Wire Magazine Issue #20, 2012: Living with HIV: A Life Sentence? by Wire Media Group

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ISSUE #20 | 05/17/12

Friday, May 18, 2012 MDGLCC’s Support our Cultural Arts Members (SOCAM) Event — Miami Beach

“Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” at Miami Beach Stage Door Theatre. What happens when a Baptist Minister’s widow hires a gay ex-Broadway chorus boy to give her private dance lessons at her beachfront condo? War! This odd couple transforms their acrimony into a dance of intimacy, as they learn to overcome their differences and create a poignant connection to each other. Starring Larry Buzzeo and Phyllis Spear and directed by Dan Kelley, Richard Alfieri’s writing is sparkling, witty, touching and laugh-out loud - all performed against a panorama of ageism and bigotry. The play will begin at 8:00pm. Meet & Greet with the cast following the performance. Miami Beach Stage Door is located at 500 71st St. Special rate for MDGLCC, $30 per person. For tickets, call (305) 397-8977, and use code MDGLCC.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012 Women’s Empowerment Luncheon — Downtown

MDGLCC’s popular Women’s Empowerment Luncheon series continues at the Hyatt Regency Miami, 400 SE 2nd Avenue, Miami with special guest speaker Hedy Goldsmith, Executive Pastry Chef at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink & James Beard Awards nominee and author of “Baking Out Loud: Fun Desserts with Big Flavors” speaking on “Women in the Restaurant Industry” 11:30am Registration; 12:00pm - 1:30pm Lunch. Cost: MDGLCC Members ($35), Potential Members ($45, $10 applied to new MDGLCC membership). A full sit-down luncheon with a Q&A to follow. RSVP required: 305-673-4440 or RSVP@gaybizmiami.com. CoSponsored by Aqua Foundation & NCLR.

ART AT THE VISITOR CENTER CURRENTLY SHOWING: “SKIRTS…” A SHOW FEATURING SOUTH FLORIDA LESBIAN ARTISTS APRIL 30 – JUNE 1, 2012 EXHIBIT HOURS: 9A.M. – 6P.M.

LGBT Visitor Center Activities 1130 Washington Avenue • Miami Beach, FL 33139 21 MAY 22 MAY

TRANSYOGA - YOGA CLASS Mondays, May 21 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sliding scale donation $10 - $15 Space is limited - RSVP to guacci13@gmail.com. PINK FLAMINGO CERTIFICATION TRAINING Tuesday May 22, 2012 6:00-8:00 p.m. Reservations required 305.673.4440

29 MAY

SMART RECOVERY Every Tuesday beginning May 29 Smart Recovery is the leading self-empowering addiction recovery support group.

For more information on the LGBT Visitor Center activities or to reserve the space for YOUR event please call 305.397.8914 or email cindy@gogaymiami.com

THE NEW GOGAYMIAMI.COM HAVE YOU SEEN IT YET? Your advertisement can be seen here…. Lock in your introductory rates now! For web banner advertising – please contact cindy@gogaymiami.com limited opportunities available.

Stop by and visit us

THERE’S ALWAYS FREE WIRELESS ACCESS AT THE LGBT VISITOR CENTER

EDITOR IN CHIEF’S NOTE WAKE UP TO THE REALITIES OF HIV IN SOUTH FLORIDA ot too long ago, HIV used to be a death sentence for people who contracted the disease. I vividly remember watching Ryan White and so many other people fight for their lives and lose the battle against a powerful disease for which treatment seemed such a far-fetched possibility. I also remember hearing about people I knew that contracted the disease and thinking, “OMG how long will they have to live?” Fortunately, new HIV medications and treatments have saved millions of lives and what used to be a death sentence has become a life sentence. Unfortunately, too many people, especially in South Florida, are still getting infected with HIV and putting their lives and those of others at risk. The specter of HIV, although present in my mind, seemed somewhat distant until about four months ago when a good friend told me that his test results had shown a positive result, but that he thought it had to be a false positive. I could only hope and pray for him that he was right and the test result was wrong. Unfortunately, the opposite was true. He was in fact HIV positive and the test, not him, was right. Never before had I had been confronted so closely with the realities of HIV as when I saw my friend agonize over getting the “mistaken” results and watching him anxiously await for the results of the new, comprehensive test hoping that the initial quick test was just a false positive. When my friend got the new test results confirming he had HIV I tried to do everything I could to help find out as much information as possible regarding treatment, organizations, and doctors who could help him turn a potential death sentence into a life sentence. It was a really scary time for my friend and I wanted to alleviate his pain and help him deal with the new reality of living with HIV. Yes, there is treatment, but Richard Burton Jr. explains in this week’s cover story that the medications cost him about $75,000 per year. What would you do, if you contracted a disease that will require you to spend that much money every year just for the medication needed to stay alive? It was during the process of helping my friend that I realized how little he, many of my other friends, so many of my acquaintances, and I really knew about this deadly disease. I then set out on my mission to use Wire Magazine as a platform to publish a compelling cover story that would help everyone in South Florida and, anywhere else the story is read, wake up to the very scary realities of HIV and the treatments and programs available to help those who contract the disease. I put a lot of thought into a possible cover story and considered what should be included from the perspective of several stakeholders, including people at risk of contracting HIV, people living with HIV, people who run organizations doing prevention and helping those living with the disease, and healthcare professionals helping patients survive a life sentence by living a healthy and productive life. This week’s Wire Magazine cover story entitled “Living With HIV: Not a Death Sentence, A Life Sentence,” is my attempt to reach out to so many people who may not be aware of the dangers they are often encountering and the risks they are really taking with their physical, mental, and financial health. I want everyone to know how high the incidence of HIV really is in South Florida. I want young people to wake up and see that HIV is a real disease that must be respected and feared. I want parents to help educate their children. And I want people living with the disease to know that there is hope and great treatments for them to conquer their illness and live a life sentence productively and happily by taking advantage of the best medications, treatments, and support networks available to them. In closing, I want to ask you to please read this story. Take it to heart. Tell anyone you care about to also read it and share it with as many people as possible. Together we can save many lives and we can also prevent many people from getting infected with HIV. Cheers, Rafa Publisher & Editor in Chief rafa@wireweekly.com (soon to be rafa@wiremag.com) 4 | wire magazine | issue #20, 2012 | www.wireweekly.com | facebook | twitter

Rafa Carvajal Publisher/Editor in Chief Associate Publisher Jesse Spencer Editor James Cubby Associate Editor Antwyone Ingram Design & Production Director Jose Gonzalez Columnists Alfredo Barrios Alyn Darnay Dane Steele Green Ken Hunt Dr. Gregg A Pizzi Michael Sasser Kevin Wynn Writers Neil Andrew Frias Staff Photographer Henry Perez Official Photography Studio Image1stmiami.com Photographers Javi Giovanni Frank Leon Luis Santiago Dale Stine Local Advertising advertising@wireweekly.com National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media | 212-242-6863 Editorial Submissions editorial@wireweekly.com Contact Information Tel: 305.520.WIRE | Fax: 786.272.0123 Email: info@wireweekly.com 1541 Brickell Avenue, #2004, Miami, FL 33129 Wire Magazine is published, produced, and owned by Wire Media Group L.L.C. All Rights Reserved Distributed in Miami, The Beaches, and Fort Lauderdale

SHOPPING BAG

ON THE GO TRAVEL: BELGIUM

STAYING HEALTHY

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PROPAGANDA

Critical but sometimes excessive, taking a plethora of medications can be both tiresome and bothersome. Staying on top of your health should always be a priority. Many may recall being lured to take vitamins as a child via gummy bear or Flintstones chewable vitamins. Put the fun back in nutrition by taking adult gummy vitamins. Vitafusion has created gummy vitamins specifically for men that supports bone health and energy production, helps support prostate health and the immune system, and received the ChefsBest Award for Best Tasting. The multivitamin is inexpensive, priced at around $11.99 and can be found at your local grocery or nutrition store.

AIRBORNE CHEWABLE TABLETS

BY DANE STEELE GREEN hat whirring sound you hear is Lenin spinning in his grave. Back in the day, the hammer and sickle, the very symbol of “godless Russia,” struck fear in the hearts of men. That it is now the logo of Propaganda, one of the largest, hardest, gayest techno-circuit events in the world…well, let’s just say that today, of all of the parts of a man’s body, his heart probably won’t be the one you’ll be striking. When thinking of Belgium, the two lone subjects that usually come up are chocolate and waffles. Antwerp, in the north of the country, is painfully aware of this; it isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when people think of European party towns, despite the fact that Euro-techno was practically born here. In response, the supposedly demure city purposefully overcompensated. Hard. You gotta love hard overcompensation. Antwerp’s party scene today is so infamous, so anything-goes, so spectacularly out of this world, it makes London and Paris look like nap-time at an Ambien beta test. In the words of Propaganda, “where porn meets humor, sexual freedom can be found.” Obey the freedom. Obey, in fact, for three full days. Falling in mid-June, the 72-hour Propaganda Weekend/orgy nails Antwerp to the world circuit party calendar, with no less than five bacchanals occurring all over the city, some simultaneously. Like its neighbor, the Netherlands, Belgium has the rep of being a nation of horn-dogs. That rep is hardwon and defended at every opportunity. No baby steps here; things take off with the two parties on June 15, the free “Carnivale: Dance on the Fair” party (it’s free!) at Antwerp’s Gedempte Zuiderdokken neighborhood, and the Bear-Necessity blow-out at the legendary Red & Blue club. On June 16, the party either goes sky-high with the Rooftop Party at the city’s uber-stylish Linder Hotel or into the dark with Lovechild, again at the Red & Blue and DJed by London power-players Tony English and Rob Harris. Things officially end on June 17 with the BOATPARTY, a techno-infused cruise on the Scheldt River hosted by spinners Elof de Neve and Jimmy Stokes, but several officially-sanctioned after-parties keep things going around the clock. One way or another, you’re going to be walking funny by the end of it all. Go to www.propagandabelgium.com/weekend for more information. Contact Steele Luxury Travel to help you get to Belgium in style at 646.688.2274 or visit us at www.SteeleTravel.com! 6 | wire magazine | issue #20, 2012 | www.wireweekly.com | facebook | twitter

Whether a short getaway, or an international vacation, we have all picked up a basic cold in the process of commuting that progressed into an antagonizing flu or worse. Airborne has created chewable tablets that help support your immune system by providing your body with 1,000mg of Vitamin C in addition to 13 vitamins, minerals, and herbs to keep your immune system at its highest defense or to tackle a minor cold you many have picked up during your travels. One bottle contains 32 chewable tablets and comes in Berry and Citrus, both of which taste great in comparison to other immune support tablets on the market. One bottle runs around $5.

V-FUSION SMOOTHIES Not everyone has ample time to chop up fruits and vegetables to prepare a nutritious smoothie, and some people are simply not fans of consuming vegetables at all. V-Fusion smoothies provides you a healthy and tasty alternative with its new fruit & vegetable smoothies. Containing one full serving of vegetables and one full serving of fruit, the smoothies are a great source of Vitamin A, C, and E and come in an assortment of flavors such as Strawberry Banana, Wild Berry, and Mango. Furthermore, the smoothies contain no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial flavors and run for about $25 for a pack of eight 48-ounce bottles. More compact, individual bottles may also be purchased for around $5 each.

EGG PROTEIN Many patients living with HIV/AIDS have a difficult time growing accustomed to their medication regime and the correlating diet. Many patient’s favorite foods and drinks may be difficult to consume depending on how their medication interacts with their diet. Dairy products in particular seem to pose a problem for many who are new to antiretroviral medications. This can present a problem for those who work out regularly or want to consume protein shakes to stay fit. Trying lactose and dairy free alternative proteins may be your best bet. Soy protein, as well as egg protein, provides the same nutritional benefits of any other protein, if not better. Optimum has an egg protein available that provides 25g of protein while supplying you with 8 essential amino acids, as well as a digestive enzyme system that will aid in the already easily digested and absorbed egg protein (making it easy on your stomach). One 2lb jug, complete with 27 servings, cost about $25 and comes in both chocolate and vanilla flavors.

DINING

BY RAFA CARVAJAL

QUATTRO: SCRUMPTIOUS ITALIAN ON LINCOLN ROAD

BRUNCH say “bravo” to our weekend

taly is one of my favorite countries in the world. A few years ago I took my mom to Italy on vacation and rented a car so we could drive throughout many parts of the country, visit small towns, and truly enjoy all the wonderful things it has to offer, including its delicious cuisine. Mamma mia! – what a wonderful experience it was to visit many of Italy’s different regions and sample their culinary delights and wines. Our journeys from Florence, to the hills of Tuscany, to ancient Rome, to the Amalfi Coast, and to every large city and small town in between afforded us the opportunity to dine on delicious food that was as unique as the places we visited. My dining experience at Quattro Gastronomia Italiana on Lincoln Road brought back some great memories of dining throughout Italy. This romantic 170-seat indoor/outdoor restaurant has become a Miami Beach staple for anyone who loves Italian food and dining on Lincoln Road – two of my favorite pastimes. Alessandria born and raised identical twin chefs Nicola and Fabrizio Carro, transported the luscious flavors of Northern Italy to South Beach by creating an Italian trattoria that also reminded me of some of the best Italian restaurants I have dined at in New York. Quattro’s stunning inside design and décor include custom Murano glass chandeliers suspended from antique mirrored coffers in a beautiful setting where Old World meets New World through the use of imported Italian materials and weathered original terrazzo floors. The piece de resistance of the room is a gorgeous Calacatta marble bar with a brick-shaped mirrored back-drop flanked by floor-to-ceiling wine towers that showcase Quattro’s award-winning collection. From their mouth-watering pastas to so many other regional dishes, Chefs Carro’s delightful creations are inspired by their homeland and infused with ingredients from Alessandria in the Piemonte region, which is known for its fine cheeses such as Robiola, Caprini and Tumin, porcini and exotic white truffle mushrooms, hearty local game dishes, and famous Asti and Barolo wines. They also have an award-winning all-Italian wine list that is hand-selected by partner Nicola Schon, who is also the owner and vintner of Colle Manora vineyard in the countryside of Monferrato in the north-western corner of Italy, between the Alps and the Riviera. The wine list features the region’s most famous wines for you to pair with Quattro’s flavorful dishes. The Fonduta Tartufata con Crostini is a perfect example of such a dish: a rich and comforting fontina cheese fondue with poached egg, shaved truffles and perfectly toasted Biova croutons. Other dishes on Quattro’s regular menu that pay homage to the Carro’s former home region include: Preparazione Casalinga Dei Ravioli Di Casa Savoia Tartufati (fontina ravioli drizzled with white truffle oil), and the Agnolotti Piemontesi Allo Stufato (braised beef ravioli with Piedmontese sauce).

featuring

Botomless Bloody Marys, Nutella Pancakes & Signature Benedicts Saturday & Sunday 11am — 4 pm

Please call for reservations and information 305.534.9600

Mediterraneo su Tortino di Patate Prezzemolate (Mediterranean octopus with lemon dressing, served over potato and parsley salad). Their Primi Piatti ($18-$24), pastas made in-house daily in an imported La Monferrina™ machine rarely used in the United States, are definitely a must-try. Chicche Tre Colori Con Salsa Di Burrata Pugliese (tricolor gnocchi with creamy burrata cheese sauce), and Ravioli Di mozzarella Di Bufala Con Pomodoro Fresco, Basilico E Pinoli (Buffalo mozzarella ravioli with fresh tomato, basil and pine nuts) are two of many yummy dishes. Quattro’s imported Mediterranean seafood is the centerpiece of secondi ($25-$42) plates with delicious choices, such as Branzino Intero In Crosta Di Sale Marino (Mediterranean sea bass, baked in salt crust, with sautéed vegetables), and the Orata Al Cartoccio (Mediterranean sea bream filet, cooked in parchment paper with white wine, taggiasche olives and capers), to name a couple. You can also enjoy great meat selections that include Ossobuco Di Vitello In Gremolata Con Risotto Alla Milanese (braised veal ossobuco gremolata with saffron risotto), and Saltimbocca Di Vitello Alla Romana Con Pisellini Novelli (seared veal scaloppini, topped with prosciutto and sage with green peas). Plus, Quattro’s dessert selection is heavenly!

Quattro will expand internationally with an opening at the J.W. Marriott in Mexico City on May 18, 2012 and is located at 1014 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Open for lunch Chefs Carro’s menu also pays homage to several regional styles of Italian cuisine. and dinner daily. 305.531.4833 Their sophisticated yet earthy menu starts with over ten different types of antipasti ($13-$19). Two examples include Parmigiana di Melanzane in Forma (baked organic Visit www.wireweekly.com/dining for more information about great eggplant layered with tomato sauce, melted mozzarella and basil), and Polipo Del Wired Dining destinations. Tagliolini Alla Puttanesca

Parmigiana Di Melanzane In Forma

Bomboloni Della Casa

Steak Tartare with Truffles

COVER STORY: LIVING WITH HIV: NOT A DEATH SENTENCE, A LIFE SENTENCE

FLORIDA RANKS FIRST

in the country in the number of people diagnosed with HIV (6,120 in 2009). Florida ranks first in the country in the rate of new HIV diagnoses per 100,000 (2009). Florida ranks third in the country in the rate of new AIDS diagnoses per 100,000 (2009). Florida ranks second in the country in the rate of HIV prevalence (2008). Florida ranks fourth in the country in the rate of AIDS prevalence (2008). Miami ranks first in the country in the rate of new HIV diagnoses per 100,000. (2010) Miami ranks second in the country in the rate of new AIDS diagnoses per 100,000 (2010) Florida has the third longest ADAP (AIDS drug assistance program) waiting list in the country. (Facts from Care Resource)

r r Winte Pioneer Winter Pionee sy of e rt u o C Photos

LIVING WITH HIV:

NOT A DEATH SENTENCE, A LIFE SENTENCE By James Cubby he facts are shockingly clear, HIV and AIDS are still infecting and killing thousands of people a day, but the good news is that it’s now a manageable disease. “It’s sad that people believe that it’s a death sentence,” says Dr. Steven Santiago, Medical Director for Care Resource, a nonprofit, multicultural, community based AIDS service organization. “Today it’s a manageable disease. In some ways its easier to manage than diabetes.” With the reports of a new drug that will prevent HIV infection in healthy people there is hope, however, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there are approximately 1.2 million people in the United States living with HIV infection and 1 in 5 are unaware of their infection. In fact, Care Resource has shared a report that states that every 9.5 minutes, someone in the U.S. is infected with HIV. The war against AIDS is a battle that has not been won yet and there have been many casualties. An estimated 717,025 people with AIDS have died in the U.S. since the beginning of the epidemic (according to Advert-international HIV &AIDS Charity). In 1981 when the first cases of AIDS were reported in the U.S. the cases rapidly increased, as did AIDS deaths. The numbers continued to grow dramatically until 1996 with the widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy. While people with AIDS are surviving longer and the numbers of those living with AIDS are steadily increasing, the disease is still out there. Reports say that an estimated 21% of people living with HIV in the U.S. are undiagnosed. Prevention has always been a major weapon in the battle, acknowledging the infection and controlling it is one of the utmost concerns of health organizations today. The infected continue to spread the disease, unknowing that they have it, and many who are infected are in denial, not taking responsibility for their own life or the lives of others. 10 | wire magazine | issue #20, 2012 | www.wireweekly.com | facebook | twitter

At one time a HIV positive diagnosis was considered a death sentence, leading to AIDS. Today, it’s not a death sentence but it’s still not welcome news. “I’m scared to tell people, but you have to accept it,” said Quilvio Rodriquez a 26-year-old Miami dancer who has been HIV positive for just over a year. Rodriquez, at first reluctant to go public with his news offered to share his story. “I thought I was doing the right thing by protecting myself. I was in a relationship and had unprotected sex.” Not realizing that his partner had HIV, Rodriquez contracted the virus and it has changed his life. His relationship ended and he was hesitant to share the news with friends. “It’s scary to tell people but you find out who your real friends are and friendships grow stronger.” Part of the stigma of an HIV positive diagnosis is being shunned by friends, family and work. “It took me a long time to be able to talk about it without being emotional,” says Rodriquez. Still healthy, Rodriquez does not take any medications. Working as a waiter and a dancer, his financial history prevents him from qualifying for support from programs like Ryan White and AHF and without insurance he can’t get a case worker. Rodriquez, who recently performed with Dance NOW! Miami, remains hopeful and tries to keep healthy. “I’m trying to stay positive about being positive.” Pioneer Winter, dancer/choreographer who choreographed Reaching the Surface, a performance piece mixing contemporary dance, spoken word and live music, offered to share his views on HIV/AIDS. Winter, who holds a Masters Degree in Public Health and Epidemiology, has worked with several artists who have been infected and affected by HIV/AIDS – including Rodriquez who performed in Reaching the Surface and worked with health care programs like Alert Health and Care Resource. Winter has become an activist hoping to “serve the community by demonstrating that one cannot live in the shadow of unde-

COVER STORY: LIVING WITH HIV: NOT A DEATH SENTENCE, A LIFE SENTENCE before

served stigma, as well as the shadow of ignorance.” Winter, who has since left health care behind to focus more on dance, emphasizes the importance of education, not just with those at risk but the whole world. “People don’t realize how hard it is to get. You can’t get HIV from someone by casual contact.” As someone who has worked in the health care system, Winter knows how difficult it can be to work the system but he also stresses the importance of getting help. “Don’t do it by yourself. You need a case manager. Check out the programs like AHF (AIDS Healthcare Foundation), Care Resource and Borinquen (Health Care Center).” Winter acknowledges the fact that medications are expensive and without insurance or a program like the Ryan White Foundation it is difficult.

after

Diagnosed with HIV 22 years ago, Richard Burton Jr., a Miami Beach resident, actor and AIDS activist, volunteered to share his story with the hopes that it might benefit someone. Burton, who is quite active in the Miami Beach community, proudly shares the fact of his medical condition and the fact that he’s healthy. Burton wasn’t always the picture of health as he is today, he was very sick in the late nineties. “I was wheelchair bound with a nurse pushing me down Lincoln Road.” Burton attests the new medications for his turnaround. Richard Burton Jr. “After my body acclimated to the new medications I was invited to a study at the University of Miami.” Burton has struggled with many health problems during the years, including liver failure, but has survived and considers himself lucky. “I feel like a soldier that has walked through a battlefield, scared and bruised yet stronger. I have contributed to the care and attention of an ongoing life.” Like many who first were diagnosed in the early years, Burton thought it was a death sentence. “It was the concern that I wouldn’t be there for my family,” says Burton as the reason why he chose to fight for his life. “I started taking medications 21 years ago. It made me feel worse. I’ve been on a brutal regime since ’94.” Offering Wire Magazine before and after photos, Burton wants the world to know that you can’t give up. “HIV is not a death sentence, but a life sentence. You have to make a life plan to take care of yourself every day.” Burton volunteers for several AIDS health organizations and is a member of the Miami Beach Community Health Center Support Group. Burton is adamant being vocal on the subject. “You have to toughen up and get rid of your HIV/AIDSabout IN FLORIDA silly habits.” Burton also considers himself lucky because insurance takes care of his medications that cost 2010 approximately $75,000 a year. Burton has taken control of his life and has a positive attitude about fighting Whiledisease. the Federal“It’s government’s in treatment and research is helping the about investment saving our own lives and our buddies beside us.” people with HIV/AIDS live longer and more productive lives, HIV continues to

spread at a staggering national rate. The latest incidence data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention werefight 48,100against new While prevention is at(CDC) the estimates top of nationally the list there in the HIV/AIDS, the facts are all too obvious that HIV infections in 2009. The Florida Department of Health Division of Disease HIV infection continues. Education so important. Doctors and health care workers report new cases daily i The Control projected that nearly 10% or 5,500 of thoseis infections were in Florida. graph below depicts the HIV/AIDS in Florida through 2010 and it’s shocking to learnepidemic that more than 50%theofyear-end new infections are among the under 25 set. Many people according to figures calculated using the latest Division of Disease Control data. still feelthethere’s stigmastatistics to being tested aand are afraid of getting their results. “Many patients still feel that Note that followingaHIV/AIDS only represent portion of the epidemic in the U.S.—those cases that have been both confirmed through testing and HIV is a death sentence,” says Sami Shafig, reported.

Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Lead HIV/AIDS Clinical Pharmacist at Walgreens, one of the many places where free AIDS tests are administered. “As a clinical pharmacist, I have the opportunity to educate them and provide them assurance that HIV is no longer a death sentence. If a patient follows the instructions provided by their healthcare provider, there should be no reason why they cannot live to their normal life expectancy. I have several patients who acquired HIV via perinatal transmission, and now they are 25 years and older. Patients are living longer and therefore it is imperative that they adhere to their regimen to achieve a continuous viral suppression. Maximal viral suppression results in lowering of the transmission and therefore an important public health concern.”

Reported AIDS Casesii Number Currently Living with HIV (not AIDS) Number Currently Living with HIV/AIDS

Number Currently Living with AIDS Cumulative AIDS Cases

140,000 120,000 100,000

109,364 87,638

92,738

121,161

118,283

114,057

96,241

97,978

80,000 60,000 40,000

46,996 40,642

48,924 43,814

50,644 45,597

51,183 46,795

20,000 0 2007

2008

2009

2010

KEY STEPS TO GETTING PROPER HIV TREATMENT IN MIAMI: Contact Care Resource and request that they assign you a case manager to assist you with treatment 3510 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33137 305.576.1234 If Care Resource is not able to assist you with treatment contact the Ryan White Foundation and request they assign you a case manager to assist you with treatment Office of Grants Coordination Ryan White Program 111 NW 1st Street, 19th Floor Miami, Florida 33128 305.375.4742 Walgreens also has a special program to assist you with treatment. Doctor’s Office That Provides Very Good Treatment at Reasonable Prices in Miami Beach: Wohlfeiler, Piperato & Associates www.wpamedical.com 305.538.1400 1613 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139

The following centers offer services to people with HIV/AIDS who live in Miami-Dade County: Acción: 305.672.1704 Body Positive: 305.576.1111 Cure Aids Now: 305.375.0400 HRS: 305.377.5022 Health Crisis Network: 305.751.7751 HAPMO: 305.374.8422 HOPWA (OCS): 305.795.1562 Legal Services of Miami: 305.576.0080 Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Center: 305.531.3666 Lock Towns (moving): 305.623.0590 Miami Heart Institute (Spec. Imm. Unit): 305.674.3147 P.E.T. Center: 305.538.0525 PWAC: 305.573.6010 Planned Parenthood: 305.441.2022 S.H.E. Center for Women: 305.895.5555 Veterans Administration (Spec. Imm. Clinic): 305.324.3267 Village South: 305.573.3784

COVER STORY: LIVING WITH HIV: NOT A DEATH SENTENCE, A LIFE SENTENCE Every healthcare worker, pharmacist or doctor interviewed stressed the importance of seeking immediate medical care. “First and most important, always seek medical care from an HIV specialist,” stated Shafig. “You can go on the American Academy of HIV Medicine’s website and locate an expert in your area. The second key person in your care is a medical case manager. You must have a case manager to help you apply for various State and Federal funding available. There is no reason for a patient to be HIV-infected in the United States of America and be without HIV therapy. Depending on their income, they can qualify for straight Medicaid, Medicare part B, ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Program), PAP (manufacture’s patient Assistance Programs), or co-payment assistance programs. Please always make sure you have a case manager so you can benefit from all of these services.” Michael Kahane, Southern Region Bureau chief for AIDS Healthcare Foundation stressed that the most important step after discovering that you are HIV positive is “to get into care as soon as possible with a competent doctor they like and trust. The doctor and the patient need to have a “partner in care” attitude.” Of course treatment is necessary but Kahane also stresses the importance of “getting tested” in the fight against HIV/AIDS. “HIV is at epidemic levels throughout the South and this is an area where there is significant stigma attached to the disease and a lack of providers. The most important strategy is to test as many people as possible for HIV, identify those who are positive and get them into care. 20% of people living with HIV do not know they are positive and that 20% is responsible for 75% of the new infections. The only way to manage this disease is to expand testing programs and link those who are positive into care. This year AHF plans to test 50,000 people in Florida.” With a disease that has been around since 1981 the public should be more informed and educated with the facts about HIV/AIDS. When asked what was the reason that South Florida numbers were higher than anywhere else in the country, the doctors were mostly at a loss for answers. “A lot has to do with continued denial,” said Dr. Santiago. “There are lots of minorities engaging in unprotected sex. Bi-sexuals still engage in lots of unprotected sex. There are a lot of young people with STDs. My patients admit to having unprotected sex. People don’t realize that getting an STD increases your chances of getting HIV.” Florida ranks first in the country in the number of people diagnosed with HIV and first in the country in the rate of new HIV diagnoses per 100,000. Dr. Santiago believes the reason for this is denial, bi-sexuals who engage in unprotected sex and minorities with a lack of education and denial. “Many minori-

“HIV is not a death sentence, but a life sentence. You have to make a life plan to take care of yourself every day.” - Richard Burton, Jr. ties are diagnosed and already have AIDS.” The majority of doctors and healthcare workers agreed that education is key to stopping the HIV virus. Filmmaker Charlie David hopes his new documentary Positive Youth will help educate the masses. “Positive Youth features four young people who bravely share their personal stories in living with HIV,” says David. “They offer a raw, uncensored look into their daily lives: the shock of receiving an HIV positive diagnosis, what it’s like on the dating scene, battling stigma within their work, social and family life, and coming to the realization that life is not over – there is a future for them.” One of the purposes of making Positive Youth was to help change the perception of how the world views HIV. “HIV transmission is rapidly rising among our youth,” adds David. “There seems to be an apathy towards it and a safe sex fatigue going on that’s simply dangerous. The challenge is of course multifaceted and different socioeconomic, racial and sexual orientations are riddled with their own unique complexities and potential triggers. I don’t pretend to know the answers, but what I think is paramount is that the discussion is started and perhaps spearheaded by our youth.” When asked why he thought the youth of today were so uninformed about HIV, David replied, “I think we live in a society that’s terrified to tell the truth or to cause unease or to potentially offend. So we place the blame on schools, we place the blame on parents; we place the blame on rock ‘n’ roll. We’ve strayed so far from an inclusive and supportive place for the human mind, body and spirit to thrive and are immersed in our individuality. The problem is that the youth infection rate is rapidly 12 | wire magazine | issue #20, 2012 | www.wireweekly.com | facebook | twitter

Below:

Austin Head

Above:

Charlie David

COVER STORY: LIVING WITH HIV: NOT A DEATH SENTENCE, A LIFE SENTENCE

DEALING WITH HIV-RELATED EXCESS ABDOMINAL FAT “Because of the lack of education on AIDS, discrimination, fear, panic, and lies surrounded me.”

- Ryan White

rising. The education and message driven campaigns are either absent or largely not effective. There are many individuals and organizations doing incredible work and we need to continue to support them. It’s also time we give youth the voice they deserve and listen to the remedies they suggest.” Austin Head, a DJ/entertainer/musician appearing in Positive Youth, says he was prompted to participate in the documentary because of the world’s ignorance on the subject of HIV, especially young people. “The director of a local youth group told me that they have 16 year-olds coming in and testing positive. Their youngest so far was 15, and when he found out his reply was, “Was it something I ate?” Head, who was less open about his HIV status before Positive Youth now seems to be on a soapbox and is using his visibility to help get the word out. He has created a website called PositivelyFrisky.com, a social network for people that are HIV positive. “It’s a place on the web where they can find a safe, stigma free community, stay updated on HIV advancements and meet others with shared life experiences.” While Head hopes that Positive Youth will help educate the youth his campaign doesn’t stop there. “My hope and mission is stopping this severe oversight and injustice in the education of our youths. We must bring to light the advances we have made with HIV, show that life does not end when diagnosed and update all those who may still live in fear or ignorance of this affliction - that this is not something to be afraid of or ignore, but to conquer! I was not even born when HIV was discovered and yet, today, many people under 30 are wholly uninformed about HIV.” When those interviewed were asked for advice to share, the unanimous answer was prevention. “Use protection to prevent all diseases,” stated Dr. Santiago. “Hep C can be transmitted sexually. HIV and Hep C – together are the number one cause of liver failure.” HIV/AIDS is still here and the issue should not be ignored. The miracle drug is still a myth even though symptoms are controlled with fewer pills today. While Richard Burton Jr. admitted to taking 17 pills a day, Dr. Santiago revealed that some of his patients take only one pill a day but that pill is expensive. “The one pill costs $2,500 per day,” says Dr. Santiago. While medical breakthroughs are improving HIV/AIDS medications, there still is no cure. BBC News reported this week that a panel of US health experts is now backing a drug called Truvada, which will prevent HIV infection in healthy people. This pill, which will also be expensive, is not yet on the market. Austin Head, whose documentary Positive Youth makes its television broadcast premiere on LogoTV on May 19 at 8 p.m., had the best advice to share. Both Positive Youth and PositivelyFrisky.com are small steps toward the change we need to make in the HIV education and prevention efforts. We have the tools to turn HIV around and stop it dead in its tracks. Unfortunately, with the estimated 1 million people in the US who have HIV, 20% don’t even know. And, by the way, 30% of those million are heterosexual. This affliction affects everyone - not just the gay community.” Austin went on to share advice from his friend Mitch. “Know your status, but also act as though everyone is positive by engaging in responsible sexual activity, and you will drastically reduce your risk of contracting any STD, let alone HIV.” 13 | wire magazine | issue #20, 2012 | www.wireweekly.com | facebook | twitter

EGRIFTA® is a new medication approved to help HIVinfect ed patients reduce their excess abdominal fat from the disease. 1) What are the benefits of EGRIFTA®? EGRIFTA® (tesamorelin for injection) is an injectable prescription medicine to reduce the excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. It was approved by the FDA in November 2010 and was made available to patients in January 2011. 2) Is EGRIFTA® the only medication on the market that reduces HIV-related excess belly fat? Yes, EGRIFTA® is the first and only treatment indicated to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy 3) Are there any major side effects associated with EGRIFTA®? For full-prescribing information including side effects, you should visit www.egrifta.com/Patients/AboutEgrifta.aspx 4) What’s been the success rate of patients taking EGRIFTA®? In two separate clinical trials, at six months, EGRIFTA® reduced HIV-related excess belly fat by an average of 18% in the first trial, and by an average of 14% in the second. This reduction in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) showed an approximately 1-inch reduction in waist size. On average, patients on EGRIFTA® did not lose weight. Like HIV, HIV-related excess belly fat is a chronic condition, so people who used EGRIFTA® continuously for 1 year maintained their results over this time period. People who stopped using EGRIFTA® after 6 months had VAT come back. In clinical trials of EGRIFTA®, a greater percentage of people who took EGRIFTA® reported an improvement in belly appearance distress than people who did not take EGRIFTA®. 5) Is there any assistance available for patients who would like to take EGRIFTA®? With the availability of EGRIFTA®, EMD Serono launched both a co-pay and patient assistance program, in addition to the AXIS Center which provides dedicated reimbursement, teaching and adherence support for patients on EGRIFTA®. If you have been prescribed EGRIFTA® and have questions about product support, you can call the AXIS Center tollfree at 877.714.2947.

LOOKING GOOD

BY KEN HUNT Image Credit: © Artaniss8 / StockFreeImages.com

Retro Riot

@ Queen Lounge

photos by Henry Perez, Wire Magazine

Thursday night, Edison Farrow hosted his newest weekly party, RETRO RIOT at Queen Lounge! Guests got glammed up and decked out with fabulous attire for this retro bash, that also celebrated Rob Davidson’s birthday with outrageous guests and a fashion show. DJ Troy Landon was spinning the best tracks mixing up the decades with music from the ‘70s, ‘80s, & ‘90s.

GET YOUR HEART ON or years, health promoters have been racking their brains trying to come up with persuasive reasons for Americans to be more physically active. Well here’s a new one that’s sure to get some attention: Men who exercise are less likely to experience sexual dysfunction as they get older. Analyzing data from surveys of nearly 32,000 men ages 53 to 90, researchers concluded that men who were the most physically active were least likely to become impotent. According to Eric B. Rimm, (no kidding) an associate professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, men who ran at least three hours per week appeared to have the sexual functioning of men two to five years younger. But even moderate activity proved beneficial: Men who briskly walked for 30 minutes, most days of the week, had a 15 to 20 percent reduction in the risk of erectile dysfunction. Fewer than 25 percent of Americans get enough exercise, so it is not surprising that sexual dysfunction is a common complaint, particularly among older men. However, some doctors believe that impotence could be considered an early warning sign of what could happen to the heart. Exercise appears to benefit the small arteries that control erections, which is the same reason that exercise is good for the heart – it benefits the arteries that feed the heart. And while many men appear unconcerned about heart health, chances are they may be more motivated to do something about the health of their sex lives. Ken Hunt is an AFI-certified trainer and fitness expert who owns New York and Miami’s Steel Gym. Steel Gym has been named the No. 1 gym in New York two years in a row by the American Fitness Institute. In Miami, Steel Gym is located at 5556 NE 4th Ct. 305.751.7591. www.SteelGym.com 14 | wire magazine | issue #20, 2012 | www.wireweekly.com | facebook | twitter

TO VIEW ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM THIS & OTHER EVENTS VISIT: WWW.WIREWEEKLY.COM

FLIX

BY KEVIN WYNN

A PAINLESS POSITION

Directed by: Bess Kargman Cast: Aran Bell Gaya Bommer Yemini Michaela Deprince Jules Jarvis Fogarty Miko Fogarty Rebecca Houseknecht Joan Sebastian Zamora t feels -- good to be worked that hard and to be in that sort of mindset and then have everything hurting when you come home,” says Aran Bell, a stoic, imperturbable eleven year old, reflecting on his ballet training.

Friday Night Fun @ TWIST

photos by Henry Perez, Wire Magazine

A night out in South Beach would not be complete without TWIST, and Friday nights have no shortage of fun, scandals, and outrageous surprises. Guests of all kinds couldn’t wait to get some late night fun with great beats, hot dancers, and a variety of bars for their choosing. “Never A Cover… Always A Groove.”

If Aran, one of a handful of top-flight young dancers profiled in Bess Kargman’s documentary First Position, is feeling any pain, it doesn’t show as he hops on his skateboard and glides through a crowded corridor after class. But then ballet dancers live with pain, dance though pain, do the impossible and never stop smiling. And Kargman isn’t about to start tearing off the bandages that hide the scuffs and sores – a gentle, soothing backrub is more her style. First Position follows about half a dozen young dancers – they’d be in middle school and high school if they went to school – as they work toward the finals of the Youth America Grand Prix, a make-or-break international dance competition. Kargman’s film is the real-world opposite of the bizarro-world TV reality shows about dancers; it’s warm and admiring where reality TV is distanced and depraved. First Position’s dancers are dancing because they want to; their parents are portrayed not as monstrous stage moms and dads but as harried enablers of their children’s dreams, bending their lives, careers and finances like their kids bend their infinitely flexible limbs. The dancers themselves are almost too good to be true. Joan Sebastian Zamora, 16, from a village near Cali, Colombia, lives a life of saintly sacrifice in New York, focused on winning a scholarship to the Royal Ballet School in London. Michaela DePrince, orphaned by the brutal civil war in Sierra Leone and adopted by an American family, dances past obstacles that would stop most people in their tracks and provides First Position’s only real suspense when she injures her foot during the finals. Rebecca Houseknecht, a high school senior, has the most ordinary life – she was even, briefly, a cheerleader! But there’s nothing ordinary about her dancing. First Position could use a few reality-show rough edges; its stupefied admiration of its subjects gets monotonous. Then again, there might not be much backstage scandal to exploit. The stars of First Position are young, their personalities still forming. And their schedules are full to bursting – they hardly have time for youthful indiscretions. That said, Kargman’s craft is formidable. First Position is almost as focused as the dancers it documents. It’s sharply shot, perfectly paced and features plenty of performance footage. Unlike the dancers in First Position’s spotlight, the film’s audience is never in danger of feeling any pain. Coral Gables Art Cinema, 260 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables. 786.385.9689. 16 | wire magazine | issue #20, 2012 | www.wireweekly.com | facebook | twitter

TO VIEW ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM THIS & OTHER EVENTS VISIT: WWW.WIREWEEKLY.COM

WIRED ON THE ARTS

BY JAMES CUBBY

MAY 17 - 23 CONCERTS

Lang Lang, international renowned pianist, returns for another solo recital at the Arsht Center on May 17. Jane’s Addiction, the ‘90s alternative rock band, brings their Theatre of the Escapists Tour to the Fillmore Miami Beach on May 18.

Arsht Center’s “Theater Up Close” series continues with Death and Harry Houdini, a play with magic about the life of Harry Houdini, at the Arsht Center thru May 20. Actors’ Playhouse presents Becky’s New Car, a comedy about the perils of middle age, at the Miracle Theatre thru June 3. Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, a comedy about a Baptist minister’s widow who hires a gay ex-chorus boy to teach her to dance, continues at Miami Beach Stage Door thru May 20.

DANCE Willy Chirino, with special guests The Celia Cruz All Stars plays at the Magic City Amphitheatre on May 19. Rusko, the English dubstep record producer and DJ, brings his music to the stage of Fillmore Miami Beach on May 19. Miami Civic Music Association presents a series of duos and trios with violinists Bela Horvath and David Lisker, with pianist YinJia Lin at Gusman Concert Hall on May 20.

THEATRE

Stage Door Theatre presents All Night Strut, a musical celebration of the ‘30s and ‘40s, at the Byron Carlyle Theatre thru June 10.

Miami Dance Festival continues with performances at venues throughout Miami and Miami Beach. Visit www.momentumdance.com for schedule. David Zambrano presents The Soul Project, a dance piece with an international cast, at The Light Box at Goldman Warehouse May 17 – 19. Miami City Ballet’s Annual Student Showcase will run at the Miami City Ballet Studio Theater from May 18 – 20.

COMEDY

The infamous Joan Rivers brings her acerbic comedy to the stage of Hard Rock Live on May 17 at 8 p.m.

Time Stands Still, hailed as one of the best new plays on Broadway, plays at the GableStage at the Biltmore thru June 3. Spring Awakening, winner of ten 2007 Tony Awards including Best Musical, plays at Area Stage from May 18 – June 3. Disney’s long running Broadway hit, The Lion King, runs at the Arsht Center thru June 10.

Visit www.wiredonthearts.com to view the contact information for all our Wired on the Arts venues.

Submissions for Wired on the Arts should be sent to: cubby@wireweekly.com

NIGHTLIFE FEATURE

by Antwyone Ingram he lifespan of any great gay reoccurring party in this day and age is usually shortlived. Edison Farrow, a local legend with over a decade in the party promoting industry, has produced a plethora of parties and events that have certainly stood the test of time. HYPE was born two years ago, and while many competitors fell flat with their delivery of a weekly party that in fact lived up to “the hype,” this Edison creation is still here and living up to those expectations. Two years, and a venue closing later, HYPE is still pumping the beats, and giving partygoers exactly what it did upon its birth two years ago – a great time. Unbothered by mild roadblocks that could have ultimately been the demise of one impeccable Friday night party, HYPE Fridays have stood their ground. In recognition of HYPE’s 2nd year anniversary, Wire Magazine spoke to Edison about the growth and future of HYPE, as well as his thoughts on the evident evolution of Miami’s gay scene. Are you surprised with the success of HYPE? Did it meet your expectations or surpass them? This has been a fun night since the launch two years ago at Bar 721. It took off as soon as we launched it. We had to remove the furniture from Bar 721 every week due to the overwhelming attendance. Now, at MOVA, we are still going strong! What do you hope to accomplish with HYPE in the near and distant future? We will be adding more performances on Fridays, Pussila is our host every week and it would be fun if she performed. Plus, many local singers are interested in performing. Edison, you’ve been around for some time and have a reputation for throwing amazing parties. Do you think the scene has drastically evolved, and if yes -- how so? Absolutely. The scene has changed EVERYWHERE. First big clubs went away, not just in Miami, but in most cities. The small venues and lounges became more popular. Then, when the recession hit, people stopped going out as often. What suggestions can you give to young and new promoters seeking to accomplish the amount of success you have with your parties? People do not realize the work and expense that it takes to get an event going when done properly. It’s not just a matter of making a Facebook invitation! You really need to put a lot of work and publicity into starting an event - especially these days. Your parties present a very fun and laid-back atmosphere, with very little attitude and judgments. Do you feel some clubs/promoters take themselves too seriously – ultimately resulting in the demise of their events? Absolutely. I have always treated the events as if I am hosting a party in my home and welcoming people. If you are not nice to people, they will not want to go to your event. Visit www.wireweekly.com to read an extended version of this feature article. 18 | wire magazine | issue #20, 2012 | www.wireweekly.com | facebook | twitter

THIS WEEK THURSDAY, MAY 17 ANGLERS: Tonight don’t miss LOCO 4 Locals Thursdays at the Anglers. Enjoy 2-4-1 Well Drinks and $15 Beer Bucket specials. Sit back with a live DJ and enjoy 20% off the menu tonight from 5 – 8 p.m. 660 Washington Ave. EROS LOUNGE: Presenting Latin Fuego Thursday nights! Get ready for an outrageous night hosted by Teresita La Caliente with shows starting at 11 p.m. Free parking and $6 Cuba Libres all night long. 8201 Biscayne Blvd.

@ SCORE

MOVA: Stop by for happy hour from 3 to 9 p.m., followed by Vanity Girl. Vanity Girl Thursdays gives you gorgeous girls, great music by DJ Zehno, $4 Miller Lites, $6 Finlandia cocktails, and a free Miller Lite when you buy the shot of the week. 1625 Michigan Ave.

Absolut stopped by Filthy Gorgeous Fridays at SCORE to bring partygoers “Go-Go Fantasy Night,” complete with sexy dancers, little BIG men, aerialist and a night filled with many spectacles and invigorating beats.

PALACE: Palace hosts Stiletto Nights with fierce drag shows by host Missy Meiyakie and special diva cast members. Show starts at 6 p.m. Enjoy weekly drink specials all night. 1200 Ocean Drive.

Filthy Gorgeous Fridays photos by Henry Perez, Wire Magazine

QUEEN LOUNGE: Edison Farrow hosts RETRO RIOT tonight at Queen Lounge! Don’t hesitate to get glammed up and throw on your most fabulous attire for this retro bash with DJ Troy Landon spinning the best tracks mixing up the decades with music from the ‘70s, ‘80s, & ‘90s. The party starts at 10 p.m. 841 Washington Ave.

SCORE: Tonight the Penny Back Boyz host one of the hottest parties in South Beach, Filthy Gorgeous Fridays celebrating the premier of the new film Battleship. Doors open at 10 p.m. TWIST: Enjoy a fabulous night at TWIST. Get in for the free Happy Hour BBQ at 6 p.m. Tonight get in the house for some delicious beats by DJ Scott Mann and a crowd that’s sure to please. Enjoy seven different bars, stiff drinks, beautiful dancers, and, of course, the only place where there’s “Never a cover... Always a groove.” SATURDAY, MAY 19 DISCOTEKKA: Downtown’s only gay dance party brings you “We Love Brazilians,” with sounds by DJ/Producer Just Oliver. Enjoy shows by TP Lords and Gina DiAngelo, hosted by Athena Dion & Vegas Dion. $5 OR-G shots all night long! 950 NE 2nd Ave. MOVA: Stop by for happy hour from 3 to 9 p.m., followed by FLASH Saturdays with the hottest music videos and visual entertainment by VJ Chris Racine till 3 a.m. with $9 Grey Goose cocktails all night. PALACE: Enjoy a special day of drag shows, great food, and stiff cocktails, as The Palace Bar hosts Drag Gone Wild with Tiffany Fantasia and her gaggle of performers! Heels hit the pavement at 6 p.m. sharp!

SCORE: Enjoy cocktails out on the patio and watch the famous Lincoln Road traffic pass by. Later in the evening Score hosts Pop Fever Thursdays, celebrating the release of Adam Lambert’s new album Trespassing, with fab beats by DJ Daisy D & AJ Reddy paired with an incredible crowd of delicious partygoers. Take advantage of $6 Long Islands all night. 727 Lincoln Road.

SCORE: Don’t miss Score’s BIGGER Saturdays party tonight – PLAY Men featuring the sounds of Mexican DJ/Producer Isaac Escalante, with opening set by DJ Alex Infiniti! Expect the hottest men and most hypnotic beats that will keep you moving at Saturday’s largest gay dance party on the Beach. Enjoy $6 Chambord vodka all night. Hosted by Alex Prieto.

TWIST: Don’t miss out on a fabulous night at TWIST with seven different bars, DJ Sushiman, stiff drinks, and beautiful dancers. And if you’re looking for some hot papis, DJ Adora will be hosting Sabroso in Bar 5! Don’t miss the 2-4-1 Special on everything till 2 a.m. “Never a cover... Always a groove.” 1057 Washington Ave.

TWIST: Happy Hour 2-4-1 with Tommy and the locals from 1 to 9 p.m. on everything. Come tonight for MUSCLE BOY Saturdays and enjoy a full house of hot men and some incredible beats by DJ Mika. “Never a cover...Always a groove.”

FRIDAY, MAY 18

ANGLERS: If you are looking to nurse that hangover with some unlimited mimosas and Bloody Marys, look no further than 660 at the Anglers. Enjoy great food and delicious libations in one of the most beautiful boutique resorts Miami Beach has to offer. 660 Washington Ave.

JOHNNY’S MIAMI: Get in tonight for Towel Night Fridays! Snag your taste of locker room fun tonight with 30 dancers in nothing but towels. Steamy live shows all night, and private VIP rooms available. Hosted by Josie Love. 46 NE 14th Street.

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her gaggle of guest entertainers! Get ready for the biggest show on South Beach at 6 p.m.

MOVA: Edison Edison Farrow Farrow presents presents HYPE HYPE Fridays Fridays MOVA: 2nd Anniversary Anniversary Party Party at at MOVA. MOVA. Enjoy Enjoy an an 2nd outrageous show show by by Pussila Pussila with with sounds sounds by by DJ DJ outrageous Bryan Zero. Zero. This This will will also also be be an an album album release release Bryan party for forPOPular POPular7 featuring 7 featuring DJ Grind; the party DJ Grind; the first first 100 will receive an album give100 guestsguests will receive an album giveaway. away.$7 Enjoy $7 Finlandia $8vodka Stoli vodka Enjoy Finlandia and $8and Stoli cockcocktails all long. night Snag long.a Snag a Finlandia bottle of tails all night bottle of Finlandia forparty $100 party in style. for $100 to in to style. PALACE: Tonight is Drag Madness with fierce shows by the hot-n-heavy Latrice Royale and

SUNDAY, MAY 20

CHALK LOUNGE: Get out of the house with Edison Farrow at SMASH Sundays. Hop on a Ping-Pong table, shoot some billiards, or chill out as DJ Smeejay works the turntables. The party kicks off at 8 p.m. with no cover and vodka drink specials all night. MOVA: MOVA hosts the most scandalous party in South Beach, Out-n-Ugly Sundays with DJ Latrice. Beginning at 9 p.m. with drag shows 11 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. Enjoy $4 Miller Lites, $5 Herradura Shots, and $6 Finlandia. No cover.

PALACE: South Beach’s most legendary drag brunch will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with two seatings: one at 11:30 a.m. and another at 2 p.m. Enjoy over-the-top performances by Noel Leon paired with a delectable menu. Afterwards, check out the sexiest Sunday T-Dance in SoBe with local DJs working the turntables. When the T-Dance ends, the BAR CRAWL begins, take the party to MOVA to finish off the Sunday fun. SCORE: Stop by and test your vocals with Karaoke tonight! Doors open at 9 p.m. Still happening upstairs, HIP SUNDAYS with Club Boi in association with Score offering a fabulous night of the best beats by DJs Gavin T & Diaz from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. TWIST: Get in for 2-4-1 happy hour from 1 to 9 p.m. & the free BBQ at 6 p.m. Afterwards, see one of the most scandalous shows you’ll ever witness with Pussila’s amateur strip contest. Upstairs DJ Paulie will be working it out on the main dance floor. At TWIST: “Never a cover...Always a groove.” DISCOTEKKA: Join Join Erika Erika Norell Norell and and Tiffany Tiffany DISCOTEKKA: Fantasia for for “Lords “Lords & & Divas,” Divas,” aa charity charity event event Fantasia benefiting Mikey MikeyLords. Lords. Z DJ and DJ benefiting DJ DJ JalilJalil Z and Hans Hansbewill be delivering the alongside beats alongside will delivering the beats specspectacular throughout the evetacular drag drag showsshows throughout the evening. ning. Suggested donation is $10. This is a Suggested donation is $10. This is a one-nightone-night-only event running fromto 10 p.m. to only event running from 10 p.m. 4 a.m. 4 a.m. MONDAY, MAY 21 KILL YOUR IDOL: Dustin Reffca presents GLITTER BOX MONDAYS - South Beach’s hottest Monday night party with manic beats by DJ Smeejay & DJ FR8-0 performing live. Don’t miss out on $1 PBR Beer, $2 Jello Shots, & $3 Jack Shots all night long! 222 Espanola Way. EROS LOUNGE: Have a bad case of “The Mondays?” Stop by Eros Lounge for $1 beers during Beer Bust from 7:00 p.m. til close. MOVA: Get ready to be a star at MOVA’s weekly SHOUT karaoke party with VJ AJ Reddy. Test your vocals and enjoy half priced drinks all night long and $5 glasses of wine. PALACE: RuPaul’s Drag Race may be over, but get ready for Palace Drag Race taking over Mondays at Palace hosted by the audacious Miss Meyakie LePaige! Stop in for Palace’s $4 Absolut flavored cocktails all night while enjoying the show, and don’t forget to enjoy a snack from Palace’s delicious menu. SCORE: Swing by for one of the best happy hours in Miami Beach where all drinks are 1/2 price, followed by Video Freak where you can request your favorite music videos and enjoy $5 vodka cocktails, $7 martinis and $3 beers. No cover. TWIST: Happy Hour 2-4-1 drinks ‘till 9 p.m. Then it’s Arrasando hosted by Marco Perez & Nicholas Torres with beats by house diva Justice Divine. Join Nathan in the Frolic Lounge for signature mix of Pop and Top 20 & DJ Bryan Zero’s fab beats on the main dance floor.

TUESDAY, MAY 22 EROS LOUNGE: Join Miss Twinkleton as she hosts “Bingo is a Bitch.” Come eat, drink, and play for cash prizes and surprises. Happy Hour is from 4 to 9 p.m. JOHNNY’S MIAMI: Downtown’s only gay strip club features the hottest, most diverse men in Miami. Tonight it’s all about the hot hip-hop beats at B2M Service Station as DJs TPromix and Surreal turnout some of your fav beats. Hosted by Sushiman & CocoDorm. MOVA: It’s a SINsational Tuesday night at MOVA’s weekly Service Industry Night. Enjoy $50 bottles of Finlandia Vodka, $100 bottles of Grey Goose, and $7 premium well drinks while DJ AJ Reddy works the turntables. PALACE: Stop in for Palace’s 2-4-1 Absolut flavored cocktails till 4 p.m. Better than ever before on Ocean Drive and 12th Street, try it for lunch or a late afternoon snack, or just hang out at the bar with the locals. No matter what you’re in the mood for, Palace is sure to have it! SCORE: It’s Planeta Macho tonight, the hottest Latin Party in Miami Beach, featuring Latin beats by award winner DJ George Ferrero. Watch amazing shows by Miami’s best female impersonators. Check out the dancers on the 2nd level hosted by Teresita La Caliente. Don’t miss this party - it’s South Florida’s Best Latin Party! TWIST: 2-4-1 Happy Hour from 1 to 9 p.m. on everything. Tonight TWIST presents Keeping It Real Fun With Daisy D. Get ready for ridiculous beats and $5 Jumbo Blue Long Island Iced Teas all night long. “Never a cover… Always a groove.” WEDNESDAY, MAY 23 EROS LOUNGE: Feeling talented? Every Wednesday starting at 8 p.m. is Eros Idol Karaoke. Happy Hour is from 4 to 9 p.m. with $5 Long Island Iced Tea all night long. MOVA: Stop by for MOVA’s weekly College Night Wednesdays, hosted by the Penny Back Boyz. DJ Daisy D will be working the turntables, while you enjoy $5 Finlandia cocktails or grab five Miller Lites for only $15 all night long. PALACE: Tonight Palace presents Elite Nights. Sit back and enjoy live music and hilarious comedy presented by the one and only Noel Leon. Sip on complimentary drinks from 8 to 9 p.m. and get through hump day with a night to remember, show starts at 8 p.m. SCORE: Come and spend a pleasant evening on one of Score’s outdoor couches as they host Martini Madness Night. A half-price Happy Hour runs till 9 p.m. TWIST: Sean Brady hosts the Sean Brady Show. Karaoke and tons of entertainment all night long. After getting your jam on, head over to the main dance floor to get fresh with TP Lords and DJ Felix. 2-4-1 Happy Hour from 1 to 9 p.m. on everything. “Never a cover... Always a groove.”

DAILY GRIND: MENTAL HEALTH FORGIVE OR FORGET? (PART ONE)

TOP TRAX

BY DJ FR8-O

TRESPASSING

BY DR. GREGG A. PIZZI

ADAM LAMBERT’S IS A WELCOME INTRUSION FOLLOW UP

o one gets through life without being hurt by another person. We all have experienced the pain of a thoughtless remark, gossip, or lies. If you are a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered person, chances are that you know what it feels like to be hurt. Sometimes it’s related to homophobia, and sometimes it’s not. It is tempting to hold on to these feelings and build a wall of safety around yourself, but the best way to heal is to forgive the person who hurt you. When you forgive another person, you no longer allow their behavior to cause you anger, pain, bitterness, or resentment. When you choose not to forgive, you make the choice to hold onto your feelings of resentment, anger, and pain. Think of forgiveness as a gift that you give to yourself. It is not something you do for the person who hurt you. It is a gift to yourself, because it enables you to stop feeling painful feelings and pushing others away. Forgiving another does not mean that you will never again feel the pain or remember the thing that hurt you. The hurtful experience will be in your memory forever. By forgiving, you are not pretending that the hurtful behavior never happened. Forgiveness also is not about right or wrong. It doesn’t mean that the person’s behavior was okay. You are not excusing their behavior or giving them permission to repeat or continue the behavior. When you forgive another, it does not mean that you wish to continue your relationship with them. That is a separate decision. You can forgive a person and live your life apart from them. Forgiveness can take place only because we have the ability to make choices. This ability is a gift, and we can use it whenever we wish. We have the choice to forgive or not to forgive. No other person can force us to do either. (In my next column in two weeks … PART TWO … The steps to forgiving another person) Dr. Gregg A. Pizzi (www.DrPizzi.com) is a Licensed Psychologist, Imago Relationship Therapist, and Board-Certified Sex Therapist. He specializes in the emotional health & wellness of the GLBT community and has been designated by the American Psychological Association as an HIV/AIDS Psychologist Trainer. He can be reached at 1-888-377-4994. 22 | wire magazine | issue #20, 2012 | www.wireweekly.com | facebook | twitter

dam Lambert made history in 2009 when he became the first American Idol runner up to release a debut album and headline his own tour within the same year of his Season 8 appearance. That album, For Your Entertainment, debuted at #3 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and reached Gold and Platinum status in several other countries. His A.I. days now far behind him, Adam is out to prove he’s more than just a one-hit wonder with his much anticipated follow-up, Trespassing. As an outspoken member of the gay community, we’ve always got Adam’s back (or front, depending on what you’re into). But without the “Idol machine” to keep him in the mainstream spotlight, there’s a chance Trespassing could be his last offense. Like most Idol alumni, Adam’s initiation was at the mercy of the franchise. Production was rushed and tracks were recorded smack in the middle of the American Idol Summer Tour. This time around, the Grammy Nominee has taken his time and the reigns as Executive Producer and co-writer, recruiting previous collaborator Dr. Luke plus Pharrell Williams, Sam Sparro, Nikka Costa and Nile Rogers. “This is a big makeor-break thing for me, especially for someone who comes off of Idol,” Lambert said in an interview with Billboard, “So I wanted to get really involved in the process to make sure I was doing everything I could to create a great album.” As if taking total control (and full responsibility) wasn’t risky enough, Lambert chose the ballad “Better Than I Know Myself” as the lead single. Despite its universal theme, brilliant writing and Adam’s flawless vocals, the track barely made a dent on the U.S. charts. Not a big surprise for an industry that’s currently obsessed with rap/dance music. Hopefully, the high-energy follow up “Never Close Your Eyes” (co-penned with Bruno Mars) will open some eyes to this collection of masterpieces. Maybe it’s the fact that he just hit the big 3-0 this year, but you can definitely sense some growth since Adam’s debut three years ago. “I know who I am as an artist now,” he says. “The last time I felt like I had to do all this stuff to prove something. With Trespassing it’s a bit more like, ‘Oh, that’s a dope song. That’s a cool melody. That’s a cool groove.’ Not, ‘Look how high I can sing that note 30 or 40 times in one song.’” Although he’s kept the vocal acrobatics to a minimum this time, his tracks still deliver Adam’s intense range or eclectic style. With all the overplayed, over-tuned and under-imagined tracks congesting the airwaves lately, Trespassing is a definitely a welcome intrusion. If you’re a recording artist, musician or producer and would like your work featured on TOP TRAX, hit me up at Alfredo@wireweekly.com.

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