<<

local name global coverage December 20, 2017 vol. 8 // issue 51

Seven banned wordS SpeechleSS nation Page 20 vulnerable entitlement diverSity fetuS evidence-baSed Science-baSed

southfloriDagaynews @soflagaynews sfgn.com NeWS highlight SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Julian cavazos cuts the ribbon on his new December 20, 2017 • Volume 8 • Issue 51 lGbt youth 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 organization Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943 Dec. 7 in Fort lauderdale. Publisher • Norm Kent Photo: John McDonald. [email protected] Chief Executive Offcer • Pier Angelo Guidugli

Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley [email protected] Editorial Art Director • Brendon Lies [email protected] Digital Content Director • Brittany Ferrendi [email protected] Copyeditor • Kerri Covington lGbt Youth FacilitY openS in Fort lauderdale Arts/Entertainment Editor • JW Arnold [email protected] John McDonald Manager • Tucker Berardi [email protected] Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin ulian’s Fountain of Youth cut its ribbon last Gazette News Editor • Michael d'Oliveira Cavazos’ office is in a building adjacent to the an attorney and Fort Lauderdale resident for HIV Editor • Sean McShee week in Fort Lauderdale. church’s main sanctuary. At last week’s ribbon 17 years, said he was glad to support Julian’s Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis J The new organization attracted a little cutting, supporters crowded into the office Fountain of Youth. [email protected] more than 50 people on a cool Wednesday where an outline of the youth program was “The world needs more Julians,” Prewitt said. Senior Features Correspondents evening. Its founder, Julian Cavazos, showed off presented. Prewitt said Cavazos is a “great asset for the Jesse Monteagudo • Tony Adams his new office and provided food and beverages Experiential learning courses, Cavazos said community” and expects a solid organization Correspondents to invited guests. will be offered to LGBT youth at no cost. Julian’s will be built to serve children that are “often Dori Zinn • Donald Cavanaugh • Christiana Lilly “I’m very happy for Julian to see his dreams • Denise Royal • Sean McShee • David-Elijah Fountain of Youth will support LGBT youth neglected.” Nahmod become reality,” said David Levison, who in courses and camps with like minded peers, “Julian is very passionate about helping kids attended the ribbon cutting with his husband, Contributing Columnists Cavazos said. and putting together a top notch program,” Brian McNaught • Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily • John Melecio Davila. “And I’m really excited that “Quenching the LGBT youth’s thirst for Prewitt said. Terri Schlichenmeyer we get to help these kids and maybe make a acceptance, knowledge and betterment,” Julian’s Fountain of Youth almost didn’t get off Associate Photographers difference in some lives.” Cavazos said is the organization’s tag line. the ground. Cavazos revealed he spent much of Carina Mask • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires Levison and Cavazos are partners at Elan Julian’s Fountain of Youth’s core objective is last year in the hospital recovering from open Sales & Marketing 16Forty a fitness business on Sunrise Blvd. to host a six-day experiential learning retreat heart surgery. The recent health battle gave him Sales Manager • Justin Wyse To open his new non-profit venture, Cavazos locally, monthly teen meet and greet with an incentive to start the organization. It was [email protected] chose the Sanctuary Church on North Federal learning component and social setting and while recovering from surgery that Cavazos said Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann [email protected] Highway. Julian’s Fountain of Youth intends to weekly dance and health and wellness classes. he became determined to make a difference. Sales Assistant / Classifeds • Tim Higgins quench “LGBT youth’s thirst for acceptance, The goal is to bring support for a difficult stage “I’m laying in that bed and all I’m thinking is [email protected] knowledge and betterment,” reads a press of life, Cavazos said. ‘Oh hell, I’m going to die and didn’t do what I said Distribution Services • Rocky Bowell release. “As we all know, it’s tough being LGBTQ as a I was going to do,” he said. “I didn’t leave a legacy Cavazos is a Fort Lauderdale resident, U.S. teenager,” Cavazos said over a microphone to and I really haven’t done anything to change the National Advertising Navy veteran, and community activist who has an audience inside the church’s banquet hall. world. I was very upset with myself so I made a Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 organized events such as “Reverse Quinceanera” “Those are some tough times.” commitment that I was going to do this.” [email protected] and “Bunnies on the Bayou.” Creating Julian’s Cavazos went on to thank Pastor Black In the process, Cavazos said, a sustainable Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Fountain of Youth, Cavazos said, was inspired by for facilitating his dream, recognizing it was business is being created for LGBTQ youth and Printing by Sun Coast Press experiential learning courses 11 years ago. the same space that launched his Reverse mentors. “It truly changed my life,” he said. Quinceanera seven years ago. Overlooking the Cavazos said the show of support at last The Sanctuary Church, pastored by Dwanye Middle River, the Sanctuary Church was first week’s ribbon cutting was satisfying. Black, is a historic site marveled for its mid constructed in 1961 as the SecondMEMBER Presbyterian “I was really happy,” he said. “There was four twentieth century design. A brochure for Church (PCUSA) of Fort Lauderdale. other events happening the same night and so the church describes it as a “widely diverse Coleman Prewitt attended the ribbon cutting we were truly blessed to have so many people congregation, covering a variety of social and with his husband Mark Conagham. Prewitt, present.” SFGN Winner of economic groups.” & 5 Florida Press Club Awards “We include and welcome people of all racial And runner-up for and ethnic backgrounds, orientation, and family More Info: Julian’s Fountain ofMEMBER Youth, 1400 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. NLGJA Journalist of the Year arrangements,” the brochure reads. Contact: 954-594-3473 or [email protected] or www.jfoy.com

South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not OUR OtheR PUblicatiOns represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not x presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names get yours, on racks now! or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. MEMBER All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law offce, at [email protected]. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the Associated Press suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright © 2017 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

2 • 12.20.2017 MEMBER NeWS local tropicS piano bar and reStaurant to reopen…aGain

Michael d’Oliveira x Photo courtesy of Tropics.

he new owners of Tropics Piano Bar and Restaurant have announced that Tthey plan to reopen the 25-year-old establishment by Dec. 27. “That’s great news . . . A belated Christmas present to the community!” wrote Fort Lauderdale resident Larry Scholl on Facebook. The restaurant, which closed in July, had been owned by Jackson Padgett at the time it shuttered its doors. Now, former owners Alex Meyer and Godfrey Thompson, who sold it to Padgett but kept ownership of the building, have taken over again. Meyer said opening on the 27 will be dependent on the state responding to his request for tobacco and liquor licenses. Meyer said he and Thompson had a choice: with a twist. I don’t want to say much about reopen Tropics or do something else. it because people need to come in and see “We believe Tropics is very important for it,” he said, adding that the quality of the the community. That’s why we decided to restaurant would be better than it was reopen it. It’s [going to be] the old Tropics before.

12.20.2017 • 3 NeWS online

don't miSS the action online

actors claim they Got hiv while Filming For Gay porn Site

Photo via GLAAD. Glaad Study Finds lack of lGbt roles on Spanish-language television

in new interview, talks Eminem. Photo: Twitter / @Eminem anti-Gay lyrics and on Grindr

First middle eastern lGbt radio Station begins in tunisia

Survey Shows majority of Soccer Fans would Support an lGbt player

6. three openly Gay athletes could be headed to the winter olympics John Fennel @jahnfennel, Gus Kenworthy @guskenworthy and Adam Rippon @adaripp, via Instagram. 7. report of banned words at cdc alarms lGbt health experts

8. philippines president is ‘For’ Same-Sex marriage Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo public domain by Ryan Lim of Malacañang Photo Bureau) 9. Ohio Police Catfsh Gay University Student By Posing As 15-Year-Old

10. ‘Drag Race’ Winner Raja Marries Partner in Surprise Wedding Photo: Instagram / @ryan_paul_turner

visit SFGn.com to stay up to date on all the news across the web! twitter.com/SoFlaGaynews Facebook.com/SouthFloridaGaynews

4 • 12.20.2017 In adults with HIV on ART who have diarrhea not caused by an infection

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or by calling 1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment. What Is Mytesi? Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART. Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite). Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include: • Upper respirator tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carr air to and from our lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to our doctor. Tell our doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or Tired of planning your life around diarrhea? call 1-800-FDA-1088. Should I Take Mytesi If I Am: Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant? • Studies in animals show that Mtesi could harm an unborn bab or affect the ability to become pregnant Enough is Enough • There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mtesi • This drug should onl be used during pregnanc if clearl needed Get relief. Pure and simple. Ask your doctor about Mytesi. A Nursing Mother? • It is not known whether Mtesi is passed through human breast milk Mytesi (crofelemer): • If ou are nursing, ou should tell our doctor before starting Mtesi • Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV • Your doctor will help ou to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop taking Mytesi • Treats diarrhea diff erently by normalizing the fl ow of water in the GI tract Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Has the same or fewer side eff ects as placebo in clinical studies • Mtesi has not been studied in children under 18 ears of age • Mtesi studies did not include man people over the age of 65. So it is • Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Rainforest not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to fi nd out if Mytesi is right for you What is Mytesi? What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by With Other Medicines? an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART). If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal Important Safety Information supplements, or vitamins, tell your doctor before starting Mytesi. Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi? For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will fi rst be sure that Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor or pharmacist. you do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right To report side effects or make a product complaint or for additional medicine and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side eff ects information, call 1-844-722-8256. that occurred more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), fl atulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%). Rx Only Manufactured by Patheon, Inc. For Copay Savings Card and for Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , CA 94105 Patient Assistance, see Mytesi.com Copright © Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mytesi comes from the Croton lechleri tree harvested in South America. Please see complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com.

NP-390-29 RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE

12.20.2017 • 5 LgBTQIa bites By Ryan Lynch lesbian l n Gender neutral arkanSaS dept. oF health ordered to liSt ‘’ actor pearl mackie SaYS the Same-Sex parentS on birth certiFicateS doctor iS GenderleSS Pearl Mackie. Photo credit: Gage Skidmore.

Former “Doctor Who” Actor Pearl Doctor be a woman? I think it’s important, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson Arkansas has a “presumption of Mackie has responded to criticism of a and I think if people are frustrated by that directed state officials to allow for same- parentage,” law which states the male female playing by telling fans then, I don’t know, maybe they need to sex parents to receive birth certificates married to a female is given parental rights the role is a genderless entity. update their views.” with both of their names on it. even if they are not the biological parent. Mackie was responding to criticism of Mackie played , the first-ever State Circuit Court Judge Tim Fox The Supreme Court found that same sex the reveal that Jodie Whittaker would be lesbian for the doctor in the ordered the governor and state officials couples should have that same right. the 13th Doctor in the series, becoming show’s history. She will depart the show to follow the ruling in the US Supreme “We are pleased Governor Hutchinson the first female actor to do so according to around Christmas this year. Court’s 2017 case Pavan v. Smith, according is taking this step to ensure that married PinkNews. Mackie defended the choice “For people to see a mixed-race woman, to Metro Weekly. The case found that same-sex parents in Arkansas are treated by saying that the Doctor is an alien that a woman of colour, being completely same-sex couples have the same rights as equally,” the family law director of the doesn’t have a set gender. comfortable with being a lesbian on a straight couples in being listed on a child’s National Center for Lesbian Rights “Time Lords are gender-fluid – that global prime-time series is phenomenally birth certificate, even when they are not Catherine Sakimura said in a statement. was established ages ago,” Mackie said in important,” Mackie said of her role. the biological parents. “This is settled law.” an interview with iNews. “Why can’t the

6 • 12.20.2017 LgBTQIa bites t transgender new mexico tranSGender woman alleGeS diScrimination at conGreSSwoman’S oFFice Riley Del Rey. Photo courtesy of Youtube. A former worker for Democratic Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham is suing her office for allegedly firing her because she is transgender. Riley Del Rey was an intern with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute in 2015 when she claims multiple workers talked about her appearance, according to the Las Cruces Sun-Times. She claims a discussion about her gender identity later led to her dismissal three weeks into her internship. Lujan Grisham was a supervisor of the program at the time Del Rey participated. “Our office takes the rights of the [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] community very seriously, and we are dumbfounded by any suggestion that we would discriminate against anyone for any reason,” spokesman for the congresswoman Gilbert Gallegos said to the Sun-News.

Call or Come In Today CallCall or Comeor Come In Today In Today 954.522.3800954.522.3800 954.522.3800www.PallantInsurance.com www.PallantInsurance.com 1800www.PallantInsurance.com N.E. 26th Street · Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 We’ll 1800 N.E. 26th Street · Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 We’ll 1800 N.E. 26th Street · Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 Your Pallant Insurance Team HandleWe’ll It! YourYour Pallant Pallant Insurance Insurance Team Team HandleHandle It! It! FREE Policy Review FREEFREE Policy Policy Review Review FREE Quotes FREEFREE Quotes Quotes HOMEOWNERS HURRICANE FLOOD AUTO INSURANCEHOMEOWNERS INSURANCEHURRICANE INSURANCEFLOOD INSURANCEAUTO FAST and Courteous Service HOMEOWNERSINSURANCE HURRICANEINSURANCE FLOODINSURANCE AUTOINSURANCE FAST and Courteous Service INSURANCE INSURANCE INSURANCE INSURANCE FAST and Courteous Service

12.20.2017 • 7 NeWS national

The LGBTthe community’s top most important ten stories lof itheS yeart revisited

Lisa Keen Keen News Service

an anti-trump rally takes place outside of trump tower in new york on august 14, 2017. Credit: Sonia Moghe, CNN.

he year 2017 was the year the 1960s tried to make a comeback. 10. the U.s. sUPReme cOURt wObbleD. There was the resurgence in white nationalist activity, widespread After Congress refused to consider then President Obama’s nominee to replace the late Justice Antonin Tsexual harassment, and renewed concern about the use of nuclear Scalia, the LGBT community braced itself for a Scalia-like replacement from newly inaugurated weapons. The new president, Donald Trump, fanned perilous fres. He also President Trump and the Republican-dominated Senate. And Trump’s nominee, Neil Gorsuch, flled tried to make friends with Russian President Vladimir Putin while an unfolding that bill. But what LGBT legal activists did not anticipate was that one of the champions of equal rights investigation was showing the Trump campaign had met with Russian ofcials for LGBT people on the court, Justice Anthony Kennedy, would begin to falter. First, he voted with a as Russian operatives hacked into and leaked damaging information from the majority in Trinity Lutheran v. Comer to say that church schools should receive state grants the same campaign of Trump’s 2016 opponent, Hillary Clinton. as non-church schools. Lambda Legal said the ruling amounted to state support for discrimination There was ferce resistance to the white nationalist uprising. Crowds of based on sexual orientation. Then, six months later, during oral arguments for Masterpiece Cakeshop counter-protesters met them on the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia, and v. Colorado, Kennedy appeared to favor the idea that a business could simply claim a vague religious other towns around the country. And large numbers of women (and some men) belief hostile to LGBT people to gain a right to refuse service to them. The decision in that case –and came forward to point a fnger at men in powerful places who had sexually future prospects for Kennedy’s record on LGBT record— will be revealed sometime next year. assaulted or harassed them. Pro-LGBT legal groups doubled down to fght eforts by right-wing groups to fnd loopholes in the law that could open the foodgates 9. JeFF sessiOns became U.s. attORney GeneRal. to discrimination against LGBT people. And the pro-LGBT groups sought new As Alabama’s U.S. Senator, Jeff Sessions established a reputation of hostility toward LGBT people. So ways to use existing laws to provide protection from such discrimination. when President Trump named him to head the Department of Justice, the LGBT community braced for By year’s end, the “cultural war,” which in the United States has frequently trouble. In short order, Sessions withdrew the Obama administration’s efforts to defeat an anti-LGBT law included a prominent confict over equal rights for LGBT people, had re- in North Carolina, opposed in court the application of Title VII’s prohibition against sex discrimination intensifed and seemed to reach a standof. Many political observers looked in employment to protect LGBT employes, issued a memo stating that the administration’s policy would to a U.S. Senate race in Alabama –one to fll the seat vacated when Senator not recognize sexual orientation discrimination under Title VII, and issued a second memo suggesting Jef Sessions became U.S. Attorney General—to break the tie. The two Senate that individuals and businesses could exercise their religious beliefs without limitations while doing candidates were a virulently anti-LGBT Republican and a quietly progressive business with government. Democrat. Right-wing evangelicals, staunch Republican partisans, and President Trump backed the Republican; progressives, women, African Americans, and 8. PResiDent tRUmP GUtteD execUtive ORDeR On cOntRactORs. LGBT organizations, such as the Human Rights Campaign, backed the Democrat. President Trump issued an executive order in March that revoked one by President Obama that The Democrat won, and that vote in Alabama seemed to many people to had required companies winning contracts from the federal government to demonstrate they are signal a change in voters throughout the country. It gave hope to many LGBT in compliance with 14 federal laws, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sexual leaders that control of Congress might also change in 2018. orientation, gender stereotyping, and gender identity. Lambda Legal said Trump’s executive order Here is a closer look at ten stories that made 2017 such a tumultuous year for would make it “extremely diffcult” to force federal contractors to comply with non-discrimination LGBT people: laws.

8 • 12.20.2017 NeWS national

7. cOURts ROlleR-cOasteReD On FiGht OveR title vii. 1. alabama vOteRs chOse DemOcRat FOR senate seat. Two federal appeals courts ruled this year that Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act should be A special election in Alabama in December became a bellwether. In a surprise development, the heavily interpreted to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. But in December, the U.S. Supreme and historically Republican state chose a progressive Democrat over an ultra-conservative Republican Court refused an appeal brought by an employee in Georgia trying to establish the right to protection to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Jeff Sessions’ departure to the Attorney General’s seat. This under that law. LGBT activists say the fight is not yet over and that other cases will likely come before was not a simply partisan or ideological race. Moore’s claim to being a staunch Christian with reliably the Supreme Court to test the issue in the future. conservative, family-oriented values was shredded by persistent widespread allegations that, in his thirties, he had sexual contact with two females under the in Alabama (16) and five 6. Gay ambassaDOR nOminee still PenDinG. who were between 16 and 18. LGBT people had plenty of reason to oppose Moore’s ascension to the In one of the few pieces of good news involving President Trump and the LGBT community this year, U.S. Senate long before those revelations drew national attention to the state. Going back more than a President Trump nominated an openly gay political operative, Ric Grenell, as ambassador to Germany. decade, Roy Moore was quick and comfortable with expressing his opposition to LGBT people. But at year’s end, the full Senate had yet to vote on Grenell’s nomination, and reports indicated Democrats were behind the stall.

5. PResiDent tRUmP’s tRansGenDeR execUtive ORDeR. After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down state bans on sexual relations between In July, President Trump announced on Twitter that the Department of Defense should ban transgender same-sex partners, then Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Moore said he thought people in the military. A month later, he issued an official memorandum, directing the DOD to do so. such relations should be illegal. When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down bans on But the ACLU and LGBT legal groups jumped into action, filing lawsuits and requesting injunctions marriage for same-sex couples, Moore refused to comply. And during his contentious to stop the order from taking effect. By year’s end, at least three federal judges issued preliminary campaign this year for a U.S. Senate seat, he claimed his campaign troubles were LGBT injunctions to stop the Trump order from taking effect until the courts can decide whether the ban is people trying to ruin his campaign and “change our culture.” Moore, in the U.S. Senate, unconstitutional, but the Department of Justice is seeking stays of those injunctions. would have been a reliable vote against LGBT people in any context. And Moore had the endorsement of President Trump, who won 62 percent of the Alabama vote in 2016, despite his own problem with widespread allegations of sexual misconduct. But 4. tRUmP aDministRatiOn GUtteD many POlicies FOR lGbt PeOPle. on December 12, by a narrow margin, voters in Alabama elected progressive Democrat Under President Trump, the Department of Education, with the Department of Justice, withdrew Doug Jones, who pledged to “fight hate and discrimination in all forms.” Some an advice letter to schools that had suggested transgender students were protected by Title IX. The commentaries say the vote indicates voters are beginning to turn against Republicans Department of Health and Human Services announced it would no longer interpret the Affordable and President Trump. They predict next November’s Congressional races could Care Act to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and it removed questions from at least change the partisan majority in the Senate, maybe even the House, from Republican two federal surveys that would have identified data specific to LGBT people. Housing and Urban to Democrat. It’s the kind of change that could be as dramatically good for the rights of Development canceled a survey to determine the prevalence of homelessness among LGBT people, LGBT people as this past year has been bad. and removed from its website a link that instructed emergency shelters on sensitivity to transgender people seeking help. The Census Bureau removed any mention of LGBT people among potential questions for the all-important upcoming surveys.

3. ResURGence in activities by white natiOnalists. One of the loudest chants by white supremacists staging a violent protest in Charlottesville, Va., in August was “Fuck you, Faggots.” The driver of the car who plowed into a group of counter-protesters was associated with a right-wing group that called LGBT people “sexual deviants.” President Trump offered words of support for the right-wing protesters who chanted and carried signs with messages that were hostile to African Americans, immigrants, and LGBT people. “Not all of those people were neo-Nazis, believe me,” said Trump. “Not all of those people were white supremacists by any stretch.” He blamed counter protesters for the violence. And soon, there seemed to be an uptick in incidents of hate against LGBT people, women, Muslims, Jews, African Americans, and Latin Americans –many in very public places, like major league ballparks and public schools. A Southern Poverty Law Center study found that 37 percent of 1,094 hate crimes recorded during the first 34 days after Trump’s election “directly referenced either President-elect Trump, his campaign slogans, or his infamous remarks about sexual assault.”

2. DOnalD tRUmP was swORn in as PResiDent. Presidential candidate Trump made a few supportive comments about the LGBT community during his campaign, but those remarks essentially disappeared after his inauguration. The only positive things he had to say about LGBT people in his first year were statements purporting to explain why he sought a ban on Muslims coming into this country (he said it would protect LGBT people from such attacks as the one on an Orlando nightclub in 2016). Many LGBT people felt more like they needed protection from Donald Trump. He chose heads of departments with notorious anti-LGBT histories who rolled back many of the pro-LGBT policies established under President Obama, he appointed federal judges who disagreed with landmark pro-equality Supreme Court decisions, he initiated and directed a ban on transgender people in the military, he repeatedly praised Russian President Vladmir Putin, whose anti-LGBT policies have escalated in recent years, and he used the most high profile bully pulpit in the world to give solace and encouragement to extreme right-wing protests that included anti-LGBT chants and signs. a chicago protest on may Day, 2017. Credit: Christine Geovanis.

12.20.2017 • 9 NeWS miami-dade art GaYSel at hotel GaYtherinG ShowcaSeS art and artiStS Artists discovered on Instagram, given chance to show and sell art during Art Basel week

Jose Cassola [email protected]

lexander Guerra, co-owner of Hotel Gaythering, “I’m trying to fnd that balance of how is all about art. An artist himself, whose photos of to highlight Blackness, how to highlight Agorgeous male models in red rabbit masks adorn his hotel rooms, Guerra decided three years ago to do a group show for Art Basel called Art Gaysel, a play on everyone’s queerness in the same realm.” mispronunciation of Art Basel. “They say Art Basil. Basil is a - DePaul Vera fresh market,” Guerra laughs. Guerra says his Art Gaysel event tries to incorporate artists that he’s found through Instagram, “artists that normally wouldn’t have had an opportunity to show during Art Basel Week. We give them that opportunity here,” Guerra said. DePaul Vera For year three, called “Ménage à Trois,” Art Gaysel (www.depaulvera.com), Cadiz, Kentucky: incorporated eight rooms at Hotel Gaythering with 10 “I’ve been following [Alex Guerra’s] work for quite some time artists, including four of them from Spain and two featured on Instagram and Facebook and all the social medias. We’ve queer artists of color. More than 20 artists’ work were on been communicating back and forth but this is my frst display in the main library of the hotel downstairs from time actually meeting with him. This is my frst Art Gaysel, Dec. 6-10. my frst time in Miami, my frst art fair. It’s been nice. I’ve Jeremy Lucido (www.jeremylucido.com; www. never been involved with this big of a queer community. It’s starfuckermagazine.com), a photographer based in Los amazing. I’m in graduate school at the University of Nevada. Angeles, has been doing Art Gaysel at Hotel Gaythering For my fnal year, I’m working on these collages that are from its inception three years ago, coming down early every racially charged about Black oppression within a white year to help Guerra set up. society, where I’m using a Black vernacular to talk about “This is actually my favorite trip because I get to come racial diferences in our country today. Right now I’m more here and meet other queer artists, a reunion of sorts to worried about how society handles Black relationships meet up with people I’ve been following on social media for in general and how Black communities are mistreated in a while,” Lucido said. “Then I go check out diferent fairs our society heavily. And with that I’m adding like a queer and art shows around town.” overtone to it, as well. So I’m trying to fnd that balance of The following were some of this year’s featured artists: how to highlight Blackness, how to highlight queerness in the same realm.” Adam Chuck (www.adamchuck.me), Brooklyn, New York: “This is my frst year physically being immersed in the Miami Art Gaysel. My work is based of photographs. None of these are live drawings. They’re from social media. I had started doing this work when I was sharing a studio with someone and using it also as a gallery space. The easiest thing to make do was work of my cellphone. I found on social media platforms like Tumblr, Instagram and some of the gay dating web sites people will take, send and post these images. A lot of times there’s a certain aesthetic I look for, but these are the ones where somebody took the time to make sure the lighting was Jonathan Kent Adams really good and the composition is nice. And they’re putting Adam Singer, Adam’s Nest (www.jonathankentadams.com), Oxford, Mississippi: these images on the internet to get likes and followers, which (www.adamsnest.com), Provincetown, Massachusetts: “I’m a painter. I do ink sketches. I was invited by Alex the is really important in today’s society. So I’ve been taking these “I’m doing a pop-up shop here in Miami. I’m in Provincetown frst year he started. He found me through Instagram. This “selfes” that are well composed aesthetically and turning during the summer. I represent queer artists, as well as is my third year. He’s invited me back each year. It’s a really them into paintings on a one to one ratio from my cell phone doing graphic T-shirts. A lot of the diferent graphic T-shirts cool, relaxed way to view art, which I feel like art can be very to the canvas. I’ve always thought painting is inherently kind beneft certain causes and organizations. I met Alex Guerra pretentious sometimes. But when you have an environment of feshy, especially oil paintings. I’ve always loved painting. through Instagram. Alex reached out to me to see if I’d be where it’s so laid back and people can just walk in if they’re I’ve been drawing and painting since I was a kid. I always knew interested in coming and doing a pop-up. I happened to interested or not...it’s a really awesome way to see what’s what I wanted to do was something with the arts, and being literally be driving from New York to Miami at that moment, going on and people that are up-and-coming artists, which gay, it’s easiest to paint something that I love like the male so it was just meant to be.” is really cool.” body. That’s defnitely my inspiration.”

10 • 12.20.2017 12.20.2017 • 11 FeaTURe housing SmaSh The SLUMLORdS Dedicated group of volunteers is fighting back against corrupt slumlords in Miami-Dade

Tucker Berardi

ive rats in the toilet. Bathroom foors covered in mold. This isn’t a third world country. These are the living L conditions in some apartments in Miami-Dade County. Smash the Slumlords is trying to change that.

According to New Geography the labelling afordable housing buildings as average population of cities throughout “dumpsters” and utilizing lawsuits against the United States is a little over 20,000 slumlords as one of their driving tactics. residents. In Miami-Dade county, over “There is absolutely an afordable 75,000 people — nearly four times the housing crisis in Miami. No one would average city population — is currently want to pay $600, $700 to live in what on the waiting list for afordable housing. is basically a dumpster if not for how Most of them won’t settle into their expensive the rest of the housing in Miami afordable units for years. is. The landlords are aware of this fact, and While those that have made it into taking advantage.” For Madriz, what people get for the base afordable housing need not worry about Smash the Slumlords — along with Additionally, Madriz hopes to lock the rent in Miami blatantly shows how corrupt the wait, their struggles are far from over. its sister company “Worlds,” a mobile price at 30 percent of the median Floridian some of the landlords can be. They are The vast majority of them are living, in the for-proft video game company — aim to income, half that of the usual 60 percent. taking advantage of the high demand of most basic sense of the word, in some of raise funds and awareness for this issue “These people are the poorest of the poor, housing, and even those who want to do the worst conditions imaginable. by starting at a ground level, bringing and they need truly afordable housing,” something to fx their buildings don’t have “One of our residents opened up his community members together for weekly Madriz said. the space to relocate existing tenants. toilets one day to live rats,” Adrian Madriz, video game nights to build relationships Smash estimates that there are currently “There literally is such a lack of CEO of non-proft organization Smash the and inform the public of the housing 150 families living in these situations, with afordable units that there Slumlords said. “The bathroom tiles are problem in the city. an average of 3-4 members per is no fexibility as a city to covered in mold, it has completely decayed While the living conditions of some of family. If the organization is relocate these families as “EvEn thE city the tile from underneath. Repairs for these these buildings are horrendous, habitable able to keep its momentum, their buildings are repaired,” kinds of things cost a lot of money and housing costs signifcantly more in can’t do major Madriz believes that they will Madriz said. landlords just don’t want to do it.” Miami. Afordable housing is locked work on thEsE be able to address this issue in He continued, “The Smash the Slumlords was created around 60 percent of the median income buildings bEcausE fve years or less. people right now are living to combat gentrifcation and — you in Florida. Without those restrictions, the In order to achieve this and in buildings controlled by a thEy’d nEEd to guessed it — smash corrupt slumlords other prices of other housing locations ensure truly afordable housing slumlord or in co-ownership condEmn and in Miami-Dade county. Madriz and his skyrocket each year as the demand for real in the future, the organization by the city and a slumlord. organization aren’t pulling their punches, estate in Miami rises. dEstroy thE plans to sue slumlords for Even the city can’t do major building and ownership of the land, and put work on these buildings rElocatE familiEs, that land under control of a Madriz speaks to the community at a cookout event Courtesy of Smash the Slumlords. because they’d need to community trust. condemn and destroy thE buildings arE A community trust basically the building and relocate that bad.” puts decisions made for that families, the buildings are land — what and where to that bad.” - adrian Madriz build, rent prices, etc. — CeO Smash is currently under the control of the working predominantly in people who live there. That Liberty City to build afordable housing way the community and Smash will be that will be used to relocate tenants living able to ensure quality housing that is truly in condemnable conditions while their afordable for the people who need it the buildings are repaired. That way Smash most. the Slumlords will be able to go building to In order to build dedicated housing and building and renovate afordable housing to repair slum housing in its current state, a higher, actually livable standard. the organization is constantly looking for

12 • 12.20.2017 FeaTURe housing

a community trust basically puts dEcisions madE for that land — what and whErE to build, rEnt pricEs, Etc. — undEr thE control of thE pEoplE who livE thErE. that way thE community and smash will bE ablE to EnsurE quality housing that is truly affordablE for thE pEoplE who nEEd it thE most.

Volunteers with Smash the Slumlords. Courtesy of Smash the Slumlords.

sources of funding, and one solution is their housing assignments based on gender. sister business Worlds. “LGBT homelessness in Miami-Dade “We provide video gaming entertainment county is a huge issue,” Madriz said. “We to parties and events, we bring consoles and want to devote some units of our afordable games and activities people can do with the housing buildings solely to LGBT youth who equipment — we provide the games and the need housing. When this is all over we want experience,” Madriz said. to have opportunities for completely free Worlds is one stream of income, but housing for LGBT youth.” Smash the Slumlords needs more resources Even as Smash the Slumlords works to HOME | AUTO | BUSINESS to accomplish their goals, and are actively provide liveable afordable housing to people looking to secure funding sources as well as living in deplorable situations, there is still individual donations. So far the organization the much larger issue of the thousands-long has raised $2,278 on Give Miami, powered waiting list for afordable housing in Miami. We know Insurance, because by the Miami Foundation. Smash the Slumlords may be working We Insure Florida. The goals of the organization also go at ground level, but they hope that setting beyond building afordable housing units a new precedent for afordable housing and renovation. One of Madriz’s goals in Miami-Dade county and establishing involves dedicating units to homeless LGBT supportive communities will inspire the city youth, helping some of the displaced with and other organizations to follow suit in free housing. developing quality afordable living. According to the Miami Herald, 40 “By emphasizing small clusters of percent of homeless people in the United families and buildings and organizing States under the age of 24 identify as LGBT. communities in the most essential CONSTANTINE PATSIMAS [email protected] While there are homeless shelters geared way, developing relationships between toward people under the age of 18 in Miami, neighbors, we will plant the idea of moving there are no shelters in Miami-Dade county collectively into prosperity,” Madriz geared toward people between 18-24. said. “We will start to have communities HOME • FLOOD • AUTO In youth shelters and otherwise, the that are truly holistic, communities in ALEJANDRO KALAF III BUSINESS • UMBRELLA • RVs Herald reports that many LGBT youth, the most basic sense of the word: living [email protected] BOATs • JETSKIs • MOTORCYCLE especially trans youth, often report negative together and looking out for each other.” experiences such as bullying or inaccurate

For more information on Smash the Slumlords, as well as 954.903.7519 volunteer and support opportunities, visit SmashTheSlumLords.org. 1975 E. Sunrise Blvd, Suite 602 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 www.WeInsureFTLaud.com

12.20.2017 • 13 NeWS miami-dade miami draG queenS makinG dreamS come true thiS holidaY SeaSon Jose Cassola Photo courtesy of Logan Almazan and Stavros Stavrakis [email protected]

thena Dion thinks most drag queens Stavrakis said. The group planned an event have hearts of gold. But if that’s so, for the homeless women of the Lotus House Athen the hearts of Dion and her in September, but Hurricane Irma blew Dream Queens must be multi-platinum. away those plans. Earlier this year, Dion, real name Stavros An event yet to be determined or fnalized Stavrakis, started volunteering his time at is scheduled to take place in January. Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Burn Center “The queens want to be a part of to bring burn survivors a makeover and something special. They want to change the some fun. Stavrakis said the frst event at world, and I’m fguring out a way that we can the burn unit in April, organized by Logan do that,” he said. “I think most drag queens Almazan, a trauma and burns critical care have hearts of gold, it’s just a matter of giving registered nurse at the Ryder Trauma an opportunity for everybody to do it.” Center, motivated him to do more events The Dream Queens work with local like that. charities, shelters, children’s hospitals “The good I saw come out of it and the and any organizations “in need of a outpouring of local support and requests queen’s touch,” doing hair and makeup to be a part of any other future events...I parties, dance workshops and special realized that my fellow drag queens wanted performances. Now through Sunday, an avenue to use their Dec. 24, add a toy drive for specifc talents to give back to homeless children to that members of our community list. who would appreciate them “i wantEd The Dream Queens have most,” Stavrakis said. thosE girls joined forces with Miss Almazan said the event at Florida FI Kalah Mendoza to Jackson Memorial was “life to fEEl raise toys and essentials for changing for everyone... homeless children and their the burn survivors and us bEautiful families this holiday season. that volunteered. It was an again and “We will be collecting amazing high.” toys up until Christmas A winner of Mr. Macho wEll, it Eve during R House Drag with Cuba, Brunch,” Stavrakis said. Almazan has volunteered workEd.” “After brunch, we will load ultimate goal is to “share laughter, light and community,” Almazan said. “Speaking from at the Children’s Burn up our sleigh and head down fabulosity to anyone going through a rough experience, being homeless when I came - Logan almazan Foundation of Florida for to deliver the toys to the patch in life or anyone who wants to add a out and mental abuse from my ex, this is CRITICaL CaRe NURSe eight years. It was Almazan children and their families. little bit of razzle-dazzle” to their event. personal and I’m paying it forward. Athena who asked Stavrakis to help We’re going to take all of the Almazan said he and Stavrakis want to has a big heart, so I knew who I needed to his burn girls, patients he actually helped toys we gathered and we’re going to drive next do an event at the women’s homeless help me help others.” save, to teach them make-up tips. down to Homestead in drag and deliver the shelter and for victims of domestic violence Stavrakis said the Dream Queens are “I wanted those girls to feel beautiful toys as Dream Queens.” and eventually cancer patients. He said the using their skills as performers and artists again and well, it worked,” Almazan said. Brazilian drag queen Olga Dantelly is “abused women are gonna get some big to uplift and empower the less fortunate. “I see Athena as the best in our community. going to be Santa Claus. Stavrakis said the time love,” as salons have contacted him “Our goal is to motivate the human Of course without me even fnishing what I Chapman Partnership in Homestead will to donate fat irons and blow dryers and spirit to shine bright, look ferce and be had planned, she said yes. That’s how it all “have about 100 kids and they’re really nail people and make-up artists have also fabulous,” Stavrakis said. “Everyone wants started.” excited to have the Dream Queens come reached out. to be a part of this. Everybody wants to After that visit to the burn unit, Stavrakis down and donate the toys.” “[This will be] a glam day for women help, all of the drag queens, all of my drag founded Dream Queens, a traveling troupe of Collections are happening at Score who need hope that was taken away from sisters. Our queens love to make dreams drag queens and drag fans who visit people Nightclub on Fridays in Miami Beach, R abuse and hate like many of us in the gay come true.” from all diferent backgrounds to “uplift, House Wynwood, Azucar Nightclub in empower and motivate the human spirit Miami and Pekaditos Mi Viejo San Juan through our talents and skills of beauty, Restaurant, also in Miami. For more information about dream Queens or volunteering personal strength, dance and laughter,” Stavrakis said the Dream Queens’ opportunities at future events, email [email protected].

14 • 12.20.2017 NeWS miami-dade The Parish of tiFFanY FantaSia appearS on ‘watch Sts. Francis and Clare what happenS live’ with andY cohen Where we welcome and appreciate diversity. Jose Cassola Photo courtesy of Tiffany Fantasia. [email protected] 101 NE 3rd St ifany Fantasia, drag entertainer and Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 hostess of drag brunches at Palace Bar Tand Señor Frogs on Miami Beach, was recently invited by Andy Cohen to join him Mass Times: on BRAVO’s “Watch What Happens Live” as his guest bartender. Saturday 5:00 PM Fantasia was on the show Sunday night, Dec. 17, to promote the new Palace, which Sunday 10:30 AM reopened at 1052 Ocean Drive, a block and a half away from its old location on 1200 Ocean Drive, which closed on July 4 after 29 years Christmas Eve Mass: 10 PM on the corner of 12th and Ocean. Former Christmas Day Mass: 10:30 AM “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast member Kim Zolciak was the show’s main guest. Fantasia isn’t the only Palace alum to have alum, has also appeared many times on appeared on WWHL with Cohen, who has WWHL. Ecumenical Catholic visited Palace and is a huge fan of the venue Sunday night after the show aired, Fantasia 954.731.8173 and its performers. Noel Leon appeared in received several congratulatory notes on her June ahead of the bar’s closing, doing her social media. signature split on national television for all Andrew John of New York wrote on to see. Latrice Royale, a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Fantasia’s Facebook page: “So proud of you! www.stsfrancisandclare.org Season 4 fnalist and Palace’s most famous You looked amazing, as you always do!” Baptisms • Weddings • Memorial Services

12.20.2017 • 15 NeWS international

preSident oF Ghana: leGaliSation oF AccountingAccounting andand TaxTax ServicesServices homoSexualitY ‘bound to happen’ Tucker Berardi

, CPA Timothy S. Hart n certain terms, Ghana’s president PinkNews, it is currently illegal to be gay in Managing Partner Nana Akufo-Addo said that while Ghana, the penalty for which is up to three Isame-sex marriage is not on the years in prison. Violent attacks against 2929 East Commercial Boulevard, Penthouse D | Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308 country’s agenda as of yet, the issue is sure LGBT people are reportedly common, and 954-202-9770 | 954-202-9777 Fax to be addressed in the near future. even encouraged by religious leaders and [email protected] | www.R3Accounting.com “These social, cultural issues … I don’t in some cases the media. believe that Ghana, so far, a sufciently The Human Rights Advocacy Center strong coalition has emerged to change of Ghana is avidly working to promote public opinion, and have a new paradigm in human rights and protection for LGBT Ghana,” Akufo-Addo said. “Like elsewhere citizens in the country. in the world, the activities of individuals Solace Brothers Foundation is another and groups [will lead to change].” advocacy group that hires paralegals to While African sentiment toward challenge the unfair treatment of many homosexuality is still negative, Akufo- LGBT individuals in legal situations. Addo likened Ghana to the UK in the “The judges in Ghana who would 1960s, when homosexuality was still normally handle LGBT rights are very illegal. homophobic and even though we have “I lived [in the UK] at a period when human rights lawyers who support us among British politicians it was anathema … generally it is very hard to get support to even think about changing the law. But from [other] lawyers,” Abu, founder of the the activities of individuals and groups Solace Brothers Foundation said. and a certain awareness grew and grew He continued, “We are not making it stronger, and it forced a change in law,” about LGBT rights, we want it to be human Akufo-Addo said. rights … these are our rights, and as every And change is certainly the goal for other human being in Ghana we also have many LGBT groups in Ghana. According to our rights.”

16 • 12.20.2017 Photo Facials • Laser Skin Rejuvenation Laser Hair Removal • Botox® / Dysport® Xeomin •Radiesse® / Belotero® • Sculptra® Restylane® / Kybella / Juvederm® / Voluma®

•B12 Injections $20 •Dysport $3.75 for 51 Units or more $75 OFF 100 Units or more •Buy any two 1mls of Restylane and get the 3rd of equal or lesser FREE!

Expires 12/31/17 Look at our Website for more Savings.

924 N. Federal Hwy 954.462.7455 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 www.thesilklasercentre.com owned & operated by J.A. Astaphan MD

12.20.2017 • 17 NeWS miami-dade Save luminarieS honor local lGbt proFeSSionalS Jose Cassola [email protected] Photo courtesy of SAVE.

hen Tony Lima took the helm at SAVE in September often agrees to emcee and support fundraisers and charities admired and respected,” Oves said. “Being Ryan White’s 2013, he was inspired by the young activists that he throughout our community,” Fernandez said. “She uses her birthday tonight, this award goes to him and every person Wmet working within the community. talent to be a volunteer at Jackson’s Burn Unit, dedicating who fought and continues to fght against HIV stigma. This “Generally, people are recognized at the end of their her time and energy and talents to teaching people with People’s Luminary award belongs to each one of you who careers, and I thought, how inspiring to uplift the stories burns and disfgurements how to apply makeup. She brings are continuing the fght against HIV stigma. We all play a of young people that are also doing great work,” Lima said. confdence and hope back into people’s lives.” role in this epidemic. Latinos Salud believes in the power of “How wonderful would it be to highlight these folks for their A humble Dion happily accepted the award, thanking community, and together we will turn around this epidemic merits and also show them as glowing examples for other Lima, SAVE and the community at large for empowering her. and move into an era of health equity for all regardless of young professionals and the community at large.” “I’ve never been this honored in my entire life,” Dion said. your sexual orientation and gender identity.” It was then that the SAVE Luminaries were born. The frst “When you start doing drag, you do it because you like the Among the major attendees and supporters of the SAVE event was celebrated as a cocktail party in October 2013, clothes, the makeup, just being a little gay boy and fabulous. Luminaries were newly elected Miami Mayor Francis honoring professionals like Dr. Hansel Tookes of University To be able to use this platform and to be recognized...for me, Suarez and the LGBT liaison for the City of Miami, Ofcer of Miami, Tori Bertran of SunServe and Victor Diaz-Herman it just leaves me speechless.” Christopher Bess. Suarez applauded SAVE for putting of Pridelines. From there, the Luminaries have continued Additionally, Melba de Leon was named the Super together an “incredible annual event to commemorate its to honor local LGBT people accomplishing great things and Volunteer and Community Hero and Juan Claudio Oves Jr., champions.” He also congratulated Bess for highlighting giving back to their communities. co-chair of Latinos Salud, walked away with the People’s “LGBT issues as they relate with policing.” On Wednesday, Dec. 6, SAVE hosted its ffth annual Luminary Award. Also nominated in this category were “It really is an honor to have someone in our department Luminaries ceremony at the CIC Miami. Lima and local drag Adrian Madriz, project lead of SMASH, or Struggle for who is leading the forefront of police-based LGBT issues,” superstar Tifany Fantasia emceed the event and gave out Miami’s Afordable and Sustainable Housing; Daniel Suarez said. awards honoring the following individuals: Broward County Anzueto, co-founder and board chair at Maven Leadership Interspersed with the honors throughout the night State Rep. Shevrin Jones; MJ Castells, program director for Collective; and Ashley Mayfaire, director of operations at were complimentary bites and cocktails, rafes and prizes the Aqua Foundation for women; Pioneer Winter, Miami TranSocial South Florida. and performances by some of Miami’s most popular drag choreographer and director of the Pioneer Winter Collective; “I am honored and humbled to accept this award on behalf entertainers. These included Tifany Fantasia, who brought Rick Morgan, philanthropist and community volunteer, who of Latinos Salud and to join past recipients who I have long the house down to Mary J. Blige’s “No More Drama;” Missy works in politics and helped pass protections for transgender Meyakie Le Paige, who performed Diana Ross’ “The Boss;” people in 2014; Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, founder and CEO Noel Leon, who executed her signature split to Mariah Carey’s of Radical Partners, a startup and management consulting holiday classic, “All I Want for Christmas is You;” Athena agency; and local drag entertainer and hostess of The Lab Dion, who performed Christina Aguilera’s “Telepathy;” and Fridays at Score and the Sunday drag brunch at R House “To be able to use this platform Tlo Ivy, who wowed audiences with her sexy performance Wynwood, Athena Dion, who volunteers her time to visit and of Camila Cabello’s “Havana” and a medley of Selena perform makeovers on burn victims at the the University of and to be recognized...for me, it Quintanilla Perez’s hits, including “Como La Flor” and Bidi Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital Burn Center. Bidi Bom Bom.” Jessica Fernandez, president of the Miami-Dade Young just leaves me speechless.” Lima called this year’s Luminaries a success. He said as Republicans, presented Dion with her award. CEO of SAVE, it is important for him to “show the passion “Athena’s not just a pretty face in our community. She and talent of our next generation of leaders. This event uses her platform to afect positive social change as she - Athena Dion tonight did that,” he said.

18 • 12.20.2017 12.20.2017 • 19 NeWS health

a much larger percentage of blacks in Florida live with hiv than other racial Groups:

december SFan report Sean McShee

This report discusses the monthly meeting of the South Florida AIDS Network (SFAN). SFAN is the advisory for the RWC program of the Florida Department of Health in Broward (FL-DOH RWC). Broward has one other HIV planning body that meets monthly, the HIV Planning Council (HIVPC). The HIVPC is the planning body for the Ryan White Care (RWC) Program of Broward County (Broward-RWC). his SFAN meeting occurred on World AIDS Samantha Sam, ViiV Healthcare, reported Day. In honor of World AIDS Day, Joey on changing ways to maintain HIV viral TWynn, SFAN Chair, presented recognition suppression over a lifetime of HIV infection. awards for service to the HIV communities. About 55 percent of new infections occur among Lisa Agate, Evelyn Morales, and Shirley Scott those under 35 years of age. Because of advances received these awards for their years of service. in HIV treatment, people infected today may Serena Cook, FL-DOH RWC, reported on be taking antiretrovirals for 40 years or more. changes to Broward Addiction Recovery Center New indicates that people with stable, (BARC)’s residential substance abuse treatment suppressed HIV viral loads could benefit from program. Current evidence indicates that a changing their antiretroviral regimen. 60-day treatment program produces better Changing drug regimens can lessen chances of outcomes than a 30-day program does. Currently developing drug resistant strains of HIV. People BARC has a 30-day program. At present funding can find the side effects of antiretrovirals to be ARE YOU GOOD AT levels, switching to a 60-day treatment program intolerable or dangerous. Some antiretrovirals would require that the number of potential have dangerous interactions with drug clients be cut in half. In order to serve the same treatments for other conditions. Simplifying a number of clients, $30,000 would have to be drug regimen can improve adherence. moved from an underutilized program to this ViiV and Janssen Pharmaceuticals have SALES? program. developed a two-drug antiretroviral regimen, Kim Saiswick, state chair of the Florida Juluca. It contains dolutegravir, an integrase EARN UP TO HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Planning Network inhibitor, and rilpivirine, a non-nucleoside (FCPN), discussed its November meeting. reverse transcriptase inhibitor. The FDA $50,000 PER Saiswick reported on what people presented at approved Juluca in November of 2017, its first YEAR. that meeting. Lorene Maddox said that about 15 approval of a two-drug antiretroviral regimen. percent of people living with HIV in Florida were People take Juluca only once per day with a unaware of their HIV infection. meal. Its most common side effects are diarrhea We’re looking for At the FCPN meeting, Dr. Jeffrey Beale and headache. a new salesman to discussed Florida’s Test and Treat Program. Insurers may not yet cover Juluca, given join our team. All we According to Dr. Beale, 915 people had enrolled its recent approval. ViiV may provide bridge in that program. In Broward County, 382 people financing until insurers begin to cover this drug. require is a sharp wit had enrolled in its Test and Treat program. In January, both SFAN and the HIVPC will and a desire to join a About 42 percent of all people in Florida in elect new officers. No one has yet agreed to run the Treat and Treat program had enrolled in for SFAN offices. Raquel Lopes has agreed to run reputable newspaper Broward. Saiswick attributed this high rate to for HIVPC chair. Carla Taylor-Bennett, David with a global reach. Broward’s twelve locations. In contrast, Miami- Shamer, and H.B. Katz have agreed to run for Dade has only one Test and Treat location. HIVPC vice chair.

Next SFAN Meeting: Friday, January 5, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., at the Holy Cross Healthplex, 1000 NE 56th Got what it takes? Contact us at Street, Ft. Lauderdale. SFAN welcomes newcomers. [email protected] The next HIVPC meeting will occur on January 25 at 9:30 a.m. at 115 S. Andrews Ave. For exact room location, call 954-561-9681 ext. 1343, or visit http://www.brhpc.org/programs/hiv-planning-council/. Follow Sean McShee on Twitter @SeanMcShee

20 • 12.20.2017 Happy Holidaysto our SFGN Businesses R3 Accounting Custom Alarm Oakland Park Dental Barton & Miller Cleaners Rivendell Skimmers Pool Service Emerald Elite Wilton Manors Massage Pallant Insurance Sterling Accounting Dale’s Tires A&A Roofing Robert MacKilligan Galleria Divine Mercy Chapel Real Estate Aaron’s Low Cost Cremation The Grand Resort & Spa and Funeral Hunters Nightclub South Florida Symphony We Insure Meetings Marketing & Cruise Designs Incentives American Pain Experts JM Lexus Selzer Law Castelli Real Estate Pride Factory Jaguar Palm Beach Yellow Cab WOW Factor Law Office of George Adrienne Arsht Center Castrataro Kravis Center Law Office of Shawn Newman Grateful Pallette Peace Pipe Greater Fort Lauderdale Southern Sands Design Convention and Visitors Fort Lauderdale ’s Bureu Chorus GFLGLCC Trantalis & Associates To The Moon Aquafest Lake Worth Playhouse Beefcake’s Maltz Jupiter Theatre The Floridian Duncan Theatre J. Mark’s Restaurant Joe Grano Real Estate AHF Broward Health Andrews Dental BG Solutions Broward Center for the Florida Medical Center Performing Arts Broward County Health Broadway Across America Department Ray & Kolner Law Gay Men’s Chorus of South ArtServe Florida Loria Medical Silk Laser & Aesthetic Center Attorney Robin Bodiford Island City Smiles American Tax & Insurance LeBoy Late Nite Liquor Island City Dental

12.20.2017 • 21 ConviCtions publisher's editorial GeorGe carlin can now add FetuS to hiS dirtY wordS liSt Photo courtesy of Bonnie, wiki. Norm Kent [email protected] FETUS DIVERSITY ENTITLEMENT TRANSGENDER SCIENCE-BASED VULNERABLE EVIDENCE-BASED

hen I write my columns for SFGN, to which the federal government could Some would even call Trump racist, but book and play ‘Inherit the Wind.’ We already sometimes I must remember all my regulate speech on broadcast television hey the White House has a new unofficial knew about Mike Pence. We may have people Wreaders were not 18 years old in 1968, and radio in the United States. The Federal explanation. He is just ‘racial.’ in this administration denying the theory of that some of you may not remember Vietnam, Communications Commission reprimanded Frankly, I think he is Neanderthal and evolution. I don’t have to tell you about the Watergate or Woodstock. Some of you may the station. the latest playbook he is using is proof for ‘Scopes’ trial do I? Damn, just go google it, not even know George Carlin. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the FCC the pudding. Last week, his administration okay? Today, Donald Trump’s latest antics, a move action in 1978, by a vote of 5 to 4, ruling that directed policy analysts at the Centers for This goes far beyond an attack on lexicon out of Rick Scott’s playbook, bring back the the routine was “indecent but not obscene”. Disease Control and Prevention that the use or word-choice. A ban on words not only life and legacy, the lunacy and the laughter The Court accepted as compelling the of seven specific words and phrases would be creates barriers for scientists who need to of George Carlin. More than just being a government’s interests in: prohibited. communicate, but also breaks public trust in comedian, George Carlin was a piercing social On the list are the words “vulnerable,” the areas they are meant to investigate and theorist, a biting monologist, and an ever so • Shielding children from potentially “diversity,” “entitlement,” “transgender,” research. William Jennings Bryan. Donald sophisticated individual. offensive material, and “fetus,” “evidence-based,” and “science- Trump. Brothers of the same mother. He came to American notoriety in 1972, • Ensuring that unwanted speech does based.” The decision has not only been The defense attorney in the ‘Scopes’ case when he went on stage doing a monologue not enter one’s home. deemed as reckless and dangerous, but an was Clarence Darrow, one of America’s finest. titled ‘Seven Words You Can Never Say on offense to the scientific community. They have made one man plays of his stature Television.’ These words were ‘fuck, shit, piss, The Court stated that the FCC had the Florida’s governor Rick Scott used the same and nobility, one of the finest lawyers our cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, and tits.’ authority to prohibit such broadcasts during tool to ban the words ‘climate-change.’ As country has ever seen, a man whose career Even today, I am uncomfortable using them in hours when children were likely to be among CNN has noted, this would not be the Trump every attorney looks up to. print or my writings. I think there is a better the audience, and gave the FCC broad leeway administration’s first attack on scientists or In his closing, and this was back in 1925, way to say things. to determine what constituted their abilities to communicate he said “We have the purpose of preventing At the time, the words were considered indecency in different contexts. to the public. Since his days bigots and ignoramuses from controlling the highly inappropriate and unsuitable for This eventually led to the on the campaign trail, Donald education of the United States.” broadcast on the public airwaves in the U.S., Communications Decency Act, The decision Trump has denied, belittled or As for me, I admired George Carlin, and even whether radio or television. but if you have heard him at his argued against the impacts of got to interview him once. A genius with words, As such, they were avoided in scripted public rallies, it is one of many has not only climate change. clarity with insight, a marvelous modern man. material, and bleep censored in the rare cases laws that our current president been deemed Ever since he assumed the Go watch that video on YouTube. You will love in which they were used. apparently has no use for. office of the presidency, he has it, even today. I promise. He would not be as Broadcast standards differ in different parts However, while our as reckless and not only surrounded himself polite with Trump as Clarence Darrow was of the world, then and now, although most president has no problem and his cabinet with climate with William Jennings Bryan. of the words on Carlin’s original list remain being vulgar, acting despicably, dangerous, change skeptics, but has acted Today, George Carlin would tell Donald taboo on American television. or cursing frequently, he to suppress scientific action Trump to “Go fuck yourself, motherfucker.” The list was not an official enumeration of does have a problem with but an and thought. He is a moron, How can you oppose climate change and forbidden words, but rather was compiled by some words when they essentially, and he proves it diversity, inclusion and transgender people? I Carlin for use in his routines. Nonetheless, involve protecting the rights offense to daily. think I join with Carlin in using those indecent a New York City radio broadcast on WBAI of minorities, speaking out the scientific I mean I went back to words in my column. Trump made me do it. I featuring these words led to a U. S. Supreme about diversity or enhance the George Carlin but this is even know it’s sad. But, anything goes for the white Court ruling that helped establish the extent stature of African’-Americans. community. reminiscent of the masterful wing.

22 • 12.20.2017 12.20.2017 • 23 ConviCtions Seeing in the dark deaF painter diScuSSeS barrierS For artiStS with diSabilitieS Belo Cipriani Photos courtesy of Bex.

ccording to a 2012 Census report, 56.7 million Americans have a disability. This figure translates to roughly 19 percent Aof the population — making people with disabilities the largest minority group in the country.

But despite the size of this demographic, Grandma just goes, ‘So what? Just teach people with disabilities have the lowest her sign language.’” numbers of educational attainment and Bex’s journey into the arts began as a work participation — facts that queer small child, and her earliest drawings were and deaf artist Bex knows all too well, in pen. and believes heavily impacts artists with “According to my parents, I didn’t care disabilities. that I couldn’t erase, so pencils, colored “Having the time and the space to create pencils, and crayons came much later,” she art is a luxury,” she said. “Disabled people said. are twice as likely to be poor compared to She moved on to oil painting by the able-bodied people, and far more likely to age of 7 and at 18, moved to Northern be unemployed.” California to study at the California College The 28-year-old San Francisco Bay Area of the Arts (CCA), where she completed resident believes people with disabilities her undergraduate degree and an MFA in face discrimination and Comics. lack of access — despite the But while Bex was able to existence of the Americans shE statEs pursue an art education, she with Disabilities Act (ADA) hEr points out most people with — and that people with disabilities are not able to disabilities incur additional disability, attain training due to cost. costs that create barriers to quEErnEss, “The most expensive art training. colleges in the country are work ends up being categorized as outsider about deafness, but admits she does share “The cost of living for and jEwish art schools, not Ivy League art.” some similar themes as other deaf artists. disabled people is higher faith havE schools. Ivy League schools, Bex’s brush strokes have been described, “There are sometimes themes such as than average due to medical being rich, distribute a lot of by the arts and design magazine Eclectix, isolation that do have a history of being care and adjustment costs,” all had financial aid to their students as a mixture of surrealism, science fiction in other deaf artists’ work as well,” she she said. “And that’s all somE impact — so if you make a list of the scenarios and a female under the influence shared. “It’s a specific kind of isolation — before you even get to the art 10 most expensive four-year, of German Expressionism, and she states not the universal, generic sort, but one that world side itself.” on hEr private, nonprofit colleges and her disability, queerness, and Jewish faith stems from a baked-in language barrier and Bex was born and raised in subtract the average amount have all had some impact on her work. lack of comprehension on hearing people’s , and is the only work. of grant/scholarship aid at “There is a very strong sense of abjection parts. They might distantly relate, but have deaf person in her family. each institution, a majority of in my work. I believe it rises not just from never personally experienced it.” She shared, “When I was finally the list would consist of art schools and being queer, but also from being disabled, Bex interned with the Emmy-winning diagnosed, I was about 1.5 years old. It conservatories,” she said. as well as Jewish — the implicit knowledge show “Robot Chicken,” and is now working took a while to get the diagnosis, because The artist also shares that navigating that just by having the audacity to merely on a graphic novel. You can follow her my mother unfortunately had to deal the art world is tougher for people with exist, you are loathed,” she said. on Twitter @radiant_spores or visit her with a succession of extremely dismissive disabilities — especially for those without The painter mentioned her art is not website at www.bexfreund.com. doctors, one of whom even suggested that art contacts. it was all in her head.” “Breaking into the art world demands “Initially,” Bex continued, “My parents copious amounts of networking, and a Belo Cipriani is a disability advocate, a freelance journalist, the were pretty upset and sad about the fact lot of that begins in art school,” she said. award-winning author of Blind: a Memoir and Midday dreams, of my deafness. There’s a story about my “Unless you’re awarded a full scholarship, and the spokesperson for guide dogs for the Blind. Learn more at mom despairingly talking about it on the playing field is usually not level, and www.belocipriani.com. the phone with my grandmother, and I think it’s why so many disabled artists’

24 • 12.20.2017 12.20.2017 • 25 FeaTURe centerlink

The non proft organization works with a network of LGBT Centers to secure centeRlink funding and maximize operations Bringing Out Pride Center Potential

Tucker Berardi Photo courtesy of Centerlink, Facebook.

he Wilton Manors area plays host to many well to reinvent the wheel. Once upon a time CenterLink was a the pursuit of equal rights. known LGBT related nonprofts like the Pride really important component of the work we do at Compass “Whether they provide direct services, educate the TCenter, SunServe and Latinos Salud. But then there’s today.” public or organize for social change, community centers CenterLink, an unknown but extremely important national According to CenterLink, over 60 percent of LGBT centers work more closely with their LGBT constituency and LGBT non-proft that provides for emerging LGBT centers provide some direct health services including counseling, engage more community leaders and decision-makers than across the country. peer-led programs and support groups, as well as physical any other LGBT network in the country,” CenterLink’s site Their mission: “to support the development of strong, health and other mental health services. reads. sustainable LGBT community centers.” “A fundamental goal of our mission is to help build In order to ensure that LGBT centers working within It was in 1971 when the frst LGBT centers opened their the capacity of centers to meet the social, cultural, CenterLink’s network can maximize their capacity, doors in Los Angeles, California and Albany, New York. health and political advocacy needs of LGBT community CenterLink has been hard at work with national Today there are Pride Centers across the U.S. and throughout members across the country,” CenterLink’s website reads. organizations to hold down Obama-era policy changes the world providing services like counseling, social events, “CenterLink also acts as a voice for the LGBT community during an unsympathetic administration. STI screening and even housing to the LGBT community. centers in national grassroots organizing, coalition building According to Tucker, they are also working on state and In order to ofer those services and expand their capacity and social activism in order to strengthen and build a local levels to protect and pursue inclusive policies. for helping community members, pride centers need unifed center movement.” “When I look at CenterLink and they way things are going proper resources and funding. CenterLink, a nonproft The same percentage of centers also operate with 5 with the new administration, things are crazy,” Tucker organization headquartered close to Wilton Manors works or fewer paid staf, and over 30 percent of LGBT centers said. “On a state level we are working on equality work, to everyday to ensure that those centers here in Florida and nationwide make do without any paid staf members. ensure that we elect good people and that people are paying across the country get the resources necessary to continue Despite the humble resources many centers operate attention to policies afecting the LGBT community.” their work. with, CenterLink believes that LGBT centers ofer some of On a local level, CenterLink has established the Center “Every center focuses on the need from their community,” the most important services to the LGBT community, and Action Network (CAN), which is an attempt to highlight CenterLink CEO Lora Tucker said. “Most are small and they ensuring they are able to operate to their fullest potential projects and eforts by local organizations and LGBT are trying to grow, and we help them to fnd grants to grow is crucial when it comes to helping LGBT individuals and centers, helping them to secure the funding, expertise and capacity.” opportunities necessary to maximize their impact. Founded in 1994, CenterLink is a member-based coalition “We created the Center Action Network, or CAN, to that works to ensure that LGBT community centers have the maximize the capacity of LGBT centers to mobilize. We are resources necessary to address the needs of their respective working on a grassroots level to empower our allies and communities. Currently the organization serves over 200 “We are working on a grassroots support advocacy eforts. We are also helping to secure LGBT centers in 45 states, Puerto Rico and the District of government funding channels, which are the lifeblood of Columbia, as well as centers in Canada, Australia and China. level to empower our allies and these LGBT centers.” “When I started at Compass in 1997 CenterLink was an Tucker is a frm believer that the fght for equal rights is all volunteer organization,” said Tony Plakas, the CEO of support advocacy efforts.” far from over, and working with LGBT centers and programs Compass. “They were a group of people who just wanted that seek to promote and secure inclusive policy as well as to help emerging centers, to help new centers get their - Lora Tucker ensuring more LGBT representation in policy is a must. footing and create a support structure so they didn’t have CeNTeRLINk CeO

26 • 12.20.2017 FeaTURe centerlink

lora tucker. Photo courtesy of Lora Tucker.

Lora Tucker, New CenterLink CEO, has lOnG histORy OF leaDeRshiP Denise Royal

ora Tucker has been at helm of “My passion is leadership and I enjoy CenterLink, the national association helping organizations learn and become Lof LGBT community centers since adaptive in today’s volatile, ambiguous the beginning of the year – just as LGBT and uncertain world in which we live, so communities nationwide adjust to big that they don’t go the way of the dinosaur. changes happening across the country. Organizations today have to continue Tucker is new to South Florida, but not to learning in order to thrive. The thing that I do leadership. She’s a retired United States Army really well is build and grow teams because colonel who led troops in Operation Desert I really enjoy the professional development Storm, jumped out of airplanes aspect of being a CEO.” as part of the Airborne Corps, Tucker has been in her new directed public affairs officers “As part of my role since April and said it’s in the U.S. Army Reserve, and job, sometimes I going very well. commanded a joint press camp was taking young “I have fallen in love with this at Guantanamo Bay. team and the area,” she said. “I “As a military officer, I Americans into have had the opportunity to get changed roles every two or dangerous places; out and travel and meet with three years,” Tucker said. “I I learned to lead a some of our centers. All I can was dealing with a different diverse population, say is that my heart is full.” team or a different mission. As CenterLink is home to part of my job, sometimes I was with different nearly 200 national LGBT taking young Americans into cultures in extreme organizations, and every dangerous places; I learned to circumstances.” center has different needs. lead a diverse population, with “Kalamazoo is different than different cultures in extreme - Lora Tucker Los Angeles,” Tucker said. “And circumstances.” CeNTeRLINk CeO Los Angeles is different than Tucker earned the Bronze Star Dallas, which is different than Medal and served 25 years as a soldier and New York City. Our challenge is to create officer for the U.S. Army. Those experiences a space where the leadership from within helped prepare Tucker for the top roles that those organizations has the opportunity to followed, including CEO for the Girl Scouts in network and learn from each other. As well Kentucky and southern Indiana. From there, as us really learning how to meet the needs Tucker attended the leadership program of our centers whether small, medium or at Georgetown University and became a large.” leadership coach. She is currently earning a In the country’s current Trump era, doctorate degree in leadership from Spalding Tucker describes the feeling among many of University. That’s in addition to her B.A. in CenterLink’s member groups as “anxious.” social science from Boston College, a master’s “I think some of our constituents are in administration from Central Michigan still in a state of shock because we made University, and a master’s in strategic studies such wonderful headway under the Obama from the U.S. Army War College. administration,” Tucker explained.

12.20.2017 • 27 Courtesy. LIFeSTYLe photos chardEEs loungE IS back!

On December 13, Chardees Lounge unveiled the return of the once-famed lounge with the first of two nights’ grand opening ceremonies. Entertainment was performed by Ruben Gonzalez, and complimentary well drinks and hors d’oeuvres were provided.

J.R. Davis

to see many more photos, visit south Florida Gay news on Facebook.

28 • 12.20.2017 welcome to your family at sea... HalloweenHalloween CruiseCruise Oct 28- Nov 4, 2018 from

17th ANNUAL 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas $599 Ports: Galveston, Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel Starring: Private shows with guest celebrities * $1000 in Costume Prizes Miss Conception Gay DJ * Themed Dance Parties * Group Dining on most cruise lines

Billy Gilman Aquafest Staff & Cruise Directors * Optional Gay Beach Parties from “The VOICE” Single, Couples, & Lesbian Get-Togethers * Afternoon T-Dance

Amy & Freddy and much more...

join the Award Winning Largest & Best LGBT Private Group Event! (800) 592-9058 / AquafestCruises.com MORE IN Alaska - Kenya African Safari- Christmas Markets Danube MORE IN 2018 Castles of the Rhine - Scandanavia & Russia 2018

12.20.2017 • 29 LIFeSTYLe tony's talks the man behind Sea & olive From Turkey to South Africa to Miami Beach Ahmet Demir now brings his culinary delights to Wilton Manors

Tony Adams Photos by J.R. Davis

30 • 12.20.2017 LIFeSTYLe tony's talks

always wonder what and who is behind of that restaurant, learning not only the colors that make his space food is authentic. I come from the food I enjoy on my first visit to a production side of food service, but also the inviting and comfortable.) a Turkish farming family. Inew restaurant. I did not have to wait business elements involving partnerships Because of its location near Turkish country style cooking long for the answers on my first visit to Sea and financial management. He must have Twist and Score, Demir’s “as soon as i is what I know. ” & Olive, a recent addition to the fine dining been a quick study. Sea & Olive, 2390 restaurants developed a I tested out Demir’s claim of options on the Drive in Wilton Manors. Wilton Drive, is Demir’s eighth restaurant! strong gay clientele. His saw thE placE, authenticity at a subsequent The attentive owner Ahmet Demir came In 2009, he moved to the U.S. (His wife understanding of the gay i said, ‘know visit accompanied by a man to our table to make sure we were satisfied, is a New Yorker.) where he opened his market made his eventual who had been stationed graciously answering all my questions. own Mediterranean-style restaurant on move to Wilton Manors what? this is in Turkey during his years Starting, growing and selling restaurants Tompkins Square Park in Manhattan’s very easy. going to work of military service. He is what Demir does best. It is also what Alphabet City neighborhood. It was He sold that Miami pronounced their signature he enjoys doing more than anything else. successful, but the cold winter weather Beach restaurant, called pErfEctly for a dish, the lamb shank, excellent He got into the business as a high school drove them to Miami for a vacation. As Romelia (the ancient name mEditErranEan and he was full of praise for the student washing dishes in a restaurant in often happens, it wasn’t long before he sold for Istanbul) and opened Turkish tea served to us after his native Turkey. He took to the business his venture in NYC and moved to Miami. a Greek tapas restaurant, rEstaurant.” dinner, saying it was exactly as instinctually and during his university He scouted locations for his next Meze Aegean Bistro, also - ahmet demir, he remembered it. I will add to years – he studied languages – he acquired restaurant, finding the vacant space he was in Miami Beach. He and a Owner Sea & Olive that my praise for the soft and expertise in the world of restaurants and looking for near the gay club Twist at 11th business partner wanted savory grilled octopus. There hotels. Street and Washington Avenue in Miami a much larger space, is also dorado and bronzino In 2006, he fell in love with Cape Town, Beach. He renovated from the ground up. acquiring another Washington Avenue served on a bed of arugula. South Africa while on vacation there. (In addition to orchestrating the delivery location where they opened Babylon Having happily relocated his young That is where he moved, getting a job at a of fine food, Demir takes great pleasure Turkish Cuisine with 300 seats and a family to Wilton Manors, Demir describes popular tourist restaurant. Within a year, in personally designing his restaurants. gorgeous courtyard. doing business here as “unpredictable” he had become the managing partner He selects the furnishings, lighting and He sold his share of that restaurant to in that Sea & Olive can be both extremely open a bar called Groovy’s on Lincoln Road. busy or quiet, often without explanation. Despite its ongoing success, he could not Even though Sea & Olive is only six months “wE don’t cut cornErs and our food is authEntic. shed his love for the restaurant business. old, Demir is already in the process of When a real estate agent told him about a starting an additional restaurant on the i comE from a turkish farming family. turkish wonderful space with a gracious outdoor Drive. Construction and permitting are in country stylE cooking is what i know.” patio, he was intrigued. gear for what will be a “gourmet burger and - ahmet demir, Owner Sea & Olive “I told the agent ‘Yes, show me.’ And beer” place on Wilton Drive near NE 20th that’s when he said, ‘It’s in Fort Lauderdale.’ Street. As soon as I saw the place, I said, ‘Know Ahmet Demir said that he has learned what? This is going to work perfectly for a that the restaurant business is only for Mediterranean restaurant,’” Demir said. those who love it. It is not a business for When I asked Demir why a visitor to those who want to get rich. He has put Wilton Manors seeking Mediterranean down some roots here, and intends to stick fare should choose Sea & Olive over other around, bringing a wealth of experience options, he said, “We make everything and skill to the tables he sets. Check out his from scratch and we have two chefs from menu and visit Sea & Olive soon. Turkey who have excellent reputations and experience at some of the most famous Online: restaurants in Turkey, including the Four Seasons. We don’t cut corners and our SeaandOlive.com/menu.html

12.20.2017 • 31 rkEt, to mar o ma kEt… THE HOTTEST MALE DANCERS 7 NIGHTS A WEEK! t Rick karlin EVERY MONDAY EVERY TUESDAY cucina caruso italian markEt .00 HOUR .00 4165 N dixie hwy., Oakland Park MARGARITA’S MONDAY MARTINI’S 954-630-8855 & CORONAS THRU FRIDAY ALL NIGHT LONG CucinaCarusoItalianMarket.com FROM 3-8 PM WEDNESDAY THURSDAY he best restaurants in South Florida are often to be found tucked into the corner of a WITH grocery store. I’m not talking about the hot food bar at Whole Foods, I’m talking about NEW ¢ MEAT LUIS Tlittle hole-in-the-wall ethnic groceries. That’s not unusual throughout much of the rest DRINKS of the world. Elsewhere most grocery stores offer a café of some kind and until the 1950s CONTEST DAILY DRINK & 9-12 20 that was true in the U.S. as well. However, the advent of the supermarket chains did away HOSTED BY DAISY DEADPETALS APPETIZER SPECIALS ALL-YOU-CAN-DRINK 9PM-CLOSE with the grocery/café. ASK OUR FRONT DOOR STAFF SAT & SUN ABOUT OUR SUNDAY “CUSTOMER LOYALTY + EROTIC PROGRAM” visit MALE RECEIVE COMPLIMENTARY FREE BBQ DANCERS ADMISSION AT THE FRONT ON THE OUTDOOR PATIO PRIVATE VIP ROOMS DOOR THE VERY NEXT NIGHT sFGn.cOm/FOOD YOU COME TO VISIT US tO ReaD the Rest OF this aRticle. OPEN EVERY DAY 3 PM-2 AM • FRI & SAT TILL 3 AM FREE ADMISSION BEFORE 8 PM We know you have fine taste... so come treat yourself. WWW.BOARDWALKBAR.COM • 954-463-6969 • 1721 N ANDREWS AVE. • FORT LAUDERDALE

FAMOUS CHICKEN WINGS DAILY SPECIALS SANDWICHES SOUPS / SALADS WRAPS / PIZZA STEAKS / RIBS

ALL-U-CAN-EAT SUNDAY BRUNCH JOIN US FOR KARAOKE SUNDAY NIGHTS PRESENT THIS * COUPON AND % OFF RECEIVE ENTIRE FOOD BILL 954-463-6969 • OPEN SUN-THUR TILL 2 AM • FRI & SAT TILL - 3 AM WWW.BOARDWALKBAR.COM • 1721 N ANDREWS AVE. • FORT LAUDERDALE *EXCLUDES: BEVERAGES & ALCOHOL. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER SPECIALS OR PROMOTIONS. ONE COUPON PER TABLE.

32 • 12.20.2017 12.20.2017 • 33 FOR THE WEEKSFG OF DECEmbER 21 - DECENmbER26,ITES 2017 WWW.SFGN.COm

J.W. Arnold [email protected] On the Second Day of Christmas THU 12/21 THEATER The holiday season can be confusing for some “modern families.” That’s why funnyman Steve Solomon created “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy.” His hilarious, long running one-man show is returning to the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach just in time for Hanukkah and Christmas. Catch a performance in the Rinker Playhouse through Saturday. Tickets are $35 at Kravis.org. FRI 12/22 CONCERT The handsome singing quintet Rockapella comes to the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, tonight at 7 p.m. with plenty of holiday musical cheer, “Rockapella x Christmas.” All of your favorite holiday THEATER carols and songs get the unique “full- Tuesday 12/26 band a capella” treatment like you’ve did you know the 12 days of Christmas traditionally start on Christmas day, not before, as retailers might have you never heard before, as these guys use believe? So, starting on the second day of Christmas, why not enjoy the holiday magic of “Cirque dreams holidaze” at the their voices in amazing ways to imitate Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale? Instead of two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree, you’ll be treated to dozens real rock bands. Tickets start at $30.74 at TheCenterCS.com. of acrobats, tumblers, dancers and singers. Playing through dec. 30. Tickets at BrowardCenter.org. Photo Credit: Cirque Dreams. SAT 12/23 SUN 12/24 mON 12/25 TUE 12/26 THEATER THEATER CONCERT THEATER Christmas is just days away and, if It’s Christmas Eve and—if you’re not Grammy Award-winning singer Escape the crowds at the malls with the you’re looking for a little religious going to church—do what good gays Melissa Manchester celebrates the musical “Finding Neverland” tonight instruction, head to the Broward Center do and worship at the altar of theater. traditions of all faiths with a special through Dec. 31 at the Arsht Center in Fort Lauderdale for “Sister’s Christmas Slow Burn Theatre Co. presents holiday concert on Sunday at 5:30 in Miami. This Broadway hit tells the Catechism.” It’s “CSI: Bethlehem” as Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon’s p.m. and today at 2 p.m. at the Wick story of J.M. Barrie, the creator of Sister takes on the mystery that has tuneful Tony Award-winning musical Theatre and Costume Museum, 7901 Peter Pan. Thanks to amazing special intrigued historians throughout the “The Secret Garden” in the Amaturo N. Federal Hwy. in Boca Raton. She’ll effects, colorful costumes and sets ages: Whatever happened to the Theater at the Broward Center through perform her biggest hits, along with and touching musical numbers, the Magi’s gold? Experience the nativity Dec. 31. This classic children’s tale of lots of holiday favorites. Don’t forget to magic of Barrie’s tale springs to life story in a new way that is sure to forgiveness and renewal is perfect for wander the theater’s magical Winter on stage in a memorable theatrical become a holiday tradition. Tickets start the holiday season. Tickets start at $47 Wonderland lobby while there, too. setting. Tickets start at $29 at at $35 at BrowardCenter.org. at BrowardCenter.org. Tickets at TheWick.org. ArshtCenter.org.

34 • 12.20.2017 MARK CORTALE PRESENTS SETH RUDETSKY’S BROADWAY CONCERT SERIES JEREMY JORDAN

DECEMBER 26–30

WITH HOST SETH RUDETSKY

JANUARY 6 Known for his critically-acclaimed Tony-Award nominated performance in Newsies and his starring roles on screen in Smash, Supergirl and Tangled¸ Jeremy Jordan is hitting the Parker Playhouse stage Sirius XM host and superstar Seth Rudetsky for a night of sining, stories and laughter.

TICKETS at BrowardCenter.org Ticketmaster: 954.462.0222 Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Ofce TICKETS at ParkerPlayhouse.com & Group Sales: 954.660.6307 Ticketmaster | 954.462.0222 Group Sales | 954.660.6307

Follow us: BrowardCenter Follow us: #ParkerPlayhouse

The Broward Center 2017-2018 season is presented by the The Parker Playhouse 2017-2018 season is presented by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. Broward Performing Arts Foundation.

12.20.2017 • 35 a&e dance

miami city ballet debuted a new production of the traditional holiday ballet, “the nutcracker,” last weekend at the arsht center. Photo Credit: Alexander Iziliaev.

new nutcracker a technicolor —and technoloGical—treat J.W. Arnold

he Nutcracker” is arguably one of the American designers Ruben and Isabel Toledo “Tmost beloved family holiday traditions. to reimagine “The Nutcracker” and the results Ballet companies around the world pack were unveiled to South Florida audiences last theaters (and pad their tight operating weekend at the Arsht Center in Miami. budgets) in the weeks leading up to Christmas Stylized animations projected on the with productions set to the familiar suite by curtain open a multimedia experience Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. that evokes the stylized early works of the All are roughly based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s French Impressionists and even Picasso. The scary 1816 story, “The Nutcracker and The mansion is warm and the guests dressed Mouse King,” and later adapted by Alexandre in colorful Victorian and Edwardian party Dumas (“The Count of Monte Cristo”) clothes. The mice and animated toy soldiers and further lightened by the lend a whimsical touch before composer and his Russian the journey to the magical choreographers: thE ballEt is kingdom. Opening in the manse of a thE talE of a Snowflakes in crisp white wealthy European family, the tutus worthy of Vera Wang coat ballet is the tale of a Christmas christmas toy, the stage with snow as the couple toy, an enchanted nutcracker an EnchantEd arrive by boat to be treated by that comes to life and battles technicolor sights. Candy Canes the evil mouse king. He then nutcrackEr in striped body suits dance to whisks the new owner, Marie, that comEs the “Trepak” or Russian dance. to a magical kingdom inhabited The flowers shimmer in pastel by dolls. to lifE and orange and pink dresses before Since its founding, Miami City battlEs thE the Sugarplum Fairy and her Ballet has performed the classic Evil mousE cavalier dance in elegant lime choreography of the legendary sherbet-colored costumes. The George Balanchine, the king. ballet concludes as the young mentor of its founder, Edward prince and princess are whisked Villella. The production was traditional and away by a hot air balloon reminiscent of the predictable—not to mention dark and dour fantastical imagination of Jules Verne. in the opening scenes—so artistic director The music, choreography and high caliber Lourdes Lopez deemed the time right to performances remain the same, but through commission a new production that would the vision of the Toledos, this tradition is update the ballet for an audience that is more vibrant and whimsical, the perfect holiday easily entertained by smartphones and tablet treat for audiences who may be inclined to computers. say “bah humbug” to another trip to see “The Lopez tapped New York-based Cuban- Nutcracker.”

Miami City Ballet presents the new production of “george Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” at the arsht Center in Miami through dec. 24 and in West Palm Beach at the kravis Center, dec. 28 – 30. For tickets and more information, go to MiamiCityBallet.org.

36 • 12.20.2017 a&e DVD s

Queerly Digital LGBT cinema on DVD/Blu-Ray, a monthly column

David-Elijah Nahmod

Maurice: gay Classic returns in New Special edition

elcome to Queerly Digital, a monthly column for cinema lovers from across the LGBT spectrum. All titles are available on DVD, Blu-Ray, or both. This column will as the Wmonths progress, be sure to include titles which honor all LGBT experiences.

n celebration of its thirtieth anniversary, the classic Maurice finds himself battling his gay urges while at shot on location in England. The film's elegant settings, gay romance "Maurice" comes to DVD/Blu-Ray in a Clive's palatial country home. One day he notices that period costumes and the stage trained cast effectively Inew deluxe, two-disc special edition. Scudder, a young gamekeeper (Rupert Graves) is paying capture the England of a century ago. It's difficult, when viewing "Maurice" today, to realize a great deal of attention to him. At first Maurice treats But most importantly "Maurice" captures the beauty how groundbreaking—even shocking—the film was this servant with contempt, but late one night, Scudder of gay love. Maurice and Scudder might not seem like a in 1987. A tale of gay love lost and brazenly climbs into Maurice's well-matched couple: Scudder is a foul-mouthed servant, found in Edwardian England, the window. while Maurice is a "gentleman." Their attraction to each film was made ten years before Ellen "I know sir," Scudder whispers. other transcends class. They're soulmates, unable to DeGeneres' historic coming out. "I know." The two men proceed to resist their deep need to be with each other, unable to do "Maurice" is based on the same-named make love—it's an unforgettable anything other than make personal sacrifices so they can novel written by E.M. Forster around sequence. be together. 1913, the era in which the story is set. Maurice was directed by James "Maurice" also reminds us that it wasn't always as easy Forster would not allow the book to be Ivory, who received his greatest to be gay as it is in today's world. In Maurice's world being published during his lifetime, and so it fame with a trio of big screen gay is a crime punishable by jail time. The portions of the was not published until 1971, the year Forster adaptations. "A Room With film that deal with these issues are a sobering reminder after he died at age 91. A View" (1985) and "Howard's of the horrible things currently being done to gay men in James Wilby stars as the titular End" (1993) were highly successful places like Chechnya, Iran and Saudi Arabia. character. While attending Cambridge films, nominated for eight and Is "Maurice" one of the greatest gay films ever made? University in 1909, he enters into a nine Academy Awards respectively. That would be up to each viewer to decide—"great" is a romantic, albeit platonic relationship "Maurice" could be considered subjective term. The film certainly is one of the best in the with classmate Clive (Hugh Grant). Ivory's coming out film—his annals of Queer cinema. Maurice wants their relationship to be producing partner, Ismail Merchant, In addition to a newly restored, pristine print of the sexual, but Clive refuses. A few years was also his life partner for 44 years. film, "Maurice" includes interviews with auteur James later, when one of their classmates is Throughout their career the men Ivory and stars James Wilby (Maurice) and Rupert Graves sentenced to six months in prison for trying to pick up a worked with screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala—they (Scudder). Background information on the film's story is man in a bar, a terrified Clive ends their relationship. were a trio which the Guinness Book of World Records also included. The two men don't speak for a year—until Maurice cited as the longest partnership in independent film is invited to be an usher at Clive's wedding to a woman. history, according to Wikipedia. Against his better judgement Maurice accepts. As with Ivory's other Forster films, "Maurice" was lushly "Maurice" is now available.

38 • 12.20.2017 a&e review

Photo Credit: Pompano Bill.

tonY & Gloria that’S entertainment Pier Angelo

mainstay of Wilton Manors and announces itself in genetically enhanced Fort Lauderdale, Tony and Gloria voices; at other times through a subtle Abegan their musical careers on 52nd yin-yang of two halves creating a whole. Street in Manhattan, and have played up The appeal of pop music duos with and down the East Coast, from New York both male and female singers has never to Key West for years. been particularly susceptible to the rise- They have also performed in France and and-fall trends of decades or musical eras, on the tropical island of St. Martin. South thriving quite consistently across genres. Florida has been their home for the last 20 Their creative honesty and integrity, years. Gloria’s musical origins are rooted supported by a rich foundation of fine in the church, singing with musicianship, elevates each her sisters and perfected selection with the distinct through numerous club thEir crEativE signature of Tony and Gloria. engagements. Tony’s roots honEsty and You can tell that Tony are in jazz, playing around intEgrity, and Gloria are made up of the country with many big husband-and-wife, as their bands and such jazz greats supportEd by a songs, at times, sound like as Chuck Wayne and Evelyn rich foundation something two sweethearts Blakey. of finE would dance to thirty years The Duo offers a musicianship, ago. Maybe it’s their natural delicious blend of Jazz and affinity for that beautifully Standards interlaced with ElEvatEs Each soothing sound, or maybe it’s contemporary influences sElEction with the bond that they have that from Pop to Latin to Blues. thE distinct is so readily translated into Cool hot passionate and signaturE of their music that makes Tony playful, the sounds of “Tony and Gloria’s span of songs and Gloria” resonate with the tony and gloria. so listenable. Whatever the performers’ love of music. reason may be, this duo This is a successful integration of works well together on more than one two distinct musical talents producing level. The combination of voices and delightful harmonies in every sense of memorable melodies helps transform the word. Gloria’s sensual and smokey every performance into something more. voice is wonderfully accompanied by They have just landed a gig at the Tony’s guitar. They possibly know every newly opened Chardees Lounge in Wilton song ever written and will gladly play Manors, every Saturday night. and sing it for you. Less narcissistic than Go and have fun, sing along with them solo performers, more intimate than a or sway to the music , their loyal fans will mere “band,” this musical duo embodies be there. Who knows you might become a special chemistry. Something that one of them.

12.20.2017 • 39 Datebook DeCeMBeR 20 - DeCeMBeR 26 Theater is joined by Wil Shriner. Tickets $25 and up. Call 954-777-2055 or visit LPACFL.com. Christiana Lilly [email protected] * Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical Dec. 23 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Charles F. Dodge City Center Pembroke Pines, 601 City Center Way in Pembroke Pines. The story top picks of the misfit reindeer is told using puppets, projections, costumes and characters. Steve Solomon’s “My Tickets $30 to $50. Call 954-392-9480 or visit Mother’s Italian, My PembrokePinesCityCenter.org. Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy” Stalker Bob and His Mother Through Dec. 23 at the Kravis Center, Through Dec. 23 at the Empire Stage, 1140 tom wahl and nicholas Richberg star in the world premiere of terry teachout’s 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Jim and play “billy and me” at Palm beach Dramaworks. Photo Credit: Samantha Mighdoll. Beach. Solomon returns with an Jimmy retire to Florida and one of their updated version of his one-man “tricks” turns out to be the son of a career comedy show. Tickets $35. Call 561- criminal who uses her child to lure her The Christmas tradition comes to life on every week, for free! Returns in October. Call 832-7469 or visit Kravis.org. victims. Tickets $30. Call 954-678-1469 or stage. Tickets $18 and up. Call 561-832-7469 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org. visit EmpireStage.com. or visit Kravis.org. Becoming Dr. Ruth Through Dec. 23 at GableStage, 1200 Secret Garden Newsies miami-dade county Anastasia Ave. in Coral Gables. Dr. Through Dec. 31 at the Broward Center, Through Dec. 27 at the Maltz Jupiter Ruth is more than a sex therapist — 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Mary Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Road in Jupiter. Winter Shorts the one-woman show tells her story moves in with her unapproachable uncle Newspaper boys become the news when Through Dec. 23 at the Arsht Center, 1300 as a Holocaust survivor, Haganah when she becomes an orphan, but her and they fight against their employer for fair Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Eight- to 10-minute sniper, single mother, and teacher. her cousin discover a new world in the wages. Tickets $58 and up. Call 561-575-2223 comedic shorts with a holiday twist by City Tickets $45 to $60. Call 305-445-1119 property’s garden. Tickets $47 to $60. Call or visit JupiterTheatre.org. Theatre. Tickets $39 to $54. Call 305-949- or visit GableStage.org. 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org. 6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org. Billy and Me Cirque Dreams Holidaze A Civil War Christmas Through Dec. 31 at Palm Beach Outdoor Music Series Dec. 26 to 30 at the Broward Center, Through Dec. 23 at the Pompano Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St. in West Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Ave. in Palm Beach. The play takes place over 15 Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come Cirque brings together Broadway and Pompano Beach. The American version of years, beginning with Tennessee Williams out for live music from DJs and musicians by family for a show with more than “A Christmas Carol,” a musical showcase of at a bar after a tryout of his play, and then the bay. Drink specials available. Free with 300 costumes, 20 acts, musics, and how America came together for Christmas. years later after the flop of his friend museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or gravity-defying acrobatics. Tickets Tickets $35. Call 954-545-7800 or visit William Inge’s first Broadway play. Tickets visit PAMM.org. $29.50 to $123. Call 954-462-0222 or CCPompano,org. $55 and up. Call 561-514-4042 or visit visit BrowardCenter.org. PalmBeachDramaworks.org. The Big Show Friday Night Sound Waves Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Music Series Free Friday Concerts Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. * Denotes New Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach A collection of comedy mixing the likes of Listing Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music Delray Beach. Enjoy live music from the 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com. spanning genres and tributes every Friday comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair broward county evening through November. Free. Visit FridayNightSoundWaves.com * Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold palm beach county Dec. 23 at 1 and 7:30 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. * Christmas Wonderland Catholic School is back in session with a Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 comedic recounting of the nativity story with Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. A Sister, as well as a local choir and audience Christmas party with singers and dancers participation. Tickets $35 to $45. Call 954- performing with favorite songs, Santa Claus, 462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org. elves and more. Tickets $25. Call 561-832- 7469 or visit Kravis.org. * Louie Anderson Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lauderhill * A Charlie Brown Christmas Performing Arts Center, 3800 NW 11th Place Live On Stage in Lauderhill. Named one of the 100 Greatest Dec. 23 at 1 and 4 p.m. at the Kravis Center, Stand-Up Comedians of All Time, Anderson 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach.

40 • 12.20.2017 LOWEST PRICES • LARGEST SELECTION GUARANTEED • YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR VAPOR NEEDS! Over 1,000 SQ FT. LARGEST GLASSROOM! SELECTION HOOKAHS • SHISHA • ROLLING PAPERS DIESEL • LEFT COAST • MEDICALI • • VAPORIZERS • ELECTRIC CIGARETTES ROOR • GRAV LABS • SILIKA • PULSE • • ELIQUIDS • ZIPPOS • TOBACCO TSUNAMI & MORE! ACCESSORIES INCENSE + CANDLES + TAPESTRIES • ASHTRAYS • TORCH LIGHTERS • FLASKS • BODY JEWELRY • GAMES • ROLLING TOBACCO • POSTERS • STATUES • FIGURINES • T-SHIRTS • LOTS MORE! OPEN MON - SAT: 10AM - 9PM • SUN: 12 - 6 PM EVERYTHING YOU NEED! MORE THAN YOU EXPECT! The Best Since 1996 15 Minutes From The Beach or I-95

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

12.20.2017 • 41 this week’s FeatUReD Datebook DeCeMBeR 20 - december 26 BY CaRINa MaSk community PhOtO Christiana Lilly [email protected] ● rec broward support top picks sErvicEs PFLAG Victorian Christmas Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Dec. 18 to 23 at 7 p.m. at the Stranahan Springs and Southwest Ranches. House, 335 SE Sixth Ave. in Fort A support group for parents of Lauderdale. The city’s oldest home LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit comes to life with extravagant decor, SunServeYouth.com for dates and period costumes, tours, live music, locations. and more. Tickets $30. Call 954-524- 4736 or visit StranahanHouse.org. SuNSERVE YOuTH TransSOCIAL Saturday GROuP Dec. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Pridelines, Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort 6360 NE Fourth Court in Miami. The Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, weekly meetup celebrates the holidays Coral Springs and Hollywood. A — help stock the Project SAFE support group and night of fun community closet and bring a gift card, for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit WaNT TO See MORe? new toiletries, and new underwear SunServeYouth.com for dates and times.  Santa’s Sip n’ Stroll and socks for homeless LGBT youth. Free. Visit TransSocial.org.  Art Walk SuRVIVOR SuPPORT  MDGLCC Holiday Party Divas First and third Wednesdays from 7 Through Dec. 29 at Hatch 1121, to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Facebook.com/southFloridaGaynews Lucerne Ave. in Lake Worth. Paintings Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, of divas and drag queens on a number 6401 N. Federal Highway in Fort of media. Free. Visit LakeWorthArts. Lauderdale. Find support from com. counselors and peers who have lost loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention at * Denotes New 954-384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org. Nite Life Law Listing If you drink, don’t drive. If you drive, don’t drink. If you do both, call us. broward county

* Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC. Family, Community and Culture com for rehearsal details. Dec. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. A Life Coaching night of comedy, food, singing, spoken word, Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. music, African attire, and more. Free. Call at Latinos Salud Clubhouse, 2300 Wilton 954-463-9005 or visit PrideCenterFlorida. Drive in Wilton Manors. Get one-on-one org. life coaching from certified CRCS coaches. For guys living with HIV, their partners, and A Community Responds: Our anyone who identifies as transgender. Free. kent & cormican Response to HIV/AIDS Call 954-765-6239 or visit LatinosSalud.org. Through Jan. 7, 2018 at the Stonewall criminal defense Law center National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery, Rest Your Mind 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. An Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Kadampa Meditation exploration of the response to HIV/AIDS Center, 241 W Prospect Road Ste. B in Fort 954.763.1900 over time. Free to attend, suggested donation Lauderdale. Start your week with relaxing $5. Call 954-763-8565 or visit Stonewall- meditation to center yourself. Free. Visit Norman Elliott Kent & Russell Cormican Museum.org. MeditateinFortLauderdale.org. 12 S.E. 7th Street, Suite 709 Voices of Pride Man2Man Discussion Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Mondays 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pride Center, www.NormKent.com Highway in Lake Worth. Join the Gay Men’s 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Chorus as they practice every week. Free. A weekly informal discussion group among

42 • 12.20.2017 DeCeMBeR 20 - DeCeMBeR 26 gay men of all backgrounds. Contact Lewis the Palm Beaches, 4857 Northlake Blvd. miami-dade county POZCONNECT Support Group Shena at [email protected]. in Palm Beach Gardens. AA for the LGBT for Gay and Bi Men community. Free. Call 561-775-5900 or visit Tuesdays from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Pridelines, Toastmasters MCCPalmBeach.org. Zoo Lights 6360 NE Fourth Court in Miami. A gay and bi Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 30, men’s roundtable HIV+ support group. Free. N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Learn Out of the Closet NA Group including Dec. 26 to 30, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Call Eddie at 305-571-9601, ext. 105 or visit the art of public speaking with positive Mondays at 7 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. J Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152nd St. in Miami. Pridelines.org. reinforcement and encouragement from St. in Lake Worth. A support and discussion See the zoo alight with colorful lights, as your peers. Call Ted Verdone at 954-566- group for LGBT recovering addicts. Visit well as boat rides, hot chocolate, music, and Book Study 2074 or email [email protected]. LambdaNorth.net. more. Tickets $9.95. Call 305-251-0040 or Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Drolma visit ZooMiami.org. Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in palm beach county Positive Connection Miami. Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Norbu, Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 Arsht Center Farmers Market will lead classes on learning the foundations N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Men who Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Parker of Buddhism. Call 786-529-7137. Transcendence are HIV positive are invited to come together and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts, Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie for support, education, and advocacy. 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Purchase Highway in Lake Worth. A closed transgender Closed group. Call 561-324-1626 or visit fresh food from local farmers, including key west youth support group for teens ages 12 to CompassGLCC.com. fruits, vegetables, meats, prepared foods, 19. For more information, email youth@ as well as chefs, live music, and cooking Hot Naked Hump Days compassglcc.com. Bisexual Support Group demonstrations. Tickets $45 to $75. Free. Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Island Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Compass Visit ArshtCenter.org/en/Visit/Dining. House, 1129 Fleming St. in Key West. Relax Sober Sisters GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. in the middle of the week with two-for- Mondays at 6:15 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. Share your thoughts with other members POZCONNECT Support Group one drinks, free shots, videos and music, J St. in Lake Worth. A support and discussion of the bisexual community, discuss issues, for Spanish Speakers giveaways, and naked boys at the pool. Call group for female recovering alcoholics. Visit and address concerns in a safe environment. Mondays 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Pridelines, 6360 305-294-6284 or visit IslandHouseKeyWest. LambdaNorth.net. Email [email protected] or visit NE Fourth Court in Miami. A support group com. CompassGLCC.com. for HIV+ people, in Spanish. Free. Call Eddie Out of the Closet, Into the Light at 305-571-9601, ext. 105 or visit Pridelines. Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at MCC of org.

12.20.2017 • 43 To place an ad in the Business Directory, THE GUIDE BUsInEss DIrEcTory call our sales team at 954.530.4970

attorney attorney auto beauty

LAW OFFICE OF GEORGE CASTRATARO LAW OFFICE OF GREGORY KABEL 707 NE 3rd Ave #300, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 1 East Broward Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, 33301 SoutheaS t t oyota 954.573.1444 954.761.7770 Lawgc.com [email protected] LAW OFFICE OF ROBIN BODIFORD LAW OFFICE OF SHAWN NEWMAN 2550 N Federal Hwy #20, Fort Lauderdale, FL 710 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.630.2707 954.563.9160 Lawrobin.com Shawnnewman.com Jef Frankfort aka Jef Fantastic PROS Certifed Sales Consultant

CaLL US TO Phone (561) 305-8758 Fax (561) 454-5555 ReSeRve SPaCe! [email protected] www.jeffantastic.com

Ed Morse Delray Toyota a&e 2800 S. Federal Hwy. Delray Beach, FL 33483 FT LAuDERDALE GAY MEN'S CHORuS PO Box 9772, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33310-9772 954-832-0060 cleaners www.theftlgmc.org GAY MEN’S CHORuS OF SOuTH FLORIDA 2040 North Dixie Hwy, #218, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-763-2266 Gaymenschorusofsouthforida.org

CaLL US TO ReSeRve SPaCe!

transportation

RAINBOW RIDES-SAVE MONEY ON YOuR RIDE! - We treat you like family! SPECIALIZING IN AIRPORT RIDES! Need a ride to FLL, MIA, or PBI? (or anywhere else?) I'm a friendly driver with a dental furniture nice, clean Chevy Malibu. My fxed-rate pricing beat all ride sharing - apps every time. Call or text me to OAKLAND PARK DENTAL schedule a ride, I'll be there early and I'll text you 3047 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 when I arrive. No 'surge" prices, no hassles. Call or 954.566.9812 text Nikki at 954-600-3133. Oaklandparkdental.com

ANDREWS DENTAL CARE Licensed & Insured 954-725-3633 2654 N Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311 954.567.3311 Andrewsdentalcare.com custom alarm ISLAND CITY DENTAL contractors, Inc. 1700 NE 26th Street, Ste. 2, Fort Lauderdale, FL Est. 1989 954-564-7121 Islandcitydental.com “Experience Matters” Service after the sale! www.Sfgn.guide ▶ residential security final arrangements ▶ commercial security ▶ closed circuit tV KALIS-MCINTEE FuNERAL & CREMATION CENTER CaLL US TO 2505 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 ReSeRve SPaCe! www.customalarmcontractors.com 954-566-7621 Kalismcintee.com

44 • 12.20.2017 financial services health insurance

MEDICARE/MEDICAID Florida Blue / Blue Cross Blue Shield WE’RE HERE FOR ALL YOUR 2765 West Cypress Creek Road FINANCIAL NEEDS Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 Call Steve Herbstman @ 954-554-7074 Taxes Bookkeeping IRS Issues Small Business health Accounting Advising AMERICAN PAIN ExPERTS 6333 N. Federal Hwy, Ste. 250, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-678-1074 Americanpainexperts.com

professional services 954-667-9829 [email protected] 2435 North Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Taylor & Turner CaLL US TO Pest and Termite Control, Inc ReSeRve SPaCe! William D. Turner

getaway [email protected] 2520 North Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.630.2627

therapy

handyman

MIAMI/BROWARD/PALM BEACH Paint/Caulk/Remove Grout/Yard Work Fix Drips & Switches/Debris removal Assembles Furniture & Appliances Repair or Fix Call "Avrom" Keith 786-227-9981 professional services

12.20.2017 • 45 real estate THE GUIDE BUsInEss DIrEcTory Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors & Oakland Park To place an ad in the Business Directory, REMODELED homes: call our sales team at 954.530.4970 2 bedroom/2 bath condos from THE BEST SERVICE, THE BEST RESULTS $135,000 SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST! Ocean/Intracoastal sports spirituality from Helping Buyers, Sellers, Renters, $300,000 and Investors for over 18 years in South Florida. TENNIS LESSONS AT HAGEN PARK 3 bedroom/2 bath homes in Wilton Manors. Individual or group from lessons. Call Robert 732-604-0362 for $250,000 Brian S. Bedigian, P.A. more information. Realtor [email protected] 954.205.5275 spirituality www.BrianFTL.com Your South Florida Specialist for Over 18 Years

The Parish of Sts. Francis and Clare Where we welcome and appreciate diversity.

101 NE 3rd St Fort Lauderdale FL 33301

Mass Times: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 10:30 AM

Christmas Eve Mass: 10 PM Christmas Day Mass: 10:30 AM

Ecumenical Catholic 954.731.8173 CaLL US TO www.stsfrancisandclare.org ReSeRve SPaCe! Baptisms • Weddings • Memorial Services

Sfgn.com

46 • 12.20.2017 Classified$ SFGNTo place a Classified Ad, call Tim Higgins at 954.530.4970 or email at [email protected]

electrician pool service

HARRY’S ELECTRIC RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL COOL POOLS- RELIABLE POOL SERVICE - - Additions, renovations, service upgrades, breaker Professional pool service.Covering Wilton Manors, panels,FPL undergrounds, code violations, A/C Lighthouse Point, and eastside of Pompano Beach. 15 wiring, ceiling fans, recessed, security & landscaping, years experience. Licensed and insured.Free estimates. lighting, pools, pumps, Jacuzzis, water heaters, FREE Call 954-235-0775. PHONE ESTIMATES 954-522-3357 Lic & Ins. www. harryelectrician.com rentals - handyman wilton manors MIKE THE RENTAL GuY - NE Lauderdale/Wilton HuSBAND FOR RENT - Is he procrastinating home Manors/Oakland Park-1/1 from $1090, 2/1 from $1140. repairs? He says he will do it tomorrow?? After the Victoria Park-2/1=$1290.00 cable included. Credit & football game?? We ft right in - in the house or the yard, Income Requirements-Pets okay with restrictions Call small or big jobs: tile, dry wall, paint, plumbing, roof for Details Mike 561- 703-5533 or miketherentalguy@ leaks, broken furniture, irrigation, fences, and more! It aol.com doesn't cost to hassle us to see the work - so why wait? Neat, clean work for a reasonable price. Call Haim at rentals - 954-398-3676, [email protected] fort lauderdale home health care PRIVATE COMPLEx FOR RENT - 1 Bed Apt, Must REGISTER NuRSE (PRIVATE DuTY) - Male RN with See, Private complex, Fully renovated, laundry, ask: 20 years’ experience, for short term assignments, post- $1150.00 Progresso, 1214 NE 5th Terrace, Fort surgical care, IV administration, new medical diagnosis, Lauderdale, 33304 Call 954-552-2831 ect. Call John at 954-918-5410 real estate - painting for sale GREGG'S PAINTING - I paint both interior and exterior. Great rates, free estimates. I am detailed-oriented, friendly, reliable, punctual, and neat. No job too small. Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Call Gregg at 617-306-5694 or 954-870-5972 Email: [email protected] piano

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE PIANO? Learn from an experienced teacher. All levels and ages welcome. Learn to play classical, popular, jazz, or show tunes. Visit www.edwinchad.com or call 954-826-9555 for more information. professional services

COMPANION AIDE - Strictly Professional, TBI, PCA, and NHTD certifed Over ten years’ experience. Provide light personal care, light cleaning. Laundry and major meal prep. Respite for caregiver. Serious inquires call Karl 954-616-8952

RESuME CONSuLTING - Nearly 20 years of recruiting experience. Consultation includes one-on-one session, job hunting tips and tricks, social media review. Email [email protected] employment wanted Classifieda dvertising SPECIAL HIRE NEEDED - Experienced, self-motivated professional salesman needed. Work competitively in a Works! highly fexible and relaxed LGBT-friendly environment. Fax resume to 954-530-7943. Place an ad in sFGn’s classifeds 954.530.4970 real estate - wilton manors

FANTASTIC WILTON MANORS DuPLExES - Both units are 3 bedrooms & 2 baths. Newer Roof, New Electric Panels and more. Huge Pie Shaped Lot on Quiet Street. Please call for Appointment Michael Tublin United Reality Group 561-703-5533 rentals - oakland park

1BD/1BT $935/MONTH NEAR WILTON MANORS - Nice clean 1BD/BT, with semi private landscape patio and fenced back yard off bedroom. Updated Kitchen. Tile foors and good size rooms. Walk in closet. Off street parking, about 4 blocks from the drive. Located in one story 4-Unit apartment with Laundry room. $50.00 application fee—Background check. NO SMOKING, NO PETS, CALL 754-336-7563

12.20.2017 • 47