<<

local name global coverage October 12, 2016 vol. 7 // issue 41 COMFORT RETURNS

Transgender conference returns to Fort lauderdale

Lexi Dee (left) with Richard Gray. Photo by Steven Shires. PaGeS 38 - 40

elecTioN SeaSoN lGBT hiSTorY MoNTh iN FUll SwiNG delVeS iNTo PaST STrUGGleS Pages 16 - 21 Pages 26 - 27, 30 - 36

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS SOFLAGAYNEWS SFGN.COM Comments from SFgn’s SouthFloridaGayNews.com online outlets October 12, 2016 • Volume 7 • Issue 41 tHe oPening line Compiled by John McDonald 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943 Photos: Facebook, . Publisher • Norm Kent [email protected] neo-naZi weBSite DeClareS war on Chief Executive Offi cer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate publisher / Executive Editor • BreitBart eDitor milo yiannoPoUloS Jason Parsley [email protected] Editorial Art Director • Brendon Lies michael walters – [email protected] Girls, Girls, you’re BOTH racists! Yiannopolous is a scourge Designer • Charles Pratt on the LGBT community, and this sort of nastiness he’s Editorial Assistant • Jillian Melero [email protected] managed to bring on himself. The lunatics are starting to Webmaster • Brittany Ferrendi eat their own. Perhaps that’s the only way to rid society of [email protected] their nasty, hateful rhetoric is to let them have their cage Arts/Entertainment Editor • JW Arnold [email protected] match and see which ones crawl out of the slime pit when News Editor • John McDonald the bell rings. [email protected] Social Media Manager • Tucker Berardi [email protected] Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin tom Carlin – Gazette News Editor • Michael D'Oliveira It’s best when both parties wipe each other out and you just sit there eating Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis popcorn..... [email protected] Senior Features Correspondents Jesse Monteagudo • Tony Adams wilton manorS green Douglas Clark – Correspondents “Alt-Right” a non-defi ned term created by the DNC and the News Media to hide the Dori Zinn • Andrea Richard • Donald Cavanaugh marKet SHUtS Down Democrats no longer refer to themselves as Liberals. That is now a four letter word. • Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • Sean McShee • Alex Adams • Gary Kramer • David-Elijah michael Barnard – Nahmod I stopped going there Contributing Columnists when I pulled into the Brian McNaught • Dana Rudolph • Wayne Besen PUBLIC parking lot and Ric Reily • Steve Siler • Bil Browning there were signs saying wilton manorS mayoral CanDiDate Tucker Berardi • Terri Schlichenmeyer that the spots closest to Wilton Drive Associate Photographers were for the green market. I would SayS too many gayS on City BoarDS Pompano Bill • Steven Shires usually go to Out of the Closet, and then Sales & Marketing buy at the market after because who gus Kein – Director of Sales & Marketing • Mike Trottier wants vegetables that have been kept Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale’s and time has come and gone. All that’s left [email protected] in a hot car? Got a few dirty looks as I is the actual funeral. The things that made the area special have are gone, no Sales Manager • Justin Wyse walked to the Drive and that was that. longer needed, or replaced by the Internet. Don’t worry too much Mr. Corbin, the [email protected] gay community will soon be replaced by the uber-wealthy comprised of all sexual Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann orientations and “hipsters.” This transition happened in Key West, South Beach, [email protected] anthony mike – and now here. People have discovered paradise and in the process killed it. Sales Assistant / Classifi eds • Tim Higgins Sadly, most spend on [email protected] booze and boyz and hit MEMBER Distribution Services • Rocky Bowell the 99 cent drive thru National Advertising instead of wanting real ian Slick – Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 produce. Guess that asshole won’t get elected! [email protected] Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Printing by Sun Coast Press mons Floen – MEMBER Nobody in wilton is awake before 10 a.m. on robbin Jacobs – SFGN INNER of the weekend, lol dump him on his a...... W & 3 FLORIDA PRESS CLUB Awards And runner-up for NLGJA Journalist of the Year MEMBER South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in oUr oTher PUBlicaTioNS columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of Get yours, on racks now! SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations.

SEPTEMBER 2016 • Vol. 5 Issue 5 Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be

Your Complete Guide to What’s Hot in Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale & Beyond... inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that Associated Press appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the PUBLICATION AN SFGN AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, TO THE and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may GUIDE be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the 2016-2017 ARTSAND Publisher, at his law offi ce, at [email protected]. SFGN, as a private ENTERTAINMENT DRIVE MEMBER corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the THEATER FILM Cover: suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. MUSIC DANCE and MORE Lexi Dee (left), President of the Southern Comfort Conference, with Richard Gray, the LGBTQ Managing themirrormag.com SouthFloridaGayNews.com  THE 1 September 2016 GUIDE TO THE DRIVE 1 Director for the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB. Photo by Steven Shires. Copyright © 2016 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

2 • 10.12.2016 NEWS highlight amenDment one DeBate PowerS UP John McDonald

hances are you are beginning to Proponents of Amendment 1 include receive messages about Amendment 1. utility companies such as Florida Power C The fi rst constitutional amendment & Light, Duke Energy, Gulf Power and on the ballot this November in Florida Tampa Electric. In a mailer from a group deals with energy policy and solar power calling itself Consumers For Smart in particular. However, like most proposed Solar, advocates claim Amendment 1 amendments, the wording can be tricky. “encourages the use of clean, renewable “Something like this should not be solar energy” and “protects consumers, enshrined in our Constitution,” said Gary particularly our seniors, from scams Farmer, a Fort Lauderdale attorney and and rip-off s that have happened in other candidate for the Florida Senate. “Energy states.” is such a fl uid policy. It is always changing. Currently, Florida is one of a handful The Constitution is not the proper of states that prohibits consumers document for energy or power. Once it’s in from buying power directly from third- the Constitution is virtually impossible to party solar providers. Farmer said the change.” amendment is a last gasp eff ort on the Farmer spoke with SFGN via telephone part of big energy and the Koch brothers Tuesday evening about why he is advising to squash a competitive marketplace. citizens to vote no on Amendment 1. “The power companies know they “The amendment itself is incredibly can’t hold off the will of the people much misleading,” Farmer said. longer,” said Farmer.

Antiques & Jewelry by the Sea Come in and browse our selecti on of Anti ques, Jewelry, Art Work, Silver, Vintage Toys, Time Pieces, Collecti bles & More!

We Buy, Sell & Trade. Dealer & Appraiser Since 1977

WHEN YOUR HOT DOG’S KOSHER, THAT’S A HOT DOG YOU CAN TRUST!

219 Commercial Blvd. Hours Of Operation: 2031 D Wilton Dr Lauderdale By The Sea, FL 33308 Mon - Fri 10am - 4 pm Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-835-5015 & Sat 10am - 3pm (across from Tropics Restaurant)

10.12.2016 • 3 NEWS international Nite Life Law If you drink, don’t drive. If you drive, don’t drink. If you do both, call us.

Kent & Cormican iSraeli leaDer rememBereD Criminal Defense Law Center 954.763.1900 For Commitment to PeaCe John McDonald Norman Elliott Kent & Russell Cormican 12 S.E. 7th Street, Suite 709 ributes continue to pour in for French President Francois Hollande said Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 departed Israel President & Prime Peres was an “ardent defender of peace and www.NormKent.com TMinister Shimon Peres, who passed on a faithful friend of France.” Wednesday. He was 93. Peres won the Nobel Peace Prize in “Shimon Peres led with unshakable 1994 for his role in the Oslo Accords, a set humility and a fi rm commitment to our of agreements between the government common humanity,” said Stuart Milk, Co- of Israel and the Palestine Liberation founder and President of the Harvey Milk Organization (PLO). Foundation. “An optimist and visionary, In one of his fi nal interviews with the President Peres worked tirelessly to heal press, Peres told Time Magazine the Oslo wounds and lay the foundation for peace, we Accords were a direct result of an ability have lost a giant among global leaders.” to persuade France to help build a nuclear A Nobel Prize winner, Peres was the last weapons facility in the Israeli city of of Israel’s living political leaders involved in Dimona. the founding of the Jewish state. He served “Dimona helped us achieve Oslo,” Peres as the ninth President of Israel from 2007- told the magazine. “Because many Arabs, 2014 and twice as Prime Minister. out of suspicion, came to the conclusion that “It is undeniably heartbreaking and poignant it’s very hard to destroy Israel because of it, that we have lost Shimon Peres as we approach because of their suspicion. Well, if the result the Jewish High Holidays, when the Jewish is Dimona, I think I was right.” people are introspective, working to renew “Shimon’s life traced his country’s our commitments to family, community, social extraordinary journey,” said U.S. Secretary justice and repairing the world,” said Hava L. of State John Kerry. “He was one of Israel’s Holzhauer, Florida’s Regional Director for the founding patriots. He was an immigrant who Anti-Defamation League, in a news release. went on to cultivate the land and plant the “May the memory of Shimon Peres be as much seeds of a modern state. He helped ensure of a blessing for the people of Israel and the Israel could defend itself in times of war, but Jewish people as his life was.” was always ready to extend a hand to former Born in what is now known as Belarus, adversaries.” Peres is remembered for his creativity and In keeping with his legacy of social justice, negotiation skills as well as transforming the Peres recognized the importance of , Israel Defense Forces from ragtag refugees gays, bisexuals and transgender people to into an elite fi ghting force. live with dignity in respect. His planning of the Suez Canal in the mid “Every LGBT person is a human being,” 1950s earned Peres the highest medal of the Peres said during a speech in Vilnuis, French Legion of Honor. Peres is often cited Lithuania in 2013. “You cannot take away as a driving force behind trade deals between someone’s rights because they are diff erent. Israel and France in regards to situations in We cannot take away their right to breathe Algeria, Egypt and development of a nuclear or right to form a family. We must allow weapons program. everyone to live as is natural to them.”

4 • 10.12.2016 NEWS local

Photo Credit: John McDonald.

reStaUrant’S SleeVeleSS SHirt PoliCy CatCHeS men oFF gUarD John McDonald

om Carls was just hoping to have a nice guests for their embarrassment in Pompano waterfront dining experience. Beach, thank you.” T Instead, the Fort Lauderdale man Chesney also sent a link to the Hillstone said a restaurant practicing double standards website, outlining rules for attire, family shamed him. dining, large groups, special requests and “I felt really embarrassed,” Carls told SFGN. allergies. Carls said he and his boyfriend Dale Janni The attire section reads as follows: “We were asked to change attire at Houston’s want you to be comfortable in our restaurants. in Pompano Beach. The men were wearing Jackets or ties are not required, but we do sleeveless shirts and the restaurant manager request the following to help ensure everyone said they would not be served until they has an enjoyable experience. For men, switched tops. please avoid sleeveless shirts, fl ip fl ops, and “The manager said we needed to cover up casual athletic attire. Hats may be worn in a our shoulders,” Carls said. “He brought us conventional manner. For men and women, two Hanes tee shirts to put on. I felt really we request you avoid beach wear or active stupid.” wear that is often overly Carls said he looked revealing.” around the restaurant "“THE MANAGER SAID For Carls, an apology is to see several women, just the start. He contends with shoulders exposed, WE NEEDED TO COVER his shirt was not a “low dining and enjoying their UP OUR SHOULDERS. quality tank top.” He evening. Carls said he emailed SFGN pictures did not want to change HE BROUGHT US TWO and said the restaurant shirts, but was informed HANES TEE SHIRTS TO should write him a by management it would formal letter of apology be the only way they PUT ON. I FELT REALLY and compensate he, his would be allowed to stay boyfriend and a third at Houston’s. STUPID." member of their party, for “The manager said if - Tom Carls a future dinner. you don’t put on your CUSTOMER “I was pissed,” Carls shirt, you’ll have to said. “They put a lot of leave,” Carls said. “He said ‘your food is in the attention on me. This was discrimination.” kitchen, but we’re not going to serve you until Houston’s in Pompano Beach has been you are in compliance.’” engulfed in controversy of late since the SFGN contacted Houston’s in Pompano restaurant ended access by boat. Located Beach and was referred to its parent company, on the intracoastal waterway, Houston’s Hillstone Restaurant Group. In an email, Gail advertises itself as a restaurant with a modern Chesney, spokeswoman for Hillstone, said feel with meals prepared daily from scratch. the group is “glad to apologize to any of our

10.12.2016 • 5 NEWS local

Submitted photo.

Fort laUDerDale nameD aS 'BeSt City' For lgBt SeniorS Brittany Ferrendi

ver wanted to know the best place SeniorAdvice chose their cities by fi rst to retire as a member of the LGBT looking at SeniorScore’s best cities for Ecommunity? One senior housing seniors. referral service just did all the work for Then, the referral service cross- you. referenced that list with variables SeniorAdvice, one of the nation’s top designed for the LGBT community such referral services for seniors, launched as gay-friendly establishments, LGBT a list of the best LGBT retirement cities festivals and more. in the . Topping the list is “SeniorAdvice.com is an invaluable Austin, TX, followed by Fort Lauderdale resource for seniors, their family and Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. members, and caregivers to help fi nd the Two other cities in Florida, Orlando and most livable locations,” said SeniorAdvice. Tampa, also made the list. com CEO and Founder, Ryan Patterson. It’s no surprise Fort Lauderdale made “We’re also very dedicated to diversity the list with the Pride Center’s ever and inclusion, and we wanted to make expanding senior services programs sure we could assist members of the gay including a soon to be built aff ordable and community in fi nding the housing development on their campus at best locations for retirement and senior Equality Park. In addition their popular housing.” Coff ee and Conversations meeting on Check out the list of top cities for LGBT Tuesdays is a main attraction for the local seniors below. senior community.

Austin, TX Seattle, WA Ft. Lauderdale, FL Columbus, OH Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN Salt Lake City, UT , GA Dallas, TX Phoenix, AZ Orlando, FL Las Vegas, NV Tampa, FL , CA Portland, OR Houston, TX

6 • 10.12.2016 NEWS national

Commemorating National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day Denise Royal

ctober 15 is National Latinx AIDS as long after an AIDS diagnosis as their Awareness Day (NLAAD). The 2016 non-minority peers. The difference is Otheme is “We’ll Defeat AIDS con simple: access to timely and effective HIV Ganas! (‘With our wholehearted efforts’). treatment. The Latino Commission on AIDS (LCOA), “Latinos Salud exists to give gay Latinos the Hispanic Federation and many other a safe space to reduce their risk behaviors organizations organize this day. or, live healthier with HIV,” Fallon said. Latinx (it’s not a typo) is the gender- “NLAAD marks a reminder to get tested, neutral alternative to Latino, Latina get linked to care, or get help sticking to and even Latin@. It is quickly gaining your treatment plan. Whatever your need, popularity among the general public. we’re here for you.” “South Florida is the epicenter of On Friday, Oct. 14, Latinos Salud is HIV in the nation,” says Stephen Fallon, hosting the MiFo film festival screening Executive Director of Latinos Salud. “All of “Strike a Pose,” a film that catches up communities are affected. Yet within the with the back up dancers from Madonna’s LGBT community, cases are rising faster famous “Truth or Dare” tour and movie. amongst Latinos than amongst any other Several of the dancers were living with HIV demographic.” at the time that they kept that grueling tour In terms of numbers, Florida’s schedule. The screening is at 8 p.m. at the Department of Health says there are nearly NSU Art Museum. 110,000 people in Florida living with an HIV Next week, rounding out the NLAAD diagnosis, as of 2014. Hispanics account for week’s activities, Latinos Salud will hold 24 percent of those cases. The proportion its annual Hispanic Heritage Food Bazaar of all newly diagnosed adult HIV infection for its members. On Oct. 21 at 10 p.m., an cases among Hispanics increased from 21 outreach and testing tent event will be held percent in 2005 to 27 percent in 2014. Of the outside their Wilton Manors location. newly diagnosed adult HIV infection cases in 2014, the case rate among Hispanic men Other testing sites can be found here: was 2.4 times higher than the rate among white men; likewise the case rate among Miami: Hispanic women was 2.2 times higher http://bit.ly/292QFVZ than the rate among white women. Among adults, one in every 98 Hispanic men and Broward: one in every 422 Hispanic women were http://bit.ly/2dEIrUB living with HIV/AIDS in 2014; compared to one in every 170 white men and one in every 1,049 white women. Palm Beach: Latinos and African-American men in http://bit.ly/292Ed74 South Florida live only half to two thirds

For more information about National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day, visit www.LatinoAids.org

10.12.2016 • 7 Compiled by Jillian Melero

amfar Collaborates with top artists to recreate iconic Hits

(EDGE) A collection of classic hits from the 1980s music curator, Andy Boose, longtime producer of has been rejuvenated with re-imagined and updated many of amfAR’s events, and Peter Bittenbender, versions by contemporary artists in “The Time Is CEO of Mass Appeal. Now,” a compilation album created specifi cally to “The 1980s was a decade of revolutionary changes benefi t amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. in the music scene, with an explosion of new sounds The 14-track album will be released on October 7 by and rhythms, the ascendance of MTV, and the Republic Records and Mass Appeal. emergence of new musical movements on both sides Among the notable covers featured in “The Time Is of the Atlantic,” said Bittenbender. Now” is the album’s fi rst single: a soulful rendition of “Music also provided the soundtrack to people’s Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” by singer-songwriter daily lives and was a source of inspiration and solace Aloe Blacc. Those who pre-order the album receive a with the advent of HIV/AIDS. This album is a tribute copy of the track instantly. to that extraordinary time,” said Lacqua. The artwork for the album cover was designed “’The Time Is Now’ is a music-driven call to action exclusively for amfAR by the talented and generous in support of amfAR’s push to end HIV/AIDS in our British artist Tracey Emin. “The Time is Now” is the lifetime,” added Boose. brainchild and labor of love of executive producers Michelangelo Lacqua, internationally acclaimed For more information, visit www.amfar.org.

eNTerTAiNMeNT iNTerNATiONAL isney Star to Play Jeffrey Dahmer in ustria Upgrades Same-Sex Unions, Upcoming Film But not to marriage Status D (EDGE) A Disney star best known for his role on “Teen Beach” (AP)a Austria plans to upgrade the status of same-sex unions is making headlines this week after being cast as the infamous while still stopping short of declaring them marriages. gay serial killer Jeff rey Dahmer, to whom he has an uncanny A draft law submitted Tuesday for fi nal review foresees resemblance, in an upcoming fi lm. that such partnerships will be registered at the district The Wrap reports Ross Lynch, 20, will play the Milwaukee clerk’s offi ce, as marriages now are. Up to now, homosexual Cannibal in “My Friend Dahmer,” based on the graphic novel of the Mike Pence. unions have been registered by the district administration same name. The website notes a photo of the two men was shared Photo credit: CNN. department, which oversees local and municipal statutes. on Instagram Wednesday and social media users are taking notice The draft also will allow couples to list their common of their similarities. names as “family names” instead of “last names.” “It’s pretty uncanny how similar they look,” the caption reads. pOLiTiCS Austria’s government coalition is split on the issue of The fi lm is based on Derf Backderf’s graphic novel and is set to be same-sex marriage. Social Democrats generally support it, released in 2017. It’s directed by Marc Meyers and along with Lynch, olbert wants you to Know about while the center-right People’s Party is opposed. also stars Alex Wolff , Vincent Kartheiser and Anne Heche. With the two parties in the majority in parliament, passage Lynch is also known for his role as Austin Moon on the Disney Pence’s anti-lgBt Voting record into law is a virtual certainty later this year. C(EDGE) There wasn’t much talk about LGBT rights during the Channel’s popular TV show “Austin & Ally.” vice-presidential debate Tuesday night. As The Times The real life Dahmer raped, murdered and dismembered 17 men noted, it was an opportunity for Hillary Clinton running mate between 1978 and 1991 before being caught. In 1994, he was beaten Sen. Tim Kaine to call out Donald Trump’s VP pick Gov. Mike to death in prison by a fellow inmate. Pence over his terrible voting record on LGBT issues. That moment came and went and Kaine, for whatever reason, ross lynch. didn’t grill Pence on his feelings on LGBT rights. But “Late Night Photo credit: Ana Rivas. Show” host Stephen Colbert picked up Kaine’s slack and blasted Pence during his opening monologue Tuesday night. “As governor, Pence’s record was marked by his ‘religious freedom’ bill that allows businesses to refuse service to gay customers on religious grounds, because, as Jesus himself said, ‘Get out of my pizza parlor, you queers,’” Colbert said. Watch the clip at https://youtu.be/MyjAw7-eKIs.

8 • 10.12.2016 News Briefs continued pride rlando Pride Postponed Due to Hurricane OMatthew The impending Hurricane Matthew has forward to uniting together at Pride, the forced the city of Orlando, Fla. to postpone Come Out With Pride board is committed its upcoming LGBT Pride event. to making the event happen at a later In a press release Thursday, event time in November. We will be working organizers said the risk of the storm to central with officials on alternative plans and will Florida is too great and that Come Out With announce the details as soon as possible. Pride, which was initially planned for this weekend, will be moved to November. As the Advocate points out, a party “The safety of participants and attendees planned for Saturday was to benefit those is our highest priority,” a statement from impacted by the Orlando massacre at the organizers reads. Pulse nightclub in June. Come Out With Pride also posted about The release adds: the postponement via Facebook. To check on updates for Come Out With The Central Florida area is currently Pride, visit the organization’s website at facing the possibility of widespread power www.ComeOutWithPride.com. outages, obstructed roadways, and high demand for Police and Fire services in Photo: Facebook. the period following the storm. While the weather forecast for Saturday is favorable for our event, expected conditions today and Friday will severely impact the ability of our team to set up and prepare the park for a festival. Additionally, many non-local vendors, entertainers and supporting businesses will be unable to participate due to transportation and logistical issues. With so many in the community looking

HIV inding Prince Charming’ Suitor Opens Up ‘FAbout HIV Status [Spoiler alert: This story contains spoilers about the most recent episode of “Finding Prince Charming.”] KEEP YOUR EYES ON Weeks before Logo’s controversial “Ten years ago I found out that I was HIV- “Bachelor”-style gay dating show “Finding positive,” Leonardos told Roisom. “When I Prince Charming” was set to air, TMZ realized I was gay I was so ashamed, the way South Florida Gay News reportedone of the suitors vying for the titular that I was raised, the way that I was brought prince charming revealed he is HIV-positive. up-it wasn’t an option. Then when I found out Host , along with Prince I was HIV-positive, I was so ashamed.” Charming himself Robert Sepulveda Jr., both Leonardos also opened up to People confirmed one of the contestants is HIV- magazine in a lengthy interview, saying he positive. was nervous about revealing his status on TV. “It’s true,” the former *NSYNC singer told “I’m sharing this not only with Robert, People magazine. “This is one of the things I I’m sharing it with my peers on the show, love about the show - it’s a fun reality show, I’m essentially sharing this information with it’s dramatic, but there’s a lot of heart in it and anybody who’s going to watch the show,” amazing story lines that you’re going to shed he said. He added that the experience was a tear over. And one of those is finding out “very freeing” and he hopes he raises HIV SFGN.com about this guy’s HIV.” awareness. On the Thursday night episode of the reality show, Eric Leonardos, a 35-year-old Read the full People magazine piece at @SoFlaGayNews celebrity hairstylist in shared (http://bit.ly/2dShQG0). his status with a fellow suitor Justin Roisom Also, watch the clip of Leonardos speaking with before telling Sepulveda. Rosiom at (http://bit.ly/2dEYQXI). SouthFloridaGayNews

10.12.2016 • 9 NEWS national Backpage.com raided, Ceo Arrested for Sex-Traffi cking Don Thompson and Terry Wallace Associated Press

carl Ferrer. Photo credit: Texas Police.

(AP) State agents raided the Dallas of $500,000 bond and will face an offi ces of adult classifi ed ad portal extradition hearing before he can be Backpage.com and arrested Chief returned to . Executive Offi cer Carl Ferrer following Under California’s law, felony pimping allegations that adult is defi ned as making money and child sex-traffi cking off prostitutes or soliciting victims were forced into customers for . prostitution through "BACKPAGE AND “Raking in millions of escort ads posted on the ITS EXECUTIVES dollars from the traffi cking site. and exploitation of Ferrer, 55, was arrested PURPOSEFULLY vulnerable victims is on a California warrant AND outrageous, despicable after arriving Thursday in and illegal,” said Harris, a Houston on a fl ight from UNLAWFULLY Democrat who is running Amsterdam. Authorities for the U.S. Senate in also issued warrants for DESIGNED next month’s election. the arrest of the site’s BACKPAGE TO BE “Backpage and its controlling shareholders, executives purposefully Michael Lacey, 68, and THE WORLD’S and unlawfully designed James Larkin, 67. TOP ONLINE Backpage to be the world’s Almost new furniture “Making money off top online brothel.” for sale at extremely the backs of innocent BROTHEL." Backpage.com advertises reasonable prices! human beings by allowing - Kamala Harris a wide range of services, them to be exploited for CALIFORNIA but the California arrest modern-day slavery is ATTORNEY GENERAL warrant alleges that ▶ 10 Drawer Bedroom Dresser not acceptable in Texas,” internal business records ▶ La-Z-Boy Recliner Texas Attorney General obtained through a search ▶ 2 Round Designer Side Tables Ken Paxton, a Republican, said in a warrant show that 99 percent its revenue ▶ 2 matching Side Table Lamps statement. came from its adult services section California Attorney General Kamala between January 2013 and March 2015. ▶ 1 Small Side Table with Iron Base Harris said that Ferrer was arrested California offi cials said the site collects ▶ 1 Small Side Table Lamp with Iron Base on felony charges of pimping a minor, fees from users who use coded language ▶ 1 German Designer Torchiere Floor Lamp pimping, and conspiracy to commit and nearly nude photos to off er sex for pimping. He is being held in lieu money. If interested, please call 201-755-3146

10 • 10.12.2016 news Briefs continued SpOrTS HiSTOrY Caa relocates 7 events Pulled from nC Due to ark Service releases lgBtQ lgBt law History Study n Photo: Facebook. P (AP) The NCAA has relocated its men’s (John McDonald, SFGN) The department basketball regional tournament to Greenville, of American government tasked with telling South Carolina, after withdrawing the event stories is admittedly playing catch up in from Greensboro, North Carolina, because of minority communities. that state’s law restricting the rights of LGBT An eff ort, however, has launched to people. correct these defi ciencies. The NCAA announced the move Friday On Tuesday, the National Park Service after pulling seven championship events released its groundbreaking LGBTQ history places associated to the LGBTQ community from North Carolina last month. The fi rst study. Results of the study were released in the complex and diverse story of America. and second rounds of the men’s basketball to coincide with National Coming Day, Jewell joined NPS Director Jonathan B. tournament will be played at the Bon Secours fi rst celebrated in 1988 following the fi rst Jarvis and Gill Foundation Founder Tim Gill Wellness Arena. organized march on Washington, D.C. for on a conference call with reporters to discuss The NCAA also announced the relocation lesbian and gay rights. the study. One monument, one landmark of the following events: “For far too long, the struggles and and eight other historic places have been contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, designated for the National Registry. ▶ the Division I women’s soccer ▶ the Division III men’s and women’s transgender and queer-identifi ed Americans The list is as follows: Stonewall National championship to San Jose, California. tennis championships to Chattanooga, have been ignored in the traditional Monument, NYC, Henry Gerber House, Tennessee. narratives of our nation’s history,” said U.S. , The Furies Collective, Washington, ▶ the Division III men’s and women’s Department Interior Secretary Sally Jewel. D.C., ’ Bar, NYC, Bayard Rustin soccer championships to Salem, ▶ the Division I women’s lacrosse “This theme study is the fi rst of its kind by Residence, NYC, Cherry Grove Community Virginia. championship to Boston. any national government to identify this House & Theatre, New York, Carrington part of our shared history, and it will result House, New York, James Merrill House, ▶ the Division I women’s golf regional ▶ the Division II baseball championship in an important step forward in reversing the Connecticut, Dr. Franklin E. Kameny championships to Athens, Georgia. to Grand Prairie, Texas. current underrepresentation of stories and Residence, Washington. D.C.

Celebrating our 7th Year on Wilton Drive! Your smile New Patients should leave a great HOME | AUTO | BUSINESS $69 impression! We know insurance, because We insure Florida. ($295 Value) Comprehensive Exam, Digital X-Rays & ALEJANDRO KALAF III [email protected] Cleaning*

CONSTANTINE PATSIMAS [email protected]

General & Cosmetic Dentistry

New, State of the Art Facilities•Most Insurances Accepted Always Plenty of Free Parking•Located Conveniently on Wilton 954-565-7666 Dr. David K. Warner, DDS, FAGD AUTO • FLOOD • BUSINESS • MOTORCYCLE • Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry UMBRELLAS • RVs • BOATS • JETSKIs 1946 Wilton Drive •Wilton Manors • FL 33305 www.IslandCitySmiles.com 954.903.7519 1975 E. Sunrise Blvd, Suite 602 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 *In the absense of gum disease. Not applicable to insurance benefits.

10.12.2016 • 11 LGBTQIA bites Compiled by Jillian Melero l lesbian B Bisexual JUneaU SayS SHe woUlD CHange DiSCoUrSe oregon goVernor Kate Brown talKS aBoUt on gayS anD leSBianS Her exPerienCe witH DomeStiC ViolenCe

(AP) Montana’s fi rst openly gay federal (SFGN) Kate Brown, governor of Oregon, candidate said Wednesday that electing her denise Juneau. is one of few openly bisexual women Kate Brown. to Congress would be a historical event that holding offi ce in the U.S., and last week could change the discourse about gay, lesbian, Brown came out again, this time as a bisexual and transsexual people. survivor of domestic abuse, AutoStraddle Denise Juneau, a Democrat, made her reports (http://bit.ly/2dOCmlt). comments near the end of a debate against The admission came during a debate incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke with Republican opponent Dr. Bud Pierce, and Libertarian Rick Breckenridge that also after Pierce commented “A woman that has touched on issues such as gun rights and a great education and training and a great agriculture. “Representation matters, and I’ve job is not susceptible to this kind of abuse Juneau, the outgoing superintendent of watched the discourse change at the state by men, women or anyone.” public instruction, and Zinke, who is seeking Legislature,” Juneau said. “With me at the Brown replied “I’m honestly not even and gender identity law found that 56.9% of bi a second term, have met in two other debates. table in Congress, the discourse changes sure where to start. I grew up in a middle women reported experiencing intimate partner However, the question of the candidates’ again.” class family. I went to law school… This is violence in their lifetimes compared to 32.3% attitudes toward protections for gays and Juneau, 49, is a member of the Mandan and not just about [having access to] power. of heterosexual women and 40.4% of lesbians lesbians had not been previously asked. Hidatsa tribes who was raised in Browning This is about making sure women are not (http://bit.ly/1l2WseS). Electing her to Congress would replicate on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. discriminated against because of their Brown is running for re-eleciton in November, what happened in the Montana Legislature She has served two terms as Montana’s gender, because of their race, and because and hopes to retain offi ce where she can address when more American Indians were elected to superintendent of education, becoming the of their sexual orientation.” the issue that “more than half of Oregon women offi ce, she said. There, stereotypes broke down fi rst Native American woman to be elected The Williams Institute, a UCLA think and girls experience domestic or sexual violence and policy discussions changed, she said. to statewide offi ce. tank that researches sexual orientation during their lifetime.”

12 • 10.12.2016 LGBTQIA bites continued transgender t tranSgenDer StUDentS SUe PennSylVania DiStriCt reStroom rUle

(AP) Three transgender seniors at a Pennsylvania high school are suing the school district over a new policy that requires students to use restrooms corresponding to their biological sex. The Pine-Richland School District previously allowed transgender students to use restrooms corresponding to their “gender identity.” But the school board last month passed a resolution that students must use restrooms that “correspond to their biological sex” or use unisex facilities. Two 18-year-old plaintiff s were born biologically male but identify as female; one 17-year-old was born biologically female and identifi es as male. They say they are being discriminated against by the new policy, which their federal lawsuit fi led Thursday seeks to reverse. Judges in North Carolina and Wisconsin have agreed such policies violate federal law. The district declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Call or Come In Today 954.522.3800 www.PallantInsurance.com We’ll 1800 N.E. 26th Street · Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 Your Pallant Insurance Team Handle It!

FREE Policy Review

FREE Quotes

HOMEOWNERS HURRICANE FLOOD AUTO INSURANCE INSURANCE INSURANCE INSURANCE FAST and Courteous Service

10.12.2016 • 13 NEWS health

antiBiotiC reSiStant

Denise Royal StDS on riSe

ver the past few years, STDs including bisexual men. According to the state health Control and Prevention (CDC). “It’s vitally not seen multidrug resistant gonorrhea syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, department, more than 50 percent of these important for doctors to treat gonorrhea in my patient population,” he told SFGN. Ohave been on the rise in both the U.S. men are co-infected with HIV. with dual (azithromycin combined “Per guidelines, we treat our patients with and South Florida. And according to a recent U.S. health offi cials also warned recently with ceftriaxone) and that individuals take dual therapy because of the emerging risk report by the World Health Organization that like syphilis, gonorrhea appears to be steps to protect themselves. STD prevention of drug resistance. Syphilis has always (WHO), these diseases are also becoming less developing resistance to the two antibiotics is the cornerstone for containing antibiotic been more problematic within the HIV co- treatable. that constitute the last available treatment resistant gonorrhea.” infected patient. Patients with latent syphilis Antibiotics could typically take care of option for the sexually transmitted bacteria. The WHO has released new guidelines frequently need retreatment for the initial these three infections, but growing resistance Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that on how to treat three sexually transmitted infection. Benzathine penicillin is frequently to antibiotics and a lack of new drugs means spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal infections such as a single dose of benzathine on backorder and not available to treat doctors and patients could soon run out of and oral sex. From 2013-2015, the number of penicillin to cure syphilis and continue to syphilis infections. Often we are forced to use treatment options. gonorrhea cases in Miami-Dade and Broward recommend doxycycline and azithromycin 2nd line therapy with tetracycline due to the Since 2013, the rate of syphilis infections counties accounted for about a quarter of the as the best choices to treat chlamydia. The drug shortage.” reported in Miami-Dade and Broward cases in Florida, according to the state health WHO does not recommend quinolones The statistics for chlamydia are very counties has risen faster than the rest of department. (a class of antibiotic) for the treatment of similar to syphilis and gonorrhea. From the state and much of the nation. The two “The emerging resistance to azithromycin gonorrhea due to widespread high levels of 2013-2015, about 60,000 of the state’s counties accounted for nearly 42 percent of is an early indicator that time is running resistance. These new guidelines bring WHO nearly 255,000 cases were in Broward and the 5,340 syphilis cases reported in Florida out before the last recommended treatment in line with recommendations from the CDC Miami-Dade counties. While those numbers from 2013-2015, according to the state health for gonorrhea is no longer eff ective,” says that were issued in 2015. are huge, the spread of antibiotic-resistant department. In Florida, syphilis infections Brian Katzowitz, Health Communication Fort Lauderdale’s Dr. Gary Richmond STDs could have consequences that reach far continue to increase among gay and Specialist from the Centers for Disease treats patients with STDs. “To date, I have beyond Florida. The WHO estimates that 131

14 • 10.12.2016 NEWS health POLITICS out on the trail

million people in the world have chlamydia, the two-drug regimen recommended for 78 million have gonorrhea, and 5.6 million treating gonorrhea by the CDC. However, have syphilis. For women, these infections laboratory tests by the Hawaii State FloriDa DemS lgBta CaUCUS can increase the risk of miscarriage, ectopic Department of Health showed that the pregnancy (when the fetus develops outside patients’ gonorrheal infections did not enDorSeS CanDiDateS the womb), and pelvic infl ammatory succumb as easily to the antibiotics as disease. For both men infections have in the John McDonald and women, they past. can contribute to "I FEEL THERE IS Someday, these infertility and increase AN EMERGING antibiotics may no lorida’s LGBTA Democratic Caucus susceptibility to HIV. COMPLACENCY longer work to cure released an updated list of endorsements “I feel there is an REGARDING gonorrhea, which, Fon Friday. emerging complacency over the years, has The caucus, chartered by the Florida regarding sexual disease SEXUAL DISEASE developed resistance Democratic Party, is endorsing 24 Democrats House 113, Robert Asencio, Florida House 118, transmission,” Dr. TRANSMISSION... to nearly every class of at various federal, state and local levels. Jeff rey Doc Solomon, Florida House 115, Paula Richmond said. “With INDIVIDUALS antibiotics used to treat The endorsements are as follows: Hillary Bartlett, Duval County Clerk of Court, Dave the availability and HAVE STEPPED it. Clinton, President, Patrick Murphy, U.S. Kerner, Palm Beach County Commission, Jeff more frequent use of UP THEIR UNSAFE So far, no cases of Senate, Corry Westbrook, U.S. Congress, Riveria, Osceola County Commission, Cathy PrEP and misconception SEXUAL PRACTICES, drug resistant sexually Darren Soto, U.S. Congress, Jim Lange, U.S. James, Hillsborough County School Board, that HIV cannot be transmitted infections Congress, April Freeman, U.S. Congress, Alina Eleuterio Salazar, Bradenton Mayor, Daniel transmitted when one ABANDONING in Florida.” We are Valdes, U.S. Congress, Linda Stewart, Florida Antonio Wall-DeSousa, Palm Beach City is on Highly Active CONDOMS AND BARRIER closely monitoring Senate 13, Victor Sims, Florida House 39, Bob Commission. Anti-Retroviral Therapy PRECAUTIONS." this situation and have Doyel, Florida House 41, Beth Tuura, Florida The caucus represents the lesbian, gay, (HAART), individuals been working with House 47, Carlos Guillermo Smith, Florida bisexual, transgender and allies community have stepped up their - Dr. Gary Richmond labs to ensure they House 49, Lisa Montelione, Florida House 63, within the FDP. Its mission, said President FORT LAUDERDALE unsafe sexual practices, are routinely testing Jennifer Webb, Florida House 69, Ken Keechl, Terry Fleming, is to educate, advocate, support abandoning condoms specimens for drug Florida House 93, David Richardson, Florida and elect. and barrier precautions.” susceptibility,” said Sarah Revell of the Recently in Hawaii, seven gonorrhea Florida Department of Health. For more information, visit www.fl oridalgbtademocrats.org patients had the fi rst reported cases The CDC will be bolstering state and local of gonorrhea in which the sexually STD programs and introducing laboratory transmitted infection showed reduced tools and services to more rapidly respond susceptibility to the single available to outbreaks. When asked to describe what eff ective treatment option, the Centers for it would be like if syphilis, gonorrhea and Disease Control and Prevention said. The chlamydia became completely resistant to six men and one woman were all eventually antibiotics, Dr. Richmond had one word, cured by ceftriaxone and azithromycin, “disastrous.”

The spread of antibiotic-resistant STds could have consequences that reach far beyond Florida. Photo: CDC, Facebook.

10.12.2016 • 15 elecTioN • hillary clinton Photo by CNN. PGN Exclusive Hillary Clinton aDDreSSeS reached out to the Democratic and Republican candidates for president, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, to discuss LGBT issues in advance lgBt eQUality of next month’s election. Clinton provided PGN this exclusive op-ed detailing her LGBT-rights record and her goals for future LGBT-equality efforts. The offer remains open for Trump. This is the fi rst time a major-party presidential candidate has written an op-ed for an LGBT newspaper.

Hillary Clinton

ore than half a century ago, at Independence diff erences of opinion on LGBT equality still exist Hall, participants at the fi rst Annual in the hearts of some Americans, but they should MReminder march picketed, chanted and sang. not exist under our laws. As president, I’ll be your They did this to show their fellow Philadelphians that partner in bringing about the vision of the inclusive the LGBT community lacked fundamental civil rights. nation that advocates, activists and allies have been In the decades since those protests, our country seeking for decades. has come a long way. Marriage equality is the law I also believe we must address the ongoing issue of the land. This year, the last state law prohibiting of violence against the LGBT community. LGBT same-sex couples from adopting was fi nally people are now more likely than any other group to struck down. And President Obama signed an be the target of a hate crime. America saw the eff ects executive order protecting federal workers from of hate in Orlando, with the attack on the Pulse discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or nightclub — the deadliest mass shooting by a single gender identity. We should celebrate that progress. person in our history. The danger is compounded But the simple truth is that even now, in 2016, for LGBT people of color, who face intersectional there are still too many states in America where pressures and dangers, particularly transgender LGBT people can be fi red or evicted from their people of color. Last year, more than 20 transgender home because of who they are or who they love. women were killed in America. Recently, three were Pennsylvania is one of them. Here, you can get murdered right here in Philadelphia. married on Sunday and fi red on Monday, just for We need to stop the violence and save LGBT being gay or transgender. lives. We need to collect more data around gender That goes against everything we stand for as a identity and sexual orientation in hate crimes, so country. we can stop them in a smarter, more eff ective way. We need to act on the federal level to take on And we need to fi nally pass common-sense reforms discrimination in all its forms. That’s what I’ll do as to address the gun violence epidemic. Along with President — with your help. the vast majority of Americans, I believe that we But fi rst, we have to win this election. Donald can protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners Trump must not be elected president. He would while still making sure that guns don’t fall into the rip away so much of the progress we’ve made. He wrong hands. would appoint Supreme Court justices who would Finally, we need to continue our fi ght to achieve overturn marriage equality and rescind many of our goal of an AIDS-free generation. HIV and AIDS President Obama’s executive orders — including still disproportionately impact gay and bisexual those protecting LGBT people. men, communities of color, transgender people It’s not just Trump’s policies that reveal the and young people. We need to increase research, kind of president he would be. So does his choice expand the use of eff ective prevention medications of running mate. Mike Pence is one of the most like PrEP, cap out-of-pocket drug costs and reform anti-LGBT public offi cials in America. As governor outdated HIV-criminalization laws. of Indiana, Pence supported a bill that legalized Like many, I’ve lost friends and loved ones to discrimination against LGBT people. As a member of AIDS. We owe it to them — the people we love Congress, he voted against expanding the defi nition and miss, and the people whose names we’ll never of hate crimes to include sexual orientation and know — to continue this fi ght. gender identity. He opposed the repeal of “Don’t As First Lady and Senator, I fought to signifi cantly Ask, Don’t Tell,” saying doing so would be “social expand funding for AIDS research. As Secretary of experimentation.” And he’s said that homosexuality State, I changed the rules so that State Department would bring about “societal collapse.” employees in same-sex relationships were treated That’s why the stakes in this election are so high. the same as their colleagues and so that transgender If I’m fortunate enough to be elected president, I’ll Americans could obtain passports that refl ected protect the progress we’ve fought so hard to achieve their true gender identity. So these fi ghts aren’t new — and I’ll keep fi ghting until every American can to me. live free from discrimination and prejudice. And as president, I’ll keep fi ghting for LGBT That means working to pass the Equality Act. rights, because — as I told the world in one of the It would fi nally provide LGBT people full federal most important speeches I gave as Secretary — nondiscrimination protections in housing, they are human rights. And I won’t quit until all our employment and so much more. I know that laws refl ect that basic reality.

16 • 10.12.2016 10.12.2016 • 17 elecTioN • quotes on trump Photos by Gage Skidmore. two weeks ago SFgn endorsed Hillary Clinton For PreSiDent But we understand you may still have doubts, so if you don’t trust us, just SFGN Staff take a look at what other Republicans have said about their nominee

A pathological liar

A narcissist at a level I don’t think this country has ever seen

Utterly amoral A nutjob A bully

Ted crUZ A sniveling coward A loser as a person

Race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot liNdSeY GrahaM

"Very dishonest" His comments … should completely and immediately disqualify him from seeking our nation’s ricK PerrY highest offi ce.

Lacks the temperament to be president

A phony

A fraud Playing the American MiTT roMNeY BeN carSoN people for suckers

18 • 10.12.2016 elecTioN • quotes on trump

A jerk

One part unhinged and one part foolish

Not qualifi ed to be president JeB BUSh

The most vulgar person ever to aspire to the presidency

Absurd

Offensive

Ridiculous Marco rUBio A con artist An embarrassment

Unserious and unstable narcissist

Has no understanding of policy

He’s full of bluster but has no substance. He lacks the intellectual curiosity to even BoBBY JiNdal learn.

Showtime is over. We are not electing an entertainer-in-chief. Showmanship is fun, but it is not the kind of leadership that will truly change America. chriS chriSTie

10.12.2016 • 19 elecTioN • vice presidential debate VP DeBate a miSSeD CHanCe to exPoSe white house Press Secretary Josh earnest PenCe’S anti-lgBt reCorD declined to criticize the VP LGBT advocates frustrated, but White debate moderator for the lack of an House won’t ‘second-guess’ moderator lGBT question. Photo: Michael Key. Chris Johnson

ny political observers are expressing under his tenure, the law cost the state an disappointment and frustration with the estimated $60 million. Afailure of the vice presidential debate “The business climate of Indiana does moderator to ask Mike Pence about signing into not benefi t from laws that open up potential law a “religious freedom” bill enabling anti-LGBT customers or employees to being discriminated discrimination in Indiana, but White House Press against, and North Carolina has gotten some Secretary Josh Earnest isn’t among them. attention for the negative economic consequences In response to a Washington Blade inquiry of signing those bills into law,” Earnest said. about whether a question on the law would have Earnest said he recalls “vividly” a 2015 highlighted Pence’s extensive anti-LGBT record, interview with Pence on ABC News in which he Earnest said Wednesday he won’t “second-guess refused to say eight times whether the “religious In the aftermath of the debate, LGBT the eff orts” of debate moderator Elaine Quijano. freedom” law allowed discrimination against gay Pence’s two biggest blunders -- organizations are declaring the upcoming town “She came prepared with a long list of people, and attempted to defend the statute. legalizing anti-LGBT discrimination and hall debate between Clinton and Trump must very serious, direct questions for each of “He struggled mightily to do so in part because enabling a massive HIV outbreak -- went be a venue in which the fi rst LGBT question is the candidates and I suspect, based on the it’s hard to make a case that’s good for the state,” unaddressed. #VPDebate posed to the candidates. sharpness of her questions, that that was almost Earnest said. “But again, in terms of what impact Roddy Flynn, executive director of Equality certainly one of the questions that she had in her this has in terms of people’s decision in the — Zack Ford (@ZackFord) October 5, 2016 PAC, said LGBT issues must be addressed stack,” Earnest said. “She probably just didn’t get presidential election, people are going to have in future debates to make up for the lack of around to it.” to weigh these factors for themselves. They’re Griffi n expounded on his objections to the attention to Pence’s anti-LGBT record in the vice Earnest added presidential debate moderators obviously a number of things to consider, but it lack of a question on Pence’s anti-LGBT law in an presidential forum. have “a very diffi cult job” and the responsibility certainly would be legitimate in the mind of the email statement to the Washington Blade. “It was disappointing that Gov. Pence’s extreme to “be fair and ask tough questions, and it seems president for somebody to consider that aspect “Donald Trump’s vice presidential pick, anti-LGBT record was not raised in last night’s to me that’s exactly what Ms. Quijano did last of Gov. Pence’s record in determining whether Mike Pence, has made anti-LGBTQ activism a debate questions,” Flynn said. “Gov. Pence has night.” or not to support the Republican ticket this fall.” cornerstone of his political career,” Griffi n said. supported some of the most insidious anti-LGBT Last year, Pence signed into law a measure A look on Twitter reveals LGBT advocates “That was worthy of debate and discussion, but legislation in this country, designed to ensure that that would have enabled businesses and aren’t as charitable as Earnest in their there wasn’t a single question about his hateful LGBT people can be turned away from shops, individuals to deny services to LGBT people assessment of the absence of the question from views. The vast majority of fair-minded voters in hotels, and restaurants and disallowing same- in the name of “religious freedom,” propelling the debate. Frustration over the omission was this country deserve answers, and the debatewas sex couples from adopting children. The kind of him to the national stage as he unsuccessfully expressed by not only gay bloggers, but Human a missed opportunity to demand them.” bigotry that the Trump/Pence ticket supports sought to defend the law. Following outcry from Rights Campaign President Chad Griffi n. CBS News didn’t respond to the Washington is out of line with American values and should LGBT advocates, business leaders — as well as Blade’s request for comment Wednesday on why have been a topic in the fi rst two debates. We condemnation from the White House — Pence Before Trump picked him as his VP, @ a question on Pence’s anti-LGBT record or the hope future debates will be more inclusive of the was forced to sign a “fi x” to the measure limiting mike_pence was notorious for attacking “religious freedom” law weren’t among those concerns of LGBT Americans.” its discriminatory impact. LGBTQ people. But not 1 question about asked during the vice presidential debate. Aisha Moodie-Mills, president of the Gay Asked by the Blade whether voters should be his hateful views tonight. Gregory Angelo, president of Log Cabin & Lesbian Victory Fund, agreed the lack of reminded of Pence’s anti-LGBT record regardless Republicans, shifted the blame to Democratic a question on Pence’s anti-LGBT record was of whether or not the debate moderator posed — Chad Griffi n (@ChadHGriffi n) October 5, 2016 vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine for not “disappointing” and said future debates must a question about it, Earnest conceded such bringing up the issue. expose those views. a question would have been fair because the Last criticism of moderator: why no “In the absence of any specifi c question on “Pence opposes recognition of our records of candidates are “worthy of scrutiny.” question to pence re: does Trump RFRA from the moderator, one would have relationships, opposes LGBT soldiers serving “It certainly would have been a relevant and support your anti-lGBT agenda? Pence expected Kaine to make mention of it among his openly in the military, and opposes prohibiting fair question to have been asked because his claim to fame last year #VPDebate 70 interjections last night, but I guess he was too restaurants and other businesses from refusing actions as governor should weigh on a decision busy trying to remember the canned one-line service to LGBT customers,” Moodie-Mills said. that voters make, but ultimately, it’ll be up to — Mike Signorile (@MSignorile) October 5, 2016 zingers he was coached to deliver to focus on an “It is important the Trump campaign’s extremist voters to decide how they factor that criteria into issue that off ered perhaps the greatest contrast anti-LGBT positions be exposed in future their decision,” Earnest said. I feel a little insulted that Pence’s between himself and Trump’s running mate,” debates — along with its attacks on women, Earnest said he’s spoken out “with some discrimination against #LGBT people Angelo said. immigrants, Latinos, Muslims and veterans rather sharp criticism” of the law, not only for isn’t deemed important enough to The Washington Blade has placed a call to recovering from war. Their entire campaign has its discriminatory impact, but for the economic discuss. #VPDebate the Clinton campaign to ask why Kaine — who been built on fear and bigotry, and we believe harm it’s caused the state. Although Pence likes focused during the debate on attacking Trump, voters will reject their attempts to turn back the to brag about the economic growth of Indiana — Lucas Grindley (@lucasgrindley) October 5, 2016 not Pence — ignored Pence’s anti-LGBT law. clock on progress.”

20 • 10.12.2016 elecTioN • donald trump donald Trump decried transgender military service as “political correctness.” Photo: Michael Key.

trUmP SlamS tranS military SerViCe aS ‘PolitiCal CorreCtneSS’ Derides ‘ridiculous’ changes seen in military in recent years

Chris Johnson Washington Blade

lamming changes made to foster Minnesota, New Jersey and New York. audience, even low ranking troops — to review accepted gay service members in the last fi ve LGBT inclusion in the U.S. military “I mentioned the other day profi ling,” the changes and take guidance on appropriate years, a Trump administration could undo Sduring the Obama administration, Trump said. “Everyone goes, ‘Oh, profi ling, policy. that. Donald Trump pledged Monday to “get profi ling!’ Well, profi ling, in Israel they’re “I will say I would leave many of the Matthew Thorn, executive director of away from political correctness” when doing it and they’re doing it well, and we may decisions of some of the things you mentioned the LGBT military group OutServe-SLDN, have to do that and we have to do other things. to the generals, the admirals, the people on said greater inclusion in the armed forces, asked about openly transgender military But you’re right. We have a politically correct top, and we get some — the congressman just including transgender service, isn’t a matter of service and women serving in combat military and it’s more and more politically mentioned to me, and I think it’s true, 100 being politically correct but instead preserving roles. correct every day, and a lot of percent — you get your top enlisted people in “the foundation of our freedoms.” The candidate made the the great people in this room that and you have discussions with top enlisted “Our service members and veterans have comments in Herndon, Va., don’t even understand how people who know it better than probably risked and continue to risk their lives for the alongside Tony Perkins, TRUMP’S it’s possible to do that.” anybody. But we get our military people to fundamental rights that our democracy is built president of the anti-LGBT DEFERENCE TO Trump asserted confusion come back and make recommendations to me, on, the freedoms that allow Mr. Trump to even Family Research Council, in over why the military is and I will follow those recommendations.” stand before an audience and make absurdity the same forum where he MILITARY LEADERS moving forward with greater One of Trump’s leading military advisers, Lt. out of our armed forces and veterans,” Thorn raised eyebrows for suggesting inclusion is the result of Gen. Michael Flynn, has already suggested he said. “Transgender service members and veterans who kill themselves CONCEIVABLY “intelligence, not ignorance,” would advise Trump to roll back the changes. veterans have earned the same respect and after suff ering from post- saying the changes U.S. On the fi rst night of the Republican National honor as any other soldier, airman, sailor or traumatic stress disorder COULD LEAD TO A troops have to endure in the Convention, Flynn in apparent criticism of Marine and Mr. Trump should be mindful did so because they couldn’t name of political correctness transgender military service criticized the that the leadership of the Pentagon has handle the pressures of war. REINSTATEMENT are “ridiculous.” preoccupation of U.S. troops with “trivial agreed, everyone who is able to serve should After an audience member OF “DON’T ASK, In June, Defense matters about what words to use, what be allowed to serve regardless of sexual asked Trump what he’d do Secretary Ashton Carter terminology is politically correct and what orientation or gender identity.” about women in combat and DON’T TELL.” announced after a nearly bathroom door to open up.” Thorn said belittling transgender military openly transgender troops, year-long review the U.S. “My God, my God, war is not about service members and veterans affl icted with comparing their inclusion military would end its ban bathrooms, war is not about political post-traumatic stress disorder is consistent in the military to political on transgender people correctness or words that are meaningless,” with his criticism of a Gold Star family as well correctness, he replied, “We’re going to get serving in the U.S. armed forces “eff ective Flynn said. as “disgusting and vile and unbecoming of any away from political correctness, and we are immediately.” The announcement came Trump’s deference to military leaders individual who would want to hold the highest going to have to do that.” months after the Pentagon announced it conceivably could lead to a reinstatement offi ce in our government.” Trump compared movement toward greater would begin to allow women to serve in of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” When Congress “It is very diffi cult to imagine after today inclusion in the armed forces to opposition combat roles. repealed the statute, lawmakers left nothing how Mr. Trump can proclaim his love and to “the whole concept of profi ling” in law While Trump stopped short of committing in its place addressing gay people in the armed support for our military and veterans when enforcement. The candidate has defended himself to reverse those changes, he said he’d services, allowing the Pentagon to decide in the same breath he can willfully admonish the controversial practice of racial profi ling, allow senior military offi cials — and noting the policy. Although such a change would those who serve and protect this country with including after the terrorist acts last month in a recommendation from a lawmaker in the be extraordinary given the U.S. military has honor and their lives,” Thorn said.

10.12.2016 • 21 NEWS national day Submitted photo.

Trey Pearson aubrey Plaza david hernandez charlie carver Brian anderson

5 CeleBritieS tHat Came oUt tHiS year

Brittany Ferrendi

ct. 11 was National Coming Out Day, and what better aUBreY PlaZa — charlie carVer — way to celebrate it than by appreciating the people in the “ParKS aNd recreaTioN” acTreSS “TeeN wolF” acTor Olimelight to publicly declare their sexual orientation to the world? Here are fi ve celebrities that came out this year. From “Parks and Recreation” to “Mike and Dave Need Known in the past for his child-star role with his twin Wedding Dates,” Aubrey Plaza is known as an actress brother on “” and more recently TreY PearSoN — and comedian, often playing the roles of openly blunt “Teen Wolf,” actor Charlie Carver claims he’s never “really chriSTiaN MUSic SiNGer characters. So there was little surprise when she candidly ever been in” the closet — but his homosexuality comes as came out as bisexual in an interview with The Advocate a surprise to most of his fans anyway. “Everyday Sunday’s” Trey Pearson shook Christian back in July. Back in January, Carver took to Instagram with a photo music fans back in June after releasing an open letter to “Girls are into me — that’s no secret,” she said after being of the text “Be who you needed when you were younger.” fans, friends and family to tell everyone that he is gay. asked if she gets hit on by women. “Hey, I’m into them too. I In the image description, he told a story of how he came to “Happy #NationalComingOutDay!” he wrote Tuesday fall in love with girls and guys. I can’t help it.” terms with his sexuality. on Facebook. “I suppose this is my fi rst. I hope my voice Also in the interview, Plaza admitted she had a crush Feeling like he was diff erent from the other boys, he can give strength for others that haven’t been able to come on co-star Natasha Lyonne, despite the fact that Lyonne is experienced “feelings of despair and alienation, ending in out yet, and also for those that have. Thanks for all of the straight in real life. a climax of saying three words out loud: ‘I am gay.’” love. I wish I could tell you how much strength it has given “[Taking on the role of a lesbian] was less about “They rang true, and I hated myself for them,” he me in this season.” pretending to be a lesbian and more about portraying a continued. “It would take me a few years before I could He received mixed responses once coming out, with human being with a massive crush on Natasha Lyonne’s repeat them to anyone else, in the meantime turning the some fans praising him for his courage while others chose character,” she said. “Natasha’s a friend, and she called me phrase over and over in my mouth until I felt comfortable to “mourn” and ask for repentance. up, like, ‘Do you want to come do a movie and make out and sure enough to let the words pour out again, this time “I had never before admitted to myself that I was gay, let with me?’ I have a major crush on her in real life, so it was to my family.” alone to anyone else,” he wrote at the time. “I never wanted fun.” to be gay. I was scared of what God would think and what BriaN aNderSoN — all of these people I loved would think about me; so it never daVid herNaNdeZ — ProFeSSioNal SKaTeBoarder was an option for me.” “aMericaN idol” FiNaliST Just last month, professional skateboarder Brian Just last month, 33-year-old “American Idol” fi nalist Anderson shocked the skateboarding community by being David Hernandez came out of the closet as gay. one of the fi rst legends to come out as gay. “LOVE YOURSELF AND BE WHO “It was really cool to be part of that turn in history “Hearing ‘faggot’ all the time made me think at a young and to be able to celebrate and be on the right side of it” age that it was really dangerous to talk about it,” he said YOU ARE UNAPOLOGETICALLY. Hernandez said. “It was also incredible to sing next to two in an interview with Vice Sports. “I fi gured out how to IF YOU ARE GOING THROUGH of my favorite artists, John Legend and Adam Levine.” balance it to where nobody questioned it and I was a big And with his sexuality out in the open, Hernandez can tough skateboarder, of course they’re not going to question DARK TIMES, I PROMISE YOU just focus on his next full-length album, followed by a tour. that. Nobody thought anything.” WILL GET THROUGH.” “Love yourself and be who you are unapologetically,” he Despite his fears, his friends and family were encouraged fans. “If you are going through dark times, I overwhelmingly supportive. - David Hernandez promise you will get through. Hurting yourself or others is “It’s about skateboarding,” said Jake Phelps, Editor-In- "AMERICAN IDOL" FINALIST never the way to solve your issues and there is always help Chief of Thrasher Magazine, at the time of the Vice Sports out there, you just have to ask.” interview. “Who gives a fuck if you’re gay.”

22 • 10.12.2016 10.12.2016 • 23 NEWS health Photo: Facebook. Gates Foundation Funds AIDS Vaccine Initiative Edge Media Network

he International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) was recently awarded two new Tgrants by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to expedite development of promising AIDS vaccine candidates and other new biomedical HIV prevention tools. “Accelerating the translation of innovative research into promising vaccine candidates for clinical testing is a real urgency. With more than 2 million people becoming infected with HIV in 2015 alone there is no time to lose. Collaborative and efficient AIDS vaccine development today means more lives saved in the future,” said Mark Feinberg, President and CEO of IAVI. “We are very pleased to expand the provision of vaccine product development expertise to support Gates Foundation- sponsored AIDS vaccine programs.” The grants provide for funding in an amount of almost $60 million (U.S. dollars) over three and a half years. Under these awards, IAVI will provide extended services in pre-clinical development, regulatory affairs, data analysis, project management, quality assurance, manufacturing and clinical- trial implementation to a broad range of investigators through the Collaboration for AIDS Vaccine Discovery (CAVD) to expedite the development of around a dozen promising AIDS vaccine candidates or biologics toward clinical testing. The Gates Foundation has been a long- past five years annual new infections with standing partner in this critical work of HIV have not decreased. IAVI. The new awards build on initial awards Access and adherence to available granted in 2013 to establish key product prevention and treatment remain challenging development services at IAVI for the CAVD for many. Recent modeling data show that with an original slate of three to five proposed even with massively expanded use of current pilot projects. However, the support rapidly treatment and prevention options, hundreds expanded to a current total of 17 projects. of thousands of people in low- and middle- In August 2016, IAVI was awarded a contract income countries will be newly infected with from the National Institute of Allergy and HIV and die from AIDS for decades to come. Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the U.S. An efficacious, well-adopted vaccine National Institutes of Health (NIH) to provide could prevent the majority of new annual product development services to advance the HIV infections in low- and middle-income development of AIDS vaccine candidates of countries, averting millions of infections and NIAID-supported scientists. savings millions of lives. Founded in 1996, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative A Vaccine Is Needed To (IAVI) is a nonprofit organization working to Conclusively accelerate development of broadly effective And Sustainably End HIV/AIDS AIDS vaccines accessible to all. IAVI works with partners in 25 countries Despite remarkable advances in treatment to research, design and develop promising and prevention, HIV/AIDS is neither contained vaccine candidates. We collaborate with nor manageable. In 2015 alone, AIDS killed governments, partner with pharmaceutical more than 1.1 million people globally and and bio-tech companies, universities, HIV newly infected 2.1 million people, with hospitals and civil society organizations, two-thirds of them in sub-Saharan Africa. and conduct and support research in North Although treatment rates have doubled in the America, Europe, Africa, and India.

24 • 10.12.2016 NEWS national

Jeffrey hurant. rentBoy.Com Ceo PleaDS gUilty to Photo: Facebook. Promoting ProStitUtion Tom Hays Associated Press

he chief executive offi cer of a once- was the equivalent of an online brothel, Enforcement, which participated in the popular male escort website pleaded and what the site called escorts were investigation along with the New York Tguilty on Friday to promoting actually prostitutes. They said part of the Police Department and other agencies, prostitution in a federal case that prompted proof were in the explicit ads that featured issued a statement saying “any insinuation accusations of anti-gay bias. nude photos, listings of all manner of that a specifi c population was targeted is Jeff rey Hurant admitted in federal physical attributes and pricing options categorically false.” court in Brooklyn that he broke the law ranging from $150 an hour to $3,500 for a Before authorities arrested Hurant and by promoting “the exchange of sexual weekend. seized the Rentboy site, it had thousands conduct in return for a fee” on his Rentboy. The takedown of the website was led by of advertisers paying up to $300 a month, com site. the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 500,000 visitors a day and revenues of $10 Under a plea deal, Hurant agreed not to Its involvement, along with an absence of million in the past fi ve years. appeal a sentence of two years or less in any allegations that Rentboy was a menace The business hosted parties and an prison. His company also cannot appeal a to society beyond simple prostitution annual awards show for escorts called the penalty of $10 million or less. Sentencing — like engaging in human traffi cking or Hookies. In interviews, Hurant insisted guidelines call for a maximum sentence of exploiting minors — stirred anger and fear “there is no place on this website where 21 months. in the gay community. Activists questioned somebody says I’ll have sex for money Hurant, 51, and his attorney left court why the agency would single out Rentboy because that is against the law,” but also without speaking to reporters. Sentencing when other escort websites, gay or straight, boasted about wanting “to keep the oldest was set for Feb. 2. continue to do business. profession in the world up to date with all Prosecutors had alleged that Rentboy U.S. Immigration and Customs the latest technology.”

THE GAY MENS CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA PRESENTS HOLIDAYS AT THE HARD ROCK! SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST, LINDA EDER DECEMBER 11, 2016 | 8PM HARD ROCK LIVE AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO HOLLYWOOD

For more information and tickets visit: www.gmcsf.org

HOSTED BY

10.12.2016 • 25 Convictions Publisher's Editorial

Here’s Some History For Norm Kent [email protected] History Month

his is the beginning of gay history month. Being ‘Born that way’ is a Privilege, Not An Excuse caption rivaled the gay quote of the century: So why not go back into my own history and “I can’t help it that I’m heterosexual... I was born that Ttimeline for a story this week? In the Fort Lauderdale Fall of 1993, the race for way. Please vote for me anyway.” I may not be one of the 40 icons selected this year by City Commissioner in District 2, which includes the Fast forward now with me to 1998, and you are playing the LGBT historians, but I have a history of columns on gay predominantly gay community of Victoria Park, as well darts at the local bar, like the greatest one ever built in rights going back, four decades to the 1980s, when I was a as my collie, Daylight, pitted a gay rights activist against this century, Georgie’s Alibi. Ever overhear the following counsel and columnist for TWN, the Weekly News, South a straight city commissioner. However, while the activist anguished comment on from some dork that Florida’s original gay weekly newspaper. I remember one had played off his sexuality in the gay community, he goes like this: “Do you think I would ever choose this of the first pieces they published, in 1986, outlining the steadfastly avoided ever mentioning to the hetero crowd lifestyle - exposing myself to ridicule, exclusion and hurt civil liability of Rock Hudson for failing to disclose to his that he was a dick worshipper. This upset the hard-core all these years? I would much rather be a happily married lover of many years that he had AIDS. gay activists, who did not want to elect a squeamish gay heterosexual with children.” I hate when this happens. Today, 30 years later, the Supreme Court has on its docket commish. Please stop presuming that heterosexual life is one as one of its oldest pending cases, a decision to make on The activists reasoned that the incumbent straight happy rock garden of Fred and Wilma Flintstone living. whether the failure to disclose your sexual status to your commissioner had been gay-friendly. He had not only The bed can be bumpy on both sides of the fence. As an same sex partner is a crime under Florida law. The ruling appointed gays to positions of influence, but actually came attorney, I have been to Domestic Violence court enough is overdue, by almost a year, and could come any day. We to gay bar openings, if only to drink for free. Anyway, the to know. And while gay activists are urging legislators to already know you can sue civilly if you fail to disclose your District 2 elections became a hotbed of controversy, with grant the homosexual community marital rights, breeders status to your partner and cause him to become ill, but can each candidate spending enough money on the campaign are getting divorced more often than they are getting you go to jail too? We will know soon. to cure the common cold and Athlete’s foot. married. Well, anyway, to inaugurate LGBT history month for the The campaign was vicious, as our community My buddy Al Goldstein, the world-renowned publisher South Florida Gay News, I am going to run some historical masturbated on whether to endorse a supportive straight of Screw Magazine, who has been married four times, columns of my own, from the days I was a columnist for commissioner, or an openly gay candidate who wanted to and pilloried by ex-wives and lawyers and judges for his Hot Spots, Scoop Magazine, and the publisher and owner talk political, not pubic, affairs. Commissioner Cary Keno wealth, says we are out of our minds to even consider same of Express Gay News, from 1999 to 2004. fought hard to capture the gay vote. He took out ads in gay sex-marriage: “Just go get your dick sucked,” he says: “Go Here then, to kick off the project, is one of my favorites, publications like ours. One was a classic. It will live with get laid....” from 1998, entitled: ‘Just Born That Way? A Privilege, Not us forever, testimony for generations that some people just We are all born equal. Then we sail out on our own. an Excuse’, relating the story of two candidates running for don’t get it.. Sometimes you have to leave the sureness of the shore. the city of Fort Lauderdale commission in 1993. The ad featured a picture of Commissioner Keno on There will always be threatening squalls and sparkling Thanks for being here to read our paper. his bicycle, pedaling for votes. Under his smiling face, the sunsets. A smooth sea does not make for a good sailor.

26 • 10.12.2016 ConviCtions ConviCtions

Those who succeed in life often weather life, but he was blessed with popularity, storms that make the sunshine more talent, skill, support, and eventually, the inviting. In the muddle and middle of wealth to have made things easier for editorial Cartoon By andy marlette every diffi culty, the strong soul will fi nd others. If he remained silent and imposed an island of creativity and opportunity. a self-infl icted torture, then learn from In truth, because so many gay men his colossal mistake. Don’t do the same and women have been unjustifi ably thing to yourself. Joe, he may be a great ostracized solely because of who and diver, but he ain’t no hero. what they are, then gay men and women The more relaxed each of us become should be the stronger for it. about who we are the easier it will be to Given the way the gay lifestyle has assist the vast majority of heterosexuals been castigated, ridiculed and demeaned who are not gay, but just like to ‘fuck around over the years, we should be made of with other guys’. Our lives will be healthy iron. Mounting masses of ferrous oxide. if we manage well the circumstances Steel. Supermen. X-Men. Human Torches. we encounter every day, and respond Hulks. The Justice League. Hell, I’ve resiliently to adverse occasions as they been to Fantasy Fest in Key West. Most arise; if we do not let our own misfortunes of us already have the costumes. George become the misfortunes of others; and if Michael might need one we stand steadfast in this week, but that’s his our true identity- then doing. And apparently, “I CAN’T HELP we will become the he’s been doing it quite people whose character a lot. Imagine getting IT THAT I’M and strength are worthy caught like that in Will of admiration. Rogers Memorial Park. HETEROSEXUAL... Within our com- I suppose Michael never I WAS BORN THAT munity, there are met a restroom he did many such individuals. not like. WAY. PLEASE Indeed, within our lives So let’s kick the and daily interactions lamentations of despair. VOTE FOR ME there are such The next time someone ANYWAY.” individuals — gay and lays a rap of self-pitiful straight, persons worth sorrow on you, slap - Cary Keno meeting regardless of him around. Tell him COMMISSIONER their sexuality. Don’t to butch up. We don’t get trapped within the FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES? need affi rmative action. walls of a ghetto most We can fi ght back. It was seven years people spend their lives trying to get out of. ago today that then Sheriff Navarro Expand your horizons, not your fears. Born raided the Copa, declaring falsely that that way or not, life is a gift and a garden. JEFF DEAN it was ‘awash with cocaine.’ Only four Make it grow and blossom. CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY arrests were made. Innocent gay men Because of legal and political and and women were herded out of the club social discrimination, as well as disease by armed and hooded law enforcement and death, the gay community has forged offi cers at gunpoint, required to hold a new iron will that is stronger and more DUI their hands over their head, only then to solid than any law that could ever be be humiliated by waiting TV cameras. But passed. We have stood naked against the we kicked ass in court afterwards, and cannon and survived. That my friends, is Domestic Violence BSO wound up paying big-time. something to be proud of; not to lament, Society has been putting gay men but to praise. You’re lucky. Even if you and women through inner hells for were not born that way; even if you are generations. Hasn’t that been quite no Commissioner Cary Keno, you are Sex O enses enough already? So stop beating yourself stronger now than you ever have been. up, okay? What is Evita’s song: ‘Don’t cry By the by, the straight incumbent, Keno, for me, Argentina.’ I don’t want to hear prevailed in that 1993 race. So can you in how tough it was ‘being born this way.’ yours in 1998. We need only to remember Drug Charges Someone who is true to themselves need that in a sense we are all running for re- never be a liar to anyone else. election everyday. We need to remind Greg Louganis is apparently coming to ourselves confi dently, and with purpose, town for a book signing next week. Unlike that we each create the world we live in what a Scoop columnist wrote last week, with each and every choice we make Miami O ce: (305) 777-3595 he is no hero to me. He is a guy who dealt every day. If we make good ones, our lives 1200 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1950, Miami, FL 33131 with everything you have in your own will prosper. Fort Lauderdale O ce: (954) 204-3633 110 SE 6th Street, Suite 1700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

10.12.2016 • 27 ConviCtions transforming gender

Rebecca Juro [email protected] wHat’S in a name? or me, Feb. 20th, 2001 was a big day… In time I came up with a list of about a multiple levels. My last name is the same as it’s I stood there watching it burn, the glowing really big. Bigger than the day I began hundred “maybes” and started whittling it always been. I love my family and I’ve never felt and charred bits falling to the ground as the Fliving as a woman full time, bigger than away until I had three fi nalists. I liked Wendy the need to distance myself from them. fl ame climbed its way upward, eventually the fi rst time I saw Joan Jett and the Blackhearts but decided it was too Disney princessy. I liked It was at that moment, when I went consuming the entire thing. It fell to the ground play live (which was double- Jennifer too but eventually before a New Jersey Superior Court judge to in a blackened smoky heap and I stood there big because it was also the came to the conclusion it was formally present myself and my petition to silently until I was sure it was out. Though I fi rst time I ever went to a SELF-NAMING IS A too common, at least among legally change my name and walked out of understood that I’d only legally changed my club and drank legally), even PROCESS THAT’S the trans women I knew. that courtroom with a judgment affi xed with name but not yet my gender, I knew then that bigger than the day I got my After waiting another a golden raised seal that declared my legal my life as a man was offi cially over, that I would boobs and vajayjay. SPECIAL AND UNIQUE week or so to be sure, I name to be Rebecca Leigh Juro, that I became not, could not, ever turn back. It was probably It was the day I legally TO TRANS PEOPLE. decided on Rebecca for a legitimate in the eyes of the law. the single most cathartic experience of my life. changed my name. WHILE CIS PEOPLE few reasons. First, because The lengthy process of changing my driver’s My name is everything. It’s not simply how I Most cis people likely don’t I was comfortable with it. It license and a host of other identity documents identify myself to others, it’s who I am. I got the see this as a very big deal. MAY RENAME sounded like me, refl ective was still to come, of course, but with that paper chance to do something out of necessity which After all, people legally change THEMSELVES, FOR of my self-image. I also liked in my hand I was at last legally Rebecca and I most cis people will never do: I named myself. their names all the time US IT’S PART OF that my friends and family could not have been happier. I chose a name which suited me and I made it because of marriages, personal THE PROCESS could call me Becky. I’d never That night, I took an old tie with me out my own. preference, or a variety of other had a nickname as a guy in the backyard of the family home. It was a Self-naming is a process that’s special and reasons. For a trans person OF CREATING A and always wanted one, and brown tie with a design of the front wheel of unique to trans people. While cis people may though, and particularly for COMPLETELY NEW Rebecca came with a cool a Harley-Davidson, something I’d worn to rename themselves, for us it’s part of the a trans woman with a very IDENTITY FOR one built right in. What really Bar Mitzvahs and other special events. I tied process of creating a completely new identity masculine-sounding fi rst settled the question for me it around a low-hanging branch of an old oak for ourselves. It’s the titling of the true story of name like mine was, it’s huge. OURSELVES. IT’S THE though was that I liked the tree in the middle of the yard and set it on fi re. our lives. It’s a key rite of passage a TITLING OF THE TRUE way it looked in print and that transitioning trans person goes STORY OF OUR LIVES. fi t in well with my aspiration through and it impacts just to be a writer. In a way, Rebecca Juro is a nationally-published freelance about every aspect of our lives. naming myself Rebecca was journalist and radio talk show host who is the Media It wasn’t easy for me to fi nd a feminine name also making a promise to myself to pursue that Correspondent for The Advocate website. Her work has for myself I was comfortable with when I fi rst goal and so I found it fi tting on multiple levels. appeared in the Huffi ngton Post, the Washington Blade, came out. I bought a book of names for baby My middle name, Leigh, is the middle name Gay City News, the Albany Times Union, and The Advocate girls and went through it page by page. Many I my parents would have given me had I been magazine, among others. Rebecca lives in central New discarded out of hand because I just didn’t like born a girl. I decided that I liked it and that Jersey and shares her life with a somewhat antisocial cat. them. it too was comfortable and appropriate on

28 • 10.12.2016 ConviCtions guest

my attitUDe aDJUStment aBoUt Sex, Mark S. King gonorrHea, anD aDVoCaCy midst the happy haze of good news about that we are never exposed to, well, whatever. How diagnosis among gay men that has persisted since to group guidelines. Ryan had previously posted the effi cacy of PrEP in preventing new HIV many hoops must we jump through in order to fuck the year 2000. numerous articles that have taken a more Ainfections and the growing consensus that in a pleasurable way? We can’t win for losing. It isn’t clear from the CDC report whether circumspect view of PrEP or have reported on the people living with HIV who are undetectable an increase in syphilis screening might account prevalence of STI’s, and his work continues to be are not infectious, there is troubling news from While I stand by the basic tenants of my rant for the increase in reported syphilis cases. But posted and discussed in the group. the CDC in two new reports about the golden – gay men are held to a higher standard because still. “Although we have been treating syphilis The new CDC articles on gonorrhea and syphilis oldies of sexually transmitted infections (STI’s): we are viewed as sexual outlaws – new data runs eff ectively with penicillin for decades,” said CDC do not correlate the increase in STI’s to those rates of syphilis are on the rise and antibiotics to counter to my assertion that STI’s are “easily epidemiologist Cyprian Wejnert, the presenter using PrEP or to those who may have eschewed treat gonorrhea may be nearing the end of their treated and cured.” of the screening data, “the risks of not being condoms because they are HIV undetectable. usefulness. treated include visual impairment, damage to the But that doesn’t mean that people on both sides The news underscores a simmering tension haZardS ahead? nervous system, and stroke.” of a widening chasm between the cautious and between those of us who celebrate the lowered the sex-positive won’t try to score points from risk of HIV infection – and the diminishing role “If current trends continue, strains of Two hiV adVocacY caMPS the CDC report or attempt to dissect its accuracy. condoms might play in HIV prevention during gonorrhea could become resistant to all available oFTeN aT oddS Advocates trying to adhere to a singular message this new era of PrEP and being undetectable – antibiotics, putting the 800,000 Americans who can be touchy. Been there, wrote that. and the rise in reported cases of syphilis and contract the sexually transmitted infection (STI) And herein lies the tension. There are two As for me, I’ll switch to the combination platter, gonorrhea. And I don’t mind being the fi rst to call annually at risk of an untreatable case,” writes distinct schools of thought on modern gay sexual thanks. While I will continue to celebrate the myself out. Ben Ryan for POZ, citing a new CDC report. He politics and HIV, and too often they are loathe to breakthroughs that have given us more options to goes on to explain that at least one cluster of overlap. “fuck without fear,” as the notable and quotable reThiNKiNG MY GoNorrhea gonorrhea cases has begun to evade our current First, there are those, like me, who are thrilled PrEP advocate Damon Jacobs likes to say, I’m going NoSTalGia treatment arsenal and that’s why the CDC is that after a generation of mortal fear there are to dial back my cavalier posture about the risk of sounding the alarm about it. now ways for us to have pleasurable sex without being infected with an STI. In light of mounting In my cheeky post from last year, “My While gonorrhea remains universally condoms that does not pose a risk of HIV infection. data on STI’s, some of my own past writing makes Gonorrhea Nostalgia,” I argued that what was treatable, there is evidence of a weakening It is just that sense of liberation that has propelled me cringe. once a simple rite of passage for many gay men of current treatments, and there are no other much of my writing, such as “Your Mother Liked It The only constant in the world of HIV is – fi nding yourself at a clinic with the clap – has approved medications in the wings. Should Bareback,” and it has led to a welcome increase in change. I remember when taking an HIV test been judged and scorned so harshly these days untreatable strains begin to circulate, we may conversations about the value of sexual pleasure. was politically incorrect, when I took AZT every that it has “raised the bar” on what we consider to soon fi nd ourselves without an eff ective solution, And then, there are those who have been more four hours and, more recently, when I believed be acceptable gay sexual behavior. although a new drug in clinical trials is showing cautious, pointing out the risk of STI’s in general a simple case of gonorrhea was worthy of clever From that piece: some promise. and among those using PrEP in particular. This mirth. I’ve had an attitude adjustment. Meanwhile, yet another new CDC report, this has led to some acrimony. POZ science writer Ben While catching the clap might have once been When did avoiding every possible STI become one charting syphilis cases by state, reinforces Ryan, who has written quite a lot about PrEP, was an amusing rite of passage to me, it can have real the new goal for gay sexual behavior? Syphilis, data that syphilis cases have spiked 15%. In the blocked from the highly infl uential “PrEP Facts” and very serious consequences for someone else. chlamydia, and gonorrhea are all easily treated state-by-state comparison, a CDC graph shows Facebook page earlier this year for not adhering and cured. Scary campfi re tales of a spreading the largest increases are mostly located – you superbug impervious to all treatment have failed guessed it – in the South (congrats on your win, to materialize. The very idea of getting The Clap North Carolina, although your victory is a hollow again just makes me feel nostalgic. one since Georgia, the perennial favorite state for Mark S. King writes the award-winning blog, MyFabulousDisease.com. No longer is avoiding HIV the prime objective; syphilis, is not included for lack of reporting data). we must also now use a condom every time so The data also indicates an increase in syphilis

10.12.2016 • 29 HISTORY month

SFGN presents History Month The Black Panthers and the Perry Brass PGN Contributor Did Black Lives Matter then, too?

ew instances in the modern and meetings. It is diffi cult to imagine movement for gay and lesbian in this time of social networking and, Fequality (what we now call too often, cosmetics-deep “celebrity” the LGBT movement) produced as politics, any organization as dedicated much controversy — and turmoil to complete rebellion as the Panthers, — as the New York Gay Liberation or for that matter the Gay Liberation Front’s relationship with the Black Front. Panthers, a late 1960s-early 1970s And, at the same time, to imagine radical organization that stood for the any two organizations working complete overthrow of the capitalist together that fi t less comfortably with American government to achieve each other. equality for African-Americans. The Gay Liberation Front took The Gay Liberation Front was the most of its cues from and fi rst and most radical organization the feminist movement. Many of to be formed after the Stonewall its leaders were lesbians who later Riots (or Uprising) in June of 1969. I formed another group of their own, joined GLF in mid-November 1969, Radicalesbians. The Panthers tried and by this time there was already a to uphold a street-savvy, macho, defi nite, but not always comfortable, male-dominated image that often relationship between the two groups. contradicted the reality that women, For many GLF people, the Panthers in the face of so much violence were a complete model for their from the police (the “pigs” in 1960s own politics; both groups wanted parlance), did hold the Party together. revolutionary changes in society to Nevertheless, this inspired Black eff ect equality for all citizens, but in Panther Party leader Bobby Seal’s particular the constituents of these famous quote about the position of two groups: African-Americans and women in his organization: “The LGBT people. position of women in the Black The Panthers had many branches: Panther Party is prone!” a social-services wing, providing A short time after I joined GLF, breakfasts and a literacy program an inner circle in the group fl oated for poor black kids; a publishing a proposal that was even more and propaganda branch to publish controversial than usual: As a Panther papers and manifestos; a Revolutionary act, “in support of military branch that planned armed our black sisters and brothers,” GLF rebellions against the police and should donate $500 to the Panthers. the U.S. government; and a political (To give you an idea of how much branch that organized conferences money that was, rent on my rent- Demonstration in Trafalgar Square, with Gay Liberation Front banner, c1972

30 • 10.12.2016 HISTORY month controlled, Hell’s Kitchen fourth-fl oor most “normal” human feelings as well. walk-up apartment was $73 a month.) The gift also spurred a rush for some The money was raised by a weekly gay- politically active men to join the Gay community dance at Alternate University, a Activists Alliance, a newer competing group large space on 14th Street and Sixth Avenue started by ex-GLFers who only wanted a that was home to many radical organizations single-issue, gay-focused organization that and their activities. Admission to the would appeal basically to white, middle- dances was $1.50. class men. The dances were put on by a “cell,” or A short time afterwards, Huey Newton committee, of GLF that was itself split by this came out with a speech that on one hand proposal. Some cell members felt that the delighted some GLFers, while infuriating money, since it came from the community, others. He said about women and gays that, should only go back to it. There were young because of the depth of their oppression, street queens sleeping on sidewalks or out they could be as “revolutionary as anyone, on the piers on the Hudson; older gays and maybe even more so,” despite the fact that, lesbians struggling to eat; and, also, an for many black men, their fi rst gut reaction idea fl oating around that we should start with women was “to tell them to shut up,” our own community center. In addition, and with gays was, well, to — “punch them many lesbians felt that our money should in the face.” be directly supporting feminist causes, This speech became a litmus test for like upholding abortion rights or providing many GLF men and women. It was as if shelters for abused women. Newton had given us some recognition and , an older very “alpha” leader spit on us at the same time. In some ways, it of the pro-Panther faction (he was in his only reinforced an image of rampant black mid-40s; I was in my rage toward others, early 20s), gave an refl ecting, still, the impassioned speech endless psychological to the overwhelmingly What they did and physical oppression white GLF membership, of black men and exhorting us that we had not see was that women. to give the money to the this was the first Steve Gavin, who Panthers. “Think about time that an open worked with me on the every time you ever GLF newspaper “Come used the word ‘nigger’ and actively gay Out!” was particularly or ‘spic,’ every time you organization had livid. He called the yourself ever oppressed donation to the Panthers black people just by embraced another and the adoration of being white in a racist oppressed their macho image world. Think about that. “oppressor-sucking.” given credit for the good they did, at a time acquitted. Bird was held in the House of That is why we need to group, as part He had come, as I did, when it was considered normal for African- D for months. Davis, a brilliant political give this money to our of recognizing from an impoverished Americans to live in subhuman conditions. theorist, actually was not, but the vigils sisters and brothers in a common background, and scoff ed GLF made a practice of standing with outside the women’s prison were for the Panthers.” at many of the GLFers two Black Panther women held inside the both women, as well as for all the women There was more oppression with from comfortably infamous Women’s House of Detention inside. Davis was arrested in New York discussion, but we fi nally them. middle-class origins on Greenwich Avenue in the West after being implicated in Panther George agreed and a check for “sucking up to the same Village, on the other side of the Jeff erson Jackson’s escape plot from a courthouse $500 was given to them. people who oppress us.” Market Courthouse, which later became in Marin County, Calif. Jackson became It was a turning point in The gift to the Panthers the Jefferson Market Library. GLFers the subject of Bob Dylan’s mournful dirge this explosive period of gay politics. A lot did cause many women to drop out of GLF, participated in weekly vigils and protests “George Jackson,” which became a hit song of older, old-school activists who had been and some men to feel that we were only at the Women’s House of D. The women of the civil-rights movement. Davis was Mattachine Society members were self- playing at radicalism, using a checkbook were Angela Davis and Joan Bird. Bird later tried in California and acquitted of righteously sure this was going to be the instead of walking dangerous picket lines was arrested in 1970 at the age of 19 for all charges, but not before spending many last nail in the coffi n of the rambunctiously and openly confronting the cops about being part of the Panther 21: 21 members months behind bars there. youthful Gay Liberation Front: These violence in minority communities. who were accused of trying to blow up We now understand that Black Lives self-styled gay “radicals” were only trying What they did not see was that this was buildings in the Bronx, including the Bronx Matter. The truth was the Gay Liberation to buy a politically correct version of the fi rst time that an open and actively Botanic Garden. All 21 of the Panthers were Front understood this in 1970. “righteousness” — wrapped inside a gay organization had embraced another distorted mirror-image of tough street oppressed group, as part of recognizing credibility — by funding an organization a common oppression with them. The Perry Brass’s 19 books include fi ction, nonfi ction, poetry and short stories. that was from the outset under constant history of the Black Panthers in the U.S. His latest nonfi ction book is “The Manly Pursuit of Desire and Love” and latest police surveillance. It fanned a smug was horrifying. Many of them were shot novel is “King of Angels,” a gay coming-of-age story set in Savannah, Ga., in the Kennedy era. His work often deals with the heartfelt feelings of men and reaction also within the broader gay down by cops, had their homes burnt out women that came from his radical roots in New York’s Gay Liberation Front. He community itself, that still shared an or bulldozed, were imprisoned on phony is a founding coordinator of the New York Rainbow Book Fair and writes often attitude that everything to do with narcotics charges, had their mail and for the Huffi ngton Post. More info: www.perrybrass.com. blackness was outside us — and outside phones tampered with and were never

10.12.2016 • 31 HISTORY month The Forgotten Tragedy Before Pulse, there was the UpStairs Lounge in New Orleans Christiana Lilly

n New Orleans’ French Quarter, motivating him to write his book, “Let the Th e site of the Upstairs Lounge fi re. countless people walk the intersection Faggots Burn.” It took more than two decades Photo by Christiana Lilly. Iof Iberville Street and Chartres Street, before he found a publisher who thought it perhaps to grab a drink at The Jimani, a bite was a story worth telling. at the Backspace Bar & Kitchen, or breakfast Filmmaker Robert Camina learned about at Daisy Dukes. the fi re after he completed his documentary But look down, and a bronze plaque is on the Rainbow Room raid, an incident eerily embedded in the brick sidewalk, one with a similar to that at Stonewall. As he looked into fl ame and the names of 32 perished souls. the fi re, he decided to make a fi lm and released Beneath a neon sign reading Dixie Divas, it sits “Upstairs Inferno” in 2015. at the feet of a burgundy door that houses the It took three years of poring over records story of the UpStairs Lounge. buried in archives, interviews, and multiple It was June 24, 1973, nearly four years to the trips to New Orleans to complete the day of the infamous raid at the documentary. in , when a gathering of LGBT “It is as signifi cant as Stonewall and Harvey people and their allies Milk and other benchmark were laughing over drinks. moments of LGBT history, By the end of the night, “This story was yet no one talks about it, 29 were dead and another hidden for so long no one knows about it,” he three would later die from said. “I felt that the story their injuries. and the question needed to be told.” The next day, The Times- is often asked The Upstairs Lounge Picayune devoted its front of me, why don’t was located on the second page to the fi re, headlined we know about fl oor of a three-story “29 KILLED IN QUARTER building that still stands BLAZE” and printed a it? Why was it today. A gay bar and also photo of onlookers in front hidden for so long? the home of gay-friendly of the charred building, as It’s important Community well as a portrait of a man to preserve our Church services, a in horror as he took in the gathering of LGBT people damage. history. Because if and their allies were “I was 11 years old and we don’t tell our laughing over drinks. Just I saw the front page of the stories, who will?” before 8 p.m., a buzzer at newspaper,” remembers the door alerted patrons Johnny Townsend. “There that someone’s cab had was that picture of Rusty - Robert Camina arrived. When a man Quinton on the front cover Filmmaker opened the door, a wall of looking up in horror at the fi re exploded into the bar. bar. The expression on his Patrons were trapped — face really struck me deeply.” some attempted to jump out of the windows, To this day, no one has been arrested for the but they were blocked by steel bars while others fi re, and until recently, the tragedy disappeared were able to escape through a back door with into history. the help of a bar employee. Outside, people Townsend didn’t know the UpStairs Lounge looked on as the fl ames engulfed the building. was a gay bar until he came out. He was curious The body of the Rev. Bob Larson hung out the to learn more, and found that the newspapers front window in his attempt to escape, his hair didn’t print too much on the incident — even and clothing burning. He would remain there a lecture on New Orleans’ devastating fi res left for hours, no one bothering to cover him. out the tragedy. Thirty-two people in all were killed by “It killed more people than any other fi re [in smoke inhalation or burns and 15 were New Orleans], including the two that almost injured. Three of the deceased are still listed Johnny Townsend, the author of “Let the wiped out the city altogether,” he said. simply as “unknown white male;” they may Faggots Burn.” Photo by Larry Graham. People recommended he speak to one have been in town visiting or their families person after another who was there that night, may have refused to claim their bodies. It was

32 • 10.12.2016 HISTORY month the largest massacre of LGBT people until that these were real people. They may not the Orlando nightclub shooting earlier this have been the most interesting or wonderful, year. To this day, no one has been arrested but they were real,” Townsend said. for the arson — the general consensus is In terms of its impact on LGBT history, that Rodger Nunez, who was thrown out of the plaque on the site of the fi re proclaims the bar just before the fi re, did it. He killed that the tragedy gave rise to the equality himself a year later. movement in the Crescent City. Not everyone “There might have been some agrees with that sentiment — the LGBT embarrassment and shame that the community in the city just wasn’t ready to probable suspect was a member of the LGBT stand up yet. community, that it was possibly perpetrated “There wasn’t a bright silver lining in by one of our own,” Camina said. the wake of the fi re, like after Stonewall,” The next day, newspapers published Camina said of the motivation to fi ght after graphic details and photographs from the the iconic raid. “There wasn’t like this huge blaze, as was customary in journalism at community emerging and digging their heels the time. The photo of Larson’s body in into the ground saying, ‘We’re not going to the window was published on the front take this anymore.’ There wasn’t just this big page of The Times-Picayune and the writer activist uprising.” described a man begging for help from Townsend agrees. someone to remove a nickel from his pocket “The fi re itself didn’t do it,” he said. “Gay to make a phone call, his fi ngers too badly people were still just too pressed down injured to do it himself, the moans of victims … I don’t know that the great community in the hospital as nurses mopped up blood, noticed anything, and it was probably just a and a doctor removing dead skin from a small thing in the gay community, but it was patient. a certainly noticed.” On the radio, DJs joked that the ashes Now, decades after the arson at the of the dead could be stored in fruit jars. UpStairs Lounge, more and more people Passersby made comments like “I hope it are becoming aware of what happened. In burned their dresses off .” Neither the mayor the world premiere of “Upstairs Inferno,” of New Orleans or the governor of Louisiana on the 42rd anniversary of the fi re, Camina acknowledged the tragedy. brought together survivors, witnesses, fi rst The Rev. Troy Perry traveled to the city responders, and the fi re marshal for the from Los Angeles to aid the victims. He screening. Many had not seen each other in told NPR that one man, a schoolteacher, decades. was fi red from his job as he lay in the burn The fi lm has been accepted into its 35th ward — he died the next day. The reverend fi lm festival and has received rave reviews called multiple churches asking for them to from both mainstream and LGBT festivals. host the funeral services. He received laughs “This story was hidden for so long and or hang ups until fi nally a Methodist church the question is often asked of me, why don’t agreed. we know about it? Why was it hidden for “The main point of my book was that … I so long?” Camina said. “It’s important to wanted to give a little capsule of what each preserve our history. Because if we don’t tell person was like, I wanted people to know our stories, who will?”

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

Featured on the cover of the Two 954-267-9005 Locations! 754-779-7007 documentary “Upstairs Inferno.” 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

10.12.2016 • 33 HISTORY month

Photos: Facebook.

Who You Gonna Call? New web series “Queer Ghost Hunters” blends thrill with LGBT history Paige Cooperstein Philadelphia Gay News

ast December, seven LGBT people “We all really cut our teeth on Licking “Gay people have been around forever On the drive, Gum also rattled off a list approached the cells that fi rst County Jail,” said Lori Gum, the program in all walks of life,” Priddy said. “I’m sure of new programs at Stonewall Columbus, Lhoused inmates in 1889 at the and pride coordinator at Stonewall most people don’t think of a gay sheriff ending matter-of-factly with the Queer Licking County Historic Jail in Newark, Columbus. in the 1930s. Does Ghost Hunters. Ohio, about 40 miles east of Columbus. anybody think of She and Shane They hoped to fi nd LGBT ghosts. A Series Is Born lesbian nuns? It’s a McClelland, a former staff er It had to happen at night — not for any broad history.” from the LGBT center, had creeping fear, but for the ghost hunters’ From there, the team visited several Gum and “That is very dabbled in ghost hunting ability to tune their senses. There was no other sites in Ohio, Kentucky and West Maddux had been attractive for fun and found the traffi c and no light. They came prepared Virginia. discussing LGBT “presumed heterosexuality” with dowsing rods to ask yes or no Stu Maddux, the fi lmmaker behind LGBT history when she to me, to be “irritating.” People would questions and recording equipment to documentaries like “Gen Silent,” followed picked him up digging up ask male spirits if they had capture “electronic voice phenomena,” the Queer Ghost Hunters for a web series for the LGBTFest a wife and children. That’s called EVP, which are noted in paranormal of the same name. In time for the kickoff fi lm festival in history from a when Gum decided to bring circles as a way to hear spirits’ speech. of LGBT History Month, the show debuted Columbus last year. new perspective. Queer Ghost Hunters to Scott Priddy had come across a fl ier for Oct. 1 with further episodes set for release He was in town to Stonewall Columbus. Queer Ghost Hunters around Halloween. every Friday on YouTube. The fi rst season host a Q&A for his We’re coming “I stared at her for 10 He went to a meeting organized by includes six episodes, each 8-10 minutes latest fi lm, “The in with a queer seconds,” Maddux said. Stonewall Columbus, the LGBT community long. A Kickstarter campaign, at http:// Reel in the Closet,” “I thought instantly this center for central Ohio, and joined a small ow.ly/HmNe304Je6n, also launched this which features eye” is going to be my next group that visited the jail. month to raise funds for a second season. home movies of documentary.” “They called me ‘ghost bait,’” Priddy “We work really hard to balance the fun LGBT people dating - Lori Gum In the last year, Maddux said. “I seem to attract the ghosts.” of the series and the thrill of the ghost hunt back to the 1930s. Program and Pride Coordinator has traveled to Ohio a In his fi rst time ghost hunting, Priddy with the history,” Gum said. “That’s sort of “It’s not history at Stonewall Columbus couple times a month. He’s connected with a sheriff . He said he felt a our magic potion.” so much as it is based in San Francisco and strong tingling and buzzing. All the hair on Katy Detrow became the historian for seeing ourselves in works with his husband Joe his arms stood up. Others said the sheriff the Queer Ghost Hunters, looking up the past,” Maddux Applebaum on producing followed Priddy around and fl irted with records of LGBT people who lived and died said. “It makes you feel like you’re part of the web series. Maddux said the Queer him. in the places they investigate. a people.” Ghost Hunters team keeps him motivated.

34 • 10.12.2016 HISTORY month

“They’re all very smart and funny She added, “There’s nothing that bonds people and really into it and skeptical as you to someone quicker than having the well,” he said. bejesus scared out of you.” Kai Stone, one of the younger members A Team Of History Buffs of the team, had gone on a ghost hunt about a decade ago with people who Many of the Queer Ghost Hunters considered themselves straight and cis- described themselves as history buff s. gender. It was before Stone transitioned. Before a visit to the Ohio State Reformatory “With queer people, I thought I’d feel TREATMENT FOR: — where the movie “Shawshank comfortable,” said Stone, who’s had a ▶ BACK PAIN Redemption” takes place — Gum and longtime interest in the supernatural, ▶ NECK PAIN Detrow went to the Ohio Historical Society. but never thought about connecting with ▶ JOINT DISEASE They found records for 67 people, LGBT spirits. ▶ HIV NEUROPATHY many teenage boys, who were convicted One experience that stuck with Stone ▶ HEADACHES of sodomy and sent to the reformatory. A was a Valentine’s Day visit with the Queer ▶ SHINGLES separate wing of the prison was dedicated Ghost Hunters to Prospect Place, a 19th- ▶ PRP AND STEM CELL THERAPY to these inmates, several of whom century mansion in Ohio. died there, according to the records. “A ghost named Sophie initially didn’t At the reformatory, the ghost hunters trust us,” Stone said. “We told our stories PROCEDURES OFFERED: shared their own coming-out stories and she started talking about her lover ▶ EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTIONS to encourage a connection with those Ana. [You have] these people living in a ▶ JOINT INJECTIONS ▶ BACK BRACES inmates. mansion, upscale lives, and still having to ▶ SPINAL CORD STIMULATION “That is very attractive to me, to hide [their sexuality].” ▶ PHYSICAL & MASSAGE THERAPY be digging up history from a new In season two, Stone hopes to fi nd a ▶ BOTOX (COSMETIC & THERAPEUTIC) perspective,” Gum said. “We’re coming in transgender or gender-nonconforming ▶ RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION with a queer eye.” ghost. Stone said that might be possible by She said it also encourages young LGBT investigating sites connected to the Civil people to take an interest in their past. War, when some women presented as men “So many of our Queer Ghost Hunters to join the military. are young people, under 30,” Gum said. “I really hope we can turn ghost hunting “It really bridges the generation gap in our into a fun experience where you can LGBT community. I’ve never seen a better connect with others,” Stone said. “I hope way to connect these young people to the more folks feel comfortable to fi nd that lives of their LGBT forbearers.” history.” NEW LOCATION NOW OPEN!! 1164 E. OAKLAND PARK BLVD. SUITE 201 OAKLAND PARK, FL 33334 TOM MACEK, MD NEEL AMIN, MD Board Certi ed in: Board Certi ed in: T: 954.678.1074 | F: 954.938.2127 ANESTHESIOLOGY ANESTHESIOLOGY AMERICANPAINEXPERTS.COM PAIN MANAGEMENT PAIN MANAGEMENT medicare & private insurance accepted

Paige Cooperstein has worked as a reporter for the past fi ve years. She graduated from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications with a master’s degree in arts journalism.

10.12.2016 • 35 HISTORY month Fighting With Fruit Anita Bryant’s long lasting legacy Christiana Lilly

banana cream pie was a part of one of the As Bryant and her husband celebrated, he kissed his Images courtesy of the most iconic moments in the gay liberation wife for the cameras. Stonewall Museum. A movement. “This is what heterosexuals do, fellas!” he joked to Anita Bryant, a chart-topping songstress who a laughing crowd. used her fame to fi ght “homosexual militants,” was However, they weren’t done — homosexuality speaking at a press conference in Des Moines, Iowa wasn’t just a Miami problem, it was widespread and in 1977 when an activist, Tom Higgins, threw the pie needed to be fought. She would travel the country in her face. to spread the message of protecting children against “Well, at least it’s a fruit pie,” she scoff ed. homosexuals and worked to overturn, sometimes Her husband, Bob Green, then encouraged his successfully, other protective ordinances. wife to pray for Higgins. She prayed for him and his Fliers were sent to homes across the country “deviant” lifestyle as she wiped away cream from her warning parents of the dangers of having gay face, crying. teachers. In one, a donation could be sent back to Lee Lawson, an Iowa native who was in Des Moines the Crusade for Morality with a check box showing protesting Bryant’s visit that day, didn’t witness the the person was against gays being allowed to teach incident in person, but word spread quickly. or be ordained, in favor of prayers in public schools, “Some of us were excited and some of us were and stricter control of sex and violence on television. embarrassed,” he said of the bold move, one some “She was very strongly disliked by the liberal and felt was too bold. “One of the gay community,” Lawson said. things you had to be aware of And they fought back. Lawson is there was a large anti-war remembers people going into movement and we were trying It was in supermarkets and slicing to keep ourselves separate from October 1977 open orange juice containers. that. They were a lot bigger and a The Florida Citrus Boycott lot more active than we were. We that she made Committee encouraged people were trying to do our own thing.” her infamous to boycott Florida citrus products No matter the reason, Bryant and instead purchase other was a huge roadblock in the fi ght stop in Des fruit juices or orange products for LGBT rights. from other states. Celebrities A former beauty queen, she Moines and was also stood behind the equality had a healthy music career and hit in the face movement. eventually became “the orange It was in October 1977 that juice lady” as a spokeswoman for by the banana she made her infamous stop the Florida Citrus Commission. in Des Moines and was hit in She sang in commercials and cream pie. the face by the banana cream delivered the tagline “Breakfast pie. Two years later, the Florida without orange juice is like a day Citrus Commission allowed her without sunshine.” contract to lapse. Then, in 1980, Green and Bryant She stepped onto the American main stage in 1977, divorced, despite her religious convictions. however, when Miami-Dade County passed a local Even though her mission was over, the damage ordinance protecting gay people from workplace had already been done. The LGBT rights movement discrimination. A devout Christian, she was horrifi ed was weakened by Bryant, and the fi nal blow was the by the thought of gay people teaching children and HIV/AIDS crisis. launched the Save Our Children campaign to repeal “She slowed us down because she made a direct the ordinance. assault,” Lawson said. In an ad in the Miami Herald, the group wrote, However, the silver lining in the health crisis was “The other side of the homosexual coin is a it brought the LGBT community together to provide hair-raising pattern of recruitment and outright support for those suff ering from the disease and the seduction and molestation — a growing pattern that formation of better-organized groups. predictably will intensify if society approves law The movement may have been knocked down, but granting legitimacy of sexual perverts.” decades later marriage equality is the law of the land x Her campaign, eventually renamed the Crusade and more protections are trickling from state to state. for Morality, drew a large following and the Little did Bryant know how lethal a little banana ordinance was repealed with 69 percent support. pie, or orange juice, could be.

36 • 10.12.2016 LIFESAVER

useacondom.com

10.12.2016 • 37 FEATURE southern comfort conference a tranSition in SoUtHern ComFort

Famous Transgender conference returns to Broward

Two anonymous guests sit together outside the Bonaventure resort and Spa. Photo credit: Steven Shires.

Brendon Lies

or twenty-six years, one thing always remained the There was one thing that truly held everyone together since the very beginning of the SCC, many of whom have same. at the conference, and that was their experience in the traveled across the country to experience just a glimpse of F Inside the bustling halls of the convention, there transgender community. authenticity year after year. was a powerful sense of relief in the air. For the second consecutive year, Broward County However, not everything was deja vu for the conference. Whether guests were young or old, male or female, were had the pleasure of welcoming the Southern Comfort As the transgender movement has begun to see itself from a small Wisconsin suburb or New York City, there Conference (SCC), one of the largest gatherings of the trans pushed farther into the spotlight, many members at the was no holding back smiles or even hugs from each other. community in the world. Closeted trans women and men, conference began to hint at their own eagerness for more From the shimmering poolside to the elegant dining hall, allies, openly-trans activists and partners of transgender inclusion of faces from a younger and more evolved side of everyone chatted together fondly as though they were individuals alike spent the week at the Bonaventure Resort the trans community. speaking to long-lost family. and Spa in Weston from Sept. 27 through Oct. 1. Nonetheless for those who attended this year, whether If it weren’t for Richard Gray, the LGBTQ Managing young or old, all quickly found their sense of comfort in Director for the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB, the Southern exploring the vast selection of events and guests that the Comfort Conference would not have made it to the conference once again successfully had to off er. OVER THE YEARS, THE SOUTHERN welcoming arms of Broward County. COMFORT CONFERENCE “LGBTQ spells people,” said Richard Gray, speaking GUeSTS FroM Near aNd Far HAS WELCOMED OVER 400 on the importance of the conference. “And love knows PRESENTERS FROM NEAR AND no boundaries. It is time for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Over the years, the Southern Comfort Conference has Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to emphasize the welcomed over 400 presenters from near and far to shed FAR TO SHED LIGHT ON THE importance of the ‘T’ in LGBT.” light on the transgender experience. These speakers range TRANSGENDER EXPERIENCE. True to his word, Gray played an essential role in carrying from doctors to transgender celebrity icons, all eagerly the conference through its second year. The bustling open to conversing with guests on a range of topics. resort was proud to welcome guests who had been present

38 • 10.12.2016 FEATURE southern comfort conference

eyes on Maloney for a new reason as she expectations of their gender identity, further began her transition into life as a woman. risking their exposure as a trans person. Maloney not only spent time signing For so long, the Southern Comfort personalized messages in copies of her book, Conference has provided many people in “Frankly Kellie,” but she found plenty of time these situations a chance to explore and to mingle with other conference members, grow comfortable in their bodies without a eagerly absorbing the stories of those around fear of judgment. her. This year, however, marked a surprising “I loved listening to Schuyler, I thought new topic amongst those who participated that was brilliant,” Maloney said, reminiscing in the conference. over the talk that the trans man gave earlier As the times have changed, so has the that week. Prior to the conference, Maloney typical demographic of the transgender said, she had little experience with the male community. Because of this, many have side of the community – a rift that is not suggested that it may be time for some unusual amongst transgender people. younger faces – especially from the largely It is rifts such as these that the Southern invisible trans male community – to get Comfort conference looks to fi x. involved with determining the programming and events at future conferences. Kellie Maloney. a TraNSiTioN For “The identity of the conference needs to change,” said Atticus Ranck, the Director of Photo credit: Steven Shires. SoUTherN coMForT Transgender Services at Sunserve. “As the In past years, the Southern Comfort community changes, the conference needs Many conference seminars involved topics opportunity to speak in person with him. Conference’s demographic typically refl ected to change with it.” relating to surgical options for physically Perhaps none traveled farther to a greater number of older guests in the trans- Much of this is an inevitable result of the transitioning, such as the presentation given participate in the conference than Kellie feminine spectrum. There are a number of paradigm shift that the trans community by Dr. Sherman Leis from Pennsylvania who Maloney, the British boxing manager and reasons for this, as trans women face greater has undergone in the past few years. As spoke about his experiences performing promoter. Maloney’s leadership is credited pressure in society to pass for their own more youth begin to feel comfortable gender confi rmation surgeries. Local with guiding Lennox Lewis on his path to the safety. Those who discover their identity later enough to transition, there has been a transgender-friendly practitioners included Undisputed Heavyweight Championship of in life have the additional struggle of making rapid succession of changes within the Dr. Russell Sassani, who was featured on the World. Yet in 2014, the world turned its up lost time when picking up the behavioral transgender community. an episode of TLC’s “I Am Jazz” just this summer. Like last year, many of the conference’s topics also focused much more on Stefanie Schumacher psychology. A session was once again off ered (left), alexis dee, to help mentally assist those who do not richard Gray, christy have the support to transition at home and anderson, and Phyllis are forced to return to the closet. Other sessions focused on spirituality, how to Mccall were the practice voice modifi cation, and even how to strongest minds behind communicate with a cisgender partner who putting this year’s is not necessarily well-acquainted with the conference together. politically correct way to approach topics of Photo credit: Steven Shires. transition. Yet also like last year, the special guests stole the show. Late Friday night, the conference showed “Uncle Gloria: One Helluva Ride.” The award- winning fi lm is based on the true story of the trans activist Gloria Stein, who was present at the conference during the screening. Also present during the conference was Sarah McBride, the National Press Secretary of the Human Rights Campaign. There was even an all-levels dance workshop led by popular ftm choreographer Sean Dorsey. Also on the trans-masculine end, the conference had the pleasure of welcoming Schuyler Bailar, a trans male athlete who swims for Harvard University. He is the fi rst openly transgender NCAA Division I swimmer, as well as the fi rst known NCAA Division 1 trans male to compete as a man in any sport. Thanks to the SCC, guests had the

10.12.2016 • 39 FEATURE southern comfort conference

As a result of discriminatory laws such as Amphitheatre Excursion pick-up HB-2 in North Carolina, transgender rights have undeniably hit the mainstream media, CONFERENCE CENTER further molding the idea of what gender identity refers to in society. “I found in a lot of conversations that people from diff erent generations have very diff erent perspectives,” said Sarah Nicole, a new speaker at the conference whose session delved deep into her own experience as the partner of a trans person. Those who have already stepped forward Restaurant from a younger demographic have already Ballroom found Southern Comfort to be a powerful platform for change. Both young and old alike spoke of the conference as an incredible opportunity awaiting the transgender Pool community in Southern Florida — if they Marketplace choose to embrace it. As mentioned, the SCC off ers a range of engaging activities each year centered entirely around the needs of trans individuals, from a marketplace where meaning it’s up to the local community hoMe iS where The Only at the SCC were many guests fi nally vendors off er specialized products to meet- how the conference is run in future years. hearT iS free to dress authentically as they lounged and-greets with international transgender Anyone is welcome to get involved if they’re together at the bar. Regardless of anyone’s celebrities. interested in contributing. appearance, the welcoming staff of the Even as many discussed which ways that Yet there are also typically a range of Lexi Dee emphasized the importance of resort shunned not a single person’s identity. the conference will be able to grow in the entertaining activities, such as excursions to welcoming a younger crowd, which would Trans women were free to sip wine without future, it was evident when walking around the Everglades, a trip to Las Olas Boulevard allow for a fresh new perspective in how to fear of judgment, regardless of how polished that the resort was above all a sanctuary. and multiple wildly successful karaoke bring the trans community together. their makeup skills were. The calm atmosphere of the Bonaventure nights, to name a few. “We need to get the younger people No matter what the future brings for both Resort and Spa was fi lled to the brim Ultimately the conference is a group eff ort, involved,” said Dee. “We really do.” the trans community as well as the Southern with transgender guests who were able to Comfort Conference, it’s apparent that the express themselves in any way they felt conference will always carry its legacy as a comfortable. Schuylar Bailar. sanctuary for anyone in need of a true home For as far as society has come in the march Photo credit: Steven Shires. away from home. for transgender equality, this is still the one week per year that many are fi nally able to truly express themselves. alwaYS MoViNG Not only did the pool allow many guests Forward to try on their appropriate swimming suits for the fi rst time free of judgment, but the As the transgender community continues hugely popular karaoke night gave guests an to march forward on the shaky ground of opportunity to practice their voice in a safe the current political climate, one thing is still atmosphere. guaranteed at the end of the day. “It was a lot more lit than I expected,” said The Southern Comfort Conference will a fi rst-time guest at Thursday night’s karaoke proudly return to Broward next year, giving who asked to remain anonymous. shelter to a community that is increasingly While the conference typically focuses tossed into the limelight. primarily on its seminars and guests who Many guests are eager to see what ways the give the trans community a chance to conference will begin to grow based on those network with experienced professionals, it’s who step forward, but the Southern Comfort the warm environment that draws guests Conference will continue to strive for its back year after year. reputation as a refreshing safe space for trans In fact, for many guests, Southern Comfort people to network and grow together. is their only chance to show themselves “The only reason we do this is to help authentically. While more and more trans people,” Dee said proudly on Saturday, still people have found acceptance in their lives catching her breath after Saturday night’s at home, others have built lives that would formal ballroom dinner. “We’ve had people be too diffi cult or even impossible to walk here say, ‘you’ve changed my life,’ we’ve even away from. had people say ‘you’ve saved my life.’”

For more information on attending or contributing to the Southern Comfort Conference in the coming years, visit sccfl l.org

40 • 10.12.2016 The 14th Annual 2016

Join us for this sparkling, fun event in support and celebration of the inspiring and successful work of Equality Florida Browardthat includes delicious cocktails, sumptuous culinary delights, dancing, Equality FloridaGala CEO Nadine Smith’s annual “state of the state” address, and the presentation of the Voice For Equality Award to superstar Martina Navratilova. You’re Invited!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2016 5-8PM 1140 Seabreeze Boulevard PRESENTED BY B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale TICKETS $175 COCKTAIL ATTIRE For questions or to RSVP visit www.eqfl.org/browardgala or call (813) 870-3735 Sponsorship opportunities begin at $500. Please contact Row Iliescu at [email protected] or call 305-335-2102 for details.

Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. All net proceeds directly benefit Equality Florida Institute, a tax exempt 501c3 non-profit organization. Statewide Sponsors

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE EQUALITY FLORIDA INSTITUTE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN FLORIDA (1.800.435.7352). REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION #CH7992.

10.12.2016 • 41 LIFESTYLE photos BodYTeK’S New locaTioN Following the incredible success of Bodytek in Wynwood, the gym was recently proud to move to a new much larger facility just down the street.

J.R. Davis

Vinna Rouge Bolanos with Beatriz Cosio

The proud family at Bodytek

Trey, Phillip Buchanon, Audrey Edmonson, Bryant No holding back! McKinnie, and Mikey

42 • 10.12.2016 LIFESTYLE books Sendin our reader war wishe thi Yo Kippur

Sincerel, th staff of SFGN

‘aCCePteD: How tHe FirSt gay SUPerStar CHangeD wwe’ by Pat Patterson with Bertrand Hebert, foreword by Vincent K. McMahon Terri Schlichenmeyer c.2016, ECW Press

ou are the champion $25.95 / $27.95 Canada of all-time. Nobody can beat you; nobody 258 pages canY even tie your record. When it comes to thumb-wrestling, you know all the moves and you really throw your arm into it for developed a ring persona. Also in Boston, the win. Hands-down, you’re the best. So he was set up with a man who “looked now read “Accepted” by Pat Patterson (with spectacular,” and with whom Patterson fell Bertrand Hebert) and take it to the mat. in love; he brought Louie Dondero into his Pierre Clermont understood poverty. act and his life for the next many decades, As one of eleven children plus parents and they traveled the world on behalf in a two-bedroom apartment in a poor of Patterson’s career. And though their Montreal neighborhood, he was acquainted relationship and their sexuality might have with lacks of privacy, hot water and food. seemed out-of-place in an über-macho He and his younger brother slept in a industry like pro-wrestling, says Patterson, closet, because there was nowhere else to “being gay turned out not to be an issue at sleep. all.” Perhaps because he was one of a crowd Or was it? Did it have anything to do with at home, young Pierre longed to set himself the “scandal” to which author Pat Patterson apart and he loved to “create a show and (with Bertrand Hebert) mysteriously get a crowd to come out and watch.” He alludes? Plenty is said about old friends, thought of becoming a priest, joining the old matches and off -work high-jinks but circus, or somehow performing, so when “Accepted” only merely bumps into that his mother found a ticket to a wrestling subject about which fans still argue. match as a premium with a loaf of bread, But what’s in here for non-fans? Pierre became determined to see that show. Well, not much. Patterson’s love of He was right — it was a life-changer. pranks is clear in this book, which makes Pierre fell in love with wrestling and, it mildly entertaining, and there are many because he knew someone whose father times when he points out how times have was a promoter, he began training to be a changed. That’s interesting but, for non- pro wrestler. He changed his name to Pat fans, those bits are overwhelmed by names, Patterson and, at around that time, he also travels, venues, organizations and more began to understand why “girls just weren’t names that might not make much sense. doing it for me.” He was gay, an ultimate Yes, you’ll fi nd a story of an openly-gay admission that got him kicked out of the athlete at a closeted time in history in this family home. book, but there’s a lot to sort through to get In Boston — his next home of many — there. Non-fans might want to think twice Patterson had to learn English while he about reading it, but for pro-wrestling worked his way up the pro-wrestling ladder. followers, “Accepted” is two thumbs up. He became the “bad guy” on the mat, and

10.12.2016 • 43 LIFESTYLE television Photo: Turner 5 BeSt lgBt momentS in KiD’S CartoonS Brittany Ferrendi

howard and harold Nikki also shares her excitement with her friends, who point out the obvious. “She’s McBride, totally into you,” her friend Caitlin Cooke “The loud house” tells her. Nikki tries to figure out the truth for sure, For the first time in its history, Nickelodeon but Jean catches on and shuts it all down. broke boundaries by featuring their first “Nik, if you’re trying to find out if I’m gay, interracial gay couple. it’s okay to just ask,” Jean bluntly tells her. Clyde McBride is the best friend of the “Yes, I’m into girls, and I’m really flattered, but main character Lincoln Loud in Nickelodeon I already have a date for the dance tonight.” television series “The Loud House.” Clyde has Nikki and Jean remain friends, and we two fathers — a fact that becomes apparent even get to see Jean with her date at the Sadie during the episode titled “Overnight Success.” Hawkin’s. In the episode, which aired in July of this year, Clyde’s parents Harold and Howard take him to a sleepover at Lincoln’s home. This is Sheriff Blubs and deputy when we see that Clyde has, in fact, two dads. durand, “Time to make history,” Lincoln says right “” before he opens the door to reveal Clyde and his parents. True in more ways than one, it Gravity Falls creator once told seems. Reddit that he “would love to (have an LGBT The best part about this scene is it pays character on the show) but I doubt they’d little attention to the fact that they are a ever let me do it in kids T.V.” gay couple. In fact, none of the characters “But man I would if I could,” he added. mention it at all — the scene focuses instead Well, he could — and did, in the season on how the two men are overprotective of finale of Disney XD’s “Gravity Falls” that their son. premiered in Feburary of this year. “I feel like they handled that really well,” The show follows siblings Dipper and said Twitter user @ZenkaiPowuh. “Didn't Mabel Pines on their supernatural adventures make it too obvious, let it feel natural and during their summer vacation at their great unassuming like a regular family.” uncle’s tourist trap in the fictional town of “Not only a married gay couple, but Gravity Falls. interracial, AND a positive portrayal as Two minor characters, Sheriff Blubs and loving, dutiful parents who are funny!,” user his Deputy Durand, have relatively minor @TimberPuppers added. appearances throughout the series. But at The two parents give their son an the very end of the season finale, the men assortment of things for his sleepover, such declared love for one another. as his pajamas, a dehumidifier, earplugs and The men, waving tasers around more. Then, Harold breaks down in tears threateningly, claim that they are “mad when he realizes he won’t be able to tuck his with power.” Immediately after, they look son in at night. into each other’s eyes, drop their tasers and His partner holds him and reminds him he embrace one another, adding that they are has to let go. also “in love!” “im (sic) glad that sheriff blubs and deputy durland got the gay ending they deserved,” Nikki and Jean, said user @vaportrails on Twitter. “6teen” ruby and Sapphire, Canadian animated sitcom “6teen” had “Steven Universe” a unique episode in 2010 revealing a minor character that had a brief will-they-won’t- Nickelodeon isn’t the only children’s they moment with main character Nikki television network parading LGBT Richardson. representation. Cartoon Network followed Season four, episode 11 of the show behind with coming-of-age cartoon “Steven featured an upcoming Sadie Hawkin’s dance Universe.” at the mall (where the girls ask out the guys). The show is about Steven, who lives in a Main character Jonesy Garcia hopes that universe of both humans and “Crystal Gems’ Nikki would pop the question, but she’s — supernatural humanoid aliens that can focusing on other things — namely, her new fuse with one another to form even more friend Jean. powerful beings. The two girls hit it off during this episode’s The show itself has a great backing in subplot, sharing their love of travel and representation of marginalized communities. ranting about their coworkers together. Steven Universe" was created by Rebecca

44 • 10.12.2016 LIFESTYLE television

Sugar, making it Cartoon Network's first and-off relationship with Mako, another show created solely by a woman. The cast central character to the series. After a is filled with people of color, including strange love triangle transpiring from a three of the show’s four protagonists, brief romance between Mako and Asami, Crystal Gems Garnet, Pearl and Amethyst. Mako and Korra’s relationship tapers off The gems themselves don’t necessarily for good. subscribe to the human concept of sex What some people didn’t expect — and and gender. However, the gems appear as what even fewer people picked up on — and identify themselves as females. is in the very final moments of the show, Despite not directly fitting into the Korra would grasp Asami’s hands and “female” category, two of the show’s Gems literally walk into another realm with her, have sparked controversy for appearing solidifying their love for one another. to be in a lesbian romance. Their names “Our intention with the last scene was are Ruby and Sapphire, and they fuse to to make it as clear as possible that yes, create Garnet, one of the show’s main Korra and Asami have romantic feelings four protagonists. for each other,” said co-creator Mike Gems can only form together correctly DiMartino in a statement on his blog. by sharing a strong connection, so many “The moment where they enter the spirit fans can read between the lines. When portal symbolizes their evolution from Cartoon Network Producer Ian Jones- being friends to being a couple.” Quarterly was asked on Twitter if Ruby The creators of the show acknowledged and Sapphire are lesbians together, he that their fans had mixed reviews to the plainly and boldly replied that they are final scene, with some viewers praising “in a romantic relationship.” the decision while others attacked the Then, he was asked if they were LGBT-inclusive ending. nonbinary -presenting lesbians. “You can celebrate it, embrace it, accept In response, Jones-Quarterly tweeted: “by it, get over it, or whatever you feel the human standards and terminology, that need to do, but there is no denying it,” would be a fair assessment!” co-creator Bryan Konietzko added on Technically, Ruby and Sapphire are not his own website. “Was it a slam-dunk humans, and thus are genderless, Sugar victory for queer representation? I think said. it falls short of that, but hopefully it is a somewhat significant inching forward.” Korra and asami, “The The co-creators also hope that LGBT legend of Korra” representation will become more common and normalized in media of all forms. Spoiler warning — details for the very Konietzko added: “It is long overdue end of Nickelodeon’s television series that our media (including children’s “The Legend of Korra” incoming below. media) stops treating non-heterosexual Before “The Loud House,” Nickelodeon people as nonexistent, or as something already had LGBT representation in one of merely to be mocked. I’m only sorry their cartoons. That’s from “The Legend it took us so long to have this kind of of Korra,” a show about a woman who can representation in one of our stories.” control the four elements of fire, water, On Twitter, Korra’s voice actress Janet earth and air. And the best part? It’s not Varney described feeling “whole-hearted simply a minor character who is LGBT. It’s delight” when she found out Korra and the main character herself. Asami would truly get together. Throughout the show, Korra has an on-

10.12.2016 • 45 LIFESTYLE food

chicken and waffl es at Bc cafe. the rusty hook Tavern.

Beefcake’s at the

Boardwalk. Submitted photos.

Rick Karlin tHe BrUnCH BUnCH

s my late mother once said, “You gay boys may not have invented docKSide BarBecUe BeaUTY & The FeaST brunch, but you sure have perfected it!” aT The rUSTY hooK The Atlantic Hotel The gay community certainly has an affi nity for gathering for TaVerN 601 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd a 125 N. Riverside Dr., Pompano Beach 954-567-8070 brunch. It may have developed because, in the past, so many of us didn’t go to church with our families on Sunday and it provided a chance to socialize on 954-941-2499 Society8.com Sunday mornings when most bars were closed. In fact, a friend of mine when TheRustyHookTavern.com asked what church he attended, used to answer, “Our Lady of Perpetual Brunch.” Consistently named one of the area’s best Whatever the reason, brunch has become a tradition in our community and, Rusty Hook is always a good choice for restaurants, Beauty and the Feast off ers a for many, brunch is synonymous with buff et. Here’s a look at some options if the view alone, but the barbecue brunch, weekend brunch buff et that is surprisingly you choose to worship at the altar of the steam table. served Sundays from 11:30 to 2:30, makes reasonable given its size and scope. For just it a must stop for any foodie. The $26 tab $29.95, in addition to omelet and carving includes unlimited access to an array of stations, the beachfront restaurant’s traditional brunch fare, a raw bar and buff et also off ers salads, assorted smoked, omelet station as well as specialties such poached and steamed fi sh, potatoes, as pulled-pork eggs Benedict, chicken bread and pastries, chicken and waffl es, BeeFcaKe’S aT BoardwalK Bc caFe and waffl es and house smoked meats. An numerous versions of eggs Benedict, 1721 N Andrews, Fort Lauderdale 4801 S. University Dr., Davie. additional $15 will bring on unlimited rose crispy chicken sliders, shrimp and grits, 954-463-6969 954-801-4123, and Bellini or Bloody Mary cocktails, while and a dessert bar. Bottomless bubbles and Boardwalkbar.com BCtacos.com. pitchers of sangria are $25. Bloody Mary drinks are available for an additional $15. It’s no surprise that you can get a nice For unusual dishes you can’t beat B.C. piece of sausage at Boardwalk, but now, Café where you can order a pancake-topped with the club’s Beefcake’s Café off ering burger (sweet potato pancake, egg, cheese, Beauty and the Feast. brunch every Sunday, you can get a nice pair and bacon) or a special breakfast ramen of huevos to go with that juicy tubesteak. (served with a scallion pancake, pork belly, Okay, enough with the double entendres, sausage, and a sunny-side-up egg). The let’s talk about the incredible deal that’s bananas Foster French toast and chicken- being off ered. Not only are they serving up and-waffl e sliders (prepared with a spicy a brunch buff et for $16.95 from 11-4, but maple syrup) are dangerously addictive, and that price also includes unlimited mimosas you might have a hard time choosing which or Bloody Mary cocktails. That’s a great deal craving to satisfy. Luckily, during weekend if you’re looking for standard options, such brunch (Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 as scrambled eggs, fruit salad, potatoes, to 3:30), there’s a sampler platter featuring a biscuits and gravy or French toast. If you half-portion of each menu item. If that’s not want something a little more exotic, such as enough of an enticement, the $12 bottomless chicken and waffl es, or eggs Benedict, you mimosa, Bellini or the restaurant’s specialty can still order off of the ala carte brunch drink, a cranberry punch will keep you menu. As always, the eye-candy is free. coming back for a fi x week after week.

46 • 10.12.2016 10.12.2016 • 47 FOR THE WEEKSFG OF OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBERN 18,ITES 2016 WWW.SFGN.COM

J.W. Arnold [email protected] STRIKE UP THE BAND THU 10/13 BOOKS Hunky, 24-year-old gay YouTube personality and “The Amazing Race” competitor Joey Graceffa will be signing his new memoir, “In Real Life: My Journey to a Pixelated World” (Atria, $16), tonight at 6 p.m. at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave. in Coral Gables. He’ll be discussing his family hardships, bullying, first loves and losses and the decision to come out. For more information, go to BooksAndBooks.com. FRI 10/14 THEATER Broadway star Andrea McArdle takes the stage in Neil Simon and Marvin Hamlisch’s hit 1978 musical, “They’re Playing Our Song,” at The Wick, 7901 N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton. An established composer falls in love CONCERT with an aspiring young lyricist. Their Saturday 10/14 relationship works professionally, but ultimately leads to conflict at home. “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, the military musicians who provide music at the White House, will perform But, don’t worry, there’s always a tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Bailey Hall on Broward College’s Davie main campus. Free tickets have already been happy ending. Tickets start at $75 at distributed, but unclaimed seats will be released to the public at 7 p.m. For more information, go to BaileyHall.org. TheWick.org. Submitted photo. SAT 10/15 SUN 10/16 MON 10/17 TUE 10/18 CABARET FILM TELEVISION MUSIC Avery Sommers performs today at 2 This is a big weekend for film: In Fort It’s Monday night and the theaters When was the last time you headed p.m. at Cabaret du Jour, the monthly Lauderdale, the MiFo LGBT Film are dark. Usually, we turn to the out to a club for concert? Tonight at showcase at the Tennis Club, 600 Festival closes this weekend with the boob tube and fortunately, the 7:30 p.m., the rock band Rooney, Tennis Club Drive in Fort Lauderdale’s best in gay, lesbian and transgender- CW network has a surprise for led by singer/songwriter Robert Middle River Terrace neighborhood. themed features and documentaries. viewers tonight. “Jane the Virgin,” Schwartzman, performs at the Culture She’ll sing her favorites, including “I At Miami-Dade College, the Miami starring Golden Globe-winner Room, 3045 N. Federal Highway in Love Being Here with You,” “Feeling International Film Festival presents Gina Rodriguez, is back for a third Fort Lauderdale. Named after Ed Good” and “Without a Song” with its four-day fall GEMS series, with season. While the premise of a thirty- Rooney, the principal in the ‘90s cult musical director Phil Hinton at the a lineup of movies from around the something year old virgin in Miami is film, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” the piano. Tickets are $20 with a two drink world. For more information, go to a bit far-fetched (sarcasm intended), band features a sound reminiscent of minimum. Reserve tickets at 954-547- MiFoFilm.com and MiamiFilmFestival. the show is fun. Check local listings the British invasion. Tickets are $15 at 2 819 . com. for channels and show times. Ticketmaster.com.

48 • 10.12.2016 10.12.2016 • 49 A&E theater

Shenise Nuñez and Bobby cassell star in Slow Burn Theatre co.’s regional premiere of disney’s “The hunchback of Notre dame.” Submitted photo. Slow BUrn PremiereS DiSney’S “HUnCHBaCK” at BrowarD Center J.W. Arnold

ells are tolling for Slow Burn Theatre just weeks ago, Fitzwater and his team were Company, but not the ominous bells that studying the original novel, watching the Binspired Ernest Hemingway’s classic animated fi lm, listening to the soundtrack and novel. Instead, the company is recreating speaking to the handful of other companies the massive tower bells of the famed Notre that had undertaken the enormous challenge. Dame cathedral at the Broward Center for the For musical director Caryl Fantel, the task southeast regional premiere of Disney’s “The involved arranging the show’s complex score Hunchback of Notre Dame.” for a reduced orchestra of seven and even Unlike recent theatrical adaptations of more hours programming synthesizers to animated fi lms like “Beauty and the Beast,” cover many of the orchestral parts. “The Lion King” and “Aladdin,” “Hunchback” “Our challenge is to make it sound as large didn’t go directly to Broadway after tryouts and full and rich as it needs to be to support in La Jolla Playhouse in California and Paper such a big show, both visually and musically, Mill Playhouse in New Jersey. Executives but we’ll do it,” she said confi dently. with Disney Theatricals decided instead to With rehearsals underway, she already likes make the musical available to leading regional what she hears. theaters. “The show is fi lled with absolutely glorious “As soon as I heard (“Hunchback”) wasn’t moments that these writers know how to going to go to Broadway, I immediately began create with lush sound that envelops the ‘stalking’ Disney,” admitted Slow Burn’s co- theater and lifts audiences out of their seats,” artistic director Patrick Fitzwater. Fantel said. “The fi rst time we put the chorus The Carbonell winner’s diligence paid off , together with the cast was absolutely magical.” making Slow Burn one of the fi rst companies During the production, Fantel will be granted rights to mount a regional production. tasked with playing two diff erent keyboards, “The musical is much closer to Victor leading the orchestra and conducting both the Hugo’s novel,” said Fitzwater. “It’s darker and actors onstage and the chorus, which will be I think that’s one reason Disney decided not to positioned in the two house boxes positioned take it to Broadway.” in the corners of the Amaturo Theater. The show will be the largest in the Unlike their other shows, Disney does not company’s eight years. Fitzwater, co-artistic allow companies to replicate the animated fi lm director Matthew Korinko and their dedicated in any way, other than the musical score. That team of designers, actors and musicians have rule even applies to the fabric colors selected developed a critical and audience following for the costumes and the design of the sets. for their productions of quirky, sometimes As if he didn’t have enough to worry about, commercially unsuccessful Broadway shows. during this interview, Fitzwater was busy “There’s a large cast, a chorus of 21 and assisting designer Rick Pena, sewing medieval the largest pit (orchestra) we’ve ever used,” choir robes, just a handful of the dozens explained Fitzwater. “There are so many more of original, historically-accurate costumes moving parts to this show, I really have to be required for the mammoth production. on my game from day one (of rehearsals).” “It’s going to be amazing,” Fitzwater Even before the scripts and scores arrived promised.

Slow Burn Theatre Co. presents the southeast regional premiere of Disney’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” at the Broward Center’s Amaturo Theater, Oct. 20 – Nov. 6. Tickets start at $47 at BrowardCenter.org.

50 • 10.12.2016 A&E comedy

Hypnotist Gary Conrad will present an adult only show at Boca Black Box on Oct. 21. Submitted photo.

Hypnotist Brings R-Rated Show to Boca J.W. Arnold

ypnosis skits have long inspired Decades later, while working in sales, he laughs on sitcoms and cartoons. recalled the experience and wondered what HWe’ve all seen the episodes where might happen if he could convince a client to a character is unknowingly hypnotized to send more business his way. cluck like a chicken or revert to infancy “I read some books about suggestibility every time they hear a bell ring. But, the and that led me back to hypnosis,” Conrad power of hypnotism is real, says professional recalled. hypnotist and entertainer Gary Conrad. After reading every book he could find For nearly three decades, Conrad has on the subject, he eventually left his job and entertained audiences across the country became a professional hypnosis therapist, and he’ll bring his adults only hypnosis helping clients kick smoking and manage show to Boca Black Box Center for the Arts their weights and stress levels. While he on Oct. 21. enjoyed working with patients, he was drawn He may not have audience members to the stage with the inherent challenges of a clucking like chickens or bawling like babies, busy nightclub. but he just might convince a couple of guys “Initially I was pretty good at they are Chippendales dancers and get them hypnotherapy, but doing it in a nightclub to rip off their shirts and dance on stage. where people are giving orders to waiters and “It will be serious, sexy, maybe a little bit there are glasses clinking, well, that requires scatological without being too gross,” said an additional skill set,” he explained. Conrad from his New Jersey home. “Human Like every skill, practice makes perfect sexuality in all its various tones and colors and, in the process of touring 49 states, he and shapes and forms is universal. There’s perfected his act. In every audience he has no nudity, but other than that, who knows.” to deal with an unpredictable combination At the very least, the show will deliver of exhibitionists and voyeurs. plenty of subconscious double and even “The trick with this type of show is getting triple entendre. them to get out of their own way and let Conrad added, “I don’t want ‘Hustler,’ creativity flow without embarrassment or I want a French postcard, but if they read remorse that they volunteered,” he said. “My ‘Hustler,’ well, you know….” goal at the end of the night is for them to be Conrad first became interested in so happy they got up on stage and I really hypnosis as a student in Catholic school. A want the guy in the audience who didn’t nun assigned his class to write reports on a volunteer to wish he had.” human organ and Conrad chose the brain. He Conrad added, “Once they’re on my stage discovered several books about how the brain and participating in my erotic circus, if they functions and how hypnosis could influence still need to quit biting their nails, we can both the conscious and subconscious minds. work on that, too.”

Gary Conrad presents his R-rated hypnosis show on Friday, Oct. 21 at 10 p.m. at Boca Black Box Center for the Arts, 8221 Glades Road #10 in Boca Raton. Tickets are $20 at BocaBlackBox.com.

10.12.2016 • 51 Datebook oCt 13 to oCt 18 Theater to the best in the business, hosted by TJo The Sensuous Senator Clybourne Park Christiana Lilly Zenny. Tickets $41.50 to $101.50. Call 954- Through Oct. 23 at Delray Beach Playhouse, Through Oct. 23 at Main Street Players, [email protected] 462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayerhouse.com. 950 NW Ninth St. in Delray Beach. A senator 6766 Main St. in Miami Lakes. The sequel is running for president on the grounds of his to “A Raisin in the Sun,” a white couple * Montgomery Gentry morality — but when his wife goes out of town, sells their home to a black couple in 1959, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at The Amp, 1801 NE he immediately calls for his mistress to come causing tensions in the neighborhood. Sixth St. in Pompano Beach. The country visit. Tickets $30. Call 561-272-1281, ext. 4 or Now it’s 2009, and a white couple wants Top Picks duo is known for hits “Hillbilly Shoes,” visit DelrayBeachPlayhouse.com. to move into the same home in the “Headlines,” and “Runaway.” Tickets neighborhood undergoing gentrifi cation. I Love Being Here With $28 to $98. Call 954-519-5500 or visit Urinetown the Musical Tickets $20 to $25. Call 305-558-3737 or You TheAmpPompano.org. Through Oct. 23 at Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 visit MainStreetPlayers.com. Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. at The Tennis Lake Ave. in Lake Worth. A city has been in a Club, 600 Tennis Club Drive * Celtic Thunder Legacy drought for 20 years, and private toilets have Outdoor Music Series in Fort Lauderdale. A cabaret Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center been banned. One man is fed up when the Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum performance by Broadway’s Avery for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth city starts charging its residents to use public Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come Sommers, performing her favorite Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The Irish singing amenities. Tickets $35 to $72. Call 561-586-6410 out for live music from DJs and musicians songs. Tickets $20 with two-drink group performs both traditional and or visit LakeWorthPlayhouse.org. by the bay. Drink specials available. Free minimum; club residents $15. contemporary Celtic songs. Tickets with museum admission. Call 305-375- Contact Ken Harrison at 954-547- $50 to $75. Call 954-462-0222 or visit 3000 or visit PAMM.org. 2819 or [email protected]. BrowardCenter.org. miami-dade county The Big Show Hand to God * The Hunchback of Notre The Illusionists Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Through Oct. 30 at GableStage at Dame Through Oct. 16 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. the Biltmore, 1200 Anastasia Ave. Oct. 20 to Nov. 6 at the Broward Center for 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Seven of the best A collection of comedy mixing the likes of in Coral Gables. A student in a the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in illusionists on one stage. Tickets $27 to $89. improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call religious town in Texas fi nds his Fort Lauderdale. Based on the classic novel Call 305-949-6722 or visit ArshtCenter.org. 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com. talent working with puppets, until by Victor Hugo and performed with music one of them takes on an evil life from the Disney adaptation, Quasimodo of its own. Tickets $57 to $60. Call is enamored by the beautiful gypsy, 305-445-1119 or visit GableStage. Esmeralda. Tickets $47 to $60. Call 954- org. 462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

The Mystery of Love & palm beach county Sex Through Oct. 30 at Arts Garage, 94 NE Second Ave. in Delray Beach. * The Last Word Charlotte is a white Jewish girl, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at Canyon Amphitheater at her boyfriend Johnny is black, and Canyon District Park, 8802 Boynton Beach her parents are trying to keep up Blvd. in Boynton Beach. Chase Stites and with their relationship. Tickets $30 The Last Word play everything from Johnny to $45. Call 561-450-6357 or visit Cash to Maroon 5. Don’t forget your lawn ArtsGarage.org. chairs, blankets, and picnics. Free. Visit Facebook.com/CanyonAmphitheater.

* Denotes New Listing * Radio Theater: Dracula Oc. 15 at 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Old Square Crest Theatre, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray broward county Beach. In the style of old radio shows, watch the team put together the sounds and voices of the classic horror story. Tickets $25. Call * NEEDTOBREATHE 561- 243-7922 Or visit OldSchoolSquare. Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at The Amp, 1801 NE Sixth org. St. in Pompano Beach. The South Carolina rock band has performed on “Good Morning * Leonard Nimoy’s “Vincent” America, “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,” Oct. 21 to 23 at the Kravis Center for the and more. Tickets $30 to $51. Call 954-519- Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. 5500 or visit TheAmpPompano.org. in West Palm Beach. The one-man play by Nimoy investigates the life of artist Vincent * The Haitian Music Industry van Gogh through the letters between him Awards and his brother, Theo. Tickets $35. Call 561- Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at Parker Playhouse, 707 832-7469 or visit Kravis.org. #OrlandoUnited: Every week, SFGN will pay tribute to one member NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. A tribute of our community who was lost in Orlando.

52 • 10.12.2016 10.12.2016 • 53 PORN pulse Datebook * Denotes New Listing

Porn aCtor Voting For trUmP CHaoS Community BROWARD SUPPORT Hunter Houston Christiana Lilly SERVICES [email protected] GENDER BENDER olby Keller is a fair haired strapping YOUTH GROUP Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at SunServe young adult fi lm actor. In scenes he TOP PICKS Campus, 1480 SW Ninth Ave. in Fort can typically be found on top of his C Trick(s) or Treat? Lauderdale. A group for LGBT youth partners. Oct. 14 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pride 13 to 21 to discuss gender, gender It is being reported by the website Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton expression, binary systems, friendship, that Keller is intending to vote for Donald Manors. A workshop on dating over family and whatever else comes up! Trump for President. The reason, one may 40, with group talk and speed dating. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com ask? Free. Call 954-463-9905, ext. 113, email To “escalate the problem” Keller says. maturingtogether@pridecenterflorida. Keller, reportedly, wants chaos. Here PFLAG org, or visit PrideCenterFlorida.org. Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral are his comments on the topic via Offi ce Springs and Southwest Ranches. A Magazine: is the best we can hope for. I hope at the support group for parents of LGBT youth “I’m going to vote for Trump! I think he’s a very least he’d turn the White House into a Art and Culture of the South 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com destabilizing force. I’m skeptical of him, too, reality show. America would tune in, right? Beach Renaissance: The for dates and locations. and who exactly is behind Trump. But given And then he could do something nice, like American Riviera Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at The Box Gallery, 811 that there’s eternal dissent in the Republican give the money to the National Park Service, Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. A Party, that leads me to believe that whatever because they’re trying to defund it.” SUNSERVE YOUTH discussion and celebration of the South he represents might be a destabilizing force. There are several Twitter accounts linked GROUP Beach Renaissance with Louis Canales, And he’s made a lot of overtures to Russia to Keller, but none are verifi ed. Many of his Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort Liz Balmaseda, Sandra Schulman, Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral and China, which in some ways could be scenes are produced by Men.com studios. and Manny Hernandez. Tickets $10. Springs and Hollywood. A support group thought of as an encouraging thing. I don’t He has appeared in fi lms with the likes of Email Rolando Chang Barrero at and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. support or endorse any of Trump’s policies. Johnny Rapid, Paddy O’Brian, and Brenner [email protected] Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates I just think it’ll escalate the problem, which Bolton. and times. SFGN_Florida_House3_Top_WP.pdf 1 4/22/2015 10:44:34 AM or visit Event Brite for tickets and details. SURVIVOR SUPPORT Ronaldo Peña: Black Gold First and third Wednesdays from 7 to Through Nov. 13 at the Museum of 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial Contemporary Art North Miami, Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal 770 NE 125th St. in North Miami. Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support A contemporary exploration of oil from counselors and peers who have lost and its grasp on our everyday lives. loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida Tickets $10. Call 305-893-6211 or visit Initiative for Suicide Prevention at 954- Where People Get Better MOCAMiami.org. 384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org. We treat the chemical dependency and the underlying issues that contribute to drug and alcohol addiction. Whether you are a professional, a parent, or a student, now you can get better. All calls are 100% confidential. broward county Join Peter Pan, Wendy and the Lost Boys for Detox I Residential l OutpatientPM l Aftercare an afternoon on the New River. Tickets are

C $20, $15 for each additional family member. * HIV Prenatal Classes Call 954-524-4736 or visit StranahanHouse. M Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. at givezooks.com. Y Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center, 1401 S. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. CM * Queen Poetry Confi dential and informative classes with Oct. 16 a 4 p.m. at Stonewall National Museum MY lunch. Free. Contact Bisiola Fortune-Evans - Wilton Manors, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton CY at 954-728-1056 or Yvette Gonzalez at 954- Manors. Cathleen Chambless’s debut book 467-4700, ext. 5541. CMY “Nec(Romantic)” is a look at the dark corners of our mind, a la Sylvia Plath. She is joined by K * Full Moon Dinner & Party Parker Phillips, Mo Tarafah, Serafi ma Mintz, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at Beauty & the Feast, 601 and Autumn Barksdale. Call 954-763-8565 or 800.778.6792 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. in Fort visit Stonewall-Museum.org. www.FHErehab.com Lauderdale. Enjoy a four-course, Halloween- themed dinner, music, and a fi re show. * Gallery Night: “Tales of All calls are con dential. Your Tickets $39.95 per person. Visit Society8. Immigration” treatment may be covered com. Oct. 19 at 4:30 p.m. at the Broward College 100% by insurance. South Campus Art Gallery, 7200 Pines Blvd. in * Peter Pan Pirate Party Pembroke Pines. The stories of immigrants are Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Stranahan told through moving photographs. Free. Visit House, 335 SE Sixth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. bsoca.com. Nationally Accredited Treatment Center

54 • 10.12.2016 oCt 13 to oCt 18 Kadampa Meditation Center, 241 W Prospect Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach. An in Miami Shores. Pamela Kirkpatrick, a * Studio 54 Dance Party Road Ste B. in Fort Lauderdale. Take a break impressive display of paper folding, big licensed Reverse Mortgage Consultant, Oct. 19 from 8 to 11 p.m. at Hunters, 2232 from work with a meditation practice, and small, from nine international artists. discusses reverse mortgages, how it helps Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. A fundraiser followed by a vegetarian potluck lunch. Admission $15. Call 561-495-0233 or visit in your retirement, social security benefi ts, for the SMART Tide, join Broward House for Class $10. Visit MeditateinFortLauderdale. Morikami.org. and more. Free. RSVP to 305-751-8855, info@ a night of dancing and best dressed contests org. davidtreece.com, or FreeceFinancialGroup. hosted by Naomi Wynters. Tickets $10 to $25 * Discovery Jewelry Making com. in advance, $16 to $30 at the door. Cal 954-522- * Intro to Buddhist Meditation Oct. 15 from noon to 4 p.m. at Boca Raton 4749, ext. 1202 or visit BrowardHouse.org. Thursdays at 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Kadampa Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real in Boca * Volunteer Action Day Meditation Center, 241 W Prospect Road Raton. Learn more about classes and Oct. 15 from 8:30 a.m to noon at Haulover * Boomer/Senior Health Expo Ste B. in Fort Lauderdale. Ever wanted to processes to create jewelry. Then, a talk Park, 10800 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach. Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pride try meditation? Learn the basics of the with Jill Lavetsky on her process. Free with Help beautify the park by removing litter Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton practice and how it helps with stress relief, museum admission. Call 561-392-2500 or and improving landscaping. Free. Visit Manors. Meet with more than 60 vendors happiness, and relaxation. Class $10. Visit visit bocamuseum.org. MiamiDade.gov/parks/volunteer.asp. from senior living, social services, insurance, MeditateinFortLauderdale.org. fi nancial, legal, travel, and more. Free * Question Bridge: Black Males key west lunch to the fi rst 300 attendees. Free. Visit * Prayers for World Peace Oct. 18 to Dec. 18 at the Norton Museum of PrideCenterFlorida.org. Sundays at 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Kadampa Art, 1451 S. Olive Ave. in West Palm Beach. Aqua Idol Meditation Center, 241 W Prospect Road Ste A look at the lives of African American Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Aqua Key B. in Fort Lauderdale. Learn to utilize modern men, more than 160 men in nine cities were West, 711 Duval St. in Key West. Support * Rest Your Mind Kadampa Buddhist meditation to fi nd peace your local artists and vote for your favorite! Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Kadampa Meditation interviewed for this visual art project. Free. in yourself and the human community. Class Benefi ts Waterfront Playhouse. Call 305- Center, 241 W Prospect Road Ste. B in Fort Call 561-832-5196 or visit Norton.org. $10. Visit MeditateinFortLauderdale.org. 294-0555 or visit AquaKeyWest.com. Lauderdale. Start your week with relaxing meditation to center yourself. Free. Visit miami-dade county MeditateinFortLauderdale.org. palm beach county Hot Naked Sundays Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. at Island * Financial Topics for Retirees House, 1129 Fleming St. in Key West. A pre- * Lunchtime Meditation * Above the Fold and Their Families tea pool party. Call 305-294-6284 or visit Wednesdays from noon to 1:15 p.m. at Oct. 14 to Jan. 29, 2017 at the Morikami Oct. 13 and 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Brockway Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Memorial Library, 10021 NE Second Ave. IslandHouseKeyWest.com.

10.12.2016 • 55 To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at Business Directory 954.530.4970

a&e chiropractic florist cleaning

FT LAUDERDALE GAY MEN'S CHORUS COAST CHIROPRACTIC EMERALD IRISH CLEANING PO Box 9772, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33310-9772 INJURY & WELLNESS CENTER Established for 30 years. 3 hours of cleaning for $60.00. Use time as you wish. English speaking 954-832-0060 2608 NE 16th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33334 *hand scrubbed fl oors* Cleaning supplies included. www.theftlgmc.org 954.463.3036 Service guaranteed 954-524-3161 www.coast-chiropractic.com ANDREWS LIVING ARTS STUDIO 23 NW 5th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 dental sfgn.com 954.530.1879 Classcreations.com OAKLAND PARK DENTAL health chiropractic 3047 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954.566.9812 Wilton Manors Oaklandparkdental.com MASTER HYPNOTHERAPIST ANDREWS DENTAL CARE AND LIFE COACH 2654 N Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311 Family Chiropractic ADDICTIONS • SMOKING 954.567.3311 & Wellness Center EIGHT OSS Andrewsdentalcare.com • W L • CHIROPRACTIC • WELLNESS • NUTRITION INSOMNIA • STRESS WILTON MANORS DENTAL Dr Andreu J. Richardson, REDUCTION • ROAD RAGE DC, DACACD 2517 NE 9th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 handyman Chiropractor/Wellness Consultant 954-564-4746 • ANGER MANAGEMENT BOARD CERTIFIED IN ADDICTIONOLOGY Wiltonmanorsdental.com MIAMI/BROWARD/PALM BEACH AND COMPULSIVE DISORDERS • PAST LIFE ANALYSIS • Paint/Caulk/Remove Grout/Yard Work ISLAND CITY DENTAL RELATIONSHIP COACHING 2450 NE 13 Avenue,Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Fix Drips & Switches/Debris removal 1700 NE 26th Street, Ste. 2, Fort Lauderdale, FL Assembles Furniture & Appliances 954.537.8898 954-564-7121 Repair or Fix Call "Avrom" Keith 786-227-9981 Islandcitydental.com Coach Bill For Life Flexible Hours: Mornings, after 6:00 pm & Weekends WWW.COACHBILLFORLIFE.COM www.wiltonmanorschiropractor.com final arrangements 954.641.8315

JOE PUNDAI Pre-Need Counselor 954-494-0366 Call For Your FREE No Obligation Consultation Budget Friendly Payment Plans Available sfgn.com YOUR PARTNER IN HOME HEALTHCARE Private Nurse/Medical Assistant & Companion • Certified in Alzheimer’s, Dementia & Parkinson’s Disease • Responsible, trustworthy, compassionate, reliable liaison between doctors and family • Nursing care & daily administrative household needs • Worked with high visibility clients including Al Lewis (Grandpa Munster) 917.447.7894 • www.treldercare.com

56 • 10.12.2016 Levitt Small Ad Gay Publication :Newspaper Ad Cont. 8/17/15 1:56 PM Page 1

health professional services Licensed & Insured DR. TORY SULLIVAN 954-725-3633 2500 N Federal Hwy #301, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954.533.1520 custom alarm Torysullivanmd.com contractors, Inc. AMERICAN PAIN EXPERTS 6333 N. Federal Hwy, Ste. 250, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Est. 1989 954-678-1074 “Experience Matters” Americanpainexperts.com Service after the sale! NATURA DERMATOLOGY 1120 Bayview Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 ▶ residential security 754.333.4886 ▶ commercial security naturadermatology.com ▶ closed circuit tV www.customalarmcontractors.com

retail

Have you made your The Best Cellar PEACE PIPE wishes known? Boutique Wine Shop & Wine Bar 4800 N Dixie Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 The Ultimate Wine 954.267.9005 Tasting Experience Facebook.com/peacepipefl DAOUD’S FINE JEWELERS Wed., Thurs., Fri., 2473 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 We’re here to help. Sat., at 8:00 p.m. 954.928.2437 Daouds.com 1-800-343-5400 ONLY $15 PER PERSON! www.levitt-weinstein.com spirituality 954-630-8020 investments Pre-Arrangement Discounts For All Our 1408 N.E. 26th St. The Parish of Sts. Francis and Clare AMERICAN TAX & INSURANCE Wilton Manors, FL 33334 Where we welcome and appreciate diversity. 2929 E Comm. Blvd, 8th Floor Penthouse D, Fort Lauderdale, FL LGBT Friends 954.302.3228 real estate 101 NE 3rd St Americantaxandinsurance.com Income Tax Preparation Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 legal Mass Times: LAW OFFICE OF GEORGE CASTRATARO Saturday 5:00 PM 707 NE 3rd Ave #300, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 •Individual Sunday 10:30 AM 954.573.1444 •Small Business Ecumenical Catholic Lawgc.com •Free Consultation 954.731.8173 LAW OFFICE OF ROBIN BODIFORD 2550 N Federal Hwy #20, Fort Lauderdale, FL Doug Turner, Enrolled Agent www.stsfrancisandclare.org 954.630.2707 Best Books and Taxes Baptisms • Weddings • Memorial Services Lawrobin.com 2201 Wilton Drive LAW OFFICE OF GREGORY KABEL bestbooksandtaxes.com 1 East Broward Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, 33301 Integrity Palm Beach 954.761.7770 954-565-1041 INTEGRITY PALM BEACH meets monthly, bringing [email protected] together single and partnered gay women and men and their Call today for appointment allies for fellowship and socializing. As an Episcopal LGBTQ LAW OFFICE OF SELZER & WEISS organization, we proclaim and embody the all-inclusive love of 1515 NE 25th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 restaurants God through worship, education, and advocacy. 954.567.4444 TH STORKS BAKERY NOVEMBER 12 Selzerandweiss.com 2505 NE 15th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 IRIS SEYMOUR Jacqie Jackson LAW OFFICE OF SHAWN NEWMAN 954.567.3220 SALES & RENTALS Performer Extrodinaire 710 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Storksbakery.com When: The second Saturday of each month, 7:30 p.m. program 954.563.9160 BEEFCAKES or presenter, immediately following 6:00 p.m. Communion Service Shawnnewman.com and 6:45 potluck supper provided by attendees 1721 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 professional services Where: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 954.463.6969 100 North Palmway • Lake Worth, FL 33460 BARTON & MILLER CLEANERS boardwalkbar.com FOR INFORMATION: 2600 N. Dixie Hwy J. MARK’S www.integritypalmbeach.org or [email protected] Wilton Manors, FL 33305 1245 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-566-4314 (954) 390-0770 veterinarian KALIS-MCINTEE FUNERAL & CREMATION CENTER Jmarksrestaurant.com DR. PIERRE B. BLAND, DVM 2505 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 ERNIE'S B-B-Q 1332 E. Commercial Blvd., Oakland Park, FL 33334 954-566-7621 1843 S Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 954.610.8816 954-673-8579 Kalismcintee.com 954-523-8636 Doctorblandvet.com

10.12.2016 • 57 Business Directory To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970

58 • 10.12.2016 Classified$ SFGNTo place a Classified Ad, call Tim Higgins at 954.530.4970 or email at [email protected] Daniel Ross CPA, CFE cleaning services music lessons Now Preparing 2015 Form 1040’s EMERALD IRISH CLEANING - Established for VOICE LESSONS & MUSIC THEATRE 30 years. 3 hours of cleaning for $60.00. Use time COACHING - Over 30 years experience. Students as you wish. English speaking *handscrub fl oors* have performed on (and off) Broadway, in National IRS Electronic Filing Available Cleaning supplies included. Service guaranteed & International tours, recorded solo albums & placed 954-524-3161 in prestigious competitions. www.kreutzmusic.com 617-967-0575 RESIDENTIAL CLEANING - Dependable, responsible, reliable men to do cleaning in your home or condo. Experienced. Reasonable rates! Email [email protected] or call or text 561- 358-0012 and leave a message. electrician Place an ad in SFGN’s Classifi eds HARRY’S ELECTRIC RESIDENTIAL & CPA since 1987 COMMERCIAL - Additions, renovations, service upgrades, breaker panels,FPL undergrounds, 954.530.4970 code violations, A/C wiring, ceiling fans, 2015 tax returns are DUE no recessed, security & landscaping, lighting, pools, pool service pumps, Jacuzzis, water heaters, FREE PHONE later than October 17, 2017 ESTIMATES 954-522-3357 Lic & Ins. www. COOL POOLS- RELIABLE POOL SERVICE - harryelectrician.com Professional pool service.Covering Wilton Manors, Lighthouse Point, and eastside of Pompano Beach. handyman 15 years experience. Licensed and insured.Free CONVENIENTLY LOCATED estimates. Call 954-235-0775. HUSBAND FOR RENT - Is he procrastinating home In The heart of Wilton Manors repairs? He says he will do it tomorrow?? After the piano football game?? We fi t right in - in the house or the yard, small or big jobs: tile, dry wall, paint, plumbing, WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE roof leaks, broken furniture, irrigation, fences, and PIANO? Learn from an experienced teacher. All 954.612.9922 more!It doesn’t cost to hassle us to see the work - so levels and ages welcome. Learn to play classical, why wait? Neat, clean work for a reasonable price. popular, jazz, or show tunes. Visit www.edwinchad. [email protected] Call Haim at 954-398-3676, [email protected] com or call 954-826-9555 for more information. employment - rentals - full time fort lauderdale LOOKING FOR PART-TIME HELP AT ANDEE’S MIKE THE RENTAL GUY - NE Lauderdale/Wilton CREAMERY - 2031-D Wilton Drive (across Manors/Oakland Park-1/1 from $990, 2/1 from from Tropic’s Restaurant). Must be able to work $1140. Victoria Park-1/1=$1090.00 cable included. weekends. Apply in Person. Credit & Income Requirements-Pets okay with employment - restrictions Call for Details Mike 561-703-5533 or part time [email protected] INSURANCE AGENCY IN WILTON MANORS rentals - Insurance Agency in Wilton Manors looking for a Full-Time employee. Please send resume to: 1/1.5 PALM AIRE - Designer Inspired Unit, Hand [email protected] Painted Murals, Upgraded cabinets, Marble, tile, and granite. To qualifi ed Tenant who will take painting exceptional Care of this unique residence. $1200 GREGG'S PAINTING - I paint both interior and f/l/s call Debra 954-591-9730 exterior. Great rates, free estimates. I am detailed- oriented, friendly, reliable, punctual, and neat. No job too small. Broward and Palm Beach Counties. sfgn.com Call Gregg at 617-306-5694 or 954-870-5972 Email: [email protected] licensed massage help wanted

AFFORDABLE AWESOME MASSAGE BY JIM - Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and LomiLomi Massage for Men; in a very comfortable, relaxed and Private Massage Studio, NOW conveniently located in Wilton Manors on NE 26th Street, with plenty of free parking. Same Day appointments are welcome; please call Jim, 954-600-5843 email: info@ massagebyjim.com or visit my website for testimonials, rates and more. GREAT OPENING SPECIAL NOW AVAILABLE! www.massagebyjim.com Licensed and Certifi ed MM22293

MASSAGE BY DENNIS - $50 per 90 min-Out calls higher. Swedish, Deep Tissue, All clients and Body types welcome, Refl exology and Feet. Couples Discounts. Delray Beach. 22 years experience. MA18563 Call Dennis 561-502-2628. sfgn.com

10.12.2016 • 59