www.PrideCenterFlorida.org FALL 2014 VOICE Follow us! | www.facebook.com/ThePrideCenter | @PrideCenterFL

Center Organizes Over-the-Top Get Your Freak On! Wicked Manors 2014

ave you ever been a Sword Swallower or Bearded Lady? How Habout Conjoined Twins or the Upcoming Senior World’s Smallest Woman? Join our troupe of curiosities on Wilton Drive for Halloween! Health Expo PG. 5 The Pride Center, in collaboration with The City of Wilton Manors, once again is organizing the largest Halloween street festival of the year. Don’t miss our Wicked Manors 2014: FREAK SHOW, presented by Hunters Nightclub, on Friday October 31st from 7:00 pm to 12 midnight! This year’s theme for Wicked Manors is “FREAK SHOW”, based on circus and carnival sideshows of 1920’s-50’s and filled Swinging Richards with fascinating and freakish acts meant to entertain and amaze. Fundraiser “The Pride Center is excited to put on PG. 6 this street festival as a fundraiser for our vital programs and services we offer to the community,” says Robert Boo, Pride Center CEO. “Through this event, we are able to reach out to the tri-county area and help raise the awareness of The Center and all of the good work that we do.” Wilton Drive will be closed to all traffic in order to provide a safe and freakishly- fun time for the 25,000 costumed revelers SMART Ride expected to celebrate and get their freak on. Local restaurants, bars and food trucks will Testimonials PG. 20 provide food and beverages for purchase throughout the evening “Think 50’s Circus Sideshow meets Halloween Street Festival and you’ve got FREAK SHOW,” said Doug Cureton, Wicked Manors Chair. “We promise this year’s festivities will be bigger and better from the moment you arrive on Wilton Drive. You will be transported to a magically freakish celebration with over-the-top costumes, décor, incredible +continued on page 4 Upcoming Photos by Stephen Lang Community Day PG. 24 1 The Pride Center 2040 N. Dixie Highway A letter from Robert Boo, C.E.O. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33305 Mail Correspondence to: The Pride Center at Equality Park P.O. Box 70518 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33307-0518 Making A Dent (954) 463-9005 Fax (954) 764-6522 Email: [email protected] s we dive into Fall and South Florida’s “Season,” Website: www.PrideCenterFlorida.org we wonder--what the heck happened to summer? Board of Directors Sometimes, I get a little jealous when I hear Ilene Berliner, Chair Brenda Hartley A James Walker, Vice Chair George Kling others talk about the summer “slow-down” and how it’s Chris Caputo, Secretary Dr. Leslie Leip a good time to catch up on paperwork and projects. That Craig Engel, CPA, Treasurer Juliette Love Ted Adcock Ernest Olivas sure wasn’t the case at The Center. Mitchell Bloom Leslie Rutland-Tipton Vital services continue to grow as we started up a new program, Mark Budwig Richard Safaty the Kiki Project, funded by the Department of Health Broward Pride Center Staff County. Our number of paid staff now is over 40. In this issue of Robert Boo, CEO, The Voice, we highlight our newest staff working in this grant: [email protected] Kristofer Fegenbush, MSW, COO, Jakari Green and Jacari Roundtree. [email protected] Our SageWorks program, with funding by the Walmart Janet Weissman, Business Manager, [email protected] Foundation, was extended for a second year. Bruce Jorge Gardela, Health Outreach Director, [email protected] Williams, Senior Services Coordinator, continues to Frank Gurucharri, PALS Project Manager, exceed our expectations. This year will also be the fifth [email protected] Roger Roa, Director of Development, th year for our Senior Health Expo on October 18 . Please [email protected] Samantha McCoy, Customer Service Coordinator, read more about this great event. Last year we had over [email protected] Listron Mannix, MSW, Minority Testing Initiative Manager, 500 people attend, and this year looks to be even bigger. [email protected] This summer we also celebrated our 21st anniversary We are proud to announce that Hunters Nightclub is our Jeff Grigsby, LIFE Coordinator, [email protected] for The Center. I suppose that now makes us legal. We presenting sponsor this year. Wilton Drive will be closed Magno Morales, CHOICES Coordinator, to traffic from Five Points to 21st Court, so our party [email protected] celebrated by having the Stonewall Museum & Archives Emilio Aponte, M.Ed., CRCS Coordinator, put together a display on the history of The Center. The revelers can be safe. Proceeds from this event support [email protected] Albert Taylor, Health Coordinator, display was featured in their new gallery on Wilton Drive. the vital programs and services of The Pride Center. [email protected] S.F. Makalani-Mahee, Data Entry Specialist, Many people who dedicated their time, talent and treasure Donations will be accepted gladly during the event. [email protected] over the past 21 years were in attendance. Our Founder, SMART Ride 11 is quickly approaching this November Shanna Ratliff, Prevention Outreach Coordinator, [email protected] Alan Schubert, wasn’t able to join us in person but was 14 & 15. The Pride Center, along with six other Bruce Williams, Senior Services Coordinator, [email protected] able to see everyone and the display via Skype. organizations in Florida that provide direct HIV/AIDS Lorenzo Robertson, CouplesSpeak Coordinator, The fall line-up of events looks daunting. We start off services, have been busy all year preparing for this [email protected] Rafael Reyes, Healthcare Navigator, October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, event. I, along with 500 other riders, have been training [email protected] Ebony Wilson, ETI Outreach Coordinator, with our own BreastFest. For the first time The Center all summer getting ready for the 165 mile journey from [email protected] will be sending a team of walkers, The Pride Rack Pack, Miami to Key West. I encourage everyone to take a Roya Amirniroumand, Women with Pride Coordinator,

Fall 2014 Fall [email protected] to the Breast Cancer Walk. To learn more about these moment and sponsor one of the 500 riders who are Manuel Leon, Electronic Media and Marketing Coordinator, [email protected] events and how you can participate, read both articles in dedicating themselves to help improve the lives of people Oscar Caballero, Linkage and Testing Specialist, [email protected] this issue or visit our website, www.PrideCenterFlorida. living with HIV/AIDS. To learn more about SMART Ride Jacari Green, Kiki Project Coordinator, org. Breast cancer affects both men and women! 11 and to make a donation go to www.TheSmartRide.org. [email protected] Daniel Dardenne, Testing Specialist, Get ready for Wicked Manors – Freak Show! This will On a personal note, I hope that everyone who is driving [email protected]

VOICE Norris Wildhagen, Facilities Specialist, be our second year for organizing the biggest street party along will pay special attention to all of the cyclists on the [email protected] on Halloween in South Florida. Last year we welcomed road and ensure you use proper signals when turning and Charles Dickey, Health Counselor, [email protected] over 18,000 people, and this year will be even bigger. stopping. I would make an awfully big dent in your car! Chris Douglas, Testing Specialist, [email protected] William “Billy” Gall, Testing Specialist, [email protected] Stacey Wall, Testing Specialist, [email protected] Bryon Bowlby, Executive Assistant, About The Pride Center [email protected] Todd Hammond, Information Analyst, [email protected] Julian Alterman, Outreach and Testing Specialist, he Pride Center celebrated 20 years of service in outreach, education, healthcare linkage, support, holistic [email protected] Edgardo Medina, Outreach and Testing Specialist, 2013. Our mission is: “We provide a welcoming, health and counseling. Stop in and learn about all we do: [email protected] safe space--an inclusive home--that celebrates, a community Flea Market; women’s health initiatives; Jakai Roundtree, Outreach and Testing Specialist T [email protected] nurtures and empowers the LGBTQ communities family outreach days; Bingo; unique exercise classes; Robert Shore, PrEP Specialist [email protected] and our friends and neighbors in South Florida.” The financial investment series; art gallery openings; adult Clarence Collins, Facilities Assistant, [email protected] Center’s program and services meet the distinct cultural, educational opportunities through Pride University; Robert Bryant , Facilities Assistant, [email protected] health, educational, economic, social and safety needs Bingo; education for prospective and current LGBT Troy Brown, Facilities Assistant, of the LGBT community. More than 30,000 adult and parents; weekly “Coffee and Conversation” gatherings [email protected] youth attended activities at The Center over the past year. for seniors; music, movies and live theater presentations; The Pride Center Voice Production Managers: Chris Caputo, Kristofer Fegenbush We host more than 65 regularly-meeting groups each a variety of health fairs; and a spectrum of creative Creative Director: Mark Pauciullo Contributing Writers: SJ Strock, Cheryl Bennett, Robert Saunders, Bryon month. Support, social and educational groups focus symposiums, speakers, forums and events for the entire Bowlby, Lorenzo Robertson, Robert Boo and Kristofer Fegenbush. on women, seniors, youth, men, transgender, recovery, community. We own five-and-a-half acres of property Photographers: Steven Shires, Stephen Lang, Pompano Bill, Dennis Dean, JR Davis, Liquid Radar, Ed Garcia, Manuel Leon, and Kristofer Fegenbush. health, the arts, athletics, spirituality, games and more. with 30,000 square feet of office space that provide Outreach activities over the past year directly impacted homes for programs and services, as well as synergy The VOICE newsletter is published in the memory and 2 over 50,000 residents and visitors to South Florida. The among organizations. Our Vision is to be the premier through the donation of the Robert S. Kecskemety Trust. Pride Center is a major site for HIV testing, prevention, point of connection for our community. Founders Circle Reception at Adam’s Interiors www.PrideCenterFlorida.org Adam’s Interiors recently hosted and sponsored a recent Founders Reception in their stunning showroom. Founders Circle members underwrite life-enhancing programs and services to the community. To learn more about Founders, contact Roger Roa at RRoa@ PrideCenterFlorida.org (photos by Steve Shires and Stephen Lang) VOICE

Did you know? Fall 2014 +The Center organizes regular educational workshops for prospective and current LGBT parents

+Center volunteers already have provided more than 11,000 hours of service this year

+Over 100 people play Bingo at The Pride Center on the second Saturday evening and fourth Sunday afternoon of every month.

+Our Women with Pride program hosts regular holistic health seminars as part of our Vital Signs series.

+The Pride Center has already provided over 5,000 HIV tests this year 3 SMART Ride Practice Rideout reality: VIP Sponsors--Greater Fort Lauderdale CDTC and The Pride Center hosted a Convention & Visitors Bureau, AIDS Healthcare practice ride for all Broward riders and Get Your Freak On! +continued from page 1 Foundation, Panache Style, and Alibi; Stage teams for The SMART Ride. 100% of Sponsors--Hits 97.3; Décor Sponsors--Divers Direct, the proceeds from SMART Ride benefit dance music from The Hits 93.7, a Super Freak Flash The Manor, Progress Bar and Rosie’s Bar & Grill; seven HIV agencies across Florida, Mob and our famous Costume Contests every half hour General Sponsors--City of Oakland Park, Village Pub including CDTC and Pride Center locally. on the main stage with Diva Emcee – Miss Misty Eyez.” and Broward County Parks & Recreation; Contest Misty promises, “We have a fantastic line-up of talent Sponsors--Selzer & Weiss, Alpine Jaguar, and New including Drag Superstars Mizz Cori, Nicole Halliwell York Grilled Cheese. and Friends, Obeau Nay and TP Lords, to name just a few.” We would also like to thank our media sponsors for Event planner phenomenon Bobby Kyser, of Panache their help in promoting this amazing event: Florida Style said: “We are planning to create a circus feel on Agenda, Guy Magazine, Hot Spots Magazine, Liquid two stages and throughout Wilton Drive. Get ready for Radar, Mark’s List, and South Florida Gay News. the best year ever!” For more information on where to park, a list of all Patrick Volkert and Mark Seymour, owners of Hunters the costume contests or how to join the Flash Mob, visit Nightclub and this year’s Presenting Sponsor said: our website – WICKEDMANORS.ORG. Check out the “We are proud to support The Pride Center and be a Wicked Manors Facebook Page for some inspiration part of this major event for South Florida. We have the and all the latest updates and news! If you are interested opportunity to really put this event on the national map in becoming a sponsor, contact Roger Roa, Director of and be a destination spot for Halloween. Hunters is Development at [email protected]. All proud to be a community partner of The Center.” proceeds from Wicked Manors will benefit the vital Many sponsors helped make Wicked Manors a programs and services of The Pride Center.

Groups at the Pride Center

WEEKLY RECURRING MEETINGS Toastmasters, Educational, Mon, 7:15-9:15p AA – Each Day a New Beginning, Recovery, Daily, 9-10a Women’s Non-Competitive Basketball, Social,Mon,Thur 5:30p, Sat 3p AA – Northeast Group, Recovery, Mon, 8:30-9:30p Pride Center Young Adult Group, (23-35 yoa), Support, Fri, 7-9p AA – Sober, Proud and Gay, Recovery, Fri, 8:30-10p Yoga with Drew Miller, Social, Wed, 6p-7p Fall 2014 Fall AA – Pride 5:45 Meeting, Recovery, Daily, 5:45-6:45p A Course in Miracles, Social, 2nd Wed, 7:15p-9p BI-WEEKLY RECURRING MEETINGS BrothasspeakFTL-Social, Wed, 7:00p-9:00p Ballet & Opera Group, Educational, 2nd & 4th Sunday, 1-4p Coffee and Conversation – SAC, Social/Seniors, Tues, 10:30a-12noon POZ Long-Term Survivor, Gay Men/HIV Support, 1st & 3rd Tues, Crystal Meth Anonymous, Recovery Mon 6p-7p, Wed, 6p-7p 6:30-8p Faith Circle, Social, Sun, 11:30a-1:30p VOICE Senior Games Day, Social, 2nd & 4th Tue, 1-4p Games Day, Social, 2nd & 4th Tues, 1-4p Gay Bridge Club, Fun, Mon & Fri, 1-4p MONTHLY RECURRING MEETINGS/EVENTS Gay Hearts, Social, Sun, 1-3:30p Pride Center BINGO, Open to Public, 2nd Sat, 7-10p and Gay Men’s Empowerment Group, Thurs 7p-8:30p 4th Sun, 4p-7p Imagine Meditation in your life with Drew, Mon, 6p-7p Dolphin Democrats, Monthly Meeting, 2nd Wed, 7:30-9:30p Island City Al-anon-Support, Thur, 7-8p Equality Park Garden Club, Educational, 3rd Wed, 7-9p Mahjong, Social, Wed, 1-5:00p Pride Center Flea Market, Open to Public, 1st Sat, 8a-2p Man2Man Talk, Social, Mon, 7-8:30p Primetimers, Open to Public, 1st Sun, 2-4:30p Monday Night Women’s Group, Social, Mon, 7:30-9p SAGE Movie, Social, 3rd Mon, 4-6p Narcotics Anonymous Rainbow Group, Recovery, Wed, 8-9p Transgender Support Group, Support, 3rd Fri, 7-8:30p New Path Narcotics Anonymous Group, Recovery, Mon/Tue/Thu, 7-8p Women with Pride Book Club, 2nd Thur, 7-9p New Path Narcotics Anonymous Group, Recovery, Sat/Sun, 4-5p Overeaters Anonymous, Recovery, Sun, 12n-1:30p Overeaters Anonymous, Recovery, Fri, 7:30-9p For further information or to rent a room for POZ Attitudes Here and Now, HIV Support, Wed, 7-9p, Quit Smoking Now, Tues 7p-8:30p your special event call: SAGE Men’s Social, Social/Seniors, Wed, 1-3p SAGE Computer Club, Wed 4p-6p Samantha McCoy at 954-463-9005 ext. 101. SAGE CO-ED Discussion Group, Thurs, 1p-3p Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), Recovery, Fri, 7-8p Visit www.pridecenterflorida.org/calendar for Senior Exercise Class YMCA Health, Senior, Mon-Fri, 10:10a-11:10a,11:15-12:15p,1:30-2:30p meeting room assignments. Room days/times Senior Gay Men’s Support Group, Support, Mon, 11a-12p Smart Recovery, Recovery, Mon, 7:30-8:30p/Thur, 6:30-8p subject to change. The Healing Project Meeting,Tues 7:30p-9pm 4 From Tiny Health Fair, Mighty Expo Grows www.PrideCenterFlorida.org By Cheryl Bennett

The health care industry is in a constant pastries, compliments of Stork’s bakery, state of flux, he added, and changes in and our Premier Sponsor Broward ownership or management can severely Health Imperial Point will provide change the quality of care.“Caveat Emptor free lunch to the first 300 attendees. is still the rule. Every prospective user must There will be numerous health services thoroughly vet a prospective provider.” available, lots of freebies and some This year’s Expo is shifting toward a outstanding door prizes!” more inter-generational approach with Don’t wait until you are in the middle its inclusion of several health, fitness of a health crisis, Bruce advised.“Enjoy and nutritional providers, Bruce noted. a fun-filled day and at the same time, The fair runs from 10 am until 2 pm. arm yourself with a wealth of available “We will start out with free coffee & community resources.”

hen you visit this year’s Senior folks in the health care arena is far Health Expo on October 18 from a thing of the past. That’s all too at The Pride Center, it’ll be clear from a recent study by SAGE W VOICE hard to imagine that only a few years ago USA Equal Rights in which 20 couples it was tough to fill just a handful of vendor -- half same-sex, half opposite-sex booths. “That first Expo in 2010 was tiny,” -- phoned retirement communities recalled Bruce Williams, Senior Services in several states, seeking admission. Coordinator at The Pride Center. “This Compared to the heterosexual couples, Fall 2014 year, in contrast, the available space for the the same-sex couples were portrayed Fifth Fantastic Senior Health Expo is sold as better qualified, better educated, out ... for the second time!” better off financially. Nonetheless, The aim of that first senior health fair in half the instances the same-sex was to find out if there were any LGBT- couples were falsely told there were friendly long-term care facilities in the no vacancies, or offered shabbier region, Bruce explained. It turned out apartments or poorer amenities. there weren’t many. In fact, when many “As LGBT individuals, we need to of the facilities were approached, their be aware that there is still a great deal response was anything but friendly. “We of discrimination,” Bruce emphasized. were rejected; we were asked not to come “You don’t want to trust your health care by; we had the door slammed in our face; needs to someone who is not supportive and phones were hung up,” said Bruce. of your identity. So if they are not out How things have changed. There will be -- loud and proud -- with pictures of 45 for-profit companies and 15 nonprofit same-sex partners in their facilities, or groups on-hand at this year’s Expo to don’t have employment agreements that provide information about their services protect gender/sexual orientation -- don’t and facilities for the senior LGBT do business with them.” community. “We have people who really Other questions to ask might be, do they want to participate, but we just don’t have advertise to same-sex couples? Does the any space available,” Bruce said with a waiting room have gay literature in it or is tinge of satisfaction. Where once there it all straight? “In vetting long-term care was nothing available, there are now a facilities for my personal use, I review large number of service providers who recent state inspections available online are culturally and financially supportive at AHCA.myflorida.com, and then I go to of our LGBT senior community. their corporate websites to be certain that Bruce cautioned that prejudice their employee policies are consistent with 5 against gays, lesbians and transgender their claims of LGBT support,” said Bruce. Swinging Richards Fundraiser Swinging Richards recently held a weekend evening fundraiser for The Pride Center at Equality Park. Guests enjoyed spirited performances and contributed over $3,000 to The Center.

Did you know? Winter 2014 +Over 1000 visitors and 80 vendors attend The Pride Center’s Flea Market on the first Saturday of every month VOICE +The Pride Center hosts regular Transgender Educational Series collaborative community workshops

+The Center regularly hosts art gallery openings, films, music and live theater presentations

+Our Healthcare Navigator links people daily to vital medical care

+The Pride Center is the largest site for Enhanced Fitness classes for Seniors offered in the U.S.

+We will host more than 3,000 group meetings at The Pride Center this year 6 www.PrideCenterFlorida.org In the Pink Breast Fest Enhances Cancer Awareness By Miriam Cronkhite display the most advanced breast implants available,” ombining knowledge and fun, the annual said Strock. Breast Fest at The Pride Center is held during Women with Pride also is organizing a team for CBreast Cancer Awareness Month in October. this year’s American Cancer Society, Making Strides Adorned in healthy attitudes and uplifting spirits, Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) walk, a nationwide attendees enjoy music from DJ Citizen Jane, socialize in communal effort to support those with breast cancer and real-time and benefit from expert resources such as Dr. search for a disease-ending cure. Team captain Cheryl Laura Sudarsky. This year’s Breast Fest is October 1. Bennett invites everyone to join Pride Rack Pack in this Women with Pride Coordinator Roya Amirniroumand 5k walk on October 11th at Huizenga Park (1 E Las Olas said, “although this is a serious topic, we want to have Blvd, Fort Lauderdale). With a “Finish the Fight” theme, fun and connect with others in our community.” Strock said, “We are expecting approximately 20,000 “Being aware could help save someone’s life,” said walkers raising funds and raising awareness to fight Karen Prescod, a Pride Center Founder and member against breast cancer and to find a cure.” Registration of the Development Committee. “I want to see this for the walk opens October 11 at 7:30 a.m., begins at 9 continue to grow into something people of all ages and a.m. and ends with a visit to the survivor booth. gender look forward to attending each year.” Community partners supporting Breast Fest at The This annual Center event aims to raise awareness Pride Center include Aqua Foundation for Women, about breast health and cancer, as well as provide Women in Network, Broward Health, the American resources for mammography, physicians and answers to Cancer Society, Gilda’s Club, ARROW and Planned questions. “I would like everyone to walk away with at Parenthood. Join the party October 1 from 6:30 - 8:30 least one thing that can save someone’s life and look p.m. at The Pride Center. Wear pink to honor survivors, forward to attending next year. If that happens, I know remember those lost to the disease and to support the they would tell a friend about the event and it will grow progress made to defeat breast cancer! so big that we will have no other choice but to move the For more information, visit www.facebook. event to a larger location,” said Prescod. com/WomenWithPride and www.facebook.com/ BrowardMSABC. According to BreastCancer.org, “About 1 in 8 U.S. VOICE women (just over 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.” In light of this staggering number, the disease affects most people, directly or indirectly.

Ebony Wilson, Expanding Test Initiative Outreach Fall 2014 Coordinator for the Pride Center said, “Most people aren’t aware of the degree in which cancer effects everyone involved. Folks should attend because this event will likely inspire awareness for some and support for others.” The American Cancer Society states “there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.” Breast Fest and the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk celebrate survivors and inspire hope. Breast Fest at The Pride Center is an event for both men and women. “Women With Pride has gathered an amazingly enthusiastic and energetic group of women to make this the best Breast Fest ever. We are so very pleased to have the ‘boys’ supporting this event in full force, “ said Sarah Strock, vice chair of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) Broward. Though rare, breast cancer can be found in men. “In 2013, about 2,240 men were diagnosed with the disease,” according to BreastCancer.org. “I look forward to a record breaking response from the men of the LGBTQ community,” said Wilson. “I think its timely due to the reported cases of men being at risk for breast cancer as well as being active, present, and supportive for the women in their lives whom have fallen victims and become victors themselves.” Plastic surgeon, Dr. Sudarsky is a supporting physician for Breast Fest. “She will speak about the newest techniques for breast reconstruction for women (and men) who have had lumpectomy or mastectomy due to breast cancer diagnosis. She will also have on 7 Shore aims to help educate Getting PrEPared community on PrEP r. Robert Shore mixes humility with researchers, investigators and of PrEP. “I am a sexually active HIV He wants everyone to have enough and directness when he reflects physicians. I’m learning my channels. I negative gay man, and I want to do information to make personal decisions on his brand new role as PrEP want to be able to answer questions.” as much as I can to prevent HIV from about whether “it will be a part of their D Shore started his career as a pharmacist spreading,” says Shore. “As a research lives or not.” Specialist at The Pride Center. in New York City, then went to grad scientist, I feel compelled to contribute “I’m not going around saying let’s “I don’t call myself an advocate,” says school for a doctorate in pharmacy. After to the general knowledge base also... put Truvada in the water,” laughs Dr. Shore. “I’m not an expert...Advocacy completing an additional fellowship, he As a pharmacist, I am well aware that Shore. “I want to be rational and isn’t my goal. Education is.” moved to Washington, DC to work as compliance is important for medications scientific and have data available about The Pride Center continues to take a lead a pharmacologist for the FDA. He later to work properly, so I am religious about efficacy. Here is information--decide in providing educational opportunities to moved into an information technology taking it daily.” for yourself. That’s my goal--to ensure learn about pre-exposure prophylaxis role at the FDA, then Microsoft. Dr. Hiring a part-time PrEP Specialist to people are educated.” (PrEP) as an effective HIV prevention Shore moved to Fort Lauderdale last organize resources, information and “I’m very moved that The Pride tool when taken daily. “Robbie” now April to be near his mother. service linkage tools was enabled by a Center has put their confidence in me,” will work part-time to help coordinate “Every day I hear people locally ask, $10,000 gift from Oliver Kamm. He says Dr. Shore. “In my short time in Center resources, activities, events and ‘what is that PrEP thing?’” says Shore. approached The Center with his passion Fort Lauderdale, I already feel more services regarding PrEP. “I recognize it’s a newer approach. It’s to educate the community about PrEP. integrated into the community than I did “I am finding myself waking up at a newer biomedical intervention. Not “I noticed that many people down here in all my time in DC. That’s because 6:30am eager to engage in this effort,” every person in the community fully seemed to be out of the loop or not talking of the way The Center lives out the says Shore. “I’m boning up on this stuff. understands. I want to provide education about it,” says Kamm. “A big concern implementation of Community.” It’s now not an option to just know a on this prevention option.” of mine was getting education little. I’m reaching out to experts across Shore himself has been enrolled in out there so people can make the country. I’m building relationships a demonstration study on the efficacy informed choices about their own sex lives. We are part of one of the largest gay communities in the country. We should be a vibrant, ahead-of-the-curve community on education and prevention. People should talk about it and know about it. It

Fall 2014 Fall should be an available option.” Kamm feels a personal responsibility to invest his resources strategically and generously. He feels that PrEP

VOICE could help “wipe out the virus in a generation.” “If this was available to me 10 years ago, I don’t think I would have seroconverted,” relates Kamm. “As a young man in my late 20s, I was not 100% condom compliant. If that had been a back-up for me, I might be in a different position now.” “Gay sex was completely intertwined with fear when I came out,” he continues. “The primary message was abstinence. Condoms were explained in a way that we were dealing with hazardous material. We have the opportunity to become more sex-positive with gay men. We can reaffirm our ability to have sex without oppressive fear.” Dr. Shore believes condoms are a vital tool for preventing HIV, but hopes to help provide 8 information about PrEP as “an additional tool in their toolbox.” Sisters in Labor Bingo The Skin I’m In www.PrideCenterFlorida.org The Pride Center recently launched an additional monthly Women with Pride recently hosted Bingo event on the fourth Sunday afternoons. We continue to a workshop on healthy skin care in provide Bingo the second Saturday night of each month. To South Florida as part of its Vital Signs learn more about Bingo, contact Janet at 954.463.9005. holistic health series, funded by Aqua Foundation. Presenters include Founder Circle member Dr. Will Richardson, Women with Pride volunteer Ellen Slavin and HIV Testing and Outreach Specialist Billy Gall. VOICE Fall 2014

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS!

9 Gay Tea Cruise Fundraiser Gay Tea Cruise, Inc. hosted a Labor The Pride Center Founders Circle day fundraiser for The Pride Center. LIFETIME Tom and Steven Begert-Clark / Even As We Speak Ken Keechl and Ted Adcock (Board Member) Bob and Hal Bernier-Peterson Scott Belding and Listron Mannix / ReMax Consultants Realty Gary Kempler / Futurty First Insurance Group – South Florida This ride down Fort Lauderdale Gil Corwin Dr. Louis Benevento and Patrick Duffy Mark Ketcham and Werner Lutz John C. Graves Charitable Fund Scott L. Bennett Dr. George Kling (Board Member) intracoastal featured DJ Greyson Alan Schubert Norman Berkowitz Don Kocher and Jonathan Salt Gary Bitner / Bitner Goodman Maria Kondracki and Jim Dwyer Jubilee and host Kitty Meow. A Premier Business Leny Blicher Edwin Kowalski and Michael Donnan Cox Media Group Mitch Bloom (Board Member) and Paul Wardell Ellen Krider, CFP / RBC Wealth Management portion of the proceeds benefitted Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Boardwalk Robert Kuhn and Steven Geyer Hunter’s Nightclub Robin L. Bodiford, Esq. / Law Office of Robin L. Bodiford Julia Landis and Shawn Fanshier The Center. Bobby Kyser / Panache Style Dan Bohanan and Guillermo Licea Bruce Lane Wells Fargo Foundation John Bolton Bernie Langeluttig and Dennis Fitzkee Robert Boo Tomas Soto and Frank Lefevre, M.D. Platinum Al Bove, DMD / Bove Dental Dr. Leslie Leip (Board Member) and Fritz Leip Anonymous (2) Broward County Sheriff’s Office John Leyden and Tom Valentine AHF Pharmacy Broward Health – Imperial Point Bill Linehan Aqua Foundation for Women Rishi Burke Dewitte Loe Bobby Blair / Florida Agenda Gerald Byers and Rudy Wengenroth Charles Loring Peter Clark / Hotspots Magazine Jae Camino / Jae’s Sinful Delights Steve Lovci Community Foundation of Broward Camp4Health Juliette Love (Board Member) Ed Garcia / Liquid Radar Rene Cantu and James Gigliello Norton Lyman and Kimio Sato Estate of Bob Kesckemety Karen Carroll and Julie Slater / Chic Optique Joe Markonic / Gables Wilton Park Kenneth Goss Danny Carter / Dancemoves Cheryl Mauro / Hibiscus Cafe Kenneth Hollander and John Kardos / Kenneth S. Hollander Jeff Cato and Bob Tentschert / Cato Insurance Group, Inc. Michael McArdle and Thomas Holland Charitable Foundation Sam Chalfant and Tom Rouland / Affordable Health Insurance David O. McConnell Scott Kean / LSeven Solutions Nicholas Chaparos Joe McConnell and Michael Lennon Norm Kent / South Florida Gay News Harvey Chasser Richard McManus and Tom Nohilly The Howard Greenfield Charitable Foundation Rev. Leslie Rutland-Tipton (Board Member) and Sandra Ken Merrifield and Fred Berger Glen Weinzimer and John Rogatzki / The SMART Ride Rutland-Tipton / Church of the Holy SpiritSong Drew Miller and Kevin Murdoch Ron Clark Anthony Molluso and Bill Volbrecht Diamond Coffee and Conversation Rodney Monroe / South Beach Afters D.C. Allen and Ken Flick / No Hate Fund at Our Fund, Inc. Howard Cohen and Daniel Wasinger / Concept International Gregory Moore and Dr. Allan Barsky Ilene Berliner (Board Chair) and Maura Lane Design Anthony More Jared Falek and Don Chorpenning Bob Collier and Chuck Hunziker Chuck Nicholls and Mark Turner Will Gibson and George William Rogers / Lynn Corning / Newman Insurance Charles Ohsiek Serendipity Foundation Shawn and Nick’s Courtyard Café and Rumors Bar Ernest Olivas (Board Member) / Emerald Home Health Care Oliver Kamm Tracey Cramer / Ameriprise Financial Tom Pflepsen and Kenley Hoover David McLaren and Joseph Laurino / Periodic Products Douglas Cureton / Some Men Like It Haute Jim Pierce / Pierce Aire, Inc. Dr. Dale Russell Joseph Daniel and Fred Silverman / Roth-Warren, LLC Peter Pileski and Bob Avian Richard Safaty (Board Member) and Omer Mizrachi / Patrick Daoud / Daoud’s Fine Jewelry Positive Healthcare Freedom Travel Dennis Dean / Dennis Dean Photography Mona Pittenger Wayne Schrebe and Roy J. Stegman Charitable Fund at Esmeralda and Peter Dekaj / Stork’s Bakery Cafe Karen and Tulip Prescod / Florida Blue Our Fund, Inc. Robert Delehanty Bruce Presley and Chris Hedlund Ted Schultz Pat Demos / Northern Trust Bank Pride Institute at Fort Lauderdale Hospital Jeffrey Selzer, Esq. and Ray Fennon / Selzer & Weiss, Dr. James Doan Sharon Rebuck / Another Perfect Party Attorneys Dolphin Democratic Club Jessica Reyes Arthur B. Smith / Law Office Arthur B. Smith Divers Direct - Dania Beach Dr. Will Richardson / Natura Dermatology & Cosmetics Jim Stepp and Peter Zimmer Thomas Dowd and Cesar Rivera / Riverside Hotel Bob Young / Beach Bear Weekend Water Mill Flowers & Fruit Bouquets Donn Rubin and Stephen Harmon Stephen Draft and Allen Peterson Tom Runyan, Esq / Runyan Law Firm, PA Gold Hon. Stephen Driscoll and Robert Tocci / National Stonewall Rick Salomon Alpine Jaguar Democrats John Sapp Atlantic Surf Club Irwin Drucker Lee Sathre Don Biehn / Biehn & Associates, Inc. Mike Ebbs and Tom Jenkins Geph Scarr and Sergio Medina Quintina / Mark Budwig (Board Member) and Nick Scalzo / S. Mark Eden Funeral Services Scarr Insurance Group Graphics Robert Eldredge / RWE Real Estate Jack Schlossberg and Greg Fineman Michael Camardello Embassy Suites Hotel Danny Selvin and Sidney Goldenberg

Fall 2014 Fall Doug Candler Ted Emery James Senior Chris Caputo (Board Member) / MetroMediaWorks Craig Engel (Board Member) and Greg Briche Steve Shires / Steve Shires Photography George Castrataro, Esq. / The Law Offices of George Michael Faerber / D’Angelo Realty Group Jeffrey and Belinda Shover / Morgan Stanley Castrataro, PA Brian Farley and Ron Alose Tim Singer and Richard Cascarelli / Tim Singer & Assoc./ City County Credit Union Jim Farris Coldwell Banker Dr. Howard R. Cunningham /Oakland Park Dental Paul Fasana Sonesta Hotel Michael Dager and Harvey Shapiro GalleryONE Fort Lauderdale Kimberly Sorondo Chris and Joseph Dominguez-Dunham / Joel Geils David Starkey and Arianto Sumargo Dunham Insurance Services Eric Gilbert / SunTrust Bank Jeffrey Sterling / Sterling Tax VOICE Andrew Fischman Gilda’s Club Richard Stoll, Esq. Victor Flores/ FastPrintz Glenn L. Goldberg Terry Stone and Mike Bush Rob Guerrero Steven Goldgram Sarah Strock / SCS Weightloss Systems, Inc. Robert Hubbard and Bill Greeves Mark Gordon and Aldo Buono Dave Stubbins Joseph Kraus Martin Gould / Focalize Consulting Edward Temoyan Steven Levin and Bradley Henkel / Midland Medical Center Scott Gray The Bears of South Florida, Inc. Maurice Mizrahi / Temptations Catering and Event Planning Stephen Gray / Better Homes & Gardens The Grateful Palate David Moon and Eugene Smith Donald Green and Gene Ingledue The Recovery Place Richard Nolan and Robert Pingpank Marc Grossman The Restaurant People Joe Pallant / Pallant Insurance Agency, Inc. Robert Grossman Bill Thornton and Adam Kratochwill / Pride Carpet Cleaning Douglas Pew and Donald Croxton Joe Guerrero Tony Timiraos and Arthur Crispino Charitable Fund at Our Ronnie Pryor and Dustin Cranor / Source Salon Robert Gunning Fund, Inc. Herb Reis and Dr William Coffey Mark Haines / Mark’s List Doug Tinkelpaugh and James Rickard / Pinnacle Construc- Paul Rolli and W. Bennett Quade Mark Halacy and Thomas Pollock tors, LLC Lee Rubin and Jim Walker (Board Member) Peter Hardy-Smith and Steven Devito Tower Club Russell Sassani, MD and Michael Schneider / Take Shape Cal Harrison Bruno Trambusti and Randy Grant Plastic Surgery Timothy S. Hart / R3 Accounting LLC Dean Trantalis Esq. Dr. Heidi Schaeffer Brenda Hartley (Board Member) / BankUnited David Treece / Treece Financial Group Richard Schwarz and Tom Massey Tyler Healis Carl E. Trough Tony Seguino and Dan Ayers Dr. J. Heider and Thomas Carr / Ultimate Smile Richard Vallari Paul M. Smith and Gerald Kennedy Richard Herman Ted Verdone and John Curtin Scott Herman and Cale Choi Vincent Vigliotti Silver Lazaro Hernandez and Steve Figlmiller W Fort Lauderdale Hotel Anonymous (2) Frances Herrera / Frances Herrera Interior Design Steve Wetzler A Celebration of Friends Neill Hirst, MD and Greg Hughes Sumner T. White Adam’s Interiors Michael Hisey Norris Wildhagen and Dr. Troy Robinson Wendell Locke and Ricky Babo / Allz Well Pharmacy Hans Hochkamp and Joseph DeBacco C. Theodore Wolf and Frank Decolator Jack Almeleh Paul Holoweski Tom Wolf and Fernando Rodrigues Paul Alpert Mick Howard and Brian Jackson / Mayors Petur Workman Henley Ambrose / Vitas Healthcare Corporation Paul Hyman and Bill Bracker John Zieba and Cliff Mulcahy / Rosie’s Bar & Grill Chris Ambs and Scott Clearwater iBeria Bank George Zuber and Anthony Snyder Charitable Fund at Our Al Cicotte and Kevin Palombo / A.J. Jabre Fund, Inc. American Tax and Insurance Services Dustin Jacobs / H & R Block Neel Amin and Tom Macek / American Pain Experts James Jagielski Join the Pride Center Founders Circle! Support the Alfred Bacchi and Craig Ross Paul Jennings Don Barlow George Johnson programs and services of The Pride Center. Founders Circle Steve Barnard James A. Johnson Mark Barron and Joel Rubin Dr. Charmaine Johnson-Leong, DDS, PA memberships begin at $100 per month. For more information, Andrew Bartfield Clifford W. Jolley and Paul Clive please contact Roger Roa, Director of Development, Christopher Bates Robert Judd and Russell Neal David Bebbington Greg Kabel, Esq. / Law Offices of Gregory W. Kabel, Esq. [email protected] 10 Darcy Beeman/ Edward Jones Investments Ken Kalenderian Have a Kiki with Jacari and Jakari! www.PrideCenterFlorida.org By Lorenzo Robertson Did you know?

+Over 180 people attended our last Founders Circle reception. Founders donate at least $100 monthly to support our vital programs and services. +The Pride Center designed a powerful anti- HIV-stigma campaign in conjunction with the Department of Health that is running on Broward County public buses +More than 10,000 people already have used The Pride Center’s computer center this year +Our CouplesSpeak program builds relationship that someone cares enough to address their skills, improves communication, lowers risks, and n what world would a program named issues head-on. enhances sex “Kiki” hire not just one Jacari, but Jacari relates that he fell into work in the Ianother Jakari? Only at The Pride HIV field through nepotism; his father worked Center at Equality Park. in the field and was instrumental in prompting Pronounced the same but spelled- his entry into the HIV healthcare arena. “I differently, their names aren’t the only didn’t even realize that HIV prevention was similarity the men hold in common. They an option for my future,” he stated. both have a passion to provide innovative Jakari also stumbled into the HIV outreach and HIV prevention among healthcare field. A friend told him about a VOICE same-gender-loving men of color. Jacari position to do HIV testing and counseling, Green, Kiki Project Coordinator and Jakari but as fate would have it, he was unable to Roundtree, Testing and Outreach Specialist do the next 500/501 training class provided bring their talents, focus and vision to The by the Health Department. An opportunity

Center’s new Kiki Project. presented itself for him to do outreach, Fall 2014 Along with other outreach and testing though, and he invested his energies in initiatives, the Kiki Project recruits popular working in the community. or influential black gay and bisexual men We are elated to have Jacari and Jakari to host Kikis in their homes or other social working with the Kiki Project. Their focus venues. Men invite their own friends to for the project’s evolution is clear: self-love, attend and discuss sex, relationships and honesty, dedication, identity, community HIV in these small groups. Let’s have a and--above all--make it fun. The Kiki Project Kiki with Jacari and Jakari! will assure that Black same-gender-loving When asked to sum up what the Kiki men’s voices will be heard. Project means to them in one word, they both The Kiki Project is designed to address responded enthusiastically: “A daunting task to issues persistent in the Black same-gender- say the least.” Jakari Roundtree immediately loving community surrounding high rates followed-up with: “Progressive,” an interesting of HIV, homophobia, racism, HIV stigma word choice, but perfectly aligned with the and sexual orientation. When it comes to focus of this new initiative that is not the norm. understanding the nuances of Black same- “Novel” was the word uttered by Jacari Green. gender-loving men, we realize the impact of Great choice as well, because the Kiki Project surrounding culture: how the church views takes prevention work to the people, asking homosexuality; how the Black community tough questions like, “What do you want us to views same-gender-loving people; do for you?” internalized homophobia; and the lack of Since August, the Kiki Project has support from the general gay community. conducted a handful of Kiki sessions with Jacari and Jakari want to build a program overwhelmingly positive responses. One to inspire, educate and empower Black recurring theme is the realization that Black same-gender-loving men. They both are same-gender-loving men feel surprised dedicated to creating Kiki environments that: 1. a program like the Kiki Project where Black same-gender-loving men exists; 2.) Black same gender loving men are open and honest about their sexual actually are participating. Staff continued to orientation, HIV status and “living their see how same gender loving Black men in lives in the light.” Come and have a Kiki 11 Broward County still struggle with the idea with Jacari and Jakari! Founders Circle Reception at W Hotel The W Hotel on beautiful Fort Lauderdale hosted and sponsored a recent Founders Reception. Guests enjoyed sexy tunes and stunning views. Founders provide at least $100 monthly to support the programs and services of The Pride Center. To learn more about Founders, contact Roger Roa at [email protected] (photos by Stephen Lang and Manuel Leon)

Gay Nuptials Beach Bear Weekend Proceeds from ticket sales of this Bob Young generously presents to CEO Robert Boo a check of Wedding Showcase were donated to proceeds from the recent Beach Bear Weekend for use in vital The Pride Center. Long-time Center Pride Center services. Center staff provided HIV testing and volunteers Bobby Kyser and Doug outreach at the popular event.

Fall 2014 Fall Cureton were masterminds behind the successful event. VOICE

12 Pride Thursdays www.PrideCenterFlorida.org Our monthly speakers series event for Seniors recently celebrated its first anniversary. The day’s program was “Sex, Sexuality or Both? Think Again!” presented by Wayne Pawlowski, Certified Sexuality Educator and Clinical Social Worker. Volunteers conceived and spearheaded the series. For more information on Seniors programming contact Bruce Williams at 954.463.9005. VOICE Take One for the Team Chipotle recently hosted a

fundraiser for the Pride Pack- Fall 2014 -The Pride Center’s SMART Ride team. If you’d like to donate to The Pride Pack or any other team for The SMART Ride, please visit www.TheSMARTRide.org. (Photos by Stephen Lang)

13 Work It SAGEWorks offers new skills-building seminars and jobs board By Robert Saunders

f you have a job, you would probably like to keep it, or perhaps you’d like to move on to a better position. In that case, consider signing up Ifor upcoming SAGEWorks Skills Building Seminars offered by The Pride Center. “ The economy remains fragile and layoffs can come unexpectedly to people of all ages,” notes Bruce Williams, Senior Services Coordinator at The Pride Center. He points out that those employees with competitive skills or who hold positions of value to their company obviously are less vulnerable to unexpected loss of employment. Furthermore, it’s wrong to assume that only older employees are the ones most likely to be let go or to be rejected for a job opening. “Studies have shown that age discrimination in the workplace begins at 40, which is pretty Living with HIV? frightening,” Bruce adds. Fall 2014 Fall Living with HIV? Are dating, sex, relationships SAGEWorks helps LGBT people over 40 compete successfully for employment opportunities by sharpening their job search strategies, technical or disclosure stressful? skills and networking savvy. JOIN a free program to help One of the seminars will teach you how to create a well-written resume, VOICE one absolute key to success in the job search process. On November 17th, you make smart CHOICES. members of T D Bank’s Human Resources team will provide resume reviews and teach you how to maximize and showcase your best assets for further ChoiCes is a five-week program that teaches success in a highly competitive job market. you skills to handle challenges you may face. On November 18th, Carl McDonald, Regional HR Director of Broward We meet in small groups to discuss how to: Health, will discuss what recruiters seek from a Human Resources point of • Build healthier relationships and lower stress view. Come find out how to present yourself to prospective employers in a • Make better decisions and improve health way that will beat out the competition! • Disclose HIV-status wisely Finally, on December 12th, Pride Center Founder, Board Member and CEO Fun, interactive sessions include: of Metromedia Works Chris Caputo will offer an in-depth understanding of • Video clips for discussion LinkedIn, certainly one of the most powerful tools in the work search category. • Thought-provoking activities The old adage of “it’s who you know” still holds true, and Chris will explain how • Small group discussion and role play to maximize your contacts and utilize their support in landing that dream job. ChoiCes can help you... A major addition to the SAGEWorks Program at The Pride Center is the creation of a jobs board. Bruce noted that, “We get informed by our • Meet new HIV+ friends p r • Share different experiences without judgment o collaborating partners of a lot of jobs--especially nonprofit jobs--that are j e

• Improve problem-solving & communication skills c becoming available before they are announced to the general public.” PALS t These listings are available to SAGEWorks participants once they have • Learn more health supporting behaviors The PALS Project offers gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men living with HIV registered. “What will eventually be an online process is right now a bit crude- social support, accurate HIV information and ChoiCes is FRee. Se Habla Espanol. skills to lead safer, richer lives. -an actual bulletin board with pieces of paper.” Bruce noted. “We’ve already If interested, contact Magno Morales had some success in job placement.” at 954.463.9011 ext. 303 or Sponsored by The Pride Center To learn more about the SAGEWorks Program or to register for upcoming and the State of Florida, 14 email [email protected] Department of Health seminars, please contact Bruce Williams, Senior Services Coordinator at [email protected] or by calling 954-463-9005 ext. 109 Coffee and Conversations www.PrideCenterFlorida.org More than 150 Seniors attend our weekly Coffee and Conversations events on Tuesday mornings. The crowd will grow to over 200 as “Snowbirds” return. Participants enjoy bagels, educational presentations and the opportunity to Transcendent connect socially. Trans Awareness Month Activities Expand by S.F. Makalani-Mahee

ovember marks the annual observance of Transgender Awareness Month and Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) at The Pride NCenter at Equality Park. This year’s activities include three film screenings, an art exhibit, an awards ceremony, the TDOR observance, a panel discussion on “Trans and alternative lifestyles” and a book reading/signing with 13 year old trans youth advocate Jazz Jennings. Although Trans Awareness Month is organized around the TDOR observance- VOICE -a vigil to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice--we also have set up events designed to promote transvisibility, transeducation, and transempowerment, not only to the trans community, but to our allies and the community as a whole. Fall 2014 The Pride Center once again is collaborating with community partners T-House/THIA (Transgender Health in Action, a Florida Department of Health in Broward County initiative), Sunserve, W.I.N, Vice Mayor Julie A. Carson and The City of Wilton Manors, T.E.R.I and The Human Rights Campaign South Florida. This year, Stonewall National Museum & Archives, TransKids Purple Rainbow, and Equality Florida join the commemorations. These Trans Awareness Month events simply strengthen the commitment The Center demonstrates year round to provide a welcoming, safe space, an inclusive home that celebrates, nurtures and empowers all our LGBTQ communities. We specifically affirm South Florida’s sizeable, strong, visible trans community. Monthly, The Center hosts The Community Collaborative Transgender Educational Series, an evening installment of education and empowerment for the trans community as a collaborative effort with the Florida Department of Health in Broward County/T-House and Sunserve. The Center also consistently assists the Health Department in providing transgender cultural sensitivity trainings throughout the County, and hosts South Florida’s longest-running transgender support group facilitated by Dr. Carol Clark. If you are a transgender person, we invite you to come and experience the joy and empowerment of community. If you are someone simply wanting to educate yourself more about the transgender community and transgender issues, we welcome you to attend any and all of these events. Let us not forget that we owe the Stonewall uprising that birthed the LGBT liberation movement to trans women of color who refused to be harassed and became the Rosa Parks of the LGBT movement. Transgender people always have been a part of the movement. The Center invites the whole community to celebrate the all-too-often silent-and-ignored “T” in our community. Let’s show that in South Florida we can grow and learn 15 from this time of transvisibility. Getting to Know the Expanding Exuberant Ebony Testing Initiative Outreach Coordinator By Cheryl Bennett

bony bursts through the door with a huge smile “When we were young, we didn’t always have she feels to the people she tests and counsels. It is so on her face, greeting me with bubbly laughter someone to talk to or felt necessarily comfortable very evident that Ebony is exactly where she should be: Eand a warmth that simply exudes from her. talking to,” she says. Ebony is that person for many of in the community, reaching out to people and being of She loves her job at The Pride Center and it shows. As the people she sees, especially younger people. service to them. soon as we start talking about what she does, her face When she was young, her aunt became infected with lights up. When she first started at the Center, she was a HIV at age 18. Ebony bears a striking resemblance to volunteer for HIV testing. She jokes that “I was around her aunt, and one day--shortly after her aunt passed so much, I guess they figured they might as well put me away--someone mistook Ebony for her aunt. It was at on the payroll”. that moment that Ebony says it really resonated with her Ebony has worked full-time at The Pride Center for that this could happen to her too. This fueled a passion three years providing HIV testing in the community, for research and the need to help people in similar and now serves as an Expanding Testing Initiative situations. She attended Dade Medical College and Outreach Coordinator. You can find her anywhere from studied histology (the study of the microscopic anatomy a rehabilitation center to a Walgreen’s, giving classes of cells). Although she found this work rewarding, she and doing free HIV screenings (the entire process is felt the need to interact with people. If you’ve ever met 20 minutes). These services are available to everyone, Ebony, you know that she is a people person. from the young to the young at heart. Ebony enjoys I asked Ebony if she had ever struggled with telling interacting with everyone, but especially enjoys the someone they were positive, and she recalls the first teens because she feels grateful to be the person they are time she ever had to give that news to someone. She tells able to talk to and ask questions that they may not feel the story of how she had to compose herself and “get comfortable asking other adults. She is very matter-of- it together,” because she had a moment of realization fact when talking about delicate subjects. She doesn’t that it wasn’t about her; it was about that individual and skirt around any uncomfortable topics or words; she is how she needed to be there for someone else. Ebony is straight-forward. very mindful about her position and the responsibility

Fall 2014 Fall Vision 2015 Contributors Poverello Bowl-a-Thon John Graves Society - Attorney Arthur B. Smith Chris Dunham and Joseph Dominguez $500,000 Jim Stepp and Peter Zimmer Gregory P. Gaddis and David R. Stack, III The Pride Center John C. Graves Charitable Fund of the Sunshine Athletic Association Gay Bridge recently fielded a team

VOICE Community Foundation of Broward Doug Tinklepaugh and James Zinman In Memory of Rick Gibson in the Poverello Bowl- Cornerstone Society - $250,000 Estate of Lawrence Zinman Cal Harrison Gil Corwin Tyler Healis a-thon. Community Pillar Society - $100,000 Equality League - $10,000 Kenneth Hollander Charitable Foundation collaboration remains Anonymous D.C. Allen and Ken Flick Robert L. Hubbard and Bill Greeves a focus of Center staff Jan Carpenter and Dale Russell Estate of C. Michael Johnson Friends of Stephen Jerome Mona Pittenger Hansen Realty Dr. David Kyner and Richard Bray and volunteers. Vince Di Pietro Christopher Mahon, MD Luminary Society - Paul Galluccio W. Lynn McLaughlin and David Webb $50,000 Mark Gordon and Aldo Buono Ken Merrifield and Fred Berger J. Michael Heider, DDS and Thom Carr Ed Nicholas and Chris Griswold David Moon and Eugene Smith Kenneth M. Goss Chuck Nicholls and Mark Turner Douglas Pew and Donald Croxton Former Broward County Mayor Ken Coleman Prewitt Michael Preihs and Khoi Loung Keechl and Ted Adcock The Bears of South Florida Bennett Quade and Paul Rolli John Ramos and Tim Caldwell Herb Reis and William Coffey Richard Schwarz and Tom Massey Visonary Circle - $5,000 SAGE Men’s Drop In Anonymous Don Schultz Star League - $25,000 In Memory of Gilbert Anko Calvin Steinmetz and Brian Boyle Doug Candler Darcy Beeman Stork’s Bakery Forest Trace Luxury Resort and Adult Ilene Berliner and Maura Lane Dave Stubbins Community John Bowles Dean Trantalis, Esq. James Jagielski Mark Budwig and Nick Scalzo Ted Verdone and John Curtin George A. Kling, MD Michael Dager and Harvey Shapiro Charles Walker Estate of James Rampe Michael Dane and Alex Quintero Sumner T. White Vision 2015 charts the course for The Pride Center to be mortgage-free on our 5.5 acre Equality Park campus. We seek 1,000 donors who will contribute $1,000 annually. To join Vision 2015, 16 contact Roger Roa at [email protected] Snapshot of Service Reception www.PrideCenterFlorida.org Stonewall National Museum & Archives recently hosted a VIP reception to celebrate the exhibit opening of A Snapshot of Service: The Pride Center at Equality Park. The exhibit explores over 20 years of service by The Center and serves to commemorate the gift of archival records and memorabilia documenting the historic work of The Center. (Photos by Manuel Leon)

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Join the FREE 18 week LIFE Program You’ll receive practical, step-by-step guidance in a fun interactive environment as you create and implement personal health plans for long-term thriving with HIV. This program can help you... • Build deeper, supportive relationships with new HIV+ friends! • Get the latest facts on HIV! • Improve your physical, emotional and social well being! • Share your story while you learn from others! Participation in the LIFE Program... • Boosts the immune system • Lowers risky behavior • Increases adherence to health and medication schedules. Offered twice a year beginning in January and July.

MEETINGS ON TUESDAYS @ 6:30 p.m. p r o j e

For more inFormation c PALS t Contact Jeff Grigsby at 954.463.9011, ext. 302 Sponsored by The Pride Center, and the State of or email [email protected] Florida, Department of Health 17 Testing and Outreach at Funky Buddha Flea Market The Pride Center recently provided HIV Testing and The Center hosts over a Outreach at Funky Buddha in Oakland Park. Center thousand visitors and 60 staff work creatively in the community to identify non- vendors the first Saturday traditional venues to educate and inform about HIV. of every month for Flea Market. Stop in and check out the deals! Fall 2014 Fall VOICE

18 www.PrideCenterFlorida.org Down-Home Girl Did you know? Getting to Know Shanna Ratliff,

Prevention Outreach Coordinator +The Pride Center spearheaded a local initiative to By SJ Strock create a tri-county LBT Women’s Health Directory with over 300 culturally-competent healthcare providers GBTQIA – Alphabet soup to some, but in a world of acronyms, +We’ve provided HIV prevention outreach to more than Lchances are that if you are reading 8,000 individuals already this year this article in The Pride Center VOICE, you are most certainly familiar with the meaning of these letters. What we often forget is that, sadly, not everyone lives in our world. And that my friends, is where our wonderful Shanna Ratliff comes in. She is passionate and determined to reach far and wide past Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale, and South Florida to educate society about the LGBTQIA community. To understand Shanna’s determination, Holistic Health Series LBT Health Directory you must first know that she comes from Family Series Service Linkage a small rural town in North Florida. Yes, We Offer: Book Club Support Groups the Bible-Belt, where misconceptions Art Shows Movie Nights about the Gay and Lesbian community Diverse Speakers Panel Discussions VOICE Basketball Social Events are born, nurtured and given wings. Even as an openly out Lesbian young woman, Shanna admittedly was not exposed to diversity or the need for HIV testing; so the impact and epidemic nature of HIV/AIDS in South Florida was foreign to her Fall 2014 when she moved to the area. While completing her Masters program in Social Work at Florida International University, Shanna applied for an internship at The Pride Center, and the student soon became the teacher. After finishing graduate school, Shanna truly thought she would pursue a career in a clinical setting. At that time, she went back to her small hometown for her grandfather’s funeral where a relative refused to hug her because she works with the HIV community. That one bit of ignorance was the catalyst for her to be more vocal and to take on her mission to expand awareness and education about safe sex and the LGBTQIA community. Coordinator for the Prevention Outreach services at the Pride Center became her perfect vehicle. “Now, I even do condom demonstrations at family parties,” she laughs. The Center has been privileged to have Shanna on the team for four years. First as an intern, where as she gleefully puts it, “I really hit it off with Kristofer [Fegenbush], and worked with everyone and in every program.” She was soon offered a part-time position and is now Prevention Outreach Coordinator, full- time with an amazing support staff. Shanna is helping pave the road for more young women in her field, working daily with gay men in HIV prevention. She recognized that at first the men were a bit weary to open up to her. It wasn’t long, though, before she created trust. Regardless of Shanna being among the lowest risk demographic to contract HIV, her compassion shines through. Shanna Ratliff is quick to show her warmth, friendliness, approachability, and believes, “Bringing a woman’s perspective to the table has actually helped the guys to embrace my role here at The Center. And I think, it’s also opened the doors for more women to be integral parts of the growth we are seeing, with more programming like Couples Speak for both men and women.” If you haven’t met Shanna Ratliff yet, next time you’re in The Pride Center, be sure to make her acquaintance. She is a down-home girl, with a sure smile and a 19 wealth of information. The Pride Pack. I believe we should lead Women’s Group, Book Club, basketball, by example and conduct our lives not arts shows, etc. Before The Pride Center, solely for ourselves but for those who my nights were spent home alone going will survive us. to bed early to usher in the next day. Now my life is full and happy, so I want RJ Hadley to give back to The Pride Center that has This year, after providing HIV tests so changed my life.That is why I ride. to more 20-something gay males than Why I Ride ever, I know there’s more to do. More Leslie Rutland-Tipton testing, listening, sharing, gathering, I wish I could tell you the reason I ride understanding and growing. All for is only for others...I wish I could tell you n November 13, hundreds of at alarming rates. While the HIV/AIDS myself and my community. Since the some of my desire to ride wasn’t selfish, cyclists will begin to cycle epidemic may look different now, the mid 80’s when I first rode in causes but it is, at times, selfish. You see, even O165 miles from Miami to Key stigma towards those infected continues, like the SMART RIde, I’ve ridden though this ride has given me a way to West on SMART Ride 11. 100% of and it’s so easy to get complacent. HIV thousands of mile and raised thousands stand alongside and suffer for others, funds raised benefit seven HIV/AIDS programs (e.g. HIV testing, education & of dollars. Most importantly by sharing I, too, receive from this event. I have service organizations doing life-saving emotional support) are still very much my story I know I’ve helped others see made friends that I will know for life, I work across Florida, including The needed. The Pride Center provides a bright future.. am always overwhelmed by the support Pride Center. Some riders and crew these services which is why I’m part of for the riders, and the sense of teamwork members of the Pride Pack share below the Pride Pack again this year. Lenny Chesal and family is one that stays with me all what motivates them to participate. I ride to support my fellow Pride Pack year long. Honestly, I feel like I get way If you’d like to donate funds to their Robbie Shore riders who are deeply committed to the more than I give. participation, visit www.TheSmartRide. I find for me the best reason for doing cause. Help those with AIDS and find org and search for their last name. Every this wonderful, life changing SMART a cure to end this plague. I also ride in Joseph Ortlieb dollar helps. Ride is really about asking myself ‘why memory of Jorge, my wife’s dear friend I ride to make a difference in the lives not’ rather than ‘why’. The ‘Why’ who lost his battle. of people infected and/or affected by Rona Saunders includes a life changing, friend making, HIV/AIDS. I ride to increase awareness A bicycle requires human action to get community building event. It’s the Deidra Doc B, of a virus that I know will be curable in results, as does the fight against HIV/ ‘why not’ that has become impossible Motorcyle Escort my lifetime. This year will be my eighth AIDS. I ride to show my commitment to really justify. I ride for all the ones that can’t. And year, and every year I am amazed and to the fight against HIV/AIDS to elicit for the ones who are able, I promise to humbled by the number and diversity of greater public support. Kevin O’Connor keep them as safe as possible...I think exceptional people I have encountered. I I was born in 1950. On the numerous about the people I pass: Do I know their know this year will be yet another of our Rafael Reyes times I have viewed parts of or the struggle with HIV? Why are they doing journeys towards the cure of HIV/AIDS. ‘It’s not over ‘till it’s over!’ This is why entire AIDS Quilt, I note that many this? Are they hurting? I also see the Fall 2014 Fall I partake… for my clients, friends and of those names inscribed represent faces of friends that I have lost...I want Kristofer Fegenbush myself - until there’s a cure. 30 years individuals who are my contemporaries. my community to know that I am there I wish I didn’t have to ride. I wish I have passed since I became involved I personally knew some of the people for them. Always. wasn’t watching young and old folks in the cause and today I feel ever more attached to those names. I know I am test positively weekly. I wish we had

VOICE hopeful that we are finally close to blessed to have been given the gift of Susan McCloskey a cure. But we don’t yet. So cramming making this illness that has affected so the years of my life. SMART Ride is The past year has seen the quality of my muffin top into lycra to sweat and many lives HISTORY. I crew in this one way to do what I can to insure that my life increase in so many ways as I peddle through the beautiful Keys year’s SMART Ride with tremendous gift of life for others. have begun getting involved at The Pride with an inspiring community of my hope in my heart and cheer for all of us Center. I have met the most wonderful closest friends is an easy way to make doing our part to prevail and be able to Clint Bridges people attending Monday Night’s a lasting difference. say ‘remember when’. This is my first year participating in the SMART Ride and the Pride Pack team. Sarah Strock It’s important for me to feel like I’m not Supported by my husband, Bart, riding only a part of the community, but that the SMART Ride allows us to personally I’m doing what I can to help out. It bring more awareness into our own will be a great sense of accomplishment “suburban” sphere of family, friends in helping those in need and reflection and business associates. They are not on those affected. Looking forward familiar with the importance of the to being part of such a great group of services and programs that are needed to people who are passionate about what live life to the fullest with HIV. Bridging they are doing. our worlds is definitely what this ride is all about for me. Yvonne Dalpay I’m riding because I believe this Tomas Soto disease can be eradicated from our I’m participating in the SMART Ride society. No one should suffer alone or 20 because young gay men, particularly gay without hope. I believe my participation men of color, continue to contract HIV and faith has a valuable contribution to Courtyard Dedication with Garden Club www.PrideCenterFlorida.org The Equality Park Garden Club recently hosted a dedication for the new courtyard project. The Garden Club continues to invest resources in the beauty of the Equality Park campus. VOICE Fall 2014

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www.selzerandweiss.com 1515 NE 26th St. Wilton Manors, FL 33305 23 Fourth Annual Community Day To Be Held Saturday, October 25 The Pride Center will again host this popular community and family outreach day for all ages on Saturday, October 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome--single or married, senior or youth. Activities include a Kids’ Costume Contest indoors with South Florida Family Pride and an outdoor Pet Costume Contest. Broward Sheriff’s Office will again provide K9 demonstrations, fire trucks, police vehicles and more. Come join the fun! (Photos by Steve Shires)

Fall 2014 Fall Join The Pride Center as a Member Today!

VOICE Types of Membership: •Individual $40 per year •Household $70 per year •Student (under 25) $30 per year •Senior (over 65) $30 per year •Friends $200 per year •Best Friends $500 per year •Founders Circle starting at $1,200 per year*

*Additional Founder Levels are available. Contact 954.463.9005 24