.They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide - all before they were 30.The show features the hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Opens March 10 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.Tickets start at $35. www. kravis.org

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com Stripped down, intimate and acoustic, you’ll hear the strings on the guitar vibrate and buzz, the vocal chords hum and pulsate as the songs you love come to life like you never knew they could. In this intimate environment, the rockstar steps out from behind the layers of decibel and drama to greet you with the essence, the story, and the song. Quiet, just might be the new loud. Featuring Eddie Kowalczyk of Live, Art Alexakis of Everclear and Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer. March 12 at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.Tickets start at $24. www.arshtcenter.org

M

IAMI CITY BALLET PROGRAM IV Dances at a Gathering (Robbins/Chopin).

Ten dancers, live Chopin piano music, endlessly beautiful and original invention—a celebration of dance, dancers…and life.

Who Cares? (Balanchine/ Gershwin) Classical dance FRICAN-AMERICAN presented in the style of FILM FESTIVAL a Gershwin musical, Who Founder and producer James Cares? is a breezy, romantic Drayton teams up with the work where one man woos Kravis Center to bring this three women against the fifth annual series of films on backdrop of a New York “Africans in the Diaspora.” The skyline. March 12 -14 at the series’ first film is The Agronomist, Art Alexakis of Everclear Broward Center for the a 2003 American documentary Performing Arts.Tickets start $19 www. directed by Jonathan Demme, and starring browardcenter.org Jean Dominique, the Haitian radio personality, investigative journalist and political activist who was assassinated in April 2000.The ARY BURTON’S NEXT GENoriginal score is by Grammy-Award winning ERATION BAND artist Wyclef Jean. March 11 at the Kravis A multiple poll-winner, six-time GrammyCenter for the Performing awarded artist, Gary Burton, Arts.Tickets are $10 per is the premier vibraphonist night or $25 for the entire and educator of this era. festival. www.kravis.org This will be the first Florida performance of his Next Generation Band that feaPEN WINGS tures Julian Lage, a fast-rising – BROKEN star on guitar, Ukrainian-born STRINGS pianist and composer,Vadim An acoustic evening of rock Neselovskyi, bassist Luques featuring three of the most Curtis, and drummer James innovative guitarists of the Cary Burton Williams.This is an extraordipast 15 years. Open Wingsnary quintet. March 13 at the Miniaci Center Broken Strings is an opportunity for you to for the Performing Arts.Tickets start at $35. get to the heart of your favorite artists and www.browardcenter.org their songs in a unique and compelling way.

A

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O

‘BRAVISSIMO 2010’ Debuts in Lauderdale

S

unshine Community Foundation hosts Musical Extravaganza with Maestro James Brooks-Bruzzese directing Broward’s own Symphony of the Americas, followed by exceptional vocal talent from South Florida, singing Broadway favorites under the direction of acclaimed tenor, Kurt Litzenberger.

Mark your calendars for BRAVISSIMO 2010!

The highly anticipated performance, show­casing seasoned talent from the Symphony of the Americas and local Broadway vocal voices will take place, on March 27 in the spectacular newly renovated Walt Lawrence & Stephen Lewis Center for Worship and the Arts, 1480 SW 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. The performance begins at 8:00 pm.

The performance is described as “Celebrating the Artistry of Music—Symphony and Song.” In addition to the orchestra, the event will feature the following artists: Gordon Roberts at the piano, local Diva Wendy Reynolds, tenor James Perkowski, and Scott Latta, Rachel Klein, Harold Dioquino, Brad

Stanley Orlansky and Carlos Delgado were bar owners and South Florida icons in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Once a bartender at the Rooftop, the august circular venue at the corner of Oakland Park Boulevard and US 1, Stanley and Carlos became partners, personally and professionally, and opened up a very popular ‘go-go boys’ bar, Stanley’s, just South of the tunnel on US 1 in Fort Lauderdale. There for decades, the two of them moved into a house just down the block. They expanded to Hollywood, where they eventually opened Trixie’s, a rare transgender bar in South Florida. Carlos passed away from cancer a few years ago, and

Olesen and Allie Bisco.

Tickets are VIP Reserved Seating $100 or $30 General Admission and $20 Balcony.

A VIP package for $200 includes the VIP reserved performance seating, plus a VIP reception/dinner, 6:30-8:00 with premium open bar and valet parking included.

BRAVISSIMO! benefits the Sunshine Community Foundation, Inc., which owns the campus in Southwest Fort Lauderdale that is home to more than 25 organizations and groups that support a broad spectrum of needs and activities in the LGBT community.

Tickets for the concert are on sale now @ www. bravissimo2010.0rg

Stanley, unfortunately died from an overdose of drugs last March. Stanley’s became the Fort Lauderdale Saloon and is now a design store.

Trixie’s has been purchased by Sean David.

Picture by Pompano Bill.

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Precious, the Darling of the NAACP Image Awards

Gabourney Sibide as Precious

By A. Sebastian Fortino

P

recious is about an illiterate, obese, African-American teenager living in 1980s Harlem. The film is based on Sapphire’s 1996 novel, Push. Precious’— played by Gabourney Sidibe—family is quartered in Section 8 Housing and collects welfare.

The film won six Image Awards, including best actress for Sidibe, best director, best film and best independent film.

Carl, her father, has gotten his sixteenyear-old daughter pregnant. Twice. While her mother, Mary, has furthered Precious’ bleak life by abusing her mentally, physically, and sexually. Her first child a—daughter with Downs Syndrome—is raised by her grandmother.

Eventually she is asked to leave school, for an alternative educational program.

Her teacher sees that she is illiterate and Precious learns to read. A social worker begins to meet with Precious. Eventually the sexual abuse and rape at the hands of her parents is revealed.

Precious gives birth to a second child, a boy, named Abdul. After the child is born it is revealed that her father died of AIDS. Abdul tests HIV-negative; Precious tests positive.

Despite the diagnosis, Precious cuts all ties with her abusive mother. She intends to take care of her children and improve her education by completing a GED course.

Lee Daniels, who won best-director had trouble shopping the movie to Hollywood executives. “No one wanted to see a film about a 350-pound black girl who is struggling and who has HIV,” he said after his win.

Clearly, people did want to see a piece about a time not overtly chronicled on film.

While the struggles of gay men with HIV in the ’80s are familiar in cinema, depictions of being a poor, black, single mother, with HIV is rare. Hopefully Precious will not only educate others about the issues of twenty-years ago but will illuminate the current struggles of women living with HIV today.

FAW10_PrintAd_R1.pdf

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Did Gay Brit Die in Solo Self-Sex Hanging?

By A. Sebastian Fortino

L

ess than two weeks ago, an openly gay and very popular BBC personality, Kristian Digby was found dead in his East London home. He began his career in 2001 by hosting BBC’s “That Gay Show” and had since acted as “presenter,” or host, and panelist on other British programs. He was 32, partnered for 8 years, successful, and very attractive. After finding his body, authorities removed a plastic bag and a belt from his bedroom.

Police sources told London’s Daily Mail that they believe Digby died during “a solo sex game which went tragically wrong.” Police say that there are no suggestions of suicide.

Auto-erotic asphyxiation, a dangerous sexual practice which involves depriving the body of oxygen to increase arousal and

heighten climax, has claimed lives before.

Last June, actor David Carradine was found dead with a rope tied to his neck, wrist and genitals. Investigators have now concluded he died trying to please himself. In all fairness, some still suspect he was murdered.

Auto-asphyxia is classified as a sub-category of sexual masochism and a sexual practice considered outside the norm. SFGN spoke with Sexologist Dr. David Fawcett of Fort Lauderdale about this condition.

“Auto-asphyxia is a phenomenon that is poorly understood, often because of the shame associated with it, both on the part of the person practicing it and the survivors, if anything goes wrong.”

Cords, ligatures, bags, and masks are applied around the neck or over the head in order to decrease oxygen. The euphoria that follows heightens orgasm. Practitioners claim it is similar to huffing “poppers,”

The late Kristian Digby

during sexual activity. Yet, an alarming number of deaths have come from people engaging in the practice for sexual satisfaction.

It is also practiced by children old enough to know better. However for them this is not necessarily a sexual high.

To them, it is most often a game or novelty. Young adults equate it with getting high.

“This kind of behavior causes curiosity, especially among young people and others who tend toward high stimulation and perceive them­­ selves to be a bit more invincible. This is a high-risk behavior. People who die all thought continued on page 31

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

continued from previous page

they had fail-safe protective mechanisms,” added Fawcett.

Comparing it to euphoria, or a high that could lead to an addiction is fairly accurate. According to Fawcett, “brain chemistry is affected, including the dopamine reward system that increases the “addictive” nature of the behavior.”

The question is, not only “why” but “what” attracts people to this game? What is the psychological make-up of those interested in either doing this with a partner or alone?

“There are some studies that indicate that those who practice auto-asphyxia may be more isolative than others, and often have other sexual fetishes as well.

Men by far (90%) experience paraphilias,” Fawcett added. “There is some data to indicate that the practice is much more widespread then one might assume.”

But there is relatively little data to understand the phenomenon, as people do not often reveal favoring the fetish to loved ones or therapists.

Even more disturbing is the untold number of people who die each year as a result of attempting to reach this type of orgasm. In cases where death is the result of auto-erotic-asphyxia, survivors don’t know whether the victim died from the fetish accidentally or if it was a suicide.

“Many cases of auto-asphyxia have been misinterpreted as suicide.” Or staged as such. Family members often “sanitize” the scenes, by removing pornography, etc.

This is an odd value judgment: the perception of suicide preferred to a sexual practice,” said Fawcett.

Rhett Hutchence, brother of Michael Hutchence, of INXS who died in 1997 from auto-asphyxia had a similar problem.

He told reporters 10 years later that he was going to the Supreme Court of Australia to change the cause of Michael’s demise from suicide to wrongful death. He does not want his niece, Tiger, to think her father left her intentionally via suicide.

South Florida, years ago, experienced a similar trauma, when a prominent gay producer’s body was found in the Everglades. The younger man eventually convicted of strangling him first argued to the court that the death was accidental; that the victim pleaded for a sexually erotic arousal, and he was just a ‘trick trying to accommodate his date.’

Lighting the Night

Cirque Dreams Illumination Arrives in Hollywood Cirque Dreams Aerialists

J.W. Arnold

T

he nighttime glow of South Florida will be brighter this weekend as the latest production from Neil Goldberg, Cirque Dreams Illumination arrives at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood for a five-day run.

While this production has been touring the country, the stop at Hollywood’s Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Resort will be more like a homecoming for the company, which is based in Pompano Beach.

Openly gay dancer Antoine Banks-Sullivan is one of the 29 acrobatic and artistic performers from 11 countries who will bring the imaginative new show to South Florida audiences.

“Cirque Dreams Illumination is an amazing show, like nothing you’ve ever seen,” Banks-Sullivan explains. “It’s hiphop, raw, edgy, new.”

Banks-Sullivan, an openly gay Chicago native who recently joined the company had been in Dubai on the world tour of High School Musical: Summer Celebration when he was asked to join Cirque.

“I’ve never been in anything like this before and it’s just absolutely crazy to see all the talent in the show,” he says.

While Goldberg’s productions have often been compared to Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil, his shows aim to be more accessi-

ble, using familiar locations and characters and music that is sung in English.

Illuminations introduces audiences to “city dwellers who reinvent familiar objects, balance on wires, leap tall buildings and redefine the risks of flight….(the artists) populate the streets of this magical metropolis and breath energy into its landscape with urban acrobatics.”

According to Banks-Sullivan, he plays a U.S. Marine who must compete with other characters for the affections of a female dancer. The two characters and this storyline serve as the “connective tissue” between the many astounding acrobatic acts.

In addition to BanksSullivan and the other talented cast members, the production also features the dance moves of Robert

Cirque Dreams Juggler

Muraine, who gained international fame with his unique “popping” style in 2008 on the television dance competition, So You Think You Can Dance.

Despite the recent cold spell in South Florida, Banks-Sullivan says his colleagues are prepared to heat things up.

“I don’t think any production is necessarily going to be a perfect fit for any dancer, but it’s the challenges that lead to rewards with this show. Audiences have to expect the best that Neil Goldberg has to offer (with Illumination). It’s like no other show they’ll ever see. It’s extraordinary and one of a kind,” he promises.

Cirque Dreams Illumination DATE:

Wed. March 10–Sun., March 14

LOCATION: Hard Rock Live Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Resort, Hollywood Tickets $40-75 at Ticketmaster.com and Hard Rock Box Office

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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At SpiritSong Worship Center at Equality Park March 16th - 21st, 2010 Church of the Holy SpiritSong is happy to announce its first annual Revival. Bring a friend and join us for praise, worship and dynamic preaching by Rev. J.R. Finney II, Senior Pastor of Covenant Community Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Service times are Tuesday - Friday at 7:30pm, and Sunday at 10:00am.

Enjoy a special concert performed by singer/songwriter Ray Boltz on Saturday, March 20th at 7:30pm.

Rev. J.R. Finney Preaching Tuesday - Friday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 10:00am Rev. J.R. Finney has a personal ministry and philosophy to lead the GLBT community in a faith that builds healthy, wholesome relationships with God through Jesus Christ.

Ray Boltz Performing Saturday, March 20th at 7:30pm Ray Boltz has dedicated over fifteen years to music and ministry. Ray's vision for his ministry is to produce and perform music that allows listeners and audiences to see Jesus Christ.

2040B N. Dixie Highway, Suite 3 Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: (954) 418-8372 www.cohss.org • info@cohss.com

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Gay Pride Down Under Thousands Celebrate Gay Mardi Gras in Australia

By Owen Pye

Associated Press Writer SYDNEY (AP) — Thousands of people in lavish costumes and various states of undress danced and partied their way through Sydney’s streets on Saturday, in Australia’s annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.

The parade—one of the world’s largest and most flamboyant gay pride events— had 9,400 participants and 135 floats and featured the theme, ‘History of the World’—a look at gay history.

Hundreds of thousands of cheering spectators watched the procession, led this year by famed transsexual model Amanda Lepore. Her sparse attire, festooned with precision-cut crystals, left little to the imagination as she perched on an open-top Mercedes.

One reveler dressed as Osama bin Laden led a group of dancing “Binlettes,” who sported pink sequins and improvised “mini-burkas,’’ which only covered the

head. Osama’s right-hand man, who identified himself as “Greenie,’’ said the bearded leader was here to terrorize the intolerant.

“It’s about bringing back the gayness for Osama: Express the flesh!” Greenie said. “He’s been in a cave for a long time.

Bill Clinton couldn’t do it, George Bush couldn’t do it, Barack Obama doesn’t want to do it... but he’s come out today for the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras here in Sydney.”

“Michael Jackson’s Thriller Zombie Marching Group” followed a hearse through the streets, which the director and producer of the float, Gareth Ernst, said was a parody of the celebrity death cult.

“Celebrities are like zombies”’ said Ernst, who was dressed as Joey Stefano, a 1980s porn star. “They die and come back stronger, more powerful and more popular.”

Other dancers were decked out in full Lycra bodysuits, red devil halos and pea-

cock feathers.

“I actually came out on a float,” Ernst said.

“My parents saw me kissing my boyfriend on television. Ten days later I had a call from my mum, who only said to me, “We saw you on TV!” Spectators crowded the route of the parade through Australia’s lar­gest city. They held rainbow banners and Aussie flags aloft in the hot night air. Jewelry-covered dancers flaunted their frills for the crowd and twirled LED hula hoops with mesmeric variation. One spectator, Em­ma Rule, drove more than

Parade participants perform on the streets of Sydney

Internationally known transsexual Amanda Lepore Grand Marshall of the Australian gay pride parade.

was the

600 miles (1,000 kilometers) from Melbourne to watch the parade for the first time, and spent more than six hours waiting on the sidelines for the festivities to begin. “We’ve been here since 1:30 p.m.,’’ she said excitedly. “But it was worth it... we were looking forward to the Dykes on Bikes—they are always awesome.’’

Rule was referring to the famed Australian lesbian motorcycling group, which rode up and down the parade route on their bikes clad in leather, revving their engines and honking horns.

The parade began as a protest march in 1978 by homosexual and transsexual men and women.

Katrina Marton, head of events at Mardi Gras, said the parade had taken on special importance after a same-sex marriage bill was voted down in the Senate earlier this week.

“Under the glitz and glamour it’s still a political march,’’ she said.

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Theatre Review

PLAY:

Blasted

By Sarah Kane

GableStage Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables

Tickets $37.50, $15 students at GableStage.com

By J.W. Arnold

W

violence, rape….the list goes on.

No, Kane’s provocative drama is not for the blue-haired retirees who frequent so much of South Florida’s theater. That hasn’t stopped them from coming to the small theater in Coral Gables’ Biltmore Hotel to see what all the buzz has been about. And no one left without some sort of strong opinion.

The first of a series of five plays Kane wrote in the mid-1990s before committing suicide, Blasted at first seems like some sort of f#@$ked up commentary on dysfunctional relationships. She introduces two characters, Ian, an international journal-

e were warned. GableStage artistic director Joe Adler has called British playwright Sarah Kane’s Blasted, “the most talked about play no one has seen.” He took every effort to warn his subscribers and audiences about the topics of those conversations: adult language, full frontal nudity, simulated Betsy Graver and Todd Allen Durkin sexual acts, extreme

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com Photos by George Schiavone

Theatre Review

in the play, “I was born on Easter Sunday.

The Titanic went down the following Thurs PLAY: The Temperamentals day. And why? Two Titanics can’t exist in the

New World Stages world at one time! When one shows up, the

Off-Broadway other has to go down!”

New York Thomas Jay Ryan portrays this difficult, sometimes strange man, neatly balancing his overbearing sense of purpose with his personal struggles, including his relationship with Rudi Gernreich, who would became a major fashion designer in the 1960s.

Gernreich was an Austrian Jew, a refugee from a war-weary Europe who longed to make his name in the movie business.

Handsome, stylish and charming, he was the balm that soothed the ever-abrasive Hay. As the designer, Michael Urie of television’s

By Michael Kuchwara “Ugly Betty” delivers an ingratiating perforAP Drama Critic mance, complete with Germanic accent. He NEW YORK (AP) The birth of a movement expertly channels the man, who carefully is a perilous thing to put on stage. It can be camouflaged his sexual identity as he moved fraught with sanctimony or awash in details upward in the fashion business.

A trio of other actors, Arnie Burton, that seem more dry than dramatic.

Matthew Schneck But “The Temand Sam Breslin peramentals,” Jon Wright, play a Marans’ fascinatvariety of roles. ing look at the Under Jonathan fledgling efforts Silverstein’s of gay activism, smooth direction, manages to avoid they effortlessly those pitfalls change characters, while being enterfrom Mattachine taining, educationSociety founding al and emotionally members to a paaffecting. rade of gay men, The play, now on both in and out of view at off-Broadthe closet. Burton way’s New World is particularly Stages, focuses effective as film on the drive for director Vincente equality by Harry Minnelli, offering Hay, a firebrand words of caution of a gay man in to Gernreich Scene from a previous production post-World War II of The Temperamentals about his career.

Los Angeles. In the Marans’ docudrama of a script negotiates early 1950s, Hay championed the rights of these stories with remarkable fluidity. But it homosexuals or as they were euphemistidoesn’t sacrifice character for swiftness. cally referred to by Hay during the period, The Mattachine Society eventually disap“Temperamentals.” peared as the campaign for gay rights moved Hay and several others founded the forward-from the 1969 Stonewall riots in Mattachine Society, named after a secretive, New York to the ACT UP demonstrations medieval, all-male organization that in its masked entertainments often criticized kings during the AIDS crisis of the late 1980s and early ‘90s. But “The Temperamentals” and the church. is where it began, a memorial to the often And Hay, who died in 2002 at 90, was courageous, sometimes outrageous pioneers larger than life, fearless in his advocacy and who deserve not to be forgotten. in his energy to get things done. As he says

‘Temperamentals’ Examines Quest for Gay Rights

Erik Fabregat and Todd Allen Durkin in Blasted

ist (and some sort of mercenary on the side), and Cate, a young, immature woman who is prone to seizures and outbursts of incessant laughter. They had a relationship of sorts once and, as the scene opens, we learn how Ian sadistically abused Cate both emotionally and sexually.

The further along the story proceeds, the more surreal turns Kane takes as the audience rides a roller coaster ride of thinly-veiled morality lessons. The Leeds, England hotel room where Ian has holed away with Cate quickly becomes a war zone in some twisted civil war cooked up

by Kane. A soldier bursts in and suddenly the dysfunctional relationship between Ian and Cate finds itself in a parallel commentary to the emotional and physical scars of war. This was witnessed by the soldier with an apparent Bosnian accent (the Yugoslavian civil war was in full swing at the time).

About two-thirds of the way through, the lady sitting next to me commented, “I’m a psychologist and this is the worst play I’ve ever seen!” Some therapy might have helped Kane avert her premature end, but if her singular goal was to provoke her audience, she succeeded. They will be discussing this show for some time to come.

Blasted is only receiving its second staging in the U.S. and no company is better equipped to make sense of Kane’s schizophrenic script. Todd Allen Durkin and Betsy Graver, as Ian and Cate, deliver outstanding performances that will certainly put them in the hunt for this year’s Carbonell Awards nominations. Under the care of director Adler, the duo, along with Eric Fabregat as the soldier, never allow their characters to become caricatures.

Durkin and Fabregat display the chauvinistic bravado that gets them through each tortured day. Graver, a recent New World graduate fresh off a critically-acclaimed run in GableStage’s Farragut North last winter, pulls off perhaps the most difficult role, balancing the intellectual and psychological naïveté of an active sexual adult.Tim Connelly also deserves praise for an imaginative set that transforms almost instantly from a non-descript hotel room to a mortar-ravaged war zone.

Blasted is a far cry from Wicked, Jersey Boys and the Neil Simon plays that are packing local theaters this spring, but it is certainly the most thought-provoking.

I wonder how much that psychologist charges because I haven’t been able to get that disturbing story out of my head.

Where Business Comes to Succeed.

For advertising opportunities, call John Fugate.

954-530-4970

Another Gay Themed Play Opens Off-Broadway

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PR ID EF ES TG UI

Heard it on...

By the Nite Owl Where to find cher after the nuclear holocaust Cher to South Beach? Chez Cher, a Hawaiian mansion Cher built in 2004, with seven separate buildings, a main residence, and a master suite, with five guest houses and a ‘media’ bungalow, has been sold for 8.7 million dollars, and Cher never even moved in! And pool, did we say pool?

Word is she may be looking for a retirement venue in South Florida before beginning her 19th and final retirement tour.

New ‘Dancing With the Stars’ cast revealed

DE

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

three weeks before making la Anderson, astronaut Buzz their primetime premiere.

Aldrin and reality stars Jake Green said his staff is enforcPavelka and Kate Gosselin. ing limits on training time to Also competing for the mirroravoid the spate of injuries that ball trophy will be: gold medal plagued last year’s cast and figure skater Evan Lysacek, caused two stars to drop out sportscaster Erin Andrews, Pamela Anderson before the competition began. singer Nicole Scherzinger, football star Chad Ochocinco and actors Shannen rent a virgin for Doherty, Aiden Turner and $88,000 a week Niecy Nash.

Looking for a weekend “It’s definitely one of our strongest cast getaway? Why not charter a luxury yacht? lineups ever,” said executive producer British billionaire Richard Branson, the Conrad Green. “Pound for pound, chairman of the Virgin Group, is rentit should be really fascinating ing out his ultra-luxe sea retreat watching.” for just $88,000 a week. Too bad “Dancing With the Stars” Scott Rothstein is in jail. He Evan Lysacek returns on March 22. would have had a South FloriGreen said the recipe for a da bidder for sure. According LOS ANGELES (AP) — A “Baywatch” babe, great cast is “part hope, part to Clemmie Proctor of the an astronaut and a gold medal figure skater Burgess Brokerage Firm, many are among those who’ll compete on the up- luck, part skill, part research.”

The show’s staff has been yacht owners rent their vescoming spring season of “Dancing With courting many of the newly sels out not only to offset the Stars.” announced contestants for running costs, but to keep Host Tom Bergeron and former finalist months, he said. them in ship-shape and Melissa Rycroft revealed the cast of the peak condition.

ABC dance show Monday. It includes Pame- The new dancers will train for

Nicole Scherzinger

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

FACE THE S IN NEW S

Congressman Barney Frank was in West Palm Beach this week at a B&B to do some fundraising for Ron Klein. On the right of the Congressman is a friend and GLBT advocate Charlie Frederickson.

Joey, Chloey (the chimp) Tony and Dennis Rodman check out Club Oz, and below owner Vito hangs with Dennis too.

Paltrow to Play Dietrich

By A. Sebastian Fortino

G

wyneth Paltrow will star in an upcoming BBC/HBO biopic about Marlene Dietrich. Dietrich, known for her whiskey voice, bisexuality, relationship with Mercedes de Acosta, and addictions to alcohol and drugs seems to be a daring role for the 36-year-old Paltrow.

Dietrich’s status as a gay icon is two-fold.

Her numerous affairs, and androgynous photo-ops make her a scion of the lesbian community. While her torch songs are a staple of many gay men’s music collections.

The script, written by Andrew Davies, is based off of the 1992 biography Dietrich’s daughter, Maria Riva, wrote about her mother. Davies says the film will focus on her life from The Blue Angel through the 1950s.

Director Billy Wilder described Dietrich as “a strange combination of the femme fatale, the German Hausfrau and Florence Nightingale.” The Shakespeare in Love star is more known for her love of animals than any scandalous headlines. Will Paltrow—best known for light, romantic Gwyneth Paltrow roles—be able to recreWhen Dietrich came to the United ate the smoky icon?

It is Dietrich’s history as an early Ger- States in 1930, after her film the The Blue man celebrity critical of the Nazi regime Angel and her song Falling in Love Again that appeals to Paltrow. Her late father, made her famous, she had an instant Bruce Paltrow, came from a family of Rus- American following. In the late 1930s she was approached by Nazi party officials in sian Jewish émigrés.

Marlene Dietrich

Hollywood. They wanted her to lend her stardom to Nazi propaganda films. She refused, and became an American citizen in 1939.

The film will be shot in the United States and will be produced by Paltrow as well.

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Latin America’s First Gay Same-Sex Marriage Marriage Law Takes Effect Becomes Legal in DC—

By Mark Stevenson

in someone else’s name.

Activist Jaime Cobian showed up ThursAssociated Press Writer day with a sheaf of required documents _ MEXICO CITY (AP) — Throngs of Mexico birth certificates, official IDs and residency City gay and lesbian couples registered for documents—in a bid to get marriage licensmarriage licenses Thursday, the day Latin es for 16 gay and lesbian couples in states America’s first gay-marriage law took effect. where no such law exists.

“What we still have to do is take this battle The first gay weddings will take place within a week to 10 days, after the paper- to all the states in the country,’’ Cobian said.

An Argentine couple participated in Latin work is processed.

Mexico City’s legislature approved the America’s first gay wedding in December. But first law explicitly giving gay marriages the interpretations vary on whether Argentine same status as heterosexual ones in Decem- law allows same-sex unions, and the question ber. The change will allow same-sex cou- is now before that country’s supreme court.

Argentina’s constitution is silent on whethples to adopt children, apply for bank loans together, inherit wealth and be included er marriage must be between a man and a in the insurance policies of their spouse, woman, effectively leaving the matter to provincial officials, who approved the wedding.

A law specifically legalizing gay marriage has stalled in Argentina’s Congress since October.

The Mexico City law is being challenged by the federal government in Mexico’s Supreme Court on constitutional grounds, but remains in effect while the appeal Gay Mexicans celebrate after the marriage law passes is heard. The Roman rights they were denied under civil unions Catholic Church has hotly criticized the new law, which allows same-sex couples to adopt allowed in the city.

“This is great, it is a feeling of relief, of children—something several couples said they celebration, everything,’’ said Daniel Ra- were thinking of doing.

David Razu, the Mexico City legislator mos, 20, a medical student planning to marry his boyfriend, Temistocles Villanue- who proposed the law, said he is confident the Supreme Court will uphold the law. va, on March 12.

“There is always a wave of reaction to “For Latin America, this is not only a precedent, but an example to follow,’’ he added. these kinds of measures, but we are preFor now the law applies only to residents pared to face it,’’ said Razu, a member of the of Mexico City, though a marriage per- leftist Democratic Revolution Party.

Gay couples entered the sprawling city formed in one Mexican state must be recoggovernment building and submitted their nized in the rest of the country.

While activists are trying to get the law documents to the clerks amid hundreds of extended to the rest of Mexico’s 31 states, heterosexual couples doing the same thing.

Patria Jimenez, 54, waved a multicolor conservatives say they will seek to pass a constitutional reform so that other states gay pride flag outside the building, shoutwon’t have to recognize marriages that do ing: “Freedom! At last, we have freedom!’’

But she said she must overcome other, not conform to their laws.

For the time being, it appears easy to more personal obstacles before she can regcircumvent the residency requirement, be- ister for her own marriage license: ``I still cause the city accepts a phone or utility bill have not convinced my companion. I don’t as proof of address—often even if the bill is know if she will say ‘yes.’’’

Lines Form

By Jessica Gresko Associated Press

WASHINGTON — At least 50 same-sex couples were lined up to apply for marriage licenses when city offices opened Wednesday, the day the unions became legal in the nation’s capitol.

Cheering erupted from the crowd when the first couple signed in at the city’s marriage bureau inside the Moultrie courthouse, just blocks from the U.S. Capitol.

Because of a mandatory waiting period of three business days, however, couples won’t actually be able to marry in the District of Columbia until March 9.

Court officials have been told to expect up to 200 people. They plan to have five people taking applications instead of the usual two.

Sinjoyla Townsend, 41, and her partner of 12 years, Angelisa Young, 47, claimed the first spot in line just after 6 a.m. They are already domestic partners in the city, so they are converting that partnership into a marriage license.

“It’s like waking up Christmas morning,” Young said. “It’s really like a dream come true.”

Mike and Tobey Slagenweit-Coffman of Arlington, Va., had a civil union in Vermont and a big church wedding in Minnesota, but wanted to get legally married in D.C. Tobey Slagenweit-Coffman said allowing same-sex marriages in the nation’s capital is historic.

“It’s signaling definitely a change in the mood of the country,” he said.

Washington will be the sixth place in the nation where gay marriages can take place.

Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont currently issue licenses to same-sex couples.

To deal with the expected crowd Wednesday, the marriage bureau will bring in temporary employees to help its regular staff, courthouse spokeswoman Leah Gurowitz said.

“Everybody who wants a marriage license is going to get one. It may take a little longer, but they will get their license,” Gurowitz said.

To prepare, the marriage bureau has changed its license applications so they are gender-neutral, asking for the name of each “spouse” rather than the “bride” and “groom.”

And at civil marriage ceremonies to be per-

formed in the courthouse, a booklet for the official performing the marriage now reads, “I now pronounce you legally married” instead of “I now pronounce you man and wife.”

A marriage license application costs $35, and the marriage license $10. Couples who are already registered as domestic partners in the city can convert their registration into a marriage license by paying the $10 fee.

Supporters expected the day to be festive.

A District of Columbia councilman who introduced the gay marriage bill planned to hand out boxes of vanilla and chocolate cupcakes to the first 200 couples in line.

Terrance Heath, 41, planned to be at the courthouse with his partner, Rick Imirowicz, 43. The two have been together for 10 years and have a 7-year-old and a 2-yearold, but Heath said Wednesday feels like “a step forward.”

“My husband has always been my husband to me, but having that legal recognition, that legal protection, makes it easier to deal with any number of situations,” said Heath, a writer and blogger. “If you tell people you’re married, you don’t really have to explain much beyond that.”

The two, who live in Maryland, plan to marry on March 9, the first day possible.

The gay marriage law was introduced in the 13-member D.C. Council in October and had near-unanimous support from the beginning. The bill passed and D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty signed it in December, but because Washington is a federal district, the law had to undergo a congressional review period that expired Tuesday.

Opponents, however, are still attempting to overturn the bill in court.

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Quiz for Straight Women Has Gay Men Laughing

By A. Sebastian Fortino

M

emo to your fag hag girlfriends.

What if the other, other man in their life was gay? How would they know? Now there is a website which gives them an answer.

Katie Holmes-Cruise, don’t take this quiz!

Mydailymoment.com has created a quiz for these women, and for gay men who want to find out secrets of the heterosexually compromised.

The website says the site and the quiz are for entertainment purposes only. Should I not try it in my living room? So, I took the 19 question quiz, for entertainment purposes only. I do not have a man. After the last one, I am quite content to not have one.

Yes, I am in that, “I don’t believe in love

or relationships stage.”

What really surprised—not so much offended—me, was how stereotypical the

Gay Iraqis Find Texas

By David Taffet

taffet@dallasvoice.com

T

wo gay Iraqi refugees who are living in Houston came to Dallas for the Creating Change conference last month seeking assistance.

After being kidnapped, raped, robbed and stabbed in Baghdad, Yousif Ali and Nawfal Muhamed escaped to Syria and were given refugee status by the United Nations. The United States granted them asylum.

But after arriving in the United States, Catholic Charities, which administers many of the federally funded programs for refugees, provided only limited assistance.

Other refugees are given furnished apartments. Ali and Muhamed were sent to different cities.

On his own, Muhamed made it to Houston from Nashville where Ali had been given a bare apartment and left to sleep on the floor.

They were housed near other Iraqis where they remained in danger and continued to be abused because of their sexual orientation.

The Unitarian Universalist office at the United Nations, the only faith-based U.N. office with an LGBT refugee program, brought

questions were. It opens with “How often do you have sex with your man?” Let me check with John Travolta.

While lack of sex might indicate your partner is uninterested, sexually frustrated, or just bored in bed, the number of times one has intercourse in no way signifies whether or not the guy is gay. So sayeth the quiz.

“How many gay friends does your man have?” Well, is he employed in hair care, the arts, publishing, the food service industry, or at a Starbucks? These realms are, generally, a cross section of straights and gays in the work force.

The rest of the questions are so droll they must have been written by an ex-gay. One question asks if your man’s favorite actor is Judy Garland. Frankly, most gay men under the age of 50 don’t have a single recording of La Garland—excepting the occasional lifestyle writer for SFGN. Most men like porn. The quiz implies a straight man’s virility equates to the amount of time spent watching porn. One response is “He

prefers porn with two men.” If he does, you should know.

What kind of entertainment does your man most enjoy? Wrestling? Drag shows? A night at the opera? If your man watches wrestling obsessively you might be in the clear. On the other hand, if you’ve seen mixed martial arts and watched those hotties throw themselves around…it’s pretty damn gay.

If he gets pumped by watching John Cena or Randy Orton throwing down, and then signs onto Adam4Adam after you go to bed, you may have a problem.

Granted, I might be wrong about that assumption. Your man could just be innocently searching for others like himself. It must be difficult to find other straight men that prefer porn featuring two men.

youth—about housing.

Wilson said his understanding is that the two Iraqi men should have a new place to live by March 1.

In addition, a transgender woman in Houston, also with refugee status, went with them to the agency and will also be receiving housing assistance.

someone in their complex was throwing out and, on the wall over a desk, a rainbow flag.

Brookover said he is in the process of signing up the GLBT center as a partner agency with the Furniture Bank.

Once the pair is in their new apartment, that organization will provide them a larger bed and some additional furniture.

He also introduced them to his friend, Hassan Zaidi, who took several days off from work to take them to Montrose Counseling Center, which does some case management, and to reapply for food stamps.

Meredith Lines works with Life Time Fitness and wrote to the Dallas Voice that she might have a job for them. Her e-mail was forwarded to Brookover.

This week, she said, “I’ve been working with Tim at the GLBT center working on their employment.

They have both applied online, and at this point I am trying to place them with the correct department.”

Brookover said Lines has been wonderful, coaching the pair every step of the way.

He said she helped them with their online application and told them to call her when the facility sets the interview so she could prep them further.

She said, “I believe they would both be wonderful in the café or our operations department.”

the pair to the Dallas conference hoping to find some help.

After an article appeared in the Feb. 12 Dallas Voice, offers for assistance arrived.

Bob McCrainie of Texas Pride Realty in Carrollton saw the article.

He contacted Leslie D. Wilson, an associate in his Houston office.

Wilson con­tacted the Dallas Voice about his connection to a social service agency in that city that provides housing for homeless youth to age 25.

Yousif Ali and Nawfal Muhamed Through GeroniTim Brookover is president of the Housmo D. Desumala III, the LGBT/SOGI (sexual orientation/gender identity) human rights ton GLBT Community Center. He is now program associate with the Unitarian U. N. working with Ali and Muhamed and has office, Ali and Muhamed connected with the been in touch with Desumala.

He called Ali and Muhamed “very reHouston agency.

They met with a social worker and case sourceful.”

He has been to their apartment and said manager at the organization—which isn’t gay but does regularly work with LGBT they had one twin bed, a kitchen table that

More information: www.mydailymoment.com/app/ quiz/userquiz/takequiz/148/IsYourManGay

continued on page 43

43

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

UIDE

Seeking Pride Products?

F

rom Pride Rainbows and Gay Pride to Gay Politics, www.Prideinart. com offers hundreds of original gay, lesbian and gay pride designs in categories ranging from gay pride to gay marriage and lesbian marriage to gay families.

They also offer a broad selection of products ranging from t-shirts, sweatshirts, ballcaps, thongs, posters, cups, stickers, magnets, buttons and bags.

The company is run by two lesbian entrepreneurs, Cathy and Angie, with Cathy ‘wom-manning the fort’ to help sustain the couple, due to spinal cord injuries suffered

by Angie.

Their site also offers the original “I See Gay People” design popularized by the movie ‘Sixth Sense.’ Great selections to choose from for Gay Pride Week, making a statement for Gay Rights and Gay Awareness, and helping a Lesbian sister. Check out their site today.

Hey Glenn, I just want to say you are an amazing person and I truly admire you for what you did on TV. I’m gay and I’ve told my friends and family but the one I have a hard time with is my father. He hasn’t accepted it yet and I’ve been out for a year. It hurts so much because I feel I have disappointed him a lot. It doesn’t make me feel any better being his oldest son.

I was the one who they expected to marry a woman.

It’s so hard because I came out at 16 but I’ve known since 10 that I was gay. I have even thought of leaving home lately. I guess I don’t know what to do any more and it hurts so much.What should I do?

One of your greatest fans for ever, Trevor B. P.S.You are one of the greatest idols I have ever had and I have to give you props for going to your old high school and speaking out.

Trevor, First thanks for your letter, Greatest Idol? Wow, it’s a huge responsibility but I’m ready to take it on! I think it is so important to have gay men like myself on TV season after season. I just love what I do, and I get paid doing it.

Now to get to your question…I can tell you a bit about my experience coming out. It was in high school. All the boys were talking about hot girls and having sex with them. I wasn’t feeling the same thing. I felt it more towards my guy friends. I

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

went along with the so called normal routine. I had a girlfriend in high school, and we got engaged after being together 5 years. Lucky for me and her, I called it off a few months before the wedding.

I couldn’t marry her knowing I had these feelings for men. Even though I hadn’t acted on these feelings, I couldn’t marry her, have children, and then hurt them down the road with, “Hi Family. I’m Gay.” The point I’m getting at is you are so ahead the game! I admire that about you.

I wonder what it would have been like to be out earlier.You have a lot of courage Trevor.You are making it easier for the next generation too.

Be very proud of yourself. I am the oldest son as well in my family. When I came out, I was in my late 20’s; my dad didn’t like it at all. Matter of fact he says he still feels sorry for me, but you know what....that’s ok. I’m not judging him, the same way I don’t want him judging me. He is getting better through the years. Sometimes it takes years.

All I know is being true to who I was back then was the greatest feeling. Never be ashamed of who you are. I remember always wanting to run away when I was younger. I remember the feeling of being the only one out there. But let me tell you there are a whole lot of us who are willing to love you for who you are. Something tells me you’re going to be ready. Make sure you enjoy every minute. Good luck out there Trevor!

Glenn

Breaking News from Day 1 2D ays Lat er.. .

FESTG

continued from page 30

ors resident Dustin Davis. “Lord knows he [Crist] probably caught a few of her Wet Jockey shows back in the day.”

John Castelli, managing partner at Castelli Real Estate Services and the Copa’s owner at the time of Tiny Tina’s arrest recalls the night very well.

“It was such an innocent situation,” Castelli remembers, shocked by the controversy. “No one was exposed.”

Castelli and his partner, the late Bill Bastiansen, bailed the performer out of jail that night.

As reporter Ted Scouten noted in his March 2 CBS4 story, “the law that keeps convicted criminals from working with the elderly, inform or child was put into place to keep them from preying upon the weak.”

Linda Greenfield, whose mother was under Fetcho’s care before his wrongful termination, was thunderstruck.

“It takes a special kind of person to work with the Alzheimer’s population,” notes Greenfield, whose mother suffers from the disease.

In addition to Web postings and letters to state officials by supporters and strangers alike, the business and activist community has stepped forward to help Fetcho in his economic time of need.

“We are proud to be hosting a benefit for this South Florida icon and treasure,” says Paul Hugo, who, with business partner Brett Tannebaum owns The Manor Restaurant and Nightclub in Wilton Manors.

The date and time for the event will be announced in SFGN. Support has also come from some surprising quarters. Attorney Cormican has learned that one of the state agents who arrested Fetcho in 1976 will testify on his behalf.

“That says everything you need to know about this case,” says Cormican.

For his own part, Fetcho is hoping for the best possible outcome, one in which he can return to the job he has loved for over 40 years, and to keep his place in the pantheon of South Florida activist performers.

He is overwhelmed by the show of support and his renewed public awareness. But ever the consummate professional entertainer, Tiny Tina keeps her sense of humor.

“My dear friend, [fellow impersonator] Cathy Craig tells me, ‘don’t worry, Honey, your Fifteen Minutes will be over soon,’” she laughs. The Queen is jubilant.

201 0

PRIDE

Going Out with Glenn

olu 25, me 1, I ssu e1

Cash donations were offered by a number of people who wrote to Dallas Voice about the original article.

“That’s one piece of the puzzle we haven’t worked out yet,” Brookover said.

Desumala said they were hesitant to just have people write the two checks.

Brookover suggested that donations could be sent to the Houston GBLT Center, 3400 Montrose Blvd., Suite 207, Houston, Tex. 77006. The center has tax-exempt status and donations would be deductible.

Specify that the money is for Ali and Muhamed, he said, and it would be used for expenses such as their upcoming move.

Brookover said working with them has been a most gratifying experience.

“We’d love to see them get in school.

They’re smart. They’re sweet. They’re funny,” he said.

This article courtesy of the Dallas Voice; it ran on February 26, 2010.

Queen’s Jubilee

Jan uar y V

continued from previous page

www.southfloridagaynews.com

44

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com PRIDE FESTG UIDE

Dermot Meagher continued from page 20

Provincetown and has shown there each year since. In September of 2009, he showed a collection of his “white line woodblock prints” at the Schoolhouse Gallery. A few examples of this type of print are included in his Stonewall Library show. He explained their history and method.

“White line woodcuts are distinctly Pro­ vincetown where they were introduced in 1915.

In traditional block printing, many blocks are made, one for each color.

In this method, you use just one wooden block for each picture. The block is made preferably of soft wood. You apply watercolor to each section. You attach the paper to one side of the block and fold it over the wet paint. You then rub the back of the paper with a silver spoon.”

Jokingly, I suggested that perhaps a stainless steel spoon might work just as well.

“Actually not. Supposedly anything but silver will discolor the paper. Anyway, the white lines are where you have made your cuts. I like the speed and simplicity of the process.”

I asked Dermot about his pen and ink drawings. They comprised most of the show at the Stonewall Library. He told me that he is a “plein air” painter, indicating that he will bring

his notebook and paints and brushes with him on excursions to the beach. I offered that, in my limited experience as a plein air painter, I am often unnerved by spectators who give commentary or simply watch over my shoulder. I wondered if Dermot was similarly bothered.

“I like to make those paintings while I am on the beach at Haulover. Because I am sitting under an umbrella and able to draw without calling attention to myself, I can capture candid images of people around me. Usually they are not aware that I am drawing them.

“I draw fast and use whatever is within arm’s reach to make a mark – pen and ink, pencil, tar, tea, coffee, charcoal, water color, oil pastels, Sumi ink with a brush, and sometimes mud with my fingers. I try not to ask too many questions of myself except what mark to make next.”

Dermot’s drawings were described as “haiku like and serene” by the Boston Globe, although he claims to have no idea where such tranquility comes from. While I can feel the tranquility when I look at his drawings, I am more impressed by the way his cool black lines and gray wash on chilly white paper convey the heavy heat and sun-drenching of the Florida beach. They make me reach for my Ray-bans.

I wondered how he had progressed from being a lawyer and a judge to becoming an artist.

“Well, I lost sight in one eye as the result of an accident. Because of the nature of that accident, there is the possibility that I may someday lose sight in my other eye as well. I thought I ought to use it while I still have it.”

I asked him about life as a retiree.

“I stopped working as a judge three years ago, but I already had some projects underway at the time of my retirement. I’ve got two mystery novels. One of them sold twice. In both cases, the publisher went out of business before the book was published. They are set in Boston and the central character is someone named Lyons. I’ve got him in Lyons at the Gate and Lyons and Tigers and Bears.”

45

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Fort Lauderdale, FL -----------------------------------------------CARE RESOURCE - HIV RAPID TESTING BROWARD COUNTY 830 E. Oakland Park Blvd Oakland Park, FL 33334 For Info Call 954-567-7141 FREE and CONFIDENTIAL TESTING FROM 9:30 AM TO 5:00 PM www.CareResource.org/testinginfo.html -----------------------------------------------HIV AND STD TESTING AT THE GLCC 2040 N. Dixie Highway Wilton Manors, FL 33305 For more details and info call: 954-463-9005 or visit www.GLCCSF.org -----------------------------------------------RESEARCH STUDY - EARN CASH Are you a sexually active gay/bi man?

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

Real Estate THE GAYLE BORDEN REAL ESTATE GROUP www.GayleBorden.com Direct Office: 954-525-3355 Direct Mobile: 954-815-6233 Coldwell Banker -----------------------------------------------RE/MAX PARTNERS LAS OLAS Joe Ando, PA Realtor ® Cell: 954-616-9655 Jim Cunningham, PA Realtor ®, ABR®, e-PRO® Cell: 954-854-3777 www.WereSellingParadise.com -----------------------------------------------PRO-TEAM FLORIDA Mike Walters 954-608-3807 Barry Murac 954-296-7700 www.SunshineHomes4Sale.com -----------------------------------------------BERGER REALTY GROUP, INC. Gary Katz 954-803-0885 heronbayagent@aol.com -----------------------------------------------ATLANTIC PROPERTIES INTERNATIONAL Scott Rouda, Realtor®, GRI, TRC, ICREA 954-643-7077 www.ScottRouda.com -----------------------------------------------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

-----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------FOR SALE BY OWNER WILTON MANORS DUPLEX Two Units (2/2 w/ Florida Room & 1/1), 1700 Sq Ft, New Central Air/Heat, Large Fenced Yard, Accordian Hurricane Shutters,$269,900. Call Donna 954-234-9001

Roommates Roommate sought, Middle River Terrace. 30 yr old professional in search of gay white male, age 25-35 to share spacious, clean, all tile apartment in Middle River Terrace! $450 per month, small dogs, OK. Rent/ Contact: 954-515-7185 -----------------------------------------------AVENTURA - UPTOWN MARINA LOFTS Share a Luxury apt, no smoking, 2BD/2BA + Den. 11’ ceilings, $950/Mo. Call Alex 305-494-1524 -----------------------------------------------OAKLAND PARK 2BD/1BA Gated Complex, Mature male looking for same. Quiet, Clothes free Apt, clothing optional pool, laundry & BBQ. No Drunks/Drugs. $550/mo. F/L/S incl. elect., internet & cable in own room. Call 561302-5218 after 6:30 PM -----------------------------------------------CORAL RIDGE - ROOM FOR RENT Gay Professional looking to share a 2BD/2BA, off street parking, laundry in building, cable ready, all utilities included $550/Mo. Must work. Call 954-993-6531 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------GAY ROOMMATE WANTED 2 Bed/2Bath Apt in South Halieah. $450/Mo. covers all expenses.

Apt. furnished with DirectTV. 305-805-7081 kenospry@aol.com -----------------------------------------------OAKLAND PARK Minutes to Wilton Manors. Share a upgraded 2BD/1BA, full bedroom set, tv, cable, internet. Must be pet friendly.

Non-smoker, no drugs. $550/Mo. + Sec. Call 954-579-1958 -----------------------------------------------PRIVATE GETAWAY Gated clothing optional Complex , 23 year old full time student/worker looking for Similar. No heavy substance abusers. Internet cable water and included. On site laundry , pool and bbq. Must have Job and Transportation. 600/mo + Security.

Call 954-330-6604 or Dontaviouslenard@ gmail.com

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

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

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

CLASSIFIEDS@HOTSPOTSMAGAZINE.COM

Rent/Lease cont’d 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 954-565-8437 for your move in special.

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

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

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

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

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

-----------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS NEIGHBORHOOD Efficiency. $550/Mo. Includes all. No Pets.

No Smoking. 954-290-6538 Call Ron. -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------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

-----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------FEDERAL/OAKLAND AREA Second Floor, corner 1/1. newer appliances, counter top, ceiling fans, light fixtures, flooring and more. Laundry, cat okay.

Small bldg, extra clean. By Coral Ridge Mall, close to beaches, Wilton Manors. $675/Mo. Owner/Agent. 954-552-5023.

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

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March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com -----------------------------------------------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.

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

-----------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS WATERFRONT ON THE PARK Waterfront 1BD/1BA, new kitchen, spacious apt. $875/Mo. Call 954-224-8768 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------A&A ROOFING AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS 954-274-9378 Licensed & Insured #93BS00177 -----------------------------------------------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. -----------------------------------------------**$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 ----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------FT LAUDERDALE - MIDDLE RIVER AREA LOW MOVE IN /EASY TERMS* 1BD/1BA in 4 unit bldg. All Tile $690/Mo. or $175/Wk*. W/D on premisis. 6 or 12 Mo. Lease. 954-527-9225 -----------------------------------------------HOLLYWOOD Studio apartment with seperate bedroom.

Fully furnished, full kitchen, cable TV, utilities included. Close to beaches and downtown. $650/Mo. 954-929-2365 -----------------------------------------------FORT LAUDERDALE - SOUTH MIDDLE RIVER Completely remodeled 3/2 house. All new appliances, fixtures, W/D, central AC, ceiling fans and wood floors throughout. $1,375/Mo. Call Brian 954-610-1320

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 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------“I SHOW UP” HANDYMAN 954-684-9277 Sean SeanHarrenFTL@mac.com -----------------------------------------------BROWARD BOYS PAINTERS Residential & Commercial Interior & Exterior 954-720-9605 www.BrowardBoys.com -----------------------------------------------THE PAINTING COMPANY Residential & Commercial Solids, Faux Finishes, Murals, Color Coordination, Venetian Plaster, Interior/Exterior. 954-292-8219 PAINTandFAUX@aol.com -----------------------------------------------CGR PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Broward, West Palm, Dade Residential/Commercial 786-419-1360 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------IRRIGATION SYSTEM REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE 19 yrs. experience, excellent work, referrals by request. Call Roberto at 954-383-8980 -----------------------------------------------D.A.D.S. ELECTRIC, LLC For Quality Work at Fair Prices, Call David & Dennis, Gay Owned & Operated.

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

-----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------***CLEAN IT RITE*** THE BEST CLEANING FOR YOUR BUCK! 1BD $45, 2BD $55, 3BD $65.

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

Exceptional work ethic. Carpentry, plumbing ,electrical, etc. 20 Years Experience.

Atelier Development. Call 954-612-7795 for free estimate.

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

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

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

-----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------** YOUNG SEXY PROFESSIONAL BARTENDER ** Great for private parties and events. Creative and lots of fun. Will bring your party to life. Just call Anthony 954-709-8444 or email: AnthonyBartenderMixologist@live.com -----------------------------------------------* EARLY BIRD CONSTRUCTION * ROOFING, CARPENTRY, TILE, PAINT. Honest and ON TIME! 954-274-9378

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 -----------------------------------------------RELAX IN A MAN’S HANDS Hot Rubs $70+ North Dade IN/OUT Pro Table Paul 305-903-3331 -----------------------------------------------SENSUAL RUBDOWN Full body rubdown by hairy guy in the ‘buff’. Very relaxing, happy ending.

Discreet. $40. Gregory 954-254-0927 -----------------------------------------------USA BODYWORK Kenn Steed, Fort Lauderdale 954-683-3360 www.USABodywork.us -----------------------------------------------**AWAKEN YOUR SENSES** MIAMI BEACH - SOUTH BEACH DEEP TISSUE, BODY ELECTRIC (EROTIC), & SWEDISH TECHNIQUES Given by athletic young male. Exp’d & Professional.

Ultimate Stimulation & Total Relaxation.

Discount with Valid Student ID. In/Out calls 305-538-5125 VERY REASONABLE RATES. www.MassageFL.net -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------GREAT BODY RUB Come and Get It! 6’, 195, Ready To Please. Tri county from 7 am to 12 am IN/Out. Danny 954-266-9771 -----------------------------------------------***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 -----------------------------------------------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.

-----------------------------------------------BLACK GUY 4 EROTIC RUBS Experience the touch of a Caribbean black male. Masculine and discreet. In/ Out. 24/7. Damian 786-270-7745 -----------------------------------------------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

-----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------SENSUAL MASSAGE Indulge yourself in relaxation and stimulation with a full body Sensual Massage.

Provided in the nude by a handsome mature man in an intimate spa like environment. Gay-Bi-Straight men welcomed.

Convenient NE Ft. Lauderdale location.

Discretion assured. Ryan 954-593-6637 www.RyanMassage.weebly.com -----------------------------------------------BESTOFFLORIDAMASSAGE.COM 8AM – 8PM, 7 Days a week 954-356-9348 -----------------------------------------------I WILL RUB YOU RIGHT! Joe 954-270-0357 -----------------------------------------------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! Sessions starting at $50. Call Luis 786-290-4796 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------STEVE-JORDAN.COM Experience the ultimate in bodywork!

954-560-2542 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------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 ----------------------------------------------CARLOS 305-812-5085 27YO, Cuban, 5’7”, 140lbs.

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

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48

March 8 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Anti Gay GOP Senator Popped for DUI with Boy in Car

By Cliff Dunn

A

tsunami is blowing around the deepening scandal concerning rabidly homophobic California Republican State Senator Roy Ashburn, arrested last week as he was leaving a Sacramento gay men’s bar on charges of Driving Under the Influence.

Ashburn, 55, was arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Jail just after 2 a.m. March 3. Reports cited sources who said Ashburn had been drinking all night at Faces, a popular gay dance When California state senator Roy Ashburn club located just a few blocks from was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of drunk driving, his blood-alcohol level was measured where police pulled him over. at 0.14%, far beyond the 0.08% required for The lawmaker, elected to the Calicharges, according to a Los Angeles Times blog. fornia legislature in 1996, has consistently voted against bills that would expand legal protections for LGBT individ- against bills to establish same-sex maruals. The divorced father of four is among riage, banning discrimination based upon legislators with perfect or near-perfect re- sexual orientation or gender identity, and cords voting against equal protections for to toughen anti-harassment protections for LGBT youths in the state’s schools. gays and lesbians.

“It’s frustrating that some­one who is Said Geoff Kors, spokesman for Equality California, the conservative Repub- CLEARLY comfortable with gay people lican has “one of the worst records of would vote against the very rights of the anyone in the Legislature.” He has voted people he associates with,” added Kors.

“The hypocrisy—that’s what’s problematic,” Cabaldon told the San Francisco Chronicle. “The notion that you think it’s ok to live in the community and expect that you’re going to be safe and protected when you are, during the daytime, doing everything to deny those protections.”

Still, Cabaldon, who came out of the closet in 2006 while in office, is sympathetic. “From my own experience I totally understand the fear and issues of being out in politics,” he said.

Cabaldon says he does not know Ashburn’s sexual orientation.

Asked by a reporter in 2004 if he was gay, Ashburn replied, “I’m surprised you’re asking that.”

Asked again in 2009 by a columnist with the Bakersfield Californian, Ashburn was coy. “I think there are certain subjects that are simply not relevant and this is one of them. It has Ashburn, a Republican lawmaker from Bakersfield no bearing on the job I do.” with a history of voting against gay causes, was arrested by California Highway Patrol officers Following Ashburn’s arrest, the asin Sacramento while driving his state-owned car, yet unidentified male who was in the which has since been impounded in the state garage. car with him—referred to at the time by police only as “not a lawmaker”— Staffers employed by California’s legisla- was released.

After his release on $1,400 bond, the anture say it’s an open secret the GOP lawmaker frequently visits Sacramento’s gay night spots. ti-gay crusader told reporters: “I am deeply Among those speaking on the record sorry for my actions and offer no excuse is Christopher Cabaldon, the openly gay for my poor judgment.” He remained evaMayor of West Sacramento, who says he sive on the issue of his sexuality.

Ashford, who was the subject last year has seen Ashburn out on several occasions, including within the past couple of a recall drive, remains on a self-imposed personal leave at least through today. of months.