03/22/10 V1I9 by South Florida Gay News

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Time for Civil Disobedience: Gays Protest in DC Page 23

March 22, 2010 • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 9

DIRTY LARRY SFGN EXCLUSIVE

‘Wilton Drive Magazine’ Comes with Publisher’s Filthy Laundry page 6

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

page

Mike Verdugo Sues

page

SFGN Profile: Chuck Nichols

page

Johnny Weir Not a ‘Star’ on Ice

page

Center Spread of PRIDEFEST Photos

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

What’s New?

SFGN Adds Keen News Service to News Sections By Richard Gary

fgn publisher Norm Kent announced this week that he has contracted with renowned LGBT journalist Lisa Keen and the Keen News Service to deliver content based LGBT news to SFGN. “Lisa has been reporting LGBT news since 1979, and was the editor of one of the nation’s most respected gay newspapers, the Washington Blade, for 18 years,” Kent Lisa Keen said. “Her unparalleled news organization and team delivers national political and legal news that involves or affects LGBT people. She is the best at what she does, and it Chuck Colbert authenticates the mission of SFGN to be the best at what we do.” Keen has won the Silver Gavel Award from the American Bar Association for her coverage of an anti-gay initiative in Colorado and its subsequent landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Romer v. Evans. She also won a Society of Professional Journalists award for her series of

interviews—from diagnosis to death— with one of the first gay men to develop AIDS in the early 1980s. Keen News Service correspondent Chuck Colbert is a Cambridge, Mass.based freelance journalist who has been reporting for gay and mainstream audiences since 1991. His coverage has included the full range of LGBT issues in civil right and liberation, including gays in the military, employment nondiscrimination and hate crimes, same-sex marriage and the family, law, politics, business, education, and religion. He is a former New England chapter president of the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association who has covered national political conventions. A former senior correspondent and columnist for the In Newsweekly, he is a frequent contributor to the National Catholic Reporter (NCR), where he covered the Boston archdiocese clerical sex abuse scandal. He also contributes to Press Pass Q, the on-line trade publication for gay media professionals. He has provided gay-themed commentary to such mainstream media as the Philadelphia Inquirer, San Francisco Chronicle, and Washington Post, among others.

Also on the Keen Team is correspondent Dana Rudolph, a journalist, new media producer, and veteran of the online industry. She writes a regular column on LGBT parenting for several LGBT newspapers, including Bay Windows, the Philadelphia Gay News, and Windy City Times. Her writing has also appeared at 365gay.com, the Bilerico Project, the Huffington Post, and the Washington Post’s “On Parenting” blog. She is the founder of Mombian, a leading news, opinion, and information blog for lesbian moms and other LGBT parents. Most recently, she was a vice president at Merrill Lynch, developing marketing and business strategies for several key online initiatives. She was also the first leader of the firm’s global LGBT employee network. Dana has a BA summa cum laude from Wellesley College. In this week’s edition, SFGN, which also has a contract with the Associated Press, and whose membership in the Florida Press Association is pending, publishes Lisa Keen’s piece on the Supreme Court case arguing the extent to which anti gay pastor Fred Phelps, of Topeka, Kansas, will be allowed to protest at private funerals.

SFGN IS NOW HIRING w Motivated advertising sales executives with enthusiasm, energy and experience. w Miami and Palm Beach correspondents. w Immediate employment available.

CALL NORM KENT 954.530.4970

March 22 , 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 9

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

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

Chief Executive Officer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Graphic Designer. . . . . . . . . . . . . Jarrett Terrill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Florida Gay News.com is published weekly on Mondays. Our paper is a member of the Associated Press. The views and opinions expressed within this publication, in bylined columns, stories, and letters to the editor are those of the writers expressing them. They do not represent the opinions of South Florida Gay News.com, Inc., or the Publisher. They are included to promote free speech and diversity of thought. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations in SFGN, and it would be careless to do so. For the sake of readable newswriting, the word “gay” in SFGN should, when relevant, be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community. All of the material that appears in SFGN, both online at www. southfloridagaynews.com, and in our print edition, including articles used in conjunction with our contract with the Associated Press and our columnists, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Thus, nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher of SFGN, at his law office, Kent & Cormican, P.A., 110 Southeast 6th Street, Suite 1970, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33301. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright©2010 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

Associated Press

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Local News

Verdugo Sues Hollywood to Get Police Job Back By Cliff Dunn

n March 17, 2010, Mike Verdugo, the now nationally known Hollywood police officer, who lost his job over a gay porn video, filed suit against the City of Hollywood to get his job back. In a story first reported in SFGN on January 25, and later picked up nationally by The Advocate.com and other mainstream and LGBT media, Verdugo was discharged by the city in January 2009 after officials claimed he had knowingly and intentionally withheld information about prior ‘employment’ when he originally applied for a job as a police officer with the city. That alleged lack of disclosure was a porn shoot fifteen years earlier. According to court documents filed by his attorneys, George Castrataro and Norm Kent, Verdugo argued his firing was unjustified and illegal, based solely on the fact he was a gay man whose prior conduct was lawful, private, personal and not employment, subject to police department review. His attorneys asserted that his conduct was constitutionally protected intimate human behavior; personal and ‘individually expressive acts’ outside the scope of review for the Hollywood police department. The legal argument made by Castrataro and Kent was that

Mikey Verdugo

his failure to disclose the porn video to Hollywood when he was hired was inconsequential, and “that if he had failed to disclose he spent one day appearing in a Shakespearean play no one would have cared less. It was homosexuality that drove Hollywood up a wall.” Since an arbitration hearing between Verdugo and the City of Hollywood found in the city’s favor, Verdugo had to file suit to overturn the ruling, which, he contended was biased and unfair by the arbitrator, James L. Reynolds. Verdugo took the position that since his conduct was lawful, the failure to list it in his employment application submitted five years later was inadvertent and meaningless. The arbitrator, however, ruled otherwise, that it was “deliberate.” In his arbitration ruling, Reynolds also referred to Verdugo’s “misguided venture into the area of pornographic movies,” and said that the distinguished cop “must [be held] accountable” for his part in the film. Verdugo’s complaint against the city also asserted not only the lack of impartiality of Reynolds but city officials as well, including Hollywood Police Chief Chad Wagner. Wagner, it was noted, admitted during crossexamination that if the film in question was a 15-minute production of “Hamlet” the city would have never fired Verdugo. Verdugo’s original attorney, Alberto Milian, commented that “the Hollywood police department appears to operate on a parallel universe that’s oblivious to social evolution.” Verdugo’s suit is seeking to vacate the original arbitration award, as well as to allow him to seek damages against the city and officials who brought the action against him. The suit was filed Wednesday of last week, and the City has not yet replied. They have said they will vigorously defend the case. Castrataro acknowledged that “overurning the ruling of a duly appointed arbitrator after a hearing where both parties have previously submitted to final binding arbitration is a very difficult legal threshold but we hope to meet it and find justice for Mike.”

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

MDGLCC To Open Nation’s Only Chamber-Sponsored LGBT Visitor Center Ribbon Cutting Scheduled for April 15

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Guest Speakers: Elizabeth Schwartz, Esq., LGBT Estate Planning Attorney Daniel M. Pye, Vice President, Financial Advisor

Admission is free, but seating is limited. Please call Sharon today at 954-267-5612 or email Sharon.grabill@morganstanley.com to make your reservation.

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Vice President Morgan Stanley Smith Barney 2400 East Commercial Blvd., Suite 1200 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308 Direct: 954-267-5683 Fax: 954-267-5698 The guest speaker is neither an employee nor affiliated with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. The opinions expressed by the guest speaker are solely his/her own and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters. Investment and services offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, member SIPC. ©2009 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

By Joey Amato

s the 600-member strong MiamiDade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) packs up its rainbow flag in preparation for relocating offices to the first floor north of historic Old City Hall in Miami Beach, plans are being finalized to launch what may be the country’s only gay Chamber-sponsored LGBT Visitor Center. The new LGBT Visitor Center inside the MDGLCC’s new headquarters will become a place of community, information, resources and business networking for the 1.2 million gay and lesbian travelers who visit Miami-Dade County each year, “as well as for the estimated 183,000 LGBT residents who call Miami and Miami Beach home,” said Steve Adkins, president of the MDGLCC. The Center is on-target to open April 15 with a grand opening dedication celebration for the entire community with many dignitaries, city and community leaders in attendance. “We envision the new Visitor Center becoming the nucleus of LGBT activity for visitors, locals and our business community,” Adkins said. “Other cities have LGBT community centers or general tourist information places, but we’re aware of no other city in the country that has a permanent, central location run by a gay Chamber that serves the needs of both LGBT and gay-friendly visitors and locals.” Located at 1130 Washington Avenue, Old City Hall is literally at the epicenter of LGBT activity in South Beach. The Mediterranean Neo-Classical designed building was originally built in 1927 and reopened last October after a three-year, $7 million renovation by the City. In addition to offices for the MDGLCC staff and volunteers, the 2,500 square-foot space will house a conference room that MDGLCC members, community groups and other non-

profits can use. The office will also house a computer lab, resource center and a lounge where people can simply hang out and meet new friends or take a break from the nonstop Miami Beach action. There will also be kiosks to display various LGBT-oriented memorabilia as well as branded merchandise for sale. The Center will also have the ability to play host to art shows, book signings, receptions and fundraisers. Many of which could be held in conjunction with the high-profile events that Miami Beach attracts, such as the Winter Party, Art Basel Miami Beach, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival and Art Deco Weekend. “A Visitor Center of this magnitude makes perfect sense for Miami Beach,” Adkins said. “We’re arguably among the top LGBT tourist destinations in the country, if not the world, and the local LGBT community is very well-integrated into the general population, making this city one of the most progressive and accepting in the world.” That integration makes Miami Beach unusual and provides a bigger opportunity for a Center, Adkins said. “Unlike other cities, there are no ‘gay ghettos’ here where the LGBT community congregates. Here, people freely walk Lincoln Road or Ocean Drive hand-in-hand and are warmly welcomed at shops, hotels and restaurants.” Another benefit of the Visitor Center will be the ability to further quantify the economic impact of LGBT visitors and the community overall on the local economy. According to the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, LGBT visitors spent more than $1.7 billion throughout Miami-Dade County in 2007. Ultimately, Adkins hopes the new, high-visibility location will serve as a catalyst to bring more LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses—and visitors—to Miami Beach. “We really look forward to the Visitor Center being front-and-center in Miami Beach,” Adkins said.

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Pridelines Youth Services Launches ‘10 In 10’ Campaign Goal is $10,000 in 10 Days

Youth prom

By Joey Amato

ast week, Pridelines Youth Services announced its third annual “10 in 10” fundraising campaign that hopes to raise $10,000 in donations in 10 days. Donations secured during the “10 in 10” campaign, which ends March 26, will go toward funding Pridelines’ LGBT youth programs. “Last year, we were successful in reaching our $10,000 goal, in spite of the down economy,” said Victor Diaz-Herman, chairman of the Pridelines board. With just a few days remaining, “We encourage the community to continue their support of LGBT youth in South Florida. Every dollar counts.” Among the on-going programs the “10 in 10” campaign supports are “Rainbow Circle,” a peer-led support group that addresses

LGBT youth issues; “Women’s Night,” an outreach and educational series for young women and “Young Men Taking Action,” which supports HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention among teens. Pridelines youth activities also include special events such as trips to “Disney on Ice,” the annual “Youth Prom,” and marching in the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade. Donations also support the Pridelines meal program ensuring that Pridelines youth receive at least one balanced meal each day. There are several ways to donate to Pridelines “10 in 10” fundraising campaign. Donate online at Pridelines.org; mail a check to P.O. Box 014340, Miami, Florida 33101; or call the Pridelines office at (305) 571-9601. Pridelines Youth Services is a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to educating and empowering South Florida’s LGBT youth and their straight allies in a safe and diverse environment. Pridelines provides leadership, referral services and opportunities for 13- to 24-year-olds who are dealing with the challenges of identity and personal growth in order to become more comfortable with themselves, their sexuality and their place in society.

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iPod Winner Announced Harry A. Watters of Fort Lauderdale, won the SFGN Pridefest raffle for the iPod Nano. Harry(left) stopped by our Pridefest booth on Sunday and was presented with his iPod by SFGN Master of Our Domains, Tommy Forcella(right). “This is my first MP3 player! Thanks, SFGN!”

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March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

‘Wilton Drive Magazine’ Likely to Wilt

DIRTY LARRY?

Former Employees Charge Boss with Harassment, Non Payment

By Norm Kent with A. Sebastian Fortino Cover photo by Pompano Bill

Readers’ Advisory: This story contains blatant profanities necessarily published within the context of presenting this story as accurately and truthfully as possible.

ormer staff members of the new ‘Wilton Drive Magazine,’ originally set for a March 18 launch date, have accused Lawrence Patterson, the prospective publisher, of sexual harassment, financial misconduct, and failing to pay ANY of their salaries. Patterson, 59, has set up shop by renting office space in Wilton Suites

Watson: bloody but unbowed

on Wilton Drive, where former employees now say he may actually be living. Patterson had been renting a hotel room at the Hurricane Hotel on Oakland Park Boulevard and A1A, but he was asked to leave by its management for not paying his board. “Good riddance to him,” said Wally,

the Hurricane’s manager, “he still owes us $350, his room was trashed, he left clothes and belongings on the floor, and there was steel wool, pills, and glass pipes throughout the room.” The latter two items are associated with drug paraphernalia employed to smoke crack cocaine. The hotel manager explained to SFGN that Patterson had lived there for over eight months, before landing a recent “settlement...then he paid us back due rents but a month later he was hitting me up for twenty bucks,” Wally said. Jeffrey Jacobs, long time DJ at the Ramrod, confirms that he responded to an advertisement Patterson had placed in bar guides seeking an Ex-

Local DJ Jeffrey Jacobs

ecutive Assistant, but that he left after five days. “I wrote him a polite e-mail stating ‘with all due respect,’ I did not think it was realistic for him to think he was going to publish a magazine by March 18 when he had no computers, no writers, no phones, no website designers or any staff. I thought he was

going about it backwards. And I sent him a time sheet for $612.00.” Jacobs said Patterson’s first reply to him was an email which read: “Fuck you amateur. If you ever want to painlessly commit suicide, just jump off the top of your ego.” Patterson refused to pay the bill and said a check would be mailed from ADP, his payroll service. But two subsequent employees confirmed that Patterson has never contracted with ADP. The next day Patterson sent Jacobs a second email “threatening to have me arrested for taking some of the work that I created, which he refused to pay me for. I am not a charity,” Jacobs told SFGN. Patterson’s email included the following text: “I am keeping what compensation you had coming for damages. Filing Felony Charges. You just destroyed your own reputation, dumbass. I am going to watch you crash and burn.” This was in response to an employee who had earlier written “I would love nothing more than for your magazine to succeed, but I am not going to put my reputation on the line trying to sell full page ads for a magazine where the only page ready to print is the cover.” “But I could see what was happening,” Jacobs said. “He had asked me to help sneak him back into the Hurricane Motel to get his belongings when he did not pay the rent there. Then he had me take him to the back door of the Wilton Suites so they would not see he was moving his stuff into the office he was renting.” Less than five days before Patterson had sent this same employee an email reading “I jus think you are fukin amazing, an I want to go out with you an see where it might go. Can you handle it? LP”[sic] When Jacobs left, Darren Watson, 38, was hired to be Patterson’s Chief Financial Officer and Business Manager. Relocating from Orlando to find new work here after leaving a 15 year position with MCI, Watson said he

was immediately hired by Patterson after meeting with him for less than ten minutes. “I interviewed in February, moved down on March 1, but then when I came in to say hello before the start date, I met the other staff. Every one of them advised me that they had not been getting paid. I began to get very nervous,” Watson told SFGN. Watson sent an e mail to Patterson communicating his concern. “Then I started getting obscene and filthy sexually harassing emails from him,” Watson told SFGN. Not for the light hearted, one of those emails from Patterson arrived on Friday, March 5, at 2:23 a.m., reading “I am going to have to beat your ass. You’re a top, aren’t you, butch boy. AND everyone including me noticed your big fuckin basket jus fore yo left yesterday. If your cock had been bulging any more, it would’ve busted right out your jeans. Then daddy would have haad to throat if for you an drain you dry. I know you just got out of a relationship, but I am WAY interested in YOU. But will deny sayin it on a stack of bibles.”[sic] Patterson was not done. Watson received a second communication at 2:37 a.m. It not only promised an immediate salary increase, but when he came over, he was advised by Patterson: “don’t wear any underwear. I want to see that big dick.” Watson declined to report to work on Monday, and was never paid any monies for the time he was there. Neither was Orlando Espinosa. He responded to the same ad Watson did and served as the Executive Personal Assistant for two weeks. “I too was hired in less than ten minutes. I too never got paid. I too saw other people get fired for no reason without also getting paid. And all the while Patterson was talking about creating this major magazine he never added a land line, a computer, or tech equipment.” All he acquired, one staffer noted, was a beat up used computer from

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com the school board for a hundred bucks. When Espinosa discovered some of the emails sent to Jacobs, he too, left the company. “I believed Patterson to have no money and that we would probably never get paid for all the work we did for him in the last two weeks. We were actually trying to put together a magazine.” Even a fourth employee, Michael B., responded to the ad for an assistant. But Michael B told SFGN that “I was hired to assist in the development of a cable TV channel, but then I was urgently called in to sell ads for a magazine, sent to meet with merchants, but I never even had a mockup of the magazine.” The employee said he joined with other staffers in not returning to work when they were not paid. Michael Krauser, who runs Wilton Executive Suites, not a hotel, on Wilton Drive, could not comment on the purported new residency of Patterson. He said it was in the “hands of his lawyers.” Besides Jacobs, at least two other former employees told SFGN “the guy is actually living there.” Lawrence Bruce Patterson’s Nevada based corporation is named Financial Pros, LLC. Its stock and trade is selling annuities and

SERVICES

news and related strategic applications of Life Settlements, charitable giving, and inter-related life insurance/annuity scenarios.” The image of Patterson as a shrewd financial executive paints a little different picture than his present portrait on ‘Facebook’, where he lists his website, financialpros.com, and his interests and hobbies, as “sex, beaching, shopping, working out, sex, Martial arts, sex, spending money, sex, and YOUNGER GUYS.” Listing himself as sinsince 2001, and was ligle, he says his favorite censed as a viatical broquote is “You can’t be too ker in Florida in 2002. thin, too hung, too rich, He is presently regisor too tan.” tered with the state as a This is not the same Series 215 licensed life- Patterson’s first cover featuring- himself Patterson who was once, health-annuities agent. While Patterson declined to talk to SFGN years ago, a respected insurance agent. about “his past,” his own words on an insur- Sources who knew him then, said he went ance blog he posted last year bragged that he by his middle name, Bruce, and that he was has “participated in many conferences and a “nice, timid, prim, proper, hard working symposia and invests hours in daily self-study older man who would research his job thorto stay current with cutting-edge industry oughly and take it to the next level.” life and health insurance products. Applying to do business here in Florida originally in February, 2009, Patterson listed an address on the west coast of the state on Coral Way in Cape Coral. Going now by the nickname of ‘Butch,’ Patterson has been a life settlement agent

BAIL BONDS

However, those same sources indicated that Patterson, about ten years ago, suffered a life-changing medical incident after a near fatal bite by a rare, brown recluse spider. “He came back a changed man,” the source said, “as if some force had taken hold of him.” This past week, Patterson revealed in what he called “a cover story” for his premiere issue that he was HIV Positive. In his announcement, Patterson admits to “being very sick during January and February” and not taking his meds all last year. He declined to discuss the matter further with SFGN, saying “God brought me here for a reason.” Patterson entered the South Florida scene by taking out two full page ads in Hotspots last month, bragging about them on Facebook, and offering up ‘securities and annuities’ for Financial Pros, saying nothing about the proposed magazine. The ads employed the copyrighted and statutorily protected logos of Ian Fleming and James Bond, hustling customers to invest. Patterson, however, was not given authorization to use the copyrighted James Bond images as his own. Stated Michael Tavares, Licensing Director for Danjaq, LLC., which continued on page 42

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March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

SFGN brings back this week a feature entitled ‘Reflections’ with pictures of our past from Pompano Bill. Recording the gay and lesbian history photographically for decades, each week we will reach back in time and celebrate the life of a local hero through Pompano’s photographs. Lee McCall (1963-2002) was a longtime activist in South Florida’s LGBT community, serving as co-chair for Pride South Florida and PrideFest in the early 1990s. Revelers from that era will recall his shoulder-length hair (occasionally worn in the mullet style popular in those days), as well as his winning smile and warm personality behind the bar at the original Georgie’s on Sunrise Blvd (now Slammers), and later at Georgie’s Alibi in Wilton Manors. Joel Slotnick, who joined PrideFest’s Board in 1992, remembers Lee as kind and dedicated. “You couldn’t ask for a better friend,” Slotnick recalls. “I miss Lee a lot.”

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Real Estate

How Far Will Home Prices Fall? By Joey Amato

FGN previously reported on the possible wave of new foreclosures hitting the state. If that isn’t bad enough, another report compiled by Fiserv and Moody’s Economy.com shows the average home price in the United States falling about 6% by September 2011. This comes after a dismal three years, which has seen prices tumble more than 27%. Florida is again predicted to be one of the worst hit areas in the country. Most of the projected decline will occur during the usually slow summer months of 2010. After that, prices should begin to stabilize, according to Fiserv, and stay flat through fall of 2011. Mark Zandi, economist and co-founder of Economy.com, attributes the decline to the large amount of foreclosures plaguing the market. “Foreclosure sales will pick up this spring as mortgage servicers figure out who can qualify for a modification and who can’t,” said Zandi. According to Zandi, there are at least 4.5 million mortgage loans either in foreclosure or headed in that direction. When that additional inventory hits the market, it will provide numerous choices for buyers and encourage sellers to drop their listing prices. In Moody’s report, our tri-county region will experience the largest impact, with Miami leading the pack. The report predicts prices will drop an astonishing 34% before stabilizing. This follows the 47.7% decline recorded in the past three years. Not far behind are Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. These cities should expect to experience a decline of 30.2% and 26.2% respectively. Kimber White of United American Mortgage partially agrees with the report, with the exception of the reason. We will witness the decline “as a result of the high-end market foreclosing on their homes. People with large amounts of cash will then purchase similar homes at a lower cost and as a result carry a smaller mortgage.”

Assuming subprime mortgage foreclosures have peaked, this theory may be accurate. Another reason for the decline can be attributed to the abundance of condominium inventory. Many lenders will not lend to condo buyers, resulting in lower prices and less demand. Condominium lend-

ing is a risky business most lenders are avoiding now. “The foreclosure rate on condos is higher than other residential property, as is the vacancy rate.” White states the market was “hit harder than the single-family homes, which caused lenders to suffer greater losses.” As a result, lenders will not grant mortgages to perspective buyers who can’t come up with a down payment of between 2030%. Even if approved, condo buyers need to be aware of potentially harmful issues. Newer buildings which are stilled owned by the developer are at greater risk of foreclosure. Many don’t carry a reserve like older buildings and therefore may not be able to afford the necessary maintenance of a building. White says, “It is better to purchase in an older, established building because there is a smaller chance of developer bankruptcy.” Lenders now require condominium associations to hold 10% of revenue in reserves to

prevent such bankruptcies from occurring. One of the benefits of declining home values is homes are becoming more affordable causing an increase in demand. Steve McAleer, Realtor Associate at Weichert Realtors—Distinctive Homes has witnessed such demand. “Over the last 4 or 5 months, I have seen an overall increase in demand from investors and owner occupants for single-family homes in Broward County.” The average days a home spends on the market has decreased. McAleer states, “A single family home in Wilton Manors on the market has declined from over 100 days in February 2009 to under 90 days in February 2010.” This decrease may have been as a result of the first-time home buyer’s credit,

which expires on April 30th. As of yet, the U.S. government has not issued an extension. Regardless of whether someone is looking to purchase a single-family home or condo, perspective buyers may be concerned that if the market does indeed witness the drop in value which the report has predicted, they

will suffer from the loss. But White says with the rise in interest rates that is predicted over the next 12 months, homeowners shouldn’t be concerned. In fact, he thinks this is the best time to buy. “If a person takes out a $100,000 loan now at 5.25%, the base monthly payment will be $525. If the property decreases 15% and that person takes out an $85,000 loan, the interest rate may have increased to 6.5%. That equates to a monthly payment of $552.” South Florida, although having many benefits, also has many challenges ahead. For the first time on record, the state has seen an exodus in population rather than growth. Reasons may include high real estate taxes and insurance. As a result, states like Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia are experiencing a growth in population. White is optimistic for South Florida’s future, but predicts it will take, “at least 10 years for the market to return to its previous luster.” In the meantime, many individuals are foregoing home ownership in favor of renting. Although a fine alternative, renting may not be the best option. Rates are rising due to demand, while home prices are falling. Sometimes it makes more sense to purchase a home, especially if the mortgage payment and rental payment are comparable. There are benefits to ownership, most notably tax benefits. For income tax purposes, home ownership is advantageous. Ken Rubenfeld of Nations Fast Tax states, “The interest paid on a mortgage is deductible, whereas rent is not.” He goes on to mention that renting is a good option for those who can’t afford property taxes, insurance or any other expenses associated with home ownership. “Real estate taxes in Florida are based on 2.5 percent of the purchase price of a home and are often overlooked when determining if a home is affordable.”

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March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Mackin’ It with Dan & DJ

Their sophisticated website is accessible at www.wiltonmanorsmainstreet.org

MACK MIXER Celebrates 5 Years By Joey Amato

n 2005, Dan Oropesa and Donald “DJ” Harvey formed a company for “Gay Owned and Straight Friendly” businesses and professionals called MACK MIXER. They held their inaugural event at Cement Bar in Fort Lauderdale in March of that year. Oropesa tells SFGN, “We had about 60 people show up because half of them knew it was going to be open bar.” Five years later, MACK MIXER commemorated its five year anniversary with a celebration at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six. MACK MIXERs began as weekly networking events targeting all members of the LGBT community. Although concentrated in Fort Lauderdale, guests travelled from miles around to attend. A year later, the founders of MACK decided to change the weekly events into a monthly happening. “That decision tripled our numbers at the first event. We knew we had created something good,” states Oropesa. Another brand un der the umbrella is MACK Power Lunch. The lunches are also held monthly and begin with 30-minute’s of social networking. After that, lunch is served and a sponsor may be invited to give a brief presentation about their company. Oropesa says, “For those that are expecting the typical, ‘Hi, my name is...’ networking formality, you are in for a treat. We scratched that bad habit years ago. We stress creating relationships and making friends, as that’s the only way a meaningful referral will work.” In 2007, Dan and DJ hosted a mixer at the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, attended by almost 400 guests, which up until that time was their most highly attended event. The mixer combined a traditional format with a wine and food tasting. “The venue, artists, logistics, and local restaurant participation made it more of a celebration. To this day, people comment on that event,” Oropesa said. That event, although monumental, was

eclipsed by the July 2009 mixer held at the W Hotel. “Over 500 people attended. The Fire Marshall shut us down!” Around the same time, Dan and DJ decided to expand their MACK brand to other markets, including Miami, Tampa and Boca Raton/Delray Beach. Oropesa states, “The mixer in Fort Lauderdale had grown so much that most venues in Fort Lauderdale couldn’t handle such a capacity any more. By expanding to Miami and Boca/Delray Beach, we’ve lowered the numbers expected—therefore allowing us to frequent some of our favorite venues.” The new markets for MACK are slowly gaining momentum. “Miami and Boca/Delray have been warmly received and are slowly creating their own following. “Most of those members will not come to Fort Lauderdale anymore knowing we’re in their backyard.” Only the MACK Power Lunch is offered in Tampa, but that may change in the future. In addition to their networking events, Dan and DJ are the creators of Mackplanet.com, which has earned a remarkable reputation in the LGBT community on a state-wide level. “We send a weekly newsletter that reaches over 4,000 readers.” The site also allows the company to support local, national, and international LGBT events and non-profit organizations. MACK’s growth over the past 5 years was made possible by a loyal following of local supporters. They include but are not limited to Edi Mulyanto of Galanga, Paul Hyman of the GLCC Pride Center, the Atlantic Hotel and Jenna Ingraham of Premier Beverage. “Five years went by so fast! We are truly grateful for all the support, following, and professionalism represented at every MACK event. Together we’ve represented the gay and lesbian business community with our best foot forward… leaving a mighty large imprint. Thank you MACK-ies!” Dan and DJ look forward to continued success in 2010.

BUSINESS

WMMS upcoming meetings start Wed 3/24: 2pm at Simply Delish, followed by Tropics at 4 pm and Naked Grape at 7pm;Thurs 3/25: 8am breakfast at Courtyard Café

Manors Initiative Seeks Safer Pedestrian Traffic on Drive By Cliff Dunn

group seeking to make Wilton Manors safer and more secure for pedestrians and local businesses plans to present a proposal to the City Commission on April 13. The organization, Wilton Manors Main Street (WMMS) would like to add more than 100 new parking spaces and widen the sidewalks along more than a mile stretch of Wilton Drive. “The vision of WMMS is a traditional Town Center within the community with small town charm and urban sophistication,” said Doug Blevins, its President. “Our mission has been to assist in creating a greater environment for residents, art, and commerce.” From economic development to enhanced designs, the group is seeking to change the face of the Drive to a more subtle yet sophisticated shopping area, adding security, safety, and opportunity to the mix. First established in 2004, the group has sought to bolster the quality of life for residents and guests along the drive, promoting arts, culture, entertainment and special events in Wilton Manors. The WMMS Street Initiative also hopes to beautify the street and improve pedestrian safety. With the city’s growth, residents and guests are facing complex issues relating to downtown noise, the demand for additional and accessible parking, as well as vehicular

dangers. Pedestrian deaths in Florida are already higher than elsewhere in the nation, and as more drivers use the Wilton Manors roads later in the evening to patronize local venues, more serious accidents are occurring on Wilton Drive. The issue is far more sophisticated than just adding parking meters. Tom Tabor, Chairman of the initiative to beautify, add parking and improve pedestrian safety in Wilton Manors noted that throughout the country similar sized retail districts and small communities have achieved major safety enhancements. “From New York to Idaho, cities are effectively addressing aesthetics and safety. We want to achieve similar goals on The Drive,” he stated. City Commissioners gathering next month will be pleasantly surprised to view an organized and well thought out presentation that will include, Blevins said, “colorful renderings, site plans, and cost analysis performed with the assistance of municipal employees of the City of Wilton Manors, the State of Florida, various professional business sources and the many experienced volunteer professionals at WMMS.” Along with Blevins and Tabor, WMMS Board Members Diane Cline and Brett Nein will argue their case. “The public is invited and the group is seeking your enthusiasm and support,” Tabor added, urging residents to be there to speak on behalf of the initiative.

March 22 , 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Chuck Nichols An Angel for Tuesday’s By Tony Adams

here are many recipes for how to conduct a personal life in south Florida. Discarding the unsavory ones that use only the ingredients of self-medication with liberal measures of laziness, I had been told that Fort Lauderdale’s Chuck Nichols had a good one. Because Chuck will be honored on May 6th for his lengthy community service, I decided to acquire his recipe. At the commodious Coral Ridge home that he and Mark, his partner of 32 years, have shared since moving here 14 years ago, I was unprepared for the distraction of 130 feet of waterfront horticultural paradise. To focus on Chuck, I selected a chair that faced away from the beckoning orchids and congratulated him on his nomination to the Dr. Nan S. Hutchison Broward Senior Hall of Fame honoring elder excellence in the volunteer sector of Broward County. Chuck is a 2010 nominee for his outstanding assistance to people with HIV/AIDS in Broward County. Chuck was the third President of Tuesday’s Angels, a volunteer agency that provides emergency assistance to financially needy people with HIV/AIDS in Broward. Under his leadership, Tuesday’s Angels has helped thousands of people with HIV/AIDS manage their rent, electric bills, and other expenses. Chuck was also instrumental in providing people with access to public transportation by securing a bus pass program. His work has helped send many children with HIV to summer camps. Chuck is a modest gentleman who is unaccustomed to talking about his own

accomplishments and his history. He trustingly gave me some really juicy stories from his past that I cannot repeat in print. The honor he is about to receive is due to the fact that he has spent his Fort Lauderdale time improving the lives of those among us who are the most needy. “After my eight years as president of Tuesday’s Angels, they wanted to make me “president emeritus” but I said no thank you to that title. Sounds too much like I’ve got a foot in the grave. We settled on “Immediate Past President” and before you ask me anything else, I want you to know something important. I have a phenomenal Board. The work that I have done would not have been impossible without them. Very few organizations take advantage of ‘gray power’ but there are many guys here who aren’t just about the bars or getting cancer by baking on Sebastian beach. I have been lucky to work with many great people who were drawn to this work just as I was when I first moved here.” This gave me an opportunity to ask about his recipe for successful living in Fort Lauderdale. “I think your first year down here is critical. You need to find a passion. For me, that was easy. I had already been in the consumer rights field. I was an economist by training and I was into working with numbers and setting standards and finding solutions to benefit people. I’ve always been fascinated by the way things work or don’t work and how they can be improved.” Chuck has a degree in Agricultural Economics from Michigan State University and a graduate degree in Business Economics from the University of Florida. His career in

READ WITH PRIDE

Washington, D.C. included positions with the Food and Drug Administration, Planning Research Corporation and The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). “In Washington, at the CPSC, I worked on setting standards for things like the caps on prescription drugs, and safe cribs for kids. I’m proud to have been a part of something that helped protect people. Then I came down here and thought I would relax on the beach.” Why didn’t that happen? “Well, that goes way back to when I first entered the gay world. I saw so much alcoholism that in my mind I began to think ‘gayequals-alcoholic’. I made it my mission to just get through school and not screw up my life. It kept me focused and that just continued on through work and then living here.” When Chuck answered my request for his age, my guess was twenty years short of the mark. I was stunned. He is a very attractive 75. Now I really wanted that recipe. “I go to the gym almost every day. I do Pilates, yoga and weight training. I was determined to create a stress-free environment and as you can see, gardening is a way to achieve that, and something I love doing.” I told Chuck that I was making a mental note to avoid ever taking the locally offered nude yoga class because, including him, I

now had four acquaintances who participate, and that would be much too distracting. “Oh it’s really not difficult to stay focused. Yoga is better for my head than for my body, although I am sometimes impressed by the view if I am in the second row during a position called the ‘downward facing dog.’” Chuck fixed the sharp gaze of his clear blue eyes at me to indicate that he was about to tell me something valuable. “The most important thing in life is to know the impact of your decisions. The big ones and the little ones that you make everyday.” What is next for Chuck? “I’m working on an idea and a proposal for a ‘Memorial Garden’ at the Pride Center and the development of a garden club there. It would have two purposes. To bring together guys who love horticulture and to establish a relaxing place for us to memorialize our loved ones.” Driving home, I knew I would not need to look at my notes to learn Chuck’s recipe for good living. It is simple. Be careful with those around you and help good things grow. More information, please visit: http://tuesdaysangels.org/ http://www.adrcbroward.org/upcomingseniorhalloffame.php

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

National News

Gay Seniors Come Out Late, Start Second Lifetime

Richard Chamberlain (who dated Joan Crawford), in ‘straight’ days —pictured on left with actress Yvette Mimieux; and outed today on right

By Matt Sedensky (AP) MIAMI — On his 75th birthday, Bill Farthing decided to be reborn. In the six years since he’d buried his wife of 45 years, he’d felt as he did long before: Lonesome, different, outcast. He wondered if he was going crazy; he contemplated suicide. Looking back, the clues leading to this day had been scattered throughout his life, but only made sense just now. So Farthing dressed in the most basic of blue wool skirt suits he could find on the Internet, with a white blouse and low-heeled, open-toed white shoes, and went shopping. Arms loaded with skirts and blouses from the clearance rack, Farthing approached the checkout. “Did you find everything you wanted, ma’am?” the cashier asked. Farthing looked over his shoulder, then realized she was talking to him. He had pulled it off. He had become a she.

ncreased awareness and acceptance of varied sexualities and gender identities has led Americans to come out far younger, as early as middle school. A less noticed but parallel shift is happening at the other end of the age spectrum, with people in their 60s, 70s and 80s coming to terms with the truth that they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. While no one tracks the numbers of the elderly who come out, those who work with older adults say the trend is undeniable, and a resulting network of support groups and

services has cropped up. The decision can fracture lifelong relationships. Or it can bring the long-sought relief of an unloaded secret. “For the first time in my life, I’m not putting on a show,” said Farthing, who eventually had sexual reassignment surgery and changed her first name to Chrissie. “It seems like I’ve been out on a cloud all my life and now I’m not. I’m me.” Outing yourself late in life can be complicated after having lived through times when being openly gay could get you arrested, put in an institution and given shock treatments. It’s snarled in a lifetime of trudging along through society’s view of normalcy and the resulting fear of being ostracized by children and grandchildren. And it’s marked by a nagging doubt that all the heartache, all the potential for it to go wrong, may not be worth it with one’s years numbered. “When somebody comes out at the age of 20, they have their whole life ahead of them,” said Karen Taylor, the director of training and advocacy for SAGE, a national group that works with LGBT seniors. “There’s a real sense of regret and loss for somebody who comes out later in life, even when talking to them and they say the decision was the right one.” Still, many seniors have felt empowered by the growing presence of gays and lesbians in pop culture and some high-profile, late-in-life outings. Among the most notable, “Family Ties” star Meredith Baxter came out in December at 62; Richard Chamberlain, long the target

of rumors, came out in 2003 at 69, decades after the height of his career as a TV heartthrob. Those who’ve mustered the gumption to out themselves say they feel as if they’ve been given a second chance. Carl Martin, 83, of Falls Church, Va., came out as gay not long after his wife died in 1997. He says he was happy in his marriage but had known of his feelings for men since he was in high school and revealed an unrequited crush to a friend. Coming out, he says, has changed him from a withdrawn, tense, reticent bystander to a vibrant social butterfly who even talks to strangers in the supermarket. “I would describe these as the happiest years of my life,” he said. “I’m free to be who I am. I was not free to be who I was before.” The realization often doesn’t come easily. Sue Pratt, 74, of Kirkwood, Mo., remembers having feelings for her high school English teacher, but she wasn’t sure what to do with them when she always dreamed of getting married and having a husband. She got her wish, but even when her husband left her, she still couldn’t come to terms with the truth. “You would think I would say, ‘I’m free

now,’” she said. “But that thought never occurred to me. I was so deep in denial.” Eventually, in her 60s, she answered a personal ad and slowly began coming out to her loved ones as a lesbian. Not everyone has taken it well, as she feared would be the case, but she has no regrets. “I didn’t want to have a secret,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if I lose every friend that I have, this is what I have to do.” Dr. Loren Olson, a psychiatrist in Des Moines, Iowa, who has studied late-in-life outings, said for most such seniors, there are losses, though they are typically less than they fear, and often vary greatly by socioeconomics. Olson himself was 40 before he came out. While it may seem incomprehensible to some, he said it makes sense that many can’t face the truth for so long, even if some around them have surmised it. “We don’t like disharmony in our thinking so sometimes we block out things that really are in opposition to really what we believe is true,” he said. “It’s like a child believing in Santa Claus: You just hang on to that as long as you can.”

Farthing’s Life Was Sprinkled with Hints As a boy, his mother asked one day how he liked school. “It was OK,” Farthing said. “But it would be better if I was a girl.” He didn’t want to do the things other boys did. Girls didn’t want him around. He fought every haircut. “We’ve got a homo on our hands,” he overheard his father say. But with no sense what to do with his feelings of being different, life wore on. He served in the Air Force. He lived overseas.And then there was that girl he found at a pub in England. She felt different, too, always attracted more to women than men. But they got along so well. And they fell in love. Sex was never a big part of their relationship, but a daughter was born. The marriage, Farthing says, was happy. Both of them thought they would die with their soul mate by their side. She did. He wasn’t so lucky. Afterward, he tried anything to keep busy. He got his pilot’s license back. He bought a small plane; he built a hangar. One day, he needed a brass, elbowshaped piece for his plane’s fuel line. They call them male-to-female fittings, and he

typed some such phrase into his computer. One of the search results that popped up was titled “The Male Lesbian Complex.” “That’s stupid,” he thought, moving along to find the part. But later, something drove him back. The description of the “complex” sounded just like him. Was he always meant to be a woman? Was he too old to accept this? “I read it and it was so close to me that it made the hair stand up on the back of my neck,” Farthing said. The transformation that followed has not sat well with all, of course. A neighbor runs indoors now when Farthing comes outside of her Oakville, Mo., home. A brother-in-law and other relatives have cut her out of their lives. And her volunteer work at a nursing home had to end when her secret became known. But those who are closest have accepted her. And now, in life’s twilight, she says she finally feels whole, finally feels normal. “For the first time ever my life feels like it’s in the right place,” she said. “I’m going to check out of this world the way I was meant to come into it.”

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

GOP Senate Candidate: Gay Marriage Opens Door to Bestiality J.D. Hayworth Is Challenging McCain for Arizona Seat Speaking on Orlando’s WORL radio, Hayworth explained that “the Massachusetts Supreme Court, when it started this move toward same-sex marriage, actually defined marriage—now get this—it defined marriage as simply, ‘the establishment of intimacy.’” “Now how dangerous is that?” continued Hayworth, who is challenging Sen. John McCain from the extreme right in Arizona’s GOP Senate primary. “I mean, I don’t mean to be absurd about it, but I guess I can make the point of absurdity with an absurd point,” he mused. Associated Press “I guess that would mean if you really had affection for your horse, I guess you could laims that Olympian Johnny Weir was marry your horse.” not included in the “Stars on Ice” cast Hayworth insisted that the “only way” because of his sexual orientation are not to prevent men from marrying their horses true, the figure skating tour said. is to create a federal marriage amendment, The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against which he supports. Defamation started an online petition last Apparently unknown to Hayworth, the week, saying Weir was being excluded from 2003 Massachusetts Supreme Court rul- the tour because he was not “family friending that struck down the state’s ban on gay ly.” Weir has repeatedly avoided questions marriage defined marriage as “the volun- about his sexual orientation, saying people tary union of two persons as spouses, to the shouldn’t be defined by labels. exclusion of all others.” “We are disappointed that there is unIn 1998 and again in 2006, Hayworth was true and inaccurate information being disvoted the second biggest “windbag” in Con- seminated,” Stars, which is sponsored by gress in Washingtonian magazine’s survey Smucker’s, said in a statement. “Please be Confident in your smile? of 1,200 congressional staff members from assured that the ‘gender identity and sexboth parties. ual orientation’ of New cast members has never Ask About our Special in the selection of “I was hoping to get the number one beenPatient a consideration spot,” Hayworth said at the time. tour performers.”

Johnny Weir : the ‘Tassle’

in a tussle

Stars on Ice Figure Skating Tour:

We’re Not Discriminating Against Johnny Weir

J.D. Hayworth: bestiality on his mind

By Cliff Dunn

Confident in your smile?

conservative former Member of Congress who is challenging America’s most prominent Republican in a primary race for U.S. Senate told a Florida radio station that legalizing gay marriage could lead to a tolerance for bestiality. J.D. Hayworth, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona between 1995 and 2007, said during an interview on March 15 that the expansion of state laws to permit gay marriage could lead to “intimacy” between man and horse.

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Weir, a three-time U.S. champion, is one of figure skating’s most colorful and oversized personalities, and his popularity soared after his sixth-place finish at the Vancouver Olympics. Tara Modlin, Weir’s agent, said she approached Stars about adding Weir to the cast and was told “not this year.” Unlike the old “Champions on Ice” tour, where skaters did individual numbers, Stars is more of an ensemble show. Former U.S. champions Todd Eldredge and Michael Weiss have been longtime cast members, and Stars will also feature Olympic champion Evan Lysacek and current U.S. champ Jeremy Abbott this season. “While Stars on Ice wishes it could accommodate many more talented skaters as part of our cast, the fact is we cannot sign every skater,” the Stars statement said. Stars on Ice begins its 40-city tour April 1 in Fort Myers, Fla.

Spurned by Nevada, Transgender Woman to Wed in California verson, 49, and the first for Love, 21, of Reno. Shannon Minter, legal director at the By Martin Griffith National Center for Lesbian Rights in San Associated Press Writer Francisco, said the circumstances of the RENO, Nev. (AP) Danielle Pauline Severson case are unique. But he said transgender people are often takes female hormones, dresses and acts like a woman and plans to have sex reassignment caught between conflicting state laws and polisurgery so she physically looks like a woman. cies about how to determine a person’s gender. “The same person may be considered leYet the pre-operative transgender female, who was born Dana Paul Severson, will have gally a male in one state and legally female in another,’’ Minter said. “This is a very painful and confusing situation for trans people.’’ Shasta County (Calif.) Clerk Cathy Darling said her office issued the marriage license only after consulting with the California Department of Health. “The state told us to reference the birth certificate,’’ she said. “It’s a legal gray area. State law doesn’t speak to this.’’ Washoe County Deputy District Attorney Herbert Kaplan said he supports the decision of the Shannon Minter, NCLR Legal Director county clerk’s office in Reno not to issue the marriage license to Severson and Love. to tie the knot to a woman in California. Nevada voters have spoken clearly that they After being jilted by officials in Nevada— which bills itself as the wedding capital of don’t want same-sex marriage, he said, and ofthe world—Severson and Rebecca Love were ficials can’t issue such a license to two females. “What they were presented with was at granted a marriage license Wednesday by officials in Severson’s hometown of Redding, Calif. least some confusion as to what the gender While both states prohibit same-sex mar- of this individual was,’’ Kaplan said. “I don’t riage, officials in California said the two think to their satisfaction, and frankly to qualified for the license because Severson’s mine, they could determine what the genbirth certificate lists her as a man. But of- der of this individual is.’’ But he agreed there are no clear-cut anficials in Nevada nixed the request, saying they consider Severson a woman because swers as to how to deal with such cases. “There’s case law to support that the gender that’s what her driver’s license says. “I just wish all these states would come up of an individual at birth remains that person’s with one law for everybody,’’ Severson said. gender regardless of what procedures are tak“Why should I not be allowed to get married? en,’’ he said. “But there’s case law to support that at a certain point in this procedure the Why should I be lonely the rest of my life? “I’m in love with Rebecca. There are not gender of an individual would change.’’ Lee Rowland, attorney for the American too many women who would love a transCivil Liberties Union in Nevada, said her sexual,’’ she added. The two plan to get married sometime lat- group is determined to do away with stateer this month in Redding. It’ll be the fourth wide bans on same-sex marriages. “Until that day comes, however, we bemarriage (but first nontraditional one) for Se-

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com lieve it is appropriate for clerks to rely on the gender on a government-issued ID to avoid the risk of invasively investigating someone’s gender,’’ she said. Love criticized the Reno office’s handling of the license request. She said they had hoped to become hitched in Reno so her family could attend. “They were so rude and ignorant. They just wanted to get us out of there,’’ she said. “They totally discriminated against us and I’m not going to let them get away with it because it was wrong.’’ Love said she and Severson met on Craigslist and have enjoyed a close relationship

for about 10 months despite their age difference. She wants to become a paralegal while Severson is pursuing a nursing career. “We’re both really loyal to each other and honest and tell each other everything,’’ she said. “We’re like a regular couple. We’re just really committed to each other.’’ Severson said she began transitioning to a female at the age of 40 after determining she “didn’t feel right being a man.’’ She has since legally changed her name. “I tried my best. I was in the Navy and played high school football,’’ the San Jose, Calif., native said. “I’m being true to myself. I got to be me, period.’’

Court Holds Feds Liable for Revealing Pilot’s HIV Status By Paul Elias

Associated Press Writer SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A pilot who lost his license because he failed to disclose he was HIV-positive can sue the federal government for emotional distress for mishandling his medical records, a federal appeals court ruled last month. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the Social Security Administration improperly turned over Stanmore Cooper’s medical records to the Federal Aviation Administration. The San Francisco man disclosed his condition to Social Security officials to receive medical benefits but withheld his HIV status from the FAA. During a criminal investigation involving pilots’ medical fitness to fly, the Social Security agency gave the FAA the medical records of some 45,000 Northern California residents who applied for licenses. The FAA was investigating whether pilots were using one set of doctors to certify their fitness to fly while applying to Social Security for disability payments using other doctors to support claims of illness and injury. Cooper was identified in “Operation Safe Pilot’’ as an FAA licensee who was also re-

ceiving disability benefits. He admitted withholding his HIV condition from the FAA on applications filed between 1998 and 2004. The FAA has since changed it policy, but at the time HIV-positive applicants were denied a pilot’s license. Cooper acknowledged purposefully withholding the information from the FAA and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of making a false statement. He paid a $1,000 fine. Despite the conviction, he sued the federal government in 2007 for violating the Privacy Act after discovering the SSA turned over his medical records to the FAA without his consent. U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker previously agreed that Cooper’s records were improperly turned over but ruled he could only recover actual damages. Since Cooper only alleged emotional distress and no out-of-pocket expenses over disclosures of a disease he kept private, the judge tossed out the lawsuit. But a unanimous three-judge panel of the federal appeals court ruled Monday that emotional distress caused by the disclosure of Cooper’s illness counts as actual damages. The court reinstated the lawsuit. “Individuals who suffer emotional distress as a result of government violations of the Privacy Act can now recover monetary damages,’’ said Cooper’s attorney David Bird.

March 22 , 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Norm Kent Publisher

Two Days at a Pride Festival

ublishing this newspaper takes a lot of time and energy, but the two days I spent at Pridefest were kind to me. So many of you overwhelmed me with praise and compliments on the energy and excitement we here at SFGN have created in the community. “Finally,” I heard over and over again, “a paper with content; with real news.” The truth is real news has always been there if other publications chose to invest in you and take the leap of faith necessary to believe you mattered. You are the news, and we just report it. South Florida may once have been a playground of just sun and fun but even in the year 2000, in the early days of The Express Gay News, I saw a vibrant gay community actively emerging. Times are tough today, for sure, harder than they have ever been for most of us. To continue our mission, this newspaper will continue to need your support. But there is reason to believe in ourselves and our unlimited capacity. The LGBT community is stronger and more diversified than it has ever been.

This past weekend our community gathered in shirts and ties to celebrate ‘Stars of the Rainbow’ at the GLCC. Next weekend, Lambda Legal will salute honorable legislators, while others go to a Broward House benefit featuring a funny gay comedienne, Sarah Bernhard. On that same night, another thousand or so gay men and women will celebrate the artistry of music and support SunServe at its ‘Bravissimo’ Concert. The gay community is the Sunshine Cathedral and Congregation Etz Chaim- gathering for a spectacular Christmas concert, or a High Holy Days service. The gay community is the Stonewall library collecting volumes for the ages, and hosting speakers’ forums which includes nationally known gay figures addressing local groups. The gay community is Pridelines hosting a forum for youth which offers social opportunities, counseling and positive coming out experiences. The gay community is inaugurating in South Florida an unprecedented Senior Day Care Center for older gays, or the joint Miami-Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian festival, coming to a theater near you next month. The gay community is the Hurricane Showdown Softball Tournament, the bowling leagues, the pool tournaments that gather weekly in local bars, and then wind up hosting an annual benefit for caregivers like the Poverello Center. If you read the sports pages of this issue, the gay community is now also a Polo League, hosting an annual tournament in Wellington next month. The gay community is the Rainbow Alliance, the Business and Professional Group, Women in Networking, the GLB-X, and yet new organizations constantly launching ini tiatives designed to promote commerce, con sumer safety, and public responsibility.

photo by J.R. Davis

SFGN Editorial 3/22/2010

Letters, We Got Letters The gay community is the Stonewall Street Festival, with thousands of decent civicminded gay souls, walking communally up and down the streets in Broward. And if Pride in wrong venue Pridefest was not enough, a super-hero of To the editor: pride leaders will be saluted in Palm Beach next week and again in Miami Beach in April. Too bad the organizers of last weekend’s The gay community is the White Party, Pridefest never heard the expression “If it Art for AIDS Dinners, the Dade Human ain’t broke...don’t fix it.” For years we have enjoyed Pridefest at Holiday Park. The parkRights Foundation, and countless bars and ing was easy and plentiful. If it rained we had entertainers hosting parties and nights of a big hall to go inside. But most of all, Holiday remembrance for those no longer with us. Park was spacious and inviting. All the big Decent people raising dollars and dreams trees made for the perfect place to enjoy the for the case managers, researchers, and phyday and celebrate our pride. sicians who still fight AIDS in the hospitals But this new location in Oakland Park sucked! First of all, we drove around for and hospices by partaking in AIDS walks 25 minutes looking for parking.Then I was and bike rides- that is the gay community. shocked to see how we were crammed into The gay commuthis tiny park Pridefest in Oakland Park: nity is the count encircled in less volunteers for chainlink fence and no shade SAVE Dade and anywhere. On Equality Florida, or one side was so many other politibusy Dixie Hwy cal groups, donating and on the their time and dolother was the lars, hours and enrailroad tracks and a row of ergy, to preserve and warehouses. protect the human Yes I did have rights we hold and a good time cherish so dearly. anyway....But Finally, it also looks come-on...we deserve better than that! If the reason for moving was financial— like the gay community, thanks to getequal. OK, nice try. But I’m sure most people would org, may rise up in protest loudly against begladly pay a few more bucks to celebrate ing treated as second class citizens by politiour pride in a beautiful, wide open spot with cians. Maybe we will soon worry less about ample parking like Holiday Park. cocktail parties and more about effecting Please change it back for next year! real change with meaningful confrontations Bob Palumbo to power structures apathetic too long. Hollywood Whether you are chaining yourself to the White House or singing in a gay chorus, you are all the real heroes of the gay community. We all play our part. There have always Online Comment On: been enriching stories to be told and shared. Australian Study Says ReThere are a million stories in our naked city. ceptive Anal Sex Increases A shortage of news? There never has been HIV Risk (3/15): one, and this newspaper- each week- will make its mission sharing with you the vast HIV Studies Still Needed breadth and diversity of our lives, with it From: houseofnumbers View the new documentary “House of victories and defeats, its wins and its warts. Numbers” to see why questions about this Sometimes, those stories will capture the must be raised and deeper issues about HIV injustice done to Mike Verdugo, a Hollyand AIDS need to be discussed. Lives are at wood police officer, or the wrongs commitrisk, and this is the first documentary with ted against Tiny Tina, when she was fired the worlds foremost authorities highlights the scientific problems with HIV testing, science, from her nursing job. On other days, they statistics, and why there is no cure. If sheds will salute heroes like Chuck Nichols, feanew light on a misunderstood phenomena. tured in our profile today. But we will own GO to bit.ly/bGwuST to see the trailer. up to who we are, and our mission will be Truth about AIDS as told by Dr. Luc to report to you what is both good and bad Montagnier. AIDS can be reversed. Nutrition about all of us. is the answer. bit.ly/bGwuST

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Jennifer Vanasco

In the Presence of History

ast week, I sat in a room in the presence of history. At least that’s what it felt like. Ted Olson and David Boies, the two lawyers who are arguing for equal marriage in the California Proposition 8 case, were in New York to talk about their experience. There’s no decision in the Prop 8 case yet— there haven’t even been closing arguments. But Olson and Boies expect a decision by June. And they expect it to be pro-gay marriage. To anyone who followed the testimony while it was happening, this is no surprise. Olson, Boies and their witnesses made eloquent arguments for why gays and lesbians have the right to marry. They recapped those arguments in a Q&A with warmth and power. First off, they said, the Supreme Court

has already said that marriage is a fundamental right. Not just in Loving v Virginia, the famous case that struck down bans on interracial marriage, but also in cases like one in Wisconsin, which had a law against people like domestic abusers marrying. Wisconsin had decided that if you get marriage wrong once, you can’t have it again. The Supreme Court said no. Missouri had a law that if you’re in prison for life, you can’t marry. The Supreme Court said no. Marriage is so central that even if you’re in prison for life, even if you’ve married seven times, even if you’ve abused a previous spouse, you have the right to marry. That is how important it is. And therefore, discrimination against the right of gays and lesbians to marry, Olson

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etlagged on my first morning back in the real world, I struggled to grasp what one of my favorite Starbucks baristas was trying to tell me. “It’s great about D.C., the pictures, you know,” she sweetly said as she turned to fill the “Venti drip, no room” that she knows I always drink. “What? Sorry. Total jetlag fuzz brain. Just back from Hawaii,” I replied, pointing to my sunburn. “You know! The couples! D.C.,” she explained. “You guys doing that?” Ohhh! Reality suddenly clicked into place: She was talking about the wonderful breakthrough in the nation’s capital and the touching photos in The Washington Post of happy couples lining up for marriage licenses. In all the rushed mornings she’d helped me wake up, the word “gay” had never come up. Yet she had put one and one together after hearing “Joyce and I” tales countless times as I had placed joint orders.

“Venti drip” and “grande latte” had come out to her without knowing it. “Oh, yes! Joyce and I are really happy for all the couples and their kids,” I said, handing her the prepaid Starbucks card I wear around my neck with all my work IDs. “We got married in Canada in 2003.” As I left, I thought of how many dollars had passed from my hands through hers to Starbucks. Money was very much on my mind: Joyce and I had just left a small pot of gold in Hawaii in exchange for hotel rooms, rental cars, gas, meals and, of course, Starbucks treats. But in the scramble to briefly escape our inside-the-Beltway professional lives, Joyce and I hadn’t paused to think about whether the companies we were rewarding with our hard-earned vacation dollars were respectful toward their gay employees and customers. Spending money is a powerful tool to encourage good corporate behavior. But who

said, is “wrong, destructive and serves no state purpose.” Second, there is just no evidence to show that gay marriage hurts straight marriage. But there is plenty to prove that not being able to marry hurts not only gay and lesbian people, but also our children. Even the pro-Prop 8 side admitted this. When Judge Vaugn Walker asked one of their lawyers if gay marriage would hurt straight marriage, he said, “I don’t know.” Sure, the other side keeps saying—over and over again—that it is in the state’s interest to “protect” marriage between a man and a woman because they are most likely to procreate and procreation is in the state’s interest. But what Olson and Boies say to that is simply this: no state has ever had a fertility test before granting a marriage license. No state has ever asked a couple about their intention to procreate. So how invested in procreation can the state be? And finally—the argument from tradition is specious. It’s true, Olson and Boies say: allowing gays and lesbians to marry will change the definition of marriage. But allowing interracial marriage changed the

definition of marriage, too. As Boies said, quoting Justice Kennedy, “The fact that discrimination has gone on a long time doesn’t make it fine—it makes it worse.” Watching Olson and Boies speak gave me shivers because they laid out a clear pathway to winning. They said that just the fact that they made such a clear case, bringing all the evidence together for the first time, will move the country forward, because it tears down the other side’s position. But even better, their arguments are arguments we can all use when explaining equal marriage to family and colleagues. They are not defensive. They are not overreaching. They are right. We will win the current Prop 8 trial. And we may win the appellate trial. But Olson and Boies’ confidence and solid reasoning made me think for the first time that we will also win the Supreme Court. And if we win California, we will have gone a long way toward winning equal marriage everywhere. Marriage is coming. And those of us who were in that room last week were lucky enough to meet the men who may help make it happen.

has time to research the track records of businesses competing for our cash? Luckily, the Human Rights Campaign has made the task easy: Its “Buying for Equality” report color-codes the performance of hundreds of America’s largest companies: green for most gay-friendly, yellow for works-in-progress and red for companies to avoid. Already, 300,000 people have consulted the guide, HRC says. That underscores research cited by HRC: 78 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender consumers are very likely to consider brands that provide equal workplace benefits, and LGBT consumers’ buying power this year will be $712 billion.

ings can be accessed through an iPhone application. Details behind any company’s “color” are just a tap away. Or, you can text “SHOP,” plus the name of a business or brand, to 30644. Instantly, HRC will shoot back a color-coded rating, helping you rethink past choices or make new ones. Taking a quick look at my vacation, for example, we flew on United Airlines (green: 88 points); rented from Hertz (yellow: 70 points); drove Ford Mustangs (green: 100 points); stayed at Hyatts (green: 100 points); bought gas at Shell (green: 100 points); and hit plenty of Starbucks (green: 100 points). And we each took our Apple iPhones (green: 100 points), with AT&T as the provider (green: 100 points). Looking back, that makes me feel good. Next time, we’ll take a quick 10 minutes to think through which companies to reward— and how to tell them why they won our loyalty. But as my sweet barista made clear, workers have amazingly accurate gaydar these days. So Joyce and I will still drop by WalMart (red: 40 points) on summer camping trips to buy tennis balls and sports drinks. It’s important for companies with room for improvement to see gay customers. Corporate America has rapidly progressed in respecting its gay employees and customers. Gay dollars, spent thoughtfully, can really pay off.

Companies can score up to 100 points based on whether, for example, they have nondis crimination policies that include sexual orientation and gender identity, offer partner benefits, advertise for gay customers and steer clear of anti-gay activities. For folks who leave the laptop behind when traveling, “Buying for Equality” rat-

In background: Calif. StATe Supreme court building

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Joey Amato

Lambda Legal Celebrates 10 Years

Catching My Breath

Holds Reception at the Bonnet House Museum By Joey Amato

ambda Legal will be hosting its 10th annual Fort Lauderdale reception at the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens on Sunday, March 28th. This year’s event will honor Mayor Ken Keechl with the 2010 Broward County Leadership Award. The event will also feature Lambda Legal plaintiff,Vandy Beth Glenn, and Executive Director Kevin Cathcart. Mayor Ken Keechl, the event honoree, is the first openly gay mayor of Broward County. Keechl has displayed a tireless commitment to achieving civil rights for the LGBT community. He has sponsored an amendment to include transgender individuals in the Broward County Human Rights Act, a County Resolution seeking to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and he made Domestic Partnership Benefits a requirement for any company wanting his vote on competitive procurement contracts. Mayor Keechl tells SFGN, “I am extremely honored to receive this award from Lambda Legal. It’s because of Lambda Legal’s hard work-day in and day out- that I am able to live my life as a proud openly gay man, attorney, elected official, and ultimately the Mayor of nearly 1.8 million people in Broward County.” Furthermore, Lambda Legal represents Vandy Beth Glenn, a transgender woman, in a federal lawsuit against Georgia Assembly officials who fired her after she stated her intention to live as a woman. Last fall Glenn testified before Congress in support of the Employment Nondiscrimination Act which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. For more information or to RSVP for this event, contact Rick Hill at 786-473-6126.

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

rowing up in New York City was a challenge for me. For much of my life, I struggled with my image. I was short, slightly overweight and in my opinion not very attractive. All throughout elementary and high school, I was the butt of jokes, consistently being bullied around by my peers. High school was the hardest time for me, as this is when individuals begin to become comfortable in their own skin. The verbal and sometimes physical abuse that I underwent through those years definitely hurt my self esteem and confidence. At the time, I was ‘straight’ and had an extremely difficult time approaching girls on a romantic level. Yes, I had many ‘girl friends’, but they stayed just friends. Like many others, I feared rejection. But I was also waging a subconscious battle with my sexuality. As a result of my relationships with women at that time, I also refrained from sexual activity. Partially because my self esteem was so low I didn’t think anyone would want to have sex with me. I spent much of my college years studying at home and used the excuse of getting good grades as a reason for my lack of social activity. It was not until I relocated to Orlando for graduate school, yes, at 22 years old, that I began to feel happy with myself and who I was becoming. Maybe it was the Disney magic or maybe I was starting to realize I was gay. Although I didn’t act on my gay urges until later, my confidence was increasing as more and more people were finding me attractive, both men and women. I was always a very friendly person, but now I added confident to the mix. One night, my friend Tara, having inclinations of my sexuality brought me Firestone, which at that time hosted Orlando’s hottest gay night. Not knowing about Firestone, I went expecting a typical club. As I entered, the sounds of Michael Jackson, Cher and *NSYNC blared through the speakers. There were shirtless boys dancing on boxes, others serving shots. Never

having experienced this before, it took me about 10 minutes to realize where I was. I was intimidated and quite scared to be honest. But the next evening after my fears subsided, I wanted to go back for more. I liked the attention. For the first time in my life, people were approaching me and asking me for my number. It felt great. Okay, so I was a lot hotter than I was in high school, but being comfortable in my own body probably had something to do with it. But I have a confession to make. I have developed an addiction. I am not addicted to something tangible. I am addicted to being admired. That may sound crazy, but I think I’m trying to make up for lost time. Maybe it’s an illness or maybe it’s a result of the issues I faced when I was younger. Psychologists please insert opinion here… I’m not sure how long the urge for admiration or my attraction will last, but I want to cherish every moment. I just hope that my cravings and addictions don’t affect others. I hope that when my attraction fades, my confidence remains. I hope I don’t have to feel the way I felt in high school again.

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

By Bruce Rant, Retired Army Sergeant Major

Bant Rant

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Has Been a Complete Failure By Bruce Bant

Retired Army Sergeant Major

ou didn’t ask, but I’m going to tell anyway. After more than 20 years in the military I have some definite ideas about the government’s policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” To begin with they forgot the third “don’t,” don’t do. Don’t do anything that normal, healthy homosexuals do. That includes sex. Now remember you’re entering the military, not the priesthood. In any case, it’s a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice to perform sodomy of any sort, whether it is oral or anal, and don’t even think of masturbating, because that too could also be a violation of the UCMJ. Adultery is also impermissible in the military but they still allow married people to serve openly in the military, and you don’t see too many discharges for violating the Commandments. It’s always difficult to make significant changes in an organization as large and as tradition-oriented as the military, especially the U.S. Military. But it can and has been done. In the last couple of decades women have broken many barriers- performing in combat support positions, both in sea duty, soon submarines, and as fighter pilots. The best example of effective change in the military was the racial integration of the armed forces. In 1948 President Truman signed an executive order declaring “there shall be equality of treat-

ment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin.” He authorized the initiative even in the face of stiff resistance from many senators and congressmen in both parties. Still, the military was slow to implement the policy, and it took the Korean War to speed up the process. Change is possible, but as President Clinton found out, it is not easy. During the 1992 presidential campaign he made a promise that he would sign an Executive Order ending the ban on Gays and Bisexuals in the military. Clinton failed to make good on that promise. Politics bit him in the ass. After getting elected and proposing the change, Sen. Sam Nunn (D) Ga., then the chairman of the Armed Forces committee, organized hearings which backed the military leaders who supported continuation of the ban. Two bad things resulted. First, DADT became law and second, no future the President had the ability to sign an executive order ending the ban. The essence of DADT is that sexual

orientation will not be a bar to service unless the member engages in homosexual conduct, states that he is homosexual or ‘manifests’ homosexual conduct. I’m not sure what that last one means. Have you ever seen one of those generals in full drag with their red or gold stripes down their blue pants, those colorful decorations and shiny medals, their sabers and their really butch capes? And what’s with those cute little white gloves? It looks to me like a lot of manifesting going on. What has DADT accomplish since 1993? It has eliminated more than 13,000 men and woman from the service with other than an honorable discharge. Most of them were actually gay. Some suddenly became gay when they got into trouble, got a better offer for a civilian job, or received orders to go to Iraq or Afghanistan. It’s an easy out. 68 Arabic and Farsi language students were booted when we needed them most. The loss of these individuals cost the Defense Department more than $350 million. DADT has cost us lives and lost us respect and it must end. But there is a greater loss then the $350 million. The loss is to those estimated 65,000 gays currently serving in military services. I know these folks because I was one of them for 22 years. They live the life of a juggler. balancing their official self with their real self. Being careful of what they say and who they say it to. A slip of the tongue (no pun intended) can end a career. And forget about having a photo of you significant other on your desk or in your locker. Outwardly they’re 100 percent military performing their duties as assigned. Inwardly they’re at war with their own true self. That’s

a burden they shouldn’t have to bear. Why don’t they just quit? Why do they join in the first place? The same reasons everyone else does; to serve their country, to see the world, to get education benefits. No matter why they serve, they serve; and they shouldn’t be faced with obstacles others aren’t. Any of you who have served in the military know exactly what I’m talking about. I’m not going to spend time telling you that most of our allies in NATO and around the world allow gays to serve openly in their armed forces. Frankly I don’t give a damn. This isn’t about them. This is about Americans doing the right thing. I’m a political conservative who didn’t vote for President Obama and don’t have much time for him, but he seems to be leading the way for change. During his campaign he supported ending the ban and he repeated that position in his first State of the Union address. He’s backed by the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the top civilian and military leaders in the DOD. Leading the opposition, as with Clinton, are politicians, namely, Sen. John McCain (R)Az. I didn’t vote for him either. and several military leaders. At present, the Chiefs of Staff of the Army and of the Air Force as well as the Commandant of the Marine Corps continue to support DADT. The ball is in the court of your Senators and Representatives and you. You know what to do. Bruce Bant is a retired Army Sergeant Major with 22 years of service, including nearly four years in Vietnam. His final assignment before leaving the Army in 1980 was with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, The Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service medal, three Joint Service Commendation medals, and four Army Commendation Medals.

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March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

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March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Gay Benefits Booted in ‘Obamacare’ Tammy Baldwin says ENDA and DADT are a ‘Go’ By Chuck Colbert Keen News Service

ep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) acknowledged Thursday, March 18, that the pro-gay provisions she sought in the health care reform legislation have not survived. But Baldwin also said, during an interview in Boston last weekend, that she has counted the votes in the House on two major pro-gay pieces of legislation and believes the votes for passage are there. Baldwin had sought and secured four progay provisions in the original House version of health care reform, including a prohibition on discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in health care. But neither the Senate bill nor President Obama’s proposal late last month included those provisions. Baldwin had held out hope, as late as Thursday morning, that at least two of the provisions might be added back under whatever legislative package the House and Senate would eventually vote on. But by Thursday afternoon, when the text of that final package was posted on the Internet, that hope was quashed. The version of health care reform legislation being considered now by Congress –with the final critical votes scheduled to begin this weekend—does include some relief for people with HIV on Medicare who must purchase expensive AIDS-related medications. But it does not include the anti-discrimination provision or three others. Those others included the “Early Treatment for HIV Act,” which sought to allow states to provide Medicaid coverage to low-income HIV positive individuals; the Tax Equity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act, which sought to end the tax for gay employees whose partners/spouses are covered under their work health insurance coverage; and a provision to collect data toward ending disparities in health care for LGBT people. But Baldwin does believe the votes are in place to pass ENDA and a DADT repeal bill in the House. “As someone who has actually counted the votes, I believe that there are,” Baldwin said, in response to a question during an interview in Boston. “That’s one of the things the LGBT

White House. Both were ar- cal center. There, she acknowledged that rested, along with Robin Mc- health care reform has essentially held up Gehee of a new group called all legislation in Congress in recent weeks, GetEqual, who assisted them. including the Domestic Partnership Ben(A spokesperson for U.S. efits and Obligations Act. This Domestic Partnership bill seeks to Park Police said Choi and Pietrangelo were held overnight provide equal pay for equal work in the fedand were arraigned on Friday, eral workplace by granting to the domestic partners/spouses of gay federal workers the March 19.) McGehee is with that new same health and life insurance, government group called GetEqual. The pensions, and other employment related group has pledged to take benefits provided to the spouses of straight “strategic, coordinated, bold federal employees who are married. The bill, which garnered words of supaction to demand equalRobin McGehee, of GetEqual, port from President Obama during one ity, and to hold accountable makes her case for civil disobedience on YouTube those who stand in the way.” of his first Oval Office ceremonies for an That same afternoon, other activists with LGBT issue last June, passed a House comEquality Caucus does is to [focus] attention to making sure we can tell [House] leader- the group staged sit-ins in both the San mittee in November and a Senate commitship, with accuracy, what the vote would be EFrancisco and Washington, D. C., offices tee in December. But neither House Speaker of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Capitol Po- Nancy Pelosi nor Senate Majority Leader if they bring the measures up to the floor.” The Congressional LGBT Equality Cau- lice arrested four of the protestors at Pelosi’s Harry Reid has moved it to the floor. “I know [the Speaker] is supportive of the cus is a group of legislators in the House Congressional office. San Francisco Police bill,” said Baldwin, “but right now, nothing who are strong supporters of equal rights arrested six people. Responding to the protests, Pelosi spokes- moves until health care passes.” for LGBT people. The Caucus is organized Asked whether the LGBT community can similarly to the Congressional Black Caucus person Drew Hammill released a statement saying, “The Speaker believes passing ENDA expect a vote on ENDA and DADT this year and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Baldwin and Rep. Barney Frank estab- is a top priority and hopes that we can bring even though mid-term elections are comlished the LGBT Equality Caucus in June ENDA up as soon as possible. That being ing up, Baldwin said, “We want the votes 2008. It now includes nearly 90 members said, the right time to bring the measure to [taken] as soon as possible.” “Certainly there are members of Congress of Congress. President Obama has recently the floor will be when we have the votes.” It was during the Boston interview, five who are nervous because of the economy, met with both the Congressional Black and Congressional Hispanic caucuses, but not yet days earlier, that Baldwin said she had count- the rate of joblessness,” she said. “Across the LGBT one. Baldwin says this is because ed the votes on ENDA and DADT and be- the country, people are agitated. On the other hand, my constituents want to see bolder “we haven’t put a spotlight on it of late.” She lieves the votes are there. Baldwin was in Boston to receive an and quicker change, and so I actually see said the group “probably” would press for a award from the Fenway Health organization positive signs to follow through [on DADT meeting with the president “in the future.” Pressure has grown dramatically in recent March 13, a local LGBT community medi- and ENDA].” days for a spotlight on LGBT-related issues in Congress. On Thursday, March 18, the same day Congress began reviewing a report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimat“We treat you like part of the family!” •Back Pain ing the costs of health care reform, gay civil DR. TROY LOMASKY • Neck Pain rights activists, frustrated that Congress has yet Graduate, New York Chiropractic College to take a vote on ENDA or repealing DADT, • Auto Accidents staged peaceful acts of civil disobedience at • Sports- & Workboth the Capitol and the White House. Related Injuries Lt. Dan Choi, who is being discharged • Pinched Nerves from the Army because he identified him• Headaches self as gay, and former service member Capt. 2608 NE 16th Ave., Wilton Manors WALK-INS James Pietrangelo II handcuffed themselves • Massage Therapy EMERGENCIES FL LIC # MM13657 to the wrought iron fence surrounding the

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March 22 , 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Community BenEfactors EMBRACE Pridefest Photos by J.R. Davis and Tom Forcella

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March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Even 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: Theresa Martin 2) Age: 47 3) Occupation: Student 4) How do you identify? Lesbian 5) Where are you from? 2nd generation Fort Lauderdale native! 6) What does Pride mean to you? Pride for me means that I am not afraid of my true nature and do not attempt to live a lie...too claustrophobic for closets!

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Hot Spots magazine

The Boys of JOHNNY’S

1) Name: Nicolette 2) Occupation: Entertainer 3) How do you identify? I’m a gay man 4) Where are you from? Gulfport, MS 5) How do Pride Celebrations there differ from Pride here, in South Florida? I have never been to one there, so I don’t know. I don’t think they have them there…grew up in Louisiana also. Nowhere I grew up were there Pride celebrations! 6) What does Pride mean to you? [With a smile] It means just being me. So, simply guess it means I can stand up and march. It means being able to live my life, how I am. People always want to make a pride statement. I appreciate and understand that, but when I think of Gay Pride it’s hard for me to think about being proud of it, it’s just something that I am. 1) Name: John 2) Age: 39 3) Occupation: Manager, Hi-Life, South Florida 4) How do you identify? Gay 5) Where are you from? West Texas, Marathon 6) How do Pride Celebrations there differ from Pride here, in South Florida? We don’t have any, they just don’t exist! 7) What does Pride mean to you? Interesting question. It means comfortable freedom. To be myself, or ourselves. 1) Name: Chris Bombacie 2) Age: 27 3) Occupation: Paralegal 4) How do you identify? Gay 5) Where are you from? New York, NY 6) How do Pride Celebrations there differ from Pride here, in South Florida? The Pride’s up there last for one day, here they’re a month long event. 7) What does Pride mean to you? To me it means knowing that you’re gay and celebrating it. Regardless of what anyone else thinks.

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Jacqui Charvet:

Taking Pride in PrideFest By Cliff Dunn

In the aftermath of the Board’s decimation, Charvet and f there is a watchword Slotnick decided they —a call to arms—that would soldier on. Ensums up Jacqui Charlisting the aid of the vet it might be this: Make a last incumbent Board Difference. member, “Miss” Vicki You can see that the Pride Keller, they recruited of South Florida chair and Shawn Manning and president is allowing herself Sonja Mitchell along a rare few moments where with long-time LGBT her guard is down and she activist Marc Hansen might even be thought of as to reconstitute both ‘relaxing.’ Charvet: “Frankly, it almost didn’t A smile on her face, a song in her heart the Board and its commitment to both Pride happen,” she says with a combination of satisfaction and wonderment. South Florida the organization and PrideF“It” was PrideFest 2010, which was held est the longstanding festival. “We felt that we had an obligation to the the weekend of March 13 and 14 at Jaco event as an entity,” Charvet said. “Whatever Pastorius Park in Oakland Park. “I remember sitting alone in a big empty it took to make it work, we were not about room, just me and [fellow Board member] to let it or the community down.” That meant long hours and taking on Joel [Slotnick]. We looked at each other multiple responsibilities to account for the and asked ‘how are we going to do this?’” As was first reported in SFGN, an ongo- scarcity of man—and woman—power. “You talk about your activism,” Charvet ing investigation into the possible theft of nearly $50,000 by former PrideFest treasur- recalls. “We had five or six people doing er and Board member Michael Cruz nearly nine times the work. But who needs sleep?” The longtime LGBT activist brought her derailed an event that has been a part of energy and drive from New Jersey to South South Florida’s landscape since 1977. Charvet, like her fellow Board members, Florida in 2006, after participating in nuis respecting law enforcement requests to merous organizations and causes in the Garnot discuss the case. She will admit to her den State. Ask her what the most satisfying part of disappointment in Cruz’s alleged actions: “Mike was a friend of ours,” she notes with PrideFest 2010 was and she answers without hesitation. “Pulling it off.” something bordering on sadness. Charvet gives credit to her fellow orgaIn addition to putting the event in jeopardy, the allegations caused a mass exodus nizers as well as to the corporate and civic of volunteers and Board members from the partners that helped bring the event about. “Our team—great, giving people,” she organization. “We first learned about the investigation says. “We surmounted so many challenges. in May,” Charvet remembers. “At that point It was like being hip-deep in quicksand, with I was still new to the Board of Pride South an obstacle to deal with every minute after Florida and then we have this bombshell you thought you had dealt with them all.” She also credits the City of Oakland Park dropped on us. The next thing, members with rolling out the red carpet for PrideFest. are resigning left and right.” “They were extremely cooperative. At every Charvet had only just become involved with the landmark LGBT festival the previ- turn the city was there to offer help and assisous year, serving as Stage Manager for Pride- tance. It was also nice working with a municiFest 2009, which was held at Holiday Park in pality that is so committed to LGBT equality Fort Lauderdale, the event’s previous venue. and with so many openly gay elected officials.

Charvet says her first year as PrideFest chair had challenges not relating to keeping the event alive. “You’d be amazed how many people ask ‘why am I paying to be gay?’” she says, in reference to questions about the costs for parking, admission and food at PrideFest. “The monies we raise from all of these things go back into our community. Tuesday’s Angels, Poverello, Transgender Equality Initiatives—these are all worthy organizations who need the seed money we

provide, and that comes from our partnering sponsors and from our patrons who support the event. People need to know the good work they are supporting,” she adds. Asked what she has written on her Wish List for PrideFest 2011, and Charvet is insistent. “We need more hard-working Board members. We need more Latinas and Latinos, more lesbian participation. We are an all-inclusive LGBT event.” Charvet says that preliminary calculations suggest the number of attendees may be slightly down from last year. But she isn’t complaining. All things being equal, Charvet and her fellow Board members are satisfied with the fruits of their labors, and confident that their work will continue to pay dividends for the community they support. “I’ll take it,” she says, a mischievous smile playing upon her face.

LGBT Protestors Arrested in DC By Cliff Dunn

n an act of civil disobedience, Lt. Dan Choi and Capt. Jim Pietrangelo were arrested at the White House gates on Thursday while protesting the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Following a Human Rights Campaign rally for DADT repeal at Freedom Plaza in Washington, Choi and Pietrangelo led about 100 protesters to the White House, where the two then proceeded to handcuff themselves to the gates.

Lt. Dan Choi and Capt. Jim Pietrangelo

Pietrangelo was discharged from the military under the gay ban, while Choi’s discharge is pending. Choi is the founder of Knights Out, a West Point alumni organization supporting LGBT soldiers. Ten other LGBT activists were also arrested Thursday after nearly 20 people staged a bicoastal sit-in at the San Francisco and Washington, D.C., offices of House speaker Nancy Pelosi to demand that the Employment NonDiscrimination Act be brought to the House floor for a vote by the end of March. Members of the S.F. contingent were eventually fined $125 each and released Thursday afternoon, according to one of the protesters, Kip Williams. The D.C. protesters were charged with unlawful entry, released late Thursday evening on their own recognizance, and have a court date set in April 6, according to Paul Yandura, one of the coordinators the protest. Meanwhile, news of a growing grassroots response in solidarity with the activists poured in, leading to rallies at the Times Square Military Recruitment Office in New York City, and another in Orlando, Florida. SFGN will cover the unfolding events online at www.southfloridagaynews.com and in next week’s print edition.

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

‘Stars of the Rainbow’ 2010 Ceremony March 21, 2010

Business Star of the Year Rosie’s Bar & Grill Community Star of the Year Richard Gray Board Member Star of the Year Nicole Mannarino, CPA Public Official Star of the Year Anthony Neidwicki, Oakland Park City Commission Volunteer Star of the Year Lavender Events for Women Alan Schubert Humanitarian Mona Pittenger Tyler Healis Sustainability John C. Graves Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward

On Sunday, March 21, a diverse and vibrant crowd gathered at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 to celebrate, in black and white attire, the GLCC’s 2010 awards ceremony. Presented in a tropical environment, entertained by the Delray Beach String Quartet, the crowd of professionals and community leaders

gathered in a casual ceremony on a sunny Sunday afternoon in Fort Lauderdale. 2010 marks the Center’s 17th anniversary of the GLCC providing valued services and programs to the community. Its Executive Director is Paul Hyman. Photographs by Steve Shires.

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Nightlife by J.W. Arnold

Winter Music Conference, Florida AIDSWalk Highlight a Busy Spring Week

iami Beach will become the epicenter of the dance music world (as if it isn’t already) next week as thousands of industry execs, DJs and producers, and music lovers converge on Miami for the 25th annual Winter Music Conference. The five-day event, which begins on Tuesday, March 23 at the Eden Roc resort on Collins Ave., will include a wide range of events, including exhibits, seminars and competitions for DJs and VJs. Throughout the conference, DJs will be spinning in the lobby of the hotel. On Thursday, the International Dance Music Awards will be held at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater featuring nearly a dozen performances by the biggest names in dance music. The conference concludes Friday and Saturday with the Ultra Music Festival, featuring nearly 50 top DJs performing on four stages.

For more information or to register, go to WMCon.com.

alking for a Cure In Fort Lauderdale, the annual 10 kilometer AIDSWalk will be held on Sunday, March 28, featuring special guests Jeanne White-Ginder, mother of child AIDS victim Ryan White, author Eston Dunn and DJ Scott Mann. Several local companies and bars are hosting events this week to benefit AIDSWalk: Monday, March 22

n Monday, March 22, Georgie’s Alibi will host a fundraiser in the Manchester Room featuring Florida’s own Dame Edna and the delicious creations of the Alibi catering team. A $25 contribution gets you a tantalizing array of hors d’oeuvres, one cocktail and a raffle entry. Alibi will also

Little Boots

Performs in Miami this week

Miami Beach, FL The Fillmore Miami Beach at The Jackie Gleason Theater Thu Mar 25 Miami Beach, FL Ultra Music Festival Fri Mar 26

host a pre-registration party on Friday, March 26 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Alibi is located in The Shoppes of Wilton Manors, 2266 Wilton Dr. Pull out your funkiest shoes for an AIDS Walk kick-off party on Tuesday, March 23 at Allied Kitchen & Bath Design Center, 616 W. Oakland Park Blvd. in Ft. Lauderdale. A $20

suggested donation at the door gets you a beautiful selection of gourmet food and wine and supports the cause. Several local bars and restaurants will also be hosting pre-registration parties this week, so it’s not too late to sign up. Sidelines Sports Bar, 2031 Wilton Dr., hosts its event on Wednesday, March 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bill’s Filling Station, 2209 Wilton Dr., will hold a sign-up party on Friday, March 26 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. And, if you procrastinate, you can also pre-register at Rosie’s Bar and Grill, 2449 Wilton Dr., on Saturday, March 27 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. For more information or to register online, go to FloridaAIDSWalk.org.

Here are few other highlights of the upcoming week: Tuesday, March 23

ust in time for the Winter Music Conference, Lincoln Road nightclub Score presents its weekly Planeta Macho, a Latin showcase with DJ George Ferrero with Pelu Rivero on the drums. Enjoy the special performance by actor/recording artist Fedro (“Vive el Sueno”), singing from his new CD. Wednesday, March 24

he Alibi is hosting a birthday party tonight for Reba McIntyre, Liza Minnelli and Lady Gaga and they will be there….well, sort of. Nicolette appears at 9 p.m. as Reba, Jimmy does Liza as only he can at 10 p.m. and TP Lords channels Gaga at 11 p.m. There will be birthday cupcakes and more to celebrate our favorite divas’ b’days. Thursday, March 25

n Thursdays, Ladies rule at MOVA, 1625 Michigan Ave. in Miami Beach.The popular weekly party, presented by Pandora Events, features DJ Zehno and half priced drinks from 11 p.m. to midnight. No cover. Friday, March 26

ooking to get into the groove? South Beach promoter Edison Farrow’s newest party, Hype Fridays, is the perfect way to ease into your weekend. With DJ Smeejay in the booth and free Finlandia vodka between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. how can you go wrong. The party is at Bar 721, 721 Lincoln Lane.

Q Scopes By Jack Fertig

Stay at home, Sagittarius! Zipping through Aries, Mercury is keeping tongues and wits sharp, and maybe dangerously ahead of good sense and manners. This week he aspects Jupiter, expanding wit and wisdom and also a bit of sensitivity. Try not to offend accidentally or to take offense where none is meant. ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Striving to do your best is important, but competing with others easily becomes a trap, leading to doubt and ill will. Being charitable and helpful can open up opportunities. Self-promotion doesn’t. Let your good deeds speak for themselves. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20):Your inner dialogue can easily become a vicious cycle of guilt and recrimination. Discuss any doubts with a good friend and unload that garbage! We all have room for improvement; work on that without the guilt and baggage. GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Cultivate friendships with folks who are in charge, or the best at what they do. If things are good with your parents, call them. If not, chatting with a friend will give you insight to those problems. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Look beyond your immediate circle and peer group for ways to improve your position and to broaden your outlook. Hobnob with nabobs, or just hang out with new and different friends. What you learn will prove extremely helpful. LEO (July 23 – August 22): Arguments can get you into trouble, but some of that trouble could be quite delicious. While still in debate mode, do your best to be open to learning the other person’s positions.You may learn enough to change your own. VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Sex isn’t normally a competitive sport, but you and your partner could make quite a game of who can take or give the most.You could discover new pleasures and invigorate your relationship. LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Discussions with colleagues or employees can get contentious. Don’t react or argue, but rather offer gentle suggestions, ask questions and pay close attention to their answers. Exercise with your partner can warm up your relationship. Single? Opportunity is where you work out! SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Competitive team sports can help you develop your skills at other kinds of collaboration.You’re hopped up to win, but focus on improving your own game, and see where else to apply those lessons. That’s the greater victory! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20):You can argue about art or you can demonstrate your best efforts. Stay at home or look to your roots or your community for inspiration. Even if you don’t feel particularly artistic, just puttering around the house can yield amazing results. CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Siblings, roommates and neighbors can all be sources of great news. Looking just a little bit outside your home, not too far, can provide keys to alleviating tensions within. Giving in to others may be too easy. Be yourself! AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): A little sibling rivalry, even if you’re just acting that out with friends, can help you spot lucrative opportunities. Be careful, though: If you get into playful arguments, keep them entirely playful! PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Keeping an eye to the future while focusing on present opportunities has been a challenge lately, but now you have a chance to get a better balance. A rude economic surprise could well be a blessing in disguise. Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is available for personal and business consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. He can be reached at 415-864-8302, through his Web site at www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.

March 22 , 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

et’s Dance! The Making of a PBS Documentary— Emmy award winning PBS filmmakers Witek & Novak have singled out Steven Caras as the subject for their next documentary film entitled Steven Caras: See Them Dance. He will share compelling tales from his days as a dancer with the New York City Ballet under the legendary George Balanchine as well as stories from his luminous career as a dance photographer, which will be reflected throughout the hour-long film in addition to poignant interviews with Caras and dance icons such as Jacques d’Amboise, Patricia McBride, Mia Michaels and Rasta Thomas. March 22 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $75. www.kravis.org.

armen Who can forget George’s Bizet’s famous opera, Carmen.The beautiful gypsy who loves only those who

chaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2 A staple of the concert repertoire, the Tchaikovsky No. 2 will be masterfully interpreted by Argentinean pianist, Ricardo Roel joining with the Symphony of the Americas under the very able baton of Dr. James Brooks-Bruzzese. A pre-concert lecture, strolling lobby entertainment and a pre-concert wine tasting round out this entertaining evening. March 23 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $35. www.browardcenter.org. Joffrey Ballet

rood A musical based on the novel,The Mystery of Edwin Drood, which Charles Dickens never finished due to his untimely death. This interactive musical adventure by Rupert Holmes is the first Broadway musical with multiple endings. By interacting with the cast members, the audience will determine a different ending each evening.There are literally hundreds of possibilities. Holmes received Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Original Score.The musical won five Tony Awards out of eleven nominations, including Best Musical in 1986. March 22-25 at the Miniaci Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $15. www.browardcenter.org.

don’t love her. Carmen is one of the most beloved operas of all-time.With its exotic Spanish setting, it introduces a note of realism into opera that was very controversial. Objection was taken to the wild and immoral behavior of Carmen, the chorus of cigarette smoking factory-girls, and the final murder of Carmen on the stage.This unforgettable story will surely leave you wanting more. March 23 at the Miramar Cultural Center/ArtsPark Tickets start at $40. www. browardcenter.org.

he Joffrey Ballet Swift, sinuous choreography and the superb ensemble of youthful dancers are the hallmarks of The Joffrey Ballet. The company has long been known as a transformational force in American dance, having notched an astonishing number of “firsts”: the first dance company to perform at the White House; first to appear on television; first American company to visit Russia; first classical dance company to go multi-media; first to commission a rock ‘n’ roll ballet; and the first and only dance company to appear on the cover of Time magazine. March 26 - 27 at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $25. www.arshtPoster for Carmen center.org.

Dining Review

WHERE: Steak 954 - W Hotel 401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard

954.414.8333

Steak 954 By Joey Amato

have visited the W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale beach many times in the past few months, but I have never had the opportunity to dine at Steak 954, the hotel’s signature restaurant. The modern steakhouse is reminiscent of the New York restaurants I frequented when I lived there. Steak 954 is minimalist in design, yet the accents make a bold statement, most notably, the large fish tank filled with jellyfish, which is the focal point of the venue. My guest Mikey and I began our meal with two signature martinis. I ordered the Sunrise, a smooth blend of rum, passionfruit puree, sage, pineapple and lime. My guest opted for the Sebastian, which consisted of tequila reposado, jalapeno and sauvignon blanc. An odd mix perhaps, but it seemed to work nicely. For our starters, we ordered a Wedge Salad, Big EyeTuna and Foie Gras Tacos and the Lobster & Crab Coconut Ceviche. The salad, although traditional was prepared with a delicious light blue cheese dressing on top of a fresh lettuce wedge, diced tomatoes and crispy bacon. Next we sampled the Foie Gras Tacos, definitely one of the most unique items featured on the menu. The overall taste of the dish was superb, despite none of the ingredients standing out. We were unable to tell exactly what was in the taco, especially after adding guacamole to the mix. Our favorite selection of the three was the Lobster & Coconut Ceviche. The ceviche was prepared using fresh lobster and crabmeat served with thinly sliced coconut.

The coconut added a bit of texture and flavor to the dish but did not overpower it. For our entrees, I decided on the DryAged rib eye steak. The steak was prepared with a salt and pepper rub and then braised with butter. The selection was cooked to a perfect medium-rare temperature and had the texture of a filet mignon, which was much to my liking. Mikey decided on the Pan Roasted Bronzino, a fish not too common on South Florida menus. The fish was well seasoned and served over a roasted veg-

etable medley. Although the rib eye was good, we both favored the fish as our entrée of choice. To accompany our selections, we received a tip from our good friend Michael Murphy to try the Truffle Potato Gratin. The dish was delicious, although a touch too rich for our entrees. Our other side, Roasted Cauliflower with Bacon, didn’t compliment either dish, but may have played well with the roasted chicken also offer by the restaurant. After dinner, the chef brought us a selection of the restaurant’s most popular and delectable desserts. Most notable of the three was the Baked Alaska.This dish is usually only prepared at weddings, bar mitzvahs and on cruises, so seeing this offered was quite surprising. The dessert, served with apricot sorbet and Tahitian vanilla ice cream was delightful and probably the best item we tasted during the entire evening besides the Bronzino. In addition, we were served the Peanut Butter Soufflé and Meyer Lemon Crème Brulée. Both of these were good, but definitely overshadowed by the Baked Alaska. Steak 954 is a wonderful choice if you are looking to experience something different than traditional South Florida fare, while maintaining an upscale-chic environment.

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Club Event

Australia’s Dame Edna on her Royal Tour. “As I believe it’s always better to ask permission Dame Edna than beg forgiveness I approached Barry Georgie’s Alibi 2266 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Humphries about performing as Edna. He agreed. For a long time I was the only autho954-565-2526 rized Dame Edna in the US,” he said proudly. About 7 people appeared at the Henry Miller Theater on Broadway for a 2-minute audition. “Out of the 7 only 3 or 4 made a real effort,” Walters said. However, despite Walters’ commitment to the role and being the originally sanctioned Dame Edna for the US he did not win the prized understudy role. “It puzzled me, because Michael FeinBy A. Sebastian Fortino stein,” who appears in the show, “thought I was the 1st choice. Regardless,” he added ilton Manors’ very own happily, “the only thing I missed out on Dame Edna recently visited was the Playbill credit. The whole event the Great White Way to audition as understudy for Australia’s Dame was a publicity stunt,” Walters admitted. “Dame Edna never uses Edna in her new show understudies. I got to All About Me. Her manhave my picture taken ager Michael Walters with Barry Humphries kindly spoke with SFGN dressed as Dame Edna about the experience. and that’s worth its However, after the weight in gold.” interview SFGN wonders Despite the cost of if Walters is both manthe trip, and not being ager and Dame Edna named as the “underherself. We are very study” Walters did concerned! make first runner up, “I’ve been doing proving his dedication Dame Edna for about Dame Edna to the role. ten years now. I don’t He did allow Dame Edna herself to come consider myself a drag queen or a female to the phone, as we had to know: whatever impersonator. Instead I prefer celebrity happened to her sidekick, “Madge.” impersonator,” Walters said. “It’s rather unfortunate, well, she died, Dame Edna came about quite by acand we had her carbon dated at MIT. We cident. He started out in English-themed learned she was 100 years old. Madge was murder mystery dinner theater. The Brits my bridesmaid and then sidekick for many have historically loved men in drag and he years. Meaning dear, that when she was by was eventually offered a role as a sort of my side, I kicked her!” “psychotic Julia Child.” For more of our very own Dame Edna “I tried, but I couldn’t do it,” Walters said. you can visit with her at Georgie’s Alibi on “So, I asked for a purple wig and that’s how Monday nights in the Manchester Room. I began my career as Dame Edna.” There are 3 shows at 8, 9, and 10pm. In 2001 he had the opportunity to meet

There Is Nothing Like a Dame

W Sarah McLachlan

Martina McBride

Norah Jones

Sarah McLachlan Brings Girl Power to West Palm Lilith Fair Resurfaces By Joey Amato

The Dixie Chicks, Jewel, Queen Latifah, the Indigo Girls and of course, Sarah McLachlan. Now after more than a decade long rom 1997 through 1999, Lilith Fair was hiatus, Lilith Fair returns. This year’s starone of the highest grossing touring studded line-up includes Sarah McLachfestivals in the world, with over 1.5 million fans in attendance and raising over $10 mil- lan, Norah Jones, Martina McBride, Courtyard Hounds, The Gossip, Corine lion dollars for national and local charities. Bailey Rae, Sia, Katezenjammer, Ceci Founded by Grammy-award winning Bastida, and The Rescues. artist Sarah McLachlan along with Dan Fraser, Marty Diamond and Terry McBride, Tickets for the August 10 event at Cruzan Lilith Fair was the only tour of its kind—a Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach go celebration of women in music featuring onsale March 27 at 10am. artists like Sheryl Crow, Christina Aguilera,

Where Business Comes to Succeed. For advertising opportunities, call Brian Swinford: 954-530-4970

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Book Review Monday Hearts for Madalene By Page Hodel Stewart, Tabori & Change $16.95 112 pages, 7.4 x 7.4 hardcover with jacket

By A. Sebastian Fortino

t’s hard to be a cynic about love after opening up Monday Hearts for Madalene, by Page Hodel. When Hodel, an artist, carpenter, and internationally renowned DJ, would get home after spinning in San Francisco she would “tippy toe across the street at 3 a.m. with a bowl of leaves or stones or flower petals” and construct a heart on Madalene’s doorstep. Hodel wanted her partner, Madalene Rodriguez, to have a beautiful heart every Monday morning to start off her week with love. Sadly, only 7 months into their relationship, Madalene woke with a pain in her side. A battery of tests revealed that it was advanced stage ovarian cancer. She passed away – but not without fighting – 4 months later. After Madalene’s death Hodel sent a photo of one of the hearts to a friend. Her friend could feel the

love that Hodel’s artistic creations were meant to convey. Soon after Hodel realized the hearts should not stop. Every Monday she emails a photograph of the latest heart that she has created for Madalene to see from Heaven. The hearts are made from materials as inorganic as nuts and bolts, to elements as delicate as deconstructed flowers and berries. Each one is a valentine for lost love, and love that carries on and beats throughout the world. The website Mondayheartsformadalene. com will soon be selling enlarged prints of the hearts. A portion of every sale will go to the Women’s Cancer Resource Center, in Oakland Park, California.

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Sandra Bernhard: A Post-Modern Donna Reed

daughter, my girlfriend or my dog,” she says. While she is hesitant to talk about upcoming projects, Bernhard would like to land more dramatic film and TV roles. Her breakthrough role was in The King of Comedy, after all, a dark comedy in which Bernhard played a worshipping fan of a late night talk show host. The role landed her all kinds of accolades and turned her into a critical darling. “I think I have the capacity to do some interesting, deeper roles,” Bernhard says. “I By Mary Damiano think that people are taking me more seriArts Editor ously and remembering what I’m capable of.” Thanks to syndication, some of Bernandra Bernhard remembers a perhard’s TV appearances are still seen freformance on a certain gay cruise quently, including her guest spot as herself that did not go well. on “Will & Grace” and her recurring role “I was laughing about the ship, calling as a lesbian on Roseanne, one of the first it the ship of fools, and making fun of the regular gay characters on TV. whole idea of being out on the ocean in this “I don’t think of myself as a gay icon but Vegas-like performance room, and these I guess I am one,” says Bernhard. “Certainly queens got really bent out of shape and I’ve always been part of the gay culture freaked out,” Bernhard recalls. “They were and had a big gay following. The whole gay all from the Midwest and saved their money movement has changed so much. People for this trip. They started throwing their are able to look at themselves in a much glasses at me and I had to get myself off healthier way. I hope it gets to the point stage. That was one of the most unpleasant where we don’t have to define ourselves as experiences I’ve ever had performing.” gay, but just to be smart thinking people in That was 15 years ago, and the world the world all doing what we do. That’s not has changed—there’s little chance of to take away the unique qualities of being point. I wouldn’t be willing to go to those some riffing on a certain aspect of mass anyone hurling a glass at Bernhard when places that people go to. Probably what I do gay because that’s really important but entertainment. she performs at Parker Playhouse Saturday, isn’t weird or exploitative enough. If it didn’t sometime we pander to a certain audience “I think one of the most interesting March 27. The show is a benefit for Broward or we feel totally inadequate. I think there’s happen then it’s not going to happen.” House, an organization dedicated to improv- things is the disgusting evolution of reality got to be a happy medium.” But if there were a reality show about television and people who have no taling the lives of individuals living with HIV Bernhard has enjoyed success in film, Bernhard’s life, the viewing audience would and other health issues by providing various ent taking away work from people like me television, music and live performances services. The performance will feature Bern- who have spent their whole lives creating a probably be surprised at what they’d see. Bernhard, known for her unique outlook while always being true to herself. hard’s trademark mix of comedy and music. body of work that deserves an outlet,” says “Sustaining my consistent excellence as a and acerbic humor, is really a homebody Bernhard. “Culturally we’re in a bad period “It’s my style,” she says, “sort of a postperformer and really never falling below my who enjoys making a nice home for her and I don’t see it changing anytime soon modern mash-up of monologues, cultural standard as an artist—that’s something I’m 11 year-old daughter and her girlfriend of because the powers that be support it. It’s observations, music and general hilarity.” cheap entertainment. People want to be the nearly 11 years. Scenes in the 2010 version very proud of,” Bernhard says. “I’ve really Bernhard’s musical repertoire—she of the Sandra Bernhard reality show would maintained my voice as an artist and I think center of attention and they’ll do anything. trained as a vocalist and when she was that’s really difficult to do. Hopefully I’ve feature her helping her daughter with I think we’re culturally bankrupt, and that younger wanted to sing opera—mirrors homework, doing laundry, grocery shopping, introduced ideas that people never would bothers me and disappoints me, and, to a her eclectic tastes. She cut her rock and have thought of before and made them cooking and walking the dog. Think Donna certain degree, pisses me off.” roll teeth on Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, more comfortable with ideas of sexuality, Bernhard was ahead of the curve when it Reed with an edge—if, of course, Donna but also honed her ear for pop standards race, and gender, removing the limitations comes to reality television. In the 1990s she Reed were a Jewish, bisexual mom whose with Barbra Streisand, Burt Bacharach and people put on themselves. When you can looks and charisma invites comparisons to pitched an idea to HBO: a day in the life of Dionne Warwick. Right now she’s listening do that through entertainment it’s very Mick Jagger. to new material by her pal Chrissie Hynde, Sandra Bernhard, a lightly scripted version powerful.” “I’m a nurturer,” Bernhard says. “I like a the Scissor Sisters, and Lady Gaga, who she of Berrnhard’s own life, something along the nice atmosphere in my home and I really lines of Larry David’s “Curb Your Enthusicalls crazy and interesting. Bernhard will like to take care of my home. I like things to asm,” which debuted in 2000. probably perform a mix of vocal classics Sandra Bernhard will perform at Parker be fresh and clean and nice for everybody.” “They looked at me and said, ‘I don’t and rock and roll, as well as songs from her Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale Saturday, But if a network came knocking and understand what you mean,’” Bernhard says. latest CD, Whatever It Takes. March 27, 8 p.m. Visit BrowardHouse.org “Now of course, 15 years later, it’s all come proposed that show, Bernhard would send And for those looking forward to hearor ParkerPlayhouse.com. them packing. “I would never exploit my to pass. I’m not sure I could do it at this ing Bernhard’s current world view, expect

Comedy Icon Will Perform at Benefit for Broward House

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

FACE THE S IN NEW S

Francesca Kotey and Judge Lisa Porter

Vanessa Alenier and guest

The campaign to keep Circuit Judge Lisa Porter held a casual, well-attended, fundraiser, sponsored by Galanga on March 17. Judge Porter has served as our Circuit Judge for the past two years. Prior to her service on the bench she was with the Statewide Prosecutor’s office. During her tenure there she earned a reputation as a tough, fair prosecutor who fought fraud and public corruption. Another fundraiser hosted by Sublime restaurant takes place March 24th from 6 until 7 pm. To attend please RSVP at KeepJudgePorter@ymail.com. For additional information—and to get involved in the campaign—visit www.KeepJudgePorter.com

Pati and Jay

Rafael and Bianca Garcia

Doyle, Irma and David

“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.

Joel, Judge Porter, James, Dean and Doug

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

GLAAD Media Awards Honor Cynthia Nixon, Rachel Maddow LGBT community. The March 13 gala saw ABC-TV’s “Brothers & Sisters,” which stars Robe Lowe and Calista Flockhart, earn the award for Outstanding Drama Series for its storyline about a gay married couple trying to start a family. Other honorees included “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in the Best Talk Show categoCynthia Nixon, accepting the Vito Russo Award ry for its episode “Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife, Portia de Rossi.” Joy Behar, co-host of By Cliff Dunn ABC’s “The View,” was honored with the t was a star-studded evening on Satur- Excellence in Media Award for her coverage day March 13, as the Gay and Lesbian of gay rights on her daytime program. MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show,” Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) hosted its 21st annual Media Awards, which along with CNN, NBC, ESPN.com and The New York Times were recognized for their are given to foster positive images of the coverage of gay and lesbian issues. lives of LGBT persons. The real star of the evening was actress Among those singled out for recognition were actress Sigourney Weaver and television Cynthia Nixon, who received the Vito Russo Award, named after the late film hosts Oprah Winfrey and Rachel Maddow. historian and gay rights activist. Weaver accepted the award for OutNixon received kudos for announcstanding TV Miniseries for her portrayal of a religious mother struggling with her son’s ing the engagement between her and her girlfriend at a 2009 rally in support of gay sexuality in Lifetime’s “Prayers for Bobby,” marriage. based upon a true story from the 1970s. “We are bringing marriage back to its GLAAD was founded over 20 years ago in response to negative and sensationalized fundamentals and revitalizing it from the roots up,” declared the former “Sex and mainstream media reporting about AIDS the City” star. and other issues of importance to the

Where Business Comes to Succeed. For advertising opportunities, call Cliff Dunn: 954-530-4970

PrideFest of the Palm Beaches Characters Welcome: Palm Beach Pride Honors Local “Superheros” J.W. Arnold

rganizers of the 2010 PrideFest of the Palm Beaches plan to “supersize” the annual LGBT gathering in Lake Worth, March 27-28. The popular festival, which begins with a parade through the streets of Lake Worth and ends at Bryant Park, regularly attracts thousands of LGBT residents from throughout Palm Beach County, as well as Florida’s Treasure Coast. “PrideFest is about identity and positive representation,” explains Tony Plakas, executive director of Compass, Inc., the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of the Palm Beaches, the organization that presents the festival. “We want to honor the community heroes who have been true to themselves and others; making Palm Beach County one of the best places in Florida for all people to live.” Comedian Christine O’leary, named one of the 50 funniest lesbians in America by Curve magazine and a recently-named honorary chairperson for the Gay American Heroes Foundation, will be headlining the program at the Bryant Park bandshell.

In addition to O’leary’s one-liners, organizers have put together a line-up of local and regional entertainers for the festival. On Saturday, the program will include a wide variety of folk rock, indie, Latin and soul music by Beetnick Castle, Tony Cruz, Shelina, Noa Tylo, and Bev McClellan of Swoop. Sunday’s program, hosted by the “Queen of South Beach,” Adora, will feature Teri Catlin, along with local cover band Datura Street Band,Velvet Lenore and dancers, and Shelina with an English/Spanish salute to Celia Cruz, in addition to her current hits. In addition to entertainment on the stage, festival-goers will be able to peruse more than 100 booths showcasing the food, jewelry, art and products of local and regional vendors and non-profit organizations. PrideFest of the Palm Beaches, Lake Worth Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28 Festival: Bryant Park, 12 noon – 6 p.m. Admission $5 advance/$7 at the park Parade: Sunday, March 28, 11:30 a.m. For tickets or more information: CompassGLCC.com. Note: Pets not allowed in Bryant Park

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Heard it on...

By the Nite Owl

A tale of two megalopolii Outtraveler.com has picked up a nice piece by Paul Rubio from next month’s Advocate Magazine. The online article compares South Florida’s gay megalopolis, South Beach, against Fort Lauderdale’s metropolis. Interesting analysis suggests the two cities have reached a calm equilibrium, and are no longer competitive but more complimentary. “Gone are the days of relentlessly trying to outshine one another and prove

boldly in The Advocate interview: “I feel like I’ve contributed monumentally to the success of the gay movement in America.” By being in the closet? Please, honey, save it for someone who will listen. But he protesteth nevertheless—“What more do you want me to do? Do you want me to stand on a float? And then what? It’s never enough.” Know the truth, Sean, and it will set you free.

gay friends, including a transgender “surfing buddy” whom he believes should have the same rights he does. Recently he visited the San Diego LGBT Community Center, said musician, Mraz collaborator and a coordinator at the center, Abby Schwartz. “Jason realizes he has a platform that many do not and wants to use it to share a message of love, acceptance and equality for all,” said Schwartz. In the early 1980s Paul McCartney and Surprise! Sean Stevie Wonder sang “Ebony and Ivory.” Hayes Comes Out! This song was about black and white comThis just in: the earth ing together in racial harmony. If Mraz and is ROUND. and Will & His Knightness do the song it will clearly Grace star Sean Hayes do in 2010 for gay rights that McCartney is (GASP) a homo! Hayes, who played the hilarious charMraz Wants to Sing Out for and Wonder did in 1982 for racial relations. Sir Elton John acter Jack on the wildly successful NBC Marriage Equality has not consitcom, has been coy about his sexuality Sir Elton John counted many celebrities firmed anything for years (with about the same success at his 18th annual Oscar Viewing Party in about the conas Liberace). But alas, the earth is still Hollywood. The event supports the Elton cept. However, if on its axis, and he finally came out in the John AIDS Foundation (EJAF). Among athe collaborated current issue of The Advocate, for which tendees for the party: those dapper Jonas with Eminem— he is the poster boy. Brothers, Heidi Klum, Ricki Lake, K.D a performer As The Advocate piece relates, he told an Lang, and a performance by special guest, George Michael and Boy George known for antiinterviewer from the Detroit Free Press: gay icon, Grace Jones. gay slur—some “When I play a gay character I want to be as The event and auction garnered over $3 years ago, he believable as possible. And when I’m playing a million for the EJAF. Also in attendance was should certainly straight character I also want to be as believ- the cute, feel-good, crooner Jason Mraz. embrace Mraz’s able as possible. So the less that people know In addition to being one of the guests he idealistic pro about my personal life, the more believable I hoped to approach Sir Elton about an idea position. can be as a character.” to unite straights and LGBTs together in a Apparently the actor has some resentsong for marriage equality. ment issues over being ‘forced’ to declare Mraz, who is straight, has been outspoken Boy George and George Mithat he’s here and queer. Said Hayes in his support of LGBT marriage. He cites chael Kiss and Make Up Boy George has ended a bitter rift with pop rival George Michael after 25 years. The Culture Club singer slammed the Wham star for failing to come out as a homosexual at the height of their groups’ fame in the 1980s. The attack prompted Michael to label George a “bitch”—and the pair refused to speak to each other for more than a quarter-of-a-century. But the Karma Chameleon singer revealed yesterday: “We have exchanged emails and things are pretty good between us. We’ve ‘spoken’ a couple of times and he seems to be doing OK.” It’s a far cry from the 1980s when George, whose openly gay personality had helped Culture Club score No1s including Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? was furious at Michael, now 46, for attracting millions of female fans to Wham! by promoting himself as a ladies’ man. homosexual dominance,” writes Rubio. “Whereas Fort Lauderdale brings together people from all over the United States, Miami unites nations and varied cultures, lending to a remarkable diversity and cosmopolitan feel,” he concludes.

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Gregory Douglass J.W. Arnold

arly in his career, indie singer— songwriter Gregory Douglass got too pieces of advice that would serve him well. The first came during his high school graduation. During an awards ceremony, the principal announced to the gathered families and friends that Douglass was the first student he would ever recommend skip college. Douglass was a rare talent, he said, ready to make his mark in the industry. “Even when I was younger, I had a feeling Gregory Douglass

that I knew what I wanted to do. My school was advanced with technology and had a recording studio. I had a lot of support from the students and the faculty and I think that is what prompted him to be so encouraging,” he recalls. “And, at the time, things were very different in the music industry. The surge of independent artists was beginning.” A couple of years later, Douglass, who had been out since he was 14, received a second piece of advice from an unexpected source, a prominent Burlington,Vt. drag queen. “I was having coffee with Yolanda six or eight years ago. She was very connected with people in the major labels and she told me she felt it might be premature for me to come out professionally,” he says. “That was a practical thing to say at that time, but we’ve come a long way.” While he doesn’t particularly regret

postponing the decision to come out today, his place in the LGBT community is one that he values. “I embraced the community at a time when I felt comfortable doing so,” he says. “It’s been a wonderful thing for me as an artist, almost by default. My music speaks for itself, but in a world with so many independent artists, it’s great to have a ‘niche market’, so to speak.” As a young, gay singer-songwriter, comparisons were inevitable with perhaps one of the most successful gay performers, Rufus Wainwright. “I think it’s interesting when I hear those comparisons because I don’t know that I would describe myself as a Wainwright fan,” Douglass remarks. “Personally, I listen to a lot of females, like Tori Amos and Fiona Apple.” Musically, Douglass cites Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel as major creative influences. “They are consistent writers. Every album is like a major motion picture. I would definitely peg myself as that type of writer. I get into periods of inspiration and each album is different from the next.” His latest project is inspired by dreams. Douglass says he has experienced “quite a few anxiety dreams” lately and had always wanted to do a concept album about the dream world. Humans spend half our lives sleeping, he points out, and dreams create powerful, intelligent images. Douglass has also found his upcoming marriage becoming more influential on his creative process. “It definitely has already influenced my music,” he chuckles. “There are a few songs out there and I’m sure it will continue.” Douglass will be bringing his music to the Broward Center on Tuesday, March 23 as part of ArtsUnited’s Performing Arts Series.While Douglass is playing with a band—or in a few instances, a cello—he will be performing solo. “I think that I have a pretty emotionally charged, powerful show. I take more pride in my vocals than anything and definitely think I can hold my own as a solo performer,” he says. Ten years into a blossoming career, the 29-year-old is hard-pressed to offer his own

advice to a hopeful young artist. “I’ve been an independent artist for nearly 10 years and I do feel like I’m reaching expert territory.The irony of that is the nature of the industry is constantly changing,” says Douglass. “The advice I would give today would be different than a year ago. It’s important to work hard and keep releasing new material to remind people that you’re there. It’s also important to keep up on the trends and not be too stubborn, especially given how quickly things change. Constantly ride the trends to keep in touch with people.”

Gregory Douglass with Richard Cortez ArtsUnited Performing Arts Series Tuesday, March 23, 7:30 p.m. Broward Center for the Arts, Abdo River Room 201 SW 5th Ave | Fort Lauderdale Tickets $15 at (954) 462-0222 or BrowardCenter.org

Richard Cortez

The Morning After Tour

By Joey Amato

ocal singer-songwriter Richard Cortez will be performing songs off his latest album “Sleeping with Strangers” during three area performances. On “Strangers”, Richard explores the darker side of the gay community—with a rock n’ roll flare. SFGN asked Richard what fans could expect, “The shows will be a very raw and revealing take on VH1’s Behind the Music.” Richard will be playing both guitar and piano during the shows. “There will be lots of storytelling and Gaga—definitely expect some Gaga. That’s all I’m at liberty to say.”

RIchard Cortez The Morning After Tour Thursday, March 25 Artist Showcase. Stage 84 9118 W State Rd. 84 | Davie FL 8 pm - No Cover Sunday, March 28 Jennifer McClain’s Sideshow Sundays The Mix 2283 Wilton Dr. | Wilton Manors FL 8 pm - No Cover, 21+

Richard Cortez

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

The Rainbow Tree Genealogy Becoming Important for Gays

By Jarrett D. Terrill

y father keeps very careful genealogical records of our family and his sister keeps thousands of pictures of everyone on her hard drive. We have discovered that we are related to Ethan Allen (the Revolutionary War hero from whom the furniture stores derive their name) and Winston Churchill (England’s most celebrated Prime Minister). On my mother’s side, I have Norwegian immigrants who survived deadly dust bowls and the Great Depression. I have a great aunt who decidedly ignored the social norms of her time and ran away to Hollywood to become a less than famous actress. Genealogy can be very exciting but it can also drudge up some insecurity with people if their particular family structure is one of a more “modern” nature. When I came out of the closet to my parents many years ago, I imagined my father sitting in front of our family tree and feeling like

someone had just taken an axe to it. The disappointment, whether real or imagined, would have been further complicated by the fact that my only brother came out of the closet a couple years after I did. Yes, my parents got hit with a double whammy and our little branch on this enormous tree had stopped producing twigs. I am fortunate enough to be blessed with a loving, accepting family and the process of coming out of the closet was much easier for me than it was for many of my friends. If there was ever any disappointment or resentment on the part of my family members when I told them I was gay, they took care not to blame me for it and they certainly didn’t dwell on it for very long. Genealogy is a far more personal investment than hobbies like say, coin or stamp collecting. The post office could do away with stamps tomorrow and all stamp collectors would be equally disappointed. But with genealogy, it’s easy for a person to feel as though the facts of their life just

don’t stack up or that their particular family tree has some pretty twisted limbs! But if this is the case in your family, there is good news on the horizon. Single mothers, domestic partners, adopted children and gay couples are starting to demand equality in all areas of life and we’re beginning to see this play out in genealogical records as well. There is a good article on this subject by Donna Przecha at Genealogy.com called “Marriage in the Modern Age.” In this article she describes how situations such as gay couplings can be included in a primitive program like Family Tree Maker. She says that “genealogy purists” will have an easier time of it because they only go by bloodline relationships, thus omitting any relationship that is not validated by a marriage certificate or the production of children. However, she also offers a suggestion for inclusion of alternative relationships. One work-around in old-school genealogy programs is by clever use of the middle names feature. Basically, you could change your gay brother’s middle name to “See Partner” and keep a separate legend that includes his domestic partner’s name and even elements of that partner’s family tree if you wish. Now, for some gay people such as myself, this is not nearly good enough but it’s a start. I am happily single but I still want our family tree to show that I am gay. I want a historical record of my orientation so that there’s never any confusion on the subject and I can make my little mark on our history. Should there ever be some gay, lesbian or transgender descendant from one of my many cousins in the future, I want them to look at

our family tree and see that they are not alone. I want them to take pride in our shared history and feel that they are loved, included and valid. Gays and Lesbians have been systematically deleted from history for far too long and it’s time we started owning our rightful place in the records of our families. For this purpose, many families have abandoned keeping their records in “The Family Bible” and moved them online where they can be modernized, shared, studied and open to innovation. People who were previously disinterested in genealogy now have everyday tools at their fingertips that make the subject more appealing and accessible. Social networking sites like Facebook can be useful to track down living relatives. The internet has changed everything and more personal information is available through blogs and user-friendly chat forums. In this manner, others can collaborate with you to find common ancestors and share fun facts about who their families were and are. But don’t allow these programs to limit you with their formalities. Make detailed notes about the people who are unique in your family. Not everyone will be the descendant of a Revolutionary War hero or an English Prime Minister. You may be fortunate enough to discover something even more fascinating... A gay history! Or you might find out that someone in your family was rather infamous, like a bank robber or a horse thief... All is fair when it comes to an accurate family profile. Bloodline relationships and marriage certificates will always be the gold standards in genealogical research but the fabric of our history is so much more than that. Adopted and foster children certainly want to know as much about their adoptive family as they do about their ancestors. Often times, our friends and non-relatives are just as important to who we really are in society regardless of scholarly tradition or bleak and flavorless medical records. I advocate that we, as gays, lesbians and transgendered folks be not afraid of our family histories and take part in preserving our rightful place in them. If straight relationships are the roots that keep your tree firm and weathered through the years, then gay relationships can be seen as the flowering branches which make your family tree a thing of unique beauty and wonder!

March 22 , 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

ACLU Backs Anti Gays’ ‘Right to Protest’ in High Court Case

pressions at the funeral and its comments later on its godhatesfags.com website constituted invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and civil conspiracy. Art Leonard, a well-respected LGBT law professor and commentator said he thinks “the conservatives on the court are eager to cut back tort liability whenever and wherever they can.” A “tort” is a wrongful act for which a person can be made to pay damages. “Here’s a chance speech. The fact United States Supreme Court for them to say that that the high court people who speak has decided to publicly about conhear the case inditroversial issues givcates that at least ing their opinion four of the nine should not have to justices believe pay damages just that ruling may because expressing have been in error. their opinion causes The petition of emotional distress Snyder to the Su to somebody,” said preme Court posLeonard. The queses three questions tion here, he said, is concerning how whether the conduct far offensive expressions can go—and in what context—be- of Phelps and his followers “steps so far across fore they exceed the protections guaranteed the line into truly outrageous conduct that it by the First Amendment. The 4th Circuit should be held to have sacrificed the protection ruled that “distasteful and repugnant” pro- of the First Amendment.” In defending themselves, Phelps and foltests surrounding the funeral of a servicemember were protected. But attorneys for lowers argued that their expressions were the servicemember’s family argue that such protected by the First Amendment guarantee speech should not be allowed to inflict emo- of freedom of religion. A federal jury trial found Phelps and foltional distress on a private party, particularly one trying to exercise his freedom of religion lowers guilty and the court awarded Snyder $5 million in compensatory and puniduring a funeral service. The conflict began in March 2006 when tive damages. In denying the Phelps group’s request for the family of Matthew Snyder, a Marine killed in Iraq, held a funeral service for him. a rehearing or retrial, the district court said Later that day, they saw news reports of the the case “involves balancing [the Defenfuneral being picketed by Phelps and his fol- dants’ First Amendment rights of religious lowers carrying signs, saying such things as expression] with the rights of other private “Fag troops,” “Semper fi fags,” “God Hates citizens to avoid being verbally assaulted by Fags,” and “Thank God for dead soldiers.” outrageous speech and comment during a According to the U.S. District Court opin- time of bereavement.” The 4th Circuit said the district court ion issued by Judge Richard Bennett, in Baltimore, Phelps and his followers attended erred by allowing a jury to decide wheththe funeral “without invitation in order to er the Phelps’ group’s expressions, such express their views against homosexuality, as “God Hates Fags,” “Priests Rape Boys,” Catholicism, and the military.” The West- and “Fag Troops,” were within the realm of boro group has staged similar protests at protection under the First Amendment or other military funerals, prompting Congress whether they were directed at the Snyder to pass the Respect for America’s Fallen He- family specifically. No “reasonable reader” roes Act in May 2006. The law prohibits pro- of such messages could assume any of these tests within 300 feet of any federal military signs were “asserting actual and objectively verifiable facts about Snyder or his son,” cemetery within 60 minutes of a funeral. That law is not at issue in this case. In- said the 4th Circuit. “Whether ‘God hates’ the United States or a stead, at issue is the charge by Snyder’s father, Albert, and family that the Phelps group’s ex- continued on page 47

Westboro Pastor Finds Strange Allies with Liberal Rights’ Group By Lisa Keen

Keen News Service

he U.S. Supreme Court continues its unpredictable foray into LGBT-related legal conflicts—this week announcing that it will decide whether a protester has a First Amendment right to use a private funeral service as a staging ground for their hate speech against gays. It’s a complicated case, and one in which one of the LGBT community’s strongest allies—the ACLU—has taken sides with one of the LGBT community’s most hostile enemies—Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas. The court’s acceptance of this case, Snyder v. Phelps, comes less than two months

Local Civil Rights Lawyer Responds

after the court agreed to take Doe v. Reed, to examine whether state law can require public disclosure of the names of people who signed a petition to force a referendum on a domestic partnership law in Washington State. The full court also took the unusual action that month of blocking a federal judge in San Francisco from allowing a closed-circuit broadcast of the Proposition 8 trial because supporters of the initiative claimed they could be harassed if the public trial was widely viewed. This latest case, Snyder v. Phelps, seeks to undo a ruling in Phelps’ favor in the conservative 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. A three-judge panel for that circuit ruled last September that Phelps’ anti-gay messages— on placards and a website—are protected

“Equality and freedom are core American values and should be protected. Unfortunately, many people use the First Amendment to instill racism, sexism, ageism, and homophobia,” Castrataro points out. By Cliff Dunn Nevertheless, he says, while “some of the words that come s the U.S. Supreme out of people’s mouths may be Court reviews whether harmful, that doesn’t mean that the First Amendment protects they should not be allowed to the rights of anti-gay protesters say them.” at the funerals of American solThe signs carried by Phelps diers, at least one local lawyer included hand-scrawled meshas followed the issue closely. Castrataro sages such as “God Hates the George Castrataro, a gay USA/Thank God for 9/11,” “Semper Fi Wilton Manors-based attorney with a Fags,” “Thank God for Dead Soldiers” and practice specializing in civil rights, recently “Priests Rape Boys.” undertook the appeal of Mike Verdugo, the Castrataro is philosophical about the case. Hollywood cop fired for not revealing that “The Founding Fathers probably never he had once performed in a porn video. contemplated this issue when the First Although a federal appeals court said the Amendment was written,” he posits. Westboro church’s protests were “utterly “Nonetheless their goal of protecting distasteful,” the court ruled that they were our freedom is clear. Despite my perprotected, being related to “matters of sonal objections, someone’s thoughts and public concern.” opinions shouldn’t be silenced simply for Castrataro says the whole point of a their ignorance. In fact, they should be First Amendment is to protect inflammaexposed.” tory ideas.

March 22 , 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

DIRTY LARRY continued from page 7

owns the licenses for the James Bond films, “We did not grant any permission to Mr. Patterson or Financial Pros to use any of our trademark materials. I can definitely state that this is an actionable and unauthorized use.” An online check of the name ‘Wilton Drive Magazine’ has also revealed that the use of that fictitious name was statutorily protected by Jim Bellin, an Oakland Park, Florida businessman on May 23, 2007. It is still valid. Thus, the name ‘Wilton Drive Magazine’ is owned by a registrant other than Patterson, even though he is attempting to sell thousand-dollar a page ads using that name. Meanwhile, people meeting with him are leaving their encounters shell-shocked. The publishers of the Gay City Yellow Pages, Marci Alt and Thomas Ryan met Patterson for a dinner, which politely concluded with Patterson agreeing to purchase an annual ad to promote his new magazine, along with a consulting contract. When Ryan called the next day to pick up the agreed upon check of $3500, an irrational Patterson cursed him out abusively, berating him for ten minutes and calling him a ‘fraud.’ Ryan claimed he was “completely shocked and appalled...in the ten years I

Crossword Puzzle

Hot Flash Across

1 Joe of JFK 6 Harmony, informally 10 Drag queen on the make 14 Swear words 15 Game played astride the well-hung 16 Bangkok continent 17 One goes from here back into the closet 18 Field of study 19 Angels in America writer Kushner 20 Movie of 51-Across, with The 23 Caboose’s spot 24 Muscle problem 25 Julia costar Maximilian 28 Gets touched by a rubber 33 One-woman show of 51-Across, with 43-Across 35 Seminal computer 36 Rimbaud’s king 37 Frasier pup 39 Code-breaking org. 40 Senatorial staffers 43 See 33-Across 46 Future queen

have been a business professional I have explaining what he was doing.” Jeffrey Jacobs, the DJ who worked one never been spoken to in such a disrespectful tone.” Ryan added “it was not a conversa- week with Patterson, confirms the stories. “He asked me to put my reputation on the tion, he just shouted at me.” After respectfully replying in an e-mail, Ryan line. When I tried to explain to him that his was taunted again. Patterson responded by tell- staff and production equipment was insuffiing Ryan “And your point is? Lose our contact cient for a start up, I got an email from him telling me “Geez, go get sucked off again... info, butch up, and get over yourselves.” Patterson was not done. He then sent an- No shit, I know what we need, quit bitchin other email to Ryan, reading “you and your and fukin get on it.”[sic] Jacobs resigned the next day, dyke partner are grifters… our asking for his pay, which he magazine is on the streets on has still not received. No one 3/18, and I didn’t have to pay who worked there has. a ransom of $25k for fucking On Friday, Patterson anconsulting.”[sic] nounced in an email blast Mike Trottier at Hotspots the hire of a new CFO, Scott claimed a similar experience. Campbell, and a new launch “From the moment this man date of April 1. came in, I got a very weird Thomas Ryan of G ay C ity Y ellow P ages Patterson noted that vibe that he was very strange. First he told me he was selling gold bullion, Campbell held an MBA in Finance. He does. then annuities. Then he came in with this But meeting that deadline with Campbell’s James Bond ad and a classified for an execu- aid might also be a problem. Campbell quit tive assistant.” Both have been removed from the same day. Stating that he was leaving ‘Wilton Drive the publication. Photographer Pompano Bill covered the Magazine,’ since “nothing Patterson has said launch party for the ‘Financial Pros’ endeavor has been credible,” Campbell told SFGN at Wilton Suites, but Pompano says “there “Here it is March 19 and we do not have a was no one there, and Patterson just launched staff or anything to go forward with.” Campbell respectfully wished Patterson into vicious comments about numerous people for no reason at all. There was no literature well with his project, but instructed him to for the company or the magazine or anything not use his name in any way as being part of

48 Makes invalid 49 McCullers’ Ballad of the ___ Café 50 Jermaine’s brother 51 Hot Flash performer 57 Catch at Cape Cod 58 Show Boat bundle 59 Place for a G-string 61 Lysol target 62 Green fruit 63 Of noble bearing 64 Obey a court order 65 Boy with a bow 66 Make noise in bed Down 1 Place to take a pea 2 Lawman Wyatt 3 Direction from Susan Feniger 4 Rooted in the stands 5 One from the land of the circumcised 6 Jane of the cloth 7 Time of Camelot 8 NY Met, for example 9 Bikes without pedaling 10 Area around St. Peters 11 Starting from 12 Fielder’s call, to Bean 13 Take care of the bill 21 Have a cow

22 Like three men that visited Mary 25 Subway hanger 26 Church singers 27 Swiss miss 28 Thigh-length skirts 29 Early AIDS play 30 Big name in cutters 31 Stand next to O’Keeffe 32 Loads 34 Computes the bottom line 38 AOL offering 41 Rope in 42 Give the once-over 44 Visibly moved 45 Figures who get coldcocked? 47 Safe to swallow 50 Family diagrams 51 Dench of Notes on a Scandal 52 Grandson of Eve 53 Exhibition event 54 Sailor’s patron 55 Otello villain 56 It comes before 69 57 Hard top 60 Suffix with project Answers on page 47

his organization. After five separate sources were verified with similar complaints of sexual harassment and non-payment, SFGN asked Patterson to respond to the allegations. He replied by stating it was “none of our business,” culminating with a notice threatening the newspaper with a libel lawsuit if this story was published. In a rage, Patterson also called the SFGN office, reaching Marketing Director Cliff Dunn. Placed on a speakerphone, he proceeded to shout out a string of obscenitiessaying he “loves lawsuits” and he “loves to go to fucking war,” and he would destroy ‘Kent’ for trying to “stop him from publishing his fucking magazine.” Over the weekend, Patterson followed up those obscenities with a series of email blasts to hundreds of people within the local LGBT community, repeating newer threats, warning SFGN that “this can only end badly... and not for me.” Meanwhile, Campbell, like Watson, Jacobs, Espinosa, Ryan, and others including a hotel on the beach, provided services or worked for money and a magazine they may never see. Campbell was philosophical, “Times are hard,” he said, “I wanted to take a shot but there is nothing here.” As for the news story, whoops, it ran.

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Classifieds: Call Mike 954-928-1862 Accommodations LIBERTY SUITES PERFECT WINTER VACATION RENTALS Winter Sunshine Specials (Valid Through April 30) From $79/Night & $495/Week Studio, 1BD & 2BD Apts w/ Full Kitchens Clothing optional heated pool, laundry, Parking. Close to Gay Dania & Nude Haulover Beaches. Premium cable, VOIP Telephone & WiFi Internet. Pets always Welcome! 954-927-0090 www.LibertySuites.com -------------------------------------------------NICE CLEAN EFFICIENCY AVAILABLE FOR 250.00 WEEKLY AND ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED. Nice one bedroom apartment available just 2 blocks from the beach 1200.00 monthly. Please call Clint for your move in special. 954-5658437 or 954-445-7718. PRIVATE SUITE WITH FULL BATH IN WILTON MANORS - ONE BLOCK FROM THE DRIVE For rent weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or annually. Poolside, private entrance, fenced in private yard, micro/fridge in unit, king-size bed, day-bed, TV with cable, WiFi internet. Close to all the fun! Call 954-937-5696

Computers THE COMPUTER GUY In-home service by nice, reliable guy with over 30 years experience. Find computers confusing? Want your own website? Computer sluggish? Got a virus? I can repair or upgrade your computer and provide training. A+ Certified. Call 954-295-2220 or E-Mail: ComputerGuyFTL@aol.com -------------------------------------------------GEEK PATROL COMPUTER SERVICES Florida Tech Support Located in Wilton Manors - Windows & Mac (OS X) security, virus & spyware removal, repairs upgrades, wired & wireless networking - gay owned Floridatechsupport@mac.com 954-453-9574 -------------------------------------------------**OPTIMA** COMPUTER REPAIR COMPLETE IN HOME SERVICE. *Get the BEST performance, protection & value from your computer investment. *A+ Hardware & OS CERTIFIED. *Friendly, professional, RELIABLE service. Reasonable rates. Call: Mike 954-817-3883 -------------------------------------------------DALE THE COMPUTER WIZ In Home/Office On Site Service. Vista/XP, Hardware/Software, FIX-IT-NOW Remote Service/Tune Up Starting at $30.00. 11 Years Experience. 954-579-7587 www. GayComputerWiz.com

Licensed Massage Disclaimer The following advertisers listed under the category “Licensed Massage” are state licensed in Florida and provide therapeutic massage services. -----------------------------------------------MASSAGEBYJIM.COM Jim Libonati, NCTMB, LMT 954-600-5843 Lic. MA50898, MM22293 -------------------------------------------------MASSEURFINDER.COM Find the perfect masseur In South Florida -------------------------------------------------METAPHYSICAL MASSAGE Alfonzo Castano, NCTMB, LMT 954-297-7137 Lic. MA57817

-------------------------------------------------L. BUZZ MASSAGE NOOK Larry Buzzeo 954-513-5713 Lic. MA32254 -------------------------------------------------MASSAGE BY A NICE JEWISH GUY Let me work my massage magic. Aventura a specialty. David 305-936-2551 MA15197 -------------------------------------------------MASSAGE BY MARK $40 SPECIAL Soothe your gay nerves, 1 HOUR of therapeutic massage done in the privacy of your home. Call 954-463-6791 or Cell 954895-2265 MA0016739 (Non-Sexual) -------------------------------------------------MAGIC HANDS PRO MASSAGE NCBTMB Certified, FL Lic. MA51008 Very reasonable IN Call Studio rates by mature, experienced LMT. In West Central Palm Beaches. Early/Late OK 561-254-8065

Counseling DR . SEAN LEONARD CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST Specializing in issues related to intimacy, relationships, and sexuality in the gay community. Support and treatment are guided by 15 years of training and experience in research of sexuality and intimacy, and psychotherapy for individuals and partners. Specialty areas include relationship enhancement, treatment of compulsive sexuality, overcoming challenges to intimacy and commitment, and sexual self-esteem. Offices located in both Ft. Lauderdale and Davie. Visit website FloridaPsychology.us or call 954-566-2166, ext. 203 for more information. Licensed Clinical Psychologist (FL PY6552) -------------------------------------------------GROW FROM LIFE’S CHALLENGES Addictions, relationships, depression, co-dependency & support. Sensitive & Caring Gay Therapist-WM Office. Kurt Robbins, LMFT 954-604-7893 www.SouthFloridaTherapy.com

-------------------------------------------------JOHN W. DORAN , LCSW Serving the community for 19+ years, specializing in gay/lesbian/bisexual issues, addictions, relationship issues, HIV/AIDS, anger management, co-dependency, loss/ bereavement. Providing individual/couple/ family/group. Most insurance accepted, Wilton Manors location, 954-253-4060

For Sale BIGGEST ESTATE SALE OF THE YEAR THURSDAY MARCH 11 - 13TH 7:30 AM TO EMPTY! 60 Years accumulation. Period crystal, cut glass Murano, Lucite, mid-century modern furniture, statuary, VHS tapes, 33/78 records, books, paintings, incredible lamps, exotic plants, garage and house are full! Something for everyone! DONT MISS IT! 2208 NE 18th Avenue, off 26th Street, in Wilton Manors. 954-465-9595 or email: KAKucera33305@yahoo.com

Positions Wanted EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL SEEKS CHALLENGING POSITION Smart, articulate, Oxford-educated professional with almost 30 years work experience seeks challenging position in marketing, brand communications or public relations. I am looking for a full-time position in South Florida. Please contact me at poulton2685@gmail.com

Help Wanted HELP WANTED - CAGED HUNKS - RAMROD HOT, MUSCULAR, CAGED HUNKS WANTED FOR SATURDAY NIGHTS AT THE RAMROD. CASH PAY + TIPS. CALL 954-802-5190 AFTER 11 AM OR SEE KEVIN M-TH HAPPY HOURS AT THE BAR -------------------------------------------------JOHNNY’S FORT LAUDERDALE IS NOW SEEKING: in shape, attractive BARTENDERS with min. 2 years exp. in high energy club environment. We are also Looking for Shot Boys,Cocktail boys, Cashiers, Security (must have G License) for interview contact AJ Cross 754-367-6366 or email montrealboyinfl@aol.com or JohnnysBarFL@aol.com -------------------------------------------------MALE DANCERS NEEDED Dudes on the Beach is now hiring Dancers. No House Fees. 7 days a week. 3270 NE 33rd Street, 954 568-7777. Apply in person.

-------------------------------------------------SLAMMER IS LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN! bartenders, locker....must be flexible and dependable....apply in person Monday nights 8 pm, no phone calls! -------------------------------------------------MANAGEMENT POSITION A Gay men’s private health club chain is seeking an experienced professional to manage the operations of a gay sauna in Miami. Experience in customer service and employee/staff management is required. The position also includes supervision of maintenance and repairs to the facility. Financial responsibilities include supervising cashiers and daily cash reconciliation. Hospitality industry experience is preferred. Bi-Lingual, fluent English/Spanish is a requirement. Salary is commensurate with experience. Send replies to: Please note corrected address. Club Aqua Miami, 2980 SW 21 Terrace, Miami, FL 33145-2330 -------------------------------------------------COURTYARD CAFE IS LOOKING FOR SHORT ORDER COOKS All shifts. Must be able to cook breakfast. 2211 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. Please apply in person. NO PHONE CALLS -------------------------------------------------MASCULINE DANCERS WANTED The Stable is hiring masculine male dancers. Please contact Howard at 954-296-9512 -------------------------------------------------LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCED BARTENDERS AND DANCERS FOR BUSY NIGHTCLUB IN WILTON MANORS Apply in person, at GAYMART, must bring photo. 2240 Wilton Drive 954-630-0360 -------------------------------------------------AUDITIONS FOR A NEW THEATER PRODUCTION COMPANY AND SHORT MOVIE IN FORT LAUDERDALE! We need male actors 20-35 years old. Very urgent . Please send resume and 2 pictures to massimostinco@live.it 954401-5662 -------------------------------------------------JOIN OUR FAMILY! SUNSERVE’S NOBLE A. McARTOR SENIOR DAY CENTER THE WORLD’S FIRST & ONLY LGBT SENIOR DAY CENTER, IS LOOKING FOR AN ENERGETIC CNA TO WORK WITH FRAIL SENIORS. FT WITH COMPETITIVE SALARY AND FULL BENEFITS. EXPERIENCE WITH ELDERS REQUIRED. SEND RESUME TO McARTOR CENTER, 1480 S. W. 9TH AVENUE, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33315, FAX 954-764-5155 OR EMAIL TO MADLER@SUNSERVE.ORG.

SFGN’S Classified SOAPBOx

-------------------------------------------------CLUBHOUSE II PART-TIME CLEANER NEEDED. MUST BE ABLE TO WORK FLEXIBLE HOURS. DRUG FREE. APPLY IN PERSON ONLY! NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE! 2650 E. Oakland Park Blvd. Fort Lauderdale -------------------------------------------------WANTED: MALE DANCERS Must be over 21. NO house fees. Friday nights at The Depot. Please complete application and submit a picture to Marc at The Depot, 1243 NE 11th Avenue. Mon Friday 1 PM to midnight. -------------------------------------------------LIVE-IN PERSONAL ASSISTANT/ COMAPNION Elderly gentleman looking for a live-in personal assistant /companion with medical background. Great home in Boca Raton; Food and car furnished. Job duties consist of light meal preparation, medication responsibilities, light housework, running errands, keeping house fun, etc. Some extensive travel may be required. MUST HAVE experience, VALID driver’s license, EXCELLENT references and knowledge of computers. QUALIFIED APPLICANT’S ONLY: Email/ fax resume, picture and desired salary to ralbre8968@al.com or 561-620-8579. -------------------------------------------------SALES REPS 1,000 WEEKLY GUARANTEE IN WRITING! Needed For S. FL Gay Community Yellow Pages! Sales Commission! Monthly Phone allowance! Weekly Gas! Bonuses! Random perks provided by the company! 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 954734-5531 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 -------------------------------------------------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 -------------------------------------------------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 $149,900, Call 954.817.6233

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

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

CLASSIFIEDS@HOTSPOTSMAGAZINE.COM

Roommates, cont’d ROOMMATE TO SHARE OAKLAND PARK POOL HOME Large 4BD/3BA ranch style house with screened in pool on the Lloyd Estate. Bedroom has walk-in closet and private bath. All utilities, internet and Direct TV included. Share with two guys and a cat. No smoking, drugs or additional pets. Please be responsible and employed. $700/Mo. Avail April 1st. Michael 954-540-3543 -------------------------------------------------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 -------------------------------------------------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

-------------------------------------------------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 561-302-5218 after 6:30 PM -------------------------------------------------PRIVATE ROOM IN WILTON MANORS With private bath and entrance w/ lake view from room, use of whole house, W/D, $600/Mo. + Sec. Avail. Immediately Call 954-383-1130

Rent/Lease 2 BEDROOM 1 BATH DUPLEX IN WILTON MANORS Walking distance to clubs and shops and in a nice neighborhood. Please call Clint at 954-445-7718 or 954-565-8437 for your move in special. -------------------------------------------------1 BEDROOM 1 BATH IN WILTON MANORS. This unit has large closets and central heat and air. Walk to clubs and shops. Please call Clint at 954-445-7718 or 954565-8437 for your move in special. -------------------------------------------------2 BEDROOM 2 BATH ON LAS OLAS, this is a large unit and very spacious. You can walk to the nightlife of Las Olas and have gorgeous views. Unit available April 1st. Please Call Clint at 954-445-7718 or 954-565-8437 for your move in special. -------------------------------------------------2 BEDROOM 1 BATH DUPLEX IN WILTON MANORS. Walking distance to clubs and shops and in a nice neighborhood. Please call Clint at 954-445-7718 or 954-565-8437 for your move in special.

-------------------------------------------------1 BEDROOM 1 BATH IN WILTON MANORS. This unit has large closets and central heat and air. Walk to clubs and shops. Please call Clint at 954-445-7718 or 954565-8437 for your move in special. -------------------------------------------------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. -------------------------------------------------2/1 IN OAKLAND PARK 5-PLEX GREAT NEIGHBORS Good size apartment, ideal floorplan for roommates. Living/dining room with open plan kitchen, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, Central air, tile floors, New paint, parking, small pets with approval. Clean and ready now. $895/Mo. Michael 954-540-3543 -------------------------------------------------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 -------------------------------------------------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

-------------------------------------------------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 -------------------------------------------------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 -------------------------------------------------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 -------------------------------------------------1414 NE 5TH TERRACE LARGE 2BD/1BA Open, peninsula kitchen w/ smooth-top stive, crisp white cabinets, D/W, tile floors, on-site laundry. C/A, private patio. $1,050/ Mo. F/S. Call 954-448-9811 -------------------------------------------------DROP-DEAD-GORGEOUS Supersized 1BD/1BA, All New!, open granite kit w/island, D/W, 15’x20’ Bdrm, central air, 1 yr. lease $915/Mo. F/S. Middle River Ter. Call 954-448-9811 -------------------------------------------------HOLLYWOOD Studio apartment with seperate bedroom. Fully furnished, full kitchen, cable TV, utilities included. Close to beaches and downtown. $650/Mo. 954-929-2365 -------------------------------------------------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.

-------------------------------------------------MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE Large 1BD/1BA in fourplex. Tile floors throughout, laundry facilities, parking, less than 1 mile to Wilton Drive. $750/Mo. Call 954-815-2550 -------------------------------------------------EAST FORT LAUDERDALE - ONE MINUTE TO WILTON DRIVE - 2/2 IN A TROPICAL PARK-LIKE SETTING Large, quiet 2BD/2 full bath unit. Totally renovated with porcelain tile, granite & stainless kitchen, granite in baths, dining room, central A/C, ceiling fans, D/W, W/D in unit & more. Charming, beautifully landscaped 5-plex close to beach. $1,175/ mo. Call Rick 954-253-1929 or email BoisTropicalHome@aol.com for photos. -------------------------------------------------E. OAKLAND NEAR FEDERAL 1/1$675! Bright 2nd Floor corner, small bldg. Recently remodeled, newer appliances. Cat okay, laundry. Minutes to beach or Wilton Drive. Walk to Coral Ridge Mall. Owner/Agent. 954-552-5023. blueboy1st@ hotmail.com -------------------------------------------------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 -------------------------------------------------NE FT. LAUDERDALE - WILTON MANORS AREA - IMMACULATE 1/1 with your own PRIVATE backyard, large BR, tile floors, newer kit/bath, water/ garbage/pestcont incl., cable ready, W/D avail, QUIET all gay complex. No pets. $725/Mo. By appt. 954-592-3772 -------------------------------------------------CLEANEST APT IN TOWN 1BD/1BA completely remodeled, micro, patio, cent ac, tile, priv parking, W/D on prem., small complex only 4 units, drive by and see bldg 1645 N.Dixie Hwy, then Call Nick 954-805-1195 for showing. $795/Mo. will work w/ you on move-in costs.

-------------------------------------------------2BD/2BA IN OAKLAND PARK Sailboat Point Condos, 1st Floor, Lake Front, fresh paint, W/D in unit, Large Terrace, pool, fitness center, tennis court. $1,025/Mo. Call 516-459-1195 Avail. Immediately -------------------------------------------------WILTON MANORS WATERFRONT ON THE PARK Waterfront 1BD/1BA, new kitchen, spacious apt. $875/Mo. Call 954-224-8768 -------------------------------------------------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

Professional Services LYONS SNYDER LAW GROUP Criminal Defense Attorneys 954-462-8035 www.LyonsSnyder.com -------------------------------------------------LAW OFFICES OF GEORGE CASTRATARO Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation, Estate Planning/Wills, Foreclosure Defense & Negotiation, GLBT Issues, Small Business. 954-573-1444 www.LAWGC.com -------------------------------------------------MAYERSOHN LAW GROUP P.A. State/Federal Criminal Defense & White Collar Crime 954-765-1900, 866-765-1900 www.MayersohnLaw.com -------------------------------------------------DRUCKER LAW OFFICES Personal Injury, Auto Accidents, Wrongful Death, Slip/Trip & Falls, Defective Product Injuries, Workplace Injuries. 954-755-2120 www.FloridaLawTeam.com -------------------------------------------------LAW OFFICES OF CHRIS MANCINI, PA Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation Office: 954-522-2744 Cell: 305-219-6919 www.ChrisManciniEsq.com

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Where Business Comes to Succeed. For advertising opportunities, call Cliff Dunn: 954-530-4970 -------------------------------------------------STEPHEN D. JEROME ATTORNEY AT LAW Bankruptcy, Mortgage Foreclosure Defense, Wills, Estate Planning & Probate, Real Estate Closings, Domestic Partnership Agreements 954-946-0916, SJerome_Esq@bellsouth.net -------------------------------------------------ATTORNEY ROBIN L. BODIFORD, JD, MSW Wills & Trusts, Bankruptcy, Trust Admin, Probate, GLBT Issues, Incorporations 954-630-2707, www.RobinBodifordLaw.com -------------------------------------------------GREGORY W. KABEL ATTORNEY AT LAW Wills & Trusts, Estate Planning, Probate, Domestic Agreements, Business Formation & Transactions, Real Estate. 2312 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-761-7770, gwkesq@bellsouth.net -------------------------------------------------EXPERT CARPET, TILE & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING BY DESI $59.99 2 Rooms, Deep Steam Cleaning Carpet or Sofa, Free Deodorizer $99.00 Winter Special Tile & Grout Or 35 cents per sq.ft. 954-383-5054 -------------------------------------------------“I SHOW UP” HANDYMAN 954-684-9277 Sean SeanHarrenFTL@mac.com -------------------------------------------------BROWARD BOYS PAINTERS Residential & Commercial Interior & Exterior 954-720-9605 www.BrowardBoys.com -------------------------------------------------THE PAINTING COMPANY Residential & Commercial Solids, Faux Finishes, Murals, Color Coordination, Venetian Plaster, Interior/Exterior. 954-292-8219 PAINTandFAUX@aol.com -------------------------------------------------CGR PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Broward, West Palm, Dade Residential/Commercial 786-419-1360 -------------------------------------------------TOTAL MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, INC. Condo & HOA Management Bookkeeping, Tenant Screening Contractor/Employee Oversight 954-727-3833, www.TotalMSolutions.com -------------------------------------------------PANE IN THE GLASS Window Tint Removal, Window Cleaning Power Washing, Screen Repairs Handyman, Painting. Call Scotty 954-566-4415, Lic. & Insured -------------------------------------------------IRRIGATION SYSTEM REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE 19 yrs. experience, excellent work, referrals by request. Call Roberto at 954-383-8980 -------------------------------------------------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

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March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Tech/Gaming News

Queering Microsoft

Characters in the X-Box game Uno-Rush

By Jarrett Terrill

here used to be a rule in the Xbox LIVE code of conduct that seemed homophobic, or at least overlyprotective to a lot of gamers. Under the old code, a queer gamer could not call him or herself a “gaymer”—which is an increasingly popular colloquialism amongst fans of the Xbox LIVE experience. The words “gay,” “straight,” “lesbian,” “bi” and “transgender” were banned from Gamertags—the Xbox version of a screen name. This policy has been updated and now these words are permissible for use in Gamertags. But there is some discrepancy as to why the words were banned in the first place and why Microsoft has decided to change their policy. Recently, Microsoft released an open letter in which they explained the new rule change this way: “The Xbox LIVE Terms of Use and Code of Conduct are designed to create a place where people can safely enjoy all of the ways to interact on our service [...] without fear of discrimination or harassment. As the service evolves and our customers provide us with feedback, these rules evolve to incorporate new features or changes in how people wish to interact. “With that in mind, I’d like to announce an update to the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use and Code of Conduct which will allow our members to more freely express their race,

nationality, religion and sexual orientation in Gamertags and profiles. Under our previous policy, some of these expressions of self-identification were not allowed in Gamertags or profiles to prevent the use of these terms as insults or slurs. However we have since heard feedback from our customers that while the spirit of this approach was genuine, it inadvertently excluded a part of our Xbox LIVE community.” But in February of 2009, Meg Marco of Consumerist.com described the situation in much more direct terms. In a column entitled “Identifying yourself as a Lesbian Gets You Banned” Marco describes how one gamer named Teresa was repeatedly harassed by homophobes on Xbox and when she went to Microsoft with her complaint, they banned her from the network, telling her that she was being offensive simply by identifying herself as a lesbian. The article on Consumerist.com goes on to list many more bizarre, and seemingly homophobic actions on the part of moderators and other players that lead to the victim being banned instead of their antagonist. In one case, a man whose real, legal name was “Richard Gaywood” was reportedly banned without recourse from the network. So, whether you believe Xbox LIVE was looking out for their beloved “gaymers” and protecting them from harassment or maybe you think they were just being fussy to the point of homophobia - this new “game changer” is a most welcome adjustment to their code of conduct.

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

ACLU continued from page 40

particular group, or whether America is ‘doomed,’ are matters of purely subjective opinion that cannot be put to objective verification,” said the court. “As a threshold matter, as utterly distasteful as these signs are,” said the 4th Circuit, “they involve matters of public concern, including the issue of homosexuals in the military, the sex-abuse scandal within the Catholic Church, and the political and moral conduct of the United States and its citizens.” Such issues, said the panel, are not statements directed toward a private party “but rather are issues of social, political, or other interest to the community.” “A distasteful protest sign regarding hotly debated matters of public concern, such as homosexuality or religion,” said the 4th Circuit, “is not the medium through which a reasonable reader would expect a speaker to communicate objectively verifiable facts.” The same is true for the website remarks, said the court. The Snyder v. Phelps case won’t be argued until the fall, in the 2010-11 session. The 4th Circuit decision notes that Phelps, the lone pastor of the Westboro, Kansas, “church,” has operated the organization for more than 50 years, and has a membership of “approximately sixty or seventy members, fifty of whom are his children, grandchildren, or in-laws.” “Among their religious beliefs,” wrote the 4th Circuit, “is that God hates homosexuality and hates and punishes America for its tolerance of homosexuality, particularly in the United States military.”

Answers to Crossword Puzzle on page 42

Sports By Joey Amato

Gay Polo Tourney

Debuts in Palm Beach

Tom Landry

he 1st Annual International Gay Polo Tournament Presented by Credit Suisse will take place at the Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, FL, on April 3, 2010, from noon to 5 p.m. GPL is the sole international polo league to be primarily comprised of lesbian and gay players. Founded to enable gay men and women to share their interest in this unique sport, GPL has created a community of passionate, like-minded athletes. GPL’s mission is to provide the LGBT community with the opportunity to develop and refine the necessary skills for participating in this exceptional sport. To achieve its mission, GPL continues to promote participation in amateur competitions and foster fellowship and goodwill among all members. The 1st Annual International Gay Polo Tournament will have as one of its sponsors Equestrian Life, a media company dedicated to the equestrian community and horse lovers across all breeds and disciplines. They will not only sponsor one of the competing teams, but also provide media coverage for the event, including on the web. Deana Berquist, President & Co-founder

of EquestrianLife.com, stated, “Equestrian Life is proud to be partnered with the Gay Polo League (GPL) as both a team sponsor and the GPL’s media partner. We look forward to the beauty of polo and the excitement of the inaugural U.S. GPL Tournament.” The Gay Polo Tournament will be the first of its kind, and in the future partici-

pants hope this idea will continue to expand around the world. The founders are Chip McKenney and Tom Landry, both optimistic that this will be a great kick-off to a great idea. To learn more about the new event, or the gay polo league visit their website at www.GayPolo.com

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

Robert L. Spector Personal Injury Trial Attorney

March 22 , 2010 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Tuesday’s Angels

Giving Wings to People with HIV/AIDS By Joey Amato

their mission continues in the form of a monthly dinner. These gatherounded in 1993, Tuesday’s ings, held the first Tuesday of the Angels is a volunteer-run month, hence the name Tuesday’s nonprofit organization that Angels, raise money for their cause. provides funding on an emergency baHowever, dinners aren’t the orgasis to men, women and children with nization’s sole fundraising initiative. HIV/AIDS. 100% of funds received by Tuesday’s Angels sponsors a sucTuesday’s Angels goes directly to indi- cessful golf outing in the fall, as well viduals or to select organizations with as, the “100 Percent Solution Bike clients that have little or no income. Ride for Life,” a fundraiser schedule The organization began when a for April 17-18. Dan Blakemore, few noble Fort Lauderdale gentlePresident of Tuesday’s Angels states, men decided to give immediate “This is the biggest fundraiser of medical assistance to people not the year. Since its inception, the covered by health insurance. Today, ride has raised over $900,000.”

The organization currently consists of over 300 supporters and growing. Blakemore states, “Tuesday’s Angels is fortunate to have wonderful supporters who we believe are truly heaven sent. Ongoing financial support in the form of donations is imperative to the continued success of our organization.” Chuck Nicholls, a 14-year board member and currently Tuesday’s Angels Immediate Past President believed in the organization from its inception. “I truly believe in helping others who can no longer help themselves especially those who are financially struggling with HIV/AIDS to pay their bills.” Tuesday’s Angels pays for a variety of expenses incurred by its clients. This includes rental and mortgage assistance, utility bills, medical and

dental expenses, transportation, cremation and funeral expenses, and other necessary needs. Significant donations from local businesses, grants from foundations, and donations from “angels” allow the organization to continue helping those in the community. All other expenses and fees are paid either by Board Members or with interest income. Nicholls tells SFGN the organization is one of the most successful organizations of its kind in Florida in terms of both the number of people it has helped over the years and the esteem in which it is held by other HIV/AIDS organizations. “Being a part of this organization along with a very supportive team of board members has given me a great deal of personal satisfaction in helping others.”