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local name CHECK OUT THE NEW global coverage WMG BEGINS ON PAGE 49 May 17, 2017 vol. 8 // issue 20 south florida gay news

An IconFATHER BILL PASSES Lost Pages 24, 26

SFGN’S LGBT HOME DESIGN TONY PLAKAS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS SPECIAL EDITION AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMPASS

PAGES 32 - 48 PAGES 12 - 14

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2 • 5.17.2017 5.17.2017 • 3 NEWS highlight SouthFloridaGayNews.com

x May 17 2017 • Volume 8 • Issue 20 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent [email protected]

Chief Executive Ofﬁ cer • Pier Angelo Guidugli

Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley [email protected] Editorial Art Director • Brendon Lies [email protected] Designer • Charles Pratt Associate Editor • Jillian Melero [email protected] Digital Content Director • Brittany Ferrendi [email protected] Arts/Entertainment Editor • JW Arnold [email protected] MEgacOn hOnORs pulsE victiMs With Social Media Manager • Tucker Berardi [email protected] Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin Brittany Ferrendi ‘lOvE is lOvE’ aRt auctiOn Gazette News Editor • Michael d'Oliveira HIV Editor • Sean McShee Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis he Southeast’s largest comic, gaming history at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. Katsafanas described the cocktail reception [email protected] and anime convention is stepping up to Much of the artwork on auction are the meet and greet as a “really unique setting” with Senior Features Correspondents honor Pulse nightclub shooting victims original 11x17 drawings and illustrations of the very limited tickets. The “relaxed, friendly” Jesse Monteagudo • Tony Adams T Correspondents with a special art auction. pages that appear in the Pulse comic anthology. atmosphere will let patrons speak directly to Dori Zinn • Andrea Richard • Donald MegaCon Orlando is teaming up with Marc The art mediums range from paint, prisma, artists and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Cavanaugh • Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • Andreyko’s “Love is Love” project to form pencil and more. Tickets are extremely limited at $150 a piece Sean McShee • Alex Adams • Gary Kramer • programming May 25 and 27 at the Orange There will also be artwork on auction and include an exclusive lithograph by Writer David-Elijah Nahmod County Convention Center. There will be a from top artists who wished to contribute and Illustrator George Perez — known for his Contributing Columnists cocktail reception and an art auction to benefi t to the comic book, but could not due to time work on “Teen Titans” and “The Avengers” — Brian McNaught • Dana Rudolph • Wayne Besen Ric Reily • Steve Siler • Bil Browning Equality Florida, the state’s largest LGBT civil constraints and other factors. as well as a lithograph by DC Comics Illustrator • Terri Schlichenmeyer rights organization. Illustrator Mike Perkins donated the original Cat Staggs. Attendees will also receive a copy Associate Photographers “The ‘Love is Love’ event began when the page of the X-Men comics in which gay of the “Love is Love” comic anthology signed Pompano Bill • Steven Shires creator behind the book, Marc Andreyko, superhero Northstar proposes to his boyfriend. by Perez. approached me and said he would very much There will also be a full-page pinup of Wonder “(The auctioned items are) really exciting to Sales & Marketing like to auction off art from the book,” said Woman by Cartoonist Terry Moore up for have and the art is very dynamic” Director of Sales & Marketing • Mike Trottier [email protected] event organizer Constance Katsafanas, who auction. The live public art auction begins on May Sales Manager • Justin Wyse is a neurologist. “MegaCon being at Orlando “This is a beautiful response to a terrible 27, with all proceeds benefi ting Equality [email protected] would make it the perfect venue to bring this tragedy,” Katsafanas said. Florida. Attendees do not need to purchase Senior Sales Associate • Kevin Hopper art live.” The event is May 26, beginning with a a ticket for MegaCon to participate. [email protected] The convention will feature a gallery with art cocktail reception and a book signing. Over 26 Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann [email protected] donated from top comic artists behind “Love is comic creators will be in attendance to meet for more information and to purchase Advertising Sales Associate • Brett Coppol Love,” a comic anthology that brought together with fans, including Tom King, Gail Simone, tickets, visit megaConOrlando.com/ [email protected] over 300 comic book creators to benefi t victims Jason Aaron, Dan Didio and the Love is Love love-is-love-fundraising-events/. Sales Assistant / Classiﬁ eds • Tim Higgins of the worst mass-shooting in modern U.S. creator himself, Marc Andreyko. [email protected] MEMBER Distribution Services • Rocky Bowell • IF yOU GO: Brian Swinford National Advertising MEGACON ORLANDO COCkTAIL RECEPTION & PREVIEW LIVE AUCTION Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 may 25 - may 28 may 26 may 27 [email protected] Orange County Convention Center 7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. 7:30 p.m. MEMBER Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping 9400 universal blvd, Orlando, fl Orange County Convention Center Orange County Convention Center Printing by Sun Coast Press 32819 Destination lounge Destination lounge 9400 universal blvd, Orlando, fl 9400 universal blvd, Orlando, fl 32819 32819 SFGN WINNER of & 3 FLORIDA PRESS CLUB Awards And runner-up for MEMBER NLGJA Journalist of the Year OUR OTHER PUBLICATIONS South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the get yours, on racks now! opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. 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4 • 5.17.2017 NEWS national pOlls shOW natiOnal appROval FOR saME- sEX MaRRiagE at nEW highs But much ground is still left to gain Jillian Melero

rotestants came in at their Support for Gay Marriage, by Political Party — 1996-2017 highest, 55 percent, and PRepublicans at theirs, 47, in support of same-sex marriage during Gallup’s annual Values and Benefi ts poll conducted May 3 – 7. The specifi c question, as worded by the Gallup poll pertains as to whether same-sex marriage “should be recognized by the law as valid,” compared to similar polls that ask whether a person is in favor of same- sex marriage, leaving the question up for moral interpretation, versus legal. Support for Gay Marriage, by Religious Group — 2004-2017 Overall 64 percent of those polled said they believed that marriage between same-sex couples should be recognized by law, a steady increase from last year’s 61 percent. The data was collected from a sample size of 1,011 people living across 50 states within the U.S. and was collected via landline or cell phone survey.

5.17.2017 • 5 Four texas Men Face Federal Hate Crime Charges for luring Gay Victims with Grindr

(EDGE) A federal grand jury indicted four Texas men while the men ransacked their homes. In one instance, a car Wednesday with federal hate crime and conspiracy charges was stolen. for using the gay hook-up app Grindr to target victims for The men were charged with 18 federal counts that home robbery. include kidnapping, carjacking, conspiracy and possession According to the 18-count indictment, Anthony Shelton, of a fi rearm. 19; Nigel Garrett, 21; Chancler Encalade, 20; and Cameron Dallas News reports that the hate crimes carry a maximum Ajiduah, 18, committed four home invasions from January 17 penalty of life in prison. The case is being investigated by the to February 7, 2017 in the Dallas suburbs of Plano, Frisco and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as Aubrey. well as police departments in Plano and Frisco. In each case, the victims were targeted by the defendants Local news station CBS DFW spoke with North Texas Gay who falsely posed as a gay man on Grindr looking to meet up and Lesbian Alliance President Jeanne Rubin who was glad at the victims’ homes. to see a grand jury recognize the seriousness of the crimes. However in each case, according to KTXS News, when “You can be scared as a homeowner if your neighbor is the victim answered the door, instead of one hook-up, four robbed, but it’s diff erent if you feel like you’re being targeted armed men showed up. The victims were restrained with for some reason and in this case a whole community can feel tape and assaulted both physically and with anti-gay slurs like they’re targeted,” said Rubin.

NATIONAL POLITICS NATIONAL earing set in Wal-Mart same-sex lbania Gay Rights organizations Hold op north Carolina lGBt advocate takes Beneﬁ ts settlement annual Pride Ride new Washington Job h(AP) A federal judge in Boston has scheduled a hearing in a(AP) Gay rights organizations in Albania have held their t(AP) A former North Carolina legislator who helped lead a class-action lawsuit by Wal-Mart employees who sued the annual pride event without any disturbances, while the the fight against the state’s law limiting LGBT protections retail chain for denying health benefi ts to their same-sex country’s political opposition prepared for an unrelated is going to Washington. spouses. national protest in the capital, Tirana. Equality North Carolina announced Friday that Chris A proposed settlement of $7.5 million would pay for claims Scores of bikers with multi-colored balloons and fl ags on Sgro (‘SKROH) is stepping down as executive director by current and former Wal-Mart associates in the U.S, and Saturday started their mile-long (1.6 kms) ride passing past a to become communications director for the national Puerto Rico that they were unable to obtain health insurance tent pitched by the opposition in front of Prime Minister Edi advocacy group Human Rights Campaign. coverage for their same-sex spouses from 2011 to 2013. Rama’s offi ce in downtown Tirana. Sgro was a leading voice opposing House Bill 2, the law The lawsuit was initially fi led in 2015 by Jacqueline Cote, Opposition Democratic Party leader Lulzim Basha had that governed public restroom use by transgender people an employee at a Massachusetts Wal-Mart. The suit said the assured the gay pride participants there would be no and limited other LGBT protections. It was replaced this Bentonville, Arkansas, company denied medical insurance incidents or threats during their ride, which started two year with a law that advocacy groups say still exposes for her wife. Wal-Mart began off ering benefi ts for same-sex hours before the other protest. people to discrimination. spouses in 2014. A heavy police presence followed the ride. Sgro was appointed last year to fill the seat of a deceased A fairness hearing is scheduled for Monday. Judges hold Unlike the previous year no Western diplomats were seen North Carolina House member, but didn’t seek a full term. such hearings to determine whether the settlement should joining the riders. be approved as fair, reasonable and adequate. Xheni Karaj, one of the organizers, said that from nine participants in the fi rst pride ride 2012, the event has grown Chris Sgro. to scores of people. “This is an act of protest. The time of pledges is over. Time has come Albanian politicians carry out and respect their promises,” said Karaj. Kristi Pinderi said gays have decided not to hide anymore and the pride ride was the “joy of life and love.” The half-hour ride, also supported with participants from Kosovo, Macedonia and Serbia, ended without incident. The independent People’s Advocate, Igli Totozani, joined the ride and hailed the participants “for your courage and in defense of your cause.” Gay organizations urged the government to pass draft legislation on same-sex marriage and recognition of transgender persons.

6 • 5.17.2017 NEWS palm beach NEWS international

canada REvEals MaRRiagE Equality pOstagE staMp Brittany Ferrendi

n celebration of Canada’s 150th under the year in English and French, with birthday, the Canada Post has chosen the text “CANADA 150” appearing in white sOuth FlORida aids nEtWORK Ito celebrate marriage equality. on the right side of the maple leaf. Last week the post unveiled the stamp to The stamp is a part of Canada Post’s a local Toronto center that serves the LGBT efforts to make 10 stamps honoring MOnthly REpORt community. important moments in Canada’s last 150 Trump proposes massive cuts to funding international HIV programs The stamp depicts a maple leaf with the years. LGBT pride flag overlayed. Underneath the The stamps will be available on June Sean McShee leaf is the year the Civil Marriage Act was 1. Other moments commemorated by passed, giving same-sex couples the right the stamps include Expo67, the 1982 to marry in 2005. Constitution Act and the creation of the n May 1, 2017, Broward began a same-day in community-based organizations. The words “Marriage Equality” are Canadarm. Test-and-Treat program. Amy Newton Rodriguez reported that Florida Blue had O(Broward Regional Health Planning cancelled some people’s insurance, despite Council) and Joshua Rodriguez (Florida RWC having already paid Florida Blue. FL- Department of Health Broward) discussed it. DOH is trying to work out this problem. RWC This program should reduce the treatment clients with concerns should contact their case initiation gap. That gap refers to the time manager. between receiving an HIV-positive test result Joey Wynn, South Florida AIDS Network and beginning antiretroviral treatment (ART). (SFAN) Chair, discussed federal issues. Wynn People can now choose to receive 30-days reported that the AIDS Drug Assistance Program of ART on the same day that they receive an (ADAP) emerged unscathed in the proposed HIV-positive test result. Prior to this program, budget. Other programs, however, faced severe people had to wait weeks before receiving ART. proposed cuts. He emphasized the need to act Community advocate, David Runkle, with just strategically, “It’s going to get rougher, and we four T-cells and stage-4 cancer, had to wait have four hard years ahead.” Wynn expressed twelve weeks to begin ART. anger that out-of-state activists had pressured A test site that also provides RWC services Florida representatives. He felt that they should can off er the 30-day ART supply “in-house.” For have discussed strategy with local activists fi rst. most other test sites, the Florida Department At SFAN, Hilary McQuie of Health GAP of Health Broward Ryan White Care (FL-DOH- discussed the funding gap in global AIDS Broward-RWC) will transport someone from work. Health GAP works to end the 7 billion their testing site to a treatment site. dollar gap between funding and need. About Dr Jeff rey Beal (FL-DOH Tallahassee) has 80 percent of all people with HIV live in sub- set a goal of a 30-minute average for this Saharan Africa. Globally, about 51 percent of all treatment initiation gap. Same-day Test-and- people with HIV still lack access to treatment. Treat programs are beginning in Broward, Trump has proposed massive cuts to funding Jacksonville, Miami-Dade, Orlando, Palm Beach, international HIV programs. These proposed and Tampa. Dr. Beal thought that Broward and cuts would prevent more people from accessing Miami-Dade could implement Test-and-Treat HIV treatments. ANNOUNCEMENTS the florida department of health has named emilio aponteseirra paretti as the new coordinator for men who have sex with men in Broward county. health Gap will host a presentation on aIds activism in africa at the world aIds museum, 1201 ne 26th st. suite 11, on June 6, at 7:30 p.m. for more information on the Broward hIv planning council, bit.ly/1rQXrgn for more information on the Broward hIv prevention planning council, please visit bit.ly/2rj7iat/. next sfan meeting: friday, June 2, 2017 at 10 a.m., at the holy cross healthplex, 1000 ne 56th street, ft. lauderdale. sfan welcomes newcomers.

5.17.2017 • 7 lgbTQia bites by Jillian melero l lesbian b Bisexual ‘gEt Out’ pROducER tO MaKE blacK alia shaWKat: hOW bEing lEsbian hORROR MOviE bisEXual hElpEd ME as an actOR (SFGN) Alia Shawkat, known for her roles (SFGN) Producer Jordan Blum of “Get Dee rees. in “Arrested Development” and “Broad City” Out” and fi lmmaker Dee Rees of “Bessie” dga.org. stars in the new thriller “Paint it Black.” In an and “Mudbound” are collaborating on a new interview with Out magazine Shawkat talked project. The yet untitled fi lms’ protagonists about how she’s identifi ed with and grown in will be black lesbians living in the suburbs. each role. Rees said the movie is based on her own (Out) You’ve also taken on more explicitly experiences, the New York Times reports. queer roles, like when you played Ilana Glazer’s “You’ve got me and my wife, two black look-alike lover on an episode of Broad City. lesbians, and when we fi rst moved in, we What was that like? fought every day over all these little things: (AS) I’d been mistaken for Ilana a lot, and ‘Why is this over there? Did you move that?’ I’d heard from her friend that she’d been Maybe it was a ghost. Or maybe it was some mistaken for me too. Next thing I know, I’m on alia Shawkat. other force—like us not wanting to be there a group text with the girls. Then I had a script. or fi tting in.” “Anyway, that’s my horror- I’ve been recognized so much since. A guy in how do you feel in the current climate, moving movie pitch,” Rees said. New York pulled up and said, “Hey, you Ilana’s forward as a queer artist? “It almost makes me nervous,” Blum lover, huh?!” I co-wrote and star in a new fi lm called Duck said, then leaned back and looked up. “The Butter, which opens later this year. I love that it was idea of working with you.” He paused. “But how do you identify with these characters? written for a man and a woman, but we couldn’t anything you want to do, I’m in. I’m in, I’m I was a tomboy growing up, and I remember fi nd the right guy, so now it happens to star two in, I’m in.” my mom asking me when I was 10, “Are you women [as lovers]. I used to be less outspoken. But Although the project is still in you how rare it is that people mean what attracted to boys or girls?” I said I don’t know. as a woman, an Arab-American, and a member development, Rees told the Times she’s they say in this business,” she said. “He’s just Now I consider myself bisexual, and I think of the LGBTQ community, I have to use whatever optimistic working with Blum to take on a letting me make the best possible version of balancing my male and female energies has voice I have. There’s no more delicacy in being fi lm of this content and genre. “I can’t tell what I want to make.” been a big part of me growing as an actor. quiet.

Win tickets to see YEARS & YEARS on Saturday, June 24th at nyC Pride iSland

For more inFormation about nyC Pride go to nyCPride.org

8 • 5.17.2017 lgbTQia bites continued t transgender aRgEntina’s FiRst tRansgEndER pOlicE chiEF On duty

(AP) Analia Pasantino served in analia Pasantino. Argentina’s federal police as a man for 20 facebook. years, then she came out as a transgender woman and was forced to resign. She is smiling these days, though, beaming with pride to be wearing a police badge again. And the sign on her offi ce door reads: “Chief.” Nearly a decade after psychiatric reports said Pasantino suff ered from an “irreconcilable” illness that made her unfi t to serve, she was welcomed back to the police force this week and appointed deputy police commissioner in the judicial communications department. “This is a milestone,” Pasantino, 49, and physical gender identity simply told The Associated Press on Thursday. because they want to, without having to “I’m the fi rst transgender police chief in undergo judicial, psychiatric and medical Latin America. It’s an unprecedented and procedures. The government also legalized important step to show Latin America and gay marriage in 2010. the world that we are an open institution.” “The world has changed,” Pasantino Argentina became a world leader in said. “You can live a life of gender identity transgender rights in 2012 when it gave and it’s no longer necessary to live a double people the freedom to change their legal life.”

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5.17.2017 • 9 NEWS state lgbt-FRiEndly hOspitals

Florida Medical scores highest, Boca Regional scores low

Florida Medical Center. Photo Credit: Facebook.

Chris Persaud

lorida Medical Center has earned a perfect score for charge and made sure that everything that needed to get explicitly states it does not discriminate against patients LGBT-friendliness from the Human Rights Campaign. done was taken care of.” based on sexual orientation, it failed to meet HRC’s other FMeanwhile, Boca Raton Regional Hospital got a low “We needed to update patients’ rights policies,” said criteria. HRC found nothing in Boca Regional’s policies score for the fourth time in a row from the HRC’s Healthcare Vittimberga, who lives in Wilton Manors, “Patient rights covering discriminating against employees based on sexual Equality Index. policies didn’t really appreciate some of the gender identity orientation. Nor did the hospital train its staff on working HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index rates hospitals on how issues -- fully stating there would be no discrimination based with LGBT patients. Nor does it have policies for checking well they treat LGBT patients, workers and visitors. A hospital on sexual orientation.” if there is a diff erence between its care of straight and LGBT can score highly based on several criteria. For instance, its Then there was staff training. patients. policies must explicitly state it does not discriminate against “The biggest thing is the education,” Vittimberga said. HRC did give Boca Regional partial credit for its employee employees or patients based on sexual orientation and That meant things like training staff to call a patient by his benefi ts program. SFGN asked HRC and Boca Regional for gender identity. or her preferred pronoun and making sure health records copies of the programs, but both declined to share. HRC only It must allow a patient’s same-sex partner to visit them. gave patients this option. “We had to change signage for our shares such information about a hospital with its permission, It must give nurses and doctors training on how to care for hospitals, making sure we had all-gender restrooms available said spokeswoman Sarah McBride. LGBT patients. Its health benefi ts plan must cover gay and for staff and patients and visitors,” he said. Boca Regional has consistently earned low marks from lesbian spouses and partners. Hospitals volunteer to share Florida Medical’s employee benefi ts program already HRC since it was fi rst rated in 2013. their policies with HRC, so not every hospital is rated by the covered workers’ same-sex partners, but the hospital did not “The fact that we opted to participate in the most current LGBT rights group. share that information publicly. Its insurance plan also covers Index survey as well as past initiatives is indicative of our Florida Medical, at 5000 West Oakland Boulevard in employees’ sex change surgeries and hormone therapy. This commitment to these matters and it gives us material suburban Fort Lauderdale, got top marks in all these year the hospital made this information public, boosting its feedback relative to our strengths and weaknesses in the categories. It was a big jump from last year, when HRC noted score with HRC. For its eff orts, HRC awarded the hospital Index’s categories,” spokesman Thomas Chakurda wrote in a it could not fi nd information on the hospital’s policies on with the title of Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality. Of the statement. “We can assure you we are acting in a responsible visitation rights, non-discrimination, or health benefi ts for 590 hospitals HRC surveyed, 303 earned this title. manner. We will certainly learn from this year’s results and LGBT workers’ partners. Boca Regional, located at 800 Meadows Road, was on the look forward to improving our scores in the future.” “Our CEO [Trey Abshier] decided it was something we opposite end of the spectrum. It scored 25 out of a possible When pressed on how Boca Regional would update its should look at,” said Doctor Frank Vittimberga, Florida 100. policies for a higher score, Chakurda declined to elaborate. Medical’s Chief Medical Offi cer, “And then I took up the While Boca Regional allows for equal visitation and Here are how other south Florida hospitals fared on HRC’s 2017 report. Miami-Dade County Broward County Palm Beach County University of Miami Hospital - 100 Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston - 100 Veterans affairs West Palm Beach Medical Center - Veterans affairs Miami Healthcare system - 100 Westside Regional Medical Center, Plantation - 40 100 Jackson Memorial - 85

10 • 5.17.2017 5.17.2017 • 11 NEWS palm beach

TONy PlakaS aT ThE COmPaSS. PhOTO: faCEbOOk. thE gREEK lantERn

Tony Plakas celebrates 20 years as executive director of Compass

Jason Parsley

After college Tony Plakas knew what his fate would be – as 1997 was as the HIV Prevention director. Plakas didn’t know if he would fi t in with the all rich kids in a gay man he would get AIDS and die a slow, agonizing death. It was the AIDS quilt that changed the trajectory of his life Monterey. So he chose the latter. “I was 16 in 1988. All I knew back then about AIDS was if though. After bringing it to his college and having it set up But with no place to live, no money in the bank and no job, you were gay you were going to have it,” he said. “I already inside the gymnasium he volunteered to take the overnight he had no idea what he would end up doing. And he didn’t expected to live a very short life, and shift to watch over the quilt. care. He just had to get away. I knew it was going to end with this “It wasn’t until I was all by myself He applied for many jobs from West Palm Beach to Key horrible disease called AIDS.” that I actually started to walk around West but as soon as he entered Compass he knew he had It’s a story that’s familiar with many all I knew Back then and look at the quilt,” he recalled. “And I found his home. coming of age gay teens in the 1980s. had gotten myself so overwhelmed that “The moment that I opened those doors I knew that was But that’s not what fate had in store for aBout aIds was If I ended up calling my friends at 2 in the where was I going to work,” he said. Plakas. you were Gay you morning. I just couldn’t be there alone HIV is an integral part of Compass’ own history. The Today he’s the Chief Executive Offi cer with those quilts.” center was originally founded in 1988 as the Stop AIDS of Compass, the LGBT community center were GoInG to have It was at that moment that he decided Project. By 1992 SAP had become Compass. Today Compass of Palm Beach County. Plakas celebrates It. I already eXpected he wanted to work at the CDC to fi ght is the largest LGBT community center in Florida and the 20 years of employment at the non-profi t HIV. But that job did not turn out quite Southeast United States in terms of budget, staff size and this month. to lIve a very short the way he expected. program diversity. And while Plakas, 44, did not die from lIfe, and I knew It “I experienced homophobia on a When Plakas started, the center had a budget of about HIV as he worried he would – his story daily basis at the CDC,” he said. “People $300,000. Today it’s $2.3 million. cannot be told without talking about the was GoInG to were still being demonized.” disease. After a year he’d had enough, and THE EARLy yEARS In college, as the manager of the end wIth decided to pack up his bags and fl ee to Wellness Center, it was Plakas’ job to Florida. “I was a falling star,” Plakas said of himself when he talk about safe sex. Later Plakas got thIs horrIBle “I was programed to believe HIV was arrived in Palm Beach County in 1997. He was a young man an internship with the Red Cross. As an eventuality,” he said. “I did not want disillusioned with the real world. an intern there he brought the AIDS dIsease to die in front of my parents, so I decided But his life would change when he met Michael Brown, Memorial Quilt to his college campus. to move as far away from my family as I the owner of the neighborhood bar, H.G. Rooster’s in West After college he went on to work for the called aIds.” possibility could.” Palm Beach. Centers Disease Control and Prevention He came up with two cities: Monterey, “It was easier to run away from my entire family than to as a Reference Specialist for the CDC’s - Tony Plakas California and West Palm Beach. Both shame them by coming out. I ran as far away as I could to National AIDS Clearinghouse. And areas were recipients of STOP AIDS Palm Beach County. I was a college hot shot with too big of fi nally the job he landed at Compass in Project grants from the CDC. In the end an ego to tell everyone I was gay,” Plakas said at a dedication

12 • 5.17.2017 NEWS palm beach

service for Brown in 2009 after Brown was murdered by In 1999 the board was exhausted, and the executive for Compass to survive.” an on-again-off -again lover. “As fate would have it I landed director position had been empty for over a year. Looking for But it wouldn’t be easy. next to Michael. I met him while I was still running…I was a new one proved challenging and Plakas was just too young In 2009 they were in the hole about $800,000 with no running…I was running…with my golden retriever by my and too green for the job. So the board considered turning sure way out. Money had to be raised and quick. Staff , side. He took us in like the two lost puppies that we were. over Compass’ assets to the United Way and shutting down. including himself, skipped paychecks, some even emptied And like people do with falling stars he made this wish for Scott Badesch, the CEO of the local chapter at the time, their retirement funds to keep the center afl oat with no me and the wish was a lot better life than I had projected for gave the Compass board another suggestion. guarantees. myself.” Plakas recalled Badesch telling the board: “‘You’ve been Plakas is proud to say that all of those funds have all been Soon after the two met Brown gave Plakas a job at Rooster’s operating for a year without an executive director, but paid back. as a bartender. The job not only supplemented his $22,500 he’s sitting right here providing you with monthly reports, “That’s a testament to his leadership. He was able to get it salary, but also allowed him to quickly immerse himself in balancing the checking account, doing your annual audit back on track,” said current chairman of the Compass board the LGBT community of Palm Beach County and serve as an and overseeing your programs. If you’re tired of being on the Michael Grattendick. “We’re in a better place then we’ve HIV prevention educator. board, do the most important thing board members can do been in years. And it’s because of his leadership skills and Brown and Plakas would go on to be become best friends and replace yourself with somebody who isn’t tired.’” vision.” often traveling together where Plakas would help Brown set Today Badesch is the CEO of the Autism Society in Plakas’ biggest strength, Grattendick said, is his skill to up the AIDS Memorial Quilt display around the country. At Maryland, and still counts Plakas as a friend. relate. the time Brown served as the regional director of the Names “Tony is a great human being whose compassion and “He has the ability to tailor the message to any component Project, which oversaw the quilt. care for those he helps is very impressive,” Badesch said. “ of the community whether it’s the youth, volunteers, major “I miss him so bad that sometimes I have to forget him His accomplishments are many, but what is most important contributors, individuals, organizations,” said Grattendick, because I’ve never experienced a loss like that in my life. It is that he leads by example and has earned the respect and who outside of Compass is the CFO of Aurora Diagnostics. was just so sudden,” Plakas said in 2009. trust of so many of us and others.” “He has an ability to meet with any of the constituents, and Today it’s evident the pain of that loss still stings. When Compass outgrew their former location and decided tailor a message they respond to.” “We were…very close,” Plakas said, taking a moment to to move to Lake Worth and take over the Mid-County Senior Julie Seaver, Center Operations Director of Compass, who compose himself. “He introduced me to everybody. Compass Center in downtown it was supposed to be smooth sailing. started working with Compass in June of 2007 still vividly just would not be here without him.” It turned out to be anything but. remembers those days of uncertainty. The center’s annual community award and Memorial Despite a plethora of inspections the building had many “People just weren’t contributing to the causes. There Garden are both named after Brown. problems that no one had foreseen. What was supposed to be were no new donors. Other organizations had to let their Today the AIDS memorial quilt is also a mainstay at a $600,000 renovation turned into a $1.7 million nightmare entire development and fundraising teams go,” she said. the center during World AIDS Day events. For Plakas that that almost bankrupted the community center. The Compass board, she recalled, at the time considered connection to the quilt goes back to his college years when “We were in dire straits,” Plakas said. “But there was a will doing the same thing. Plakas though, she said, refused. “He he spearheaded the project to host it at his school. His connection to it deepened by knowing Brown. PhOTO: TONy PlakaS (lEfT) aND hiS Besides being a mentor and giving him a job, Brown would huSbaND, JamiE fOrEmaN. also introduce Plakas to his future husband, activist and attorney, Jamie Foreman, 45. Foreman still remembers the fi rst time he laid eyes on Plakas. There was just something about the way he spoke about HIV prevention. He was persuasive. A trait that he still carries around today, Foreman said. “I walked into Rooster’s and I saw this young man speak. He was so articulate about safety and prevention…in a nonjudgmental way. There was this young guy who wasn’t I walked into Rooster’s afraid to get on stage,” Foreman said. “I’ll never forget it.” Talking about HIV at that time, Foreman said, was still not and I saw this young easy. He recalled that a prominent bar in Miami wouldn’t even allow educators to come in to discuss prevention man speak. He was so because it was a “bummer” and would “take away the fun.” articulate about safety “Tony was able to talk about it in a way where people wouldn’t run out of the door,” Foreman said. and prevention…in That was the summer of 1997. They offi cially met in October and have been together ever since. They were a nonjudgmental way. legally married in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2011. Back then Foreman was a volunteer at Compass, stuffi ng There was this young condom and lube packs while eating wings and watching TV with other young gay men at the center. guy who wasn’t afraid “There wasn’t that much money back then,” Foreman to get on stage. I’ll said. “We had to rely on volunteers for everything.” never forget it.” ON THE VERGE OF BANkRUPTCy - Jamie foreman It hasn’t all been sunshine and rainbows for Compass with aCTiviST, aTTOrNEy, aND Plakas though. Twice in the last 20 years the center almost huSbaND Of TONy PlakaS shut down. In 1999 and again in 2009. In both cases Plakas served an integral role in keeping it open.

5.17.2017 • 13 NEWS palm beach

saved us. He stood up for us. Without development THE WOMEN’S MOVEMENT “Many of the superheroes have a story, and a reason and outreach, there would be no Pride, no World AIDS Day, no Trans Day of Remembrance. We would just While HIV is the running theme throughout Plakas’ for doing the things they do. They’re broken. They have been government cheese. But Tony turned that career and Compass’ history, women’s rights also cheese into cheesecake. He said ‘I will work not work plays an important part. rise above the ashes. Tony really believes that about at Compass without a team with a heart.’” For Lillian Tamayo, the CEO of Planned Parenthood Seaver added, “But Tony is really the heart.” South Florida, one moment in her relationship with every single one of us. The stories are different, but Plakas stands out above the rest. the mission is the same.” A NEW BUILDING AND A NEW HOPE It was 2004 and she was in Washington D.C. with Plakas for a Women’s March. - Julie Seaver Several of the people SFGN interviewed mentioned “Here were our colleagues in the LGBTQ movement, CENTEr OPEraTiONS DirECTOr Of COmPaSS the current building Compass is in as one of Plakas’ standing there shoulder to shoulder in coalition,” she biggest accomplishments during his time as CEO. Even recalled. “It was crystal clear proof of their willingness without the renovation problems they encountered it and heartfelt commitment. I just remember Tony’s was still a huge undertaking. commitment. Compass at the time was predominantly Jamie Foreman noted, “The market crashed. Our young men, they worked to create a space for lesbians. contractor unexpectedly passed away. But we came Tony weaved together these movements.” together and had this vision. We took custody of this Plakas’ own involvement with the Women’s building with blood, sweat and tears. We continued Movement dates back to college when he managed to grow even under that financial climate. That’s his the college Wellness Center on his college campus. greatest achievement.” For a while the women’s center was housed within his Today Compass isn’t just an LGBT center – it’s a hub center and he fought for funding. for the community. “I feel that the LGBTQ movement must always “Ten years ago we looked like a Ryan White funded remember our roots are tied closely to the reproductive HIV service organization,” Julie Seaver said. “Today rights movement,” Plakas said. “The intersection we are a hub for so many different groups and relates directly to legislating what we do with our organizations that don’t have a home.” bodies, how we plan our families and Seaver quickly ticked off a list of groups what our families look like, same-sex that meet at the center like the League “I feel that or not.” of Women Voters and the National the lGBtQ Tamayo became CEO about the same Organization for Women. movement time as Plakas and they’ve worked “We’re a focal point for community must always together over the years being local LGBT organizing and that directly comes from leaders of progressive organizations Tony,” she said. “All of his experiences, rememBer collaborating when possible. his stories, running the wellness center our roots in college, his experience as a community are tIed THE FUTURE organizer, with programs and initiatives, closely to the that is really what we do today.” Compass has 10 years left on its Seaver has plenty of great things to reproductIve current lease. But Plakas says they’ve say about Plakas. She swears it’s not just rIGhts already outgrown the 14,000 square because he’s the boss. movement.” foot space. The previous location was “Tony has a way of being able to find 5,000 square feet. the right people on the bus, being able to - Tony Plakas Meanwhile Compass’ mission and see down the road,” she said. outreach continues to evolve. Something else that stands out for Seaver, The first 10 years of Plakas’ career at the center was “whenever the staff screws up he takes the blame. focused on HIV. The second 10 years was focused on That stuff isn’t posted on Facebook. Whenever we being an inclusive LGBT community center. His new do something right, he never takes credit for any vision for the future lies with children and seniors. of those things, always gives the kudos to the staff, Plakas said the center will have to evolve once volunteers and board. People don’t get to see that again, this time to address the growing number of side of Tony.” LGBT parents as well LGBT folks who are getting To Seaver, Plakas is a superhero, in more ways than older – providing services like daycare and aftercare one. for children, potentially even a charter school, and “I have him in my phone as the Greek Lantern,” a becoming a daytime resource for senior care. nod to his affection for comic books and his Greek “I have a lot of progressive friends who just heritage. At Compass each staffer is required to choose want their children to grow up in a progressive a superhero they most identify with. Plakas is the environment,” Plakas said. Green Lantern. Seaver is the Black Canary. Foreman, Already plans are being drawn up for a new building. who still volunteers for Compass, is The Flash. Next year Compass celebrates 30 years and they’ll be “Many of the superheroes have a story, and a reason kicking off a campaign to fund the project. for doing the things they do,” Seaver said. “They’re As for his own future at Compass he won’t say. broken. They rise above the ashes. Tony really believes “I serve at the pleasure of a board of trustees,” he that about every single one of us. The stories are said. “…so I am not going to jinx myself on that one.” TONy PlakaS (righT) aND JuliE SEavEr aT ThE iNTErNaTiONal lgbT lEaDErS CONfErENCE iN 2016. PhOTO: faCEbOOk. different, but the mission is the same.”

14 • 5.17.2017 5.17.2017 • 15 NEWS local NEWS national “a night On thE tOWn” at lips sEssiOns REinFORcEs MandatORy Ryan Yousefi MiniMuMs in WaR On dRugs veryone’s favorite drag dining nightclub Jillian Melero Lips will be presenting “A Night On The ETown” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24 as a fundraiser for Stonewall National Museum & ttorney General Jeff Sessions has Senator Rand Paul called the order a Archives. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go instructed federal prosecutors to backslide for criminal justice reform, and towards supporting the museum’s education seek maximum penalties on low an oppressive tool in an op-ed for CNN: programs. Chris Rudisill, the Executive Director A level off enses, per a memo issued by the Mandatory minimum sentences at Stonewall National Museum & Archives, Department of Justice on Friday. The new have unfairly and disproportionately tells SFGN “A Night On The Town” is another those we lost that day.” Rudisill said. “This project, important step in remembering what makes the along with our traveling exhibition programs, guidelines on Department Charging and incarcerated a generation of minorities. LGBTQ community great. our annual national education symposium, Sentencing policy state: Eric Holder, the attorney general under “This entertaining evening, bringing together and research opportunities, creates sustainable First, it is a core principle that President Obama, issued guidelines to U.S. the support of community leaders from across change for students across the country while prosecutors should charge and pursue the Attorneys that they should refrain from Wilton Manors, builds on the importance of acknowledging authentic stories of our struggles, most serious, readily provable off ense. This seeking long sentences for nonviolent drug preserving and celebrating the history of the victories and those tragedies that change the policy affi rms our responsibility to enforce off enders. LGBTQ community.” Rudisill said. “After 43 years, course of our history. A portion of each ticket, the law, is moral and just, and produces I agreed with him then and still do. In SNMA continues to build upon a passion to create along with the tremendous support we’ll receive consistency. This policy fully utilizes the fact, I’m the author of a bipartisan bill with a heritage for generations of LGBTQ people at a that evening will support this project and tools Congress has given us. By defi nition, Senator Leahy to change the law on this time when it’s never been more important to do other education initiatives which help expand the most serious off enses are those that matter. Until we pass that bill, though, the so.” Stonewall’s mission to young people across the carry the most substantial guidelines discretion on enforcement -- and the lives Rudisill also gave SFGN more details on what country.” sentence, including mandatory minimum of many young drug off enders -- lies with the educational program SNMA funds plans to do Tickets for “A Night On The Town” are $50 per sentences… the current attorney general with some of the proceeds made during the event. person, and they include a three-course dinner Second, prosecutors must disclose to The attorney general’s new guidelines, a “This year, Stonewall launches the largest with soft drinks, gratuity and Lips show. There are the sentencing court all facts that impact reversal of a policy that was working, will educational program to date, documenting the also $75 VIP level tickets that include the same, the sentencing guidelines or mandatory accentuate the injustice in our criminal tragedy at Pulse in Orlando in 2016 while teaching plus premium seating and one complimentary minimum sentences, and should in all justice system. We should be treating our students across the state of Florida about the drink. Purchase tickets at stonewall-museum.org cases seek a reasonable sentence… nation’s drug epidemic for what it is -- a horrible eff ects of hate crimes, while honoring or by calling 954-763-8565. The move by Sessions rolls back 2013 public health crisis, not an excuse to send guidelines issued by Eric Holder that gave people to prison and turn a mistake into federal prosecutors room to avoid charges a tragedy. And make no mistake, the lives against low level drug off enders that could of many drug off enders are ruined the day lead to long term mandatory minimum they receive that long sentence the attorney CUT THIS OUT AND SAVE IT! sentencing. general wants them to have. Post it on your fridge!

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Florida’s LGBTQ Radio Show Heard every Saturday 7PM - 8PM on image Source: 2015 report from the reason foundation, libertarian nonprofi t, “the high Cost of incarceration in florida, recommendations for reform” Or Streaming Live on 850WTFL.com Criminal justice policy reformers argue that the “War on Drugs” weakens families and communities, and is a drain on taxes and tax payers. Radio’s ONLY LGBTQ Talk Show “When Sessions says, ‘war on drugs’ he means ‘war on people’ Stacey Long Simmons Go to www.Facebook.com/GetOutSouthFlorida for more information. of the LGBTQ Task Force said in statement. “To the contrary, they devastate communities, increase the number of people who are locked away from their families; place vulnerable children and other dependents in jeopardy; and pad the pockets of investors of the private prison industry. We urge the public to contact the Justice Department and tell Sessions stop this war on people,” Simmons is Director of the Department of Advocacy and Action for the You don’t want to miss it. Task Force.

16 • 5.17.2017 5.17.2017 • 17 NEWS state

Photo: GoFundMe.

Equality Rally ORganizERs sEt-up gOFundME pagE Michael d’Oliveira

t doesn’t cost money for to help offset costs. demonstrators to organize a protest. Martorell added that the message I “But when you’re trying to rally organizers are trying to send will “go a lot everyone, it does take a little more further” if the demonstration is respectful coordination. When you take it from a and well organized. In the past, protest grass roots level to organized, you’re going groups that became violent or disrespectful to have expenses,” said Miik Martorell, often received more media attention for president of Pride Fort Lauderdale. their behavior than their message. “Would Martorell is one of the organizers of the you want our community to look foolish by South Florida Equality Rally for Unity & not organizing properly?” asked Martorell. Pride – Sunday, June 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Along with money, it also takes Huizenga Plaza, 1 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort individuals to show up and plan the event. Lauderdale. David Jobin, CEO and president of Our To help raise the money needed, Fund, said that with each community organizers have set up a GoFundMe page planning meeting, more and more people –GoFundMe.com/EqualityRallyFTL. As show up. He estimates that over 100 will of May 15, $650 has been pledged from show up to the next meeting – five individuals in the first five days after Monday, May 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the page was established. Information Sunshine Cathedral, 1480 SW 9 Ave., Fort on the event is available on Twitter and Lauderdale. Instagram under @EqualityRallyFTL or Jobin and the other organizers hope to Laser Hair Removal on Facebook at Equality Rally for Unity & get someone from every group they say is Pride Fort Lauderdale. impacted by the Trump administration, Nose and Ears Combo $35 Martorell said the money will be used including Muslims, gays, lesbians, On any area treated by laser for hair removal, hair must be brown or black to rent the plaza from Fort Lauderdale, transgender individuals, teachers, and pay for insurance, rent portable toilets, African Americans. “We’re trying to Touch Up Tuesdays and hire off-duty police officers to provide attract somebody from Black Lives Matter, Dysport $75 OFF 90 or more units security and keep the crowd from spilling the teachers union . . . all groups being into the street. “You have to make sure you marginalized by this administration, and Filler Fridays rent the area you’re having it at because that includes almost everyone,” Jobin said. Purchase any 2 Restylane syringes who knows if someone else is going to be “Whether you care about science, there. We’re trying to be respectful. If we women’s rights, minority communities, & get the 3rd equal or lesser FREE! Mention Promo Code MM17 for Savings. Above Pricing per session. don’t pay for [the police officers] then the religious minorities. Expires 05/31/17 Look at our Website for more May Savings. taxpayers will.” That’s our plan, to have everyone He estimates the costs could be as high represented. I’m excited to see where all of $10,000 but he doesn’t have an exact this goes. There’s no reason we can’t make figure. Individuals are also donating items a real statement that day.”

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*In the absense of gum disease. Not applicable to insurance benefits. In an age where gay men are being Chechen men to contact, but according to allegedly persecuted from the southern the manager, many are reluctant to call or Russian republic of Chechnya, one group is email out of fear for their safety. stepping up to save lives. “Since the very beginning, the fi rst people The Russian LGBT Network is evacuating who contacted us … were terribly scared, gay men from the country after reports from they were not even sure if we [could] be Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta that over trusted [or] if we were going to kill them.” 100 gay men were detained and tortured — The Russian government off ers no with several reported murders. support “to any LGBT The network has helped organizations,” she 40 gay men evacuate the “russIan claimed. republic so far, according to authorItIes “What we want from the communications manager them right now is for in an interview with NPR. were asked them to have a proper The manager chose to remain a lot aBout investigation on the anonymous due to the risks to matter,” she said. “There her job. what’s GoInG was lots of attention “For most of them, (it) is on In chechnya from the international just deadly dangerous to stay and at some community; there was a lot in Russia,” the manager said, of pressure, and Russian noting that they evacuate men poInt they authorities were asked a fi rst to other Russian regions, were unaBle lot about what’s going on then out of the country. in Chechnya and at some According to one survivor, to Be sIlent point they were unable to men are allegedly interrogated anymore.” be silent anymore, and they and tortured in Chechen started to do something.” prisons, and families are told - anonymous Chechen leader Ramzan to kill their gay children. manager Kadyrov, alongside his “Some of them are being spokesperson, has denied hunted by their relatives,” the manager the persecution of gays. His spokesperson added. “Because homosexuality is stated “you can’t detain and harass someone considered to be a stain on the whole family who doesn’t exist in the republic.” and it is believed that the only way to wash The manager claims the Russian away this stain is to kill this person.” government members are “monsters” for The network set up a helpline for gay their inaction.

20 • 5.17.2017 Don’t miss a tastE Feeling the hunger? Read SFGN’s weekly food column for an exclusive bite on local bars, restaurants, and seasonal flavors. sFGn.com/FooD

5.17.2017 • 21 NEWS international NEWS national

Anthony Romero, Executive ‘unchEchEn:’ shORt FilM RaisEs aWaREnEss Director of the ACLU. On gay pERsEcutiOn in Russian REpublic Photo Credit: ACLU. Brittany Ferrendi

n just three minutes, one fi lm attempts to send a clear message. I Last month, Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta reported over 100 gay men in Chechnya were detained and tortured, with at least three murdered. As a result, Director and Writer Stephen M. Hornby created the three-minute short fi lm “Unchechen” to tell the story of Khamzat, a public servant facing persecution. “Some of the details in this case are imagined, but the mechanics of his capture, torture and eventual fate are all based on engage us emotionally,” he said. “So, we reports from the few people who have wanted to bridge that gap by dramatizing one escaped,” Hornby told The Huffi ngton Post. man’s story. What we hope is that it makes the “The sad thing to say is that there is no story real, shocks you and makes you want to exaggeration in the fi lm.” help and take some action.” The short fi lm, which only has two One survivor told FRANCE 24 that parents characters, was originally on the stage in of gay men are told to kill their children. tRUMP’s JoHnson aMEnDMEnt PRoMisE Manchester last month, commissioned by The Russian LGBT Network is currently theater collective Take Back. The fi lm is based evacuating gay men living in Chechnya, tURns oUt to BE ‘FakE nEWs,’ says aClU on accounts told by men who have escaped according to NPR, and have reportedly saved these alleged anti-gay prisons. 40 so far. Michael d’Oliveira “We can read about their story, but it’s not the same as having them tell it. It doesn’t Watch the fi lm at vimeo.com/216558623. uring a May 4 ceremony at the White speaking your minds from your own House on the National Day of Prayer, pulpits,” said Trump at Republican National DPresident Donald Trump signed the Convention in July of 2016. “This fi nancial Presidential Executive Order Promoting Free threat against the faith community is over,” Speech and Religious Liberty. he said at the signing ceremony. The order directed all executive But critics argue that the federal departments and agencies “to protect the government rarely goes after religious freedom of persons and organizations to organizations or individuals for alleged engage in religious and political speech.” violations. During his campaign for president, Trump also directed the Treasury multiple religious leaders, including Jerry Department not to take Falwell, Jr., endorsed and adverse action, including tax supported his candidacy. penalties, against religious In a statement, the American individuals or institutions “today’s Civil Liberties Union [ACLU] when they speak out on eXecutIve said that Trump’s executive moral and political matters. order order merely follows the status The executive order was quo and that it doesn’t see the in response to the Johnson sIGnInG was need to fi le a lawsuit at this Amendment. Devised in 1954 an elaBorate time. by Lyndon Johnson when photo-op “Today’s executive order he was in the U.S. Senate, signing was an elaborate the law prohibits religious wIth no photo-op with no discernible organizations from directly dIscernIBle policy outcome. After careful or indirectly participating review of the order’s text we in political campaigns. The polIcy have determined that the penalty for such activity is outcome.” order does not meaningfully the loss of an organization’s - anthony romero alter the ability of religious tax exempt status. institutions or individuals aClu EXECuTivE DirECTOr Trump framed the to intervene in the political executive order as the process,” said ACLU Executive fulfi llment of a promise he Director Anthony Romero. had made multiple times when he ran for “President Trump’s prior assertion that president. he wished to ‘totally destroy’ the Johnson “You have so much to contribute to our Amendment with this order has proven to be politics, yet our laws prevent you from a textbook case of ‘fake news.’”

22 • 5.17.2017 5.17.2017 • 23 IN MEMORIAM

Submitted photo. POVERELLO FOUNDER DIES

Father Bill Collins remembered as saint, never-ending source of compassion

Michael d’Oliveira

ather Bill Collins probably won’t He leaves behind family, friends, little one” in Italian. “I can’t think of “He engendered the whole philosophy be offi cially canonized as a saint and a legacy – an organization with 218 anything that fulfi lls my vocation as a that we have. We put love into those Fby the Vatican. Unoffi cially, volunteers which feeds thousands of Franciscan better than helping others,” groceries [we give to people],” Pietrogallo Collins was canonized long ago by those people each year, operates its own gym Collins told the Sun Sentinel. said. Poverello’s 218 volunteers, added who knew and loved him. and revenue-generating thrift store, “He did what he did out of the Pietrogallo, are there because of Collins. “He was a saint, an innovator, a man and provides chiropractic, acupuncture, goodness of his heart,” DeCarlo said. “He “That’s an important legacy of giving of true compassion and feeling,” said reiki, massage services, and haircuts. didn’t do it for press or to say ‘come look . . . a refl ection of his work and who he longtime friend Terry DeCarlo. DeCarlo Started from the back of Collins’ car, at me.’ 90 percent of his body was heart. recruited along the way.” Without those met Collins when he worked at the Gay the organization moved from Pompano He just made it happen. That’s the mark volunteers, Pietrogallo said 19 full time and Lesbian Community Center of South Beach in 1992 to the Shoppes of Wilton of a true compassionate individual. They staff members would be needed to do the Florida, now known as The Pride Center. Manors. In 2011, the organization moved don’t look for the recognition and he equivalent amount of work. “If we had to “He’s a man who would sit with you, to its current location on Dixie Highway. never did. He dedicated his life. That’s a pay 19 additional people, we wouldn’t be laugh with you, cry with you, sit there Originally, the mission of Poverello was true saint in my eyes. He was an amazing, able to make this work.” and hold your hand. He would sit there to help those with HIV/AIDS but its amazing man and helped so many people At one of their last meetings, Pietrogallo and counsel you if you were going spectrum has widened over the years. throughout the years. I wish my life or my said Collins was just as humble as he has through something, even if you didn’t Collins began ministering to people tombstone would read as much as his.” always been and defl ected the credit for ask. He could see it in your face and living with the virus in 1985 after he Thomas Pietrogallo, Poverello’s chief Poverello’s success from himself onto the see it in your words. He was a man who was appointed chaplain at Imperial operations offi cer, took over for Collins volunteers and staff . just was out there and wanted to help,” Point Hospital. According to a 2007 Sun about a year ago because of his declining “I thanked him [for starting Poverello] DeCarlo said. Sentinel article, Collins cashed in his health. Pietrogallo said that Collins’ and he said ‘all I did was have a good Collins, 85, a Franciscan priest who $19,000 pension and began delivering health kept him from spending a lot of idea.’ I thought that was a really humble founded Poverello 30 years ago, died in food to those same people shortly before time at Poverello recently. and beautiful way of characterizing his hospice on May 10. founding Poverello, which means “poor But he never really left. role around here.”

24 • 5.17.2017 5.17.2017 • 25 ConviCtions Publisher's Editorial The Message of lOvE in thE FacE OF dEath Father Bill Norm Kent Father Bill. [email protected]

“Surrounded by death, father bill Collins embraces life. Confronted by anger, he preaches forgiveness. and faced with an ending inevitable from the very start, he encourages acceptance and faith and most of all, love.”

- frOm a SuN-SENTiNEl arTiClE, DECEmbEr 11, 1994

uietly, and in a hospice not unlike is now an institution; forever a part of our the many he served, a titan passed in lives, Qour community this past week. But there was a time when AIDS was a For many of you, Father Bill Collins was death sentence, and Father Bill a lonely the smiling priest who shared time with messenger. There was a day when HIV you at Sawgrass Lanes during a bowling patients were lepers. There was a moment, tournament. But this was a man who spent in our nation’s history, when concern did a large part of his life holding the hand of not exist, care was not there, and outreach the dying. unheard of. Then there was Father Bill. Sometimes, we forget what AIDS was, Patients living with AIDS, lucky enough when. Let us not today. to leave a hospital, needed help, food, Poverello and Father Bill opened their clothing, nutrition, assistance. In the doors to Broward County three decades 1980’s, and again in the 1990’s, Father Bill ago in Pompano Beach. Overcoming was there, often alone, so much so that it all obstacles and bucking the tides so would not be unusual for him to preside marshalled against him, over four funerals in a Father Bill created and single day. forged a food bank and father BIll By the year 2000, he nutritional facility, now had presided over 2000 of cemented and anchored in was there, them. In July of 1994, the Wilton Manors. often alone, Diocese of Miami freed him Poverello’s inviting from his duties as a parish website talks positively of so much priest, and he came to us. the thousands of people so that It He came to Poverello, and they have served over the he never left, remaining a had no voices, an unsung hero who would Father Bill would win many more decades. Most assuredly, would not robed warrior for justice. soon be recognized by many. accolades in his lifetime, including the they have, and still do. Be unusual At the time, he told a Father Bill, a long way from his home Sun Sentinel Publisher’s Award for Indeed, I hope you will all reporter, Michael Young, in Canada, found that his work gained outstanding community service, in 1995. join and support them at for hIm that “We’re given such a public acclaim and local recognition. The Said Jim Smith, their vice president at their June 12 anniversary to presIde magnificent opportunity, organization he gave life to under the name the time, “Father Bill has persevered party. those of us at Poverello, of ‘the poor little one’ became the little and accomplished great things. It does The website shares over four to be able to be caring train that could. He saw illness, and sought our souls good to be reminded that such Poverello’s missions and funerals In persons…and if we do to end it. He saw health, and tried to inspire things are possible.” goals simply, explaining that, then we can pick up it. Father Bill, my friends, did indeed they are “providing a sInGle day. the spark that filled these Yes, he had been a priest at St. Coleman do great things, and he was solemnly nutritious food with lives and bring the flame Parrish in Pompano. Yes, he had been laid to rest in a moving ceremony this understanding, respect and love for together and make this a better world. It’s the chaplain at Imperial Point Medical past Monday afternoon at Assumption individuals living with critical and chronic a challenge, a simple challenge of life. If Center. But Father Bill’s life would change Catholic Church in Lauderdale by the Sea. illnesses.” you accept, it’s wonderful. And if you don’t, directions with Florida AIDS walks and Mark down that day, for Father Bill Poverello now has a full-time staff, how sad.” bowling tournaments to fight hunger. was not just a part of the gay community generous volunteers and a mission to A man who suffered his first heart attack He emerged as a local hero, honored by history of South Florida. He helped make reach out to so many. Let’s remember that in 1962, at age 31, and went on to smoke everyone from Toastmaster’s groups to and shape it. He did so with dignity and it started with one man’s vision to do so. too many packs of Benson & Hedges daily, our Pride Center. In fact, he was the 1999 grace, and leaves us with a treasure forever Father Bill became the inspiration, and his Father Bill became a voice for the LGBT recipient of the Pride Center’s Lifetime etched into the soul of our community. words and deeds have led to a mission that community and AIDS patients when we Achievement Award.

26 • 5.17.2017 5.17.2017 • 27 COlumN letters to the editor

FMR. REP. MaRk FolEy is a REsPECtED anD bElOvEd MEMbER OF OuR cOMMunity WE aREDistorting s thetill truth is a disserviceall hto usu allMan Dear Editor, Nancy Brinker. (left) and Senator Next week on Get Out South Florida LGBT radio we are planning a David Norris at Diversity Honors. discussion on how the LGBT community treats each other. It’s going to be Photo: J.R. Davis. called “Eating Our Own.” When I saw your recent issue with former U.S. Congressman Mark Foley and former Ambassador Nancy Brinker, who is also the founder of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Organization, I thought that our topic could not be more timely.

This Congressman Foley’s voting record on LGBT issues:

• He voted NO on Constitutionally defining marriage as one man-one woman. • He voted NO on a Constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. • He supported same-sex domestic partnership benefits. he recent Diversity Honors gala is the Foundation in Hungary - at the highest diplomatic • More federal funding for healthcare. South Florida community’s best evidence levels - and Hungary is not an easy place to be gay. Tof our beautiful humanity. On May 6, 2017, She has written beautiful and moving pieces in the Yet, your headline says “Diversity Honors Stirs Controversy with the South Florida LGBT community gathered to Huffington Post and is a very active member of the Conservative Speakers.” It goes on to quote Stuart Milk as saying, “I prefer celebrate and acknowledge the good that our Advisory Board of the Harvey Milk Foundation. In to think about the 99.5% of people who don’t know who Mark Foley is.” community does - both from the inside and the this way she emulates Harvey who worked hand- Also, you quote Lee Rubin, a former committee development chair at the outside. in-hand with Republican California Senator Milton Pride Center, as saying, “Nancy Brinker gave a shout out from the stage to We honored the full spectrum of our humanity Marks, who was a fierce conservative yet open to disgraced Congressman Mark Foley who she brought as her guest.” from the young Isaiah Henderson, Pulse survivor, LGBT inclusion. Harvey set the tone when he joined Obviously neither Mr. Milk nor Mr. Rubin know South Florida. Congressman Foley is a respected and loved supporter in South Florida to elder Irish statesman Senator David Norris, from with Marks and made history by showing that we AND the LGBT community. I suppose if either one of them had an the gay to the straight, from the transgender to the can work across the aisle and make progress. opportunity to invited former President Bill Clinton to speak they would cisgender, and yes, from the Blue to the Red. That some in our community prefer to distort jump at the chance – despite the fact that he had an extra-marital affair The recent focus on this last group is very the truth and taint a fiercely pro-LGBT advocate’s with an intern and lied under oath to a Grand Jury, which eventually led disconcerting. The message of both the Harvey record by misquoting her on an unrelated issue to his impeachment. Milk Foundation and The Pride Center is inclusion. is disingenuous to the SFGN readers and is a Mark Foley is someone I admire, and yes, consider a friend and That some in our community would testament to the work that still needs supporter of our community – as do many, many other people. He was attempt to co-opt this beautiful event to be done both within and outside an effective and reputable House member who went far beyond party and turn it partisan is shameful. To the messaGe of our community. The Harvey Milk affiliation. go so far as to describe the decor as Foundation has never subscribed to These are the double standards that our community has – it regards purposefully red is ludicrous. The of Both the name and shame philosophy of political ideology as being more important than fact and record. We tasteful decor was the selection of the harvey some in our community. We believe ask to be accepted yet, we “eat our own” – until we stop this ideological the amazingly supportive Seminole in acceptance - not just of the LGBT divide and see people for who they are – warts and all – then our LGBT Hard Rock staff and their intention mIlk community but acceptance of all who community will not advance. was to create an ambiance that was foundatIon are like minded in the belief that we Sincerely, first class - and they truly succeeded. are one human family and are equally And the focus on, and disruptive and the deserving of respect. The Foundation characterization of, the event prIde works tirelessly around the globe going “red” is so very misplaced. To to move the world to a place where tom Hantzarides minimalize and marginalize those center Is everyone can be their authentic selves Producer of Get oUt! south Florida who support us just because they may InclusIon. - without shame and without fear. have other ideologies that we do not But most importantly with hope - as Mark Foley (left) and Nancy Brinker. agree with is the antithesis of what we Harvey said so many years ago: Hope Photo: J.R. Davis. stand for. will never be silent. If we are to succeed and move society forward I would like to think that we, as a community, to a more accepting place, we need to start with will never silence the hope that is expressed by accepting all - including the Republicans who have those who, while they may differ from us, agree so clearly and vocally supported us. Ambassador that we are all human. Nancy Brinker has a very long history of solid support for the LGBT community. She has written about her support and acceptance of her openly gay son and has put her money were her mouth Miriam Richter is. She has hosted events with the Harvey Milk Education Director & Counsel, Harvey Milk Foundation

lEt yOuR vOicE bE hEaRd!  Submit your own letter to [email protected]

28 • 5.17.2017 5.17.2017 • 29 COmmuNiTy announcement Photo: J.r. Davis. ConviCtions Editorial Cartoon chamber chat EditORial caRtOOn By andy Marlette

PRIDE FORT LAUDERDALE TO AWARD COMMUNITy GRANTS SFGN Staff

Applications are now being accepted South Florida Pride) celebrated its 40th by the board of Pride Fort Lauderdale for anniversary on Feb. 26 at a new venue, community grants up to $1,000 each. The Fort Lauderdale Beach, and attracted grants will be awarded to local non-profi t nearly 40,000 people for one-day festival organizations for educational programs, that included top DJs, entertainers, trans IT’S GAME TIME cultural and performing arts, and social activist and television star Jazz Jennings, and civic outreach eff orts vendors and special areas SFGN’S GAYMER EDITION that instill pride in the for LGBTQ seniors, families LGBTQ community and prIde fort and more. The event was promote visibility and lauderdale the largest Pride celebration CHECK IT OUT... IT’S NEVER TOO awareness of the LGBTQ 2018 wIll in the organization’s history. LATE TO JOIN THE FUN. community to the public. Pride Fort Lauderdale 2018 To be considered, aGaIn Be will again be celebrated on applicants must be a 501(c)3 Fort Lauderdale Beach on charitable organization or celeBrated Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018. sponsored under a fi scal on fort “Our 40th anniversary agent with non-profi t Pride celebration in status, provide service lauderdale February was the biggest within Broward County and ever and we’re proud to demonstrate a history and Beach on be able to share a portion commitment of outreach sunday, feB. of the proceeds with the and service to the LGBTQ organizations that do so community. The deadline to 25, 2018. much important work submit applications is May in our community year- 31, 2017 and awards will be announced round,” said Pride Fort Lauderdale Miik during a Pride Month event in June. Martorell. “We threw a great party, but Grant applications and more information being able to support our community can be found at PrideFortLauderdale.org. with these grants is what made Pride Fort Pride Fort Lauderdale (formerly Lauderdale 2017 a true success.”

for more information, go to Pridefortlauderdale.org SFGN.com/2017gaymerissue or call 754-222-2234. Photo by Chasis Photos.

30 • 5.17.2017 5.17.2017 • 31 DESigN quick fixes

he problem with many apartments is that they’re generic. You can personalize your space Quick & Easy easily, but if you’re renting you don’t want to spend too much money on a place that isn’t Tyours. Your property owner will also want you to restore the space to the same condition it was before you moved in (even if you think it’s an improvement, your property owner may not think so). Here are some easy fixes that are just as easy to remove should you decide to move on. Decorating It’s Curtains For You

Inexpensive drapery panels can hide a multitude of sins, and they don’t need to be used just to block an ugly view. If the walls are in bad shape use curtains to mask the damage. Install rod holders near the ceiling (don’t forget brackets in the idle for support on long walls). If you can’t find a curtain rod that’s Rick Karlin long enough, buy a wooden dowel (easily available in up to 12 foot lengths.) Fixes Or create an upholstered wall by screwing a small strip of wood (a 1”x2”) along the top of the wall, near the ceiling. Do the same along the bottom, just above the floor molding. You can have the people at the lumberyard (or at Home Depot or Lowe’s) cut one to the exact length (they usually only charge a few cents for each cut). Buy inexpensive muslin or a printed fabric. Fold the cut side under and staple along the board. Cut the fabric slightly longer than the length you need to reach the bottom board. Pull taut, fold the cut side under and staple to the bottom piece of wood. When it’s time to move, just take down the 1”x2” pieces of wood, fill the holes with a little patching plaster and everything will look good as new. If you want to hang pictures, simply use wires to suspend the pictures from nails in the top board.

Fan Club

Hate the ugly ceiling fan in your room? Simply remove the blades (easy to do with a screwdriver), scrub them down (you’ll be amazed at how greasy and dirty they are). Trace the blade to make a template, transfer to Contact paper, and trace the outline at least 1” larger than the fan. Peel and stick the Contact paper, wrapping the excess around to the top of the blade. Poke holes through the paper where the screws go, reattach to the fan and enjoy your one of a kind statement. You can also use window cling (see below) to dress up a blade easily.

Hate the View?

We’re not talking about the TV show; we’re talking about the view out of one of your windows! Head over to Home Depot or Lowe’s and look for the window cling sheets (usually in the same aisle as window shades). These peel and stick sheets come in translucent, frosted and varieties made to look like stained glass. There are even clings designed to look like leaded glass, when you just want to add architectural interest.

Paint

Most apartments are painted with boring colors. Painting is one of the cheapest ways to transform a room. Try doing an accent wall in a dark shade; you can always repaint it white before you move. If you’ve one of those apartments with a long, narrow hallway, here’s a trick to make it look larger. Paint one of the walls one shade lighter or darker than the other. Look at the paint strips and pick two adjacent colors. It’s subtle enough that it’s not noticeable, but it actually makes the hallway seem much wider.

Short on Storage

Buy an inexpensive bookcase, and attach a spring-tension drapery rod to the inside of the bookcase and hang inexpensive curtains down the front of the bookcase or wooden roll-up blinds and you have instant hidden storage space. For an entire wall of storage, use the same technique, except use the brackets for closet rods attach them to the top of the bookcases and hang the curtains along the entire wall.

32 • 5.17.2017 DESigN quick fixes

Ugly Tile Floors

If your bathroom has ugly tile floors, hide them with thick luxurious carpet. Carpet in the bathroom, you say? Yes. Head over to a carpet liquidator and buy a remnant the approximate size of your bathroom. Line it up at the doorway unroll it, cutting away excess and trimming around fixtures with a razor knife. If you choose a high pile carpet, it will hide any little mistakes you make; you can even put down patches. About every two weeks pull up the carpet, flip it over and let it air out overnight. Even with an expensive carpet, it won’t cost much to do a typical apartment sized bathroom, so you can replace it when necessary.

The Renter’s Tool Kit

Everybody should have a tool kit to take care of little repairs. You needn’t spend a fortune, and can usually fine good kits at home improvement stores or Ikea, you can even assemble your own.

Each kit should have: • lightweight claw hammer • rigid tape measure (at least 8 feet long) • pliers • utility knife • adjustable wrench • set of Allen wrenches • two screwdrivers, a Phillips (pointy) and flat- head • torpedo level • stud-finder • rechargeable flashlight.

5.17.2017 • 33 DESigN rooms

Theme your Brittany Ferrendi Are you a drag queen with needs? You deserve your very own room to perfect your look. Be the queen of Drag Room the castle with these must-have drag essentials.

BLACk CONTEMPORARy OAL CHEVAL MIRROR $120 amzn.to/2rntRpa

This mirror is essential to make sure you look like perfection from head to toe. The modern oval shape won’t cut off your curves and leaves plenty of room to pose.

VANITy MIRROR WITH LIGHTS AND DIMMER $330 etsy.me/2pT0GrS

Make every side your good side with this light-up vanity. With ten drawers, this is ideal for makeup-hoarding queens. The best part? The vanity comes with a 2-plug outlet, so you don’t need to travel far to use your curling iron.

34 • 5.17.2017 DESigN rooms

RUPAUL QUEEN QUOTES MUG $10.71 etsy.me/2rnt6wk

Obsessed with RuPaul’s Drag Race? Get your daily fi x of both coffee and shade with this stylish mug. Quotes like “Not today, Satan” and “Ex- squeeze me?” are sure to get you through your drab Mondays.

MANNEQUIN HEAD FORMS $49.95 etsy.me/2qooHdM CATWALk RUNWAy STAGE Don’t just put your wigs on any old $2,300 wig stand — after all that hard bit.ly/2rnjiCt work, they deserve to be pampered. This swan neck mannequin head is When it comes to rocking the the perfect throne for your wig of any catwalk, go big or go home. shape or length. Or, practice your skills at home with your very own stage. It’s completely portable, allowing you to pack up your runway to pose on the go.

5.17.2017 • 35 DESigN rooms

Tucker Berardi Theme your Is tree hugging not enough? Bring your environmental advocacy home with these products that are sure to make your home eco-friendly Green Room without sacrificing style.

LED lights are a must when energy conservation is your goal — they produce a noticeably smaller electric footprint when compared to regular light bulbs that helps the environment LITE + CyCLE and your electric bill. However, nothing can beat an inexistent electric footprint. Feel-Good (and Smell-good) lighting Lite + Cycle candles aim to bring the highest quality scent to your home without leaving Visit: LiteAndCycleShop.com any waste behind. The candles use non-GMO vegetable wax and high-grade essential oils to produce a natural, captivating scent that fills the whole room. Pillar candles start at $24 and can reach as much as $78.

CHAIRISH COyUCHI Making secondhand buying less “Some of the softest fabrics you tacky can get your hands on” Visit: Chairish.com Visit: Coyuchi.com Chairish is a company that scours Less than one percent of the flea markets and vintage stores to world’s cotton is organically find furniture, decor and more in grown, making the search for truly order to refurbish and stylize for natural textiles a headache. Look resale. Many items are updated no further — Coyuchi makes to look more modern and tasteful all of their blankets, bedding, — with a price tag to match. Items mattresses and more from 100 on the Chairish site can get up to percent organic cotton, wool from two or three thousand dollars. family-owned Canadian sheep TUFT & NEEDLE However, the site also has frequent and other organic materials. You Sleep responsible sales — bringing premium prices COLORHOUSE can get a completely organic Visit: Amazon.com/Tuft-Needle down to a few hundred dollars for PAINT striped wool blanket for $198 on the nicer pieces. Color without the chemicals their website. Organic doesn’t have to mean Visit: ColorhousePaint.com compromise. Tuft & Needle offer eco friendly mattresses for Not only will the natural hues of reasonable prices that consistently ColorHouse paint give your space receive top reviews on amazon. a natural look, but it will do so Tuft & Needle mattresses use without the harmful chemicals, adaptive foam that forms to every toxins, fumes and pollutants that body and adjustment, and is made come with a regular can of paint. with environmentally responsible ColorHouse offers rich shades materials, which means your of green, vibrant colors inspired carbon footprint won’t keep you by flowers and soothing browns, up at night. A Tuft & Needle Queen whites and greys sure to highlight size will set you back $600 — your room’s environment. Gallon you can also opt for a $500 full or cans sell for $45. a $750 king.

36 • 5.17.2017 PaiD content JESSE DURKO’S NURSERY A lush escape for botanical hearts

isiting Jesse Durko’s Nursery is truly a unique experience as it is as much of a botanical garden as it is a nursery. The 10-acre property is Vladen with thousands of Flowering trees. Palms, Bamboo Heliconia, Gingers and Flowers of all kinds from around the world. Many of these can be seen gracing the edge of the lakes and trails. The Gardens and nursery feature ‘Florida friendly plants’. This means these plants can grow easily in our South Florida climate and are grown without the use of pesticides. Our motto is if we can grow it you can too.

Some favorite unique plants that One special area of the property is the can be found there are: native fl ower garden which features many hard to fi nd native species. Be watchful here as you are sure to see nearly all of the South The ‘Pink Handkerchief Tree’ Maniltoa Florida Butterfl ies and many of its birds lenticellata is a fl owering tree not grown enjoying the garden with you. for its large beautiful fl owers but for its spectacular weeping fl ushes of pink new leaves that appear several times through the year. Really if Claud Monet had this in his garden he wouldn’t have painted willows. While exploring the grounds here you will certainly fi nd the Sorrowless Tree, these are a sacred tree revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike. While Hindu people believe it removes sorrow from your life the Buddhist believe that Buddha was born under the tree. Anyway, hundreds of tangerine fl owers can adorn the branches throughout most of the year, and really you don’t have to be a Hindu as seeing one blooming certainly would bring joy to anyone’s heart.

The nursery is open seven days: week days 8 am to 4:30 pm. And weekends from 10 am to 4:30 pm. We are located at 5151 SW 70th Ave. Davie Florida 33314. Please visit our website at www.jessedurko.com

5.17.2017 • 37 DESigN rooms

Theme your Brendon Lies How do you defi ne your grizzly side? If you really want to bear your true colors, take a look at these suggestions for Bear Room turning your den into a true cave of wonders.

DECORATIVE BEAR PEDESTAL $79.99 bit.ly/2qliDBq

Need somewhere to set the beer down while you bear arms? This charming nightstand would be perfect next to the bedside. It features a glossy fi nish and relaxed expression that is ready for the show.

CLIMBING BEARS TORCHIERE FLOOR LAMP $549.91 bit.ly/2qihlsd

An homage to you and your pocket bear, this classy high quality lamp features two bears clinging to a fi rm trunk – and will do a fi ne job of casting light throughout your cave as you do the same.

38 • 5.17.2017 DESigN rooms

GRIzzLEy BEAR DECORATIVE METAL RACk $35.00 etsy.me/2pAnH7Q

When it’s time to domesticate your fellow bear, make sure you have the chains ready with this handmade steel hanging rack, complete with a bear on the prowl.

THE MADISON CIGAR HUMIDOR $99.00 bit.ly/2qHrwZ0 QUILT THREE PIECE RUSTIC CABIN BED Finish every guest’s night with a SET bang by delighting him to a cigar $49.99 straight from your collection. This amzn.to/2pQmogn humidifier comes with a hygrometer for monitoring moisture levels, and Establish your rustic side in the features a lock to make sure any bedroom with this handsome prowlers keep their paws off until the predator-and-prey bed set time is right. featuring a woodland theme and material that is both delightfully soft and, yes, easy to clean.

5.17.2017 • 39 DESigN rooms

Work Your Kinks Out Jillian Melero Sitting, standing, lying down, or swinging from the ceiling, the well designed Design Your “Kink” room accommodates H/his H/her or T/their needs when entertaining special guests. If you desire ease of access, require absolute restraint, or need some discreet storage, this collection offers something for your pleasure. BDSM Playroom *All items listed, also available through Etsy The Throne Whether high and mighty or down and dirty, these thrones serve a powerful demonstration of who sits on top. Variations on the “open-air” Kinging or Queening throne, include the enclosed Smotherbox.

“QUEENING THRONE” $199.95 From BDSM-Gear.com

• cushions in black, burgundy, red, blue, or purple • wood color in natural, cherry, mahogany, and black

“FUNCUBE” $4,200 From Funtasies, Spain, available through Etsy The Table An exceptional upgrade to the Smotherbox the discreet Your table elements can range from industrial, surgical, “Funcube” includes mirrored paneling, LED lights, metal to a vintage inspired wood and leather or a more stereo sound, and remote. altar like and somber stone. The idea is that the table sit higher than a coffee or dining room table, closer to • upholstery, chocolate, black, or white waist height, where one can more easily manipulate • steel, black, or red their tools and toys. “ULTIMATE MOVABLE ONE PIECE DUNGEON W/ ARM RESTS AND INVERSION TABLE” $1,399.95 From LegionBDSM, Jacksonville

This versatile “one-piece dungeon” can serve as a table, and as a Saint Andrew’s Cross, and can shift between horizontal and vertical positions.

• available in black or red

40 • 5.17.2017 DESigN rooms The Saint Andrew’s Cross The Saint Andrew’s Cross has a striking visual that makes it a classic favorite. The tall X-shaped frame features restraint points at the wrists and ankles and waist. Restrained face up is the preferred position for teasing, face down for discipline. Subjects may be secured right side up or upside down. A variation to look for is the Catherine’s Wheel, which spins. “LEGION HEAVy DUNGEON CROSS” $379.95 • padding available in black leather, black, red, From LegionBDSM, white, or cream vinyl Jacksonville • see listing for woodstain options

The Sex Swing or Sling A Sex Swing/Sling can be mounted over the back of a door, to an independent structure, or hook directly into your ceiling. Door-mounted slings are good for small spaces, renters and travellers. But because they’re mounted over the back of a closed door, are used for bracing rather than suspension and offer limited access. Toy Storage “SLING FRAME kIT LEATHER” The Table $400 (frame only); $899 (frame plus leather) Investing in some stylish storage LeatherWerks will help keep your toys and tools in order, within easy reach, or neatly A bondage swing takes the support of a sling and modifies tucked away. it with restraints likes cuffs and harnesses

“TB-XL ADULT TOy A frame mounted swing does well in an open setting. Within a private space, STORAGE TRUNk” installing your swing directly into the ceiling or other structural support will $2,350.00 save room. And the hook points can be used to hang a planter or other décor From ToyBoxxx Studio, NY, Etsy when the swing is stored.

For toys to fill your trunk with, or the right outfit for the occasion, visit two of our favorite neighborhood shops, LeatherWerks on 1226 N.E. 4th Ave. and Fetish Factory on 855 E. Oakland Park Blvd., both in Fort Lauderdale. Finally, If you don’t want your Kink Room *looking* like a dungeon, you may want to play with a few accents, like lighting, room color or fabrics. For the fi rst two, check out our story “Let There Be Light.” For the fabrics, one site that might suit your tastes is SinInLinen.com.

5.17.2017 • 41 DESigN rooms

Brittany Ferrendi Theme your Any geek’s home isn’t complete without a game cave to sit back and relax in on your day off. To complete your perfectly Gaymer Room designed gaming sanctuary, these fi ve items are must-haves.

NINTENDO SWITCH Nintendo’s latest gaming console is the Nintendo Switch, a gayming essential for $299.99 adults whether you prefer solo play or a game night with a group of friends. Pop in Nintendo.com/Switch/Buy-Now “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” or “1-2-Switch” for hours of entertainment.

DANBy COMPACT kEITH WIRELESS kEGERATOR VIDEO GAMING $599.99 CHAIR bit.ly/2rkZGPf $204.99 No gayming cave is ever bit.ly/2rkTfLb complete without a refrigerator, Treat yourself to a deluxe but if you’re truly daring, go all experience with a completely out with a kegerator. It’s exactly wireless gaming chair with built-in what it sounds like: a fridge speakers. It’s easily connected to a designed to hold a keg of your home theatre system or a gaming favorite cold beer. console, complete with a side control panel to adjust volume, ROLy POLy connect to a headset and more. ROCkING WHISkEy GLASSES $29.95 bit.ly/2pF2JVl Let’s be real: Things tend to LG SUPER UHD 4k get a little rambunctious when HDR SMART LED TV adrenaline levels soar. Don’t $1,199.99 risk knocking over your drink bit.ly/2rkVcas — try a spill-proof whiskey glass instead. The glass’s A game cave without a 4K design lets it roll in a circular television is like a drag queen motion instead of ever tipping without her makeup. Experience over. your games the way they were meant to be played with a HD LG television. And since it’s a smart television, you can enjoy a wave of extra features.

42 • 5.17.2017 LOWEST PRICES • LARGEST SELECTION GUARANTEED • YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR PEACE PIPE ALL YOUR VAPOR NEEDS! Over 1,000 SQ FT. LARGEST GLASSROOM! SELECTION HOOKAHS • SHISHA • ROLLING PAPERS DIESEL • LEFT COAST • MEDICALI • • VAPORIZERS • ELECTRIC CIGARETTES ROOR • GRAV LABS • SILIKA • PULSE • • ELIQUIDS • ZIPPOS • TOBACCO TSUNAMI & MORE! ACCESSORIES INCENSE + CANDLES + TAPESTRIES • ASHTRAYS • TORCH LIGHTERS • FLASKS • BODY JEWELRY • GAMES • ROLLING TOBACCO • POSTERS • STATUES • FIGURINES • T-SHIRTS • LOTS MORE! OPEN MON - SAT: 10AM - 9PM • SUN: 12 - 6 PM EVERYTHING YOU NEED! MORE THAN YOU EXPECT! The Best Since 1996 15 Minutes From The Beach or I-95

Two 954-267-9005 Locations! 754-779-7007 4800 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY, FORT LAUDERDALE 821 N. FEDERAL HWY., FORT LAUDERDALE JUST SOUTH OF COMMERCIAL BLVD JUST SOUTH OF SEARS TOWN NEXT TO CUBBY HOLE FACEBOOK.COM/PEACEPIPEFL @PEACEPIPEFORTLAUDERDALE

5.17.2017 • 43 DESigN kitchen

Every tool you need Kitchen Magicians to be a master chef

Rick Karlin Box Grater Knives he kitchen is not unlike the bedroom, you can’t get good results unless you’ve got the proper equip- Tment. And while Mother Nature and genetics are responsible for the equipment you need in the bedroom, what’s necessary to make you into a kitchen magician is easily attainable at any home goods store. Below is a baker’s dozen of essential tools that every chef needs, followed by a few gadgets that will make your life easier (hey, maybe it isn’t that different than the bedroom after all!)

A chef’s knife is the most essential tool a stainless-steel box grater offers a Cutting Board for a cook. It’s ideal for chopping produce and variety of shredding sizes for anything from Plastic Boards herbs, as well as slicing and dicing meat. The cheese, to carrots, to chocolate. if you want to back-side of the knife can be used to pound out get fancy you can also get a micro-plane for cutlets, while the side can be used to smash fi ne grating and a stainless steel mandoline garlic. A paring knife is helpful for smaller jobs for making quick work of slicing tomatoes or such as deboning a chicken or carving fruit. making french fries. Although not essential for beginning cooks, a serrated bread knife is also useful for slicing a large metal colander is essential for delicate items, such as angel food cake. Spend draining pasta or vegetables and works well Colander the money for quality knives where the metal for rinsing salad greens and shellfi sh, draining Processor Blender of the knife continues up through the wooden pasta and salad greens, separating fruit juice handle. It is essential to keep your knives sharp. or pulp from seeds and can be used to strain Always hand wash and dry all knives and either soups and sauces. buy a honing steel and learn to use it, or take your knives to be professionally sharpened on a an instant-read thermometer to check regular basis. meat, and poultry to be sure they’re cooked to the correct temperature. a large, heavy-duty cutting board, with In addition to the tools above, all kitchens Immersion a reservoir to collect liquid, is wonderful for Kitchen Shears should have the following utensils; ladle, prep work and cutting roasts. i sanitize mine vegetable peeler, metal spatula, rubber or after each use with a bleach wipe, and then Silicone spatula, a sturdy slotted spoon with wipe it again with a damp paper towel. i also a stainless-steel handle, pasta spoon, small, buy inexpensive plastic cutting boards and medium and large whisks (metal or nylon), and dispose of them after a few uses. The knife stainless-steel locking tongs with rubber tips. marks in plastic boards are breeding grounds If you like to bake cookies, invest in a pair of for bacteria. rinse in boiling water between Silpat baking pan liners. No need to grease cookie uses. Measuring Cup sheets or line them with parchment paper. The Slip Mat sheets rinse off easily, are dishwasher safe and kitchen shears are not only great when roll up for easy storage. If you like to make soups you need to mince herbs or chop canned and sauces, invest in an immersion blender. tomatoes; they’re also great for trimming fat A KitchenAid stand mixer is a workhorse. from meat and skin from poultry. you can also The standard model comes with a variety of use the shears to slice pizza like a champ, just attachments from whisks and paddle mixers to coat the blades with a little oil and you’ll make a hook for kneading bread. Attachments include perfect slices in seconds. meat grinders and sausage-making implements. Kitchen Aid A food processor and/or mixer are useful for Thermometer get a clear measuring cup with (2 cup chopping, grinding and pureeing. A number of capacity with smaller divisions marked on companies off er one base with blender and food the side) for liquids and nesting measuring processor attachments. cups (usually ¼ to 1 cup) for dry ingredients. Any of the above would be welcome gifts Similarly get a set of nested measuring spoons to foodies, or to newlyweds setting up a new (usually 1 tablespoon down to ¼ teaspoon). kitchen.

44 • 5.17.2017 5.17.2017 • 45 DESigN neighborhoods

f you are a loyal reader of this publication, I can pretty much guarantee, given Fabulous? Ithe option, you would rather people describe you as “fabulous” instead of “basic.” That’s only natural; I’m the same way. WilMa, only to end up with something that So why wouldn’t you want your home to looks no different from what you would match (or even possibly exceed) your own find in the Vast Undiscovered Territory level of fabulousness? (which I define as everything west of 95 or I took a look at single family home sales north of Jupiter). in the last year, within two miles of Stately And many of them can be bought for less SFGN Headquarters in Wilton Manors. than you think. Twenty-eight percent of the sales had Having lived most of my life (so far) in final prices of $500,000 or higher. And six New England, I am accustomed to seeing Or Basic? percent of the transactions hit or exceeded (and living in) homes from the 19th or James Oaksun the $1 million mark. even 18th Century. There was, indeed, life Certainly many of these residences were here in South Florida – not just in Miami- fabulous, in their own way. Dade, but in Palm Beach and even Broward In this column, I am going to point out counties – before the Baby Boom. Many of some locations in South Florida where you these older homes, built prior to 1940, are can find something a little different, not architecturally stunning. of the “basic” 1955-70 generic one level So, put on your art and architecture variety. Areas, perhaps a little off the beaten appreciation hats, and let’s go on a drive. track of the Gayborhood, where you (and You are going to find most of these homes perhaps more importantly, your friends) in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. will say the “F” word (fabulous, people, While there are some here in Broward, the come on) when they see your home and history of South Florida really started in the those nearby. 1920s in Miami and Palm Beach. Broward Yes some of them are a little pricey. But was not developed in earnest until later. hey, as I said above, people obviously are But we will begin with Broward and extend willing to spend a lot to live in or near outward.

1. Downtown Hollywood.

The only significant historic district in Broward is the stretch of Hollywood Boulevard between Young Circle and (roughly) Dixie Highway. And within walking distance of that district are some staggeringly beautiful prewar homes. They don’t come onto the market often, but generally can be bought in the $300-500k range when they do. 2. Southwest corner of Fort Lauderdale.

Yes there are some beautiful prewar homes in Victoria Park, Colee Hammock and Rio Vista. But the preponderance of prewar homes in Broward’s principal city lay west and south of there – in the Sailboat Bend, Tarpon River and Riverside Park neighborhoods. In the time I have lived in Fort Lauderdale I have seen increased interest here. Come take a look sometime and expect to spend $250-400k for a small prewar home with a high FI (Fabulousness Index). Next let’s venture into Miami-Dade. Here we find two entire neighborhoods on the National Register of Historic Places. One requires a large chunk of change, but the other is a bit more reasonable price-wise. And as I said, why spend big money on ho-hum? 3. Bayside/Morningside Park area of Miami.

Look east of Biscayne between roughly 50th and 60th Streets for some of the most amazing homes you will find in South Florida. These homes are usually larger and more elegant than those of the same vintage in Broward. But for those who like the energy, culture and nightlife of Miami, and can afford a premium price, I believe it to be an outstanding option. The homes are generally in excess of 2,000 square feet, and while you can on occasion get one for under $800k, you’re going to need $1 million or more to buy here.

Downtown hollywood. Photo: hollywoodfl.org.

46 • 5.17.2017 DESigN neighborhoods

4. Normandy Isle.

The other National Register neighborhood is on the east side of the bay, on a lovely island off the west coast of the Beach as you go out 71st Street toward North Bay Village. Prices here are lower than on the mainland, though the homes are typically smaller (in the 1500-2000 square foot area). Expect price tags in the 400s and 500s, but again, the fabulousness is free. Now let’s head north into Palm Beach County for some grand examples. 5. Delray Beach downtown.

I’m a little biased, I love Delray and consider Atlantic Avenue a superior alternative to Las Olas. Your price of entry here is going to be at least $300k for a smaller home, going into the higher six figures for larger and more elegant. But you will be in an easy walking distance to restaurants and fun, and you (and your friends) will say “wow.” 6. Certain parts of Lake Worth.

There are a couple residential neighborhoods here in the National Register. You’re a stone’s throw from West Palm and Palm Beach, and you would not only have a cool house but would be part of the renaissance of this community. Focus on College Hill (between Dixie and Federal and north of 19th Street) and the area east of Federal toward the Lake. Inventory is generally strong. You will find many opportunities between $200 and $400k. There are also a plethora of smaller prewar homes in other areas of Lake Worth that could make excellent investment or rental opportunities. 7. Palm Beach.

I can hear you – Are you kidding me, James? No, I’m not, and yes I realize I’m not talking to that many of you. But if you have the means to spend in the $1 million area for a home, which would you rather tell people including your know-it-all friends from Boston and DC: that you live in Pompano (now I like Pompano, and no offense, But) ART FRENZIE or that you live in Palm Beach? Just north of the Breakers there are a couple streets of Framing & Fine Art Gallery smaller (you might call them large bungalow) homes that on occasion hit the market in the $1 million area. Think about it. Sensational Spring Sale Celebrating Our 20th Anniversary! 8. And finally, any of the several historic residential districts in West Palm Framing 20+ Years Often Imitated never Duplicated!! Trust our longstanding expertise Call for your personal consultation (for example, Northwood, Grandview Heights and Flamingo Park). & knowledge tailored to your needs

Don’t scoff until you check the events schedule at the Kravis Center, or enjoy City Place for a while. Parts of West Palm are architecturally amazing, and at prices you might find surprising. A goodly number of these homes are generally available in the $300-500k range. Expect premium prices (more than $1 million) for El Cid. Maybe you can trade up to there. The question then becomes: what do you do with the place once you buy it? Especially at the lower parts of the price ranges, you are going to need to do some updating. You can not only have a fabulous home from the street view all the way in, but you can preserve a wonderful part of Florida’s history and do the right thing environmentally by making the workings and landscape smarter and more efficient. That’s a three-fer that will make the home maximally attractive to the next owner.

James Oaksun, Broward’s Real Estate Geek(SM), is Broker- Owner of New Realty Concepts in Oakland Park. In addition to having degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI). 2151 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 (954)560-3684 www.facebook.com/ArtFrenzie

5.17.2017 • 47 DESigN quick fixes

hanks to Gilbert Baker, you’d be hard pressed to find a gay man or woman who doesn’t love a little color. If you’re thinking of bringing it into your house, there’s a way to do it so it doesn’t involve layers of Ttedious paint or expensive furnishing. Of course, those are certainly options too. Let There But whether you’re tearing out walls or just throwing a new lamp in the corner, lighting is undeniably the number one way to cast new ambience in your home. Here are three ways to get the most out of your lighting. 1. Pick a color

Be Light! I’m not just talking about red, green, or blue. Even with “normal” lighting, you have a choice between warm light and cool light. Warm lighting, which more closely mimics evening light, is perfect for a room with more yellow, red or brown. The easiest way to redecorate Cool lighting – the crisp bluish light of high noon – is best with teals, soft blue, purple, or gray rooms. If you have a green room, consider the choice yours. Brendon Lies No matter which one you choose, the difference is in what pigments are drawn out. In order for a room to glow with its full potential, you should pick lighting that will draw out its strengths. It’s a good idea to have at least one “pure” light in your room. But once you have that, don’t be afraid to experiment with some real colors. If your walls are red with yellow accents, try throwing red and yellow light bulbs into that lamp in the corner. If your bedroom is themed like a forest, consider hanging a green string of lights around the nightstand. If you’re not feeling restrained to a particular color scheme, check out the iLuv Rainbow7 (Amazon, $29.54), a Bluetooth LED multi-colored light bulb that can be changed to any color with just your cell phone – and get ready to taste the rainbow. Even if your walls weren’t painted before, they will be once the lights come on. 2. Postion and placement

Where a light is at makes all the difference. If part of your room is fairly busy, small bursts of light might help break up the clutter. Think about adding a nest of LED lights behind your porcelain collection, or create a gap on your bookshelf for a color-changing orb. Cool vs. warm light. How about if a wall feels fairly empty? A wall light fixture – especially one that casts light up or down the wall instead of outward – will paint the wall with new life, giving your room a handsome main attraction (besides yourself, of course). This would be the perfect opportunity to try out some theme-matching colored lights. If your heart is set on an elegant hanging lamp or chandelier, pay careful attention to the layout of the room itself. A busy room could make it feel choked; hanging lamps are bright, and require plenty of breathing room in order for guests to admire their full grandeur. 3. Accent lighting

It doesn’t all have to steal the show. Say you’re already happy with the way light casts, and it seems to balance well with the other décor in your home. Instead, opt for a lighting fixture that gives a subtle burst or twinkle to your existing flourishes. There are fairy lights for every theme imaginable – you can line your ceiling with orange and gold mini lanterns, nautical sea creatures, or just stick to tiny led lights that will cast a starry spectrum amongst your previous décor. Not only can fairy lights become their own soft light source, but you can choose a level of warmth or coolness that will further accent the lights already in the room. How about a few candles, or a wax burner? Both come in every style under the sun! Next time you look around your room, keep your eyes out for dark corners that your eyes normally avoid. That’s the perfect spot for a new lamp, or even a clock with backlights. LED light strips stuck beneath ledges, under bed frames or counter edges are an easy way to transform a room into an exhibit.

When it comes to décor, it’s not just about lamps, painting walls or matching curtains. If you have a beautiful burgundy and pink room lit by nothing but stark white light, you’re missing out on an opportunity to play with those shades and colors. Transform your home in an instant with nothing more than a little internet browsing. All you need is a little light.

48 • 5.17.2017

Volume 4 • Issue 9 WMGMay 17, 2017 Wilton Manors Gazette Community Warm Atmosphere and Warm Coffees and Teas Make Up Novel Tea

By Michael d’Oliveira

As soon as Joelle Lee Silcox leaves Novel Bowe specialize in. Tea, she’s already planning her next visit and The married partners, who live in FAT the next thing she wants to order from the Village in Fort Lauderdale, serve 40 diff erent menu. “In the midst of busy and bustling Fort kinds of loose leaf teas – greens, blacks, reds, Lauderdale, Novel Tea stands out as a place to herbal, boba tea, and bubble tea. On Yelp’s gather your thoughts, grab a quick delicious “Best Bubble Tea in Fort Lauderdale” review, bite, and receive the best service in South Novel Tea was the only business to get a full Florida! Not only will you have a diffi cult time fi ve stars. It also got fi ve stars for “Best Tea in deciding which delectable to try, but once you Fort Lauderdale” and “Best Boba Tea in Fort taste the fi rst bite of whatever Lauderdale.” you have painstakingly chosen, If “reds” makes the tea sound you will transcend into sheer as a nod a little like varietals of wine, bliss,” she wrote on Novel Tea’s Delgado said there’s a whole Facebook page. to theIr culture of tea lovers who take Opened in August of 2015 their passion just as seriously as Ray Delgado and Todd Bowe, owners by Ray Delgado and Todd Bowe, prevIous wine lovers do. The origin of the of Novel Tea. Submitted photo. Novel Tea, 2043 Wilton Drive, tea leaves includes Brazil, Kenya, feels much like a traditional plans, the and Costa Rica. “Our organic tea center because there’s a sense of cooperation doing this?’” Bowe said. Originally, opening independent coff ee shop. There works of is certifi ed in New York.” and goodwill that he and Delgado want to in FAT Village was the plan but no space that are sacks of coff ee beans on the The coff ee beans come from foster and be a part of. was appropriate opened-up. Inspired by their fl oor, comfortable couches and local artIsts Argyle Coff ee Roasters in Flagler They also want to be a part of the charitable shared love of photography, Bowe and Delgado seats, local art on the walls, and Village. “You’re always getting giving many Wilton Manors business owners also wanted to create a photography studio/tea plenty of books on shelves and are featured the freshest roast,” Delgado said. take part in. shop, but decided it was better to focus on the stacked on the fl oor, which can To avoid the impurities of city The two say charitable events are held tea. be read or borrowed. on the water, Novel Tea uses bottled regularly at their business. Last month, they As a nod to their previous plans, the works Some of the books are even water in the brewing process. partnered with Hunters Nightclub to raise of local artists are featured on the walls. It’s used to prop up one of the walls. “Even the ice is fi ltered. We try to $720 each for Wilton Manors Elementary also part of the feeling of home the two wanted couches, in lieu of its lost leg – keep it as pure as we can,” Bowe School. Novel Tea raises the money through a to create for customers. those are probably the only books customers said. “We try to get as much organic as we can. tip jug they put on the counter. “We call this our “You get the same service here as if you can’t borrow. “It’s a very odd couch,” said Our organic teas are certifi ed in New York,” he growler,” said Delgado as he grabs one of the were in our home,” Delgado said. So, don’t be Bowe with a laugh. The leg came off one day added. jugs. They’ve also donated to SunServe, Kids afraid to put your feet up and get comfortable. when the couch was being moved for a special Customers looking for a bite to go with In Distress, Women In Distress, Everglades “This is a place of love and karma. There are no event. “We got a couple books [under it] and their tea or coff ee, can order breads, cookies, Angels, a dog rescue organization, and others. TVs. This is a little respite from all that,” Bowe called it a day,” said Delgado. muffi ns, tarts, empanadas, quiches, scones, Novel Tea is also host to regular special said. WMG Novel Tea serves craft beer, wine, – “if you a hummus pizza, and other menu items – all events, including local musicians performing. need to get your drink on,” said Bowe – and made by a pastry chef. “Items you won’t fi nd Delgado and Bowe were inspired to start Novel Tea is closed Mondays and coff ee, including a special Cuban-style café [served] by our neighbors,” Bowe said. He Novel Tea to spend more time together and Tuesdays. For hours of operation, con leche made by “true Cuban” Delgado. But, added that Novel Tea won’t sell the same items to work closer to home. “We said ‘do we visit Novel Tea on Facebook or on unlike a coff ee house, tea is what Delgado and as the other businesses in the same shopping really want to be in our 80s and regret not Instagram at @novelteafl. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 • May 17, 2017 5.17.2017 • 49 Opinion Community Spirit 2017 WMG

By Sal Torre MAY 17, 2017 • VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 9 2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

PUBLISHER • NORM KENT [email protected]

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER • PIER ANGELO GUIDUGLI ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / EXECUTIVE EDITOR • JASON PARSLEY [email protected] ASSOCIATE EDITOR • JILLIAN MELERO [email protected] Editorial ART DIRECTOR • BRENDON LIES [email protected] DESIGNER • CHARLES PRATT DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR • BRITTANY FERRENDI [email protected] NEWS EDITOR • MICHAEL D’OLIVEIRA Correspondents NATALYA JONES • JOHN MCDONALD • JAMES OAKSUN Today ends a tumultuous week for me here in Wilton Manors. community and our city a better place and will continue to make Staﬀ Photographers However, as I sit down to write this article, my faith in our our city even greater. J.R. DAVIS • POMPANO BILL • STEVEN SHIRES community and our wonderful city remains resilient, confi dent As I close out this day on a high note, there is one thing I simply Sales & Marketing and stronger than ever. cannot understand. I will probably off end someone on our city DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING • MIKE TROTTIER After spending the week dealing with some negative fallout staff , but I cannot help myself. At the Volunteer Luncheon, the [email protected] from Tuesday’s City Commission meeting and a busy work thank-you item was a mason jar bearing our city logo. I’m not sure SALES MANAGER • JUSTIN WYSE schedule, I grudgingly headed over to Snook Creek Boat Ramp about you, but this city boy equates mason jars with those who [email protected] on Powerline Road for our neighborhood association’s periodic drink moonshine, pickle vegetables, or use them as some type of SENIOR SALES ASSOCIATE • KEVIN HOPPER clean-up of the park. Due to my foul mood and anticipation of the desk accessory. [email protected] low turnout of our previous clean-up, I was just Now, there’s nothing wrong with any of that, ADVERTISING SALES ASSOCIATE • EDWIN NEIMANN [email protected] going through the motions of getting the whole but how did a mason jar wind up being our city’s ADVERTISING SALES ASSOCIATE • BRETT COPPOL thing over with so to get on with my one day off . promotional item? I might be convinced, if we [email protected] As I neared the park, I noticed a few neighbors now, there’s volunteers were able to get them fi lled at various SALES ASSISTANT • TIM HIGGINS walking across Powerline and heading toward drinking establishments along Wilton Drive. [email protected] the park. When I pulled into Snook Creek Park, nothInG Unfortunately, when I tried at Matty’s across from ACCOUNTING SERVICES BY CG BOOKKEEPING I was shocked by the number of vehicles already City Hall after I left the luncheon, the bartender NATIONAL ADVERTISING in the lot. On this Saturday in May, the Westside wronG wIth thought I was a bit daft. RIVENDELL MEDIA 212-242-6863 [email protected] Association had more people than ever show up So, I headed home with empty mason jar in any of that, South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions for our community park clean-up. Neighbors hand, wondering why? Did our Mayor get a great expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not coming out to help improve the community in deal on these jars during a recent visit to the MEMBER But how dId presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names which we all live--it doesn’t get any better than mountains of Georgia? Did someone order cases, or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN that! Thank you all! thinking to sell them at last year’s Stonewall should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. a mason Jar All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including After this wonderful morning, I went to the event? For Pete’s sake, they’re not even the ones articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal City’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, wInd up BeInG with a handle! Perhaps if they were fi lled with copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may beMEMBER reprinted in whole or part honoring the many volunteers who serve on something that was made locally, like the sour without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law ofﬁ ce, city boards, committees, and various volunteer our cIty’s orange and serrano chili jam I recently made from at [email protected]. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of groups. The city also recognizes the winners promotIonal items grown in my garden, but alas they were just advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. of the Community Spirit Awards which honors empty mason jars with a logo. outstanding community eff orts of both our Item? Some might use them for cocktails, but I think AssociatedMEMBER Press residents and business owners. mother’s glassware is far more suitable for my This year’s awards went to Mary and Ron Ulm Bombay gin. If the city was being frugal, other and to Anthony LoGrande. Residents Mary and Ron Ulm were promotional items in the same price point would have been much nominated together as a couple for all the wonderful work they more useful, like a frizzy fi nger duster bearing the city logo to MEMBER do on behalf of the Wilton Manors Historical Society, Ron’s many dust off computer keys and much more. Perhaps an Island City Copyright © 2017 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc. hours of hard work on the restoration of the Carriage House at clip to keep your open bag of chips fresh? If you wanted to make Richardson Park, their community service as CERT members, a real statement, stainless steel drink bottles emblazed with the active members of their neighborhood association, along with Island City logo would be a huge success, but would probably be Zebra Longwing. past and present service on various city boards and committees. blamed for the rise in the milage rate next year; so better stick Anthony LoGrande, owner of the Zig Zag Building on Wilton with the mason jars. Drive, is a tireless advocate for our city in the local business Volunteers do what they do, not for recognition or mason jars community. His commitment to creating a thriving Arts & or fl ashy gifts, but to help make our community a better place, Entertainment District along Wilton Drive has made our and that’s why life in Wilton Manors is just better here… WMG

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50 • 5.17.2017 2 • May 17, 2017 3 • May 17, 2017 5.17.2017 • 51 Community

Front, left to right: Chief O’Connell, Wilton Manors Officer Fired Offi cer Feliciano, Offi cer Rubin, and former Under criminal investigation, agency says Offi cer Dickinson. In back: Wilton Manors By Linda Trischitta, Sun Sentinel Commissioners. Photo: Wilton Manors Police Wilton Manors police fi red an offi cer after simple assault, according to the Camden Department, seven months on the job and the department County prosecutors’ offi ce. Facebook. said it is investigating him for possible When asked about his departure from criminal activity. Wilton Manors police, its investigation and Douglas John Dickinson, 28, joined the his approximately two-year employment required a visit to a hospital for injuries to Those alleged off enses prompted Colalillo department on Sept. 23, and earned $52,042. with Camden County police, Dickinson said his arms and shoulders and abrasions to his to dismiss at least 18 cases, mostly related He was dismissed April 27. by phone Monday, “I have no comment on right eye, nose, knees and elbows and bruises to drug distribution, because Dickinson was “Mr. Dickinson has been terminated any of that.” on the back of his head. the sole offi cer who would have been called while a probationary employee for not He declined to identify an attorney who Charges against Bethea were dismissed to testify, she said then. meeting department standards,” Wilton may be representing him in either situation. in April 2016. Bethea is seeking a jury trial In October, Dickinson pleaded Manors Police Chief Paul O’Connell said. A federal court lawsuit accuses Dickinson and damages, alleging unnecessary and guilty to simple assault in the Camden “After his termination, our department of violating the civil rights of Quinzelle excessive force, illegal search, false arrest prosecutor’s case, said Alexandra McVeigh, opened a criminal investigation in which Mr. Bethea, a man he arrested in Camden County and malicious prosecution, according to the a spokeswoman for the prosecutor’s offi ce. Dickinson is the subject.” in 2015 on suspicion of resisting arrest, complaint. The number of cases Dickinson was involved Citing the criminal investigation, obstructing justice and assault on a police A spokesman for Camden County Police with rose to more than 35, she said. O’Connell said he could not comment offi cer. could not be reached. O’Connell said all applicants to Wilton further. Bethea spent three weeks in a Camden Camden County Prosecutor Mary Eva Manors police undergo background checks. Dickinson previously worked for Camden County jail because he couldn’t pay $15,000 Colalillo charged Dickinson with fi ling false “There have been no complaints from city County Police in New Jersey. In October, a bail. Bethea’s complaint alleges that police reports in two cases and one count of of Wilton Manors residents for any police month into working his new job in South surveillance video of the arrest showed simple assault, according to a June 2016 news abuse [related to Dickinson],” O’Connell said. Florida, he pleaded guilty to a charge of Dickinson had assaulted Bethea, who release from that offi ce. WMG

Business by Irwin “Red” Barnwell, Red’s is also the oldest “There’s probably 200 years plus of fi re bar in the city and one of the oldest in Broward experience.” Three of the helmets belonged to County. Wilkinson bought it in 2005. “We’re him, one of his brothers, and his father. proud of our faithful customers who come back Kenney said he was heartbroken when Red’s Last Straight Bar Standing every day.” He said he keeps them coming back closed before Wilkinson bought it. with cheap drinks, free hors d’oeuvres, and “It was my neighborhood bar.” Now, he’s Oldest bar in Wilton, Red’s Bar & Package, opened in 1949 courteous service. “It’s a lot hard work to please thinking about the future and hopes that, our customers. But it’s satisfying,” Velazquez whenever Wilkinson decides to retire, he passes said. Red’s on to somebody to keep it going.” WMG By Michael d’Oliveira Retired fi refi ghter Kevin Kenney has been coming to Red’s for 42 years, ever since he was 15. Photo: Facebook. Before Wilton Manors’ large infl ux of gay “Everyone’s welcome. Even lesbians. We “The barmaids know me. If I say I don’t and lesbian residents, there were no gay or have a lot of gays that come here,” said want a Bud Light, they know to get me a gin straight bars – only bars. Taylor, who added that she feels more at and tonic.” Kenney fi rst came to Red’s for what But as more and more bars started home at Red’s than at the city’s gay and wasn’t there – questions about his age at a time opening to cater to LGBT clientele, the lesbian bars. “These people are my family. when the minimum drinking age in Florida was city’s other watering holes became de facto Everybody just loves everybody here. No only 18. straight bars. One by one, they closed or one’s ever been a stranger.” Kenney keeps coming back because of the moved. Now, there’s only one left – Red’s Manager Velia Velazquez said Red’s is a people, the memories, and the good, cheap Bar & Package at Five Points on Dixie “redneck and family bar.” You can hear it in drinks. “Everyone knows Red’s Bar. My father Highway. the string of country and class rock songs came here. My two brothers came here. Every But while Red’s and the city’s gay bars that get played regularly. But the jukebox also vehicle I’ve ever owned has been parked cater to diff erent clientele, all are welcoming, has plenty of new hits for those with updated behind Red’s. regardless of who wants to order a drink. tastes. “We get a little bit of everything At Red’s, Kenney got married, celebrated his Owner King Wilkinson only has two here,” said manager Velia Velazquez. “The 20th birthday, and got into his fi rst fi ght – last rules: pay your tab and behave yourself. employees and the customers are like a St. Patrick’s Day. “That’s all that matters,” said Wilkinson, family. They’re actual friends.” “It’s defi nitely a real, blue collar bar. It’s a who was mayor here in the 1990s and can Velazquez and bartender Diane Avery fi refi ghter’s bar,” said Kenney as he pointed often be found at Red’s wearing his white have been with Wilkinson since the to the fi re helmets, donated mostly by retired Stetson. “Everyone’s treated equally here.” beginning. “It’s so cheerful. Everybody has fi refi ghters, hanging around the bar. Some of Betty Taylor said she and her wife such a good time. They don’t want to leave. the helmets are from active fi refi ghters who regularly pull up barstools at Red’s and It’s a lively group of people,” Avery said. were promoted to captain and donated their Taylor has been coming for 12 years. Built in 1949 out of two Navy barracks lieutenant helmets. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

52 • 5.17.2017 4 • May 17, 2017 Community Old Goodwill Site May Become Pool By Michael d’Oliveira

Concepts for the pool. Submitted.

Wilton Manors doesn’t have a pool that and redesigned. “We’re retrofi tting the can be accessed by the public. building.” He added that the arched design But that may change if Hammerhead of the building make it a good fi t for a pool Aquatics, which off ers swim lessons, builds because there are no beams. The pool will be a public access pool at the former Goodwill 50 meters long and have eight lanes. Besides store at 550 E. Oakland Park Blvd. in Wilton lap swimming, plans for use of the pool Manors, behind the Primanti include swim competitions, Bros. The old Goodwill has exercise classes, physical been empty since April of therapy programs, and adult 2011. “I thInk It’s and infant swim classes. “This will just expand our “It’s a tight fi t but it’s big aquatics capability. There really clever enough for multiple activities are no pools in this part of Idea. I Just at once,” Kissinger said. town that are open seven Plans also include an days a week. We hope to stay hope there outdoor shower, classroom [at Sunrise Middle School] are enouGh space, catering kitchen, but this is something for our outdoor patio, a therapy future. We’re getting too big. swImmers to pool, and 34 parking spots. We need more space,” said A second fl oor would house John Grzeszczak, head coach support that.” offi ce space or community of Hammerhead Aquatics and room. Wind turbines could resident of Wilton Manors. - ray Carrier possibly be installed on the Nothing has happened roof. yet but Grzeszczak said it “I think it’s really clever could take up to about a year to make the idea. I just hope there are enough swimmers improvements to the building. to support that,” said resident Ray Carrier. “With permits and everything, “It’s a good opportunity for the community hopefully sooner.” Hammerhead Aquatics if they run the programs they’re talking currently contracts with Fort Lauderdale to about running,” said CANA President Paul off er public swimming and lessons at the Rolli. Sunrise Middle School pool. The pool may or may not have to be The plans for the pool were presented at approved by city commissioners and could the Central Area Neighborhood Association be given approval by city staff . Assistant [CANA] meeting on May 10. City Manager Pamela Landi said that it’s too Paul Kissinger, principal for the early to know the answer because no plans architectural design fi rm EDSA, called have been submitted yet so it’s unknown the pool “a community resource” and if a zoning change or any other type of said that the building would be revamped change will be needed. WMG • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • •

5 • May 17, 2017 5.17.2017 • 53 Community Business Check out what’s happening Businesses Owners Want Less Bars on ‘The Drive’ Around Town Too much of the same is hurting everybody, some say By Michael d’Oliveira By Michael d’Oliveira Horror Camp for Little Monsters Registration is now open for the Horror Camp for Little Monsters, a horror- focused summer camp for kids between the ages of 9 and 15 years old. The camp gives children the opportunity to learn the mechanics and techniques of horror as an art form and reveals the mystery of what makes something “scary.” There are hands-on workshops and activities that include learning how to apply makeup and write scripts. The fi rst sessions begin in July. The summer camp is organized by Infi nite Abyss Productions, 2304 N. Dixie Hwy., Wilton Manors. Visit creepy. camp for more information. WMG

City approves economic plan On May 9, commissioners directed city staff to implement the goals outlined When it comes to watering holes on Wilton bar is probably the highest and most dense use by the 2016-2021 Economic Development Strategic Plan, released in December. Drive, some bar and restaurant owners think of parking.” The goals of the plan include improved signage, getting a commuter rail station there’s too much of a good thing. One bar owner, who asked to remain built in the city, partnering with other economic development organizations, On Wilton Drive, some business owners say anonymous, said he’d like to see a limitation creating business incentives, improved parking, and tourism promotion. too many bars have resulted in too little profi t. on the same types of restaurants as well, but Although the commission told staff to implement the plan, Vice Mayor Justin “There’s too many bars,” said Nick Berry, he’s not sure if proximity should be the limiting Flippen said offi cials needed to pass the plan but they also had the ability to alter co-owner of Rumors Bar & Grill and Courtyard factor. “It’s hurt bar sales. We are at max it if needed. WMG Café. “The market’s diluted with bars. Other saturation . . . businesses of all types. How many areas don’t have this problem.” sushi places do you need within a quarter mile?” That oversaturation of bars, said Berry, Other business owners also want to see more who also serves as chair of the Wilton Manors diversity. Economic Development Task Force, has forced “We defi nitely need more. The last thing we a lot of owners to come up with a lot of specials need is more bars. The problem is the city keeps or virtual non-stop happy hours which cut deep allowing bars,” said Caleb Ben-Avram, co-owner into profi ts. “Everyone’s just giving everything of Naked Grape Wine Bar and Tapas. away.” Ray Delgado and Todd Bowe, owners of Novel But the oversaturation isn’t just Berry’s Tea, would like to see more women business Art Gallery 21 exhibit opinion. It’s one shared by other business owners and more retail shops. “A rainbow of The art of Mark Baker, Martha DeMarco, Joan Glassman, Doris Goldberg, owners and the city’s own report. diff erent things,” said Delgado. Mollie Lesnick, and Angie Riserbato will be on display at Art Gallery 21, 600 NE Page 18 of the 2016-2021 Economic “I don’t want Wilton Drive to be known as 21 Ct., inside the former Woman’s Club of Wilton Manors. Art Gallery 21 Curator Development Strategic Plan, released in Bourbon Street,” said Bowe. Robert Gross and his assistant, Celia Diaz, have created another showcase of December, states that there is too much supply All these opinions from business owners are artists to celebrate “the way individuals add beauty to the world with canvas and provided by “Foodservice and Drinking Places.” nothing new though. paint . . . the way that beauty brings us together to share in the joy of creativity In the report, consumer demand for those For years, city offi cials, residents, and . . . and, the way that joy spills over into our daily life, often enriching our lives services is $31,504,413 per year but the supply business owners have wanted to see more retail in ways we hadn’t previously considered.” The exhibit will run until June 12. is $78,622,203. businesses come to Wilton Drive and generate Art Gallery 21 is free to the public and open Saturdays from 7 to 9 p.m. For more To solve the problem, Berry said he wants more daytime traffi c. information, visit ArtGallery21.org. WMG the city commission to implement some kind The city’s latest eff ort to get more retail came of separation requirement on the distance when city commissioners directed city staff between bars. Existing bars, said Berry, should to implement the Economic Development be grandfathered in. But, if that bar closes, it Strategic Plan at their May 9 meeting. One should be subject to the distance regulations. of the objectives is to “continue to promote/ Call to artists Berry hopes that the separation requirement support the development of increased Rossetti Fine Art Gallery is calling for entries for its “Summer Heat 8” might force building owners to fi nd other types restaurants and retail businesses.” anniversary exhibit – Aug. 3 to Sept. 4. The exhibit is an open media and open of businesses to rent to. Asked if the city would possibly enact some theme exhibit for all 2D and 3D works. All artists are invited to enter paintings, Paul Hugo, who co-owns EAT and The kind of separation requirement, Assistant drawings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, video, and more and will compete Venue, agrees with Berry and said that some City Manager Pamela Landi said city staff for $500 in cash awards. The reception will be held Aug. 5 from 8 to 10 p.m. at bars that come in don’t supply enough parking was waiting for the current legislative session the gallery, 2176 Wilton Drive. The deadline is July 25. The entry fee is $25 for one for themselves and that the city needs to come in Tallahassee to fi nish. She said city staff entry and $10 for each additional entry. Visit TomRossetti.com or call 954-616- up with more realistic parking requirements. would have a “longer conversation with the 8653 for more information. WMG “[Bars with not enough parking] put a burden commission” about the possible separation in on everyone who supplies [enough] parking. A the near future. WMG • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

54 • 5.17.2017 6 • May 17, 2017 5.17.2017 • 55 fEaTurE pets

Just A Cali Girl Six year young Cali (ID 575328) can’t wait to meet you. This 65 pound shepherd mix is super sweet and may want to try and crawl into your lap for belly rubs. She gets along with other dogs and kids and Cali is potty-trained. She’ll enjoy lounging on the couch with you or going for leisurely walks. Stop by the Humane Society of Broward County and meet Cali, she might be your new Cali BFF.

When you adopt from the Humane Society of Broward County all pets are spayed or neutered before going home. In addition, they receive preliminary vaccinations, heartworm test for dogs over seven months, feline leukemia test for cats, a limited 10-day health care plan courtesy of VCA Animal Hospital, a bag of Purina ONE food and more. The adoption fee for dogs over six months is $100 and felines over six months are $30. For more information call the shelter today at 954-989-3977 ext. 6. The Humane Society of Broward County is located at 2070 Griffi n Road, just a block west of I-95 and opens daily at 10:30 a.m. To see who else needs a home visit www.humanebroward.com

56 • 5.17.2017 5.17.2017 • 57 lifESTylE photos BOyS WITH BOATS Take a look at last week’s gathering of daring nautical fellows, who use Facebook to plan their frequent adventures on the waves. Follow the fun by joining their Facebook group at bit.ly/2pS43jB.

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58 • 5.17.2017 5.17.2017 • 59 lifESTylE books

‘bEFORE i dO’ by Elizabeth F. Schwartz, afterword by Jim Obergefell Terri Schlichenmeyer c.2016, The New Press he box was too small $14.95 / higher in Canada for a toaster. There was no pony in there, 220 pages noT new car, not even a stuff ed animal. The box was too small for all that, but it held may horrify you, if wedded bliss goes bust. so much more: dreams, ideas, happiness, Talk about debt: how much each of you has, congratulations! And if you’re lucky, your and how you perceive it. Educate yourself on wise new fi ancé tucked “Before I Do” by insurance coverage, asset protection, pre- Elizabeth F. Schwartz in the box with your nups, and estate planning. beautiful engagement ring. And if all this preparation makes you start So you put a ring on it, made the proposal, to think that maybe marriage isn’t such a and now you’ve got a wedding to plan. It’s good idea after all, Schwartz says it’s okay. all quite exciting, but slow down a minute. There are valid reasons for not taking the If you’ve grown up thinking that this day plunge, and there are alternatives. One of would never come, then you might not’ve them may be a much better fi t for you. thought about what marriage entails. Getting engaged is such an exciting time. “LGBT people,” says Schwartz, “have not Putting the brakes on everything isn’t the lived in a world with premarital guidance for most romantic notion, but it’s maybe the LGBT couples. We have suff ered systemic most prudent. “Before I Do” explains why. exclusion…” Though she says her advice in this book Just because you can be married now is no is appropriate for anyone, author Elizabeth reason that you should, she points out. Yes, F. Schwartz focuses more on gay and lesbian you’re in love, and yes, you’ve been together couples, as well as trans individuals and forever but now’s the time to be sure you their prospective spouses. She does so, in know exactly what you’re in for. That starts part, because she feels that they’ve only seen by asking yourselves a series of diffi cult but marriage “on the fringes.” Delectable handmade important questions. That somewhat sets this book apart from French Cuisine Once you’ve gotten that (perhaps the thousands of other wedding-planner ● FRESH, NEVER FROZEN uncomfortable) part out of the way, be sure books on bookshelves; what really makes ● HIGHEST QUALITY INGREDIENTS that any past relationships are completely it diff erent, however, is that Schwartz and legally fi nished and “do not create admits her no-nonsense words may talk confusion with multiple statuses with prospective brides and grooms out of having multiple people.” Know what paperwork a wedding. Truth: readers who might’ve Catering Now Available 5% you need in order to proceed, and what somehow taken marriage lightly before will 1 questions you’ll be asked as you’re fi lling it absolutely be convinced otherwise. off regular menu out. “Failure to plan has terrible 954.533.2580 With Ad This pre-wedding period is a good time to consequences,” says Schwartz, and this Open Monday to Saturday 5pm Not valid Holidays 235 Commercial Blvd. #105 (Expires May 31, 2017) talk to a fi nancial expert, a tax consultant, book erases that omission. Read “Before I Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida 33308 and a lawyer. Don’t trust word-of-mouth to Do,” though, and rest assured that you can Facebook.com/frenchystable See website for daily specials protect your fi nances; the laws in your state toast one another smarter. Email: [email protected]

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5.17.2017 • 61 x

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J.W. Arnold [email protected] THU 5/18 Dancing THEATER Queens “Quills,” Doug Wright’s gothic burlesque about the battle of wills between the notorious pornographer the Marquis de Sade and the head doctor at a Napoleonic insane asylum, opens this weekend and runs through June 10 at the Abyss Theatre, 2304 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Together, they descend into a battle of wills over morality, sin and censorship in this dark comedy. Tickets are $25 at Infinite-Abyss.org. FRI 5/19 THEATER Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy, “The Cripple of Inishmaan,” opens tonight at Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach, and runs through June 4. A crippled young man seeks to escape the THEATER cruelty and bleakness that engulf him Friday 5/19 on the desolate island of Inishmaan The “mamma mia!” farewell Tour makes a stop at the broward Center in fort lauderdale tonight and running through Sunday. by landing a role in a Hollywood film This “ultimate feel-good show” has been thrilling audiences for more than two decades with the signature hits of abba: “Dancing being made nearby. J. Barry Lewis Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Super Trouper,” “Take a Chance on me” and “The Winner Takes it all.” Don’t miss this opportunity to relive directs this powerful show. Tickets start at $66 at PalmBeachDramaworks.org. the stage magic. Tickets start at $35 at browardCenter.org. Photo Credit: Kevin Thomas Garcia. SAT 5/20 SUN 5/21 MON 5/22 TUE 5/23 CONCERT TELEVISION HISTORY FILM The Original Fort Lauderdale Gay Tune into Showtime tonight for the Shakespeare expert and local Ever since the original critter crawled Men’s Chorus close out their 31st season premiere of “Twin Peaks: The Return,” attorney Tom Regnier will present an out of the unfortunate guy’s stomach, this weekend with “Parks & Recreation,” the 18-episode continuation of that informative lecture, “Shakespeare we’ve been coming back for more in a fun-filled concert about nature, creepy 1990-91 ABC series from and the Law,” tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Ridley Scott’s “Alien” franchise. And, outdoor fun and maybe even a little David Lynch. More than 25 years after ArtServe, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort we always ask the same question: “risky business.” This creative program we learned who killed homecoming Lauderdale. What did Shakespeare How do they keep this story fresh over features music from “Sunday in the Park queen Laura Palmer, we find out how know about the law? Quite a bit, nearly 40 years? The latest chapter, with George,” the gospel/country hit, FBI special agent Dale Cooper (Kyle apparently. Regnier will illustrate “Alien: Covenent,” opens in theaters “We Shall Be Free,” and everything in MacLachlan) has been spending his Shakespeare’s keen awareness using on Friday, May 19 and stars Michael between. Tickets are $25 and $40 at time. Laura Dern, Michael Cera and dramatic examples from his plays, Fassbender, Katherine Waterston and TheFortLauderdaleGayMensChorus. Jim Belushi join the cast. Check local including “Hamlet.” Free admission. Billy Crudup. Check local listings for org. listings for channels and show times. More information at ArtServe.org. theaters and show times.

62 • 5.17.2017 5.17.2017 • 63 a&E theater

Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel will perform at the Broward Center next week. Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Records.

tOny WinnER dEFiEs gRavity at bROWaRd cEntER J.W. Arnold

t’s been two years since John Travolta’s big most iconic roles in American musical theater, fl ub at the Oscars, mistakenly introducing after all. I“Adele Dazeem,” but Tony Award-winner “I sigh because I don’t want you to feel Idina Menzel still laughs about it. like you’re getting a cliché answer,” Menzel “I think it’s the greatest mistake that could explained. “There’s not one, but there’s a pattern have ever happened,” the Tony winner said in my characters...amazing empowering, in a telephone interview. “Before, I wasn’t inspiring women. I’m so lucky because those necessarily a household name. In certain circles particular characters speak to young people, people knew me well (and the) people who knew but also speak to me and make me step outside me were upset and in an uproar.” of myself and into the Elsas and Elphabas and People still slip up now and then on her name, Maureens.” but it’s Menzel’s voice they never forget. For Menzel, the creative process is also She created the role of Maureen in Jonathan important in selecting her projects. She enjoys Larson’s hit, “Rent,” and would take home being in a studio with great composers, joining Broadway’s highest honor as Elphaba in them in “their creative sanctuaries.” “Wicked,” opposite Kristin Chenoweth. But, an “When I’m a part of the workshop process, entire generation of little girls will associate her the early embryonic stages, I’m fortunate to voice with “Elsa” in Disney’s smash animated hear the music for my character and (share) my musical, “Frozen.” She expects to be back in input. It’s a beautiful dance, and fi ve years later, the studio this summer recording the highly- we’re on a Broadway stage. It’s the best feeling,” anticipated sequel. she said. For now, Menzel is in the midst of a 52-city Menzel’s son is now nearly eight years old, so world tour that took the 45-year-old to Japan she must juggle the demands of motherhood and back. Next week, she’ll be singing on the with her career. stage of the Au Rene Theater at the Broward “It’s changed it a lot for the better. Before I was Center in Fort Lauderdale. a mother, I was very regimented and disciplined “We made a couple of changes as we came in my preparation. When you’re on the road back to the states, and I think there’s a good and have a baby, there’s only so much you can balance of new arrangements, traditional older expect from yourself. When he gets up in the songs you would expect to hear and interesting morning and has a fever, the priorities are set covers….it is always a challenge to make things for you. (There’s only) so much I can do if you’ve new for the audience—and myself—because I only gotten a couple of hours of sleep,” she said, tour a lot,” Menzel said. noting that the challenges have also aff orded a Pausing a moment, she added, “I don’t rest new sense of freedom. on my laurels, I like to do a new show, but not “I sort of welcome mistakes now, rearrange things too much since the audiences imperfection, because they invite the audience want to hear ‘Defying Gravity’ the way they want into your world and your soul,” Menzel said. to hear it.” “Sometimes the most incredible moments are She also sighed slightly when asked about when we’re not perfect, that’s what speaks to her favorite character. She’s created some of the audiences.”

idina menzel will perform on Wednesday, may 24 at 8 p.m. at the broward Center in fort lauderdale. Tickets start at $69 at browardCenter.org.

64 • 5.17.2017 a&E cabaret

Beth Malone will perform her one woman show, So singER REFlEcts On liFE On and OFF thE stagE Far, this weekend at the Colony Theatre in Miami J.W. Arnold Beach. Photo Credit: Broadway Style Guide.

eaders who remember Express Gay News, SFGN Malone eventually made the big move to New York publisher Norm Kent’s first LGBT community City where she waited in audition lines, hoping for Rnewspaper may also recall “Dykes to Watch,” her big break. the popular cartoons of Alison Bechdel that could “I didn’t have an agent. I was trying to date girls also be found in each issue. The lesbian artist went while having a fiancé who was waiting for me to on to publish a graphic novel about her life with a marry him. It was a precarious existence in the ‘90s,” closeted gay father, “Fun Home,” that became a Tony she recalled. Award-winning Broadway musical. Her “big break” did come when she was hired to do Beth Malone was the Tony-nominated actress a reading of a new show called “Fun Home,” based who told Bechdel’s story eight times a week. This on the life of the lesbian cartoonist Bechdel, just “a weekend, she’ll take the stage of the Colony Theatre script that was being tossed around and worked on.” in Miami Beach to tell her own story. “So Far” is being There wasn’t much pressure, as the actors presented as part of the Aqua Girl weekend and routinely ripped out 30 pages of script each night and proceeds benefit the Aqua Foundation for Women. substituted in new songs with just hours of practice. Malone describes the show as “a musical journey They finally moved the show Off Broadway and then from growing up in rural Colorado to becoming an Broadway and the rest is showbiz history. out lesbian protagonist on Broadway” punctuated by Malone said “Fun Home” is much more than just thought: “The world is changing and growing and being gay supposedly ‘isn’t even the music of Foreigner, Journey, LeAnn Rimes and, of an entertaining show. a thing’ anymore…but, I told the New York Times I’ve had so many experiences course, some show tunes. “This show is a musical and a social outreach to the contrary right there at the stage door. I shot down the reporter’s whole “It’s funny and you’ll find yourself recognizing program. The show has saved countless lives. I say argument. It’s been proven in the latest election.” your own stories in my own specific weird tale,” that, but I’m not kidding a little bit,” she emphasized. Malone explained, especially if you grew up in the “The stage door was an incredible second act (‘Fun 1980s. “I grew up in a musical household—redneck-y, Home’ is performed in just one act). You have to take beth malone performs her one woman show, “So far,” on Saturday, but musical—my mom was a sort of country music your time with each individual as they tell you their may 20 at 8 p.m. at the Colony Theatre, 1040 lincoln road in miami singer. I found ‘Singing in the Rain’ on TV one day stories, spill their guts with you.” beach. Tickets start at $49 at Colonymb.com/bethmalone. and thought, oh my God, there’s my people!” Malone took a moment and then completed her

5.17.2017 • 65 Datebook Theater May 17 - May 23 Christiana Lilly broward county [email protected] * Parks & Recreations May 20 at 8 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 333 Tarpon Drive in Fort Lauderdale. A nature-themed musical evening with the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus. Tickets $25 to top picks $40. Call 954-832-0060 or visit TheFTLGMC. Friday Night Sound Waves Music org. Series miami-dade county Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Mamma Mia! Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort May 19 to 21 at the Broward Center, 201 Totally Naked Comedy Tour Outdoor Music Series Through May 21 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Did you enjoy spanning genres and tributes every Friday night before her wedding, the bride Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come “Naked Boys Singing?” Grab a seat for four evening through November. Free. Visit meets three men who could be her father. out for live music from DJs and musicians by very diff erent, and naked, comedians. Tickets FridayNightSoundWaves.com Tickets $30 and up. Call 954-462-0222 or the bay. Drink specials available. Free with $35 to $50. Visit RonnieLarsen.com. visit BrowardCenter.org. museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or palm beach county visit PAMM.org. * A Night on the Town The Cripple of Inishmaan May 24 at 7 p.m. at Lips, 1421 E. Oakland Park May 19 to June 4 at the Don & Ann Brown The Big Show Blvd. in Oakland Park. A fundraiser for the Free Friday Concerts Theatre, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Stonewall Museum, with a drag show and Beach. Living a bleak life on the Irish Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. celebrity guests. Tickets $50, $75 VIP, $600 island of Inishmaan, the cripple Billy Delray Beach. Enjoy live music from the A collection of comedy mixing the likes of VIP table. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall- hears about an American fi lmmaker in the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Museum.org. neighboring island of Inishmore and is every week, for free! Returns in October. Call Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny. 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org. com. determined to get himself to Hollywood. * Idina Menzel Tickets $66. Call 561-514-4042 or visit May 24 at 8 p.m. at the Broward PalmBeachDramaworks.org. Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The star of “Wicked,” “Rent,” “Glee,” and of Death & Harry Houdini course, “Frozen.” Tickets $69 to $189. Call Through May 21 at the Arsht Center, 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org. 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Hop on a ride that takes you through the life of the Happy Ending majestic and mysterious Harry Houdini. Through May 28 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Tickets $50. Call 305-949-6722 or visit Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. A massage ArshtCenter.org. therapist welcomes a customer to his massage table who bends the rules. Contains nudity and sexual situations. Tickets $35 to $50. Call * Denotes New Listing 954-826-8790 or visit RonnieLarsen.com.

#OrlandoUnited: Every week, SFGN will pay tribute to one member of our community who was lost in Orlando.

66 • 5.17.2017 KEEP YOUR EYES ON South Florida Gay News

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@SoFlaGayNews ALL-INCLUSIVE... AS NEWS SHOULD BE SouthFloridaGayNews AS DIVERSE It’s about time. It’s about us. A paper that speaks with you, AS EVER to you, and about you. Whether you are in the bisexual or A paper that pulls no punches, protects our friends, defends transgender communities, are asexual, our allies, and deﬁ nes our adversaries. Our goal is to have gender-ﬂ uid, pansexual, or maybe you make our paper your home page. you still aren’t sure, SFGN is proudly here to connect you with the rest of Welcome to the our colorful community. South Florida Gay News. www.SFGN.com

5.17.2017 • 67 Datebook * Denotes New Listing

Community Broward support Christiana Lilly servIces [email protected] GENDER BENDER YOUTH GROUP Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at SunServe top pIcks Campus, 1480 SW Ninth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A group for LGBT youth 13 to Andrew Reid: Public Art/ 21 to discuss gender, gender expression, Private Works Exhibition binary systems, friendship, family and Through May 20 at The Box Gallery, whatever else comes up! Free. Visit 811 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. SunServeYouth.com Once moving to South Florida, the illustrator has made a name for himself PFLAG as a large-scale artist and and one of the Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral forefathers of the mural craze. Email Springs and Southwest Ranches. A [email protected] support group for parents of LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com GFLGLCC Quarterly for dates and locations. Networking Luncheon May 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. aboard SUNSERVE YOUTH GROUP the Anticipation IV Luxury Yacht, 300 SW Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort First Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Take a cruise Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral through Fort Lauderdale and network Springs and Hollywood. A support group with other business professionals. and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Tickets $35 for members, $40 prospective Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates members. Visit GoGayFortLauderdale. and times. com. SURVIVOR SUPPORT Invisible First and third Wednesdays from 7 to Through June 4 at The Hub at the LGBT 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial Visitors Center, 1130 Washington Ave. Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal in Miami Beach. Vladimir Rios and Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support photographer Lester Blum tell the stories from counselors and peers who have lost of those who feel invisible because of loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida who they are. Call 305-397-8914 or visit Initiative for Suicide Prevention at 954- gogaymiami.com. 384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org.

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* GLLN Happy Hour Park Boat Ramp, 1975 NE 15th Ave. in Wilton May 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mellow Mushroom, Manors and Richardson Historic Park & 525 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Nature Preserve, 1937 Wilton Drive in Wilton Network with fellow law professionals over Manors. Happy Birthday Wilton Manors! drinks and appetizers. Free. Visit GLLN.org. Get in your canoes and compete in a 7-mile relay race along the Middle River. Canoes, life Stonewall Movie Series: jackets and paddles will be provided. Tickets “Training Rules” Price: $200 for a team of 10. Call 954-390- May 18 at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall National 2130 or visit http://bit.ly/CanoeRace2017. Museum — Wilton Manors, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. For 26 years, * Divergent Visions women’s basketball coach Rene Portland May 20 to June 14 at Ludwig Framemakers, banned lesbian players from her team until 2420 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Kent 2006, when a brave student athlete took Burkhardsmeier, Karen Hanley Colbert, Dale her to court for discrimination. Suggested Kirk, and Allan Pierce come together for an donation $5. Call 954-530-9337 or visit exhibit of photographic work. Call Marquie Stonewall-Museum.org. Kloppenburg at 954-306-3138.

* Annual Island City Canoe Race and Movie Night City’s 70th Birthday Celebration Last Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at the World AIDS May 20 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Colohatchee Museum, 1201 NE 26th St. Suite 111 in Wilton

68 • 5.17.2017 May 17 - May 23 Manors. Free movie nights once a month Donation of $5 or more. Call 561-324-1626 or miami-dade county with other like-minded people and hear at the museum. Call 954-390-0550 or visit visit CompassGLCC.com. from speakers in the community. Visit WorldAIDSMuseum.org. LogCabin.org/chapter/fl orida-miami. Book Study Sober Sisters Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Drolma Mondays at 6:15 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. palm beach county Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in J St. in Lake Worth. A support and discussion key west Miami. Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Norbu, group for female recovering alcoholics. Visit will lead classes on learning the foundations Andrew Reid: Public Art/ Private LambdaNorth.net. Aqua Idol Works Exhibition of Buddhism. Call 786-529-7137. Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Aqua Key Sushi & Stroll West, 711 Duval St. in Key West. Support June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, and Sept. 8 from Out of the Closet, Into the Light Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at MCC of Yoga in the Garden your local artists and vote for your favorite! 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Morikami Museum Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. and Saturdays the Palm Beaches, 4857 Northlake Blvd. Benefi ts Waterfront Playhouse. Call 305- and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park at 11:30 a.m. at the Miami Beach Botanical in Palm Beach Gardens. AA for the LGBT 294-0555 or visit AquaKeyWest.com. Road in Delray Beach. The summertime fete Garden, 2000 Convention Center Drive in community. Free. Call 561-775-5900 or visit returns with sushi rolls, drumming by Fushu Miami Beach. Hit the mat for an indoor yoga MCCPalmBeach.org. Hot Naked Hump Days Daiko, tours, and more. Admission $15. Call practice overlooking the garden. Tickets $10 Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Island 561-495-0233 or visit Morikami.org. Wednesdays, $15 Saturdays. Call 305-673- House, 1129 Fleming St. in Key West. Relax PBC Gender Support 7256 or visit MBGarden.org. First and third Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at in the middle of the week with two-for- Transcendence Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in one drinks, free shots, videos and music, Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie HIV Support Group Lake Worth. A support group for transgender giveaways, and naked boys at the pool. Call Highway in Lake Worth. A closed Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at South Beach individuals of all ages. Contact Heather 305-294-6284 or visit IslandHouseKeyWest. transgender youth support group for teens AIDS Project, 1234 Washington Ave. Ste. 200 Wright at [email protected]. com ages 12 to 19. For more information, email in Miami Beach. A support group for those [email protected]. who are HIV positive. Free. Call 305-535- Women’s Flag Football Trans Youth Group 4733, ext. 301 or email support@sobeaids. Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Bernstein First and third Fridays at 5 p.m. at Compass org. Zumba Fitness GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Park, 6751 Fifth St. on Stock Island. Practice Mondays at 6 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. A support group for transgender youth 12 and games once a week. Free. Call 305-896- Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Get moving Miami Log Cabin Republicans to 19 years old. Email Katherine Murphy at 8678 or email [email protected]. with a certifi cated Zumba instructor for Fourth Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. at Casa [email protected]. an infusion of exercise and dance moves. Larios, 7705 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Meet

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72 • 5.17.2017 5.17.2017 • 73 real estate

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5.17.2017 • 75