Page Medicaid Exposed BABAA Page 5 Program Changes a ‘Disaster’ Reaching Out to Black Men 10 February 24, 2003 www.ExpressGayNews.com Volume 4, Number 8 A Peaceful Explosion Arts United Event Attracts Large Crowd in Lauderdale By Andy Zeffer “We had one word of Features Editor defamation written on our Art Explosion 2003 drew a large, bodies, and then we each took diverse crowd to ArtServe in Fort turns writing healing words on Lauderdale on Feb. 21. Organizers and each other—words of praise and guests said the event was bigger and love,” explained Mars, one of better than ever. The sight alone of the models participating in the the jam-packed parking lot and a piece. It was fitting that the steady stream of cars parked alongside models stood near the door, Holiday Park for blocks was in itself a since it offered a preview of the sure sign of the event’s popularity. plentiful artistic expression to be A rich fusion of various visual and encountered during the evening. performing artists came together to A burst of color and textures ensure that attendees were treated to awaited those who entered the a feast for the senses. Guests strolled gallery, as striking paintings stood from display to display, observing the out in bold colors. Some of the various artworks and performance work incorporated a combination venues. of different materials, such as the The excitement was apparent as three-dimensional work of Roberto soon as one walked through the doors Capparatti and Carla Margarit. The of ArtServe. In the lobby was an art figure in their painting piece put together by one of the “Hermafrodita” had a face that organizers, Chris Yoculan, vice president protruded from the canvas and Photo by Pompano Bill of Arts United, the local group that appeared to be glazed ceramic. The “We had one word of defamation written on our bodies, and then we each took turns writing healing presented the event. Male and female work looked like something out of words on each other—words of praise and love,” explained Mars, one of the models participating in models stood together with their heads the Fellini film Satyricon. the piece. It was fitting that the models stood near the door, since it offered a preview of the plentiful and bodies covered in graffiti. See Explosion on page 17 artistic expression to be encountered at Art Explosion 2003. Understanding the Complexities of Self Program Helps Gay Men ‘Ignite’ their Self-Esteem to Achieve their Goals By Phil LaPadula Richard P. Del Prete, a licensed probably not going to take risks or Managing Editor psychotherapist and president of East Las vigorously pursue their goals.” Many gay men develop self-esteem Olas Psychological Group. The program As gay men age, their self-esteem problems very early in life. Some are takes place at Art Serve in Fort Lauderdale. problems are more related to the social tormented by homophobic classmates in Such issues are not easy to resolve dynamics of the gay world. “Gay men begin school; others experience misunderstanding because they concern not only how gay to think of themselves as being old at 35 or or outright abuse at home. It’s no wonder men see themselves but also how others 38, while a 35- to 38-year-old heterosexual that some gay men develop such a low perceive them, and how they think others thinks of himself as being in the prime of opinion of themselves that they contemplate perceive them, Del Prete says. life,” Del Prete says. suicide. Coming out offers temporary Led by mental health professionals The opening session, titled reprieves for many gay men, but self-esteem and other community leaders, the “Becoming Empowered,” on Jan. 25 problems may resurface as they approach interactive program will examine how attracted about 65 people and received middle age in a youth-centered subculture. various stages of a person’s life affects his very favorable reviews, Del Prete says. On Tuesday, Feb. 25, mental health self-esteem. Particular attention will be The third session, “Dare to be Yourself,” professionals and other community leaders focused on early development traumas. will focus on establishing concrete goals. will address the issues of self-image at a “We’re going to look at how schools “We don’t expect the issue of self-esteem workshop titled “Ignite Your Self Esteem,” and families affect how people think of to be resolved after one session,” Del Prete Photo by Steven Shires the second in an ongoing series called The themselves,” Del Prete says. “Many times, says. Gay Male Empowerment Project. a gay person may have been called a The sessions start off with a large group Presented by the East Las Olas ‘faggot’ when they were young. They may discussion and then break down into smaller Just Married Psychological Group and sponsored by have been ostracized and felt different. As groups where people can receive more Terry DeCarlo (left) and Bill Huelsman Better Bodies Gym, the goal of the program they become labeled, that affects their personal attention. “It’s a very interactive tie the knot after a six-year courtship. The is to “ help people to understand the sense of self and the goals they may program with a formal design,” Del Prete ceremony took place before a crowd of friends and family at the Sunshine complexities of their self-esteem and to establish in the future. If a person doesn’t See Self Esteem on page 12 develop strategies to improve it,” explains feel good about themselves, they’re Cathedral on Feb. 15. www.ExpressGayNews.com • February 24, 2003 1 CYMK February 24, 2003 Volume 4, Number 8 Issue 117 The Express Gay News, Inc. 1595 Northeast 26th St. Wilton Manors, Fl. 33305 Phone: 954.568.1880 Inside THE EXPRESS Fax: 954.568.5110 www.ExpressGayNews.com Business Profile Page 6 Publisher Norm Kent The Compassionate [email protected] Senior Editor/Health Editor Pharmacy in Lauderdale J. Michael James [email protected] CommCare Treats Patients as Part Managing Editor of their Extended Family Phil LaPadula [email protected] Features Editor Andy Zeffer Page 11 Broward News [email protected] EDITORIAL Arts & Entertainment Editor Art, Awards and African Mary Damiano [email protected] American Culture EDITORIAL Pride Factory to Host Fourth Annual Supervisor of Marketing and Development Kevin Hopper Gay Black Pride Day on Feb. 28 [email protected] Account Executives Community Profile Page 14 Craig Combs [email protected] Long-Time Survivor Welcomes Joe Green [email protected] Third Decade Anthony Verrico Side Effects of Treatment and Medications [email protected] Make Life a Roller-Coaster Ride Classifieds Manager Lexx Thomas [email protected] State News Page 12 National Sales Representatives Rivendell Marketing GLBT ‘Power Party’ in 212.242.6863 BUSINESS News & Features South Florida Jennifer Trovato • Paul Harris National Center for Lesbian Rights, Equality Florida Local Feature Columnists Scott Colton • John Templeton Discuss Resource Sharing at Gathering Local Correspondents Palm Beach—Tony Plakas, South Beach—Jeff Wilkinson, Youth—Michael Irwin Arts & Entertainment Pages 24 Business & Finance Daniel M. Pye • Michael Wilke Syndicated Columnists Mike Alvear • Mubarak Dahir For the Love of Film Paul Varnell • Deb Price • M.Signorile th Dennis Scott-Bush • Jennifer Vanasco Miami Film Fest Ushers in 20 Year with Gala Health & Fitness Columnists Stephen Fallon • Lee Strausberg Advice & Counseling Mark Rutherford Webmaster • Gary Hallock Network Administrator • Ray Johnston Editorial Page / Letters to the Editor .................................... 18 Contributing Photographers Steven Shires • Pompano Bill • Carole Fawcett Expressifieds ............................................................... 26-27 Distribution Managers Business Directory ....................................................... 30-31 Charlie Braun • Glenn King Graphic Artist • Henny Snow CONTRIBUTORS The Express is published weekly on Mondays. Our paper is a member of the Associated Press, and a Founding Q Cover Story Member of the Gay American Media Association. The views or opinions expressed within this publication, in bylined columns, stories and letters to the editor are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Express Gay News, Inc. The appearance of names or pictorial The Story of an representations in The Express does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that named person or persons. All material in The Express is protected by federal Uproarious Upbringing copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of Express Gay News. The Express reserves the right to enforce its own judgments regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and/or photographs. Gayvine ........................................ Q6 Music Reviews .............................. Q11 Q Dining Guide .............................. Q8 Cultural Calendar ............................ Q9 Q Personals ................................. 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