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HIV Special Section Starts on Page 13

March 15, 2010 • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 8

Normal People, Normal Lives PHOTOS BY J.R. DAVIS

Thousands Celebrate at Sunny 2010 Pridefest pages 46-48

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

4

page

Joel Slotnick: Keeping Books

9

page

Jack Rutland: Reading Books

21

page

Jennifer Vanasco: Lesbian Travel

38

page

Coco Montrese, Miss Gay America

2

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Follow-up

that his admission of being gay was “the hardest words that have been so difficult for me for so long.”

Defending keeping his sexual identity secret, Ashburn stated “It is something that is personal, and I don’t believe I felt with my heart that being gay would affect how I do my job.”

Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California, which lobbies for same-sex marriage, told the Los Angeles Times its “unfortunate the senator helped spread the bigotry that forced On Monday, March 8, Roy him to stay in the closet.”

Ashburn told a local radio host “We hope he now takes this oppor“I am gay.”

Ashburn had made a name for tunity to educate people in his district and throughout the state that his sexual himself in California state poliorientation is irrelevant,” Kors added. tics as an unblinking opponent It’s certainly not uncommon for of gay and lesbian civil rights. people in public service who are secretly The divorced father of four gay to speak or take positions against is among those conservative the LGBT community.

Republican lawmakers with a Missouri State Rep. Jeanette Mott perfect or near-perfect record of opposing gay rights proposals Oxford, a lesbian, says “This can be ‘internalized homophobia’–accepting in his state legislature, includsociety’s negative opinions until one ing bills to establish same-sex marriage, banning discrimination hates oneself.”

“Or it can be a way to try to hide based upon sexual orientation or gender identity, and to toughen anti-harassment in a society that accepts prejudice and protections for LGBT youths in Califor- discrimination as the norm,” she points out, further acknowledging that “Lesbian, nia’s public schools. gay, and bisexual people experience The 55-year-old state senator was tremendous pressure to deny and to arrested March 3 after leaving Faces, a hide their sexual orientations and their popular gay night club in Sacramento.

During his radio interview, Ashburn said relationships.”

From Out of Jail to Out of the Closet

March 15 , 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 8

Editorial Offices

Arrested Senator Ashburn Fesses Up after DUI

By Cliff Dunn

A

well known anti-gay California state lawmaker, arrested last week for driving drunk, and stopped by police with a man in the car that he had just picked up in a gay bar, came out of the closet to a radio station last week.

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Special SFGN Report

American Soldiers Die While Taliban Plays with Boy Sex-Slaves

Afghanistan: Protecting a country for its boy sex trade?

By Cliff Dunn

A

n unclassified study from a military research unit in southern Afghanistan, released earlier this year, details how homosexual behavior is unusually common among men in the large ethnic group known as Pashtuns—though they seem to be in complete denial about it.

The study, obtained by Fox News, found that Pashtun men commonly have sex with other men, admire other men physically, have sexual relationships with boys and shun women both socially and sexually—yet they completely reject the label of “homosexual.”

The research was conducted as part of a longstanding effort to better understand Afghan culture and improve Western interaction with the local people. The report reveals some stunning other information as well.

According to the study, Pashtun men interpret the Islamic prohibition on homosexuality to mean they cannot “love” another man—but that doesn’t mean they can’t use men for “sexual gratification.”

The report also detailed a ‘traditional’ practice in which older “men of status” keep young boys on hand for sexual relationships. One of the country’s favorite sayings, the report said, is “women are for children, boys are for pleasure.”

The new report authenticates previous stories, dating back to 2002, which appeared in the Times of London. Those features noted that Kandahar, the capital city of the Taliban movement, is also the “homosexual capital of South Asia,” and that a boy-sex trade is rampant.

The Times report concluded that the “preferred pastime for wealthy and powerful Afghani men, including many former Taliban and mujahideen commanders, is the procurement of young boys as sex slaves.”

Nothing in the new military study acquired

by Fox News suggests anything has changed in the years since.

The boys, called ashna, beloveds, or halekon, young male lovers, have been specifically groomed for sex. Before the continued on page 26

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Profile

Joel Slotnick Bean-Counting, and Counting His Blessings

By Cliff Dunn

J

oel Slotnick is usually smiling.

Whether he is snapping on a VIP bracelet Sunday night at the Sea Monster or reconciling a balance sheet for the 501 (c) 3 for which he serves as Treasurer, there is the clear look upon his face of a man who enjoys his work.

Joel Slotnick’s duties as Treasurer of Pride South Florida this year have tempered that smile with caution. He has been placed in the role of ‘bean-counter’ knowing that his predecessor, Mike Cruz, a long time close friend, may soon be arrested for stealing close to $50,000 of last year’s Pridefest funds. Cruz, as reported in SFGN two weeks ago, is the target of a Fort Lauderdale Police Economic Crimes

Joel Slotnick

Division investigation.

The alleged theft has made Slotnick more determined today to “give back. You have to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.”

“I first became active in Pride South Florida in the early ’90s,” he recalls. “[The late] Lee McCall and his partner David Newell got me involved. I was the Treasurer for the first time back in 1992.”

But whether working as unit manager for Bank of America’s regional cash vault, which he did for many years, or as the Pastoral Care Associate for Sunshine Cathedral MCC, the love of service is what fuels his fire.

After 30 years in the banking industry, Slotnick is today a digital court reporter for the State of Florida, a job he says that he “absolutely loves.”

On a more personal level, Slotnick, raised as a Jew, has now become a member of Metropolitan Community Church.

“I think there were more people shocked when I converted than when I came out,” he laughs.

Now having been ordained a deacon in the Christian denomination, it was in his capacity as a clergyman that he first learned of troubles within the Pride South Florida organization.

“I came back to the Pride Board last June,” he recalls. “Not long after, I learned that Mike was in the hospital.”

“Mike” was Mike Cruz, director and Board member of Pride, who had filled the leadership vacuum created by the death of the group’s president, Eleanor Shaw. Cruz himself, after being confronted by board members of his alleged theft, wound up in the hospital the victim of an apparent suicide attempt – which may have involved an overdose of over-thecounter medications.

Of Cruz and his possible involvement in the alleged missing funds, Slotnick would only offer that “as you get older, you learn that nothing anyone does is impossible. Working in the court system has shown me that.”

The show, and PrideFest, must go on, and Slotnick think it’s important for the community to know what the event is really about.

“We want the comcontinued on page 42

Florida Bill Would Aid ‘Family Friendly’ Movies AND Deny Funds to ‘Non Traditional Family Values’ Staff Reports

M

ovies and TV shows with gay characters could be ineligible for a “family-friendly” tax credit in Florida under a little-noticed provision tucked into a $75 million incentive package that Republican House leaders hope will attract film and entertainment jobs to the state.

The bill would prohibit productions with “nontraditional family values” from receiving a so-called family-friendly tax credit.

But it doesn’t define what “nontraditional family values” are, something the bill’s sponsor had a hard time doing, too.

“Think of it as like Mayberry,” state Rep. Stephen Precourt, R-Orlando, said, referring to The Andy Griffith Show. “That’s when I grew up - the ‘60s. That’s what life was like. I want Florida to be known for making those kinds of movies: Disney movies for kids and all that stuff. Like it used to be, you know?”

But the head of a coalition of 80 groups that advocate for equal rights said Precourt’s bill would “subsidize discrimination” and marginalize gay and single-parent families.

“Instituting 1950s-style movie censorship does nothing to support real-life families or help Florida’s struggling economy,” said Ted Howard, executive director for Florida Together.

Precourt, whose district includes Walt Disney World, said he was not targeting the gay community by including the term “nontraditional family values” in his bill. But when asked if shows with gay characters should get the tax credit, he said, “That would not be the kind of thing I’d say that we want to invest public dollars in.”

The bill (HB 697) was approved unanimously in the first meeting this session of the House Economic Development Policy Committee.

State law allows for a tax credit worth 2 per-

cent of a movie’s production costs if it is “family friendly.” Smoking, sex, nudity and profane language are prohibited, as are “obscene” productions as defined by the state’s sex crime laws.

Precourt’s proposal would boost the credit from 2 percent to 5 percent and expand the list of taboos to include any “exhibit or implied act” of nontraditional family values and gratuitous violence.

Florida Family Policy Council President John Stemberger said nontraditional family values could include anything from “drug abuse to excessive drunkenness to homosexual families.”

“It’s a good concept to encourage people to produce more quality family entertainment in the state,” Stemberger said. “It’s a good thing.”

“If they’re not able to define what they intend by nontraditional family value, then it probably has no place in law,” Equality Florida spokesman Brian Winfield said.

“Let me define it in the positive,” said Gov. Charlie Crist, who wants lawmakers to approve a $55 million corporate income tax cut he has proposed. “A traditional family is a marriage between a man and a woman.

That’s traditional.”

One person not standing for it is blogger R Michael, whose blogsite ‘Life in a Tizzy’ has set up an online petition to protest the bill.

“Remember this is not just a state issue. This is a human rights issue,” he asserts. His goal is to find other residents of Florida to join his protest. The website is http://tizzyentertainment.tumblr.com/post/437133006/f-ck-censorship-revise-fla-film-incentives-act

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Gays and Lesbians Twice as Likely to Lack Health Coverage

By Cliff Dunn

A

ccording to a local insurance executive, a three year old study warning that nearly one in four gay and lesbian adults lack health insurance has become even more serious a problem today,

offer policies to.

79% of LGBT adults say that seeing a print ad from a health insurer that directly addresses gay issues with LGBT-friendly images plays an important part in their decision to purchase health coverage.

“The problem of the uninsured has reached crisis proportions in this country,” added Peter Francel of Aetna Insurance.

“Unfortunately, this survey shows that the LGBT community is today at greater risk.”

“One problem,” Rakvica offers, “is that many members of the gay and lesbian community are self-employed, or work for small businesses with less than 10 employees.

Most health insurers would rather not insure small groups.”

photo by Michael Murphy

Jim Rakvica

with the nationwide economic downturn. The 2007 survey of more than 2,700 American adults age 18 and over found that 22% of gay and lesbian respondents report having no health coverage, compared with around 12% of straights who were asked.

Jim Rakvica of Correct Coverage Insurance in Fort Lauderdale states that “Those numbers are more than two years old, and for most people the economy is worse. You can extrapolate that the uninsured’s numbers are quite a bit higher due to our high unemployment and poor economy,” he says.

Conducted by Harris Interactive and Witeck-Combs Communications, 343 of those questioned identified themselves as gay or lesbian.

The survey also identified factors that influence LGBT purchasing of health coverage.

Those factors include whether the insurance provider offers domestic partner benefits — including health insurance—to its own employees, or whether they provide health coverage for domestic partners to companies they

Added Francel: “We must step up all efforts to serve the uninsured and take the lead in transforming our health care system for not only our LGBT members but all those who are not covered by health insurance today.”

The pro-LGBT practices of Aetna have earned the company a 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index every year since 2002. Not every corporate member of Big Health is as forward-thinking.

“Most insurance companies don’t recognize the relationship between same-sex partners in the same way they do with straight couples and families,” Rakvica says.

“I’ve been fighting this issue for over 15 years,” says Rakvica. “In a lot of cases I have been able to work around or overcome some of these barriers for clients looking for quality life and health coverage.

He says that an insurance agent needs to be assertive for their clients, and must “try to find the company that best fits that client’s special needs.”

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6

National News

School Board Cancels Prom to Stop Lesbian Teens As SFGN went to press, it was reported by AP that Constance McMillen has sued her school board in Federal Court. Read the full story on SouthFloridaGayNews.com

By Shelia Byrd

``Somebody said, ‘Thanks for ruining my senior year.’’’ McMillen said.

Associated Press Writer The school board issued a statement anJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — An 18-year-old nouncing it wouldn’t host the event in FulMississippi lesbian student whose school ton, “due to the distractions to the educadistrict canceled her senior prom rather tional process caused by recent events.’’

The statement didn’t mention McMilthan allow her to escort her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo said she got some unfriendly len or the ACLU. When asked by the AP if looks from classmates when she reluctantly McMillen’s demand led to the cancellation, school board attorney Michele Floyd said returned to campus Thursday.

Constance McMillen said she didn’t she could only reference the statement.

“I guess they would rather do that than want to go back the day after the Itawamba County school board’s decision, but her fa- what’s right, what’s constitutionally correct,’’ McMillen said.

AP Photo/Matthew Sharpe Same-sex prom dates and crossdressing are new issues for many high schools around the country, said Daryl Presgraves, a spokesman for GLSEN: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, a Washington-based advocacy group.

“A lot of schools actually react rather Constance McMillen, an 18-year-old senior at Itawamba County Agricultural High School, reacts to a message on her cell phone than do the research while her aunt, Dana Stweart, left, watches and find out what the rights of these ther told her she needed to face her class- students are,’’ said Presgraves, who was preparing to facilitate a discussion about antimates, teachers and school officials.

“My daddy told me that I needed to show gay bullying at a National Association of them that I’m still proud of who I am,’’ Mc- Secondary School Principals meeting.

The school district had said it hoped a Millen told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. “The fact that this will privately sponsored prom could be held. help people later on, that’s what’s helping McMillen said if that happens, she’s sure she’ll be excluded. me to go on.’’

“It’s a small town in Mississippi, and it’s The district announced Wednesday it wouldn’t host the April 2 prom. The deci- run by an older generation with money. sion came after the American Civil Liberties Most of them are more conservative and Union told officials a policy banning same- they don’t agree with it,’’ she said.

Fulton Mayor Paul Walker said he supsex prom dates violated students’ rights.

The ACLU said the district not letting Mc- ports the school district’s decision and Millen wear a tuxedo violated her free ex- knew of no private efforts to host the prom.

“I think the community as a whole is pression rights.

McMillen said she felt some hostility to- probably in support of the school district,’’ ward her on the Itawamba County Agricul- Walker said of the town of about 4,000. tural High School campus. continued on page 42

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Experts on Obesity:

First Lady Michelle Obama Launches Fitness Campaign

By Cliff Dunn

S

tatistics show that one in three American kids is obese or overweight.

These numbers were part of the inspiration last month for First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign to fight childhood obesity.

During remarks on March 1, the First Lady said that Americans must “move to rally this country around a single, ambitious goal—and that is to solve the problem of childhood obesity in a generation so that kids born today reach adulthood at a healthy weight.”

In announcing the initiative, Obama stated that a healthy Wilton Manors fitness expert René Endara lifestyle, including achieving But that cycle isn’t constant, and bodies and maintaining a healthy weight, doesn’t require major life alterations, but rather don’t indefinitely gain or lose weight. Over time, a number of biological changes kick in “small changes that add up.”

Under this equation – and based on the and cause the body to adapt to a new weight.

René Endara, a Wilton Manors-based former formula that one pound lost equals about 3,500 calories burned - by cutting down or professional bodybuilder and now a health and burning off, say, an extra 100 calories each fitness trainer says that eating an extra cookie day, a person could lose a pound every 35 will cause you to gain weight, but that over time the extra calories will be directed towards days – more than 10 pounds in a year.

But experts say those numbers are mis- maintaining the additional body weight.

“Although we will lose some weight at leading. Studies showing conclusively that small caloric changes don’t add up to long- first, eventually the body adjusts to the newterm weight loss. Skipping a scoop of ice er weight and requires fewer calories,” he cream or walking an extra 25 steps won’t says. “It’s ironic, but it’s a safety mechanism bring significant caloric benefits because of in the body so we don’t starve to death.”

Unfortunately, the body is better at resistthe body’s natural processes that modulate ing weight loss than weight gain. Hormones the effects of behavioral changes.

The Journal of the American Medical Asso- and chemicals in the brain that trigger urges ciation (JAMA) reported last month that a to eat as well as your body’s responses to “small changes” worldview doesn’t take into exercise can make losing weight that much account the body’s adaptive mechanisms. more difficult: even if you skip the cookie, The obesity epidemic can’t be explained by you might unconsciously “make up for it” by fewer P.E. classes attended or sneaking a an extra piece of French bread at dinner, or bowl of ice cream for dessert. couple of extra 100-calorie sodas.

Endara agrees. “That’s why you hear The reason for this is simple biology.

Your weight remains more or less the same about people losing weight then putting as long as the calories you consume don’t it back on. People always return to eating exceed the amount you expend, both in the same calories. When that happens, the terms of exercise and in order to maintain body reads those calories as being a lot more than they really are.” the body’s basic functions.

7

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

The Post Says ‘Kiss This’ T

he Washington Post’s ombudsman, Andrew Alexander, reported last week that an ‘unusual’ number of readers have complained and canceled subscriptions over the publishing of a photo of two men kissing on the front page.

The photo, left, shows two men in a light kiss, celebrating the day that DC started accepting applications for marriage licenses for gay couples.

Many of the readers used anti-gay slurs, Andrews said. Twenty-seven subscribers canceled. One emailed one of the reporters who worked on the story to say: “That kind of stuff makes normal people want to throw up. People have kids who are being exposed to this crap. I will be glad when your rag goes out of business. Real men marry women.”

But Andrews said: “Did the Post go too far? Of course not. The

photo deserved to be in newspaper and on its Web site, and it warranted front-page display.”

“News photos capture reality. And the prominent display reflects the historic significance of what was occurring. The recent D.C. Council decision to approve same-sex marriage was the culmination of a decadeslong gay rights fight for equality. Same-sex marriage is now legal in the District. The photo of [Jeremy] Ames and [Taka] Ariga kissing simply showed joy that would be exhibited by any couple planning to wed— especially a couple who previously had been denied the legal right to marry.”

“There was a time, after court-ordered in­ tegration, when readers complained about front-page photos of blacks mixing with whites. Today, photo images of same-sex couples capture the same reality of societal change.”

Kudos to Andrews and the Post.

Photo by Bill O’Leary/the Washington Post

Gay House Speaker a First for California C

alifornia lawmakers installed their first openly gay Assembly Speaker on Monday, March 1.

Accompanied by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles singing Broadway show tunes, John Perez, a first generation Mexican Amer­ ican, was sworn in to the leadership role in the California legislature.

The 40 year old Los Angeles Democrat

John Perez

and former labor activist is the cousin of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Perez must try to preserve what he can of California’s health and welfare services while reducing a nearly $20-billion budget deficit.

Supporters applauded Perez for his political instincts and intelligence. “He’s someone who sends a signal to the nation that being gay is no longer a barrier to greatness,” said Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco), who introduced the Speaker before he took the oath of office.

Perez has already gotten his hands dirty in the rough and tumble of Golden State politics. In one of his first acts as a leader, prior to assuming the post, he led the Assembly’s vote against confirming Governor Ar­nold Schwarzenegger’s choice for lieutenant gover­nor.

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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Pet Pals: Glimmer of Life On March 19, the members of Pet-Pals.org will be holding the “Glimmer of Life” fundraising dinner and auction to benefit homeless and needy pets in our area. The “Glimmer of Life” event will be held at 6:00pm in the Hop-A-Jet hangar at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Stray Aid and Rescue’s spay/neuter program, Happy Tailz Pet Rescue’s pet transportation service, and Pet-Pals Animal Rescue.

Pet Pals is comprised of rescue groups, organizations, companies and individuals who work together to improve the welfare of animals. Their purpose is to coordinate efforts to stop the senseless euthanasia of pets in addition to ensuring that rescued pets are placed into permanent loving homes. In addition, Pet Pals offers low cost spay/neuter services, transportation to re-locate homeless pets, and medical and food for needy families with pets. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Pet-pals.org

9

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Rutland’s Yard

The Eagle Lands at Stonewall’s Library

By Tony Adams

“A

sk me anything! I’m an open book! Written by Proust!”

So said Jack Rutland as he ushered me into his office while a subordinate within earshot outside the door snorted with amusement. He wasn’t the only one laughing.

From the moment you enter the Stonewall Library and Archive, you are in the presence of smiling and welcoming volunteers and staff who are glad you stopped by and who intently want to share with you all the fascinating assets of the library. If it is true that the tenor of any organization filters down from the top, the amiable atmosphere of the library is due to the personality of its executive director and most valuable asset, Jack Rutland. I am seated in his office and we were off to the races.

I remarked that every time I enter the library, I find Jack in a state of excitement and tense preoccupation with the details of his responsibilities. Did he not get the memo that Fort Lauderdale is where men go to relax? “”Yeah, I get that a lot.

I’m working a fifteen-hour a day job in a resort community. When I returned to Fort Lauderdale, a friend said ‘Jack, you’re not in New York anymore. You can unclench your hand.’ But that’s just not me.”

Returned to Fort Lauderdale?

“Yes. I was born here. Then I lived in Dallas, Portland (Oregon), Charleston, DC and then in 1991, New York City.

That is where I was aiming all along.”

I wondered how Jack got into the museum business.

“I got a degree in American Art from Duke. I was offered a job sight unseen in Portland and I took it and drove out

there. Loved it. This has been my only profession. I got into it in 1978. That means 32 years in May. I started when I was 13….and finally I got to New York as Director of the Museum of the New York Historical Society. I thought that was my dream job, and now this is.”

I told Jack that I considered him the “keeper of memories” in his role as head of the pre-eminent collection of archived queer stuff. I supposed that he had favorite personal queer memorabilia.

“I remember dancing at the gay bars of Raleigh and Durham when I was at Duke, and the police would shine flashlights at us on the dance floor because it was illegal for men to dance closely with men.

I remember the first person I met when I came out. A drag queen named Africa. I was this sweet little Southern blueblood and she was this fabulous creature. I wonder where she is today. I’m telling you this because my personal archives are experiential, they are not physical or material. You would be shocked if you saw my home. It’s not what you would think a museum director would live in. It’s very spare. I am the most minimalist person imaginable. There is only one box, and I have instructed my closest friends about that box. If anything happens to my home or if I am away, they know where that box is and they will save it for me. It has some things in it that are special to me. Birthday cards from my parents. Ticket stubs from Cher and Streisand concerts. That kind of thing. One box only.”

I admitted that I knew a little bit about Jack’s previous life in New York City and I asked him about how he became “Mr. New York Eagle 2000”.

“I did it for all the right reasons and I got all the right things out of it. I was

43 years old and The Eagle was where I hung out. All my friends went there or worked there. It was my place. My home.

My church. A friend said ‘You should enter the contest because you are the best representative of this place and what it’s all about.’ I wasn’t young and all muscled up like the other contestants but I had a one and a half hour interview with the judges and after I won they told me that it was because of that interview. They could tell that nobody could represent The Eagle better than I could. I got an obscenely huge studded leather sash.”

The yenta in me learned that jack is single and I asked him what kind of man appealed to him and why such an attractive fellow should be single in a town full of men.

‘Yeah, this town is full of men, but

they’ve all met me. Seriously, I always say I want ‘Someone complicated.’ They need to be intelligent. Maybe complex is a better way to describe what I like. Oh, and they have to be willing to live next door. I want to keep my own space.”

I changed the subject, asking Jack to name his gay hero.

“All the little boys and girls who dare to come out and have the courage to live their true life. Not denying your own truth. I was a very gay little boy. When people asked me what I wanted to be, I always said ‘a June Taylor dancer’, and I was dead serious about that.”

Jack Rutland is also dead serious about inviting you to visit the Stonewall Library and Archive, 1300 East Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale. www.stonewalllibrary.org

10

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Senators Call for End to Ban on Gays Donating Blood John Kerry Leads the Fight to End Anachronistic Law

By Jim Abrams

sarily any safer for it.”

Brian Moulton, chief legislative counAssociated Press Writer sel for the Human Rights Campaign,the WASHINGTON (AP) — The time has come nation’s largest gay rights group, said they to change a policy that imposes a lifetime are hopeful that the policy, last reviewed ban on donating blood for any man who in 2006, will change under President Barack Obama, “who is interhas had gay sex since ested in looking at all 1977, 18 U.S. senators the policies that have a said Thursday. discriminatory effect.”

“Not a single piece of The goal, he said, scientific evidence supis “to have policies in ports the ban,” said Sen. place that are based John Kerry, a Democrat on the science” rather who joined 16 other than “any discriminaDemocrats and indetory idea about our pendent Sen. Bernie community.”

Sanders in writing Food The senators’ letter and Drug Administranoted that in March tion Commissioner Mar­ 2006, the American garet Hamburg.

Red Cross, America’s The lawmakers stressed Blood Centers and the that the science has American Association changed dramatically of Blood Banks reportsince the ban was esSenator John Kerry (D-Mass.) ed to an FDA-spontablished in 1983 at the advent of the HIV-AIDS crisis. Today sored workshop that the ban is medically donated blood must undergo two different, and scientifically unwarranted.

There was no immediate response from highly accurate tests that make the risk of tainted blood entering the blood supply vir- the FDA to the senators’ letter.

Kerry compared the effort to lift the tually zero, they said.

The senators said that while hospitals blood donation ban to legislation he backed and emergency rooms are in urgent need of in 2008 to end the law banning people blood products, “healthy blood donors are with HIV from traveling and immigrating turned away every day due to an antiquated to the United States. That ban was lifted policy and our blood supply is not neces- last year.

HIV Positive Women Have Indicators for Bone Fractures

A

ccording to a study to be published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, postmenopausal HIVinfected wo­men have a high prevalence of low-bone-mineral density and high bone turnover placing them at high risk for future bone fractures.

“As HIV-infected individuals live longer with potent antiretroviral therapy, metabolic complications such as low bone density and osteoporosis are increasingly recognized,” says Michael Yin, MD, of Columbia University Medical Center in New York and lead author of the study.

“Although numbers of HIV-infected postmenopausal women are increasing and postmenopausal women are at highest risk for osteoporotic fractures, few studies have evaluated skeletal status in this group. We hypothesized that postmenopausal women might be particularly vulnerable to the

adverse effects of HIV infection or ART on the skeleton and our results indicate that this may indeed be the case.”

“HIV infection was independently associated with lo­ wer bone-mineral density after adjusting for body mass index and traditional osteoporosis risk factors,” says Yin. “While the reason for HIV-associated bone loss remains unclear, it may be related to increased levels of cytokines [proteins produced by cells that aid communication between cells], direct effects of antiretrovirals on bone cells or hormonal/ nutritional deficiencies that are common in HIV.” “Estrogen protects against the effect of cytokines on bone resorption,” Yin adds.

“Therefore, as HIV-positive women become estrogen-deficient during menopause, they may be at higher risk for accelerated bone loss and fracture.”

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

13

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Premiere Issue

First Edition March 2010

South Florida Gay News.com

Volume1, Number 1

AIDS Patients Urge Obama to ‘Send Money South’ Region Is Highest in Aids-Related Death, but Last in Funding, Group Says

When Robin Webb lived in New York City, he was treated by HIV specialists and had access to counseling and nutritional programs. Now he lives in Mississippi, one of several mostly rural states across the South with a dearth of resources for HIV and AIDS patients, according to an Associated Press feature early this year.

“Here, there’s no support group, no case management. There’s no daily reinforcement,” said Webb, 52, who has been HIV-positive for two decades.

Health care providers cite a need for more federal and state funding for outreach and drug assistance programs, as well as transportation for patients who have to travel from small towns to get care.

That’s the message which was delivered to White House aides who toured rural regions of the South in December and January to hear local voices make bold recommendations on AIDS policies.

Jeffrey S. Crowley, director of the White House’s Office of National AIDS Policy, told the Associated Press that his forums, one held in Fort Lauderdale on December 20,

2009, addressed two realities of the national epidemic—the significant number of cases in the South, and how the disease disproportionately affects minorities.

The spread of the disease in the South has been attributed to numerous factors, including poverty and a social stigma that discourages many from getting tested or seeking treatment.

Patrick Packer, executive director of the Southern AIDS Coalition and a moderator for the Mississippi discussion, raised the question: “Why is it that the South is not getting its fair share of federal money based on the epidemic?”

The South leads the nation in the percentage of AIDS-related deaths. Yet, the region

ranks last when it comes to overall federal dollars spent on an HIV-infected person at $6,565 a year, according to the coalition.

When President Barack Obama signed the $2.2 billion Ryan White HIV/AIDS extension act, which continued funding for rural areas, it placed the South second in federal money behind the northern region. Activists said it’s still not enough to keep pace with the new cases.

Debbie Konkle-Parker, a nurse practitioner in Jackson, told the AP that the act added federal money to the South, but didn’t put rural areas on the same level as big cities.

“The inequities were pretty huge,” she said. “People were spending (Ryan White)

money in New York City to do journal writing conferences, and in Mississippi, we couldn’t even get people to the clinics.”

Konkle-Parker said Mississippi has about eight public clinics to treat the majority of the 9,000 HIV patients in the state.

The current economic crunch has exacerbated the situation. Some states, like Kentucky, have cut funding for HIV/AIDS programs. The state had been contributing $250,000 a year prior to 2007, but now almost no state money is set aside for the AIDS Drug Assistance program, said Sigga Jagne, a program manager for the Kentucky Department of Health. The same issue has evolved as a dilemma in Arkansas, Tennessee, andFlorida as well, with hundreds of patients on waiting lists for ADAP. Activists are troubled that added funding cuts are only making the waiting lists larger and caused even more gaps in treatment.

“We’re already disproportionately impacted by poverty and high rates of umemployment. It’s important for people who are HIV positive to be provided with life-sustaining drugs,” Jagne said.

14

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

HIV Prevention Begins in the Doctor’s Office

By Jonathan Mermin MD, MPH

W

orld AIDS Day every year is a powerful reminder that the fight against HIV is far

from over.

Despite advances in treatment that have dramatically extended lives and driven down AIDS-related mortality rates, more than 56,000 people still become infected with HIV each year in the U.S.—one every nine and a half minutes.

Physicians have a critical role to play in preventing the spread of HIV. Though there are significant demands on physicians’ scarce time and resources, with relatively little effort it is possible for every doctor to help their patients know their HIV status, avoid infection or transmission, and reduce the burden of HIV in the U.S. Three strategies are key:

Screen Every Patient for HIV. Of an estimated 1.1 million people living with HIV in the U.S., more than 200,000 of them are unaware of their infection. These individuals account for more than 50% of new sexually transmitted HIV infections, and diagnosing them could have a dramatic impact on the U.S. epidemic. This is because once diagnosed, most people with HIV take steps to protect their partners from infection.

Knowledge of status among people with HIV has been associated with a 60% reduction in risk behavior. Among HIV-discordant couples, where one person has HIV

and the other does not, knowledge of HIV status and access to condoms and prevention information have been associated with an 80 to 90% reduction in HIV transmission. In addition, being diagnosed with HIV allows for the provision of antiretroviral therapy, which can not only prolong life, but can also reduce viral load and risk of transmission.

Yet far too many HIV-infected individuals walk out of doctors’ offices, clinics, and emergency rooms without learning they have HIV. This is a tragedy, especially when a simple test can ensure they know their status and are able to seek care.

Today, about 36% of people with HIV are diagnosed within a year of developing AIDS, when treatment is less effective and they may have unknowingly infected others for years.

Every American between the ages of 13 and 64 should be routinely screened for HIV in healthcare settings. Although testing should remain voluntary and be undertaken only with the patient’s knowledge, simplified testing procedures such as incorporating consent for testing into general consent for medical care should be utilized.

In addition, the CDC no longer advises that intensive pretest counseling be required, instead focusing counseling efforts on those individuals who test positive.

Such simplified procedures can give providers the flexibility they need to increase

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HIV testing and early diagnosis in busy medical settings. It is also important to note that universal screening can reduce the stigma still associated with HIV testing, by making this test as routine for patients as a blood pressure check.

Jonathan Mermin, MD, MPH

CDC recommendations also advise that all patients with certain risk factors get tested at least once every year (or more frequently if risk behavior dictates). These patients include those with HIV-positive sex partners, men who have sex with men, injection drug users and their sex partners, and those who have had (or their partners have had) more than one partner since their most recent HIV test.

In addition, all patients initiating treatment for tuberculosis or seeking treatment for STDs should be screened because these conditions may be correlated with HIV infection.

Talk With All of Your Patients About HIV Healthcare providers have the opportunity to speak openly and honestly with all patients about HIV and reducing risk behaviors. It is possible to misjudge patient risk if we don’t open the door to frank conversations. Fewer than 40% of adults say they have talked with their doctor about HIV. And one quarter of

African-Americans—who have eight times the prevalence of HIV than whites—report not being tested for HIV because their physician never recommended it.

Putting this into practice can be as simple as a short conversation, but it requires being comfortable discussing HIV and sexual risk with patients who may be initially surprised by the topic. Many people with HIV do not fit traditional risk profiles. Offering testing to every patient avoids this problem.

Talk with Your HIV-Infected Patients About Prevention.

Talking with infected patients about prevention is just as important as talking with uninfected patients. HIV-infected individuals who receive prevention services from a clinician reduce unprotected sex.

And while many doctors avoid talking about risk behaviors because they assume it makes patients uncomfortable, the opposite can be true. We’ve found that many HIV-infected individuals do appreciate having frank conversations with their doctors about risk behaviors and methods for protecting their partners from acquiring HIV. Increasingly, patients will be asking you about measures they can take to avoid transmitting HIV, including the potential use of antiretroviral therapy, condoms, circumcision, and testing of partners.

There are more options available now than there were 20 years ago, but the principles remain the same: open communication between patients and providers, assisting patients with disclosure of status and encouraging partner testing, and providing patients with the information and tools they need to keep from transmitting HIV and to live longer, healthier lives.

HIV remains a serious but preventable disease. As physicians, we can ensure that our patients are armed with the information they need to protect themselves and their partners from infection.

Jonathan Mermin, MD, MPH, is the Director of CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP).

Before being named to that post, Mermin served as the Director of CDC-Kenya and HHS Public Health Attaché for the U.S. Embassy there. He is a graduate of Harvard College and of Stanford University School of Medicine, and received his MPH from Emory University. He currently serves as an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. He delivered this speech to a group of physicians on World AIDS Day last December.

15

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

UN Launches Campaign to Enhance HIV Prevention for Women

By Edith M. Lederer

Associated Press Writer UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations launched a global campaign Tuesday to prevent girls and women from contracting HIV, now the leading cause of death and disease among women worldwide between the reproductive ages of 15 and 49.

The U.N. AIDS agency and Scottish singer and AIDS activist Annie Lennox unveiled a five-year action plan amid a twoweek meeting to review a 1994 platform to achieve equality for women. The platform was adopted by 189 countries at a historic conference in Beijing and included a call for increased action to prevent HIV in women as well as treat and care for them.

The U.N. Millennium Development goals, adopted in 2000, include halting and reversing the AIDS pandemic by 2015.

But Michel Sidibe, the executive director of UNAIDS, said the agency’s latest report in December showed the proportion of women infected with HIV has risen in many regions of the world over the past 10 years.

According to UNAIDS, HIV is the leading cause of death and disease worldwide among women of child-bearing age from 15-49.

In sub-Saharan Africa, 60 percent of people living with HIV are women, and in southern Africa the prevalence of HIV among women aged 15-24 is on average about three times higher than young men of the same age, UNAIDS said.

Lennox said a “broad movement for

“What we are trying to do is create a new movement, to mobilize the world around a new urgency -urgency which is about stopping violence against women- an urgency which will call for a new mobilization of leaders in order to reduce the number of new infections among girls” and will target more services to women, Sidibe said.

The Agenda for Action launched Tuesday calls for the U.N., governments and voluntary organizations to work together to combat violence against women, analyze and address the factors that prevent women and girls from protecting themselves against HIV, and scale up engagement with men’s Michel Sidibe, UNAIDS Executive Director and boys’ organizations to support the rights of women and girls. change” is needed.

Suksma Ratri, who has HIV, and is a “I see this agenda for action as a great opportunity to bring the realities faced by member of Indonesia’s Positive Women’s many women and girls to the forefront and Network, said she believes the agenda will to call attention to the injustices faced by help countries strengthen services for wommany women and girls, placing them at a en and girls- including those with the virus that causes AIDS. bigger risk of HIV,” she said.

If the agenda is implemented by every Nearly 30 years into the HIV epidemic, Sidibe said, growing inequality between country, she said, “gender inequality bewomen and men and human rights violations tween men and women will slowly vanish” against women including “brutal rapes” and and women will be empowered, even HIV trafficking for prostitution are putting wom- positive women.

Sidibe said he believes the plan will work en and girls at greater risk of HIV infections.

He told a news conference that 400,000 because it was not developed just by the babies are born every year with HIV in Africa U.N. but by governments and voluntary and 30 percent will die before their first birth- groups and has a timeline with targets.

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Doctor to Jail for Diluting AIDS Meds A Riverside County doctor who admitted giving 21 AIDS, HIV or hepatitis patients diluted doses of medication has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison.

Prosecutors say 59-year-old Dr. George Kooshian of La Quinta was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana last Monday.

Kooshian pleaded guilty last year to improperly billing his patients’ health insurance companies for medications used to treat problems relating to AIDS, HIV and hepatitis.

The judge also ordered Kooshian to pay about $660,000 in restitution to 18 insurance companies that he billed for the full dose.

His co-defendant and assistant, Virgil Opi­nion of Anaheim, pleaded guilty to participating in the scheme. He was sentenced in September to three years of probation and ordered to split the restitution with Kooshian. An office visit may cost more at their office when they get out.

16

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Australian Study Says Receptive Anal Sex Increases HIV Risk

R

euters News is reporting that the introduction of effective drugs against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, has not changed gay men’s risk of contracting the virus during a single act of anal sex.

The new research evolves out of an Australian study, and the authors admit that their finding was “unexpected.”

Given that treatment with AIDS drugs sharply reduces the concentration of HIV in a person’s blood, their administration would theoretically make it more difficult to transmit the virus.

Being the “receptive” partner in unprotected anal sex with an HIV-positive man continues to be a gay men’s main risk factor for contracting the virus, said Dr. Fengyi Jin of the National Center in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research at the University of New South Wales, down under.

To estimate the risk of contracting HIV for each instance of unprotected anal sex of either type, the researchers enrolled 1,427 men who reported having had sex with another man at least once in the past five years between a three and a half year period from June 2001 and December 2004.

The study participants were interviewed about their sexual behavior every six months, and tested for HIV every year until June 2007.

During follow-up, 53 men contracted HIV. The riskiest type of sexual activity was receptive anal sex with ejaculation into the rectum; each such act carried a 1.43 percent risk of contracting HIV. If a man’s partner withdrew before ejaculation, the risk dropped to 0.65 percent.

Less is known about the risks for the “in-

sertive” partner, the study adds, although there is evidence that it may be lower for circumcised men. Circumcised men had a 0.11 percent risk of contracting HIV for every insertive sex act, while the risk for circumcised men was 0.62 percent.

Reuters News noted that the findings were very similar to a study conducted in the United States in the early 1990s. That report also indicated a higher percent risk of contracting HIV for every instance of receptive anal sex.

Rates of HIV testing among gay men in Australia are “very high,” the researchers note, while 70 percent of HIV-positive men are receiving treatment with powerful AIDS drugs. And three quarters of these men have no detectable virus in their blood. So it is “surprising,” the researchers say, that the risks associated with unprotected sex are so similar to what they were in the early 1990s, when it would have been rare for an HIV-positive man to have undetectable levels of the virus in his blood.

The findings apply to the population of gay men as a whole, the researchers add, and “caution should be exercised before interpreting the results at the level of individual men.” Genes and other biological factors can influence the risk of both transmitting and contracting the virus, they explain.

For example, they note, 12 of the men in the study contracted HIV after having unprotected anal sex less than 10 times, while there were six study participants who didn’t contract the virus even though they had “extremely large numbers” of receptive anal sex episodes with HIV-positive partners.

Reuters photo /Aly Song

Antiretroviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV Fuyang, Anhui province November 27, 2009

are stored in a container in

Shocking New Data

Gay Men 44 Times More Likely to Get HIV

By Norm Kent

M

en who have sex with men ( MSM ) are at least 44 times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV than other men, and 40 times more likely than women, according to an analysis released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) at the 2010 National STD Prevention Conference.

The stunning report, released just last Thursday, reported that MSM were over 46 times more likely to contract syphilis than other men, and over 71 times more likely than women to contract syphilis.

Kevin Fenton, who heads up the CDC’s efforts in those areas, said the analysis was made to show “just how stark the health disparities are between this and other populations.”

“It is clear that we will not be able to stop the US HIV epidemic until every affected community, along with health officials nationwide, prioritize the needs of gay and bisexual men with HIV prevention efforts,” Fenton wrote in his report.

“There is no single or simple solution for reducing HIV and syphilis rates among gay and bisexual men. We need intensified prevention efforts that are as diverse as the gay community itself,” Fenton said in a prepared statement.

“The CDC’s newly released statistics highlight how HIV continues to disproportionately affect gay men more than any other group in the U.S.,” said Marjorie Hill, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York City.

“Greater prevention efforts targeted toward this population are clearly needed. We commend President Obama for proposing a new $28 million to expand innovative HIV prevention with gay and bisexual men. It is time the CDC match the trends of the epi-

demic,” added Hill.

While the report does not necessarily release new data, it offers a new analysis which confirms previous studies. But the entire report relies on fundamental assumptions, which critics have challenged in the past. How do you accurately identify ‘gay and bisexual’ men?

CDC’s answer was to make two assumptions and computations. Under the first it assumed that MSM are 4% of the population and arrived at those conclusions. Under the second, it assumed that MSM are only 2% of the population, and the numbers doubled; the ratios were twice as bad.

But what if the assumptions are wrong and MSM are a larger part of the population? The famous Kinsey study found that about 30% of all men had at least one samesex encounter at some point in their lives. If the number of MSM really is larger than 4%, the ratios would drop, perhaps precipitously.

Dustin Davis, a Wilton Manors-based nurse, says the numbers clearly represent a mixed bag of good and bad news.

“It’s satisfying to hear that gay men have learned the lessons of the past, but who can be happy when the stats show the risk for gay men having sex with other men throws the likelihood of getting something through the roof?” Davis wonders.

Blake Carlton, a Lauderhill attorney, says now is the time for greater efforts to prevent the spread of this still all-too-dangerous illness.

“Congress needs to follow the President’s lead and put more funding into expanding HIV prevention for gays and for bisexual men. That’s the X Factor,” Carlton posits.

The CDC press release last Thursday advanced the implementation of the new measures to stem the tide of HIV populations increasing, including sex education at earlier ages and school interventions which promote tolerance of LGBT youth..

17

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

By Matthew Perrone AP Business Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning Tuesday about potential heart risks when combining two HIV drugs.

The agency said preliminary data suggest Roche’s Invirase and Abbott Laboratories’ Norvir can affect the electrical activity of the heart when used together. Changes to the heart’s electrical activity can delay the signals that trigger heart beats.

In some cases the problem can cause irregular heart rhythms, leading to lightheadedness, fainting, and even death.

The FDA made its announcement after reviewing data submitted by Roche about the heart activity of patients using its drug with Abbott’s Norvir. The agency said its review is ongoing and patients should not stop taking Invirase without talking to their doctor.

Doctors should review patients’ heart health and current medications to determine if they should continue taking Invirase, the agency said in a statement posted online.

Invirase was approved in 1995 and is marketed by Genentech, the biotech unit of Swiss drugmaker Roche.

The drug is used in combination with Norvir and other anti-viral drugs to control HIV in adults. Norvir is given at a low dose to boost the level of Invirase in the body.

The FDA previously asked Roche and all makers of protease inhibitor drugs, which include Invirase, to conduct studies of the heart side effects of their products.

A spokeswoman for Genentech said the company has submitted new drug labeling to Invirase that is under FDA review.

“The safety of patients is of the utmost importance to Genentech, and we continue to monitor and report to FDA adverse event reports from patients and physicians,’’ Tara

Cooper said in a statement.

A spokeswoman for Abbott, based in North Chicago, Ill., said the language on heart rhythm risks already appears in Norvir’s labeling.

The company previously completed the same studies FDA requested of Genentech, and updated its drug’s label in August 2008.

HIV attacks the body’s immune sys­ tem, eventually caus­ ing AIDS. Just over 1.1 million Americans are estimated to have HIV and 232,000 do not Heart normal anterior view with internal heart stuctures-ventricles, atria, valves know it, according to the Centers for which seeks to alert the public to a potential Disease Control and Prevention.

The FDA issued Tuesday’s warning under side effect with a drug immediately, even if its so-called early communication program, no direct link has been established.

Patrick J. Lynch, medical illustrator; C. Carl Jaffe, MD, cardiologist

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Researchers Urge Early Anti Viral Therapies to Contest HIV

A AIDS Virus Can Hide in Bone Marrow

T

he virus that causes AIDS can hide in the bone marrow, avoiding drugs and later awakening to cause illness, according to new research that could point the way toward better treatments for the disease.

Finding that hide-out is a first step, but years of research lie ahead.

Dr. Kathleen Collins of the University of Michigan and her colleagues report in this week’s edition of the journal Nature Medicine that the HIV virus can infect long-lived bone marrow cells that eventually convert into blood cells.

The virus is dormant in the bone marrow cells, she said, but when those progenitor cells develop into blood cells, it can be reactivated and cause renewed infection. The virus kills the new blood cells and then moves on to infect other cells, said.

“If we’re ever going to be able to find a way to get rid of the cells, the first step is to understand” where a latent infection can continue, Collins said.

In recent years, drugs have reduced AIDS deaths sharply, but patients need to keep taking the medicines for life or the infection comes back, she said. That’s an indication that while the drugs battle the active virus,

some of the disease remains hidden away to flare up once the therapy is stopped.

One hide-out was found earlier in blood cells called macrophages. Another pool was discovered in memory T-cells, and research began on attacking those.

But those couldn’t account for all the HIV virus still circulating, Collins said, showing there were more locations to check out and leading her to study the blood cell progenitors.

Finding these sources of infection is important because eliminating them would allow AIDS patients to stop taking drugs after their infection was over. That’s critical in countries where the treatment is hard to afford and deliver.

“I don’t know how many people realize that although the drugs have reduced mortality we still have a long way to go,” Collins said in a telephone interview. “That is mainly because we can’t stop the drugs, people have to take it for a lifetime.”

The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health, Burroughs Wellcome Foundation, University of Michigan, Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship, National Science Foundation and a Bernard Maas Fellowship.

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ggressive, early anti-viral therapy might provide a way to derail the spread of AIDS, a battle where a successful vaccine remains elusive.

Called “test-and-treat,” the goal is to catch new AIDS cases early and administer therapy to reduce the amount of virus in patients’ systems in an effort to prevent them from spreading the illness.

While anti-retroviral therapy has increased in the last five years it has often been given too late in the course of infection. By the time people start therapy they have infected most of those that they would have infected anyway, Brian Williams of the South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis told the annual meeting on the American Association for the Advancement.

And the National Institutes of Health is now looking at testing the strategy in the United States.

Some 40 million people are infected with HIV/AIDS worldwide and the plague continues to spread, researchers said.

“The problem is we are using drugs to save lives, we’re not using them to prevent infection,” Williams said. Much of the spread of the infection is by people who are not yet aware they have the virus.

Even in the United States, 20 percent to 25 percent of infected people don’t know it, added Dr. Kenneth H. Mayer of Brown University. They can be highly infectious if they engage in risky behavior, he said.

Aggressively testing people for HIV and then launching treatment with anti-retroviral drugs could set up a roadblock to the spread, Williams said.

Early treatment can reduce the load of virus in the blood to one ten-thousandth

of what it would be otherwise. Such a drop makes the carrier just one-twenty-fifth as likely to pass on the infection, Williams said. Such a reduction could help break the cycle of infection, he said.

Once treatment is started it’s a lifetime commitment, Mayer added.

The test-and-treat idea was suggested by the World Health Organization and the programs in the Bronx and Washington are aimed at seeing if the idea can work in the real world.

“NIAID already is conducting several studies designed to answer the key research questions that underpin the testand-treat concept,” Carl Dieffenbach, director of

HIV testing methods

NIAID’s Division of AIDS said in a statement. “Through this partnership, NIAID is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to design a study to answer whether implementing a combined strategy of expanding HIV testing, diagnosing infection early and bringing HIV-infected patients to medical care and treatment is feasible.”

Meanwhile, Dennis R. Burton of the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, Calif., told the AAAS meeting that while no successful AIDS vaccine has been developed, he remains optimistic.

Tests in monkeys have been encouraging and researchers continue their vaccine work, he said.

19

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN Editorial 3/15/2010 Norm Kent Publisher

ing, usually with a bottle of Jack by his side.

I dedicate this supplement to not only him, but friends whose voices have been silenced for decades by a disease which has now lived on for decades. During their time here, these individuals, like so many others before them, enhanced our awareness of HIV. They did so with spirit in the face of adversity. The Spirit News is the name of our HIV standards of care, and more attention to supplement, but it was Mike’s logo, his dethe disease, we have become encouraged, sign, and his creation.

Mike James was a character like Jack Kerperhaps too much so. Have we not also become too complacent? Has apathy set ouac, one of those geniuses who lived on the edge, and often ran it in? Too many of us are to excess. He was a filmlooking at living with maker, an artist, a writer. the disease comfortably, We spent too little time instead of ending the together these past few pandemic urgently. Unyears, but I will cherish his fortunately, people are passion; his willingness to still dying. buck the tide and assert One of the more recent his independence. He was victims of AIDS would have truly the master of his fate been the editor in chief of and the captain of his soul. this newspaper. His name Mike James I salute him as a champiwas Jerry Michael James, 1971-2009 on. But then, I ran an AIDS and he died on December 20, 2009, the very afternoon that White clinic for two years. I met many champions.

I saw too many young men living with HIV, House officials came to South Florida to open but they refused to let it hinder their dreams. dialogues on new ways to treat HIV. Mike James was my friend, the onetime I also saw single moms and teenage children Editor in Chief of the Express Gay News, born into HIV who have known no and a spirited activist in many causes, too other life, but still raised their kids. I many to list here today. He was proud most- saw doctors working daily on infecly of the films he created, and the prose he tions, colds, swellings,and diarrhea wrote late into the wee hours of the morn- cutting through people’s bodies

like razor blades. Behind the shadow of the clinics that hold car washes and art sales to raise money, there is a silent pain you cannot imagine; the fear of an unknown malady which tomorrow might bring.

There are still, in 2010, clients who need acupuncture and transportation. Case managers who need to find housing. Patients who need medicine. Recovering soldiers who need employment and hope. Mentally challenged and homeless who need counseling. Scientists and pharmaceutical researchers who need funding for new protocols.

There is a hidden world of HIV the public never sees. Maybe some of these pages bring it too light.

This supplement is a moment to reflect and take hold of what is occurring presently.

It is not as local as I would like it to be. There are stories to be written on the good people working mighty deeds every day at Care Resources, the AIDS Health Care Foundation, Shadowood, Broward House, Poverello, Camp 4 Health, and a host of other agencies fighting the good fight. We will get to share those stories with you in time. Patience.

Do me one small favor today. We have all had a Mike James in our lives. We all know someone who walked with you side by side in a Pridefest years ago, but is no longer with us today. Remember, recall, and revive that Spirit today. Remember too that our battle is not won, and this terrible disease, which has hurt so many, must still be conquered.

community it sounds more like a punch line.

Just say no? In general, human beings and self-denial rarely occupy the same sentence comfortably.

Prevention by using simple logic? Again, it makes sense on paper, but most people tend to think differently when they are horizontal than they do when they are vertical.

The average man’s body contains approximately 60-65 milliliters of blood for each kilogram of body weight. This is just enough so that either your brain or your penis will function properly—but not enough so both can function at the same time.

Anyone over the age of 13 knows that while not 100 percent effective, if properly worn, latex cond o m s will prevent most STDs. Condoms have been around, it seems forever.

Images exist from 1,000 BC showing Egyptians used linen sheaths to prevent pregnancies and STDs. Up until 1880, condoms were manufactured (by Goodyear) from vulcanized rubber before someone got the bright idea to try the thinner and imminently more flexible latex.

While no one can fix a concrete date to

The Spirit: HIV in 2010

T

he HIV supplement we present to you today is a reminder that AIDS still matters and is very real.

When it comes to AIDS, a disease once known as GRID—gay related immune deficiency syndrome—there is much the gay community can be proud about. When a President and a country turned their eyes and ears away from us decades ago, we raised our voices and gathered in protest to let the nation see and hear our concern.

We marched in the streets in the 1980’s and we have held AIDS walks and bike rides in more recent decades. We still fight the good fight, remembering those who have passed and fighting like hell for those who are still living.

Years ago, when we read of AIDS, we heard stories of death and dying. In January of 2010, when the Office of National AIDS Policy came to town, we heard stories of survival. More and more people are living longer and longer with HIV. Our higher purpose should be to let people live without HIV, not longer with it.

As a result of better treatments, higher

Paul Gallotta

Penicillin Anyone?

A

lfred, Lord Tennyson once famously noted “In the Spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.” This probably explains why the Broward County Health Department has deemed April, Sexually Transmitted Disease Awareness month.

Unfortunately in LGBT community “Aware­ ness” has a nasty tendency to be defined as doing field research. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Florida has the highest incidence of gonorrhea and syphilis in the country among states with a population of 10 million or more. While a significant percentage of these cases stem

from heterosexuals who exchange sex for drugs (primarily crack), gay men seem to be leading the charge on the same ground (the drug in this case tends to be crystal).

According to the CDC there are 25 acknowledged STDs (defined as bacterial, viral, parasitic or fungal infections transmitted by coitus). More than 15 million Americans are infected with at least 1 every year; four million more aren’t aware they have one.

And 6.5 million more have an incurable one.

It seems strange when anyone capable of passing a drug screen knows how to prevent them. While the concept of saving oneself for marriage might sound great on paper, in our

continued on page 26

20

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Brian McNaught

Anti-Gay Pols: Scandal and Redemption

T

here was a mass murderer by the name of Ahimsaka, which translated means “harmless,” who terrorized people by walking around with the fingers of 999 of his victims hanging from his neck. He didn’t start out his life as such a wicked man. As a boy, he was eager to please, but he was commanded to do evil deeds by his wealthy benefactor. And so he did.

I suspect that Roy Ashburn, the antigay, closeted, GOP California state senator didn’t start out his life as a wicked man either, but his wealthy benefactor, the Republican Party, commanded him to do their bidding. And so he did.

Gay and lesbian people have long been terrorized by closeted gay politicians and others who do wicked things to win the favor of straight people. The old, recognizable names include J. Edgar Hoover, Roy Cohn, Idaho

Senator Larry Craig, and Florida Rep. Mark Foley. Today we have South Carolina Lt. Governor Andre Bauer, California Rep. David Drier, and Virginia Rep. Ed Schrock, all allegedly closeted gay men who may think their actions are “harmless,” but who do very wicked things at the command of their wealthy benefactor, the Republican National Committee. (RNC).

A name one might not remember from the list of former, closeted gay Republican adversaries is that of Rep. Robert Bauman, who I reported in my column in 1981 was arrested for soliciting sex in gay bars at night. In our minds, at that time, the gentleman from Maryland was our Ahimsaka. We thought he did wicked deeds in the name of his benefactor, and it negatively impacted our lives. As one might expect, it did the same to his.

Gratefully, the story of Ahimsaka does not end with his continuing to kill other people,

nor does the story of Bob Bauman end with (HRC). His name now means “harmless.”

But how do we proactively stop others behim solely known for co-sponsoring the “Family Protection Act.” In both instances, fore they do harm to themselves and to us? each man finds redemption, and we find hope. How do we prevent the handsome but dangerIn hearing about the murderer with 999 ous, closeted gay man who seeks the governorfingers hanging from his neck, the Buddha ship of South Carolina, with the support of the sought him out in the forest where he did Religious Right, from accumulating any more most of his killing. When Ahimsaka saw human fingers to hang around his neck? Is he redeemable? What about the Buddha, he charged at Governor Charlie Crist in him with his sword but Florida, or the blogger Matt he couldn’t keep the holy Drudge? What do we do with man in place long enough closeted gay men, or with to cut off his head. their angry, suspicious spous“Stand still,” the enes (Anita Bryant), and parents raged man yelled at the (Phyllis Schlafly), before they Buddha. seek the approval of others by “I am still, in that I doing the evil bidding of their harm no human being,” wealthy patrons? replied the Buddha. “You If they are actively antikill, and therefore you are gay, like Rep. Roy Ashburn not still.”

Bob Bauman and Lt. Governor Andre Because of his encounter with the Buddha, Ahimsaka ac- Bauer, turning our heads the other way in knowledged and owned his wickedness, an attempt to protect their privacy, with the repented, and then at the command of hope that they will find their way, is not the the Buddha, he walked among, and made answer. They need interventions, just as amends to, those whom he had previously drug addicts and alcoholics do before they harmed. Former Congressman Bob Bau- kill other people or themselves. It worked for Ahimsaka, and it may work for them. man has done the same.

Motivated by hope and not by hate, the first Following a recent newspaper article on my work, an e-mail arrived with the head- thing we should do when we know that an ing, “From Bob Bauman (yes, that Bob Bau- anti-gay public figure is gay or bisexual is to tell someone, such as Chuck Wolf, the wise and man).” He wrote: “It has been quite a few years since your wonderful wizard behind the curtain at the Viccolumns about ‘the gentleman from Mary- tory Fund (victoryfund.org), and Michael Rogland,’ and I still have one of your early books ers, the vigilant reporter behind blogactive.com. in which you analyze my then difficulties.” They, in turn, need to bring in a small team of “I have lived in Fort Lauderdale for about 10 professionals to meet with the homophobic, years. I have been meaning to contact you… closeted gay man or woman. This team should perhaps when your work and global travels include the sagacious Bob Witeck, of Witeckpermit, I could treat you and Ray to dinner. Combs, who has helped many clients undo the I would be honored to meet you at long last.” damage they have done to gay people; Joe Kort, I replied, in part, “What a treat to hear from the successful gay therapist and experienced you, Bob, especially knowing that it must guide who can help the individual acknowlmean that you’ve been ‘singing your song,’ edge and accept his or her sexual orientation, and have found happiness and serenity in and Perry Brass, the revered author who can your life. Nice going! I’m very proud of, and provide the person with guidelines on creating most grateful for the journey you have made.” a meaningful sexual life for themselves.

If the anti-gay person rejects the intervenLike Ahimsaka under the Buddha’s mentoring, Bob learned to be still. He has been tion, then he or she should be publicly scorned openly and proudly gay for many years, is before they are able to do any further damage. sober, and very happy. He is humbled by The mainstream media will not always coopthe memory of his closeted self, and his oc- erate, but an effort must be made to alert the casional forays into unsupportive legislation, innocent that a man or woman who collects but he has been redeemed. Since being con- human fingers as proof of their prowess confronted with his lack of stillness in the early tinues to roam the forest in search of prey.

We hope for their redemption, but we 1980s, Bob has spoken on behalf of gay rights to the American Bar Association, and at the must actively protect ourselves from their invitation of the Human Rights Campaign hypocrisy and wickedness.

21

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Jennifer Vanasco

Cruising with Lesbians

Photo courtesy of Olivia: www.olivia.com

T

he Florida deputy sheriff squinted at the long line of lesbians and resettled his holsters on his hips.

“This is why I like the ladies of Olivia!” he said, walking down the line. “Every year you’re respectful. Cabs are on their way.”

About 1,200 of us had just disembarked from Olivia’s 20th anniversary cruise to the Western Carribean—and there were no taxis at the port. We were tired. We leaned on our partners and yawned in the sun.

“I always love dealing with you women,” the deputy said. “You should see some of the other cruises that come in. Scary.”

The police officers asked us not to push when the cabs came, not to cut in front of each other. We smiled, laughed when he made jokes, and stood quietly.

And he appreciated it.

We were appreciated, actually, throughout the cruise. In port cities like Cozumel, Mexico and small villages on the island of Roatan in Honduras, people thanked us for coming and for spending money. “We do not discriminate,” the guide said in Belize. “Everyone is welcome here.”That is not quite true. Sodomy is illegal in Belize (only since 2003—it’s not a colonial relic) and carries a 10-year prison sentence.

There is no recognition of same-sex partnerships; there are no antidiscrimination laws.

But what they were saying was: We need tourism. And if you come, we will treat you respectfully. We need you. We want

you to come back.

This is the power of travel.

It can be scary to be out in foreign countries as a couple alone. At home, we know which streets are safe and which are not. We know when it is OK to hold hands on the subway, which looks are threatening and which are merely disapproving, what spaces welcome us and which places we should avoid.

But when we travel internationally, everything is new. We might not speak the language or be familiar with the food. We might not be familiar with the laws. We might not know if the police are on our side or not.

Yet, being out while traveling is important.

We talk a lot as a community about how being out to our friends and co-workers in our own communities affects their attitudes and therefore their votes.

But what we don’t talk about as much is that by traveling to other democracies—especially in packs—we have the ability to affect their laws, too.

Part of this is because survey after survey shows that gay people spend an enormous amount of money on travel. But part of this is because we are walking billboards for the idea that gay people are just like everyone else.

I’ve traveled in many places where I’m the only openly gay person local people have met.

They ask me a lot of questions. They express surprise, often, that I’m so feminine-appearing. But by the end of our conversation, I’m

usually confident that they are walking away with the idea that gay people are nice, interesting, friendly—normal.

I’m not advocating being flagrantly gay in clearly dangerous places (and in countries like Jamaica and now Uganda, it is probably best not to go at all). But refusing to lie in countries (or in Red States) where being gay is not dangerous but only not very visible–asking for one bed, for example, being affectionate on the street if not sexual, admitting you are gay, all the while respecting the country you are visiting–can have a profound affect.

And where individuals can do some good, gays in packs, I believe, can make an enormous difference. Judy Dlugacz, Olivia’s founder, talks about how Olivia women on a cruise were welcomed with open arms in Greece

Equality Florida Gala Will Award Congresswomen

and Turkey because they were respectful and spending a lot of money at a time when those economies were in crisis.

Business people and the tourism industry have an enormous effect on their local legislators—if they want us to be there, chances are that the laws will change to be made more welcoming.

That sheriff’s deputy was a bit of a surprise to me, since Florida is such a Red State (though admittedly, Tampa is a gay-friendly city). But it shouldn’t have been.

Because he had seen us traveling in packs – and so he knew us for who we really are.

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

friends is not negotiable.”

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen has an exemplary record in support of LGBT equality. She is also a member of n Sunday, March 21, Equality Florida will the LGBT Equality Caucus and helped to pass the Matthew Shepard and James recognize Congresswomen Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D) and Ileana Ros-Lehtin- Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act that en (R) for their bipartisan support of Florida’s specifically offered protections to LGBT people for the first time in US history. lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) She is the lead Republican sponsor on community.The congresswomen will be honored as recipients of the “Voices for Equality” the Employment Non-Discrimination Act Award at Equality Florida’s 2010 Miami Gala at (ENDA), the Domestic Partner Benefits and Obligations Act and the Military Miami’s River Lounge.

Readiness Enhancement Act, seeking the A steadfast champion for Florida’s LGBT community, Congresswoman Deb- repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” among other LGBT bills she supports. bie Wasserman-Schultz served on the The Equality Florida Miami Gala features Advisory Board for Florida’s Vote No On a State of the State Address by Nadine 2 campaign to defeat the 2008 “marriage amendment.” She has supported the pas- Smith, Equality Florida’s Executive Director and an elegant cocktail reception. sage of federal hate crimes protections, Equality Florida Miami Gala takes place the Employment Non-Discrimination Act at the River Lounge in the Epic Hotel, 270 (ENDA), the Domestic Partner Benefits Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Tickets are $125.. and Obligations Act, and the repeal of For more information, visit http://eqfl.

“Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” org/miamigala/ or call Stratton Pollitzer at Wasserman-Schultz is co-founder of the US Congress’s first-ever LGBT Equal- (954) 682-6094. ity Caucus, which is an effort to extend Equality Florida is Florida’s statewide human rights organization dedicated to the rights of civil rights, repeal discriminatory laws, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. eliminate hate-motivated violence and improve health for all, regardless of sexual Through education and advocacy, the organization is committed to building a state of equal rights for orientation and gender identity. During all Floridians, inclusive of all sexual orientations the Caucus’ launch, she stated, “Equaland gender identities. ity for our gay, lesbian and transgender

O

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Business News

AHF, Pension Funds, Pressure Merck to Lower HIV Drug Prices selves launched a campaign last fall to educate the public about the high price of the needed HIV meds.

One of the largest pension funds in the nation, incorporating public employees and the school system, the letter applauded Merck for their continued work on the HIV virus, but included an admonition that is “only through sustained collaboration that a Merck’s Isentress comes in oval shaped pink (expensive) pills balance can be struck between treatment and affordability of these life saving drugs.”

One fund, the California State Retirement wo of America’s largest pension funds in the nation, based in Cali- System, CalSRTS, which sent the letter, carfornia, have sent letters express- ries a $156 billion investment portfolio, and ing concern over Merck and Co. Pharma- is a long-term owner of Merck & Co. stock, ceuticals pricing of its key HIV/AIDS drugs, with more than 3.5 million shares currently Isentress. It is now the most expensive first- worth over $100 million dollars. The letter should have some clout. line AIDS treatment in the U.S. AHF commended the funds for expressing AIDS Health Care Foundation representatives applauded the initiative, having them- concern over the price of Isentress and “for

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encouraging corporate social responsibility from the companies in which they are invested,” said Michael Weinstein, AIDS Healthcare Foundation President. “There is simply no justification for Merck to price Isentress three times higher than other first-line AIDS drugs. The price of this drug is putting an unbearable strain on taxpayer funded State AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP) in California and all over the country, ultimately limiting access to lifesaving HIV/AIDS treatment to those most in need.”

Initially approved in October 2007 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a salvage therapy, the FDA recently expanded its approval of Merck’s Isentress for use as a first line course of treatment in HIV/AIDS, a move which both greatly expanded the US market for the drug and made Merck’s antiretroviral (ARV) Isentress the most expensive first line treatment on the market.

AHF has undertaken several actions to

urge Merck to lower the price of Isentress including a recent protest during last month’s Conference of Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in San Francisco.

The organization has also initiated an innovative advertising campaign which includes vinyl train station banners ads urging, ‘Merck: ‘Do the Right Thing’ hung from light poles on the train platforms in Whitehouse Station, NJ, Merck’s hometown, and parodying their newspaper ads. One of those ads has appeared in this paper and the Washington Agenda.

In addition, AHF has written letters to all state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) and Medicaid Directors requesting that Isentress be placed on “prior authorization” in order to control costs while still ensuring that those patients who need Isentress have access to it. Placing “prior authorization” procedures on Isentress ensures that the drug remains available to those for whom it is medically necessary.

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Nutrition

The Truth About Blueberries

By Joey Amato

G

ay men and women are always looking for a way to combat the effects of aging. The solution may be a lot simpler than we think. Calorie for calorie, blueberries have recently emerged as the single best and healthiest food in the supermarket people can use to tackle aging according to a report by the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center.

First, a little science lesson. Every second of your life, your cells are bombarded by dangerous particles called free radicals. In a split second, they can alter your DNA in ways that cause cancer. Free radicals can change LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) so it sticks to artery walls. Furthermore, they can damage collagen and make skin wrinkle-prone.

Over time, changes such as these accelerate your aging. The trick is increase the amount of antioxidants in your diet.

An antioxidant is a molecule capable of

slowing or preventing the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. These reactions can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions that damage cells. Antioxidants terminate chain reactions by removing free radicals.

That’s where the incredible blueberry comes in. The amazing little fruit has emerged as nature’s No. 1 healthy food source of antioxidants among fresh fruits and vegetables.

The USDA report concluded that blueberries beat out 39 other common fruits and vegetables in antioxidant power—even such heavyweights as kale, strawberries, spinach, and broccoli. Much of that power comes literally “out of the blue”— from anthocyanins, the pigments that give blueberries their deep blue hue. Blueberries are bursting with them.

Dr. Michael Dardano, a Wilton Manors

holistic physician states, “blueberries have fantastic antioxidant properties, and are great for fighting cancer.” Furthermore, “the fruit provides tons of vitamin C and E and has anti-aging properties.”

Impressed by the report was Dr. Ronald Prior, head of the Tufts Institute research laboratory who discovered the secret power of blueberries.

He now recommends adding 1/2 cup of blueberries to your diet every day—a far cry from our current average intake of about 2 1/2 cups a year!

“With 1/2 cup of blueberries, you can just about double the amount of antioxidants most Americans get in one day. If you want to slow down the free radical aging process, blueberries are the leader of the pack,” he says.

The most intriguing news about blueberries is this, “There’s a possibility they can actually reverse the loss of short-term memory that happens as we age”, says James Joseph,

Ph.D., a USDA scientist at Tufts.

Dr. Joseph explains that as rats age, they forget how to find their way through mazes that they previously had learned to navigate. But when he and his colleagues supplemented the diets of some older rats with blueberry extract for two months, they actually improved their navigational skills in the same mazes. The rats’ balance, coordination, and running speed also improved.

In Japan, blueberries are known as “the vision fruit”—reputed to help relieve eyestrain—and blueberry sales there have quadrupled in the last two years, says John Sauve, executive director of the Wild Blueberry Association of North America. That’s due in part to research in Europe indicating that European blueberries (bilberries) can improve night vision and help eyes adjust to bright lights.

But not all is glorious about this little blue fruit. The berry is the fruit with the highest mold count. Dr. Dardano warns, “people who have sensitivities to mold should avoid the fruit.” In addition, according to WebMd, blueberries might lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and the fruit might affect blood glucose levels.

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Paul Gallotta can get them for free at almost any bar, they’re continued from page 19 their first appearance, STD’s have been awkward to apply appropriately. They have around for just as long. During the Cru- a capacity to destroy spontaneity. There’s sades, the Turks used to refer to syphilis as something that feels so clinical about them.

The Christian Disease; during the Middle No matter how micro thin they make them, Ages it was called The French Disease they still diminish sensation.

Some people feel they’re protected by mo(except in France where it was called The Italian Disease). Contrary to popular be- nogamy. But no man ever told his partner ‘I lief, evidence shows STD’s existed in this haven’t cheated on you, but let’s start using rubcountry long before Columbus landed. bers.’ Others argue it’s a matter of freedom of Historical figures ranging from Ivan the choice. Accurate, but stupid. Just because you Terrible to Al Capone were believed to can do something doesn’t mean you should do something. Others who already have HIV have been infected.

Prior to the first use of penicillin in or Herpes trot out the tired argument ‘someone gave it to me, so why treating STD’s back in 1943, should I care if I give it to typical treatment used to someone else?’ Because, vary from counter infection it’s a small community, and with the highly toxic merlike it or not, we are in efcury to counter infection fect our brother’s keepers. with malaria (the theory beHaving worked for the ing that prolonged exposure last 16 years in healthto a febrile state would burn care, the most common the bacteria out if it didn’t response I’d received kill the patient). Given the from someone who was nature of the ‘cure’ it’s no HIV positive who somesurprise scientists put so Al Capone, famous STD case how acquired a new STD much effort into perfecting was some variation on the ‘I don’t care if I live the prophylactic.

This would normally be the place where or die, why should I care if someone I meet some hack would write how readily avail- in a bar does?’ theme. Anyone else scared?

No matter how you look at them, conable condoms are and how important it is to protect our partners, not to mention doms (and for that matter, safer sex) aren’t ourselves, etc. Please. A generation into the as much fun as the alternative.

Still, they are more fun than the sensation of AIDS pandemic, every gay man has heard this song before. I have plenty of friends. I pissing razor blades (gonorrhea), going insane (syphilis), growing lesions that look like caudon’t need to be ignored by you.

There’s no way around it, condoms are as liflower on your genitals (herpes), or inconmuch fun as a trip to the dentist. After the tinence (Giardia). They may kill spontaneity, fact, you might feel good about it, but dur- but then again, so does having to take a fistful ing the act, not so much. Even though you of pills every day for the rest of your life.

CORRECTIONS

In our February 25 edition, the abbreviations LGBT and GLBT were so convoluted we even forgot In our March 1 edition, the former name of which was supposed to be which, and where. Whoa.

Miami-Dade County was referred to as “Miami In our March 8 edition, photographic credit for County;” it was formerly known as “Dade County.” images of Marc Hansen, Tiny Tina and Cathy Also in our March 1 edition, Brad Kane of Craig should have gone to Pompano Bill. AddiColdwell Banker Residential Real Estate was tionally, Pompano should have been credited for referred to as “Brad Cohen.” Bradford Cohen is the following images which may or may not have a Broward County criminal defense attorney. appeared in our paper: the Apollo 11 Moon landing Our apologies to both Messers Kane and Cohen.

(1969); The Zapruder Film (1963); the HindenIn the same article, the name of Steve Shuman burg disaster (1937); the Woodrow Wilson election of Coldwell Banker was spelled “Schuman.” Our (1914) and the Lincoln assassination (1865). apologies to Mr. Shuman.

Soldiers Die for Boys Sold as Slaves continued from page 3

brutal and theocratic Taliban swept into power, the streets “were filled with teenagers and their sugar daddies, flaunting their relationships,” recorded the British daily. Few deny that the practice is widespread.

The Koran imposes the death penalty for consensual relations between members of the same sex, even for cross dressing. Not just any death penalty. By tradition, one of three punishments is mandated- either burning at the stake, being pushed over the edge of a cliff, or being crushed by a toppled wall.

Many locals accuse the Taliban of hypocrisy when it comes to keeping young boys for sex slaves.“The Taliban kept it secret,” one local southern Warlord told the Los Angeles Times. “They hid their halekon in their madrasas [religious schools].”

The Los Angeles Times report included an interview with Dr. Mohammed Nasem Zafar, a professor at Kandahar Medical College, who estimated that around 50% of the former Taliban stronghold’s men have sex with men or boys at some point in their lives. Zafar said the prime age at which boys are believed attractive is between 12 and 16, before their beards grow in.

He told the Los Angeles Times sometimes when the halekon grow up, “older men try to keep them in the family by marrying them to their daughters.” Zafar said he once caught a local religious leader having sex with a younger man on an examining room table in his medical office.

“If this is our mullah, what can you say for the rest?” he asked.

Outside of Kandahar Even in Northern Afghanistan, homosexual issues have generated controversy.

In 2007, Reuters reported that young Afghan boy dancers were being turned into sex slaves by wealthy and powerful patrons, often former warlords, who dress the boys up as girls, shower them with gifts and keep them as “mistresses.”

“The practice, called ‘bacha bazi’—literally ‘boy play’—has a long history in northern

A Gay Couple in Kandahar

Afghanistan,” Reuters reported, “but sometimes it does not stop with just dancing.”

Reuters interviewed numerous mujahideen fighters that admitted to the practice. One interviewee stated “The boy’s smell and fragrance kills me. I dress him in women’s clothes and have him sleep beside me. I enjoy him and he is my everything.”

“I was only 14-years old when an Uzbek commander forced me to have sex with him,” a 24-year old named Shir Mohammad told Reuters. “I am used to it. I love to dance and act like a woman and play with my owner.”

On his future plans, the sex-slave told Reuters: “Once I grow up, I will be an owner and I will have my own boys.”

“It is sad to state that this practice that includes making boys dance, sexual abuse and sometimes even selling boys, has been going on for years,” said Gen. Asadollah Amarkhil, who commands security forces in Kunduz province..

“We have taken strict measures to save the lives of the boys and punish the men,” Amarkhil insists. But there is skepticism about the likely results, since many of the owners of the boy-slaves are well-armed and powerful former mujahideen and their commanders.

Those who are found guilty of abuse could receive at least 15 years in prison.

That may not be enough of a disincentive to a practice that dates back centuries.

“We know it is immoral and un-Islamic, but how can we quit?” mused a 35-year-old Afghani man to Reuters. “We do not like women, we just want boys.”

The war, meanwhile, goes on. And Americans are dying so Afghan warlords can have their boys to play with.

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Sandra Bernhard at the Parker Playhouse

Judy Tenuta Friday, March 19, at the Manor

Girls’ Night Out Marilyn Maye at the Colony

Debi Benson Weekends at Torch

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Nightlife by J.W. Arnold Happy Birthday! oardwalk Celebrates 25 Years Boardwalk, a South Florida institution featuring some of the region’s hottest male dancers, is turning 25 this month and owner Victor Zepka is ready to celebrate.

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“Well, first of all, I was a mere child when it started,” Zepka laughs.

Actually, he always wanted to have his own business, and after finishing his business degree realized he had two options: put on a suit and enter the corporate world or stay in South Florida and start his own business.

Fortunately for the hundreds of thousands of customers over the year who have enjoyed the dancers at Boardwalk, he stayed.

Zepka says he never could have imagined the bar would be so successful, but the highlight has been the visits by a number of stars, including Madonna, Elton John and Gianni Versace. “It was such a compliment to me that they would come to my little bar,” he recalls.

To celebrate, Boardwalk is offering a monthlong party, and giving ever customer a spin at the lucky wheel to win more than $10,000 in prizes in March. “Everybody is going to be winner,” Zepka promises, with a grand prize private yacht cruise for the winner and 12 guests worth $15,000.

Zepka will wrap up the anniversary month with a huge party on Wednesday, March 31 beginning at 9 p.m.

As for Boardwalk’s next 25 years, Zepka already has plans.

“I get customers from all over—San Diego, Los Angeles,Washington (D.C.), New York City—and everybody wants a Boardwalk in their town, so we’re looking at the possibilities of opening other locations,” he says.

If the first 25 years are any indication, Zepka’s next will also be successful

pint of green beer, or better yet, a shot of Irish whiskey. Several popular bars are pulling out all the stops including SideLines Sports Bar, 2031-A Wilton Drive; Bill’s Filling Station, 2209 Wilton Drive; and Matty’s On the Drive, 2426 Wilton Drive.There’s always a pot ‘o gold at the end of the rainbow!

Things are Heating Up on the Beach xcitement is building for Miami Beach’s second annual Gay Pride festival next month and Lincoln Road nightclub Score is holding a fundraiser to benefit the celebration on Tuesday, March 16. Dance the night away to a Latin beat at the club’s weekly Planeta Macho party. Strut your stuff in the salsa dance contest hosted by Teresita “La Caliente” or just enjoy Ricardito La La La and his hot dancers on the second level.

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hursday nights just got gayer at the Sky Bar at Shore Club, 1901 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach.The posh lounge launched Oasis, a mixed party, featuring DJs Oren Nizri and Pocket Change from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Partygoers can dance by the pool or gyrate to the beat on the lounge beds.The resort’s AGO restaurant will also be whipping up gourmet pizzas all night long and featured martinis are $8 until midnight.

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heck your pants at the door, because Twist, a South Beach institution, kicks off Spring Break on Friday, March 19 with an outrageous underwear party. DJ Just Oliver will be in the booth and you won’t want to miss the underwear fashion show by Creative Male at 1 a.m. One lucky winner will also take home a $100 prize at the wet underwear contest.Twist is located at 1057 Washington Ave.

Grand Opening o celebrate their grand opening, Cozmos Lounge and Club Oz, are pullWe’ve Got Green Beer! ing out all the stops this Thursday, March 18 here’s never been a better reason to hit at their 2674 E. Oakland Park Blvd. location.

Drinks are free from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Even the bars and party than that annual sathough drinks may be free on Thursday, there lute to all things Irish—St. Patrick’s Day. After downing your corned beef and cabbage, head are plenty of drink specials on every night of the week, so check it out. to one of these local watering holes for a big

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12th Annual Miami International Fashion Week: March 18-21

By Joey Amato

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iami International Fashion Week, the largest Latin American and international fashion event in the U.S., will celebrate its 12th annual event March 18-21, 2010 with the hottest fashions from around the globe strutting down the runway. This unique fashion experience was created by Beth Sobol in 1999. The event brings together world-renowned designers, entertainers and chefs with international jetsetters, celebrities and fashionistas for a non-stop celebration.

More than 60 international designers will reveal their latest collections in women’s evening wear, prêt-a-porter, swimwear, men’s wear, jewelry and accessories. They are flying in their collections from throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Lebanon, Europe and beyond.

The MIFW 2010 special guest designer is Silvia Tcherassi, one of the most creative, innovative and versatile young personalities in the world of fashion. Tcherassi has shown her prêt-a-porter collections as a special guest at the Fashion Weeks in Milan and Paris. Her unique style has been defined as having the delicateness of a ballet dancer and the strength of a rock star and was the 2001 New Star in Fashion award recipient at MIFW. This year MIFW will take place at Midtown Miami in the trendy Wynwood Art District.

This exciting new venue will host a line-up of glamorous fashion shows, jewelry and accessories marketplace, international chefs pavilion,VIP sponsor lounges and multiple fashion and art displays.

Back by popular demand is the International Culinary Arts Pavilion. Guests will savor delicacies prepared by a different celebrity chef each night, bringing to life the culinary culture of the countries represented by the international fashion designers showcased on the runway.

The star-studded Miami Moda & Music Awards® will cap off fashion week with a fanfare of fashion and entertainment including celebrity emcees and international recording artists.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Miamifashionweek.com.

Beth Sobol

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Church of the Holy SpiritSong to Host Revival Meeting

By Joey Amato

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hurch of the Holy SpiritSong, located at Equality Park, 2040B North Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors is pleased to announce its first ever Revival Meeting, March 16 – 21.

Reverend J.R. Finney II, Senior Pastor of Covenant Community Church in Birmingham, Alabama will be bringing the messages of hope, grace, and commitment to all that attend. Services will begin at 7:30 pm beginning March 16 through March 19 and at 10:00 am on Sunday, March 21. Dove Award winning artist Ray Boltz will be performing on Saturday evening, March 20, at 7:30 pm.

Senior Pastor, Reverend Tom Miller states for the past several years Church of the Holy SpiritSong has held an off-property retreat for individuals who wanted to renew and revive a sense of God’s presence

Rev. J.R. Finney II

Ray Boltz

and experience community with Him. “This year, instead of going away, we decided to bring renewal and revival to not just church members and attendees, but to our entire community. This is a way in which we can boldly share the Good News of God’s love for everyone.”

People of all faiths are invited to attend. Reverend Miller states, “We believe that God has placed Church of the Holy SpiritSong in the center of this community for the sake of those who need to know and experience the loving presence and

Cabaret Legend Coming to the Colony

Pastor Leslie Tipton

power of Jesus Christ in their lives.” He continues, “We want to share the Jesus of the scripture who hung out with the not so elite, was often rejected by the establishment, and who gave His life for the rejected and the self-righteous equally.”

Reverend Finney is a much sought after speaker, lecturer, and panelist on a wide range of issues—especially those affecting the LGBT community. His ministry’s personal philosophy is to lead the LGBT community in a faith that builds healthy, wholesome relationships with God through

years at Michael Feinstein’s Rainbow Room in Manhattan.

The audiences include many jazz lovers, but increasingly include younger singers interested in hearing the singing legend perform the standards in the way they were intended.

Now Maye is conducting mas“There will never be

By J.W. Arnold ter classes during her stays in another Johnny Carson— New York City. the wit and the humor— he recent controversy at NBC “The young people who over The Tonight Show has brought he made stars, his ego Marilyn Maye are interested in the Ameriwasn’t so big that he had back many memories for singer can Songbook are doing their homework Marilyn Maye.That’s because Maye has the dis- to be the star,” she says of her friend. “He tinction of being the most frequently featured was so wonderful to his guests and to me. and studying the history of the performers.

They knew me,” she says.

It’s a shame, sad that there isn’t a show of singer on the show during Johnny Carson’s Audiences in South Florida have long that caliber (today) that brings as much fun tenure as host more than 20 years ago. embraced Maye’s music and the singer and happiness.

Steve Allen discovered the Des Moines returns to West Palm Beach this week for a Despite 76 appearances on the show, native singing in a nightclub in the ‘60s and two-week run at The Colony. the cabaret scene was quickly edged out put her on his prime-time TV show. Before She plans to highlight the music of legendlong, she had a recording contract with RCA by rock and roll and pop and Maye found herself again performing in the small dinner ary composer Johnny Mercer with a show and was a 1965 Grammy nominee for Best she calls, “Mercer the Maye Way,” with her clubs that still dotted the Midwest.

New Artist (only to be beat out by Tom Now 81 years old, the singer has been re- distinctive take on his most popular songs.

Jones). While performing at an LA nightclub, “I don’t think you can get any better than Ed McMahon heard her sing and invited her discovered by a new generation: “I’ve never stopped working and this isn’t a comeback,” that….everything from wonderful ballads to to perform on The Tonight Show. Johnny happy ‘nonsense’ material to Academy Award Carson fell in love with her voice, and there she insists, talking about her criticallywinners,” she says and she thinks West Palm began a relationship that would last decades. acclaimed, sold out runs for the past three

Marilyn Maye Returns to South Florida

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Jesus Christ and ones that makes a practical difference in the daily living of lives, proclaiming loudly “the inclusive love of God without the guilt of religion.”

Ray Boltz has dedicated over fifteen years to music and ministry.Through these years he has captured the attention of the CCM industry by garnering three Dove Awards, two gold albums, a gold video, and twelve number one singles. He has also sold more than four million albums.Through all this time and these accomplishments Ray’s vision for his ministry still remains the same…to produce and perform music that allows listeners and audiences to see Jesus Christ.

Church of the Holy SpiritSong is a Christ centered evangelical body of believers with a mission to “ignite the world for Christ… one life at a time.” Its only agenda is to build community in the light and love of Jesus Christ who gave His all so that we stand before God as His beloved children.

Regular worship services are held every Sunday morning at 10:00 and 8:00 pm on Wednesday. For more information, visit Cohss.org.

audiences will approve.

“They’re a more mature audience…did I say that all right?” noting the older demographics, but hoping younger audiences will also be interested like New York City. “It’s interesting because they do know the music.

They heard it the first time around. It’s lovely because it’s a knowledgeable crowd as far as entertainment is concerned. They get it and The Colony is a lovely room….an elegant place to be.You can really feel like you have a night out there,” she says.

Ultimately, the biggest joy for the singer is entertaining her fans, young and old, gay and straight. With a career spanning nearly 70 years, she has touched millions and and has no plans to slow down.

“The good news is people still love what I do and the young people are discovering me,” she chuckles. “This isn’t the time to retire. Heavens, no!”

Marilyn Maye The Colony Hotel, West Palm BeachMarch 16-20, 23-27. Tickets $60, $100 for dinner and show. For info, go to TheColonyPalmBeach.com

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Musical Review Torch the strength of her singing through operatic training, her mother Phyllis told me.

After Julliard, which Benson describes as 954-588-5001 a “passage,” as opera does not factor into Torch offers three shows, Thursday, Friday, her performances often, she began singing and Saturday at 8:30, 10:00, and 11:00 professionally as a teenager. Then came PM. Tickets are $20.00 and includes hors off-Broadway. d’ourves. Beer, wine, and champagne are “I attended some random acting and featured on the menu. Reservations are dance classes in New York thinking that highly encouraged. the education would serve me well. It just became more practical to just perform.

I got a better education in those smokefilled cafes than any of the classes I took,” Benson admitted.

Whenever people talk about artists there is always the desire to compare them to their celebrity counterparts. While one

By A. Sebastian Fortino could easily compare Benson’s voice to Streisand’s range, or the joy in her voice to Ella Fitzgerald, it’s unnecessary. Her voice, performance, and energy are all uniquely hers.

The difference between stage singing and being a chanteuse in an intimate cabaret, is the performer’s ability to be conversational. Not only in terms of the between-set chats with the audience— which, the affable Benson excels at – but being able to hold rapport while performing.

Debi Benson, chanteuse The “torch song” is a perfect example of this ability, as the performer bottle of champagne on ice, the must impart their pain to the audience. In baby grand piano, little glowing numbers like Sondheim’s “Being Alive,” it is lamps on tables, and the attennecessary to act whilst singing and still caption of servers like Angel and Fred are not smoky, Silver Screen daydreams. In fact, you ture the heart of each audience member.

Benson sang a few favorites of mine— can find them in Wilton Manors. purely by accident. “Dancing Cheek to Torch, opened just a few weeks ago by Cheek,” “My Man,” and “All That Jazz,” took Ted Goldstein brings a fresh, new form me back to Don’t Tell Mama’s or Marie’s of entertainment to the Fort Lauderdale Crisis—cabarets I frequented in Manhattan. area. It was his dream to open a cabaret“Life is a Cabaret,” popularized by Liza style club, similar to their New York counMinnelli in “Cabaret” opened the second terparts. Debi Benson, is the headliner, act. In the song, you’re implored to “come and chanteuse. to the cabaret.” This is the best, and sim“I wanted to open the club before I met Debi. So, it was kismet when we got acquaint- plest advice about Torch.

While you may not have to put down the ed,” Goldstein added. “I had a built-in star.”

Benson has been singing since she was a “knitting, the book, and the broom”—as the song suggests—I highly recommend child in her native New York, although she recalls belting out Garland’s “The Man that breaking up your standard weekend jaunts for show time at Torch, “it’s time for a Got Away,” at age 7. At 11 she was invited holiday!” to the renowned Julliard School to further 2155 N. Dixie Highway Wilton Manors

Torch: Come to the Cabaret

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Food Fight features four ladies in a women’s-only gym, belting out hysterical song parodies enny Bruce about food, diets, exercise, Congregation Etz Chaim yoga, plastic surgery, selfin Wilton Manors will be esteem and marriage.Throw showing a documentary film in the pleasures and neuroses about stand-up comic and that come with this universal social critic Lenny Bruce.This obsession and you can see why film is the second film of its men and women can’t stop 4-part film series explortalking about and coming to ing social issues that are of Lenny Bruce see this great feel good show. interest to both the LGBT Singing songs from “Botox Queen” and “If I and Jewish communities. Lenny Bruce was a stand-up comic whose work in the early ‘50s Were a Size Two,” to “I Went to the Buffet Line” and “You Gotta Have Some Sugar,” electrified the intellectual community of his time. It is not just that he was foul-mouthed; Food Fight is an all you can laugh buffet of fun.

March 17-21 at the Broward Center for the many contemporaries were that. It was his Performing Arts.Tickets start at $25. www. daring inclusion of political observations and social commentary into his act which edified browardcenter.org. as often as it resulted in gales of wry laughter.

As he grew more famous, his big-city, hip decomeo and Juliet adence, and his political outspokenness led to This classic romantic tale, set in the difficulties with authorities.

Mediterranean heat of 16thMarch 17 at Congregation century Verona, reminds us Etz Chaim. Free Admission. that Shakespeare’s themes 954-564-9232. of rebellion, youthful passion and first love are as timely as today’s headlines.The azz Roots internationally acclaimed A Tribute to Frank SinaActing Company in a firsttra – Featuring singer, pianist, rate co-production with the and composer Tony DeSare, renowned Guthrie Theater hailed by critics as the modperform this vividly and pasern day Frank Sinatra.The Frank Sinatra sionate story of two children Sinatra program will recall lost within the fury of warring houses. March the magic, romance and excitement of the 18-21 at the Kravis Center for the Performmusic of Sinatra’s career through his most ing Arts.Tickets are $38. www.kravis.org. memorable songs, including the romantic ballads and swinging hits associated with “the Chairman of the Board.” John Pizzarelli will ack 2 You headline the show with chart-topping hits Graze Productions presents Ramiele made famous by Sinatra such as “The Lady is Malubay, season 7 American Idol finalist in her a Tramp,” “I’ve Got You Unfirst hometown performance der My Skin,” “I Get A Kick after she toured with the top Out Of You,” and “Come 10 American Idol all over the Fly With Me.” March 19 at USA and the Philippines.Tothe Adrienne Arsht Center gether with Danny Noriega, for the Performing Arts. they will wow the audience Tickets start at $25. www. with their rockin’ sweet Big arshtcenter.org.

Voices.The show will touch on the importance of giving back to our community. ood Fight March 20 at the Miramar Don’t miss the enterCultural Center/ArtsPark. taining new musical revue Tickets start at $30. www. about people who can’t Ramiele Malubay browardcenter.org. stop talking about...FOOD!

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Stars of the Rainbow

By A. Sebastian Fortino On March 21 the GLCC/Pride Center will honor several of our community’s stars, people that have worked for and with the LGBT community here in South Florida. The 4-6:00 pm, Sunday afternoon event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale.

In true Florida style the event will take place poolside. The ticket price will include performers, hors d’oeurves, and an open bar. Instead of black tie, the invitation suggests you make it “a black and white affair.” The proceeds will benefit the GLCC/Pride Center programs and services.

If you wish to see the heroes of our community honored, have a fun—yet community minded—afternoon out and be a personal hero to the GLCC/Pride Center through your ticket purchase you cannot do better than attending. SFGN congratulates the honorees and looks forward to working with these proud individuals in the future.

Please contact Robert Boo for sponsorship and For more information and ticket underwriting opportunities at 954.463.9005, or sales please visit glccsf.org email him at Rboo@glccsf.org

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 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Theatre Review

smash when it got the splashy MGM treatment in a 1954 movie starring Gene Kelly PLAY: Brigadoon and Cyd Charisse and produced the classic Brigadoon runs through March 28 at the song “Almost Like Being in Love.”

Susan B. Katz Theater at the River of Grass The plot of Brigadoon concerns two Arts Park, 17195 Sheridan St., Pembroke Americans, Tommy Albright (Steven FuentPines. For tickets and more information, es) and Jeff Douglas (Sean Patrick Kennedy) visit pptopa.com. hiking the Scottish countryside in the 1940s.

They stumble into Brigadoon, where it’s still the 1740s. The village is preparing for the wedding of Jean MacLaren (Julia Saenz) and Chrlie Dalrymple (Sahid Arnaud). Tommy is quickly smitten with Jean’s older sister Fiona (Janelle Bartholomew), and she lets him in on the secret of the village. Will a spurned lover ruin the party for everyone?

Can Tommy and Fiona’s love transcend magic and time? Is there even a remote possibility of not having a happy ending?

By Mary Damiano Fuentes and Bartholomew are winning Arts Editor leads with the vocal prowess to do Lerner and Lowe’s songs justice. Del Marrero, despite being saddled by a dreadful wig, delivers a sassy performance of her two songs, “The Love of My Life” and “My Mother’s Weddin’ Day.” Arnaud and several male members of the ensemble do a spirited job on “Go Home with he Pembroke Bonnie Jean.”

Pines Theatre But the of the Perperformer one forming Arts (PPTOPA) can’t help but be does not shrink from a Musical numbers from Brigadoon drawn to most challenge. I saw their is Saenz as 16 year-old bride Jean. A trained production of Sweeney Todd a few years ballet dancer, she is a grace personified in a ago and was impressed at how well they ballet sequence with Arnaud, and a pretty maneuvered their way through Sondheim’s good actress even when she’s not dancing. difficult rhythms and lyrics. Sondheim can Saenz’s dancing and choreography is a be difficult to pull off by professionals, and PPTOPA is a community theatre, comprised high-point of Brigadoon. The choreography of individuals who are not professionals but for the rest of the cast is more routine, and unfortunately, the tinny sound system at the whose hard work, enthusiasm and talent theatre overshadows the singers’ voices. shines through.

Still, PPTOPA’s Brigadoon is a handsome Those qualities come across in their production with gorgeous costumes, invencurrent musical production, Brigadoon, the tive scenic design and a hard-working cast, beloved tale of a magical Scottish village which all add up to a pleasant theatrical that rises from the mist once every 100 diversion. years. The show was already a Broadway

A Bonnie Brigadoon

Theatre Does Justice to Classic Musical

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Theatre Feature

LAY: Jersey Boys P HERE: Kravis Center for the W Performing Arts Box Office: 561-832-7469

Kravis Features Jersey Boys

By J.W. Arnold

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ince winning the Tony Award for Best Musical, “Jersey Boys” has been one of the hottest tickets both on Broadway and now with a popular touring version that is currently playing at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach.

While audiences go for the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, they also learn the compelling story behind the original boy band and are introduced, whether they realize it or not, to the self-identified bisexual man behind the scenes.

Broadway veteran Jonathan Hadley nearly steals the show as Bob Crewe, “the fifth Season.”

“As many people now, Bob Crewe was the fifth Season because of his role as lyricist, manager and producer. He really was more influential than people realize in creating their distinctive sound,” Hadley explains. “He wrote most of the lyrics for their hit songs, as well as other popular songs, like ‘Lady Marmalade’. And I just heard a new version

of ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You’. His influence on the industry is still around today.”

According to Hadley, who played Crewe in the Broadway production before going on the road, Crewe has admitted in his writing to being bisexual, but at the time, the band members really didn’t notice.

“The Four Seasons have said they thought he was a little bit odd, the way Liberace was ‘theatrical’,” Hadley chuckles. “It didn’t seem to be an issue for these street thugs, basically, who accept this flamboyant man who shakes them up and becomes a part of them.”

In creating the role, Hadley conversed with Crewe via email and did extensive research, while keeping the character as true as possible within the context of the script the writers gave him.

He adds, “They’ve given me enough in just the words and the way he is costumed, that the audience can make their own decisions about his sexuality.”

The 45-year-old actor considers himself lucky to be performing with such a big hit musical. The show generally stays in cities for longer durations and nearly every performance is sold out.

“This really is a guy’s show,” he observes, “unlike most musicals. Wives drag their husbands to other musicals, but it’s the men who are the first to leap to their feet. It’s a guy kind of show. These men come up after each performance and tell us how much they enjoyed it. The audiences love it, gay and straight. As an actor, it’s so fulfilling to be part of such a hit show. I feel so lucky to have the part.”

Crewe and his cast mates will be thrilling audiences in West Palm Beach for two more weeks before taking the show to Charlotte.

steve gouveia, joseph leo bwarie, ryan jesse, matt bailey

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Gay Pride Celebrated in Hollywood ‘A Single Man’ is based on the novel of the same name by Christopher Isherwood. Set in Los Angeles in 1962, at the height of the Cuban missile crisis, it is the story of a British college professor, played by Colin Firth, who is struggling to find meaning to his life after the death of his long time partner. The story is a romantic tale of gay love interrupted; the isolation that is an inherent part of the human condition, and ultimately the importance of the seemingly smaller moments in life. Firth was nominated for an Oscar as Best Actor in the role, the second year in a row that an actor playing a gay character received such a nod. His nomination followed Sean Penn’s victory last year in the biopic of Harvey Milk. The film was directed by Tom Ford, an openly gay filmmaker. The Oscars were again hosted by the ‘very friendly’ Neil Patrick Harris. And an even friendlier Elton John hosted his annual bash to help AIDS causes after the show. Hollywood had a gay old time this past weekend; our paper does the same for you today.

“Pure theatrical bliss!” nytheatre.com

The hilarious, fast-talking Tupperware Lady extraordinaire, Dixie Longate throws a party you won't forget. Free giveaways, audience participation, real Tupperware for sale, and loads of laughs pack the off-Broadway sensation that's "not your grandmother's Tupperware Party.”

954.462.0222 • www.BrowardCenter.org All programs, artists, dates and times are subject to change. All special offers cannot be combined with other discounts or previous purchases. Certain restrictions apply.

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

A.J. Cross

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

Moving On

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t has been over 2 months since the “goodbye”, and “I don’t love you anymore” took place.You’ve fallen onto the shower floor in a burst of uncontrollable tears and have drunk yourself unconscious for the tenth time this month.

When does the heart stop feeling the pain of a broken relationship or lost love? I once heard that our hearts were designed to be broken. Is it true?

The worst thing is when you try so hard to separate yourself from any memory or emotion related to your ex-partner and everyone around you has to continually bring them up and talk about the way things were, or inquire about them. How many times have you had to answer these questions when all you wanted to say is “shut the hell up”? Why don’t people recognize that even the mention of his or her name makes your skin crawl?

Worse still is when your ex decides that

because it was their decision to leave you that they have the right to call you or bother you whenever they want, because they are not emotionally attached to that decision and assume that you are also fine and that you can just go right to being friends. Are they crazy?

The last thing I am interested in after having is someone stomp on my heart and throw away all the time, energy, emotions and money of our relationship is going to see a movie or have coffee with them.

Don’t make the mistake of turning inward or becoming a hermit. I say get ANGRY. Anger is a highly underrated emotion and extremely healthy.

Anger is a motivator and when you have been abandoned, and put aside, the one thing you will desperately be in need of will be motivation.

You will continue to ask, “What did I do wrong?”; “What’s wrong with me?”; “What could I have done differently?” or “How could they do this to me?”.

STOP! You are asking the wrong questions. The question to ask is “When will I move on”. Believe it or not, you will move forward and you will feel less and less. Every day and week and month that goes by will take you further away from everything you are feeling now.

You will remember that you are beautiful and special, if you have somehow forgotten that, or believed anything to the contrary that your ex forced into

your head. You will remember all the good things about yourself or maybe realize that you tucked who you are away in order to become someone else for them and now this is your time to come out again. You will realize that there are people that you have overlooked for so long, and that you are strong alone, and that there is a difference between being alone and being lonely and you are not that latter.

You will realize the ownership of proving worth is not on you, but on anyone who wants to gain your affection. It is time for someone to pursue you and to win you over. I know that right now, all of this may seem out of reach and that all you want to do is draw down the blinds, turn off the cell phone, grab your pillow and fall into the deepest sleep you can, where you are safe from your own emotions. I know that you can’t imagine a near future where you want to get up, get showered and face the world.

Trust me, it will change.You will think about everything you have just read and you will get up.You will get out and you will MOVE ON. Remember, that he or she didn’t leave

because of you, but because of them and there is nothing you could have done to change it. Hold on to this one truth.You are not alone and there are people who love and respect you and probably miss you right now. So come on and get up. Wash your face, look in the mirror and tell yourself that YOU ARE WORTH IT. One last thing you should know. All of your energy needs to be put towards yourself, so please don’t waste any on revenge, or bitterness or cynicism. Don’t assume that the person asking you out for lunch or a movie will end up being like the person who broke your heart. Give people the opportunity to experience you, without worrying about how it will end. It is never the ending that matters, but only the stuff in between.You might be surprised at how much a moment can hold for you. Go out and live the moments.

Until next time, smile, and free yourself from any doubt.You are worth all the happiness and love that can be afforded you. I am always here to remind you of that.

XOXO, AJ Cross

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Sidelines also sponsors two teams in the SFAAA’s Open Division—the Sidelines Cyclones—B division team and the SideSidelines Supports Softball Team lines Cyclones—C division team. Coming off of their recent Gay Softball World Series Sidelines Sports Bar proudly announced championship win, the Cyclones divided the its sponsorships of another LGBT softball team into two separate teams, making for a team—Sidelines’ Blue Crush. The Blue total of three LGBT softball teams sponCrush is the first women’s team that bears sored by the popular sports bar. the Sidelines name in the South Florida “We are proud to include the Blue Crush Amateur Athletic Association’s (SFAAA) to our mix of teams!” commented Laurie league. The team competes in the women’s league “Upper Division”, a division for those Whittaker, co-owner of Sidelines. “As a gay sports bar, it is logical that we support gay players that exhibit advanced physical skills sports in our area”, she continued. and knowledge of the game.

Batter Up!

Photo by Pompano Bill

Wilton Manors Commissioners Honor Java Boys On Tuesday, March 9, the Mayor and City Commission of Wilton Manors honored Nicki and Steve Rose and the staff of Java Boys for their service to the city and its residents. “We are really appreciative for everything Java Boys does for this community,” said Mayor Gary Resnick.

Said Nicki: “We will move forward with the community’s best interest at heart.”

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Palm Beach County Hosts Food & Wine Festivals Boca Bacchanal and Wine, Dine & Design

Wine, Dine & Design

By Joey Amato Boca Bacchanal Winefest Mark your calendar for the Eighth Annual Boca Bacchanal Winefest & Auction. This is the Boca Raton Historical Society’s largest and most eagerly anticipated fundraiser.

Organizers are promising an international array of top chefs and vintners.

Scheduled for March 19-21, this edition of the sensational wine and food event will feature sumptuous Friday night Vintner Dinners, held in magnificent private residences, bringing together the talents of the celebrated chefs and vintners, as each dinner showcases a deliciously coordinated experience.

The exciting Bacchanal & Auction takes place on Saturday evening at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. It features a dynamic reception, an amazing dinner created with the encore participation of the Vintner Dinner Chefs and Vintners, and the silent and live auctions.

The weekend concludes on Sunday afternoon outdoors at the Centre for the Arts at Mizner Park Amphitheatre with the popular Grand Tasting, which offers wine seminars and the specialties of 30 outstanding local chefs and scores of top vintners.

For more information on Boca Bacchanal, or to purchase tickets, visit Bocabacchanal.com or call 561-395-6766.

Prepare for the event of culinary and cultural indulgence. On March 20th from 3pm to 8pm, Wine, Dine & Design promises to be the region’s most exclusive sip and savor event. The inaugural event will take place at the beautiful and internationally award-winning STORE Self and Wine Storage in Palm Beach Gardens. Meet the vintners, artists, chefs and designers who will come together from around the world to make the event possible.

Wine, Dine and Design welcomes aficionados of fine culture to experience an evening of premium wine tastings presented by notable winemakers of California and France.

Savor gourmet tastings and meet the region’s most celebrated chefs. Indulge in a captivating showcase featuring the region’s respected artists and interior designers.

Culinary tastings will be presented by Café Boulud,Vic ‘n Angelo’s, Oakwood Grill, Sushi Jo, Zuccarelli’s Italian Kitchen, Spoto’s

Oyster Bar, Ouzo Blue, Talay Thai, Brio Tuscan Grille and many more.

Event proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross for Haiti Relief & Development and the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit: Winedineanddesign.com or call 561-624-8777.

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Miami Native Coco Montrese Crowned Miss Gay America

By Steve Blanchard

partner of two years, Alfonso Hestele, immediately asked what was wrong. “I’m Miss Gay America,” Montrese exclaimed. istory is important to Coco The Miss Gay America Pageant hasn’t Montrese—and now she’s part officially released details surrounding the of it. Montrese is a permanent removal of Edwards’ title, but Montrese cast member at the Flamingo Resort in St. was able to say some business dealings Petersburg, and also performs nationally.The conflicted with Edwards’ reign. “I knew Miami native never considered a career in there was a possibility that I would be female impersonation until studying theater Miss Gay America,” Montrese says. “You and education at Alabama State in the 1990s. have to put your That’s where she met other endeavors on drag mentor Mocha hold. She had other Montrese. things lined up “I was in the already.” crowd…just amazed Before the by her,” Montrese says. pageant, Montrese “But she walked up spoke with her to me and said I was Disney supervisors beautiful and that she about her plans wanted to put me in to pursue the title. make-up.” The next They were very supthing Montrese knew portive. She will still he was in a gown, in perform at the Flamakeup, getting tips mingo Resort, just from everyone in a not every weekend, nearby Alabama bar.

Coco Montrese is crowned she tells us.

“I had never had a Miss Gay America 2010 My parents knew I job,” Montrese said. “I focused on school. I saw this as an opportu- was gay—kind of,” says Montrese, who lives nity to make some money and not interfere by day as 35-year-old Martin Cooper. “My father was a Pentecostal minister and he and with…school.” Montrese has continued to my mother caught flak because they didn’t perform while holding down a day job as a performer with Walt Disney World the last cast me out because I was gay.They were never ashamed of me.”

11 years. But her Disney job won’t make It wasn’t until later that the elder CooCoco Montrese go down in the history pers, who have since passed away, learned books. Being the 39th performer to wear their son performed as Coco Montrese in the Miss Gay America crown will. the evening.

On Saturday, Feb. 27, Montrese was “I was hesitant at first because I wanted crowned Miss Gay America 2010—nearly to make sure they were ready for it,” Monfour months after the annual pageant was trese says. “I’m headstrong, so when I told held in St. Louis, Mo. Alyssa Edwards of them about Coco, I said, ‘You are either Mesquite, Tex., was initially crowned and Montrese was named first alternate. Shortly with me or against me.’

Fortunately for Montrese, the entire after the New Year, Montrese learned the title had been stripped from Edwards. “I was Cooper clan was supportive.When Montrese told family members about her performances, driving when the owners of the pageant she says she learned a lesson that she lives by called to tell me I was Miss Gay America every single day and plans to share through2010,” Montrese remembers. “I had to pull out her reign as Miss Gay America 2010.“My over. I had tears in my eyes.” Montrese

H

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

parents told me that it’s all about love,” Montrese says. “You don’t have to understand ever facet of somebody, you just have to love them.”

Montrese has met several people during her career that just don’t get the art of female impersonation, she says. But part of obtaining equality, she believes, is accepting things we may not completely understand.

Montrese hopes to build on the momentum of her crown and begin a production company in the next few years. She has sev-

eral potential business partners are lined up to support her future endeavors. One thing she won’t do, however, is pursue another crown. “In a relationship, I’m monogamous,” Montrese says. “I’m Miss Gay America and I don’t need anything else. This is my happily ever after.”

This article courtesy of Watermark, Orlando’s GLBT publication. For the full version please visit Watermarkonline.com

Peace, Love & Ice Cream Ben & Jerry’s Throws Wedding Bash Now “I do” rings true for all couples in Washington D.C., following the historic and successful signing of the freedom to marry bill last week.

In honor of this giant achievement for marriage equality, Ben & Jerry’s celebrated the right of gay and lesbian couples to marry in the District of Columbia with a wedding and reception for local couple Keith Spangler-Vellios and Andreas Vellios at the Georgetown Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop.

Ben & Jerry’s Co-founder Jerry Greenfield, D.C. council members and supporters of the measure celebrated the couple’s vows with a special wedding ice cream cake and ceremonial traditions.

When gay marriage was legalized in Vermont, Ben & Jerry’s renamed its “Chubby Hubby” flavor to “Hubby Hubby”. Its company has a history of supporting LGBT measures, including leading the campaign to win marriage nationwide.

“Equal rights and treatment for all people was a founding principle of Ben & Jerry’s when we started the company over 30 years ago,” said Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s.“ “Washington D.C. now joins the five states and eight countries where same-sex couples share in the freedom to marry.” said Evan Wolfson, Executive Director of Freedom to Marry.

Andreas Vellios (left) and Keith Spangler-Vellios (right) exchange vows in front of RevLance Orndorff (middle) at the Ben & Jerry’s Georgetown Scoop Shop on Thursday following the legalization of same-sex marriage in the nation’s capital last week. Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, and D.C. Councilmember David Catania who introduced the District’s marriage equality legislation, were on hand to celebrate the occasion and toast the newlyweds with a special ice cream cake. (Stephen J Boitano, AP) erend

For more information:

freedomtomarry.org.

benjerry.com.

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Out Traveler Profile

New York real estate professional William Brantley has also traveled extensively in Africa. He has been to Morocco 4 times, and visited Kenya, Tunisia, and Tanzania once.

“I have traveled with boyfriends in Africa twice. It really depends on which country you go to and how flamboyant you are.

It’s a good idea for some to tone it down a bit,” Brantley knowingly advised. “I never thought about it when I went to Morocco, but when we went to Tunisia we did travel as cousins. Especially in Tunis, the capital, it was pretty dangerous there.”

Brantley said, of LGBT rights in Africa.

Out in Africa

By A. Sebastian Fortino

I

n light of the recent Uganda AntiHomosexuality Bill, SFGN spoke with Stefan M. of Zurich, Switzerland. As he travels often in Africa he would prefer to keep his last name confidential. Stefan has traveled to Africa several times alone and with partners. This is despite the climate in Africa being hostile towards gays.

“I’ve been to Tanzania and Morocco 4 times, and once to Malawi. Tanzanian law declares life imprisonment as punishment for homosexual sex. Malawi proscribes prison

sentences for citizens, and can expel incriminated foreigners. Morocco—long known one of the most liberal Islamic countries—can proscribe anywhere from 6 months to 3 years in prison,” Stefan said. Yet, despite these strictures he has always felt comfortable in Africa.

“In all African countries you need to be discreet,” Stefan said from his home in Zurich. “The same way a hetero-couple does not kiss in the middle of the road and the girls do not wear short skirts. I am sure by the end of our last stay in Morocco, everyone in the hotel realized my boyfriend and I were a couple. But they never reacted to

Desmond Tutu Denounces African LGBT Policies

D

esmond Tutu, the Nobel laureate and archbishop emeritus of Cape Town, denounces violence against LGBT people in Africa in an op-ed in The Washington Post. He calls recent moves “terrible backward steps for human rights in Africa.”

“Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people are part of so many families,” writes Tutu. “They are part of the human family.

They are part of God’s family. And of course

they are part of the African family. But a wave of hate is spreading across my beloved continent. People are again being denied their fundamental rights and freedoms. Men have been falsely charged and imprisoned in Senegal, and health services for these men and their community have suffered. In Malawi, men have been jailed and humiliated for expressing their partnerships with other men.

Just this month, mobs in Mtwapa Township, Kenya, attacked men they suspected of being

“I have been so comfortable in Africa that I even one time had sex with a very hot African policeman.”

that. We felt very safe.”

“I make friends when I go there. One time in Africa we befriended a local Islamic guide. He even accepted a glass of wine despite that being verboten under Islam,” Stefan said laughing. “Yes, I have been so comfortable in Africa that I even one time had sex with a very hot African policeman.”

Morocco—despite limitations on paper—is romantic enough to have inspired Stefan, 29, and his boyfriend Julien, 26, to enter into a civil union.

“It was a beautiful night to agree to get married,” Stefan said fondly.

gay. Kenyan religious leaders, I am ashamed to say, threatened an HIV clinic there for providing counseling services to all members of that community, because the clerics wanted gay men excluded.”

“Uganda’s parliament is debating legislation that would make homosexuality punishable by life imprisonment, and more discriminatory legislation has been debated in Rwanda and Burundi.”

“More global interest should be directed towards Africa. However, we still have a lot to do in our own country, but for now,” he encourages, “go and visit. Just be careful.”

Brantley has also been on safari in Kenya, and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. His apartment on New York’s Upper East Side is covered in notions and knick-knacks from his African travels. The abundance of souvenirs alone will make you want to pack your bags.

This is the first in a Series entitled Out Traveler Profile.

If you or someone you know has had interesting experiences traveling as an out LGBT person please respond to Sebastian.fortino@southfloridagaynews.com

Bishop Desmond Tutu

“The wave of hate must stop. Politicians who profit from exploiting this hate, from fanning it, must not be tempted by this easy way to profit from fear and misunderstanding. And my fellow clerics, of all faiths, must stand up for the principles of universal dignity and fellowship. Exclusion is never the way forward on our shared paths to freedom and justice.

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Joel Slotnick continued from page 4

munity to understand how hard a lot of people have worked to make this event just happen.”

“The money that we put back into the community is what fuels a lot of worthy causes,” he says. “We are making money to give back to our community, and we hope they realize that.”

Among the grants awarded by the organization last year were money to Tuesday’s Angels to provide eyeglasses to financiallystruggling persons will HIV and AIDS, funds for Sunshine Cathedral/MCC for upgrades to its facilities, and a grant to the Church of the Holy Spirit Song to benefit its food pantry.

Slotnick understands that people coming to PrideFest are coming to enjoy themselves but that “it takes a lot of money to put on a great show like this,” he is quick to remind, ever aware of the bottom line.

When it’s all said and done, though, he knows the real meaning of PrideFest. “You’ve got to give back. If I think things need to change, I have to become the change I believe is needed,” he says, counting his blessings along with his spread sheets.

Lesbian Teen continued from page 6

Itawamba County is a rural area of about 23,000 people in north Mississippi near the Alabama state line. It’s near Pontotoc County, Miss., where more than a decade ago school officials were sued in federal court over their practice of student-led intercom prayer and Bible classes.

A couple of students had different reactions to the decision.

Anna Watson, a 17-year-old junior at the high school, was looking forward to the prom, especially since the town’s only hotspot is the bowling alley, she said.

“I am a little bummed out about it. I guess it’s a decision that had to be made. Either way someone was going to get disappointed —either Constance was or we were,’’ Watson said. “I don’t agree with homosexuality, but I can’t change what another person thinks or does.’’

McKenzie Chaney, 16, said she wasn’t planning to attend the prom, but ``it’s kind of ridiculous that they can’t let her wear the tuxedo and it all be over with.’’

A Feb. 5 memo to students laid out the criteria for bringing a date to the prom, and one requirement was that the person must be of the opposite sex.

Presgraves said his organization hears about school districts that prohibit same-sex prom dates and gay-straight alliance clubs at schools. He said those kind of policies are detrimental to gay students.

“It sends a message that these students shouldn’t be treated the same,’’ Presgraves said.

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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All leads provided / No COLD CALLS! Carma Productions is a 20 yr old gay, fast paced organization based in Atlanta w/ offices in Florida! We sell advertising, produce, & publish Program Guides and the Gay Community Yellow Pages (GCYP!) Interviews starting this week! Send your resume and qualifications to hr@carmaproductions.com please put “FLA SALES” in the subject line. Tell us why you are the next FLORIDA GCYP SALES REP! -----------------------------------------------COURTYARD CAFE IS LOOKING FOR SHORT ORDER COOKS All shifts. Must be able to cook breakfast.

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Bonnet Benefit for Shadowood

T

he 16th Annual Easter Bonnet Contest and Benefit will be held to benefit Shadowood II on Palm Sunday, March 28, 2010 at 7PM. Michael Antol and Jason Sapp host the Annual Easter Bonnet Contest and Benefit each year on behalf of Shadowood II, a residential facility offer housing and supportive services to those living with HIV and AIDS. Shadowood II is a life saving agency which also offers dependency and nutrition counseling.

The Annual Easter Bonnet Contest is a fundraiser with 100% of the funds donated going to Shadowood II to support its mission and cause.

Georgie’s Alibi, Bill’s Filling Station and Matty’s on the drive are amongst the lead sponsors of the Easter Bonnet Contest, donating beer and wine to sponsor the good cause.

The community has supported this cause before, and those credited on their website for previous efforts include Tropics Restaurant, Gateway Cinemas, J. Miles Clothing, Sea monster, Blue Dolphin Guesthouse, Morgan Stanley, Voodoo Lounge, Schubert Resort, Scandals, Chic Optic, Rosie’s, Java Boys, and Sidelines.

They are still looking for prizes, items for a silent auction, and food for the buffet. Any help is appreciated. All donations are tax deductible, make checks payable to Shadowood II. For more information contact hosts, Michael Antol or Jason Sapp at 954.735.1293

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All leads provided / No COLD CALLS! Carma Productions is a 20 yr old gay, fast paced organization based in Atlanta w/ offices in Florida! We sell advertising, produce, & publish Program Guides and the Gay Community Yellow Pages (GCYP!) Interviews starting this week! Send your resume and qualifications to hr@carmaproductions.com please put “FLA SALES” in the subject line. Tell us why you are the next FLORIDA GCYP SALES REP!

Health/Fitness PRIVATE PERSONAL TRAINING GYM. Rene Endara, World Champion Bodybuilder And Personal Trainer. Call for Free Consultation 954-394-6979 www.ReneEndara.com -----------------------------------------------REMOVE THE HAIR FROM ANYWHERE European Speed Wax, European Hard Wax, Body Grooming. Don DiCarlo 954-734-5531 www.TheBeachSpa.com Lic. CL1183450 -----------------------------------------------MOBILE TEETH WHITENING $49 Hotspots Special $69 Couples Special Call for Info & Appointment 954-583-0511 -----------------------------------------------ROBINS CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Bruce Robins Quality Chiropractic Care From a Doctor you can Trust.

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

Fort Lauderdale, FL -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------ROOMATE WANTED FOR CLOTHING OPTIONAL POOL HOME IN WILTON MANORS 3BD/2BA. Must be dog friendly. Access to laundry facilities.

Furnished Bedroom $600/Mo. per month includes maid service twice a month.

Please call Robert at 954-401-1726.

-----------------------------------------------SHARE A 3/2 HOME WITH JUST ONE ROOMMATE E. Oakland Park, your own bedroom and bath, rent includes WiFi, Dish network, all utilities. Safe area, 360* privacy fence, full house privileges. Share with a mature, prof, GWM. Must be employed. No drugs. $575. mo. call 754-281-3355 ------------------------------------------------FORT LAUDERDALE - NW 16TH AVE Fully Furnished Room in nudist house.

All utilities Incl. Central AC, Cable TV, Pool, Fenced Yard, Pets OK. Couples OK. Must like dogs! $150/WK + $300 Sec. Call 954-938-5980 Email: TDstallion7cut@ yahoo.com Labrador Puppies FOR SALE, Stud service and cheap Dog Sitting available.

44

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

CLASSIFIEDS@HOTSPOTSMAGAZINE.COM

Roommates, cont’d

Rent/Lease

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 -----------------------------------------------AVENTURA - UPTOWN MARINA LOFTS Share a Luxury apt, no smoking, 2BD/2BA + Den. 11’ ceilings, $950/Mo. Call Alex 305-494-1524 ------------------------------------------------LAUDERDALE LAKES/OAKLAND PARK $500/MO. 4 miles to Wilton Manors. No deposit, all utilities included! Gay professional couple looking to rent a UNFURNISHED room in 3br/2ba POOL HOME! Please be pet friendly. Call Jacob 850-838-9592 ------------------------------------------------PALM AIRE COUNTRY CLUB/POMPANO Roommate needed to share my 2000 square foot condo on the golf course.

Private bed/bath. Fully Furnished. W/D in unit. Beautiful pool/recreation area. Must be professional, clean, drug free. 700/ Mo.incl.all utilities & cable in bedroom + $700 sec.Call or email Chris. 203-232-7005 cbert30@aol.com ------------------------------------------------SHARE 2/2 IN HALLENDALE BEACH Private bedroom and bath. W/D on premisis. $750/Mo. includes all utilities, wireless internet. Beautiful modern style apt. Call 954-798-0296

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.

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

------------------------------------------------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 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 ------------------------------------------------HOLLYWOOD Studio apartment with seperate bedroom.

Fully furnished, full kitchen, cable TV, utilities included. Close to beaches and downtown. $650/Mo. 954-929-2365

------------------------------------------------1/1 COTTAGE STYLE WILTON MANORS AREA private fenced yard, gated entrance Front/back patio tile throughout updated kitchen/bath. ALL pets considered $785 mo 954-557-7447 ------------------------------------------------MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE - PETS OK Spacious 1/1. Recently Painted. Tile and appliances. Large private yard/patio. Free laundry facilities on premises. Cent AC, private parking in nice quiet neighborhood and near the beach and Georgies. $725/Mo. + electric. Call 954-873-2066, 954-739-2995 ------------------------------------------------1/1 CLOSE TO BEACH & GATEWAY Key West style 1/1, central AC, vaulted ceilings, DW, open floor plan, private fenced courtyard, pets OK. W/D on premises. $875, first/security. 954-914-9144 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS NEIGHBORHOOD Efficiency. $550/Mo. Includes all. No Pets.

No Smoking. 954-290-6538 Call Ron. ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------1414 NE 5TH TERRACE LARGE 2BD/1BA Open, peninsula kitchen w/ smooth-top stive, crisp white cabinets, D/W, tile floors, on-site laundry. C/A, private patio. $1,050/Mo. F/S. Call 954-448-9811 ------------------------------------------------EAST FORT LAUDERDALE - ONE MINUTE TO WILTON DRIVE - 2/2 IN A TROPICAL PARK-LIKE SETTING Large, quiet 2BD/2 full bath unit. Totally renovated with porcelain tile, granite & stainless kitchen, granite in baths, dining room, central A/C, ceiling fans, D/W, W/D in unit & more. Charming, beautifully landscaped 5-plex close to beach. $1,225/ mo. Call Rick 954-253-1929 or email BoisTropicalHome@aol.com for photos.

------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------VICTORIA PARK TOWNHOUSE 2BD/2.5BA, Large Bedrooms. large Closets. newer fully equipped kitchen , newer appliances, WD, Courtyard, Pets OK, Hurricane Shutters, Fast Flexible Move In for Feb 1st. Owner/Agent $1,350/ Mo. 954-661-4481 ------------------------------------------------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. **$1,100 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. 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. **$875.

2BD/1.5BA, updated, tile throughout, newer kitchen/bath. Laundry on site. Call Melissa for info at 954-563-6672 ------------------------------------------------1/4 BLOCK OFF WILTON DRIVE Nice renovated 2/1 condo, 4 unit ranch style building, Wilton Dr and 2300 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 ------------------------------------------------VICTORIA PARK UPDATED 1 BEDROOM. Completely Renovated 1 bedroom, Central Air, Walk-In Closet, DW, Micro, Hurricane Windows/Doors. Walk to Gateway and Galleria. N/S. $850 mo.

954-270-0304

45

March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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.

------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS WATERFRONT ON THE PARK. Waterfront 1BD/1BA, new kitchen, spacious apt. $875/Mo. Call 954-224-8768 ------------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS LOFT SUITE - PETS OK. 1 Bed or possible 2 Bed w/ 1.5 baths overlooking the river. Delux Kitchen, Central Air, Ceiling Fans, Private tropical fantacy. Full furnished, Asian style, bring your boat (dock avail), solar heated lagoon pool w/ waterfall, 2 large spas. $900/Mo. + 1/2 Utilities. Call 954-537-7770

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 -----------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------A&A ROOFING AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS 954-274-9378 Licensed & Insured #93BS00177 -----------------------------------------------MAYERSOHN LAW GROUP P.A. State/Federal Criminal Defense & White Collar Crime 954-765-1900, 866765-1900 www.MayersohnLaw.com -----------------------------------------------IRRIGATION SYSTEM REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE 19 yrs. experience, excellent work, referrals by request. Call Roberto at 954-383-8980 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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.

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

------------------------------------------------YOUNG SEXY PROFESSIONAL BARTENDER. Great for private parties and events. Creative and lots of fun. Will bring your party to life. Just call Anthony 954-7098444 or email: AnthonyBartenderMixologist@live.com ------------------------------------------------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.

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

EC13001903 954-748-6234 ------------------------------------------------*EARLY BIRD CONSTRUCTION * ROOFING, CARPENTRY, TILE, PAINT. Honest and ON TIME! 954-274-9378 ------------------------------------------------LANDSCAPING, LAWNMOWING & MAINTENENCE - WE DO IT ALL INTE­GRITY LANSCAPING SERVICE & MAINT. No Job Too Small! Call Call John 954-812-5434 or 954-763-3340 ------------------------------------------------DJ/PRODUCER FOR HIRE 15+ Years Experience. Worldwide Performances. Over 200,000 records sold.

Available for private parties or corporate events. Call 954-295-2220 or E-Mail: DJJulian@aol.com ------------------------------------------------D.A.D.S. ELECTRIC, LLC For Quality Work at Fair Prices, Call David & Dennis, Gay Owned & Operated.

Licensed & Insured. 954-549-0102 ------------------------------------------------HANDY MAN SERVICE Professional, safe, reliable, painting, bathroom, tile and flooring. Repair or replace faucet fixture ,toilets, ceiling fans electrical outlets and dimmer switches, Install lighting fixtures. I work with Realtors home owners. Installing counter tops and cabinets. Free estimate call Eli for more info 954-638-7034.

Services ITALIAN BODYWORK Call me for your next great body rub!

954-494-5936 -----------------------------------------------DEEP MUSCULAR MASSAGE If my massage isn’t one of the best you’ve ever had, you don’t have to pay me.

Jamie G. 954-547-4872 -----------------------------------------------BESTOFFLORIDAMASSAGE.COM 8AM – 8PM, 7 Days a week 954-356-9348 -----------------------------------------------RELAX IN A MAN’S HANDS Hot Rubs $70+ North Dade IN/OUT Pro Table Paul 305-903-3331 -----------------------------------------------I WILL RUB YOU RIGHT! Joe 954-270-0357 -----------------------------------------------STEVE-JORDAN.COM Experience the ultimate in bodywork!

954-560-2542 ------------------------------------------------ORIENTAL WORK Full Body Deep Tissue work given by athletic, muscular, nice Asian guy, 5’7”, 130lbs. 954-548-5081 Lee -----------------------------------------------USA BODYWORK Kenn Steed, Fort Lauderdale 954-683-3360 www.USABodywork.us -----------------------------------------------ASIAN INDIAN BOY 30 years old Handsome Boy for erotic rub down. Tantric work too Call 954-394-4150 for apt. anytime. In & Out.

------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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’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 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------REAL ASIAN HANDS Trained, skilled, open-minded with table and erotic finish-cute and slim.

954-729-0226 ------------------------------------------------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 ------------------------------------------------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 -----------------------------------------------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

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

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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More... Gay Pride on the Drive

by A. Sebastian Fortino We had so much fun asking the Pride Questions in person and via Facebook.com that we decided to run 5 each week out of the 20 best that we collected! If you were interviewed but haven’t seen yourself in keep looking in upcoming editions. Thanks for your patience and your pride!

1) Name: Olivia 2) Age: 42 3) Occupation: Tax Auditor, Band Geek 4) How do you identify? Lesbian 5) Where are you from? New York 6) How do Pride Celebrations there differ from Pride here, in South Florida?

The only problem is many of the people there are protesters, that leads to shouting matches. I’m half French, and experienced Pride in France one year. It’s amazing how different it is. I guess the French are always looking for a reason to party! In South Florida there seems to be less camaraderie.

7) What does Pride mean to you? As a participant in the South Florida Pride Marching Band I love the celebration of Pride! I have found that people get very enthusiastic when we come around and that we are a driving force in the parade to get people involved.

1) Name: Joey 2) Age: 27 3) Occupation: Customer service 4) How do you identify? Gay 5) Where are you from? Harrisburg, PA 6) How do Pride Celebrations there differ from Pride here, in South Florida?

Difference was, there is a lot more people here. And it is very diverse here. Here there’s a lot of different cultures.

The Latin American flavor makes it rich and delicious.

7) What does Pride mean to you? It means being proud of who you are not being inhibited. It makes me proud to be who I am and I don’t have to be afraid to just be myself! And a lot of times—before I moved here—I felt in Harrisburg I couldn’t always be myself!

1) Name: Marvin 2) Age: 38 3) Occupation: Multi-faceted Lips employee, and choreographer.

4) How do you identify? Gay 5) Where are you from? Miami 6) What does Pride mean to you? It means being myself and being who I am and who I was born to be. I love my job, I work with the best drag queens in the country.

And Sunday Brunch is inspirational enough for me—to mean gay pride! My occupations and talents allow me to express myself…I am proud about this, more than a parade!

1) Name: Ed 2) Age: 44 3) Occupation: Self-employed 4) How do you identify? Gay 5) Where are you from? Rome, New York 7) What does Pride mean to you? It means equality for men and women to express themselves and be happy.

1) Name: Parker 2) Age: 42 3) Occupation: Designer, event planner 4) How do you identify? Loving, caring, person! (Ahem, his friend says he’s a gay!)

5) Where are you from? War, West Virgina 6) How do Pride Celebrations there differ from Pride here, in South Florida? The KKK has the pride celebrations there, not the gays!

7) What does Pride mean to you? Pride means self-pride. And dedication to yourself.

Parker

Ed

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March 15 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Pictures from Pridefest at Jaco Pastorius Park, Saturday, March 13. All photos by J.R. Davis.