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WMG april 19, 2017 BEGINS ON PAGE 43 vol. 8 // issue 16 south florida news GET YOUR Game On

sFgN’s gaYmeR edition

PAGES 24 - 42

STONEWALL ADDS LIBRARY MIFO LGBT FILM FESTIVAL ANNEX IN MIAMI OPENS THIS WEEKEND

PAGE 13 PAGE 64

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS SOFLAGAYNEWS SFGN.COM NEWS highlight SouthFloridaGaynews.com

april 19, 2017 • volume 8 • issue 16 2520 n. Dixie highway • wilton manors, Fl 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943 Publisher • norm Kent [email protected] chief executive offi cer • Pier Angelo Guidugli associate Publisher / executive editor • Jason Parsley [email protected] editorial art Director • Brendon Lies [email protected] Designer • Charles Pratt associate editor • Jillian Melero [email protected] Digital content Director • Brittany Ferrendi [email protected] piMp plaZa and HunGaRian sex-slaVes arts/entertainment editor • JW Arnold John McDonald Florida sees a wide range of prostitution cases [email protected] news editor • John McDonald [email protected] Social media manager • Tucker Berardi case of a pimp building debt inside a “He was actually building a debt that they judge handed out hefty sentences to two men [email protected] Florida correctional facility was one would owe to him. He would tell them, ‘I’m convicted of orchestrating the prostitution Food/Travel editor • Rick Karlin Aof multiple topics discussed during a going to wait for you the minute you get out of ring. The men, Gabor Acts and Viktor Berki, Gazette news editor • Michael d'Oliveira presentation last month in Tallahassee. prison. I’m the only one that cares for you.’” will each spend 25 years in prison, reports hiv editor • Sean McShee Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis “He had made a career out of pimping After they were released from prison, the SFGN & the Miami Herald. It remains unclear [email protected] women,” said Terry Coonan, an associate victims were taken by Rawles to Orlando to a in what country the men will serve their professor at Florida State University. place investigators called “Pimp Plaza.” There, prison terms. Senior Features correspondents Jesse Monteagudo • Tony Adams Coonan, who holds a Juris Doctorate, Coonan revealed, the women were beaten, On the culture front, human traffi cking correspondents addressed the Democratic Women’s Club of drugged and forced into selling their bodies. is bringing together two diff erent groups of Dori Zinn • Andrea Richard • Donald Florida at the organization’s annual Tally Days “These young women were forced into people. In Colorado, the Gill Foundation, Cavanaugh • Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • conference. The featured luncheon speaker, prostitution,” Coonan said. “All of them owed an LGBT philanthropic organization, and Sean McShee • Alex Adams • Gary Kramer • Coonan described situations involving him (Rawles) several thousand dollars from Focus on the Family, a conservative Christian David-Elijah Nahmod prostitution and forced labor contracts around their canteen accounts and he exploited that. policy institute, reportedly, joined forces contributing columnists the Sunshine State. They were in a Florida correctional facility and to strengthen laws combatting human Brian McNaught • Dana Rudolph • Wayne Besen Ric Reily • Steve Siler • Bil Browning “When a number of his women got arrested they were being set up for sex traffi cking once traffi cking. • Terri Schlichenmeyer and jailed for prostitution he would reach out they were released.” Focus on the Family Chief Executive Offi cer associate Photographers and use them as recruiters,” Coonan said, Women are not the only victims of Jim Daly described the peacemaking as “the Pompano Bill • Steven Shires describing a Marion County case. “Florida’s human traffi cking, Coonan noted during fi rst step of many things they’d hope to do Sales & marketing department of corrections didn’t realize that his presentation. He also spoke of a Miami together particularly where it concerns the Director of Sales & marketing • Mike Trottier canteens accounts that these young women case involving young men from the central stability of families and the betterment of [email protected] had anybody could put money in.” European nation of Hungary. children.” Sales manager • Justin Wyse Florida Representative David Richardson Prosecutor Katherine Fernandez Rundle A person familiar with the situation told [email protected] Senior Sales associate • Kevin Hopper (D-Miami Beach) said canteen accounts are discovered a prostitution ring advertised on SFGN that Ted Trimpa, a longtime gay activist [email protected] accounts that allow prisoners to purchase food the gay dating website, PlanetRomeo.com and lobbyist for Gill Foundation founder advertising Sales associate • Edwin Neimann and hygiene items. Richardson, who has spent “They actually worked as male escorts in Tim Gill, worked with Daly and a coalition to [email protected] the last two years auditing the state’s prison Hungary, but they were promised jobs doing fi ght human sex traffi cking in Colorado. The advertising Sales associate • Brett Coppol [email protected] system, said canteen accounts are operated by the same thing here in the UnitedMEMBER States,” person would not disclose their name due to Sales assistant / classifi eds • Tim Higgins a third party vendor and the contract is being Coonan said, adding it was Hungarian the sensitivity of the topic, but told SFGN the [email protected] revised and will go through a bidding process. policemen who arranged for the male escorts coalition’s work resulted in a law being passed Distribution Services • Rocky Bowell • In the case involving the Lowell Correctional travel to Miami. in Colorado to curtail human sex traffi cking. Brian Swinford Institute outside of Ocala, 75-year-old Richard “Once they got them here,” Coonan said. national advertising Rawles was busted for essentially putting a “They were forced into repeated acts of gay sex Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 [email protected] down payment on prisoners. and gay prostitution.” MEMBER Daly is scheduled to speak at the “(Rawls) was putting money into these Hungarian police offi cers “brutally exploited” Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, April accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping canteen accounts of young women who these escorts, Coonan said and threatened to 28, at the Convention Center in Printing by Sun coast Press were typically in prison for a couple years for harm their families if they quit escorting. Fort Lauderdale. prostitution or a drug off ense,” Coonan said. On April 7, a Miami-Dade circuit court SFGN WINNER of & 3 FLORIDA PRESS CLUB Awards And runner-up for MEMBER NLGJA Journalist of the Year our otHEr PuBlICAtIonS South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the Get yours, on racks now! opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial

Your Complete Guide to What’s Hot in representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale & Beyond... Associated Press interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the

PUBLICATION AN SFGN material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright GUIDETO THE and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the 2016-2017 newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law offi ce, DRIVE MEMBER at [email protected]. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves Cover: the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of The gay gaming edition focuses on LGBT video games, and the real lives that inspire them. advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. SouthFloridaGayNews.com GUIDE TO THE DRIVE 1 Featured is the cosplayer Stryker, who poses with himself before and after. Photo by Chasis Photos. Copyright © 2017 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

2 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 3 NEWS local NEWS state

SAVE Dade. RepoRt: CoRoneR takes Man FRoM Photo: SAVE, Facebook. Club FoRt laudeRdale John McDonald

lub Fort Lauderdale, advertised as an American Sauna, was the scene of a grizzly Cdiscovery, an eyewitness told SFGN. “It was not a good scene,” said Kurt, who spoke to SFGN Friday morning but would only give his first name. “You could tell someone was non responsive.” Club Fort Lauderdale, Kurt said, was on examiner’s’ report determines cause of death. “lockdown” from 2:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. on Kurt believes the man died of a drug overdose. Friday, April 14. The response from police and staff at the club SFGN visited the Broward Blvd. location shortly was poor, Kurt said. after 10 a.m. Friday and spoke with manager “There needs to be more monitoring,” Kurt Kevin Barnett who declined to comment. said. “Staff was like, ‘Oh, this happens all the time. Kurt, however, tells a tale of a man, described Well, that’s sad!” as a white male in his 60s, lying on the floor of Kurt said he is not a regular at Club Fort a Club Fort Lauderdale fetish play room. Fort Lauderdale. He referred to himself as a “patron” saVe pRoMotes equality Lauderdale police were involved, Kurt said, as was and said he likes to use the club’s Jacuzzi. the medical examiner’s office, which retrieved “I thought it was poorly handled,” Kurt said. the body. “The whole place should have been cleared. in business “We did have a death there,” Fort Lauderdale There were quite a few people affected by it.” Ryan Yousefi Chief of Police Rick Maglione said. “No crime is Club Fort Lauderdale, 110 NW 5th Ave., is one suspected at this point.” of eight private saunas and gyms for adult gay and Maglione said next of kin must be notified bisexual men. The facility is open 24 hours, seven ack in 2016, the LGBT activist is treated with dignity and respect, and before a name is released and the medical days and week, 365 days a year. and rights group SAVE teamed up help Florida companies attract the best Bwith Miami Congressman Carlos and brightest employees and enhance the Curbelo and marketing executive Mike state’s reputation as an open and inclusive Valdes-Fauli to for what is now known as world business center.” the Business Equality Network, an ever- South Florida counties and expanding group of local businesses in municipalities have a slew of local favor of workplace equality. protections for LGBT people, but that’s The group and its network have used the case for many parts of the state. SAVE the last year to continually add business is out to fix this, so everyone, no matter allies that agree all people, including where they live, can rest easy at their job those who identify as LGBT, deserve knowing they don’t have to hide who they to play on a level playing field at their are out of fear of termination. workplace. According to SAVE, there are “There has been work at the city and currently still large parts of Florida have county levels to get these protections, and no non-discrimination law that protects currently 60 percent of the state population LGBT members from being discriminated is covered. In Florida, 11 counties out of against in their place of employment. 67 have an ordinance prohibiting private They’re out to fix that. And fast. employment discrimination based on “SAVE’s Business Equality Network is sexual orientation and gender identity and about a group of South Florida businesses 25 cities have an ordinance prohibiting that are taking a stand and saying that private employment discrimination based Laser Hair Removal discrimination is bad for business,” said on sexual orientation and gender identity. Nose and Ears Combo $35 SAVE Campaign Manager Bren Pantilione. In areas where non-discrimination “We want the most qualified workers here protections have not been passed, it is in the state, regardless of who they are. legal to fire someone based on their sexual Filler Fridays One of SAVE’s top priorities is working orientation or gender identity. Purchase any 2 Restylane on non-discrimination protections that SAVE is reaching out to you, and the syringes and get the 3rd protect LGBT people in the workplace. entire community, to become a part of equal or lesser FREE! “If we want to live in a Florida that the Business Equality Network. The more grows by attracting the very best talent, business that sign up, and the more people Mention Promo Code MM17 for Savings. has a strong economy, and is a vibrant that support their non-discrimination Above pricing per session. Expires 4/29/17 place to live, then we must celebrate, fight, the faster Florida can become a total Look at our Website for more March Savings. respect, and protect everyone who workplace non-discrimination state. If your works, lives and plays in our great state,” business would like to join the fight, sign up Pantilione said. “ this type of www.save./business_equality_network. legislation would ensure that everyone

4 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 5 equality California launches statewide billboard Campaign in act of Resistance and solidarity

(AP) Equality California Friday announced the white, Muslim and Jew, immigrant and native born - launch of a media campaign called “#ResistHate” and everything in between. This campaign empowers to recognize and promote California’s exceptional us to help unite the many communities of which diversity. The campaign seeks to foster a statewide LGBTQ people are a part and to resist all attempts to culture of solidarity that resists fear, bigotry and divide our communities. We want all of California’s hate, and instead encourages unity among the diverse communities to know that whoever you are state’s LGBTQ community and all communities that - LGBTQ, Muslim, undocumented or a member of experience prejudice, injustice and discrimination. any other group that has been targeted or feels less The new year-long campaign features images safe as a result of recent divisive messages - we stand evoking love, unity and California pride, and will with you. We must assert the values of tolerance and appear on 125 billboards in various markets across inclusion that set our state apart, and make it a beacon the state. of hope and acceptance for the rest of the nation.” “’Resist Hate’ is a message of unity and solidarity The fi rst billboards are being installed this month for all Californians,” said Rick Zbur, executive director in greater Los Angeles and the remainder will be of Equality California. “LGBTQ people are black and installed across the state throughout 2017.

LOCAL POLITICS NATIONAL oyd beaten back y times editorial Calls trump’s lGbt ermont Moves Forward with Gender- (SFGN) For the past two months, defeated Wilton Manors support ‘a Fallacy’ Free Restroom bill bmayoral candidate Boyd Corbin has been bragging and posting n(EDGE) Is Trump’s honeymoon with being a pro-LGBT V(AP) Vermont is moving ahead with a statewide measure on Facebook that he won an ‘ex parte’ restraining order against president over? Did it ever start? to take gendered signs off single-occupancy public Wilton Manors realtor Doug Blevins. Not anymore. The New York Times editorial board skewered President bathrooms, but time is running out to pass the bill during After three separate hearings, circuit Court Judge Michael Donald Trump on Monday for campaigning to be this year’s lawmaking session. Kaplan threw out the restraining order, ruling the evidence was “president for all Americans” and then halting or reversing After an identical California law passed last year, nearly insuffi cient as a matter of law and fact. Corbin has also sued the progress of LGBT rights by nominating anti-LGBT a quarter of Vermont’s 150-member House signed on as co- and threatened other victims and witnesses who accused him of officials. sponsors of the bill. New York is the only other state that is attacking an entertainer a few years ago in the Alibi while dressed “[T]he nomination of several key officials, who have considering a similar legislation this year. A Hawaii bill in in a Ku Klux Klan costume for Halloween. Charges against him disparaged the L.G.B.T. community and sought to curtail the same vein failed last year. Washington, D.C., and many were eventually dropped. Read next week’s SFGN for an update. the rights of its members, has exposed the narrative that cities and colleges have already enacted similar policy. Mr. Trump would be a champion of gay and In contrast, 13 states were considering laws by late March people as a fallacy,” The Times wrote. that limit bathroom access in some way, according to the Photo: Facebook. Key among anti-LGBT Trump administration officials National Conference of State Legislatures. Policy experts called out by The Times is Attorney General Jeff Sessions, say the bills are unlikely to pass, however. who in February reversed the Obama Administration “Trans people have reached a level of publicity and directive to schools regarding transgender students. to some degree acceptance on the national scale that is The Times also blasted Trump’s choice for Health and unprecedented,” said Cathryn Oakley, senior legislative Human Services Department, Tom Price for his vocal attorney at the Human Rights Campaign, a leading LGBTQ opposition to gay rights as a congressman. Mention was rights group. also made of Tennessee state senator Mark Green, who “But it also has had a very significant pendulum swing in was recently tapped by Trump to replace openly gay Eric terms of the legislation we’re seeing,” Oakley said. Fanning as secretary of the army, for calling transgender a Capturing Oakley’s attention now is a Texas bill that “disease.” would that would keep transgender people from using a “It’s not too late, of course, for Mr. Trump to act like bathroom that aligns with their gender identity, which has the transformational Republican on gay rights that passed the state Senate. some of his supporters hoped he would be,” the editorial Progressive Rep. Selene Colburn, the lead sponsor of concluded. “He could, for instance, urge Congress to the three-page bill, said she hasn’t faced opposition, but is pass a federal anti-discrimination bill. Yet his record of not sure if it will pass this year. House and Senate leaders empty talk makes that seem as unlikely as the sight of say about three weeks remain in Vermont’s lawmaking a Republican presidential candidate waving a gay pride session, and neither the full House nor the Senate have yet flag.” considered the bill.

6 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 7 I refuse to let HIV get in the way of my busy schedule. I even have a cell phone app that reminds me to take my HIV meds. When I’m not working, I keep busy with boot camp, swimming, weight lifting, meditation, traveling and — oh yeah — karaoke. I know that the more control I have over my HIV, the less power I give to the virus. I take control by taking my HIV medication every day.

8 • 4.19.2017 “Think you can slow me down, HIV? Not in this lifetime.” Yuri - Miami, FL Living with HIV.

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I refuse to let HIV get in the way of my busy schedule. I even have a cell phone app that reminds me to take my HIV Get in care. Stay in care. Live well. meds. When I’m not working, I keep busy with boot camp, swimming, weight lifting, meditation, traveling and — oh yeah — karaoke. I know that the more control I have over my HIV, the less power I give to the virus. I take control by taking my HIV medication every day. cdc.gov/HIVTreatmentWorks

4.19.2017 • 9 NEWS local

A look back at Gay CoMMissioneR to attend OUT 50 eVanGeliCal pRayeR bReakFast PAULETTE V. John McDonald ARMSTEAD ort Lauderdale Commissioner Dean Trantalis said he will attend the Mayor’s FPrayer Breakfast next week. THE COP “It’s important that I attend this event,” Trantalis told SFGN in a telephone conversation. The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, now in its “After much reading 55th year, is April 28 at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center. One of the scheduled and refl ection, I came speakers is Jim Daly, Chief Executive Offi cer to believe that my of the conservative Christian policy institute Focus on the Family. sexuality is not a sin Focus on the Family has a documented history of anti-LGBT positions. Daly is the but rather all human author of a new book titled “Marriage Done Right: One Man, One Woman.” Trantalis is well aware of Focus on the sexuality is a gift from Daly’s presence at the prayer breakfast has Family’s history. As a community leader, he sparked outrage from local LGBT activists. Fort said he stands ready to confront opposing God and that God loves Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler maintains he had views instead of protesting or skipping the no hand in organizing the event. event altogether. me just the way I am.” Trantalis, Fort Lauderdale’s Vice Mayor, is “This is our home,” Trantalis said. “I’m going openly gay. He has served three terms on the to hear what he (Daly) has to say. It’s amazing city commission, representing district two, and that in this day and age there are still people See who else was featured this year! has attended past prayer breakfasts. that espouse anti-gay hate and discrimination “Some people even bristled when I entered continues to rear its ugly head. We still have Visit SFGN.com/2017Out50 the room,” Trantalis recalled. work cut out for us.”

10 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 11 NEWS local Photo credit: Pompano Bill. ex-tuesday’s anGels pResident takes oWn liFe John McDonald

an Blakemore, past president of Tuesday’s Angels, died last week. d Details are still being gathered as multiple sources tell SFGN Blakemore died of a self-infl icted gunshot wound to the head. “Dan was a good guy who meant well and raised a lot of funds for Tuesday’s Angels,” said Chuck Nicholls, Tuesday’s Angels Vice President. Nicholls said Blakemore was “living in a state of depression” and kept his feelings to himself. “He didn’t have a partner to come home to and bounce issues off of,” Nicholls said. On April 12, Tuesday’s Angels President men, women and children living with HIV/ Mike Ross delivered the news in an email to AIDS. members. SFGN publisher Norm Kent called “Dan was a long-term and very dedicated Blakemore’s passing a sad day for the local supporter of our mission, as well as a friend community. to many of us, and we will miss him greatly,” “Dan was a treasured individual whose Ross wrote. contribution to our community will always Tuesday’s Angels is a Fort Lauderdale based be appreciated,” said Kent. “SFGN is grateful nonprofi t, section 501(c)3 organization that for the partnerships we forged and the provides funding on an emergency basis to relationships he fostered.”

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12 • 4.19.2017 NEWS miami-dade

the new space will be hosted by Pridelines in Miami. Photo Credit: Pridelines, Facebook. stoneWall adds libRaRy annex in MiaMi Michael d’Oliveira

he Stonewall National Museum & “It provides access to history and stories Archives has too many books and not from our community for our young people,” tenough space. The solution? More space he said. “We’re doing our part to preserve by adding an annex library at Pridelines in LGBTQ literature and make it available to Miami. the community at large. The community The annex, “The Bliss Hebert and Allen now has this resource here in Miami-Dade Charles Klein Stonewall Loft and Lounge County. I think it makes us unique. It also is Dedicated By Robert Glazier Alan Mason,” an extension of our amazing relationship was dedicated March 12 and is located at that we have with the Stonewall Museum & Pridelines, 6360 NE 4 Ct. in Miami. The 200 sq. Archives.” ft. annex includes books, DVDs, So far, Stonewall staff and other materials centering members are helping to staff on the LGBT community and its “we’re doing the new library on their own history. our parT time. But Grant said the hope is “We’re always having space that Stonewall can fi nd a way to issues. About 95 percent of To preserve get grants or some other kind of donated items we already lgbTQ funding to pay for the library’s have,” said Robert Lee, liTeraTure future operation. “We’re just Stonewall’s chief librarian. making it happen. The eff ort Many of the books and and maKe will be ongoing. It’s important materials at the annex are iT available work.” copies of items Stonewall To The Previously, to get rid of already has on its shelves some of its surplus inventory, and in its archives. There are communiTy aT Stonewall has donated books also books specifi cally for large.” to other libraries around the transgender youth and other country, including 6,000 Pridelines clientele. - victor Diaz Herman volumes to Oak Lawn Library Pridelines is an organization PRIDELINES CEO in Dallas, Texas. that provides LGBT youth with Copies are also donated to a safe environment. The organization also local gay guest houses. “We do a lot of diff erent provides LGBT-centered programming and things with second and third copies,” Grant services. said. Emery Grant, Stonewall’s director of High school students and individuals in community engagement, said the new library gay/straight alliances in Miami-Dade can take is “a natural fi t” and a way for the organization out books for free. Others have to pay the to expand its membership base in Miami same annual membership fees that apply to and reach more members of the LGBTQ Stonewall’s Fort Lauderdale location – $35 community in South Florida. for individuals, $50 per household, $25 for Pridelines CEO Victor Diaz Herman agrees. college students.

4.19.2017 • 13 NEWS local NEWS miami-dade Photo: Facebook. sFGn launCHes MontHly soCial MixeRs First One to Be Held April 20 Tucker Berardi

new way to network” is the slogan for South Florida Gay News’ first “A ever networking mixer, being held at the award-winning Bull Market Bar in Fort Lauderdale. The stock market-themed gastropub offers a wide selection of drinks for those who want to walk and talk as well as menu networking or just getting to know your local items for people who would rather socialize reporters. at the dinner table. “Through our new monthly networking WoRld outGaMes MiaMi Hosts FouRtH The Bull Market Bar also has an adjusting mixer Out Social Club, SFGN aims to bring drink menu with prices that fluctuate due our business friends and readers together Global lGbtqi HuMan RiGHts ConFeRenCe to supply and demand — the more a drink socially and professionally,” said Mike is being bought, the more expensive it Trottier, Director of Sales and Marketing. Brittany Ferrendi becomes, leaving less trendy drinks to drop “Come and make new friends and business in price. contacts. It’s all about who you know!” While the stock exchange theme is an If you or anyone is interested in attending t’s time to hone in on a global topic — who wants to have a voice and desires equality human rights. and acceptance.” experience of itself, the purpose of the night the mixer, come to the Bull Market Bar on I The 4th Global LGBTQI Human Rights Speakers from around the world — is to meet with the staff of SFGN and the Thursday at 5:30 pm. The bar is located at Conference is set to take off May 26 through 29 including Cuba, Thailand, the United Kingdom, rest of the community — whether through 210 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale. at the Miami Beach Convention Center. It will Miccosukee Reservation and more — will open be held through World OutGames Miami, a 10- a discussion about human rights. day event focusing on sports, human rights and According to the release, over 25 speakers For entry and future social event information, register at OutSocial.club. culture. will be at the event, ranging from activists to “With political uncertainty in the United researchers and scholars. They will hold in- States and abroad, it is even more important depth discussions about health and wellness, to maintain open dialogue and shared points social justice and promoting inclusivity in of view to strive for unity and inclusiveness sports. for all,” said World OutGames Miami Diversity Among special guests are Sylvia Acevedo and Human Rights Director Lynare Robbins in from the United States, Sayato Nakata from a press release. “This conference offers an in- Japan, Yahia Zaldi from Algeria and more. Local depth global perspective on subjects, including speakers include bisexual activist Luigi Ferrer LGBT rights, and should be attended by anyone of Pridelines Miami.

If You Go: WorlD outGAMES MIAMI: Global LGBTQI Human Rights Conference MAY 26 - JunE 4

May 26-29 1210 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, Florida Miami Beach Convention Center 1901 Convention Center Dr Miami Beach, Florida www.outgames.org

14 • 4.19.2017 NEWS local

last year’s transart event. Photo Credit: Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida. tRansaRt exHibit CoMinG to MiaMi & Wilton ManoRs Ryan Yousefi

he Unity Coalition will unveil a new writers, photographers, dancers, singers, exhibit that displays the work of and designers. Ttransgender artists June 8-11. The Sosa told SFGN his group felt there was a exhibit will travel to Miami, Miami Beach, lack of opportunities for those artists who and Wilton Manors. identify as transgender, so three years ago “Transart showcases the talent, vision, they made it a point to open some of those and possibilities within the transgender doors that had for so long been closed. community,” said Unity Coalition President Sosa said the Transart event is inclusive Herb Sosa. “Transart brings and should be a great time for together a collection of talents, those who attend. It’s sure to individuals, and artistic genres “TransarT raise transgender awareness, as to create awareness, nurture showcases well, which the Unity Coalition aspiring artists and enlighten feels is vital. the general population The TalenT, “Transart has a full and about the many layers of this vision, and exciting schedule of events community. We felt that the from Thursday, June 8 through transgender community was possibiliTies Sunday June 11th - from the lacking an event that truly wiThin The Gaythering Hotel, Miami showcased its many rich layers Dade College Wolfson campus and talents, and are committed Transgender in downtown Miami and to bringing this to the world.” culminating in Wilton Manors The exhibit is meant to act communiTy.” at Stonewall Gallery,” Sosa as an annual celebration of - Herb Sosa said. the transgender community’s PRESIDENT OF THE “The important thing to artistic talents, as well as UNITy COALITION remember is that Transart is serving as a way for those who for everyone. The best way for identify as a trans to express themselves. us to understand each other and expand The Unity Coalition understands that our tolerance, care, and compassion for artists comes in all shapes, sizes, and each other, is to actually get to know each disciplines, not to mention sexual and other. What better way to do that than one- gender identities, so they are accepting art on-one through art, education, and fun - in a variety of forms, including; painters, Transart gives us that!”

4.19.2017 • 15 NEWS national DOWNTOWN ELEVATED

the contestants during the unexpected moment. Photo: CBS. Gay ‘suRViVoR’ Contestant outs tRans CastaWay Brittany Ferrendi

here are some lines that must not be “Nobody on the planet should do what crossed – even in reality TV. I did tonight. Ever,” Varner said in the t On the last episode of “Survivor: closing credits. “And I’m so sorry to anyone I Game Changers,” that boundary was broken. off ended, especially to Zeke and his family.” Spoilers ahead. After the episode aired, GLAAD On Wednesday night’s episode, alum Zeke Transgender Media Program Director Nick Smith was outed by fellow contestant Jeff Adams weighed in on Smith’s outing. “Zeke Varner. During the episode’s tribal council, Smith, and transgender people like him, are openly gay Varner was making the case to not deceiving anyone by being their authentic stay on the island. selves, and it is dangerous and unacceptable “There is deception here, deception on to out a transgender person. It is heartening, levels, Jeff , that these people don’t even however, to see the strong support for Zeke understand,” Varner told the host Jeff Probst. from the other people in his tribe. Moments “There’s more,” he said, turning his attention like this prove that when people from all to Smith. “Why haven’t you told anyone walks of life get to know a transgender you’re transgender?” person, they accept us for who we are.” Smith and his fellow castaways sat stunned Varner later took to Twitter to apologize. until Varner broke the silence to justify his “Yep. I did that. And I off er my deepest, question. “What I’m showing is a deception,” most heartfelt apologies to Zeke Smith, his he explained. friends and life allies, his family and to all Soaring above vibrant downtown Fort Lauderdale, 100 Las Olas will be the But the fellow castaways did not accept that those who my mistake hurt and off ended,” explanation — instead, they rallied against he wrote. “I recklessly revealed something I city’s tallest building: 499 feet, 121 luxury residences perched atop a 15 Varner. mistakenly believed everyone already knew. I story Hyatt Centric. Ground breaking Q1 2017. Finished “Move-in” ready “Nobody has the right to out anybody,” one was wrong and make no excuses for it. I own residences delivered the end of 2019. contestant said as the castaways erupted in responsibility in what is the worst decision of Smith’s defense. “It was for Zeke to discuss my life.” when he was comfortable discussing it,” He closed his apology with a message to another contestant remarked. people like him: Large Luxury Residences from the $800,000 “Two seasons playing ‘Survivor,’ I’ve told “We cisgender Americans live with an nobody,” Smith said. enormous amount of privilege and should Varner shifted his tone and apologized to spend time pondering how we can use that Smith. “You can’t unring the bell,” Probst told for greater good. When we disrespect or Casey Koslowski Varner. discriminate, or turn blind eyes to it, we Smith explained why he didn’t out himself wound all of us. I am deeply saddened at what Senior Sales Executive as transgender on the show —“I didn’t want my mistake unleashed and I promise to use its to be the ‘trans Survivor player.’ I wanted to lessons to do the right thing.” 100 Las Olas be Zeke the Survivor player.” Zeke also shared a message with his fans [email protected] Instead of the typical secret ballot used to on Twitter: vote a contestant off the island, Probst openly “We cannot control the hazards we face, we polled the tribal council. They voted Varner can only control how we respond,” he said. 305-302-0988 off the island. “Love each other.”

16 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 17 CONVICTIONS Mombian lGbt CHaRaCteRs need MoRe tHan a “MoMent” in CHildRen’s Media Dana Rudolph Photo: Melinda

isney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a prime they were part of a background crowd. example of how not to please anyone In 2012, the feature fi lm ParaNorman gave Dwhen it comes to LGBTQ representation us the fi rst gay character in an animated in children’s media. After enormous hoopla fi lm—but again, we don’t learn he’s gay until over the fi rst gay character in a Disney fi lm— right before the end. The point may have been who would have, director Bill Condon said, that his gayness didn’t matter as much as the an “exclusively gay moment”—the moment rest of his character, and that’s valid—but was too brief and inconclusive for me as a why not show the gayness fi rst and then show queer person to celebrate. At the same time, it’s irrelevant, rather than playing it for the the mere announcement of a gay character surprise factor? infl amed many conservatives. Some children’s shows have done better. The vagueness of the moment, when villain The Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe LeFou dances with a man for a couple of has several regular female characters with seconds near the end of the fi lm, was especially clearly romantic feelings for each other. frustrating coming after far too many brief, Protagonist Steven can also “fuse” with his last-minute, or after-the-fact queer moments friend Connie to become a being who uses in children’s media. Harry Potter author J.K. gender-neutral pronouns. In the network’s Rowling didn’t tell us wizard show Clarence, too, one of Dumbledore was gay until the main characters has Either way, it’s no excuse for the lack of characters and our “modern families” (which after the fi nal book and fi ve two moms, shown since the representation since then. in fact have a long history) might just help movies in the series. The fi rst season in 2014. THEIR STORYLINES Perhaps Sesame Workshop, which with that. Amazon and Netfl ix, of course, Cartoon Network’s Adventure And Disney certainly produces Sesame Street, is thinking of might try the same. The concern with all Time characters Marceline DONʼT ALWAYS seems willing to be out the reaction to LGBT inclusion in another of this is that the programming would be the Vampire and HAVE TO FOCUS ON and proud in programming PBS Kids show. When a 2005 episode most readily available only to those who Princess Bubblegum always THEM BEING LGBT, for tweens and up. It also of Postcards from Buster showed a two- can aff ord cable, streaming services, and gave off a queer vibe—but it owns Freeform, which airs mom family, George W. Bush’s secretary of movies—at a time when children of LGBT took Marceline’s voice actor BUT NOR SHOULD The Fosters, about a two- education, Margaret Spellings, denounced it parents are twice as likely as their peers to answering a fan question at a THOSE ASPECTS mom household with fi ve and asked the producers to return all federal live in poverty. book signing in 2011 to confi rm OF IDENTITY children, including one gay funding. Producer Jeanne Jordan told the LGBT characters in children’s media it. son and (as of last week) ALWAYS BE COYLY New York Times that the controversy made need more than a vague “moment.” They Nickelodeon’s Legend of a daughter who is dating it diffi cult to fi nd funds for a second season. should be more than last-minute reveals. Korra protagonists Korra and AMBIGUOUS OR a transgender boy. For Sesame Workshop, however, has been Their storylines don’t always have to Asami held hands and gazed FLEETING. younger children, though, struggling fi nancially for other reasons but focus on them being LGBT, but nor should at each other as they walked Disney remains cautious. last year struck a deal with HBO, which will those aspects of identity always be coyly off into the sunset—in the last It is perhaps no surprise, fund fi ve new seasons to air on the cable ambiguous or fl eeting. moment of the last episode. then, that the bastion of network nine months before they air on LGBT children and children of LGBTQ And with nothing as clear as a kiss, the show’s children’s television, Sesame Street, still PBS. With newfound fi nancial stability, parents need to see ongoing, positive LGBT creators had to issue statements to confi rm has not shown any clearly LGBT characters. might Sesame Workshop be willing to take characters in kids’ media to help boost their that yes, they had intended them to be a They’ve been a pioneer of diversity in other a risk on LGBT inclusion? self-confi dence and give them role models. couple. ways, however, with characters of various And as Amazon and Netfl ix move into All children need to see them as preparation Likewise, Disney XD cartoon Gravity races, ethnicities, languages, and physical original children’s programming, might for being good friends, neighbors, and Falls revealed that characters Sheriff Blubs abilities. They had a multi-episode storyline Sesame Street need to emphasize that they citizens. Then instead of just a moment, and Deputy Durand were a couple—in the with an adoptive single mother in 2006, remain contemporary and relevant? LGBT we’d have something momentous. last episode. On a similar note, the Disney and last week introduced their fi rst autistic Channel’s Good Luck Charlie guest starred character. a two-mom family in January 2014—three A 1982 segment, “We All Sing the Same weeks before its last episode. More recently, Song,” included the line, “I’ve got one ; Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of Mombian Disney XD cartoon Star vs. The Forces of Evil I’ve got two.” Given the era, however, it (mombian.com), a GLAAD Media Award-winning blog and in February showed a scene with same-sex remains unclear whether they were referring resource directory for LGBTQ parents. male and female couples kissing, although to gay dads or a straight dad and a stepdad.

18 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 19 editorial Cartoon KEEP YOUR EYES ON CONVICTIONS editoRial CaRtoon South Florida by andy Marlette Gay News

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20 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 21 CONVICTIONS Jesse’s Journal donald tRuMp and tHe (pRospeCtiVe) Jesse Monteagudo Fall oF publiC teleVision

or much of my life, I have been a fan of public television. Unlike broadcast and cable television, Fwhich mostly exist to sell advertising and appeal to the lowest common denominator, public TV serves the public with (mostly) quality programs that educate, entertain and elevate our minds and hearts. When cable stations emerged in the 1980s many of us thought that they would make public TV obsolete; a notion that cable quickly dispelled as it descended into a trash heap of dumb reality shows. Dolores Sukhdeo, CEO of South Florida PBS stations WPBT and WXEL (my local outlets), put it well when she wrote that “we are a storyteller, a teacher, a theater, a library, and a traveling companion. For the 14th consecutive year, we are the most trusted place for families with children, a thoughtful retreat for adults, a source of reliable, unbiased information, and a place where all of us can continue to learn and grow.” Often public TV falls short of its goals, as when it gives in to the whims of public or private pressure groups, or when it runs thinly-disguised infomercials during its seemingly endless pledge periods. But, all in all, in spite its faults, public TV comes through. The Donald Trump administration, though only a few months old, has made me nostalgic for the “good old days” of the last Republican administration, that of George W. Bush. Things that alarmed us back then seem quaint compared to the horrors that Trump and his minions now plan for our country. ‘The last time I wrote about public television (2005), Bush was president and I complained about the fact that public TV, under Bush administration pressure, was cutting down on its LGBT-interest programs. Now I worry that there won’t be any public TV left for me to complain about. Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a government agency the cause that Protect My Public Media espouses might not On March 16, 2017 Trump sent to Congress a budget which receives money from the government to fund public be as vital as those of some of the other resistance groups proposal that, if passed by Congress, would drastically television. The money is no big deal, only $445.5 million a - and any group that opposes Trump is a resistance group, change our government’s priorities. Trump’s budget asks year, barely enough to fund several of Trump’s weekends whether it knows it or not - it is still important to maintain for a $54 billion increase in military spending and $2.6 at Mar-a-Lago. The rest of the public TV money comes a public service that gives so much to our communities. billion to build his cherished Wall across the U.S.-Mexico from foundations, philanthropies, those notorious pledge Visit www.protectmypublicmedia.org, get involved in border - regardless of the president’s repeated promise periods, advertisements masquerading as “we support their latest campaign, invite your friends and family to that MEXICO WILL PAY FOR IT. public television” testimonials, and “contributions from protect public media and tell your own public media story. In return for building a useless Wall and buying military viewers like you (thank you).” Tell Congress what public television and radio mean to hardware that we do not need, the budget drastically Still, CPB money is vital to many public TV stations, you and why they should be preserved. reduces domestic spending and eliminates 62 agencies especially those in small towns or rural areas where few and programs that help people here and abroad, including philanthropists live. Possibly Trump and his cohorts environmental programs, “Meals on Wheels,” the Low- believe that their base does not watch or want public Jesse Monteagudo is a freelance Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the National television, though here they might be mistaken. writer and journalist. He has been Endowment for the Arts. The President’s Emergency Plan If you agree that public television – and radio - are worth an active member of South Florida's for AIDS Relief, established under President George W. protecting and supporting, you might start by sending a LGBT community for more than four Bush in 2003, will be abolished, leading to an op-ed from donation to your local public TV station, and not just decades and has served in various the former president defending his program. during pledge periods. You might also want to take a stand community organizations. One of the casualties of Trump’s proposed budget is the and oppose Trump’s drastic and inhuman budget. Though

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dear editor, cozying up to gay people is like saying the Nazi Party now accepts homosexuals into Thanks for printing the article about the their fold. Prayer Breakfast and for bringing it to the Until everyone comes to the realization community’s attention in such a big way! that in the United States we are all free to I was a gay activist in the ’90s in be who we are without the interference of Charlotte, NC when people like James organizations that think they can pray the Dobson were in the face of the GLBT gay away we remain in grave danger. Gay community using us as his whipping post people are not asking anyone who is part of to garner fi nancial support for his narrow Focus On The Family to become gay so why minded way of thinking. do they think they have the right to tell gay After reading all the “positive spin” about people they are in the wrong and need to the Prayer Breakfast I think there are a lot accept their narrow view of our rather better examples of Christian leadership expansive, all encompassing universe! that are all inclusive rather than trying to use reparative therapy to change how people are born that would be excellent keynote speakers at the Breakfast. My mantra in the ’90s was and still is, Respectfully submitted, “Focus on your own darn family and leave mine the heck alone!” Focus On The Family david Ferebee Wilton Manors

let youR VoiCe be HeaRd Submit your own letter to [email protected]

4.19.2017 • 23 video games feature Homophobia Is No Game

x

Timothy Becker PHoto CredIt: BIoWAre.

he gaming world is often considered a man’s representation were Bioware-developed games like the quests designed around his coming out as a gay man realm. A place dominated by misogyny and “Dragon Age” series of games and “Star Wars: Knights of to his noble family. Not only was it a well thought out Tgay jokes. This leads to the general lack of the Old Republic.” The “Sims” which is developed by EA, and meaningful interaction, it also felt like a true part representation in games — whether it be racial, sexual or has also had a history of inclusivity. of the game world and made for a realistically complex LGBT. Except for a few key games and companies, LGBT Gaming companies gave very eff eminate character. content is barren and many times even the butt of a joke mannerisms and made them less “manly” because of That is just one example of Bioware’s representation in gaming media. it — a walking caricature of the stereotypical gay man. of LGBT content in their games. Until recently there There has, however been a cultural resurgence in The lack of representation in most video games was were only handful of critically-acclaimed games that gaming as many companies that previously had little to no caused by the industry belief that the driving force had any diversity on the LGBT spectrum whatsoever and LGBT content — like that of Blizzard, behind success was that may be because of the corporate belief that straight the company that developed games the approval and endorsement white men, the largest player base, fear the “gay” content like “Hearthstone,” “World of Up until recently, of straight white males. The 2001 as if playing said games was a question to their sexuality. Warcraft” — are now making moves LgBT friendly release of “,” which off ered In many games we see the opposite of progress: antigay to be more inclusive. same sex marriages, broke that sentiments and satirized LGBT content continue to leave Blizzard’s new cultural games were mold. The game soared in sales and their mark on LGBT perceptions. phenomenon “Overwatch” has few and far was the precursor to a whole genre Multiplayer games like “League of Legends” and “Dota received praise for its diversity and between with the of character management games. 2” are notorious for their toxic fanbase which many the cover character Tracer is openly Up until recently, LGBT friendly times pokes, prods and torments those who they deem . main serving of games were few and far between lesser or diff erent. A perfect example is the outcry over One of the main characters in inclusive games with the main serving of inclusive the “Overwatch” character who was announced to be the “Last of Us” — a game that games coming from the developer gay. Many of the comments read along the lines of “... surpassed $7 million on PlayStation coming from the Bioware. Games developed by pandering to the SJWs,” (Social Justice Warriors for 3 and earned an additional million developer Bioware. Bethesda like “Skyrim” and “Fallout” short). on PS4, according to gaming news have always had the option for One of the biggest issues with the industry as a whole site IGN — is a teenage girl named same-sex relations but have had is that the game developers come from a relatively Ellie who is shown to be in love with her best friend a feeling of novelty whereas Bioware displays natural narrow frame of origin. Most developers are American Riley, a female, in the game’s expansion “Left Behind.” feeling relationships and representation with thorough born white men and as a whole dominate the industry. Naughty Dog, the studio behind “The Last of Us,” is writing in their RPGs. Without the diversity representing the world as a whole one of Sony’s biggest game development studios. One of the most popularized LGBT Bioware characters many topics are left uncovered like LGBT, race and This is a new pattern for big game studios, however. was a mage named Dorian in “Dragon Age: Inquisition.” gender. Until there is a more diverse creative workplace Previously, the only games where there was gay The non-player character was given an entire arc of gaming world building will likely remain the same.

24 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 25 video games representation

Coming Out Swinging Fans and developers are Pushing to make Blockbuster games more inclusive Tucker Berardi PHoto: Los sAntos PrIde.

hen people think about social progression content in games, and the struggle of balancing identity charge of the world’s largest and constantly expanding and equal rights, the video game industry and fi tting in. archive of LGBT content in games. Shaw has seen the Wis certainly not the fi rst place considered Another gaming convention, GaymerX, held in progression of LGBT inclusion in video games and has to be a forefront of change — if it is even considered at November, is geared fully toward LGBT inclusion and pointed out the obvious disparity between the diversity all. Look to the fringes, however, and it becomes apparent advocates for a more accurate representation of diversity of the gaming community and the heteronormative that smaller gaming studios and a progressive fan base in video games. tendency of the gaming industry. are pushing the envelope to make game narratives more “We focus on creating a fun and “Most games are focused on inclusive. safe space for and gaymers mainstream heterosexual audiences,” “Art normalizes a part of society that people are currently of all identities to have fun and hang “video games Shaw said. “There is a lack of queer afraid or unsure of,” YouTube Gaming personality Andrew out with like-minded folks. GaymerX and media helps world-building in games, usually Eisen told SFGN, “Video games and media helps to is a ‘queer space,’ but is made for there are only rare LGBT characters normalize things that should already be normal.” everyone,” reads the description on to normalize in a primarily heterosexual world According to Eisen, the evolution of gay characters on the GaymerX website. We stand side- things that … there seems to be more queer Television — from the inclusion of ‘token,’ almost satirical by-side with any communities who representations in video games characters to narratives completely centered around LGBT have been left out of or discriminated should already off ered as side content. Same-sex individuals — has served as a precedent for social change. in mainstream gaming culture, and relationships options and LGBT Eisen pointed out that while TV is a bit ahead of video we are dedicated to providing a be normal.” content has been pushed as optional games in terms of queer representation, there is still an unique, safe, harassment-free space - andrew eisen, content.” increasing push for LGBT media representation in games for all marginalized people.” YouTuber Most consider the gaming audience as well as the establishment of an LGBT presence in The push for more representation to be largely heterosexual, and thus gaming conventions. in video games has gained releasing games that don’t primarily In early September, PAX West — a large game and media momentum, but much of the LGBT community and its cater to a straight audience can be seen as fi nancially convention — held a panel discussion titled “Queering up allies remain disappointed in how diversity — or lack dangerous. However, contrary to popular belief, gaymers Misconceptions: LGBT Game Industry Life,” and answered thereof — is presented in mainstream games. make up a signifi cant portion of the gaming community. questions facing the industry such as the state of queer Professor Adrienne Shaw of Temple University is in A 2006 “Gaymer Survey” from the University of

26 • 4.19.2017 video games representation

The push for more representation in video games has gained momentum, but much of the LgBT community and its allies remain disappointed in how diversity — or lack thereof — is presented in mainstream games.

Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with support for a homosexual protagonist, over 10,000 respondents, measured the asserting that unless publishers were sexual orientation of gamers based on convinced otherwise, a gay lead is likely the Kinsey Scale — a measurement of to remain a pipe dream.” sexual orientation as a spectrum. The Developers want to play it safe and results showed that only 28 percent avoid financial pitfalls that “controversial” of respondents were completely LGBT content may lead to. But small-scale heterosexual, 23.4 percent completely studios and community “modders” have homosexual — the remaining 48.6 created content that has been widely percent fell somewhere in between. appreciated, meeting with much more As the survey shows, LGBT players are encouragement than dissent. very common — and they are pining for The PrideParade mod for Rockstar more representation and mainstream Games’ Grand Theft Auto 5 was a queer content in games and storylines. collaboration between Stockholm Pride However, it is ultimately the job of game and some of the game’s community developers to incorporate more gay, bi members and was very well received by and transgender representation in their fans of the game. projects. “The Grand Theft Auto games have The majority of big-studio game the largest amount of LGBTQ content in developers are straight white males, video games, and it isn’t all offensive,” according to Eisen. And while it may not Shaw said. This content includes vanilla be on purpose, they tend to design games content as well as mods from a thriving with character representation skewed community of LGBT modders. heavily toward their own heteronormative If player-created LGBT content has demographic. been so widely received and accepted, “Straight white males don’t deal with then why is it such a long shot for larger issues of ‘erasure’ or ‘othering;’ we’ve publishers to start doling out more always been there,” Eisen said. “[They] inclusive plots and content? TV and are so used to things revolving around movies have already begun exploring them [and] are not used to, or scared of, queer stories much to the appreciation something new being introduced.” of their diverse audiences — it is time for Game developers may also have some video games to do the same. reservation in creating inclusive context “Gaming is one of the youngest because of marketing, according to Luke entertainment mediums but it threatens Karmali, writer for video game news to stunt its growth without acknowledging source IGN. that there are many people who play Openly gay game writer Lucien Soulban games,” Karmali wrote. “Our world and told Karmali in a 2014 IGN article that, other entertainment forms are more “fears of damaging sales would be the inclusive than ever, and it’s time games main stumbling point block in securing caught up.”

GAymerX ConventIon Attendees. CredIt: GAymerX, FACeBook.

4.19.2017 • 27 video games PHotos: BetHesdA stUdIos, BIoWAre. sUBmItted PHotos. Bi Default video games boost bisexual visibility like no other media Brittany Ferrendi

hen it comes to LGBT, the B is often forgotten television media: bisexuals are too often depicted as “The 100,” protagonist Clarke was identifi ed as bisexual. about. But when it comes to video games, “untrustworthy, lacking a sense of morality, and/or as Clarke became the network’s fi rst bisexual lead, according Wbisexuality is a mainstay. duplicitous manipulators.” to the Advocate. Show creator Jason Rothenberg stated her The industry topples television media, where bisexuality “Creators overwhelmingly choose to portray bisexuality bisexuality was not inspired by a need to appeal to LGBT is sometimes treated as a joke (very recently was it compared as a villainous trait rather than a lived identity,” said fans, but out of a necessity to create a complete world. to webbed feet in ABC’s The Real O’Neals). Alexander Bolles, senior strategist at GLAAD. “This trend of “Sexual orientation fi ts in the same place that gender But video games not only include them, but give them inaccurate portrayals undermines how people understand identity and racial identity fi ts within the world of our statue. And when it comes to inclusion of bisexual main bisexuality, which has real life consequences for bi people show,” he told Entertainment Weekly. “The characters in characters, role-playing games are most likely to get it right. and their wellbeing.” the show are not concerned with those things. They are The wide array of customization in open world action So, despite the prevalence of bisexual characters in only concerned with whether they are going to live and die role-playing video games like Bioware’s “Dragon Age” and television media rising up by 30 … Nobody ever classifi es anybody, as “Mass Eff ect,” as well as Bethesda’s “Fallout” and “Skyrim,” percent compared to last year, they are in, ‘She’s a woman leader,’ or, ‘He’s a allows players to be whoever you want to be. You can change repeatedly being pushed into harmful “We didn’t think gay soldier.’ It’s just not in our show’s their gender, skin, hair, name and personality to your liking. stereotypes more often as they are just vocabulary.” You even have freedom to romance other characters, which portrayed as regular, everyday people. ‘oh my god, this an But not all was won in terms of is where sexuality comes in. Compare that to games like “Fallout” amazing thing.’ it bisexual representation. Cue the long- Let’s hone in on to the “Dragon Age” series for examples. and “Elder Scrolls,” two long-running running “bury your gays” trope, which Across all three games in the series, there are 16 serious game series made by the company was just ‘We’re dictates LGBT characters can not have fl eshed-out romance options. Among them, fi fty percent of Bethesda. The player is free to begin going to cover happy endings — usually leading to the romanceable characters identify as bisexual. Only the a relationship with any romanceable every possible base them being killed off in media. Just third game had two specifi cally gay and lesbian romance character regardless of gender. In this moments after Clarke is intimate with options. way no single character can necessarily here.’ and then we her fi rst same-sex love interest, her Now compare that to television. In GLAAD’s 2016 “Where be isolated as a harmful bisexual moved on.” partner is immediately murdered" We Are on TV Report,” the organization analyzes diversity stereotype, because the romances When it comes to killing off in cable networks and streaming services. The report are about the characters, not their - Tim Cain, Fallout developer bisexuals, television media follows the showed that thirty percent of the 278 LGBT characters were orientation. “bury your gays” trope often. Shows openly bisexual — the majority of which are women. “We kind of liked pushing like “Empire,” “The Catch” and more Among these bisexuals, GLAAD came to an unfortunate boundaries a bit,” openly gay developer Tim Cain told The feature bisexuals dying in violent ways. This trope is more conclusion about the representation of bisexuals in Daily Dot. Cain is one of the original creators of the Fallout easily avoided in video games, as romance options are most series. often entwined with characters that are essential to the “Not always with violence. We wanted a game story — and likely unkillable. The trope is even less likely which is full of social commentary. So [same-sex when the bisexual character is a protagonist. marriage] was just another thing we were doing. Look at Borderlands, a fi rst-person shooter developed I don’t even think anybody in the team really by Gearbox Software. Anthony Burch, lead writer for argued over it. We didn’t think ‘Oh my god, this Borderlands 2, confi rmed that Axton — one of the game’s an amazing thing.’ It was just ‘We’re going to main protagonists — is bisexual. The game also has other cover every possible base here.’ And then we bisexual characters, including Mister Torgue. moved on.” “We wanted to make our cast more diverse and inclusive, Fallout 4’s protagonist can be played as and it cost us eff ectively nothing to do so,” he wrote. “In either straight or bisexual, depending on player the future, I’d like to be even more overt in discussing the decisions. You always have an opposite-sex sexuality of gay or bisexual characters … but these fi rst tiny partner when you begin. After that, who you steps are still worthwhile, in my opinion.” romance is up to you — be it male, female or Television media is representing bisexuals more than robot. ever. It is (slowly) beginning to shed common tropes as well. Comparatively, you don’t often see bisexual Here’s hoping they’ll follow the video game industry’s lead main characters in television media — but it does in portraying bisexual characters just as they should be happen. In CW’s post-apocalyptic sci-fi series portrayed — as people, no diff erent than anyone else.

28 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 29 VIDEO GAMES feature BEING LGBT IN THE Fighting Game Community

How South Florida’s LGBT players began in the FGC scene Lynnette Cantos XALTIS PLAYING “SUPER SMASH BROS. 4.” PHOTO CREDIT: LYNNETTE CANTOS.

outh Florida’s prominent LGBT players in the “There have been random people, like at restaurants if we go “As my friends describe me, I'm pretty manly, have a fi ghting game community scene are focused on out to eat, they would give me stares. You just gotta ignore martial arts background, reliable, friendly and always up for Smaintaining their high ranks and perfecting their them and try to ignore people who give you hate and all of beer,” Defas said. “So when people discover I'm actually gay skills, while the community embraces their acceptance. that.” they have such an expression on their face.” Xaltis, a transgender woman from Lake Worth, is a Currently, Xaltis has an active Twitch channel — an However, it was one experience that made Defas realized professional “Super Smash Bros. 4” player notorious for her online streaming service for gaming platforms — where she how he could educate other players by openly embracing strategic yet aggressive gameplays of Rosalina — a princess plays “Smash” and other video games, that is sponsored by his identity instead of playing it up as a prank revelation. who fi rst appeared in “Super Mario Galaxy” in 2007. Aether eSports, and attends numerous tournaments such “There was this friend who had a pretty narrow view of “Rosalina is meant to be played very defensively, but she as Evolution Championship Series and Community Eff ort gay people. And he had known me for a while now, but at can be aggressive,” Xaltis said after fi nishing a round match. Orlando, commonly known as EVO and CEO respectively. a tournament he was told I was actually gay,” Defas recalls. “I’m one of the more aggro Rosalina players in the ranks.” Kendall resident Tayson Defas, much like Xaltis, started “His mind had trouble grasping the fact, but after that Xaltis’s gameplay paid off as she won fi rst place during playing video games during his childhood while living in we talked and since then, he’s been more open to LGBT the “Super Smash Bros. 4” weekly tournament match held Ecuador, but it wasn’t until his fi rst CEO invite in June 2010 [people],” Defas said. “I was letting him know LGBT people on March 30 at Versus Gaming Center in Pompano Beach that he got hooked. come in all shapes or forms, and maybe [you] could get past against 67 contenders. Last year, she “My mind was blown away by the narrow views if you get to know people.” ranked 10th on the South Florida fact that there were so many people just Nowadays, Defas is practicing and playing both “Ultimate Smash 4 Power Rankings and moved “He loves me so as strong as I, even stronger, that liked Marvel vs. Capcom 3” and “Street Fighter V” in local and state up to fi fth as of January. the same games as me,” Defas said. “I tournaments alongside his boyfriend, Bastian Oliva, who is While Xaltis started playing video he practices got super jealous there were so many both a supporter and new player since being introduced into games since childhood, in 2007 she hard to be on personalities, that I felt I deserved to be the community by Defas. began to practice her abilities with recognized too.” “He loves me so he practices hard to be on equal footing “Smash” and gaining interest in the equal footing During a stage run of newcomers with me or anyone in the scene,” Defas said with admiration. local fi ghting game scene once another with me or versus top-ranked players for “Marvel “Proudest moment was seeing him getting this complicated player — dubbed “Afro Thundah” — vs. Capcom 3,” a popular fi ghting game punish and winning his own tournament match at our recognized her talent. anyone in the featuring crossover characters of its [local] weekly.” “I didn't get into the competitive scene.” titular franchises, Defas signed up, scene until early [Super Smash Bros.] played and won against EVO World TAYSON DEFAS TAKES THE MATCH. Brawl,” Xaltis said. “I always entered - Tayson Defas Champion Ryan “Filipino Champ” PHOTO CREDIT: LYNNETTE CANTOS. the Brawl tournaments and usually Ramirez. got top three, and from there I kept “I didn’t know Filipino Champ was growing and growing with the rest of the South Florida the one supposed to be featured, hell I didn’t even know he Smash players.” was a top player,” Defas said. “So after I beat him, he looks Even though the local Smash community scene within at me mad ‘cause I don't get up, and I reply ‘Why would I Versus and beyond recognize and accept Xaltis, she mainly get up? I beat you, let him play’ as I point to the dude next deals with rude comments and looks from strangers both in line.” online and offl ine. Defas rarely disclosed his sexuality during his early years “In the [local] community, nobody’s ever really done in the local fi ghting game scene. But he wasn’t hiding it out of anything in person to harass me or anything,” Xaltis said. fear or shame — he just didn’t want to shock his colleagues.

30 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 31 VIDEO GAMES somos gaymers SOMOS Gaymers AT LATINOS SALUD

Jillian Melero LATINOS SALUD. PHOTO CREDIT: J.R. DAVIS.

hen I walked into the Wilton Manors that we even exist as a group, but they’re always very BONUS POINTS offi ce for Gaymer Night, I settled in at a impressed, or very happy that a place like that exists,” folding table behind one of the couches Caballero said. “It’s liberating for them to come to a safe W SOMOS is just one of Latinos Salud empowerment with a view of projection screens. An ongoing battle of space like that and geek out.” Super Smash Bros played out on one, and an abandoned The March 17 meet-up had over 20 men and several groups, outreach services, and HIV support Persona 4 Arena select screen looped on the other. An women in attendance. Everyone was welcome, like the services. Here are some others: eight- or 10-person round of Cards Against Humanity guy who invited me to play King of Tokyo — Thomas, was already in progress. who was neither Latin, nor identifi ed as gay or bisexual, JUNTOS is an all ages peer leadership group that meets on Latinos Salud provides a safe space and resource but was there to game. center for gay, bisexual and transgender Latinos. They Caballero is the Navigation Services and Social Media alternating Fridays at 8 p.m.in Wilton Manors. host a game night every third Coordinator for Latinos Salud now, Thursday in Wilton Manors, and but he started off in SOMOS — Positive Social is open to everyone living with or affected every third Friday in Kendall. “I’ve talked to the ages 18 to 30 empowerment by HIV, to promote positive thinking, quality of life and well- The event was started by Obed people who come group that makes up the bulk of Caballero, as a meet up for the game night group. He said there being, meets Tuesday nights in Wilton Manors from 7 to 9:30. center’s SOMOS – Spanish for “we and a lot of time are a couple of staff ers now, who Email [email protected]. are” – social group. A himself they feel that were introduced to the center (his all-time favorites are Kingdom their gaming through Gaymer Night, and he’d Free, Safe & Proud blitzes venues throughout Broward Hearts and Xenogears) Caballero like to see the organization build County to stock nightclubs, guesthouses and bathhouses with said he started Gaymer Night as a friends don’t on their community outreach and way for LGBT gamers to have fun in really get their involvement from there. condoms and lube. Email [email protected] a setting where they can open and sexuality.” “The people who come are very be themselves. committed to the group, Latinos MiamiGO for Latino guys of all ages meets alternating Fridays “It’s hard sometimes for LGBT - Obed Caballero Salud, they feel very comfortable in Kendall at 7 p.m. people in general, especially in coming here, they’re appreciative the game or even geek culture, of the Gaymer Night existing, and to intersect those diff erent aspects of their identity,” having a place where they feel comfortable, so they Miami Mpower meets on the FIU campus for movies, snacks, Caballero said. “I’ve talked to people who come and a lot always want to give back.” and discussions, Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. at the Graham Center. of time they feel that their gaming friends don’t really Besides the game nights hosted at the resource center, Non-students are welcome. Email [email protected]. get their sexuality. And when they come out to the gay the group also spends time meeting at locations around community, a lot of time they don’t understand their town like Wilton Creamery. To keep up with game nights, Broward and Miami locations offer additional HIV interests in the gaming community or in geek culture.” meetups and events check out the Facebook Group at and safe sex services and resources, and even Caballero said a typical game night may have 20 to https://www.facebook.com/LatinosSalud/. certified Life Coaching services. 30 people, sometimes upwards of 40 to 50. About two- thirds of the group are usually regulars, and a handful of The next Latinos Salud Gaymer Nights are happening new faces each month. Thursday, April 20 in Wilton Manors and Friday April To learn more about Latinos Salud, groups, events, “Every time there’s a new face they’re surprised 21, in Kendall, both run from 7 to 10 p.m. programs and services, visit www.LatinosSalud.org/.

32 • 4.19.2017 VIDEO GAMES somos gaymers

Photos by J.R. Davis

ROUND TWO

Take a look at a typical night for the SOMOS Gaymers, who delve into everything from board games to consoles in their all-inclusive Gaymer Night. To see many more photos, visit SFGN on Facebook.

4.19.2017 • 33 VIDEO GAMES indie games Gay and Proud

Four unapologetically LGBT-themed games Brittany Ferrendi

PHOTO: “COMING OUT ON TOP.” SUBMITTED PHOTO.

layers rarely see LGBT content in mainstream when games include gay people it is very mainstream just tokens, we should just do it ourselves,” creator Matt titles. Slowly but steadily, inclusivity trickles representation with 'normal' people who happen to Conn told Gamasutra. “There’s no reason to wait.” Pin. But the small-scale gaming scene is already be same-sex attracted. That's fi ne and it's always great Conn originally had hesitation for the future of his there — fi lled to the brim with queer content. to see! I just sometimes want to see queer culture game because of the LGBT themes. One such game is “Coming Out On Top” (or COOT for represented as well.” “If the campaign ends up failing or the product isn’t short), a gay dating sim about a college senior who has And Miller took the sequel to a whole new level. very good, I just worry that’s going to send a really bad just come out of the closet. There are about 18 diff erent “I made the sequel ‘Escape from Pleasure Planet’ message. That there’s no market for this, or that the characters that the player can date. because there was a lot more I felt I could do with in a market for ‘gay games’ is pretty much limited to sexually “I created COOT due to not seeing gay game - a gay villain, dealing explicit stuff . And not that there’s anything wrong with anything like it at the time,” said with conversion therapy, the plight porn games, but there needs to be more. We need to just Abby Lee, game creator. “The project “I made Space of LGBT people in Russia, and the exist.” was started back in 2012, before the queer politics of same sex marriage Fortunately for Conn, the was a success. recent explosion of indie games on Tyrant because and respectability,” he said. “Playing The project raised $64,378 on Kickstarter in just a month the scene. Games where you could I wanted to see my games, I hope people enjoy — proving that there is a market for “gay games.” play a man dating another man were the surprises and twists as a queer few and far between.” a game with an sensibility allows us to go places that Lee launched a Kickstarter for unapologetically other games fear to tread.” COOT in 2012, and received an gay lead But not all LGBT-themed indie overwhelming response. Over 1,100 titles keep sexuality at the forefront. supporters donated $38,601 dollars character.” There are also games like “2064: to bring the game to life. - Luke Miller Read Only,” a cyberpunk narrative- “The whole thing is a light- based adventure game produced by hearted romp that will hopefully Midboss. make you chuckle.” The game inclusively presents a Luke Miller, creator of “My Ex-Boyfriend the Space future in which LGBT characters are on equal ground as Tyrant,” was also motivated to blossom an LGBT game in heterosexuals without facing as much discrimination. a market less touched. The player can also select their own pronouns, including “I made Space Tyrant because I wanted to see a game “he,” “she”, “they,” “xe,” “ze” or custom. with an unapologetically gay lead character, something “Instead of waiting for Sony and other big companies “MY EX-BOYFRIEND that is still all too rare,” he said. “A lot of the time to include gay characters in their games as more than THE SPACE TYRANT.” SUBMITTED PHOTO.

34 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 35 VIDEO GAMES j stryker J Stryker Strikes Back

He’s a cosplayer. A businessman. A strip dancer. A musician. He’s J Stryker.

Brittany Ferrendi ABOVE: STRYKER AS GUTS. MIDDLE: STRIP-TEASE. RIGHT TOP FEATURES THE CHARACTER AEROS, FAR RIGHT IS HIS DARING TAKE ON PRIAPUS.

Stryker may not be a household name, but to “When I went to my fi rst convention, Supercon the course of his high school years. He was inspired by the geeky LGBT community, the person behind 2006, I saw all the people dressed up and how close his older brother, who came out as a queen after Jthe name is a symbol for empowerment. the community was to each other,” he said. “That made growing up gay, shy and insecure. Jonathan Stryker began his career as a cosplayer, but me feel really good and want to stay there, making “He’ll light up on stage and be more himself and soon felt a desire to start up the very fi rst LGBT geek costumes and meeting people.” completely express himself. Seeing that was inspirational conventions in Florida. He opened up to more risqué That feeling of acceptance inspired him to launch to me, even if I had been doing costumes before he cosplays and branched out into strip dancing during OUT Con and Okama Con, the only two LGBT-focused came out as a drag queen. It inspired me to do more his own time slots at conventions across Florida. SFGN anime and geek conventions in Florida. performing.” reached out to Stryker to discuss his life from cosplays “There are people who need to feel safe who might It wasn’t until last year that Stryker came out to his to coming out as gay to strip dancing. not feel comfortable going to other places,” he said. “I parents. wanted to create one to let people know there are places “My brother’s gay so I guess that made it easier,” the where you can be completely yourself and never need cosplayer refl ects. “My mom said, ‘You know, if your dad to second-guess that you won’t be comfortable there doesn’t like it, he’s out of the house and you’re staying.’ and that you’ll be accepted.” For others struggling to come out, Stryker has With no other LGBT-specifi c cons in the entire state, a message: “It’s worth it. It’s so worth it just to be “It’s worth it. It’s Stryker took the initiative. “It had to be done.” yourself.” The cosplayer-turned-convention-owner hears a lot “I think it’s a liberating experience,” he continued. so worth it just of success stories from con-goers who attended Okama “There are going to be people that are OK with it and Con in January. “So many. All the time I get it,” he said, there’s going to be people that aren’t going to be OK with noting how many people walk up to him to tell him it, but at the end of the day you get to be yourself and to be yourself.” how accepted and safe they felt. “Just because of the you get to open up and just show a completely diff erent name and what we promoted, and because we state it side of you that is just so freeing and so liberating.” - J Stryker is LGBT.” Stryker applies that logic to his online persona, J Stryker hopes his safe space encourages people to Stryker. come out, similar to how he gradually came out over “He is kind of my alter-ego. My regular Jonathan is a

36 • 4.19.2017 VIDEO GAMES j stryker

Photos by Chasis and J Stryker

OUT Con May 6 and 7 DoubleTree by Hilton Miami Airport Convention Center 711 NW 72nd Ave Miami, FL 33126 www.OutConvention.com

very quiet, shy guy. He sat in the back of and I noticed that people really liked it the class, he didn’t talk to a lot of people. and people were inspired by the fact that J Stryker was the showman who put on I was the chubby kid and now I’m the costumes and put himself out there in naked one on the internet. I like inspiring very diff erent ways.” people to be confi dent.” In doing so, Stryker gets a lot of fl ak “I like the feeling you get when you’re from haters that bash his sensual photos, stripping and being seductive. It’s a cool push their religion on him and harass him feeling, not only for the sexual aspect but for being gay. How does he handle it? it’s also very empowering to me when “I don’t,” he put simply. “I rarely everybody’s looking at you.” respond to negative comments if ever. I Some people approach him to ask if have so many good ones that I don’t want he’s worried about future employers to put attention to the negative ones.” seeing his sexual pictures. “Who cares Stryker puts that self-confi dence if you’re shirtless on the internet, do into his love of strip dancing, which he whatever the fuck makes you happy,” he performs at local conventions across stated. “I want to live my life the way I Florida and even uploads to his Facebook want to with my rules and I can’t think of page. the consequences like that. I can only be A few years ago, Stryker considered myself.” himself a chubby, insecure kid. That What does J Stryker have in store for changed when he vowed to make a change the future? “I want to get more into music these past three years, beginning to work and branch out. I want to do more cosplay out and feel more confi dent in himself. and do more, sexier modeling.” “When I started becoming more Stryker is releasing his fi rst single this confi dent in myself, which was just in the year, an “electronic sexy” song titled past three years, I wanted to feel better ‘Fucboi.’ It’s set to be released once the about myself so I started working out,” video is fi nished. he said. Once his confi dence grew, he “I’m not just a sexy cosplay. I’m not just “released everything at once.” one thing. I’m a lot more than that.” “I started doing sexier stuff in cosplay

4.19.2017 • 37 VIDEO GAMES international

GAME DEVELOPERS LOOK TO CHINA AS A New Market For Gay Games Tucker Berardi

hu Qiming is a gay video game designer based out Star-G technologies, Qiming’s game development and Alibaba-owned retail company Taobao organized a trip of Beijing, China. His current project, “Rainbow company, is just one of many businesses and entertainment for ten gay Chinese couples to get married in Los Angeles, ZTown,” is a life simulation game for smartphones companies that are shifting their attention toward China’s as gay marriage still isn’t legal in China. in which users dress up their hunky avatars in stylish gay community. “There have been arguments about whether companies clothes and interact with other online users. “Every bar wants a gay night right now,” Marlon Ma told use LGBT marketing as a gimmick,” Geng Le told The “LGBT people are gradually being accepted by the public Fortune in January 2017. Ma has organized GLAM, an award Guardian. “But whatever their purposes are, they’re making — a few years ago the market would not be ready for a gay winning LGBT nightclub show, and has also organized the LGBT people more visible. It’s a good thing, and the impact game,” Qiming told Motherboard. city’s fi rst drag show. of the economy as the force of social progress is beyond our In China, homosexuality was illegal until 1997, and even “I move venues every six months,” Ma continued. imagination.” today only a small percentage of LGBT people in China “Before [clubgoers were] probably Qiming hopes to be responsible for ever come out — UNDP China reports in a survey on half foreigners but I’m seeing more some of that social progress by giving sexuality and gender expression that only fi ve percent of Chinese now than ever before.” LGBT people in China an opportunity homosexuals ever choose to go public with their sexuality. The “pink economy” in China “I see strong to express themselves and meet other According to the same report, however, Chinese societies has been estimated to value members of their community through his are becoming increasingly accepting of LGBT individuals. roughly $300 billion per year, demand going games. “The survey paints a country in transition, where the making China the third largest unfulfilled, and “With rising social tolerance, people majority of people do not hold negative nor stereotypical LGBT market following Europe in the LGBT community have begun to views of LGBTI people, with young people being more and the United States that provides demonstrate their identity and meet other open towards and accepting of sexual and gender “The consumer power of the gay members of the community through diversity,” UNDP reports. “This … represents an important community is robust, but it has us with ‘pink’ a range of social activities, including opportunity for LGBTI people and depicts a society that always been neglected,” BlueD CEO opportunities.” games,” Qiming told China Daily. “I see could achieve rapid and profound change, especially if and founder Geng Le told Fortune. strong demand going unfulfi lled, and that guided in the right direction by civil society, policymakers, “We want to tell people that the - Zhu Qiming, provides us with ‘pink’ opportunities.” academia, the media as well as LGBTI people themselves.” pink economy is very strong. The video game designer Qiming hopes that his game “Rainbow Qiming is one of many developers working toward whole society is moving forward, Town” will serve a dual purpose to its creating a “pink economy,” a business model that caters it’s becoming more accepting, players. The app will allow you to meet to the LGBT community. The market for LGBT content is more diverse, and individual value is more emphasized.” up with other players in real life, almost like a dating app. growing according to UNDP China, and businesses are BlueD, which is based out of China, surpasses Grindr as Qiming also wants the game to be an outlet for gay people scrambling to secure their place in the new territory. the world’s leading LGBT socializing app with a user base who choose to remain in the closet. “LGBTI people represent some of the most marginalized of 27 million. “Rainbow Town’ is just one of the three games Qiming’s and vulnerable populations in Asia and the Pacifi c, Global fi rms are also pushing the limit by marketing company is working on, all of which are being designed for including China,” Agi Veres, Country Director of UNDP themselves as LGBT-friendly in China’s marketplace, mobile platforms and contain LGBT themes. China said. “Attention to their needs is therefore essential according to The Guardian. Businesses like Starbucks, “I’ve always wanted to do something for gay people,” if we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, Alibaba, Nike, Adidas and others have used messages of Qiming said. “A purpose of this game is to let people do a key feature of which is the underlying principle and inclusion in China to cater to the LGBT market. things they might not be able to do in real life, such as dress commitment to ‘leave no one behind.’” The businesses have off ered LGBT-specifi c advertising, however they want to and just be themselves.”

38 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 39 VIDEO GAMES feature

Need A Little Empathy Empathy games give players an opportunity to see a marginalized perspective Tucker Berardi “WE ARE CHICAGO” BY CULTURE SHOCK GAMES.

any small game development studios have begun to narratives about real stories through videogames,” reads the marginalized group or situations. popularize a new genre game known as “empathy game’s about page. “We are presenting the stories of people “I fi nd the Title ‘Empathy Games’ to be very descriptive and Mgames.” The goal of this new genre is to present the living in fi nancial poverty and who live amidst escalating appropriate for what we are doing,” Ryan Green, director of players with new perspectives and situations that help them to violence on Chicago’s west and South Side. These stories are “That Dragon, Cancer” said. “I believe we can benefi t as humans understand the struggles of other people. the experiences of normal people trying to live normal lives by taking time to ‘sit in the ashes’ with someone. Often people “A Normal Lost Phone” is one such empathy game. The entire while dealing with gangs, drugs, and socioeconomic problems just need love. They need you to sit, be quiet, to give them a hug game is played through interaction with a lost smartphone. The that are prevalent on the South Side and West Side of Chicago.” and to listen to them and cry with them. I think empathy games player progresses through the story by peering into information “We Are Chicago” was created by Culture Shock Games, a can off er the opportunity to practice this kind of care.” found within the phone and chatting with the phone owner’s small-scale game studio based out of Chicago, Illinois. Founder Green’s game comes from his own experience with his son (Sam’s) tinder-esque profi le matches, one male and one female. of the studio Michael Block decided to pursue the game after Joel’s battle with brain cancer. According to gaming news site Through interactions with the phone, the player discovers volunteering at a soup kitchen in an all-black neighborhood. Wired, Joel used the game to deal with his son’s illness — his that Sam is transgender, and struggling with coming out to To tell a story that was truthful and son was too young to voice his reactions friends and family. compelling, Block hired writer Tony to treatment and his feelings, and Joel “There is something to take away from the game, but it’s Thornton who was a longtime resident of Through translated these frustrations into “That not about the interface or the mechanics — those felt wrong Englewood, a neighborhood that inspired interactions with Dragon, Cancer.” from the beginning. It’s about the experience,” co-founder much of “We Are Chicago’s” setting, to Game developer Vander Caballero of Accidental Queens Diane Landais said in a press release. ensure that the game was as authentic as the phone, the created “Papa & Yo,” a game and “Because the bonds that are created, the chance to understand, possible. player discovers metaphor for Caballero’s youth spent the space for introspection — those, hopefully, felt right.” “We were brainstorming a story with that Sam is with an alcoholic father. He recognized Accidental Queens, the studio behind “A Normal Lost agency and player choice,” Block told that the world is fi lled with vulnerability Phone,” is an indie studio based in France that pursues more Venturebeat. “We were also volunteering transgender, and that people don’t want to talk about or inclusive narratives. “A Normal Lost Phone” has received on the South Side of Chicago. We heard struggling with acknowledge. By making a game that “Best Indie Game” from the 2016 Game Connection Awards in people dealing with getting mugged on focuses on what it is like to be vulnerable, Europe. the way to the train and having a gun coming out to to feel helpless, he aims to encourage “All of this was done with a specifi c goal in mind: creating pointed at them. These were crazy things friends and family. players to recognize that there is always an empathy, showing Sam’s story through a new perspective,” they had to deal with on a regular basis.” opportunity to empathize with those who Landais said. “The player isn’t a spectator, nor an actor; they “We had to think about the violence need it the most. see the story unfold as a witness.” they experience in their lives,” Block continued. “It was an “By creating vulnerable, relatable characters, instead of Landais continued to say that this game exposes players to important story, a true story. That was the start.” superhuman ones, we set a diff erent kind of expectation,” the minute details in the character's life — explaining that a Alongside Thorton’s input, “We Are Chicago’s” narrative was Caballero said in a press release. “When you are vulnerable, the simple, even trivial text message can have a deep impact on the fueled by multiple fi rst-person interviews. Material from the fi rst step to a problem’s solution is to emphasize. I want games character, and player interaction with the phone drives that interviews, as well as Thorton’s own life experiences, made it to become tools that can help us cope with human tragedy, like point home. directly into the game, according to Venturebeat. good books and fi lms can, because younger people spend more “A Normal Lost Phone” is not the only game to encourage Empathy games are being created with a myriad of time playing video games than reading books.” players to adopt a new perspective on people and situations. themes that explore all corners of the human experience. “Our games inspire other developers to take risks by Many games such as “We Are Chicago,” “That Dragon, Cancer,” Many games with LGBT themes help straight, cisgender exploring topics that we unthinkable to cover in games fi ve “Papa & Yo” put players in situations dealing with alcoholism, players step into the shoes of an LGBT character and see years ago,” Caballero continued. “Today, many other games cancer, poverty and more. the world through their eyes — their struggles become your like ‘Papers, Please’ and ‘Gone Home’ are part of a growing “‘We Are Chicago’ is our fi rst adventure in making compelling own. These mechanics are true of bringing attention to any movement towards empathy games.”

40 • 4.19.2017 VIDEO GAMES feature Celebrating our 7th Year on Wilton Drive! Your smile How Gaymers Meet New Patients should leave a great $69 impression! ($295 Value) Comprehensive Exam, Digital X-Rays & Cleaning*

General & Cosmetic Dentistry Chris Ayala PHOTO CREDIT: New, State of the Art Facilities•Most Insurances Accepted BRITTANY FERRENDI. Always Plenty of Free Parking•Located Conveniently on Wilton

n the year 1977, geeks around the “Gay Geeks” has over 47,000 members and 954-565-7666 nation were created with a wave counting. There, you can read other memes Iof technology and media. Atari and videos. Also you’re free to chat and add Dr. David K. Warner, DDS, FAGD released the fi rst popular gaming console, friends. Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry the Atari 2600, and the gaming revolution On , visit r/gayming for the latest in began. Sick of playing silly “Pong,” the news and overall fun posts. And don’t forget 1946 Wilton Drive •Wilton Manors • FL 33305 system promised eye-popping graphics and to visit #gaymer on Twitter for like-minded insane fun. users. You can even use Craigslist to make www.IslandCitySmiles.com Forty years later, “Pac-Man” and “Space gaymer friends, but we HIGHLY recommend *In the absense of gum disease. Not applicable to insurance benefits. Invaders” could be played on cell phones. using the “Strictly Platonic” category. And the gaming industry has expanded to But what about meeting locals into nearly $3 billion a year — with an increasing some serious gaming in person? Instead a amount of LGBT players. night out drinking and clubbing, there are For some in our community, not only alternatives for meeting and socializing. have the games become more gay-friendly, Latinos Salud, located in Wilton Manors, such as “Mass Eff ect,” “Dragon Age,” and hosts a monthly party for all LGBTQ with “The Sims,” they’ve also become more video systems and also board games. Even socializing, giving Gym Sports Bar sets players another option up game systems on bsides bars and clubs. Monday nights for fun With the latest PlayStation, and drinks. systems, developers Xbox, and But not only gay took a diff erent twist establishments are and are marketing all coming on-board the the social aspects of have LGBT online gaming revolution. gaming. PlayStation, Gay-Friendly places Xbox, and Nintendo groups to chat like Versus Gaming all have LGBT online right through Center in Pompano groups to chat right the systems Beach off er all day through the systems access to PCs, Xbox, themselves. You can themselves. and PS4 and even hold add friends and join a tournaments. game together. With Tenth Level Tavern, added video cameras, you can see each right across from Funky Buddha, is a other play and talk through headsets. fantastic bar with some of your old favorite This is an excellent start for those seeking arcade games and great drink specials. And friendships, or perhaps even relationships. for the more intense action-packed gaymer But there are even more avenues to meeting in you, try Xtreme Action Park on Powerline others. Rd. They not only have an incredible Popular media sites are popping up amount of games, but also rock climbing, go online for LGBT gamers. Facebook Group karts, and bowling.

4.19.2017 • 41 VIDEO GAMES feature

TRACER FROM “OVERWATCH”. CREDIT: BLIZZARD.

Cheers Luv, The Cavalry's Queer! Overwatch’s LGBT elements influence both the game’s storylines and its fandom

Lynnette Cantos

ince its release on May 24, 2016, Blizzard’s As of publication time, the fan fi ction website and participating in the shipping elements. latest award-winning video game “Overwatch” Archive of Our Own has McCree and Hanzo stories Contributions range from Carolina Ravassa and Shas galvanized a stream of LGBT elements as the most popular under its “relationship” tab with Anjali Bhimani — who voice the characters Sombra and within the fandom and the creators themselves. 2,440 published fanfi ctions, with a high-ranked one Symmetra respectively — uploading quirky YouTube Like any pop culture franchise beforehand, such titled "Hang the Fool" being cited in a Kotaku article on videos of each other, to in-dialogue interactions as the “Harry Potter” series or Marvel superhero October 2016. between McCree and Hanzo during the Overwatch properties, “Overwatch” has spanned numerous same- While Nadassy noted other favorite and popular Halloween event read as borderline fl irty amongst the sex “shipping” — the short-term form of relationship pairings such as PharMercy — security chief Fareeha fandom. pairing — with its roster of 24 diverse characters to “Pharah” Amari and Overwatch fi eld medic Dr. Finally, the build-up of Overwatch’s fi rst LGBT choose from. Angela Ziegler — and Reaper76, character resulted in the storyline Alison Nadassy is an avid “Overwatch” player from based on the former Overwatch reveal of Lena “Tracer” Oxton’s Coconut Creek who found a deep connection with the and Blackwatch commanders sexuality on December 2016, when game’s message and character’s history. Jack Morrison and Gabriel Reyes, “Since I learned Blizzard released a holiday-themed “As a pansexual, the diversity [in Overwatch] is such she still considers McHanzo her Tracer was a online comic titled “Refl ections” an important game because it explores diversity in this favorite. lesbian, I was revealing Tracer as a lesbian and world through diff erences in race and identifi cation in “Currently it is one of my favorite having a girlfriend named Emily. who they are as humans or omnics,” Nadassy said. couples that I ship out of everything overjoyed “Since I learned Tracer was a The fan content attributed for these same-sex ships I’m into,” Nadassy said. “It even has because she’s not lesbian, I was overjoyed because range from artwork threads on Tumblr and Reddit some support from the creators and she’s not oversexualized by the forums, fan fi ction and even creating pair hashtags on voice actors like Matt Mercer.” oversexualized by creators,” Nadassy said. “She’s Twitter or dedicated fan zines. Nadassy is referring to the the creators.” the poster child, not the main Nadassy herself has a favorite same-sex couple BlizzCon 2016 voice actors panel character, that everyone knows. pairing of Jesse McCree and Hanzo Shimada — two of where Matthew Mercer, who voices - Alison Nadassy It was such an amazing addition its characters — that’s overwhelmingly popular within Jesse McCree, ad-libbed a Starbucks to her background in [Overwatch] the fandom. order for "McCree and Hanzo" in canon.” “It was the aesthetic that got me into McHanzo,” character form. Five months since Tracer’s reveal, no word from Nadassy said, using the pair hashtag name. “[The] This is another phenomenon based on the huge Blizzard regarding who the next LGBT character would rugged cowboy with Japanese bowman, one’s super amount of support from the fandom where “Overwatch” be, considering how lead writer Michael Chu specifi ed masculine but goofy while the other one’s stiff and voice actors and game developers get involved in there’s “multiple [LGBT] heroes” within Overwatch, serious.” pleasing their fans by inserting hints with each update according to Mic.

42 • 4.19.2017

Volume 4 • Issue 7 WMGApril 19, 2017 Wilton Manors Gazette Community City Moves Forward on More Mickel Park Improvements

By Michael d’Oliveira

Just in time for summer, Wilton the city received from Broward County Manors commissioners have approved the and a $50,000 grant from the Florida construction of a new water feature and Department of Environmental Protection’s children’s playground at Mickel Park. Florida Recreation Development At the April 11 commission meeting, Assistance Program. The estimated cost is multiple residents praised the commission $313,908. for its work on Mickel Park. Part of the money Formerly known as Mickel has already been used to Field, the park was renamed PART OF THE install an electric vehicle after it was redeveloped in charging station and 2015 in an eff ort to make it MONEY HAS replace the park lights more utilized by residents with LED lighting fi xtures. and discourage its use by ALREADY BEEN The city has hired MBR criminals and drug users. USED TO INSTALL Construction to build the Patrick Caan, director playground and water of the Leisure Services AN ELECTRIC feature. MBR has been used Department, said the Music on multiple city projects, Mickel fi eld in 2015 during its last round of improvements. at Mickel Concert Series, a VEHICLE CHARGING including the construction monthly series of musical of the current City Hall. performances, has also STATION AND Once MBR demolishes become popular. REPLACE THE PARK the existing playground, The improvements it will install poured-in- include estate-style LIGHTS WITH place rubberized fl ooring, fencing, a police substation, build a shade structure walking trail, pavilion, LED LIGHTING and a surrounding fence. concert performance area, FIXTURES. “The water play area volleyball court, additional features have been selected bathroom, fi tness based on minimum water equipment stations and shade canopies. usage and attractiveness to children. Those improvements cost the city $1.5 The fl ooring will include “cool deck” million – $744,000 came from a bank loan material. The water from the area will be and the rest came from the city’s general drained onto the existing park swales and funds, impact fees and grants. landscaped areas. City staff will be able to The playground and water feature are control the duration of use of the water for the last phase of that redevelopment and this amenity,” wrote Todd DeJesus, special will be funded through $356,752 grant projects and grants manager. WMG

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 • April 19, 2017 4.19.2017 • 43 Opinion The Lavender Panthers WMG

By Sal Torre APRIL 19, 2017 • VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 7 2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

Rev. Ray Broshears PUBLISHER • NORM KENT [email protected]

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER • PIER ANGELO GUIDUGLI ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / EXECUTIVE EDITOR • JASON PARSLEY [email protected] ASSOCIATE EDITOR • JILLIAN MELERO [email protected] Editorial ART DIRECTOR • BRENDON LIES [email protected] DESIGNER • CHARLES PRATT DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR • BRITTANY FERRENDI [email protected] NEWS EDITOR • MICHAEL D’OLIVEIRA Correspondents NATALYA JONES • JOHN MCDONALD • JAMES OAKSUN Staff Photographers J.R. DAVIS • POMPANO BILL • STEVEN SHIRES Sales & Marketing DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING • MIKE TROTTIER [email protected] SALES MANAGER • JUSTIN WYSE In all my years living in Wilton Manors, I cannot remember Ray Broshears, became a major contributor to the Gay Rights [email protected] KEVIN HOPPER a time when so many incidents have taken place targeting Movement and helped bring about a safer and more secure SENIOR SALES ASSOCIATE • [email protected] residents on our streets at night. community. Perhaps we need to remind ourselves how to come ADVERTISING SALES ASSOCIATE • EDWIN NEIMANN The late-night ambush on NE 21st Court back in February, together, to protect ourselves, and demand the public safety of [email protected] then two strong-arm robberies on April 5 and 6, and now reports our streets and our neighborhoods. ADVERTISING SALES ASSOCIATE • BRETT COPPOL of individuals throwing eggs from passing vehicles at victims Unlike back in the 1970’s, we here in Wilton [email protected] walking along Wilton Drive. Manors have a police department totally committed to protecting SALES ASSISTANT • TIM HIGGINS According to press releases by our WMPD, “Now is not the all residents. Unfortunately, our police cannot be on every street [email protected] time to hit the panic button.” Well if not now, corner, nor can they stop every criminal activity ACCOUNTING SERVICES BY CG BOOKKEEPING then when? Do we wait until the next incident taking place in our great city. NATIONAL ADVERTISING RIVENDELL MEDIA 212-242-6863 takes a darker turn, with a more destructive Residents must become more involved and [email protected] outcome, until this community hits the panic PART OF THE watchful, and be ready to sound the alarm when South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions button? they see suspicious activity. We must not become expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not MONEY HAS represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not As hate speech becomes the new norm in afraid and allow our streets to be taken over presume the sexual orientation of individualsMEMBER based on their names America, coming off a year-long presidential by hate. We should fl ood our streets at night or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN ALREADY BEEN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. campaign where it became acceptable to with residents, with watchful eyes, with friends All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including demonize fellow Americans, is it any surprise to USED TO INSTALL traveling together, with our police offi cers, and articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by see the increased attacks here in Wilton Manors. with defi ance towards those who wish us harm. the newspaper. Nothing published may beMEMBER reprinted in whole or part If our President can lash out at Muslims, insult AN ELECTRIC Our community, working together with our without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law offi ce, at [email protected]. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves Mexicans, demean women, and get away with it, VEHICLE CHARGING police department, our city management and the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of then why can’t a group of teenagers have some elected offi cials must send out a strong message advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. fun throwing eggs at gays in Wilton Manors? that these actions will not be tolerated. There’s no STATION AND AssociatedMEMBER Press If the Mayor of Fort Lauderdale can host going back, and if need be, we might have to dust a prayer breakfast with LGBT hate groups, REPLACE THE PARK off some old play books and start holding people like Focus on the Family, while claiming not accountable. If Jack Seiler wants to pray with gay to be at fault, then why should gay-bashers LIGHTS WITH bashers, then there should be no doubt what we heed caution in carrying out attacks on our need to do in the next election. LED LIGHTING MEMBER community? If hooligans want to throw eggs and attack Copyright © 2017 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc. As Jeff Sessions, our Attorney General, takes FIXTURES. us on our streets, then we should be ready to us back to earlier times, back to the 1970’s, the attack back. And if our police fail to charge these last time the so-called Silent Majority raised up incidents as hate crimes, then we need to let our to take back America, our community should also look back and voices be heard loud and clear. learn from earlier moments in our struggle to gain equality. Complacency, not getting involved, looking the other way, is In the early 1970’s a gay vigilante group was formed in San not what makes us a great city. Coming together as a community, Francisco to protect members of the community from similar united and strong, ready to solve our problems is what will keep attacks. The Lavender Panthers, founded by the Reverend life just better here. WMG • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

44 • 4.19.2017 2 • April 19, 2017

Community Submitted photo. Manors at Middle River Ready For Rent

By Michael d’Oliveira

Housing offi cials say new development aff ordable housing in South Florida and near Wilton Manors is ready to meet we are extremely proud to introduce some of the demand of Broward County’s the Manors at Middle River,” wrote Ann aff ordable housing needs. Deibert, assistant secretary of Building Manors at Middle River, 1714 N. Dixie Better Communities, in a press release. Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale, located 0.2 miles Building Better Communities is a non- south of Wilton Manors, is a new 12-unit profi t organization affi liated with the Key West-style townhouse development Broward County Housing Authority. “This built to off er aff ordable housing options. community was tailored to support the dryer, hurricane-impact windows and The minimum qualifying annual income The name is a nod to Wilton Manors needs of the Fort Lauderdale/Wilton doors, window treatments, a covered patio, is between $60,960 for one bedroom because of the close proximity to the city. Manors workforce. It delivers quality, landscaping, and is cable-ready. and $75,600 for three bedrooms. The The Middle River part of the name stems convenience and rents that are attainable The ribbon cutting for the development maximum income limit is 120 percent from the fact that the development is in the while respecting the aesthetic standards of is scheduled for Thursday, May 11 at 10 of the area median income. For leasing Middle River Terrace neighborhood. the Middle River neighborhood,” Deibert a.m. The public is invited to attend. Those information, contact leasing coordinator The available options are a 1,200 sq. ft. said. who want to attend are asked to RSVP at Caprice Scott at 954-739-1114 ext. 1690 or two-bedroom, two and one-half bath with The development is described as [email protected]. WMG 954-551-1567 or email [email protected]. a one-car garage and additional parking “luxurious and modern” with bike racks, a space for $1,750 per month, and a 1,500 gazebo and BBQ grill. Each townhouse will sq. ft. three-bedroom, two and one-half feature a fully-equipped kitchen, energy- bath with a one-car garage and additional saving appliances, dishwasher, microwave, Business parking space for $2,100 per month. garbage disposal, ceiling fans, ceramic “There is a tremendous demand for fl oor tiles, laundry room with washer and Shuttle Ridership Up, Says City By Michael d’Oliveira

Wilton Manors offi cials don’t expect if offi cials think it’s successful, runs the new Wilton Drive shuttle service Thursday to Sunday from 6 p.m. to 10 to be a huge hit overnight. But they are p.m. The estimated cost for the trial encouraged by the progress in ridership. period is $7,000. City Manager Leith Ann Henderson The shuttle travels up and down said that ridership went from 8 the fi rst Wilton Drive and has eight stops – City weekend of operation to 14 the second. Hall/Hagen Park parking lot, the Shoppes “We’re getting there. It’s going to of Wilton Manors, behind the 2309 N. take time,” she said. At fi rst, city staff Dixie Hwy. parking lot at 2216 NE 11 Ave., members pitched in to drive the vehicle. Northeast 9 Avenue and Wilton Drive, But now, the city has a dedicated driver. the Northeast 8 Terrace parking lot, At the April 11 commission meeting, Vice Northeast 7 Avenue and Wilton Drive, Mayor Justin Flippen publicly thanked Northeast 22 Street and Wilton Drive, the city employees who volunteered to and Richardson Park. WMG drive. “That does not go unnoticed,” he For more information, visit said. wiltonmanors.com/574/wilton- The shuttle program, which is set to drive-shuttle or facebook.com/ last for 90 days and could be expanded WiltonDriveShuttle. • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • •

46 • 4.19.2017 4 • April 19, 2017 Letter to the Editor What Will We Want Within Wilton Manors?

The 5th April 2017 edition of SFGN’s Center’s current plans to develop Wilton Manors Gazette posted a fascinating aff ordable or low income housing along constellation of articles including James the Dixie Highway stretch of Equality Park. Oaksun’s “Who Do You Trust?,” concerning While the Pride Center is a wonderful questionable practices of politicians and presence in our community and its Board’s realtors with regard to aff ordable housing initial intention to create a home on its that degrade trust, followed ironically grounds for local LBGT seniors was 100 by Michael d’Oliveira’s “Metropolitan percent laudable, the project has morphed Faces Scrutiny at Commission Meeting: into a nightmare for Wilton Manors. Developers Accused of Lying,” which title This housing will not be for LBGT says it all, then his “Taking Over ‘Site 92’” people. In fact, it will draw in people from about diff ering opinions on neighborhood throughout Broward County who have parkland, and fi nally Pier Angelo’s tongue needs which The Pride Center cannot in cheek piece titled “Now Wilton Manors meet. If constructed on this tax-sheltered Needs An Airport,” which satirizes the property, it will bring no income to Wilton current drive to put a train station in our Manors, but it will require City services town. Clearly, development in our island from sanitation to the police. Traffi c and oasis and its pitfalls are on our minds congestion along that dangerous curve on nowadays. Dixie Highway can only grow worse with Every person living and working in high rise construction right on the street. Wilton Manors surely agrees that we No doubt some readers will disagree want a safe and prosperous town, and with me and feel there is a benefi t to almost everybody would also desire dangerously crowding our community and our community to have good aesthetics burdening its services, but the real issue is and cultural life. But as those articles exchange of accurate information. clearly reveal, one man’s prosperity is We need to follow what “development” another’s man’s loss, and one woman’s plans and vision The City is considering, “improvement” is another woman’s the costs to us as a community – not just in “blight.” Though I lay no claim to dollars but in quality of life – and we need expertise, it doesn’t take a savant to to take multiple opportunities to express see that there is a gap between most our views. community members’ vision and desires Part of the burden, of course, lies on for our Island City and those of developers each individual among us to make his or and possibly city offi cials. While many of her opinions known to our dedicated town us quietly enjoy the peaceful small town offi cials, for absent the public’s known atmosphere we moved here for, perhaps opinions, others will act on their own others have a diff erent concept of the beliefs and for their own benefi t. WMG common good. A case in point, which seems to be – Jim Sentman moving under the radar, is The Pride

• • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • •

5 • April 19, 2017 4.19.2017 • 47 Community News

Check out what’s happening Wilton Manors to Donate Trans Flag Around Town to Stonewall Museum & Archives By Michael d’Oliveira By Michael d’Oliveira

WAWM Meeting Photo by J.R. Davis. The Westside Association of Wilton Manors [WAWM] will hold its Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, April 19 at 7 p.m. in the Hagen Park Community Center, 2020 Wilton Drive. The meeting is open to non-WAWM members. At 6:30 p.m. there will be a “happy half hour” with light refreshments served. Along with the opportunity to join WAWM or renew their membership, attendees can listen to a presentation about the Broward PACE program. PACE is a way for homeowners to make energy-effi cient changes to their homes without having to take out loans or pay out of pocket. Parking at Hagen Park is free for the meeting. For more information, email [email protected].

Stonewall Meeting A public meeting of the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group will be held on Thursday, April 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Manor House at Richardson Park, 1939 Wilton Drive. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information on this year’s Stonewall Parade & Festival which will be held on Saturday, June 17 on Wilton Drive. For more information, call George Medeiros, vice president of operations for the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, at 754-200-2979 or email him at [email protected]

Music at Mickel Wilton Manors is donating multiple Along with the International Transgender The next installment of Music at Mickel, a free monthly concert series, pieces of its history. Day of Visibility, the city will fl y the will feature local band “The New Planets,” who will perform alternative rock City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said Transgender Flag three other times every reminiscent of “The Beatles” and “U2.” The concert, the last of the season, will the city will donating the year – Transgender Flag Day be held at Mickel Park, 2675 NW 7 Ave., on Friday, April 21 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Transgender Flag it fl ew for (Aug. 19), Transgender Day Food trucks will be at the event and attendees can bring lawn chairs and blankets. the fi rst time at Jaycee Park on of Remembrance (Nov. 20), For more information, call 954-390-2130, email [email protected], March 31, the International THE and the week of the city’s or visit wiltonmanors.com.WMG Transgender Day of Visibility. Stonewall Festival in June. It will also be donating the TRANSGENDER “We at Stonewall National minutes from the meeting FLAG WAS Museum & Archives are where the commission voted honored to add these to fl y the Transgender Flag, DONATED important symbols of the a letter from commissioners, city’s commitment to visibility and the fi rst Pride Flag fl own BY TO THE and pride to our permanent by the city in May of 2016. MOON OWNER collection,” wrote Chris All the items will be donated Rudisill, Stonewall’s executive to the Stonewall National ANTHONY director, in an email. “Since Photo: Facebook. Museum & Archives in Fort our founding here in South Lauderdale. DUMAS. Florida 43 years ago, we have At the March 28 meeting recognized the importance where commissioners voted of the many lives and voices Island City Summer Camp 2017 to fl y the Transgender Flag, multiple that make up this vibrant community and The Island City Summer Camp is a seven-week program for youth ages 4 to transgender individuals said it would send help shape a heritage for generations to 15 years old. Participants are divided into age groups and will participate in arts a message of support to their community. come. These symbols will forever honor and crafts, outdoor group games, dance, and more. Breakfast, lunch, and a snack The Transgender Flag was donated by their creators, Monica Helms, and the are served daily. For an additional fee, day trips are also available. The camp is To The Moon owner Anthony Dumas. recently-departed Gilbert Baker, along with held June 12 to July 28 at Wilton Manors Elementary School. To sign up, call 954- Henderson said Dumas also donated this historic moment for the City of Wilton 390-2130. WMG another Transgender Flag for the city to fl y. Manors.” WMG • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

48 • 4.19.2017 6 • April 19, 2017 4.19.2017 • 49 FEATURE pets Sailed the High Seas to See You! Beautiful Kayra (ID 573702) is a 4-year-old, 32-pound spaniel mix that also came from Puerto Rico in hopes of fi nding a family to love here in South Florida. With her wispy coat and curious personality, she will do well in a home where she can be showered with love and lots of toys. Can Kayra be part of your family? Kayra

When you adopt from the Humane Society of Broward County all pets are spayed or neutered before going home. In addition, they receive preliminary vaccinations, heartworm test for dogs over seven months, feline leukemia test for cats, a limited 10-day health care plan courtesy of VCA Animal Hospital, a bag of Purina ONE food and more. The adoption fee for dogs over six months is $100 and felines over six months are $30. For more information call the shelter today at 954-989-3977 ext. 6. The Humane Society of Broward County is located at 2070 Griffi n Road, just a block west of I-95 and opens daily at 10:30 a.m. To see who else needs a home visit www.humanebroward.com

50 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 51 LIFESTYLE books

‘THE JOY OF SWIMMING’ by Lisa Congdon Terri Schlichenmeyer

c.2016, Chronicle Books eople say you’re $18.95 / $26.95 Canada all wet. Maybe that’s not the nicest 141 pages thingP you’ve ever heard but hey! If something’s true, it’s true, right? Yep, you love being in a pool, lake, pond, the ocean, strokes, the science behind and the history a puddle, it doesn’t matter. And in “The Joy of which Congdon explains. You’ll learn of Swimming” by Lisa Congdon, you’ll meet a “very brief history” of swimming pools like-minded people in swimsuits. here, too, including where the largest one At the tender age of eight, Lisa Congdon is located; you’ll read an itsy-bitsy bio on learned to love swimming when her the bikini; and you’ll get quick facts on mother signed her up for swim team near swimming and the Olympics. their California home. It was fun, but it Find out why you’ll want to cover was work, and her interest in swimming your eyes if you visit an Icelandic locker declined: life got in the way, school room. See how even Michael Phelps is demanded time, injuries happened. It slow, compared to a sailfi sh. Get the real wasn’t until college, after she came out as a defi nition of a “swimming hole.” And fi nd lesbian, that Congdon resumed the sport in out why some people take bandages along earnest, and it connected her to the better when visiting a public pool in Japan. parts of her life. Seriously, can you ever have a summer Swimmers, as she shows in this book, without at least one great big cannonball, come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Gertrude dead-center in the water? If your answer is Ederle, for instance, was just twenty years to the negative, then “The Joy of Swimming” old when she swam the English Channel is a perfect poolside book for you. in under 15 hours, a record she held for Using old ads, interviews, and her a quarter-century. Johnny Weissmuller, own drawings as illustration, author Lisa who later played Tarzan in the movies, Congdon off ers readers a bit of quirk for was the fi rst person to swim the 100-meter their deck chair. This has the feel of a sketch freestyle in less than a minute. Roxanne book or a haphazardly-kept scrapbook with Winston thinks more black swimmers mini-memoirs of the famous and never- should “feel inspired to join the sport.” famous, trivia, Olympic facts, statistics, and Kimberly Chambers almost lost her leg to random thoughts. That messiness is really “a freak accident,” but she still swims. Chel appealing, and you’ll come to love this book Micheline fi nds that being in the water after a few laps around its pages. frees her from spina bifi da. Dip your toes in if you dare, or just dive But swimming isn’t just about a cool right in. The water’s fi ne, and so is this book; dip in the lake: dog paddling can be for mermaid, athlete, or mere fans of the embarrassing (unless, of course, you’re a old waterin’ hole, “The Joy of Swimming” dog!), so you’ll want to know a few basic will make a big splash.

52 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 53 LIFESTyLE photos mIAmI BeACH sHoWs Its truE ColorS From April 7 to 9, “Pride Lights The Night” was a spectacle of pride after sundown. Buildings throughout Miami were lit with rainbow colors or flew rainbow flags in remembrance of the PULSE victims.

J.R. Davis x

Miami Herald lGBt Issues reporter Steve rothaus attends Miami Beach Pride.

to SEE MAnY MorE PHotoS, VISIt SfGn.CoM on fACEBooK.

54 • 4.19.2017 PAID content PIONEERING GAY CHORUS CUT THIS OUT AND SAVE IT! TURNS HEADS Post it on your fridge! FTLGMC and Youth Dazzle with Spring Show Fashion Brunch Brings Lookers to the Runway

By Fred Hoyer Johnson, Jr. LGBT Radio & Podcasts

Florida’s LGBTQ Radio Show Heard every Saturday 7PM - 8PM on

Or Streaming Live on 850WTFL.com Radio’s ONLY LGBTQ Talk Show Go to www.Facebook.com/GetOutSouthFlorida for more information.

he fi rst and oldest gay performing the comedically upraising -- for example arts organization in our peninsular the intricate and dazzling “Hello” from The Tparadise, the original Fort Book of Mormon -- presented by some of You don’t want to miss it. Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus, further the many talented individuals who make advanced dazzlingly into its fourth decade up the Chorus, and by special guest star, the with the second concert of its 31st season, phenomenal Sharyn Peoples. A Grand Night for Singing, and promises The Youth Choir joined the Chorus a special treat on April 23rd, A Fashionable once again for the second time in a regular Lei, before its season fi nale in May. It was seasonal show. Having begun modestly joined for the second time by the LGBTQ last year with a handful of members, the Youth and Allies Choir in the unequaled Choir is growing in numbers, and its sound, acoustical space of All Saints’ Episcopal already impressive last year, has grown to be Church in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Both even richer and more sophisticated. This groups were founded by the Chorus’ current impressive group of young people has been conductor, Dr. Gary Keating. invited to perform at a number of special In this latest show the Chorus highlighted events in the recent past and near future the Broadway stage and the Great American in South Florida, and their addition to the Songbook. However, those who appreciate a Chorus’ show once again added a whole new wide variety of styles weren’t disappointed. dimension for delighted audience members. Keating, whatever the genre being Before moving on to its season fi nale in performed, has an eye (or an ear) for standout May, the Chorus is presenting a special treat, compositions and arrangements that satisfy A Fashionable Lei, at the Pride Center on the ear of the most discriminating listeners Sunday, April 23, beginning at 1 p.m. This and leave them wanting more. will be a brunch catered by 5-star-rated The Chorus, particularly since the return Peacock Pantry, with open bar provided of Keating to its podium a few years ago, is by Hunter’s. It will include a fashion noted for its unequaled sound. Reactions show featuring outfi ts from some of our after the show indicated that this time leading local shops on some of the most the Chorus surpassed even itself, while scrumptious male models right out of your continuing its equally strong tradition most breathless fantasies, and emceed by of showmanship, giving the audience an local drag queen Candy Cornhole Cox. All entertaining mix of music, dance, and this will be accompanied by an auction comedy, executed with the precision and of the models’ outfi ts, a silent auction panache added by choreographer Hank on some coveted items, a 50-50 raffl e, a Henley. The audience also enjoyed a number couple numbers presented by Ms. Cox, and of solos and small-ensemble numbers a number by the Chorus. The price of this ranging from the poignantly uplifting to extravaganza is only $50 per person.

Tickets for the brunch/fashion show are available at a special website, ftlgmc. brownpapertickets. com; or through the Chorus website, www.theftlgmc.org with a link to BrownPaper Tickets; or directly from members.

4.19.2017 • 55 LIFESTyLE photos BEARsURREcTIon Bearsurrection took place on April 10. Bars and clubs all around Wilton Manors hosted different parties — from GYM Bar to Hunter’s to Ramrod and even an event at LeatherWerks.

Carina Mask x

to SEE MAnY MorE PHotoS, VISIt SfGn.CoM on fACEBooK.

56 • 4.19.2017 2017 Honorees

Milan Rosza Harvey Milk Foundation Youth Award Isaiah Henderson, Survivor of Pulse Nightclub Massacre

Lilla Watson Global Leadership Award “Father of the Ireland Parliament” Senior Senator David Norris

Diversity Honors Honorees Celebrating Unity and Inclusiveness Tiffany Arieagus Ilene Berliner Jessica Norton Saturday, May 6, 2017 Patrick Piana, CEO Stoli Group USA Tony Plakas 7 pm Hard Rock Live Guest Host Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Craig Stevens Entertainment News Anchor, WSVN Cocktail Reception • Seated Dinner

Awards Presentation • After Party

Presenting Sponsor Benefitting These Organizations: WELL-STRUNG THE SINGING STRING QUARTET

Join Us ! Joseph Liberty MARK Tickets $200 per person & Dennis Hottenstein GRIFFIS Optional $75 photo opportunity LOCAL NAME. GLOBAL COVERAGE.

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Tickets available at diversityhonors.com

4.19.2017 • 57 OUTEATS Special Advertising Section

the Medal. Photo: Dori Zinn.

NEW YORK GRILLED CHEESE Dori Zinn

Before New York Grilled Cheese was New York vegetarian tomato bisque and you can’t even tell Grilled Cheese, they had a diff erent business the diff erence between the old and new. To match venture. the deep fl avor of stock, owners made their Maybe you notice it when you walk into the own vegetable stock from scratch to get the most restaurant, where the framed pictures of New York robust and deep fl avor. For a restaurant that makes are on a wall, with tables in front of them. Maybe many gallons of bisque every day, the change it resembles something else… something familiar… couldn’t be made until the taste was just right. something colder. Challenge accepted, goal achieved. Before grilled cheese became the starring role, It’s not the only vegetarian menu item, though! they were just a casual side menu item at a frozen The Midtown Truffl e Shuffl e has mushrooms, yogurt shop. But owners soon realized that serve garlic, herbs, caramelized onions with Swiss cheese yourself frozen yogurt was a failing business and truffl e aioli sauce. And to go even further, the venture. Months after opening the yogurt shop, restaurant is experimenting with completely vegan they rebirthed as New York Grilled Cheese. And our menu options. There’s even a vegan mushroom stomachs are so thankful for the necessary change. soup well on its way to your mouth soon. The restaurant is four years old and has always Aside from sandwiches and soups, there are been a hit on the Drive. With their signature plenty of snacks to nosh on during your visit. As sandwiches, all with New York themes, there isn’t the owner is from Canada, the poutine is an ode to a melt on the menu that you won’t fi nd completely his home country: waffl e fries smothered in cheese delectable. and gravy. For those late-night diners, you’ll be For all-day breakfast lovers, indulge in The happy to have this in your belly! Grinder — thick-cut bacon, scrambled eggs, waffl e There’s also bacon lollipops: a 100 percent all- fries, caramelized onions and melted American beef hot dog, cut up into quarters, with each piece cheese all packed in between two slices of garlic wrapped in thick-cut bacon. The pieces are then bread. Whether you missed your morning meal deep-fried and doused in a house-made maple or you’re looking to soak up a night’s worth of glaze. Don’t forget the sweet potato waffl e fries, booze, this sandwich will satisfy every morsel of a though! They’re served with a sweet marshmallow breakfast craving. dip. If you can handle the heat, try The Medal. The And don’t you dare think about leaving without sandwich was introduced last summer during dessert. As the restaurant continues to have the Olympics but was such a hit that owners keep seasonal specials for sides and dessert, you may see making it for loyal customers who still come in something on one visit that you may not get to see asking for it. Filled with macaroni and cheese, on the next one. shredded pork, American cheese and ghost pepper For Spring, the Coney Island Bread Pudding is cheese, this spicy melt will give you such a big kick, visiting: the restaurant’s signature bread pudding you’ll be a gold medal winner in no time! But don’t with sea salt caramel and pretzel bits. If you want to go looking for it when you come in — owners say stick to tradition, get Hell’s Kitchen bread pudding: it’s only on the secret menu! the bread and custard are topped with white Naturally, all sandwiches are served with the chocolate chips, marshmallow and berry sauces. restaurant’s signature homemade tomato bisque. There’s a strong chance you may come in just for While the soup wasn’t entirely vegetarian-friendly this. since it was made with chicken stock, owners Regardless of when you visit and what you’re have been experimenting to fi nd a comparable craving, you’ll be able to answer your appetite version. This month, they introduced an authentic anytime at New York Grilled Cheese. If You Go: New York Grilled Cheese Open Monday-Wednesday, Friday, noon-4 a.m. 2207 Wilton Drive noon-11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 a.m. Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Thursday, noon-3 a.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 a.m.

58 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 59 LIFESTYLE food

Pig Sty 706 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach 561-810-5801 pigstybbq.com

Rick Karlin eat like a piG on’t tell my husband, but I’m in love with Pork and beef ribs are available, along with it’s $9 for a half chicken, $7.50 for a quarter of off ering such treats as brisket hash, biscuits award-winning pit-master Bryan Tyrell, chili, soup and chicken wings. Other choices a bird. While a vegetarian could easily make and gravy and Belgian waffl es. Daily specials Dco-owner of the latest Boynton Beach include brisket, pulled pork, turkey, smoked a meal from the sides, there’s also a smoked are served, beginning at 5 p.m. Monday it’s dining destination, Pig Sty. It began as a little ham, sausage, house smoked salmon and Portobello sandwich and a chopped vegetable smoked chicken and a side for $9, Wednesday gastronomical fl irtation when he opened smoked chicken. You won’t go wrong with salad. Desserts range from $2.50 to $5. off ers a meat double combo with a side for $12 Smoke in Delray Beach, but the food at Pig Sty any of them, but the turkey, brisket and pork Breakfast sandwiches, $4.50-$6, are served and Sunday’s family platter is $12 a person and has me smitten. His way around a rack of ribs spare ribs are my faves. The turkey manages from 7-10:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. features ribs, chicken, pulled pork and two and a brisket just makes my heart fl utter. to remain juicy and doesn’t need a whole lot Brunch is served from 10-3 on weekends, sides. Pig Sty specializes in Kansas City-style of the delicious sauce. The same can be said BBQ, which is appropriate since Bryan served for the tender ribs, which off er just enough as the Pitmaster at famed Joe’s Kansas City pull to make getting your hands and face Bar-B-Que (formerly Oklahoma Joe’s) in greasy worth it. The brisket is lean and moist, If youʼre too lazy to drive up for the Pig Sty experience, you can Kansas City, Missouri, which was named Best and if you time your visit right on Fridays, order from Delivery Dudes, or check out these places closer to home. BBQ restaurant in the World by Zagat in 2000 you can even get it pastrami style. If you like and was a member of Slaughterhouse Five, burnt ends, plan on getting there before 3 the competitive BBQ team that won the 1993 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays. I also want and 1995 American Royal, considered the to stop back and sample Big Al’s Frito Pie; a Smoke BBQ world championship of BBQ. pile of chips covered with your choice of meat 3351 NE 32nd St., Fort Lauderdale “Good barbecue is a feeling; it’s a touch, a with cheese, roadhouse beans house smoked feel, a taste, and understanding that has been jalapeños and southern slaw, but I think 954-530-5334 earned from years of experience,” Tyrell said. I’ll need a little herbal preparation for that “At Pig-Sty, all of our meats are smoked in- delicious-sounding munchie! eatbbqnow.com house and we slice 200 pounds of meat a day. Sides are all made in-house and include We keep the natural juices and fl avor in the hand-cut, made-to-order fries, phenomenal meat by smoking it low and slow, infusing the onion rings, slaw, loaded potato salad, Red Cow fl avor within the meat.” smoked whole sweet potatoes, red beans Inside the place is all reclaimed lumber and rice, cheesy mac with a crumb topping, 1025 N. Federal, Fort Lauderdale and comfy booths. There’s a play area for kids roadhouse beans and collard greens. Sides and a stage for live music (a Grateful Dead jam are $3 for a small serving, $5 for medium and 954-652-1524 band on the night of our visit). It’s not glitzy $9 for large. Spring for the large and bring the or glam, and it doesn’t need to be, because leftovers home –they’re that good. redcowftl.com the food is the star. Is it worth a drive from It will be hard to control yourself, but do Fort Lauderdale or Wilton Manors? If you save room for dessert. An order of freshly like good ‘cue it is! It’s just one stop light west made glazed mini-doughnuts, 6 for $3, $5 for Dixie Pig of 95 and it only took us half an hour to get 12, is worth every calorie. As good as they are 4495 N. Dixie, Oakland Park home. they pale in comparison to the gooey butter Although the restaurant serves specialty cake. Other dessert options, all phenomenal, 954-772-5977 sandwiches; I prefer to order the meat by the include: chocolate cookie or banana pudding pound along with racks of ribs, along with a and sweet potato pie. couple of sides for a shareable feast. At Pig The best thing? All this delicious goodness Jackʼs Sty you order from the counter and either comes at a reasonable price! Sandwiches bring a metal baking tray laden with food to average about $7.50 for a mound of meat on 500 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park your table, or a server brings it over while you a fl uff y bun, or $9 for a fancy combo. Meats make a selection for the array of draft beers are $17 by the pound, and are available in half 954-567-9595 or pour your own sodas. pound portions. Ribs are $24 for a full rack, bbq-jacks.com

60 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 61 x

FOR THE SFGWEEK OF APRIL 20 - APRILN 25,ITES 2017 WWW.SFGN.COM

J.W. Arnold [email protected] THU 4/20 Have You Seen COMEDY the Wizard? Join gay humorist and author David Sedaris tonight at 8 p.m. in the Knight Concert Hall at the Arsht Center in Miami for an evening featuring all- new stories and observations, along with several sneak previews into his newest book, “Theft by Finding,” to be released in June. Afterwards, the smart and sardonic author will participate in a frank and funny audience Q&A session. Tickets start at $45 at ArshtCenter.org. FRI 4/21 ARTS The Fort Lauderdale Fringe Festival opens tonight for three days of edgy, experimental theater and performance pieces at venues across downtown. Enjoy “Pillow Talk” at Stache or take a nostalgic, killer carpool karaoke THEATER ride through the ‘90s in the Scarevan Saturday 4/22 with Madame PeeVira. Then catch a Fresh off of Broadway in his star turn as Lola in “Kinky Boots,” Todrick Hall makes his triumphant return to the Parker twilight jazz concert on the Playhouse, 707 NE 8th St. in Fort Lauderdale, for a command performance of “Straight Outta Oz,” his new “twister” Broward College Plaza. For a on L. Frank Baum’s most classic creation, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” With over 20 original songs, Hall brings this complete schedule and tickets, go to American fairy tale to life. Tickets start at $27.80 at ParkerPlayhouse.com. Credit: Submitted photo. FortLauderdaleFringe.com. Photo Credit: x SAT 4/22 SUN 4/23 MON 4/24 TUE 4/25 CONCERT THEATER TELEVISION FILM One Night of Queen, performed by Remember your first time? It’s Billy’s Staying in tonight? Starting this The World AIDS Museum and Gary Mullen and the Works tonight at first visit to the bathhouse. He’s weekend, you can stream the animated Educational Center, 1201 NE 26th the Pembroke Pines City Center, 601 looking for love, but soon realizes feature, “The Secret Life of Pets.” Have St., Suite 111 in Wilton Manors, offers SW City Center Way, recreates the the others there are looking for you ever wondered what your loyal a special screening of the film, “Thicker look, sound, pomp and showmanship something a little more “temporary” companions were up to while you were than Blood,” tonight at 8 p.m. In this of Queen and its flamboyant front and it isn’t a relationship. Tim Evanicki away at work? Find out in this hilarious drama, a young man returns home man, Freddie Mercury. They’ll Productions presents “Bathhouse: comedy. For the more serious viewers, for a family celebration after several perform “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Killer The Musical,” tonight at 4 and 7 “The Great British Baking Show: years away and uncovers secrets, Queen,” “Crazy Little Thing Called p.m. through April 30 at Empire Masterclass Season 1 – 3” is also including an explosive revelation about Love,” “We Are the Champions” Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in available. What will you be inspired to HIV. Screening is free, but $5 donation and more. Tickets are $22.50 at Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $35 at whip up tonight? View these programs is appreciated. More information at PembrokePinesCityCenter.org. BathhouseTheMusical.com. and more at Netflix.com. WorldAIDSMuseum.org.

62 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 63 A&E fi l m MiFo lGbt FilM FestiVal opens tHis Weekend, oFFeRs 27 pReMieRes J.W. Arnold “Kept Boy” will receive its world premiere at the Mifo lGBt film he MiFo LGBT Film Festival opens its festival, opening this 19th season in Miami this weekend weekend in Miami. twith two world, seven North Photo Credit: Breaking Glass Pictures. American, six East Coast and 12 Southeast premieres. “We view ourselves as not only the largest cultural event each year in South Florida, but as an important festival that introduces fi lms and artists to the LGBT fi lm community,” festival executive director Victor Gimenez said. “We’re really at the vanguard.” The festival kicks off on April 21 at the historic Scottish Rite Masonic Temple on the Miami River with “Handsome Devil,” followed by the offi cial opening night party, featuring fi lmmakers and talent. MiFo will also honor 2017 Angel Award recipients Carol Coombes and Jaie Laplante at the event. Ally Award winners Gloria and Emilio Estefan will be recognized at a special “Made in Miami” screening of “A Change of Heart,” featuring SNL alumni Jim Belushi, on Saturday, April 22 at the Regal Cinemas Miami Beach, where most of the festival screenings will be held. SFGN got a sneak peek at several of the featured fi lms during the fi rst week of the festival and here are our picks:

“HAnDSoME DEVIl” Central Florida man (Jim Belushi) is saved SfGn: We LOVE this fi lm! Quirky and “comedy,” the humor in “Kept Boy” is never Friday, April 21, 8 p.m. by a transplant—but will his body accept a fresh, funny and authentic, “Signature Move” quite laugh out loud funny, but mostly of the Scottish Rite Temple donation from a Puerto Rican drag queen? is a true 21st century LGBTQ love story. schadenfreude variety. In the end, he gets John Butler, dir. Ally Award recipients Gloria and Emilio Fawzia Mirza and Sari Sanchez have real what he deserves. Ireland, 95 min., 2016 Estefan will be honored. chemistry and Shabana Azmi comes close In this sweet story, Ned, the loner, and SfGn: This “Made in Miami” fi lm also to stealing the show as Zynab’s determined “CAt SKIn” Conor, the jock, are forced to share a dorm made the cut for the Miami Film Festival. mom. Best of the fest, so far. North American Premiere room at their rugby-mad boarding school. The Former SNL funnyman Jim Belushi offers a Sunday, April 23, 3 p.m. pair form an unlikely friendship that forces wrenching performance as an “everyman” “KEPt BoY” Daniel Grasskamp, dir. them to reckon with questions of friendship, who must confront his fears and prejudices, World Premiere U.K., 97 min., 2017 loyalty and self-interest. especially when his life hangs in the balance. Saturday, April 22, 9:45 p.m. Seventeen-year-old Cat is a shy and SfGn: These kinds of coming-of-age George Bamber, dir. troubled photography student. Her life is fi lms are standard fare for LGBT fi lm festivals, “SIGnAturE MoVE” U.S.A., 90 min. 2017 illuminated when her voyeuristic nature but “Handsome Devil” is fresh and refl ects Saturday, April 22, 7:30 p.m. Interior designer and reality show star behind the camera lens sparks a chance the changing attitudes and sensibilities Jennifer Reeder, dir. Farleigh Knock has a knack for keeping encounter with a beautiful music student of millennials and Gen Z youth toward U.S.A., 80 min., 2017 beautiful things around his home— like named April. homosexuality. English and Urdu with English subtitles Dennis. So, when Fairleigh gives him an SfGn: To say this girl has issues is Zaynab is a beautiful thirty-something, ultimatum on his 30th birthday to get a job an understatement! Apparently, sexually- “A CHAnGE of HEArt” Pakistani Muslim lesbian living in Chicago. or get out, Dennis goes from kept boy to lost frustrated young pleasure Saturday, April 22, 4:45 p.m. She takes care of her recently widowed, TV- man. themselves just as much as gay men. Kenny Ortega, dir. obsessed mother who is desperate to fi nd her SfGn: Poor, aging boytoy Dennis is “Catty” observations aside, Jodie Hirst U.S.A., 105 min., 2017 daughter a husband. Then, Zaynab meets fi nally going to need to earn his keep or lose gives an especially nuanced, compelling After suff ering a heart attack, a conservative Alma, a strong Chicana woman. Who will win? his Porsche and Saks charge card. For a performance as Cat.

64 • 4.19.2017 A&E fi l m

“BoYS In trEES” “tHE untolD tAlES of Sunday, April 23, 9:15 p.m. ArMIStEAD MAuPIn” Nicholas Verso, dir. Southeast Premiere Australia, 112 min., 2016 Tuesday, April 25, 7 p.m. It’s Halloween 1997 - the last night of high Jennifer Kroot, dir. school for Corey, Jango and their skater gang. U.S.A., 90 min., 2017 When Corey encounters Jonah, a childhood This documentary examines the life and work friend now victimized by Jango, Corey takes of one of the world’s most beloved storytellers, pity on him and agrees to walk him home for following his evolution from a conservative son old time’s sake. of the Old South into a gay rights pioneer whose SfGn: We weren’t able to screen this “Tales of the City” novels inspired millions to fi lm in advance, but we’re going to go out on claim their own truth. a limb and recommend it. Not only do we SfGn: If you remember the love Australian boys with their accents, the groundbreaking 1994 “Tales of the City” entire LGBTQ thriller genre has made great miniseries on PBS, then you really need to strides in recent years. Check out the trailer see this documentary about the intriguing at MiFoFilm.com. novelist who introduced an entire generation to the days when San Francisco was a “PuSHInG DEAD” mecca for gay men. Monday, April 24, 9:15 p.m. Tom E. Brown, dir. “rEBElS on PoIntE” U.S.A., 108 min., 2016 East Coast Premiere The words AIDS and comedy are rarely Wednesday, April 26, 7 p.m. used together. HIV positive writer and Regal Cinemas South Beach bouncer Dan Schauble struggles to refi ll his Bobbi Jo Hart, dir. drug prescriptions after a bureaucratic snafu Canada, 90 min., 2016 drops him from his health plan. Exploring universal themes of identity, SfGn: We loved this fi lm last fall at dreams, family and love, this documentary the MiFo Fort Lauderdale festival and celebrates the famous Les Ballets Trockadero encourage Miami audiences—especially de Monte Carlo, an all-male, comic ballet those who may be coping with the chronic company founded on the heels of the inconvenience of HIV/AIDS—to check out Stonewall riots. this smart and darkly funny feature. SfGn: The biggest misconception about the “Trocks,” is that they are a bunch of drag queens in tutus. No, these are serious artists, just with a little gender-bending twist incorporated into their clever performances. for A CoMPlEtE FYI – Some interviews and performances lISt of fIlM were fi lmed during performances at Fort SCrEEnInGS, fEStIVAl Lauderdale’s Parker Playhouse. PArtIES AnD EVEntS regal Cinemas Miami Beach. AnD to PurCHASE Photo: Facebook. tICKEtS, Go to MIfofIlM.CoM.

4.19.2017 • 65 A&E entertainment

tlC’s “the long Island Medium,” theresa Caputo will be appearing at Hard rock live in Hollywood on April 22. Submitted photo.

‘lonG island MediuM’ Makes talkinG to spiRits look easy J.W. Arnold

f you’ve ever tuned into TLC’s hit reality the spirits most frequently “speak” with her series, “The Long Island Medium,” then about the issues that may be “holding them Iyou already know fast-talking Theresa up” and tethering them to the physical world. Caputo makes talking to spirits in the afterlife And, when they do volunteer information, it’s look easy, but that’s not the biggest challenge frequently the clues they believe their loved she faces. ones “need, and not what they want.” “I make what I do look easy. I don’t know On Saturday, April 22, Caputo will appear at any diff erent. What I had to learn is what the the Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Resort and spirit wanted me to communicate, but the Casino in Hollywood. Over two-hours, she will frustrating part is talking to the living, not the walk around the audience at the venue and will dead,” she explained in a phone interview. “I’m share the messages from spirits of loved ones the fi rst one to say what I do is crazy.” in the audience. The living, she said, come to the encounter “The only thing I have planned is I’m going with all sorts of preconceived expectations and to do my hair and my nails, put on a great dress the spirits don’t always respond in predictable and fabulous shoes, (and) everything else is ways. When Caputo tries to translate the left up to the spirits,” Caputo said. “I come out sometimes-obscure images and thoughts, the for a few minutes and talk about how spirits living frequently are left staring at back at her work in a big venue like this. There are only so “like deer in the headlights.” many souls I can channel in a two-hour period. “My gift changes every time I channel them. I don’t take a break or intermission. We’ll have Every soul is diff erent. There are so many ways a big screen set up and cameras that follow me people can die and we’re left with common around, just like on ‘Long Island Medium’ and I burdens of guilt, but the relationships and let the spirits guide me.” bonds are diff erent, the things we experience, When asked how the spirits feel about every one experiences.” sexual orientation and gender identity, Caputo paused and then clarifi ed, “…there’s Caputo responded frankly, “I’m gonna share no right or wrong way to grieve or honor your this with you and my fans: Whoever decided loved ones. Peace, love, joy and happiness, what normal is? For me, normal is talking to that’s what they like. We miss them terribly dead people. When I embraced my gift, my and want them back terribly. Through every soul, who God intended me to be, is when I felt breath that we take, they are living life through complete. That’s what I encourage everyone. our eyes. They don’t want us to remember No one can tell you how to be happy. You’re them sick or in pain.” responsible for your own happiness, but at Caputo recognized her gift at a young the end of the day you’re the only one who age, noting that she thought it was normal knows what’s good for you and what God to see spirits at the foot of her bed. She said intended you to be.”

Theresa Caputo, “The Long Island Medium,” appears at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood on Saturday, April 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets and more information at MyHRL.com.

66 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 67 A&E art

Bernadette Zizzo and Carlos Aleman. Photo Credit: Brittany Ferrrendi.

PLUS...TAKE AN ADDITIONAL

ALREADY REDUCED % MERCHANDISE* 15OFF APRIL 19-25 *Excludes Red-Tag and Addicted® aRtists CaptuRes tHe beauty oF nonbinaRy in Wilton ManoRs exHibit Brittany Ferrendi

ale. Female. That’s the gender binary. designed to confuse people,” he explained. MON-SAT 10:00AM - 9:00PM SUNDAY 11:00AM - 7:00PM PRIDEFACTORY.COM Now meet the artist who wants the “When you're confused, you want answers. mworld question it. So you get drawn in and you start asking As a straight cisgender man, Carlos Aleman questions ... I want someone to see (the art) and

& MORE! opened up from his Asian-inspired art and at some level admit that what they are looking wondered what creations he could make to at is the depiction of a beautiful person. And support the LGBT community. And that’s how once they get past that … then maybe some the “Androgynous” art series was born. shift in consciousness is happening and their The series includes drawings and paintings perceptions are alternating slightly.” of models identifying as genderfl uid, non- Aleman fi nds his models on Instagram. He binary or gender neutral. has models across the world from Malaysia, “I did not know what gender fl uid was. and Germany to Great Britain and more. He I did not know what non-binary meant,” has only met one in person — Rune De La Aleman spoke about his time before the Vince, who came to the exhibit’s reception on ‘Androgynous’ gallery. “Yes, there are March 18. masculine and feminine energies, but there’s With his work, Aleman hopes his audience this whole spectrum of mystery.” will try to be more open minded. Aleman’s artwork is featured in Art Frenzie, “Be open to experience and believe that an art gallery specializing in framing. The being more open minded can lead you to gallery has just hit its 20-year mark on Wilton better places and become a better person,” he Drive. The exhibit had a reception on March said. 18, which featured a contest where one Bernadette Zizzo, co-owner of Art Frenzie spectator was chosen to win an original self- alongside her business partner Debbi Burke, portrait valued at $1,500. originally nudged Aleman out of his comfort “My artwork has been an exploration of zone by welcoming him to the Frenzie family. painting and thinking about ‘What is gender? “I fi nd Carlos’s work very diff erent,” she What is the spectrum? What about the people said. “It’s like a fashion show, and I think it that are somewhere in between?’ And so this speaks for itself. Sometimes I think images whole androgynous series came about.” can speak louder than words.” Aleman’s message from his gallery is Zizzo is currently working on bringing “ultimately love.” He also wants to educate Aleman’s “Androgynous” art exhibit to other people outside of the LGBT community by galleries in New York and Boston. encouraging open minds. “I think his work needs to be seen and “It’s been said before that art sometimes is heard. I think Carlos needs to be heard.” If You Go:

What: ‘Androgynous’ Art Exhibit Where: Art Frenzie, 2151 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors When: Ongoing Contact: 954-560-3684

68 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 69 Datebook Theater apRil 19 - apRil 25 Christiana Lilly * Fort lauderdale Fringe Festival miami-dade county April 21 to April 23 throughout Fort marjorie Prime [email protected] Through May 7 at the Main Street Playhouse, Lauderdale. Broward College’s third 6766 Main St. in Miami Lakes. Marjorie annual live theater event is the talk of the retiro is deteriorating, much to the dismay of local art scene. Passes $27 to $47. Visit Through April 22 at the Miami Theater her daughter and son-in-law. However, a FortLauderdaleFringe.com. Center, 9806 NE Second Ave. in Miami Shores. A part of the “Mujeres” series, the holographic duplicate of Marjorie’s husband fi rst segment is about aging as a woman, keeps her memories alive. Tickets $30. Call Top picks * neil Diamond 305-558-3737 or visit MainStreetPlayers. April 26 at 8 p.m. at the BB&T Center, One following the lives of women in Miami, com. Panther Parkway in Sunrise. The Grammy Puerto Rico, and Quebec. Tickets $15 to $25. Kinky Boots Award winner celebrates 50 years on stage Call 305-751-9550 or visit MTCMiami.org. Through April 23 at the Kravis Center, with a world tour. Tickets $20.75 and up. outdoor music Series 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Visit TheBBTCenter.com. Dry Powder Beach. Charlie Price’s family shoe Through April 23 at GableStage, 1200 Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come business is failing, until the eccentric Anastasia Ave. in Coral Gables. A comedy of out for live music from DJs and musicians by Lola comes in requesting a pair of Son the bay. Drink specials available. Free with Through May 7 at Island City Stage, 2304 the people behind the changing economy. stiletto shoes. Tickets $27 and up. Call museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or N Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. On the Tickets $45 to $60. Call 305-445-1119 or visit 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org. visit PAMM.org. morning of his mothers’ wedding, the son GableStage.org. of a lesbian couple discovers an accusation vivaldi 4: nu Deco ensemble that tests their relationship. Tickets $35. Call * Death & harry houdini The Big Show Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the and DecadanceTheatre 954-519-2533 or visit IslandCityStage.org. April 26 to May 21 at the Arsht Center, 1300 April 28 at 8 p.m. at the Arsht Center, Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Hop on a ride that Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Miami’s A collection of comedy mixing the likes of Friday night Sound waves music takes you through the life of the majestic and very own Nu Deco Ensemble is joined mysterious Harry Houdini. Tickets $50. Call improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call by New York City’s DecadanceTheatre Series 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com. Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The or visit ArshtCenter.org. for a hip hop revision of Vivaldi’s “Four Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort Seasons.” Tickets $28 and up. Call or Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music visti ARshtCetner.org. spanning genres and tributes every Friday evening through November. Free. Visit Bathhouse: The musical FridayNightSoundWaves.com Through April 30 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Billy goes to a bathhouse for the fi rst palm beach county time on a mission to fi nd love -- and quickly discovers that’s not quite what everyone else is there for! Tickets They’re Playing our Song Through April 30 at the Lake Worth $35 to $50, use “Empire” for $10 off Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. in Lake Worth. A general admission. Call 888-202-1708 composer teams up with an aspiring lyricist or visit BathhouseTheMusical.com. and as their work together grows, so does the relationship. Tickets $38. Call 561-586- 6410 or visit LakeWorthPlayhouse.org. broward county arcadia Through April 30 at the Don & Ann Brown * Tower of Power Theatre, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm April 20 at 8 p.m. at Parker Playhouse, 707 Beach. Traveling through the 19th and NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. Take a 20th centuries, a mystery occurs at Sidley step back to 1968 to the formation of Tower Park on the property of the Coverly family. of Power and its infl uence on soul in San Tickets $66. Call 561-514-4042 or visit Francisco. Tickets $37.50 to $47.50. Call 954- PalmBeachDramaworks.org. 462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.com. Free Friday concerts * aida Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach April 20 to May 7 at the Broward Center, 201 Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Aida, a Delray Beach. Enjoy live music from the Nubian princess, and Amneris, an Egyptian comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair princess, fi ght for the aff ections of Radames. every week, for free! Returns in October. Call Tickets $52.50 and up. Call 954-462-0222 or 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org. visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Denotes new listing #OrlandoUnited: Every week, SFGN will pay tribute to one member of our community who was lost in Orlando.

70 • 4.19.2017 4.19.2017 • 71 Datebook Community broward supporT Christiana Lilly services [email protected] youTh GrouP Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at SunServe Top picKs Campus, 1480 SW Ninth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A group for LGBT youth 13 to we are everywhere and 21 to discuss gender, gender expression, we Shall Be Free: charles binary systems, friendship, family and hashim’s miami 1977-1982 whatever else comes up! Free. Visit April 20 at 7 p.m. at Stonewall National SunServeYouth.com Museum — Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. In this author event Hashim shares his PFlaG photo book of how Miami became a Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral small, conservative town to one of the Springs and Southwest Ranches. A booming LGBT capitals of the world. support group for parents of LGBT youth Suggested donation $5. Visit Stonewall- 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com Museum.org. for dates and locations.

Street Photography: candid SunServe youTh GrouP Portraiture Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort April 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Old Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral School Square Crest Theatre building Springs and Hollywood. A support group studio 5, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Beach. Russell Levine leads a walk Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates through the streets of Delray to instruct and times. students on candid street photography. Fee $75. Call 561-243-7922 or visit Survivor SuPPorT OldSchoolSquare.org. First and third Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial aiDS walk miami Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal April 23 at Soundscape Park, 400 17th St. Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support in Miami Beach. Channel 7 News anchor from counselors and peers who have lost Robbin Simmons leads the 5K benefi tting loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida Care Resource and Food for Life Network Initiative for Suicide Prevention at 954- food bank. Visit AIDSWalkMiami.org. 384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org.

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* Glln happy hour 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. April 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mind Your Manors, A fashion show of men’s wear, from Pride 2045 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Network Factory, H&H Closet, and True Blue. Tickets with the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Network $50 benefi tting the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s with drink specials and free appetizers. Free. Chorus. Visit TheFTLGMC.org. Visit GLLN.org. * movie Series: Do i Sound Gay? * Daughters of Katherine April 27 at 7 p.m. at the Stonewall National Johnson event Museum, — Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 April 22 at 2:30 p.m. Broward College North Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Through Campus’s Omni Auditorium, 1000 Coconut interviews with gay icons, an exploration of Creek Blvd. in Coconut Creek. An afternoon the “gay voice” and if it really exists. Suggested with Kathy and Joylette, daughters of donation $5. Visit Stonewall-Museum.org. Katherine Johnson, whose work at NASA inspired the fi lm “Hidden Figures,” as well The way we worked as entertainment by the Ethnotricity Dance Through May 6 from noon to 8 p.m. at Art Company. Visit NorthBrowardLinks.org. Gallery 21 at the Woman’s Club of Wilton Manors, 600 NE 21st Court in Wilton Manors. * a Fashionable lei: Fundraiser The traveling Smithsonian exhibit comes to Brunch and Fashion Show Wilton Manors, featuring videos, interviews, April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Pride Center, and photos from the last 150 years showcasing

72 • 4.19.2017 apRil 19 - apRil 25 how Americans of all backgrounds work. Free. made a name for himself as a large-scale artist Zumba Fitness yoga Call 954-661-4740, email artgallery21wcwm@ and and one of the forefathers of the mural Mondays at 6 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Tuesdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at Jose Marti gmail.com, or visit http://bit.ly/2ko5Ahl. craze. Email PalmBeachFineArtGallery@ Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Get moving Park, 362 SW Fourth Ave. in Miami. Yogis 18 gmail.com with a certifi cated Zumba instructor for and older of all levels are invited to a practice home: Documenting our home an infusion of exercise and dance moves. lead by a certifi ed instructor. Bring your life women musicians Through Donation of $5 or more. Call 561-324-1626 own yoga mat, water, and towel. Free. Call Through May 7 at the Stonewall National Time or visit CompassGLCC.com. 305-358-7550 or visit BayfrontParkMiami. Museum — Wilton Manors, 2157 Wilton Drive Through April 28 at FAU’s Wimberley com/Yoga.html. in Wilton Manors. An exhibition examining Library. 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. miami-dade county safe spaces and what we call home. Free. Visit The exhibit explores the history of women Prayers For world Peace Stonewall-Museum.org. in music with photos and sound archives Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon at the Drolma spanning genres. Free. Call 561-297-0080 or * an evening with David Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way life coaching visit FAU.edu. Sedaris in Miami. Buddhist teacher, Todd Ellenberg Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. April 20 at 8 p.m. at the Arsht Center, 1300 will lead prayers and meditation. Cost $10. at Latinos Salud Clubhouse, 2300 Wilton Sue latta Sculptures Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The author is Call 786-529-7137. Drive in Wilton Manors. Get one-on-one Through April 30 at The Box Gallery, 811 known for his observations and sarcasm in life coaching from certifi ed CRCS coaches. Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. The his books “Barrel Fever,” “Holidays on Ice,” For guys living with HIV, their partners, and mixed media artist artist and her wife “Naked,” and more. Call 305-949-6722 or key west anyone who identifi es as transgender. Free. were co-litigators in one of the court cases visit ArshtCenter.org. Call 954-765-6239 or visit LatinosSalud.org. fi ghting for marriage equality. Donations aqua idol benefi t youth programs at Compass GLCC. arsht center Farmers market Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Aqua Key palm beach county Visit TheBoxGallery.info. Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Parker West, 711 Duval St. in Key West. Support and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts, your local artists and vote for your favorite! Transcendence 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Purchase Benefi ts Waterfront Playhouse. Call 305- andrew reid: Public art/ Private Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie fresh food from local farmers, including 294-0555 or visit AquaKeyWest.com. works exhibition Highway in Lake Worth. A closed fruits, vegetables, meats, prepared foods, Through May 20 at The Box Gallery, 811 transgender youth support group for teens as well as chefs, live music, and cooking Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. Once he ages 12 to 19. For more information, email demonstrations. Tickets $45 to $75. Free. moved to South Florida, the illustrator has [email protected]. Visit ArshtCenter.org/en/Visit/Dining. * Denotes new listing

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