www.PrideCenterFlorida.org Spring 2014 VOICE Follow us! | www.facebook.com/ThePrideCenter | @PrideCenterFL
Girl on Fire Meet our new Women with Pride Coordinator By SJ Strock oya Amirniroumand is politics, family, upbringing, a young and passionate friends, goals, and of course her Rwoman who now spends dog, Oscar. Roya’s warm and most of her days immersed in forthcoming personality is most Mural Unveiling PG. 11 her field of interest – Women likely the reason her office door and Gender Studies – as The is always open. Pride Center’s new Women In the few short weeks since with Pride Coordinator. Roya began laying roots at The Chatting with Roya is akin to Center, she says “I get so excited sitting down with an old friend to meet new people and it’s just who just can’t wait to tell you great that so many visitors have everything about what ignites her stopped by my office to welcome fire. One question can lead to an me into the community.” entire conversation that weaves She also says that she loves Women’s History Month and wraps around community, the connection through The Art Reception PG. 12 +continued on page 4 Roya Amirniroumand Expanded HIV outreach and testing Out and About team serve as agents of change By Shanna Ratliff
ave you seen the Mannix, Testing Manager, and handsome men in blue Shanna Ratliff, Prevention HPride Center t-shirts Outreach Coordinator, have built around town? Maybe you met an experienced, skilled team them at Pride Fort Lauderdale with unique backgrounds and or the Gay Rodeo. Perhaps innovative ideas. In only a few AIDS Walk PG.13 they provided you an HIV test months, Julian Alterman, Kenedy off Wilton Drive, handed you a Alves, and Edguardo Medina condom at a local bar or spoke have expanded The Center’s with you about HIV prevention outreach across Broward. at the beach. The team is hard at work. Funding from the Florida They recently partnered with Department of Health has helped the Broward County Sherriff’s The Pride Center expand its HIV Office to conduct outreach at testing and outreach services the Sunshine Stampede Rodeo in creative ways to diverse and at Century Village Evening in Paradise: communities. Listron “Blue” +continued on page 4 Kenedy Alves, Julian Alterman and Edgardo Medina Carnaval! PG. 14 1 The Pride Center 2040 N. Dixie Highway Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33305 Mail Correspondence to: Times Are A Changing P.O. Box 70518 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33307-0518 (954) 463-9005 A letter from Robert Boo, C.E.O. of The Pride Center at Equality Park Fax (954) 764-6522 Email: [email protected] recently had the honor to attend two same-sex Website: www.PrideCenterFlorida.org wedding celebrations. One was Jewish, steeped in Board of Directors tradition here in Fort Lauderdale; the other was a Ilene Berliner, Chair Mark Budwig I James Walker, Vice Chair Brenda Hartley destination celebration in Las Vegas. Both were very Chris Caputo, Secretary George Kling sweet, filled with love, family, friends, celebrations and Craig Engel, CPA, Dr. Leslie Leip Treasurer Juliette Love milestones to witness. Having grown up in rural, small- Ted Adcock Leslie Rutland-Tipton town Indiana, this day seemed unimaginable. Thankfully, Mitchell Bloom Richard Safaty times are changing. Seventeen states, plus the District of Pride Center Staff Robert Boo, Executive Director, Columbia, recognize marriage equality. We are the civil [email protected] Kristofer Fegenbush, MSW, Deputy Director, rights movement of this generation, and we need to keep [email protected] Janet Weissman, Business Manager, the ball rolling. [email protected] Jorge Gardela, Health Outreach Director, When I first joined The Pride Center in 2006, we had [email protected] seven paid staff and an operating budget of $430,000. Frank Gurucharri, PALS Project Manager, [email protected] Today, we have 36 paid staff and an operating budget Roger Roa, Director of Development, [email protected] over $2.4M. Over the years The Center has continued Samantha McCoy, Customer Service Coordinator, [email protected] to evolve and grow during the worst economic times Listron “Blue” Mannix, MSW, Minority Testing Initiative Manager, [email protected] since the Great Depression. (Contrary to popular Jeff Grigsby, LIFE Coordinator, belief, I was not around to remember the Depression.) [email protected] Magno Morales, CHOICES Coordinator, I can’t take credit for all of this growth. The Center [email protected] Emilio Aponte, CRCS Coordinator, continues to employ talented and dedicated people. Caballero, Edgardo Medina and Richard Thomas help [email protected] Albert Taylor, Health Coordinator, We work here because of our passion for our mission. extend our reach into the community for HIV education [email protected] Ed Garcia, Social Media and Marketing Coordinator, The Center also enjoys the benefit of over 200 and prevention. [email protected] S.F. Makalani-Mahee, Data Entry Specialist, volunteers who donate their time and talents. Many As you peruse this issue of The Voice you will enjoy pictures [email protected] volunteers have worked for years, answering phones, from many Center activities and events. We are pleased that Shanna Ratliff, Prevention Outreach Coordinator, [email protected] providing HIV tests, designing flyers and signing our Center appears alongside Harvey Milk in the Wells Fargo Bruce Williams, Senior Services Coordinator, [email protected] in guests at events, never missing a beat. I am so mural in their 5-Points location. We hosted Black Gay Pride, Lorenzo Robertson, CouplesSpeak Coordinator, [email protected] grateful for their dedication. held the second annual Equality Park Tropical Plant Fair, held Rafael Reyes, Healthcare Navigator, [email protected] Our cover story this issue introduces you to our new the third annual Pride Center Cruise, participated in the Florida Ebony Wilson, ETI Outreach Coordinator, Women with Pride Coordinator, Roya Amirniroumand. AIDS Walk, hosted several Founders Receptions and put on [email protected] Roya Amirniroumand, Women with Pride Coordinator, Spring 2014 She has hit the floor running with Women’s History the third and largest Evening In Paradise. [email protected] Oscar Caballero, Linkage and Testing Specialist, Month, organizing several events such as an Art Opening, Lastly, The Pride Center has been selected to be a [email protected] Rick Thomas, VOICES and Outreach Specialist, a panel discussion on the effects of marijuana, a film recipient of this year’s SMART Ride on November 14 [email protected] Daniel Dardenne, Testing Specialist, screening and a book signing. We are very pleased to & 15. For the second time, I plan to ride the 165 miles [email protected] VOICE welcome her to our family. from Miami to Key West. I hope that you will support Norris Wildhagen, Facilities Specialist, [email protected] Our second cover story introduces some new HIV any of the riders and crew on the Pride Pack team so that Charles Dickey, Health Counselor, [email protected] prevention staff from a new Department of Health grant. we can continue to provide vital and innovative HIV Chris Douglas, Testing Specialist, [email protected] The team of Julian Alterman, Kenedy Alves, Oscar programming to the community. William “Billy” Gall, Testing Specialist, [email protected] Stacey Wall, Testing Specialist, [email protected] Bryon Bowlby, Executive Assistant, [email protected] Todd Hammond, Information Analyst, over the past year directly impacted over 30,000 residents [email protected] Julian Alterman, Outreach and Testing Specialist, and visitors to South Florida. The Pride Center is a major [email protected] About The Pride Center site for HIV testing, prevention, education, support, holistic Kenedy Alves, Outreach and Testing Specialist, [email protected] health and counseling. Stop in and learn about all we do: a Edgardo Medina, Outreach and Testing Specialist, [email protected] he Pride Center celebrated 20 years of service in community Flea Market; women’s health initiatives; family Dr. David Fawcett, Lead CouplesSpeak Clinical/Program Consultant, [email protected] 2013. Our mission is: “We provide a welcoming, outreach days; Bingo; unique exercise classes; financial Dr. John N John, Couples Speak Program Evaluation Consultant, [email protected] safe space--an inclusive home--that celebrates, investment series; art gallery openings; adult educational Clarence Collins, Facilities Assistant, [email protected] T Robert Bryant , Facilities Assistant, [email protected] nurtures and empowers the LGBTQ communities and opportunities through Pride University; Bingo; education Troy Brown, Facilities Assistant, [email protected]
our friends and neighbors in South Florida.” The Center’s for prospective and current parents; weekly “Coffee and The Pride Center Voice program and services meet the distinct cultural, health, Conversation” gatherings for seniors; music, movies and Production Managers: Chris Caputo, Kristofer Fegenbush Creative Director: Mark Pauciullo educational, economic, social and safety needs of the live theater presentations; a variety of health fairs; and a Contributing Writers: SJ Strock, Cheryl Bennett, Robert Saunders, Bryon Bowlby, Listron “Blue” Mannix, Shanna Ratliff, Rafael Reyes, Bruce Williams, LGBT community. More than 20,000 adult and youth spectrum of creative symposiums, speakers, forums and Robert Boo and Kristofer Fegenbush. attended activities at the Center over the past year. We events for the entire community. We own five-and-a-half Photographers: Steven Shires, Pompano Bill, Dennis Dean, Stephen Lang, Liquid Radar, Denise Spivak, Ed Garcia, S.F. Makalani-Mahee, Listron “Blue” host more than 60 regularly-meeting groups each month. acres of property with 30,000 square feet of office space Mannix, Samantha McCoy, Bryon Bowlby and Kristofer Fegenbush. Support, social and educational groups focus on women, that provide homes for programs and services, as well The VOICE newsletter is published in the memory and 2 seniors, youth, men, transgender, recovery, health, the arts, as synergy among organizations. Our Vision is to be the through the donation of the Robert S. Kecskemety Trust. athletics, spirituality, games and more. Outreach activities premier point of connection for our community. www.PrideCenterFlorida.org Pride Center Cruise Friends and supporters of The Center set sail on the Caribbean seas. Richard Safaty of Freedom Travel organized the successful cruise that raised $7,500 for The Pride Center. Book your cabin now for the 2015 Cruise at a discounted rate! Photos by Steve Shires VOICE Spring 2014 Spring
What’s the deal with
Front Wall Facelift As part of our Courtyard Improvement Project, WPednesdayr, AprilE 30 - 6:30P p.m. to 8?:30 p.m. the front wall along Dixie Highway recently received a colorful, welcoming facelift. Stop by and see all the improvements at Equality Park! Photos by Ed Garcia 3 Girl on Fire desire in myself to be that person to build a community well as organize events, activities, social media presence +continued from page 1 of support.” and groups for LBT Women. She will manage and Her studies have brought her to The Pride Center, coordinate the Vital Signs series funded through Aqua Pride Center’s FaceBook page, where there are countless and to doing something so close to her field of interest. Foundation, update and expand the LBT Health Directory opportunities to bond, share ideas and lay platforms for making Committed to her belief that it’s fundamentally and help coordinate the Expanding Our Families series a difference through LGBTQIA education and outreach. important for community members to share and create for prospective and current LGBT parents. Hailing from the northeast--New Jersey to be exact-- knowledge about the complex and diverse experiences of “It’s amazing what she’s already organized,” says COO Roya has followed her parents and siblings to the sunny LGBTQIA persons to make transformative connections Kristofer Fegenbush. “A film screening and discussion; shores of South Florida. She is completing her Masters and change, she is sure to enhance the programming of a Meet and Greet with an MMA Champion fighter from Rutgers University and brings her overwhelming Women with Pride. to promote our LBT Health Directory; a community passion for equality to The Pride Center. With a specific interest in the “lived, shared and dialogue on marijuana use; an art opening; a book signing “Having an older brother and a younger sister,” Roya varied experiences of LBT women,” Roya says, “A lot and more. She’s impacting our community quickly.” quips, “I have a clear case of ‘Middle Child Syndrome’, of people in my life have asked me about my personal You can be sure, there is no containing the enthusiasm always in competition to have a voice. Maybe that’s what sexuality – and the truth is at the end of the day, I am a of this young woman. She has high hopes, great visions motivates me to be the voice of others, finding resources, WOMAN, and the LBT community is at the heart of the and the wherewithal to expand women’s programming support and a united political push for change.” current Women’s Movement.” at The Pride Center. If you haven’t already popped your Although she is young in years, she is wise beyond As the Center’s Women with Pride Coordinator, Roya head into Roya’s office, be sure to do so! Watch out, her age. Roya admits boldly, “I absolutely recognize the will provide outreach, education and linkage services as this girl is on fire... Out and About +continued from page 1 Pembroke Pines. The team provides HIV education Groups at the Pride Center and outreach on Wilton Drive in the evenings. They’ve targeted Brazilian neighborhoods in Pompano Beach and students at local colleges. They’ve distributed thousands WEEKLY RECURRING MEETINGS Pride Center Young Adult Group, (23-35 yoa), Support, Fri, 7-9p of safer sex packets and tens of thousands of condoms. AA – Attitude Adjustment Group, Recovery, Mon-Fri, 7-8a Yoga with Drew Miller, Social, Wed, 6p-7p, Sat, 12:30p-1:30p Julian, Kenedy and Edguardo are no strangers to AA – Attitude Adjustment Group, Recovery, Mon-Fri, 7-8a the programs offered at The Pride Center. Julian, a AA – Each Day a New Beginning, Recovery, Daily, 9-10a BI-WEEKLY RECURRING MEETINGS retired dentist who moved to South Florida in 2010, AA – Northeast Group, Recovery, Mon, 8:30-9:30p Ballet & Opera Group, Educational, 2nd & 4th Sunday, 1-4p participated in The Center’s LIFE program that teaches AA – Sober, Proud and Gay, Recovery, Fri, 8:30-10p Bereavement Group, Support, 2nd & 4th Sunday, 2-4p holistic health to persons living with HIV. AA – Pride 5:45 Meeting, Recovery, Daily, 5:45-6:45p POZ Long-Term Survivor, Gay Men/HIV Support, 1st & 3rd BrothasspeakFTL-Social, Wed, 7:00p-9:00p Thur, 6:30-8p “After my LIFE cycle, I was asked to serve as a peer Coffee and Conversation – SAC, Social/Seniors, Tues, Senior Games Day, Social, 2nd & 4th Tue, 1-4p Spring 2014 educator and facilitator,” Alterman explains. He then 10:30a-12noon completed HIV counseling and testing certification. Crystal Meth Anonymous, Recovery Mon 6p-7p, Wed, 6p-7p MONTHLY RECURRING MEETINGS/EVENTS Alterman is visibly passionate about his work and Faith Circle, Social, Sun, 11:30a-1:30p Big Men’s Club: Chubbies & Chasers, Social, 3rd Sat, 1-4p regularly receives positive feedback from participants Games Day, Social, 2nd & 4th Tues, 1-4p Pride Center BINGO, Open to Public, 2nd Sat, 7-10p
VOICE Gay Bridge Club, Fun, Mon & Fri, 1-4p in the LIFE program and people for whom he provides Dolphin Democrats, Mthly Meeting, 2nd Wed, 7:30-9:30p Gay Hearts, Social, Sun, 1-3:30p testing. Alterman is working hard to increase outreach Lavender Speaks, Social, 3rd Thurs, 7:30-10p Gay Men’s Empowerment Group,Thurs 7p-8:30p Pride Center Memorial Garden Club, Educational, 3rd Wed, and testing at local bathhouses and sex clubs. Imagine Meditation in your life with Drew, Thurs, 7:30p-8:30p 7-9p Kenedy moved to the United States from Brazil Island City Al-anon-Support, Thur, 7-8p Pride Center Flea Market, Open to Public, 1st Sat, 8a-2p ten years ago and volunteered with The Center for Mahjong, Social, Wed, 1-5:00p Primetimers, Open to Public, 1st Sun, 2-4:30p two years before being selected as part of this new Man2Man Talk, Social, Mon, 7-8:30p SAGE Computer Club, Educational, 2nd Wed, 4-6p Monday Night Women’s Group, Social, Mon, 7:30-9p outreach and testing team. Alves explains that he was SAGE Movie Movie, Social, 3rd Mon, 4-6p Narcotics Anonymous Rainbow Group, Recovery, Wed, 8-9p S. F. Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf, Support, 1st Sun, 2:30- drawn to the position because of a desire to expand New Path Narcotics Anonymous Group, Recovery, Mon/Tue/ 3:30p the community’s knowledge of available resources, Thu, 7-8p Transgender Support Group, Support, 3rd Fri, 7-8:30p programs and services. While conducting outreach on New Path Narcotics Anonymous Group, Recovery, Sat/Sun, 4-5p Women in Network, Social, 1st Wed, 7-9p Wilton Drive, Alves was surprised to learn that many Overeaters Anonymous, Recovery, Sun, 12n-1:30p Women with Pride Book Club, 2nd Thur, 7-9p people he met did not know about The Pride Center’s Overeaters Anonymous, Recovery, Fri, 7:30-9p POZ Attitudes Here and Now, HIV Support, Wed, 7-9p, array of services in their community, only blocks from Quit Smoking Now, Tues 7p-8:30p Wilton Drive. Alves is working to expand outreach and SAGE Men’s Social, Social/Seniors, Wed, 1-3p For further information or to rent a room testing initiatives in neighborhoods across Broward, SAGE Computer Club, Wed 4p-5p including the Brazilian community located in Pompano. Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), Recovery, Fri, 7-8p for your event call: Samantha McCoy at Edguardo also is taking HIV education and prevention Senior Exercise Class YMCA Health, Senior, Mon-Fri, 10:10a-11:10a,11:15-12:15p,1:30-2:30p 954-463-9005. to new locations. He recently conducted outreach during Senior Gay Men’s Support Group, Support, Mon, 11a-12n Broward College’s gay pride event. Medina was born Smart Recovery, Recovery, Mon, 7:30-8:30p/Thur, 6:30-8p Visit www.pridecenterflorida.org Calendar and raised in Puerto Rico and has been involved with The Healing Project Meeting,Tues 7:30p-9pm LGBT youth since 2008. Medina enjoys being able to Toastmasters, Educational, Mon, 7:15-9:15p of Events for meeting room assignments. empower people to make healthier choices. In capturing Women’s Non-Competitive Basketball, Social,Mon,Thur 5:30p, Sat 3p Room days/times subject to change. 4 the overall sentiment of the team, he states, “I am proud to be an agent of positive change in the community.” Have You Named Your Brick Yet? www.PrideCenterFlorida.org By Bryon Bowlby
rick naming opportunities on husband’s face when he sees our the grounds of The Pride Center names etched in stone.” Bcontinue to gain momentum Do you have a message you would as members of the community honor like to share or a remembrance of their marriages and remember friends, someone you have lost? What better lovers, partners, or parents they have way to ensure a permanent reminder lost. Others simply make a statement than to name a brick at The Pride about something they believe in: Center? Won’t it be a wonderful statement to one day have the entire Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité walkway filled with messages to In Loving Mememory of our prompt reflection and enjoyment in Parents… future generations? La Dolce Vita Bricks start at: Our Good Friend… $100 for a 4” X 8” brick Who Am I to Judge? – Pope $250 for an 8” X 8” brick Francis Up to a $5,000 for an “Array” To feel inspired, or to celebrate the These sentiments represent just a great progress on the Courtyard, please few of the engravings in the brick visit the South side of the Schubert pathway in the new Courtyard at Building on our Equality Park Equality Park. campus. Discover what your Many local donors have gone friends and neighbors are on-line or met with The Center’s sharing with the world!
Development team to leave a A portion of each brick funds VOICE lasting message of importance vital services, resources and in these watershed times for the programs of The Pride Center. LGBTQ community. As one For information on purchasing
member said when he bought a brick, contact Bryon Bowlby 2014 Spring his “array” of bricks, “I can’t or Roger Roa at 954.463.9005. wait to see the expression on my 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 provides regular workshops for prospective and current LGBT parents +The Pride Center is the largest site for Enhanced Fitness classes for Seniors offered in the U.S. +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 5 I THE because...
www.PrideCenterFlorida.org Photos by Dennis Dean The Pride Center at Equality Park - 2040 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors FL - 954.463.9005 I THE because...
www.PrideCenterFlorida.org Photos by Dennis Dean The Pride Center at Equality Park - 2040 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors FL - 954.463.9005 Job Seekers Enjoy a Seminar - or Three By Rob Saunders up to date or not having enough information or having box operations. With an acute awareness of our faltering rustrated trying to land a decent job as a empty profiles -- that’s a red flag for me that they are not economy, Mary offers hope and encouragement to those seasoned employee? Hey, we’ve been there current on technology or they’re not tech savvy.” who have lost jobs due to position elimination, company Fand it’s a bitch - but help is at hand right here at His seminar focused on what an employer would look bankruptcy or corporate merger. She explained what The Pride Center. Our SAGEWorks program recently at, what needs to be filled in and what can be left out. should and what should not be included in creating an organized three seminars designed to give LGBT He also explained some networking opportunities on outstanding resume that will enhance your chances of forty-somethings (and up) that extra edge and get them LinkedIn. However, he added, “It’s not so much that beating the competition and successfully landing that noticed in the digital-age job market. you’re going to go on there and find a job, it’s that your long-sought-after dream job. Well, do you know what employers look for in your potential employer will be looking at your profile on To learn more about The Pride Center’s SAGEWorks resume, or how to behave on a C2C interview? If the there, kind of fact checking.” program, or to find out about accessing video of the answers are “no” and “what the heck is C2C,” maybe The next seminar provided valuable insight into what seminars, please contact Bruce Williams, Senior you should check out the videos from these really happens on the other side of the table: that is, what Services Coordinator at bwilliams@pridecenterflorida. informative and helpful sessions. considerations go into selecting the ideal candidate for org or 954.463.9005 One thing a mature job applicant should be aware of is an open position. Carl McDonald presented the risk of dating yourself in your resume in a way that on “How Hiring Happens in 2014 - Tips From is not helpful, said Chris Caputo of MetroMediaWorks. Inside the Human Resource Department”. “It’s important to show depth of experience, but He certainly should know. Carl is the showing what you did straight out of college is probably Regional Director of Human Resources for counterproductive. It’s kind of a red flag that you may Broward Health Imperial Point (BHIP). He not be current in your skills.” started with Broward Health in 2004 and In particular, he said, he looks for how someone has has been actively involved in a number of put contemporary skills to use. “Pretty much everybody different Human Resources roles throughout puts right at the top of their resume a list of all their Broward Health. computer software skills -- but unless they say in the Carl says he enjoys providing knowledge body of the application where and how they’ve used and direction to the students he teaches as those skills, I take it with a grain of salt.” an adjunct faculty member at American Chris is as savvy and plugged-in a young entrepreneur Intercontinental University in Weston, FL as you could wish to meet, and presented the first and loves to mentor professionals within the seminar about making maximum use of an essential industry. He possesses a lot of “knowledge tool for job seekers: “LinkedIn – Everything You’ve and direction” that he passed on during his Always Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask.” talk. Winter 2014 OK, so you might have heard of LinkedIn, or even The third seminar got down to the nitty- got emailed invitations from someone you know to gritty. “Resume Writing - What’s In & join - but do you know what it’s all about? “In this What’s Out For Job Seekers” was presented job market, most job applicants know what LinkedIn by Mary Langer of TD Bank. Mary has had over 30 years of Human Resource experience VOICE is, but if anything many of them are using it in a way Senior Services Coordinator Bruce Williams with seminar presenter Chris Caputo that is counterproductive,” Chris said. “Not having it involving national retail openings of large big Blue is the Warmest Color Screening and Discussion A passionate crowd viewed and discussed this sexy, controversial movie, nominated as Best Foreign Language film for the 2014 Oscars. The divisive French- language film tells the story of two young women and the course of their passionate, tumultuous relationship. 8 Photos by Ed Garcia www.PrideCenterFlorida.org Bella Maddo Screening This dark, soap-opera style comedy includes a transgender ensemble portraying non-trans roles. Several case members discussed their involvement in the film following the screening. VOICE
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9 BeachBear Weekend 2014 to Bear Migration benefit The Pride Center
eady for a sexy cruise that never leaves port? BeachBear Weekend, the newest international RBear Event, will again welcome thousands to hit the sands of our world-class Fort Lauderdale Beach for its third hot year, May 7-12, 2014. The event raises funds for local non-profits while bringing guys from around the world for a healthy, fun time. Thousands of members of the Bear community will enjoy the best Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors have to offer. For the first time, proceeds from this year’s event will benefit The Pride Center at Equality Park. “They are the cornerstone of our gay community, providing so many essential services,” says Bob Young. “BeachBear is honored to support The Pride Center.” The host hotel, The Courtyard by Marriott at Fort Lauderdale Beach, offers special rates for BeachBear. Book early to get ocean view rooms! BeachBear’s parties will continue the annual excitement. The TeaCruise party at the host hotel overlooking the Delta Airlines will serve as the official airline for and collaboration of the Bear community. This is going Atlantic will feature Alex Ramos spinning your favorite BeachBear. Check out www.beachbearweekend.com for to be an amazing weekend. Like Goldilocks I’m full of tunes. Wilton Manors’ newest venue--Hunter’s--will host discount codes on both domestic and international flights. excitement to be surrounded by so many Bears.” hot dance parties with DJs from Provincetown’s Bear “We at The Pride Center are honored and humbled that BeachBear is also proud to support a charity that Week and California’s Lazy Bear. BeachBear is donating proceeds from this epic event serves another urgent, often overlooked need in our BearTags will get you into all these events and more toward our vital programs and resources,” says CEO community. BeachBear will also donate funds to for only $59. Robert Boo. “We’re thankful for the ongoing support Abandoned Pet Rescue, a no-kill shelter. Spring 2014 Did you know? VOICE
+Over 1000 visitors and 80 vendors attend The Pride Center’s Flea Market on the first Saturday of every month +The Pride Center hosts monthly Transgender Educational Series collaborative community workshops +Over 100 people play Bingo at The Pride Center on the second Saturday evening of every month. +The Pride Center’s Healthcare Navigator links people daily to vital medical care +More than 10,000 people used The Pride Center’s computer center last year
10 www.PrideCenterFlorida.org Founders Circle Reception at Wells Fargo Mural Unveiling Gilda’s Club The Pride Center is honored to be included on the mural alongside Gilda’s Club hosted and Broward Harvey Milk at the Five-Points Health-Imperial Point and Edward location of Wells Fargo in Wilton Jones-Darcy Beeman, CFP Manors. Wells Fargo generously sponsored a recent Founders donated $10,000 to The Center. Reception. Founders provide at least $1200 annual to support the programs and services of The Pride Center. Photos by Stephen Lang VOICE
Vision 2015 Contributors 2014 Spring
John Graves Society - George A. Kling, MD Michael Dager and Harvey Shapiro $500,000 Estate of James Rampe Michael Dane and Alex Quintero John C. Graves Charitable Fund of the Attorney Arthur B. Smith Chris Dunham and Joseph Dominguez Community Foundation of Broward Jim Stepp and Peter Zimmer Gregory P. Gaddis and David R. Stack, III Sunshine Athletic Association Gay Bridge Cornerstone Society - Doug Tinklepaugh and James In Memory of Rick Gibson $250,000 Rickard Cal Harrison Gil Corwin Estate of Lawrence Zinman Tyler Healis Kenneth Hollander Charitable Foundation Pillar Society - $100,000 Equality League - $10,000 Robert L. Hubbard and Bill Greeves CELEBRATING 20 YEARS! Anonymous D.C. Allen and Ken Flick Friends of Stephen Jerome Jan Carpenter and Dale Russell Estate of C. Michael Johnson Dr. David Kyner and Richard Bray Mona Pittenger Hansen Realty Christopher Mahon, MD Vince Di Pietro W. Lynn McLaughlin and David Webb Luminary Society - Paul Galluccio Ken Merrifield and Fred Berger $50,000 Mark Gordon and Aldo Buono David Moon and Eugene Smith J. Michael Heider, DDS and Thom Carr Ed Nicholas and Chris Griswold Douglas Pew and Donald Croxton Kenneth M. Goss Chuck Nicholls and Mark Turner Michael Preihs and Khoi Loung Former Broward County Mayor Ken Coleman Prewitt Bennett Quade and Paul Rolli Keechl and Ted Adcock The Bears of South Florida Herb Reis and William Coffey John Ramos and Tim Caldwell SAGE Men’s Drop In Richard Schwarz and Tom Massey Visonary Circle - $5,000 Don Schultz Anonymous Stork’s Bakery Star League - $25,000 In Memory of Gilbert Anko Dave Stubbins Doug Candler Darcy Beeman Dean Trantalis, Esq. Forest Trace Luxury Resort and Adult Ilene Berliner and Maura Lane Ted Verdone and John Curtin Community John Bowles Charles Walker James Jagielski Mark Budwig and Nick Scalzo 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, contact Roger Roa at [email protected] 11 Founders Circle Reception at Embassy Suites Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale hosted and sponsored a recent Founders Reception. Founders provide at least $100 monthly to support the programs and services of The Pride Center. Photos by Stephen Lang and Steve Shires
Spring 2014 Women’s History Month Art Reception Our Women with Pride program again held a popular art reception for Women’s History VOICE Month. This year’s exhibit was entitled Movement: An Artist Interpretation of Women on the Move. Angie Sowers of Closet Talk spearheaded the event in collaboration with Pride Center galleries curator Emilio Aponte and Women with Pride Coordinator Roya Amirniroumand. Photos by Ed Garcia
12 Florida AIDS Walk www.PrideCenterFlorida.org The Pride Center was honored to participate again in the Florida AIDS Walk along beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach. Organized by AHF, the AIDS Walk allows The Pride Center to receive the funds specifically raised by our team for use in our vital HIV services. Photos by Liquid Radar and Kristofer Fegenbush
Lambda Legal VOICE Honors Robert Boo This year’s honoree at
Lambda Legal’s annual 2014 Spring event was Pride Center CEO Robert Boo. Guests enjoyed the tropical atmosphere of the Bonnet House on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
13 Evening in Paradise: Carnaval! The Pride Center collaborated with the City of Wilton Manors to present Evening in Paradise – Carnaval! Evening in Paradise, now in its third year, has grown to represent the signature Spring fundraising and entertainment event for The Center and the community. The event raised over $50,000 for the programs and services of The Center. Returning as co-chairs were Jim Walker (Center Board Vice President), Lee Rubin, Joe Guerrero and Irwin Drucker. Bobby Kyser of Panache Style designed the over-the-top affair. Photos by Steve Shires and Stephen Lang Spring 2014 VOICE
14 www.PrideCenterFlorida.org Black Gay Pride Art Reception The Pride Center once again sponsored and hosted Black Gay Pride in honor of Black History Month. Activities included an Opening Art Reception and an Old School Family Reunion Block Party. Bishop S.F. Makalani- Mahee and the Board of Black Gay Pride South Florida organized a fabulous weekend of events. Photos by Ed Garcia VOICE Tropical Plant Fair
The Equality Park Garden Club 2014 Spring and The Pride Center partnered to produce the second annual Tropical Plant Fair. This year’s Fair expanded to two days plus a VIP reception and included some of the most prestigious nurseries in the area. Richard Perez spearheaded the event in collaboration with Chuck Nicholls. Photos by Pompano Bill
15 Diversity of Center groups, United Faces of Pride programs and events expands By Cheryl Bennett
nited Colors of Benetton” Do you remember that ad? Well, if you happened Uto be a zygote in the 80’s, then perhaps not, but trust me… it was good. What’s the point you ask? I have used this reference no less than a dozen times in my life to point out the diversity in my group of friends or my community. As I’ve learned about the diversity of the programs offered by The Pride Center, this automatically came to mind. I came to The Pride Center in a round-about sort of way. I was new to the area and knowing no one, decided to become part of The Pride Pack, The Center’s bike team for The SMART Ride. Best decision of my life. It has led me to things that were beyond my imagination and a team of friends 60 groups that meet at The Center regularly! Yes, Have you been trying to quit smoking? Did you know that very much resembles that Benetton ad. We SIXTY! Impressed?! Yeah, I was too… Where that they offer a FREE, as in NO COST TO YOU, are about as diverse a team as one could possibly would these groups meet without The Center? program to help you do just that? imagine. Women, men, gay, straight, black, white As I’ve explored all The Center organizes, there is Men, women, seniors, youth, gay, lesbian, transgender, and every shade in between, we are a direct reflection literally something for everyone. Did you know that they health, art, spirituality… You name it, they’ve got it. of the Pride Center: united in our diversity, working host art exhibits? They provide workshops for LGBT Do you like a good bargain? (I mean, who doesn’t?!) toward a common goal. The Center’s ongoing work parents. Almost 200 Seniors gather every Tuesday for Check out the monthly Flea Market! isn’t much different: to bring services, resources, Coffee and Conversation. Women play basketball Do you need help with Financial Planning? They’ve programs and events to our diverse communities weekly. They offer an ongoing spirituality series. They got you covered… in South Florida. The Center served over 30,000 organize movie nights. The Center provides workshops In recovery? There are so many meetings daily. people last year to be exact. on immigration, dating, holistic health, gender identity The Pride Center has grown exponentially in recent I will freely admit that I didn’t realize all that The and Happy Hineys. Did you know that they sponsor years and has added some amazing events and groups. Pride Center has to offer until I sat down and starting Black Gay Pride? Or, my personal favorite: Breast If you haven’t been here recently, chances are you’re looking at the vast number of programs and groups Fest? There is invaluable information passed along at missing something great! that are offered there every month. There are over this particular event and many more like it. Come check out a yoga class! Maybe I’ll see you there. Spring 2014 VOICE
SMART Ride 10 Check Distribution The Pride Center received $149,548 from SMART Ride 10. The Center utilized these funds in HIV care linkage, prevention, outreach, testing, support and education. Our Healthcare Navigation, Couples Speak, and Community Wellness Workshop programs would not exist without The SMART Ride. In total, SR10 16 distributed $1,070,101.41 to HIV agencies across Florida. www.PrideCenterFlorida.org
Founders Circle Reception at Riverside Hotel The Riverside Hotel hosted and sponsored a recent Founders Reception on historic Las Olas. Funds donated by Founders Circle underwrite life-enhancing programs and services to the community.
Holistic Health Series LBT Health Directory Family Series Service Linkage We Offer: Book Club Support Groups VOICE Art Shows Movie Nights Diverse Speakers Panel Discussions Basketball Social Events Spring 2014 Spring
17 I THE because...
www.PrideCenterFlorida.org Photos by Dennis Dean The Pride Center at Equality Park - 2040 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors FL - 954.463.9005 I THE because...
www.PrideCenterFlorida.org Photos by Dennis Dean The Pride Center at Equality Park - 2040 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors FL - 954.463.9005 sites, reaching people in their own back yards. He’s separate from that last, even if I may see similarities. It passionate about targeting high risk groups in the Latino, helps to have some level of empathy.”’ Caribbean and African American communities. As I leave Oscar’s abode and face the harsh, Oscar has long been professionally involved with the yellow greenness of the fluorescent hallway lighting HIV community. Since 2003 he’s played a vital role (Aaarrrghh!) I know that someone so picky about Zen Garden in Latinos in Accion, a multi-agency HIV prevention décor takes obvious personal pride and joy in what he committee that meets once a month at The Pride Center. does. I leave feeling, like most people, that I was in the Cabellero provides comforting “It’s a great group,” says Oscar. “We talk about company of a good man, who made me feel at home, service to people needing HIV care what’s going on in the Latino community, and together and who has my best interest in mind. we assess and help plan prevention programs.” By Rafael Reyes He worked as a volunteer for what was then the GLCC in 2004, and as a Testing Counselor and Project Specialist with Care Resource, supervising the HIV alk into Oscar Caballero’s office at The prevention programs for both Dade and Broward. Most Pride Center and you might think you’re in recently, he was Lead Care Coordinator at MDE, Inc., Wthe wrong place. You’re greeted by warm in charge of their Anti-Retroviral Treatment and Access light emitting from sculpted lamps, dark stained tree to Services program, better known as ARTAS. barks, serene paintings he created, a lovely set of iron “My work at The Pride Center is similar to what I did chair sculptures and a Buddha head as the finishing before,” says Oscar. “I’m linking people to Ryan touch. I feel I have stepped into a little Zen palace White and medical care. Now there may be more room, comforted and welcomed, and I don’t want to people with private insurance coverage, but my job is leave. The attention to detail gives me the sense that still to make sure that people get connected to services he’s very organized and detail oriented. and that they are in care.” It’s been three months since Oscar began his job at “The LGBTQ community at large looks to The Pride The Center as ARTAS and Testing Specialist. He links Center more and more for answers to questions they to care newly diagnosed HIV+ individuals, folks that may have about health and insurance, and other issues have fallen out of care, and people that have relocated of concern like housing, legal and immigration,” says to Broward county needing assistance. He ensures Oscar. “I work hand-in-hand with our Healthcare that they’re connected to medical care and Ryan White Navigator to make sure we are helping to address all of service providers. the clients’ needs.” He also travels around the County providing HIV testing Oscar continues to learn. and outreach. Working with others in the outreach and “Being neutral is most important when it comes to testing team, Oscar strives to identify new HIV testing clients,” Oscar adds. “Each case has to be treated as Living with HIV?
Spring 2014 Living with HIV? Did you know? Are dating, sex, relationships or disclosure stressful?
VOICE +Our Women with Pride program hosts a JOIN a free program to help monthly book club you make smart CHOICES.
+Our CouplesSpeak program builds relationship ChoiCes is a five-week program that teaches skills, improves communication, lowers risks, you skills to handle challenges you may face. and enhances sex We meet in small groups to discuss how to: • Build healthier relationships and lower stress +The Pride Center spearheaded a local initiative • Make better decisions and improve health to create a tri-county LBT Women’s Health • Disclose HIV-status wisely Directory with over 300 culturally-competent Fun, interactive sessions include: healthcare providers • Video clips for discussion • Thought-provoking activities +The Pride Center provided more than 1,500 • Small group discussion and role play tests in the first quarter of 2014 ChoiCes can help you...
• Meet new HIV+ friends p r • Share different experiences without judgment o j +We hosted more than 2,500 group meetings at e • Improve problem-solving & communication skills c The Pride Center last year PALS t • Learn more health supporting behaviors The PALS Project offers gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men living with HIV social support, accurate HIV information and +The Pride Center distributes more than 200,000 ChoiCes is FRee. Se Habla Espanol. skills to lead safer, richer lives. condoms annually. That’s a lot of safer sex! If interested, contact Magno Morales at 954.463.9011 ext. 303 or Sponsored by The Pride Center and the State of Florida, 20 email [email protected] Department of Health The Pride Center Founders Circle www.PrideCenterFlorida.org LIFETIME Al Bove, DMD Tomas Soto, Ph.D., MPH and Frank Lefevre, M.D. Bob and Hal Bernier-Peterson Bryon Bowlby and Robert Baldwin Dr. Leslie Leip (Board Member) and Fritz Leip Gil Corwin Broward County Sheriff’s Office John Leyden and Tom Valentine John C. Graves Charitable Fund Patricia Burdett / United Capital Financial Advisers Bill Linehan Alan Schubert Rishi Burke Charles Loring Gerald Byers and Rudy Wengenroth Juliette Love (Board Member) PLATINUM Jae Camino / Jae’s Sinful Delights Norton Lyman and Kimio Sato Anonymous (2) Karen Caroll and Julie Slater / Chic Optique Joe Markonic / Gables Wilton Park AHF Pharmacy George Castrataro, Esq. / The Law Offices of George Cheryl Mauro / Hibiscus Café Aqua Foundation for Women Castrataro, PA Michael McArdle and Thomas Holland Jeff Cato and Bob Tentscher / Cato Insurance Group, Inc. David O. McConnell Bobby Blair / Florida Agenda Sam Chalfant and Tom Rouland / Affordable Health Insurance Joe McConnell and Michael Lennon Peter Clark / Hotspots Magazine Nicholas Chaparos Kent McIntyre and John Tambasco Community Foundation of Broward Harvey Chasser Ian McKay Ed Garcia / Liquid Radar Brian R. Claeys / The Law Offices of Brian R. Claeys Dick McManus and Tom Nohilly Estate of Bob Kesckemety Howard Cohen and Daniel Wasinger / Concept International Ken Merrifield and Fred Berger Kenneth Goss Design Drew Miller and Kevin Murdoch Kenneth Hollander and John Kardos Bob Collier and Chuck Hunziker Anthony Molluso and Bill Volbrecht Scott Kean / LSeven Solutions Lynn Corning /Newman Insurance Rodney Monroe / South Beach Afters Norm Kent / South Florida Gay News Cox Media Group David Moon and Eugene Smith The Howard Greenfield Charitable Foundation Tracey Cramer /Ameriprise Financial Gregory Moore and Dr. Allan Barsky Glen Weinzimer and John Rogatzki / The SMART Ride Joseph Daniel and Fred Silverman Anthony More Esmeralda and Peter Dekaj / Stork’s Bakery New York Life Insurance Company Premier Business Robert Delehanty Richard Nolan and Robert Pingpank Bobby Kyser / Panache Style Diplomat Pharmacy Neptune Society Wells Fargo Foundation Thomas Dowd and Cesar Rivera / Water Mill Flowers and Northern Trust Bank Fruit Bouquets Charles Ohsiek DIAMOND Hon. Stephen Driscoll and Robert Tocci / National Stonewall Ernest Olivas / Emerald Home Health DC Allen and Ken Flick/No Gay Hate Fund at OurFund, Inc Democrats Cecilia Perez-Matos, Esq. / The Berman Law Group Ilene Berliner (Board Chairperson) and Maura Lane Dolphin Democratic Club Jim Pierce /Pierce Aire, Inc. Jared Falek and Don Chorpenning Irwin Drucker Peter Pileski and Bob Avian Oliver Kamm Eden Funeral Services Mona Pittenger David McLaren and Joseph Laurino / Periodic Products Robert Eldredge / RWE Real Estate Stephen Schram and Richard Powers /PowersSchram, LLC Dr. Dale Russell Embassy Suites Hotel Karen Prescod and Tulip Prescod /Florida Blue / SunSure Richard Safaty (Board Member) and Omer Mizrachi / H & R Block Insurance Freedom Travel Holland & Knight, LLP Bruce Presley and Chris Hedlund Wayne Schrebe Howard Elfman and Juliever Villan Yamilet Ramirez and Claudia Mosley /Merchant Processing Ted Schultz Ted Emery Solutions Arthur B. Smith Craig Engel (Board Member) and Greg Briche Sharon Rebuck / Another Perfect Party Jim Stepp and Peter Zimmer Michael Faerber / D’Angelo Realty Group Dr. Will Richardson / Natura Dermatology & Cosmetics Brian Farley and Ron Alose Douglas Tinklepaugh and James Rickard / Pinnacle Construc- Paul Fasana tors, LLC GOLD First Congregational Church Stanley Rosenthal / Forest Trace Luxury Resort Adult Com- Atlantic Surf Club GalleryONE Fort Lauderdale munity Bayview Cadillac Joel Geils Tom Runyan, Esq / Runyan Law Firm, PA Don Biehn / Biehn & Associates, Inc. Eric Gilbert / SunTrust Bank Pastor Leslie Rutland-Tipton (Board Member) / Church of the Broward Health Foundation – Imperial Point Glenn L. Goldberg Holy Spirit Song Mark Budwig (Board Member) and Nick Scalzo / S. Mark Steven Goldgram Rick Salomon Graphics Mark Gordon and Aldo Buono John Sapp VOICE Michael Camardello Martin Gould/ Focalize Consulting Geph Scarr and Sergio Medina Quintina / Scarr Insurance Chris Caputo (Board Member) / MetroMediaWorks Scott Gray Group City County Credit Union Stephen Gray / Better Homes & Gardens Jack Schlossberg and Greg Fineman Coffee and Conversation Donald Green and Gene Ingledue Tony Seguino and Dan Ayers Dr. Howard R. Cunningham / Oakland Park Dental Marc Grossman Danny Selvin Michael Dager and Harvey Shapiro Robert Grossman James Senior Chris Dunham and Joseph Dominguez / Dunham Insurance Joe Guerrero Sharp Marketing 2014 Spring Services Robert Gunning Steve Shires / Steve Shires Photography Andrew Fischman Mark Haines / Mark’s List Tim Singer and Richard Cascarelli / Tim Singer & Assoc. Victor Flores / FastPrintz Mark Halacy and Thomas Pollock Kimberly Sorondo Robert Hubbard and Bill Greeves Peter Hardy-Smith and Steven Devito Will Spencer / Camp4Health Joe Pallant / Pallant Insurance Agency, Inc. Cal Harrison David Starkey and Arianto Sumargo Douglas Pew and Donald Croxton Timothy S. Hart / R3 Accounting LLC Jeffrey Sterling / Sterling Tax Ronnie Pryor and Dustin Cranor / Source Salon Brenda Hartley (Board Member) / BankUnited Richard Stoll, Esq. Herb Reis and Dr William Coffey Tyler Healis Terry Stone and Mike Bush Paul Rolli and W. Bennett Quade Dr. J. Heider and Thomas Carr / Ultimate Smile Dave Stubbins Riverside Hotel Scott Herman and Cale Choi Edward Temoyan Lee Rubin and Jim Walker (Board Member) Lazaro Hernandez and Steve Figlmiller The Bears of South Florida, Inc. Russell Sassani, MD & Michael Schneider /Take Shape Eldon Ross Hills / Caldwell Banker The Recovery Place Plastic Surgery Neill Hirst, MD and Greg Hughes The Restaurant People Heidi Schaeffer Michael Hisey Bill Thornton and Adam Kratochwill / Pride Carpet Cleaning JJ. Schmidt Hans Hochkamp and Joseph DeBacco Tony Timiraos and Arthur Crispino Richard Schwarz and Tom Massey Paul Holoweski Tower Club Paul M. Smith and Gerald Kennedy Kenley Hoover and Tom Pflepsen Bruno Trambusti and Randy Grant George Zuber and Anthony Snyder Mick Howard and Brian Jackson / Mayors Jewelers Dean Trantalis Esq. iBeria Bank David Treece / Treece Financial Group Adam Irvin / The Grateful Palate Carl E. Trough SILVER A.J. Jabre Mark Turner and Chuck Nicholls Anonymous (2) James Jagielski Ted Verdone and John Curtin A Celebration of Friends Paul Jennings Vincent Vigliotti Adam’s Interiors Bret Johnson W Hotel – Fort Lauderdale Paul Alpert George Johnson Fred Wahl and Fred Marzec Chris Ambs and Scott Clearwater James A. Johnson Bruce Walther Neel Amin and Tom Macek / American Pain Experts Dr. Charmaine Johnson-Leong, DDS, PA Steve Wetzler B Ocean Fort Lauderdale Clifford W. Jolley and Paul Clive Sumner T. White Alfred Bacchi and Craig Ross John Jovanovich and Paul Holoweski Norris Wildhagen and Dr. Troy Robinson Don Barlow Robert Judd and Russell Neal C. Theodore Wolf and Frank Decolator Steve Barnard Greg Kabel / Law Offices of Gregory W. Kabel, Esq. Andrew Bartfield Tom Wolf and Fernando Rodrigues Ken Kalenderian John Zieba and Cliff Mulcahy/ Rosie’s Bar & Grill Book Reading and Signing Christopher Bates Ken Keechl and Ted Adcock (Board Member) David Bebbington Gary Kempler / Futurity First Insurance Group - South Florida Lesbian author Carol Lynne Darcy Beeman /Edward Jones Investments Mark Ketcham and Werner Lutz Tom and Steven Begert-Clark / Even As We Speak Don Kocher and Jonathan Salt Smith Madison read from Scott Belding and Listron Mannix / ReMax Consultants Realty Maria Kondracki Dwyer and Jim Dwyer Dr. Louis Benevento and Patrick Duffy Edwin Kowalski and Michael Donnan her published works and Scott L. Bennett Join the Pride Center Founders Circle! Support the Joe Kraus signed books as part of our Norman Berkowitz Ellen Krider, CFP / RBC Wealth Management programs and services of The Pride Center. Founders Mitch Bloom (Board Member) and Paul Wardell Robert Kuhn and Steven Geyer ongoing Women with Pride Gary Bitner / Bitner Goodman Dr. David Kyner and Richard Bray Circle memberships begin at $100 per month. For more Boardwalk Thomas LaFramboise / LaFramboise & Bergeron, PL Empowerment Series. Robin L. Bodiford, Esq. / Law Office of Robin L. Bodiford Julia Landis and Shawn Fanshier information, please contact Roger Roa, Director of John Bolton Bruce Lane Robert Boo Bernie Langeluttig and Dennis Fitzkee Development, [email protected] 21 I THE because...
www.PrideCenterFlorida.org Photos by Dennis Dean The Pride Center at Equality Park - 2040 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors FL - 954.463.9005 I THE because...
www.PrideCenterFlorida.org Photos by Dennis Dean The Pride Center at Equality Park - 2040 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors FL - 954.463.9005 Stoned: The Highs and Lows of Weed and the LGBT Community Meet and Greet with MMA Part of our Vital Signs series, a diverse Champ Jessica Aguilar panel explored the social, mental and physical impacts of cannabis use within WSOF Champ Jessica Aguilar our community. Photos by Ed Garcia spoke on her involvement and her advocacy for the LBT Health Directory LTHealth.org The Pride Center spearheaded the creation of the directory in collaboration with Aqua Foundation for Women, Women in Network, SunServe and BLAST. Photos by Ed Garcia Spring 2014 VOICE
24 Coffee and Conversation www.PrideCenterFlorida.org Weekly attendance at our Tuesday morning Coffee and Conversation events for Seniors has grown to nearly 200. Our Senior Advisory Council and Senior Services Coordinator continue to plan and provide engaging, creative activities, services, resources and programs for Seniors. Photos by Ed Garcia
A free program for men in relationships or for those Want A Jump-Start who want to be. To Healthier Living? VOICE It doesn’t matter if you’re HIV negative If you’re a gay or bisexual man living with or living with HIV. This program is a great HIV, you can learn to keep your immune way for you to build relationship skills, system in strong, peak condition. share with new friends and have fun. Spring 2014 Spring
New four week session starts every month. space is limited so sign up now. “Couples Speak”
For Four Weeks you’ll meet in small groups Join the FREE 18 week LIFE Program with other couples to: You’ll receive practical, step-by-step guidance in a fun interactive environment as Improve healthy communication you create and implement personal health plans for long-term thriving with HIV. Manage conflict and differences This program can help you... Engage in fun learning activities • Build deeper, supportive relationships with new HIV+ friends! • Get the latest facts on HIV! Discuss sex openly and honestly • Improve your physical, emotional and social well being! Make your love life more exciting & safer • Share your story while you learn from others! Learn to love better Participation in the LIFE Program... Reduce your risks • Boosts the immune system • Lowers risky behavior Enhance your health and... • Increases adherence to health and medication schedules. Have fun! Offered twice a year beginning in January and July.
MEETINGS ON TUESDAYS @ 6:30 p.m. p r o j e
For more information contact For more inFormation c PALS t Contact Jeff Grigsby at 954.463.9011, ext. 302 The Pride Center's PALs Project... Sponsored by The Pride Center, and the State of PALS or email [email protected] Florida, Department of Health Lorenzo Robertson PROJECT email [email protected] or call 954.463.9011 ext. 306 25 These businesses represent some of our valuable supporters. To become a Business Founder, please contact Roger Roa: [email protected] 954.463.9005 3.5” x 2” Directory
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Contact Denisse for details on our next group presentation in Wilton Manors. DENISSE | 954-319-7657
26 www.PrideCenterFlorida.org
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(954) 707-6915 MetroMediaWorks.com 27 Richard “Rick” Thomas is a down and a facilitator of the 3MV (Many Men, to earth, “old school brotha” who hails Many Voice) Intervention. Rick continues from the streets of Brooklyn, NY and has to express his desire and drive to work Spotlight: lived in Sunny Isles Beach for the past in the field of HIV, “My aspirations 4 years. Richard is the sixth of seven are to see a cure for HIV/AIDS in my siblings with strong family ties. Rick and lifetime, continue to offer quality concern, Getting to Know Your Pride his family one-by-one moved from the commitment and dedication to our cause, cold winters of New York and set roots and go where ever we as sexual health Center Staff in the warmer winters of Florida over the counselors are needed.” past 10 years. Rick continues to expresses his passion by Listron “Blue” Mannix Rick recently joined The Pride Center staff for prevention work. “One of the best things as part of a new high impact HIV prevention about doing the VOICES intervention grant from the Department of Health. is educating and interacting with people Rick works in HIV testing, outreach and on condom usage, condom negotiation coordinates the VOICES intervention (Video and utilizing innovative techniques Opportunities for Innovative Condom to demonstrate effective condom use, Richard “Rick” Thomas Education and Safer Sex.) especially with the youth,” he says flashing Rick boasts about being a product of the his pearly whites. Occupation: VOICES 80’s and recalls many of the great influences “I consider it an honor and a privilege and Outreach Specialist in his life--music, TV shows, his first lover. to be working for The Pride Center at But the one event that Rick feels has shaped Equality Park. It gives me the opportunity Born: September 28th in his life most was witnessing the onslaught to stay connected to the field of HIV, give Jamaica, Queens NY of HIV/AIDS and the lack of attention and back with my knowledge, experience and education on such an impactful virus. Rick compassion, and educate those who seek Hobbies: empathized with those affected by HIV: information about HIV. It also allows me Playing basketball, “I watched many of the people in my life to network with the LGBT community and baseball, racquetball, bike deal with the shame, denial and stigma that advance our causes.” riding, working out and is still associated with this disease, even to The team at The Pride Center will meditation this day”. continue to utilize Rick’s knowledge and Before becoming a part of The Pride experience to reach a diverse community Center family, Rick worked with South with HIV prevention, education, information, Beach AIDS Project as an HIV counselor resources and service linkage.
Spring 2014 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 28