A LIFE LESS ORDINARY Mark Gilbert’S Path to Self-Discovery Led Right Through the Local ﬁ Lm Scene

south ﬂ orida’s lgbtq magazine paletteapril|may 2017 • vol. 12

A LIFE LESS ORDINARY Mark Gilbert’s path to self-discovery led right through the local ﬁ lm scene

Gay-Straight Alliances • World OutGames Miami • Florida Getaways Nature After Dark • Gay and Wordy • Dining on the Drive & more...

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FEATURES

024 • gay-straight alliances 038• world outgames miami A vast network of gay-straight support Get ready for spectacular sportsmanship, organizations helps countless LGBTQ kids a heady dose of culture and an get by with a little help from their friends. informative human rights engagement when Miami becomes the fi rst U.S. city to 030 • mark gilbert host the World OutGames this May. on the cover: Mark Gilbert, board chair and chief Mark Gilbert executive of the rebranded OUTshine Film 044• fl orida getaways photographed by Festival, offers a sneak peek into his life. Look at the state you’re in! From Dmitry Zhitov unexpected weekend getaways on at the The Lincoln 036 • rainbow bright fun cruises to classic beach holidays, Theatre, Regal Witty Internet wunderkind Randy Floridians defi nitely live where others South Beach Rainbow sits tight long enough for a Q&A. dream to vacation. Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line what’s your temptation? cruise aficionado | hopeless romantic shopaholic | sports & wellness enthusiast art lover | film connoisseur | spa maven foodie | kid at heart | performing arts fan history buff

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012 016 018 DEPARTMENTS 012 • in tune 022 • after hours 056 • serious business The varied music, multiple essays and There’s natural beauty all around us, and Just in time for Passover, Rabbi Noah Kitty cinematic twists in these selections offer nighttime is the right time to explore of Congregation Etz Chaim shares her an embarrassment of entertainment riches. South Florida’s waterways and parks. insight on religion.

014 • chez moi 050 • on trend 058 • the scene DiMare Design’s Deborah Rosenberg The fi lm festival circuit offers a forum Were you there? Find out who was at challenges us to join the humane for communal experience, especially for Okama Con, the Women’s Rally in South revolution with cruelty-free home décor. the LGBTQ crowd. Florida, the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s State of the 016 • get cultured 052 • scoreboard Community Luncheon and Spotlight Mega- South Florida’s gay literary scene has a The Color Run World Tour and AIDS Mixer, the Raffi Freedman-Gurspan Meet & storied past and a vibrant present. Walk Miami are going to paint the town Greet and SAVE’s fi rst LGBTQ townhall. rainbow colors! 018 • the dish 064 • fi nal details A number of new and exciting dining 054 • health check It’s been 20 years since Ellen DeGeneres concepts are part of the evolving culinary Alcohol can easily become a problem. came out as Ellen...and as “Ellen,” and scene in the Island City. Get the facts and get help. 10 years since she hosted the Oscars. The Film Collaborative; Courtesy of Andrea Askowitz; Carina Mask From left:

006 masthead• palette•april|may 2017

south f lorida’s lgbtq magazine

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EDITORIAL ADVERTISING SALES HCP MEDIA EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MIAMI HERALD PRODUCTION DIRECTOR DESIRÉE BLANCO VICE PRESIDENT LUISA ZELAYA-MORILLO EDITOR IN CHIEF OF ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SOLE SASTRE LESLEY DECANIO SERVICES COORDINATORS MIAMI HERALD DAYAN AGUDELO MANAGING EDITOR ADVERTISING MANAGER YVONNE CLOUD ROSA CALDERÓN KRISTINA SCHULZ-CORRALES ELIZABETH RINDONE SENIOR EDITORS MIAMI HERALD PROJECT & EVENT MANAGER CHRISTINE BORGES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES INGRID MARTINEZ CAROLINA CARDONA DAISY ABREU DIGITAL EDITOR MAURICIO LESMES MIAMI-DADE GAY & LESBIAN VANESSA MARTIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – CLARITY HCP MEDIA PRESIDENT AND CEO CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT STEVE ADKINS SHAYNE BENOWITZ OF ADVERTISING RICK KARLIN EWALD FUCHS DIRECTOR OF MARKETING WYATT MYERS AND PROGRAMMING HCP MEDIA JORGE RICHA GREGG SHAPIRO BUSINESS DEVELOPERS JULIE BALTER ANDREW BERMAN DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP DEBBIE LANG AND ENGAGEMENT ART & DESIGN KIM KERNER TEPPER SCOTT BADER HCP MEDIA CREATIVE DIRECTOR SCOTT GLICK SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER PALETTE ADVISORY BOARD PALETTE CREATIVE DIRECTOR JEANIE SCHOONMAKER HOLAM ALVAREZ ANTONETTI ETHAN DURAN MARKETING & COMMUNITY ROBERT BOO PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR JOE CARDONA SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER LOURDES M. ALVAREZ JAMES DAVIS CARLOS MARTIN RICHARD GRAY EVENTS & GRAPHIC DESIGNERS RODRIGO HENG-LEHTINEN PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR ROW ILIESCU JESSICA BECERRA-ORTIZ RIC BANCIELLA EDWIN CRUZ SUSAN KENT LOURDES FERNANDEZ JASON KING NATIONAL SALES TONY LIMA CONTRIBUTING RIVENDELL MEDIA ARIANNA LINT PHOTOGRAPHERS NATIONAL AD RESPRESENTATIVES CARMINE MARTORILLI CARINA MASK 212.242.6863 RAQUEL MATAS, ESQ. CHRISTINA MENDENHALL JUAN OVES JR. ANDREW PRINTER PRODUCTION THOMAS RYAN HCP MEDIA CHIEF SUSANNA TADDEI CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS OPERATING OFFICER SEAN LATTRELL GISELA P. VEGA BARBARA POLLACK-LEWIS GIOVANNA SANCHEZ

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008 contributors• palette•april|may 2017 GET CONNECTED

SEAN LATTRELL LYNARE ROBBINS RICK KARLIN New York-based animator Sean Lattrell’s Lynare is a freelance journalist, lifestyle Rick is an author, editor, columnist and Steve Rothaus lifelong dream of becoming an animator/ curator and screenwriter who has playwright. In addition to Palette he has covers LGBT illustrator was inspired by Saturday authored multiple publications, blogs and also been a contributor to South Florida issues in South morning cartoons and Sunday comics. He a short ﬁ lm that screened at the Miami Gay News, Florida Agenda, boiMAGazine, Florida and is attended the Ringling College of Art and Beach Cinematheque in 2011. In addition Chicago Free Press, OutTraveler.com, also the Miami Design, where he studied Illustration and to her artistic endeavors, she is involved ChicagoPride.com, Metromix.com, Herald’s assistant has worked at J.J. Sedelmaier Productions with several local organizations, including Wisconsin Gazette, Nightlines, Not for community news on projects that have included Saturday Aqua Foundation, Global Ties Miami Tourists, Outlines, Windy City Times, Gay editor. Don’t Night Live’s “TV Funhouse” and an Adult and the City of Miami Beach. Chicago Magazine, Bay Area Reporter and forget to check Swim pilot. He is constantly drawing, She is also the vice president of the GayLife. He’s written three novels and out Steve Rothaus’ endlessly inspired by the folks he is Women’s Program and Diversity Affairs for dozens of plays. The most recent one was Gay South Florida “lucky enough” to encounter. World OutGames Miami. the musical Witches Among Us. News in the Miami Herald and at miamiherald.com — and follow his Twitter account, @SteveRothaus — for the latest information about our community.

JULIE BALTER ANDREW PRINTER SHAYNE BENOWITZ Julie is a writer, yogi and calculated Originally from England, Andrew is Shayne is the Hotels and Travel risk-taker. Her career has included an artist, writer and photographer. editor for Miami.com and a frequent everything from her 10+ years as a Screen Andrew’s arts coverage has been contributor to the Miami Herald. Actors’ Guild Florida Branch executive to recognized with three Press Club She is also the Miami destination her current role for LGBT-based marketing awards. His video-work has been expert and a hotel critic for the Daily campaigns, such as Kiss for Equality. broadcast internationally, and his Telegraph in London. Her work has She’s a former yoga instructor at Prana photography is included in several appeared in the Chicago Tribune and Yoga in Miami, the blog creator of Yogi national and private collections. Charlotte Observer newspapers and in After Forty and a contributing writer for He currently lives in Key West. Modern Luxury Interiors South Florida Elephant Journal. yogiafterforty.com keywestphotoworks.com and Aventura magazines. Steve Rothaus: Carl Juste A Tradition of TRUST

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USEFUL RESOURCES Miami-Dade Aqua Foundation aquafoundation.org

Care Resource careresource.org

Latinos Salud latinossalud.org

OUT Miami Foundation outmiami.org

Pridelines pridelines.org

SAVE PRIDE AND save.lgbt The Alliance for GLBTQ Youth PREJUDICE glbtqalliance.org Unity Coalition | Coalición Unida t’s incredibly validating to see yourself or experiences with which unitycoalition.org you can relate make their way into popular entertainment. To see Moonlight go from ﬁ lm festival favorite to Academy Award Best Yes Institute Picture winner was more than validating. The recognition spoke to yesinstitute.org the experience of countless young kids who don’t have a voice. IThat’s especially important in this turbulent political atmosphere. Here, Broward we enjoy the protections our local municipalities afford us — thanks to the Broward House determined work of local LGBTQ advocacy groups like SAVE — but that is browardhouse.org not the case throughout the country. Seeing ABC’s docudrama miniseries When We Rise reminded me of how much we’ve struggled as a community. Pride Center at Equality Park We can’t take that for granted. We must continue to support organizations pridecenterﬂ orida.org like OUT Miami Foundation, whose mission to build an engaged LGBTQ community helps us help each other, or Aqua Foundation, which has been Stonewall National Museum & Archives addressing the community’s needs for years. From Key West to north stonewall-museum.org Broward, South Florida is home to countless organizations. So when you head to Miami Beach Gay Pride, OUTshine Film Festival SunServe (formerly MiFo LGBT Film Festival) or AIDS Walk Miami, remember these sunserve.org events are more than just social gatherings. They offer us an opportunity to stand up, be seen and speak out against injustice. The GLBX Council of the Greater Fort Lauderdale While you’re out, don’t forget to tweet us @palettelgbt, or drop me a line Chamber of Commerce at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you. Be sure to glbx.org follow us on Instagram and Facebook as well. Follow Us: World AIDS Museum and Educational Center Stay Gold, worldaidsmuseum.org

@palettelgbt Monroe AIDS Help @palettelgbt ahmonroe.org

Ethan Duran Key West Business Guild

Creative Director PaletteLGBT gaykeywestﬂ .com Dmitry Zhitov

012 in tune• palette•april|may 2017

to New York, following the passing of his lover Steven, Hayes becomes romantically involved with the late writer and scientist Oliver Sacks. Hayes’ precise and affectionate observations of his newly adopted city, its denizens, subways, bodegas and landmarks, allow the reader to experience it through fresh eyes. Equally inspirational is the way he introduces Sacks and their relationship. The intimate observations on daily life and their personal exchanges never feel voyeuristic. Insomniac City is about falling in love with a person and a city, and ultimately what it means to be widowed twice.

Squealing Women Who Kill (Parts and Labor/The Film Collaborative), writer/director and star Ingrid Jungermann’s feature-length debut, CAN’T GET ENOUGH is a delightful black comedy. A funny voiceover ad for a hardware store selling supplies for dead body Whether featuring various artists, a collection removal precedes the fi rst scene of essays or an ever-increasing body count, in which podcast hosts (and exes) Morgan (Jungermann) and Jean these selections propose that more is more. (Ann Carr) debate who is the hottest female serial killer on their podcast, “Women Who Kill.” But there’s more by GREGG SHAPIRO to these two former lovers who still t’s true that for some things the Performing Arts, the concert live together in Park Slope. the adage less is more featured a stellar cast that included Morgan assists her best friend, serves us well. Coco Chanel unforgettable performances by Liz sporty dyke Alex (Shannon Patricia famously advised ladies to Callaway, Wilson Cruz with Voices O’Neill), with her upcoming nuptials remove one accessory before Latina, Priscilla Lopez and Darren by helping plan a bachelorette party Ileaving their homes. But when it Criss, among many others. Hosted at a strip club. She also volunteers at comes to entertainment options, like by Broadway maven Seth Rudetsky, a nearby food co-op, where she fl irts these selections more is just better. the CD closes with “What the World with hot newcomer Simone (Sheila • From top: Ilona from Needs Now Is Love,” performed Vand). Meanwhile, Jean dates Jackson Insomnia City: New York, Oliver, and Me; From Healing by the entire cast as the Broadway (Rodrigo Lopresti), but this doesn’t Broadway With Love: A For a sizable segment of our For Orlando choir. Proceeds from rule out lingering feelings for Morgan. Benefi t Concert for Orlando community, the double disc the concert and CD and DVD sales In fact, as Morgan and Simone’s concert recording From benefi t several Orlando charities. relationship develops, Jean Googles Broadway With Love: A Simone and makes a shocking Benefi t Concert for Orlando Dealing discovery. Before you know it, there’s (Broadway Records) is the In Bill Hayes’ breathtaking a body count. Jungermann has crafted musical equivalent of a Insomnia City: New York, Oliver, a smart, laugh-out-loud comedy phoenix rising. Recorded live and Me (Bloomsbury, 2017), he that derives as much pleasure from a little over a month after interweaves essays with journal poking fun at podcasters, serial killer the tragedy at the Pulse entries, photos and poetry. It’s the fetishists and lesbian relationships as Nightclub at Orlando’s kind of book that makes you stay up it does of precious hipster Brooklyn.

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016 get cultured• palette•april|may 2017

• From top: Reading Queer writers read true accounts of their writing alumni James Sacco, lives. Miami Book Fair currently Jan Becker (Workshop Leader), Y’senia Mina and sponsors the series, but founder Errol Portman; Badass, Lip and local writer Andrea Askowitz Service: True Stories The (My Miserable, Lonely Lesbian Double Album, edited by Pregnancy) was at the helm for Andrea Askowitz nine years. Today, Askowitz has a global reach with her popular podcast, Writing Class Radio. Lip Service has never been LGBTQ-specifi c, but Askowitz estimates two out of every eight stories come from queer writers. Her own tell-all mini-memoirs address everything from tantric sex workshops — “What it was like to be the only lesbian couple in the group, only to realize we all have the same intimacy issues” — to Miami’s homophobia — “I called the fertility clinic to make an appointment for my wife’s READING OUT PROUD impregnation and the receptionist told me they don’t do inseminations for same sex couples.” From Tennessee Williams to Richard Blanco Every story is equally tear- and South Florida casts a long literary shadow. cringe-worthy. This is your America. Chapter Three: South Florida, 2017 Today South Florida’s literary scene by JULIE HOPE BALTER evokes a patchwork of bygone eras hroughout its history, for Queer Writers, sponsored by — equal parts historic Key West America shunned Miami’s Reading Queer. salon and gay 90s South Beach. homosexuality, but You may be scared to share your Queer writers are a vital independent small colonies of life story, but you’re in the right voice that’s critical to the city’s queer writers and place. Becker makes the workshop world-renowned events, including artistsT staked out island-outpost safe and even — gasp! — enjoyable. the Miami Book Fair and O’Miami residencies all the same. Fire Island Here, you can fi nd your voice and — the month-long poetry celebration and Provincetown were favored for be heard. You may fi nd that you are that takes place every April. their proximity to New York, but just beginning to fi nd the words to Fortunately, the momentum Key West — much more hospitable actualize your life. will continue. Reading Queer was than a blowhard beached winter “Some of my students have awarded a $70 thousand Knight — was claimed as a celebratory become activists,” says Becker. Foundation grant at the end of playground. Literary greats including “Y’senia Mina is a trans woman. She 2016 to fund a literary festival, Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams never wrote poetry before Boot writing academy and writers’ and U.S. Poet Laureate Elizabeth Camp,” she says. “Since coming out, residency. Becker, Queers’ Bishop, lived openly, wrote freely she’s become vocal in her activism fi rst resident, is debuting The and entertained without a care. In and did a reading at the Miami Sunshine Chronicles through many ways, Key West was an island. Book Fair. I was also able to Miami micro publisher Jitney Fortunately, much has changed. introduce her to [former U.S. Poet Books. Described as “part Laureate] Richard Blanco. Armistead Maupin set in South Chapter 1: South Beach, 2017 Florida, part Poor Richard’s Local writer and FIU instructor Jan Chapter 2: Downtown Miami, 2016 Almanac for the 21st Century,” Becker marches her signature combat It’s another standing-room only it is a quirky compilation boots into the Betsy Hotel to lead Lip Service event, Miami’s most of Facebook posts that are

her resident workshop, Boot Camp famous storytelling show, where thoroughly Floridian.• Courtesy of Reading Queer A cricket’s chirp can be used to tell the temperature.

Find out why at the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science. Opening spring 2017.

1101 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132 | frostscience.org

The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science is supported by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners of Miami- Dade County. This project is supported by the Building Better Communities Bond Program and the City of Miami. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers. Frost Science is an accessible facility. All contents ©Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science. All rights reserved. Source: A. E. Dolbear, “The Cricket as a Thermometer”, The American Naturalist 31: 970-971 (Nov. 1897).

PAL_1702_FrostMuseum_FP.indd 7 3/6/17 11:39 AM 018 the dish• palette•april|may 2017

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Off the Beaten Path Voo La Voo Café is cheaper than a trip to France and defi nitely worth a GREAT MANORS visit if you seek authentic fare. Duck into the delightful space it shares with The Alchemist coffeehouse, There truly is a wealth of options for those and you are whisked away to the looking to wine and dine in Wilton Manors. French countryside. It’s a casual spot; you order at a counter and the food is delivered to your table, either by RICK KARLIN in the small dining room or out in loomberg recently While many of Wilton Manors’ the charming tented patio. But they published a list of the restaurants get plenty of attention, are serious about the food. While American cities with there are a number of unique spots • From top: EAT’s the menu is comprised of decidedly Shrimp Scampi; the most restaurants that you should explore. fl amed, pan-seared French fare, all dishes are priced per capita. With 21 Cheese Saganaki less than $15. These include savory eateriesB for every 10,000 people, San What’s New at Ethos and sweet crêpes (both of which Francisco easily topped the list. But EAT, the newest addition to the count only included cities with the Wilton Drive dining scene, a population of 500,000 or more. serves up deli food with a fresh If it had included smaller cities, Italian twist. The coal-fi red oven Wilton Manors would have blown cranks out whole pies or slices in San Francisco — and most other minutes, but the menu also includes large towns — off the charts. Its sandwiches and classic Italian- 11,632 residents have 35 restaurants American favorites such as lasagna, within their city limits, and only two manicotti and, of course, spaghetti of those are chains. There are also and meatballs. To round out the eight bars with full-service kitchens, offerings, there are entree salads, including old favorites like Rosie’s steaks and chops. Weekday happy and Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Bar and hour specials are a bargain, and the newcomers, such as Village Pub and desserts, most of which are made

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Dog Friendly Speaking of pet friendly, Shawn & Nick’s Courtyard Cafe may be an established after-hours destination, but you may not know that it welcomes you and your four-legged friend in the enclosed patio any time of day. Specializing in classic diner fare, many guests have become regulars thanks to a menu of hearty dishes made to order and served by sassy waiters in a laid- back atmosphere. 2211 Wilton Dr. 954.563.2499 wiltonmanorscourtyardcafe.com•

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@ZederTeam 022 after hours• palette•april|may 2017

Experience your acute awareness of Park in Miami. What happens nearly indiscernible animal calls, the there stays between you and the pulsing rhythm of fl apping wings. owls. “We welcome people from all My point: Anyone can kayak a backgrounds and strive to create a canal in broad daylight, but come place where everyone feels safe and moonrise, your favorite de-stressing where everyone feels welcome,” says outdoor activity can change from Victoria Galan, the Communications chillin’ to thrilling — in a really Manager at Miami-Dade Parks, good way. Should you dare take Recreation and Open Spaces. on a South Florida evening eco- Suggested Accessories: adventure, you’ll be in capable insect repellent, fl ashlight and hands with these smooth operators. marshmallows. In exchange, you’ll receive an informative talk about The Paddler life as an owl and a dark park walk. At night, add high-tech neon LED miamidade.gov/ecoadventures lights to your paddleboard to transform a familiar sunlit excursion The Prowler into an ethereal adventure. With After dabbling with owls, you’re a 40-foot circumference of light ready to delve into the nocturnal cast around the dark waters, your underworld of the Everglades with attention narrows from a wide-span the hippie guides at Everglades waterway-vista, to an intimate and Hostel & Tours in Florida CREATURES up-close commune with nature. City. You can opt for a two-hour Precision Paddleboard in Fort walk along the River of Grass Lauderdale guides night SUP boardwalks. We can’t tell what OF THE NIGHT groups down New or Middle River. you’ll see or do, as the hostel teases precisionpaddleboards.com that trip details aren’t decided For an equally ambient until the day of the tour. And isn’t Rediscover South Florida’s great paddling experience in the Key it more exciting to maintain the outdoor attractions, under cover West area, Blue Planet Kayak element of surprise anyway? leads full moon, night crawler If you’re ready for total of darkness. excursions along the bay. Watch submission, try the overnight the water shimmer with the glow of camping trip. It starts with bioluminescent plankton dancing as s’mores and ends with fi reside by JULIE HOPE BALTER your paddle laps the bay. farm-raised alligator burritos, magine this — and I want blue-planet-kayak.com served with mango and guac made you to stick with me: It’s the with ingredients from the hostel kind of sunny South Florida The Watcher garden. In between, canoeing and a day you see captured on Introducing the Campfi re & Owl barefoot beach dance light the night. memes with suck-it quotes Walk, presented by Bill Sadowski evergladeshostel.com• Imeant for northerners shoveling snow. It’s also a Saturday, so you’re not one to incubate indoors. Maybe you’re kayaking through the backwaters of Florida Bay or skimming Wilton Manors’ waterways atop a paddleboard. You might even be gawking at alligators sunning themselves in Everglades National Park. See the azure sky; feel the sun refl ecting off your face. Now, I want you to shut off the lights. You heard me. Do it. • From top: Florida barred owl in Now imagine you’re doing the Everglades National Park; very same outdoor activities I just Miami Eco-Adventures’

described — only it’s pitch dark. Sunset Kayak Adventure From top: David Davis Photoproductions / Alamy Stock Photo; Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces

THE GREAT ALLIANCE SOMETIMES ALL IT TAKES IS A FRIEND TO LEND A HAND, BE WILLING TO LISTEN AND IN DOING SO SAY, “I STAND BY YOU.” SUCH IS THE WORK OF THE COUNTRY’S GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCES.

BY ANDREW PRINTER ILLUSTRATION BY SEAN LATTRELL

026 at MiamiBeachGayPride.Oppositepage:Gay-Straight This page:MembersofSafeSchoolsSouthFlorida Alliance membersatEdmontonGayPride. population togrowcomfortablewith but wiselywaitedforamajorityofthe position longbeforehetookofﬁce, woman. Theywereequal. as amarriagebetweenmanand T It’s quitepossibleheheldthis same rightsandrespect should beaffordedthe of asame-sexcouple conclusion thattheunion that hehadcometothe marriage hadevolvedand his thinkingaboutgay Obama indicatedthat ﬁrst term,President oward theendofhis a bumpyroadforGSAs.Evennow, school’s clubsandclasseshasbeen Acceptance intothefabricofa WE’RE GOINGTOBEFRIENDS on iscertainlyoneofthem. college campusesfromthemid-1980s alliances (GSAs)inhighschooland The proliferationofgay-straight and thelegalrulingsthatfollowed. preceded thepresident’s comments attitudes towardLGBTQpeoplethat undeniable seachangeinpublic levels ofacceptance. the relentlessmarchtowardgreater Many factorscontributedtothe

SEAN DRAKES / Alamy Stock Photo palette•april|may 2017

a scant 35 percent of high schools nationwide support this type of club. What has remained constant from the start, however, is the creation and protection of a safe space where gay and straight students can process their experiences and do the work of normalizing, perhaps even celebrating differences. Brad Koogler is the executive director of Safe Schools South Florida, a non-profi t organization that has partnered with public school systems in both Broward and Miami-Dade counties for 26 years. Created by teachers for students, the organization’s mission is to support LGBTQ students and student organizations, including gay-straight alliances. Koogler praises the support given to LGBTQ students throughout South Florida’s varied school districts. In particular, he recognizes Broward and Miami-Dade as school districts that are national leaders in providing professional development to staff and need for the old fashioned, student- K-12 students. led, gay-straight alliance? “GSAS — ALONG “Research indicates all students, Koogler says yes. including LGBT students, benefi t “GSAs continue to play a WITH PROFESSIONAL when recognizable supports are in critical role in diminishing isolation, DEVELOPMENT, SAFE ZONES, place,” Koogler says. “GSAs — along fostering connectedness to school with professional development, safe and understanding diversity,” he VISIBLE ADULT ALLIES, zones, visible adult allies, direct says. “In a number of cases, students support services, inclusive policies involved are not out at home and so DIRECT SUPPORT SERVICES, and inclusive curricula — are critical a gay-straight alliance in a familiar for the safety, health and academic classroom setting is their fi rst and INCLUSIVE POLICIES AND achievement of LGBTQ students.” only place to be themselves.” Each spring Safe Schools South With only 35 percent of the INCLUSIVE CURRICULA Florida organizes a GSA Leadership nation’s high schools served by a GSA Summit, a half-day training or similar organization, clearly the — ARE CRITICAL FOR workshop for club sponsors, those vast majority of schools are doing THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND teachers dedicated to facilitating without. Clubs established by bold clubs and activities during lunch students, utilizing existing school ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT breaks and/or after school. In the guidelines for any proposed extra- fall, a Diversity & Empowerment curricular activity are the best, most OF LGBTQ STUDENTS.” gathering takes place. This event effective starting point. — Brad Koogler, Executive Director also recognizes student leaders and of Safe Schools South Florida has a more celebratory tone. WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER With such a plethora of excellent In Key West, there is one GSA at the support mechanisms in place for high school and one at the middle students in these trend-setting South school, a phenomenon that is gaining

© Angelaostaﬁ chuk / Dreamstime.com © Angelaostaﬁ Florida school districts, is there a ground and quite telling for such 028 Clockwise from top left: Caspian Cassidy; Andrew Printer (2) palette•april|may 2017

Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Current Key West High School GSA President Caspian Cassidy; former president Jon Kuhn; Key West High School a small city. According to Koogler, types of roles, and as both Kuhn and wonder whether Vice President Mike some elementary schools are Cassidy can attest, their effectiveness Pence’s opposition to lesbian and gay recognizing the need for supportive, changes from year to year as the protections will have an infl uence on structured groups as well. motivation of students and classroom public policy over time. Jon Kuhn identifi es as straight. He sponsors ebbs and fl ows. The was president of the GSA at Key West breakdown goes something like this: CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE High School during his senior year, Many cities and towns have instituted three years ago. Social: Creates a fun and safe human rights ordinances to ensure “I participated in the GSA because place for students, on and off their communities are supported it was the right thing to do. I had a gay campuses, to meet other LGBTQ at the municipal level. In Key West, friend who was bullied a lot in high and ally students, make friends city commissioners unanimously school, and he asked me to go to a and celebrate being LGBTQ outlawed so-called conversion meeting with him and I said ‘yes.’ Four and allies. therapy for children in February. years later, I was president of the club.” Speaking before the vote took place, Kuhn adds that he did not join for Support: Creates a safe space Commissioner Jimmy Weekley any profound reason. His modesty for LGBTQ students to talk about reiterated what most of the island’s underscores how important the their feelings, questions and the residents already know: alliance between gay and straight issues they face at home, school “LGBTQ youth are born perfect, students is in effecting change. and in their everyday lives. and they all deserve to grow up Caspian Cassidy is the current knowing they are celebrated and president of Key West High School’s Activist: Focus is primarily on valued for exactly who they are.” gay-straight alliance. He is precisely educating students, teachers, Cassidy absorbed that message the kind of young person these parents and community members via his involvement in his high student-led organizations meant to as to how to create a safer and school’s GSA and the sensibility of a help. Cassidy began high school as more accepting school for LGBTQ community that enabled it. He could Anastasia, a sensible, academically students by changing school have fallen by the wayside or, worse, gifted girl from a troubled home. He rules and policies, training staff succumbed to an attempt to end his is candid about his multiple suicide and students, and helping stop own life. Instead he has doubled- attempts, which he says had little harassment and discrimination. down on his resolve to become a to do with his gender issues but vital, happy member of society. served to catalyze his circumstances. It’s too early to tell whether He will begin college in the Thanks to his remarkable fortitude there is a trickle-down effect, if fall, studying to become a fl avor Cassidy spent his sophomore year the new administration alters or technician in the world of food segueing out of a relationship with abolishes the raft of progressive technology. He is a promising student a supportive boyfriend, adopting actions that quickly followed and a budding community organizer. the name Caspian (note the clever President Obama’s declared support With the hint of a rare smile, the continuity of his Russian heritage) of same-sex marriage. serious young man says what many in and beginning the process of Koogler says that President his community already know: identifying and presenting as male. Donald Tump’s manner and rhetoric “I help make a lot of things Without a family or home life have spooked some students, happen.”• that could support this intellectual, especially after actions like his emotional and practical journey, reversal of the Obama administration Cassidy relied on the weekly guideline for public schools regarding meeting of GSA peers to process transgender students and their use some of his experiences. of gender-specifi c facilities on school FOR YOUR INFORMATION grounds. Many are fearful that long- GSANetwork.org is a good resource for GIRLS & BOYS awaited advances may not come anyone interested in learning more about According to Koogler, in the U.S. to pass and that some hard-won GSA history and activities. GSAs typically adopt one of three progress will be undone. A few also

INTO THE LIGHT MARK GILBERT OFFERS A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT HIS LIFE AND WHAT’S NEXT FOR SOUTH FLORIDA’S STORIED FILM FESTIVAL.

STORY BY SHAYNE BENOWITZ ^ PHOTOGRAPHY BY DMITRY ZHITOV AS I BEGAN EXPLORING THAT SIDE, EACH EXPLORATION LED TO THE PANDORA’S BOX OPENING LARGER AND LARGER.

“I ABSOLUTELY person I was. I wasn’t like Liberace. KNEW I WAS GAY I wasn’t like Paul Lynde, the gay role ALL MY LIFE,” models for the world [at the time]. I says Mark Gilbert, executive director didn’t want to be that person,” Gilbert and board chair of South Florida’s says. “I understood the physical side of recently rebranded OUTshine Film being gay. That yeah, you could have Festival. “I just didn’t know what gay fun. But that it could also be intimate, was.” For the Chicago native who emotional and fulfilling — that didn’t moved to Miami after high school in happen until much later in my life.” the 1970s, coming out of the closet He had girlfriends throughout was not exactly a straight path. college and eventually married at He attended both Miami Dade age 24. “We had a wonderful time College and Florida International together. We had a family. We had the University. At the former, he life that I always dreamed of having, underwent three years of therapy, but it wasn’t complete, for either of because he didn’t want to be gay. us,” he says. He now has two adult “The one thing I did know was that daughters, Allison and Randi, and homosexuality, as it was presented two grandchildren Aidan and Noah. back then, was certainly not the As a family, they were leaders in the Jewish community and active in IN&OUT Gilbert says that seeing the gay theater and the arts. His marriage eventually dissolved experience told through film was But this time was also marred by in 1992 after 14 years, and yet it crucial in his own development. “It’s frustration and confusion, as Gilbert was not because he was gay. There fundamental to a good, strong self came to terms with his sexuality, were other factors Gilbert says, and worth,” he says. “There’s something leading a double life in the shadows. while the issue of his sexuality was about the validation of seeing your life “As I began exploring that side, never directly confronted during his on screen in a respectable format, in each exploration led to the Pandora’s marriage, he believes his wife was something that makes you feel good box opening larger and larger,” he says. probably suspicious, at least the last about who you are, that gives you — It wasn’t until he was 27 that he shared few years. and this word is probably over-utilized his first kiss with a man. “I’d known Getting involved in what was in the community — but gives you him for about a year,” he reveals. “It called the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film pride in who you are…that can’t be was like everything in my world opened Festival in 2001 helped him finally replaced by anything else.” up. The hair stood up on my arms. I come to terms with who he really was. He recalls one of the first gay films said, ‘Oh my God, this is what I’ve been Doing so also paved the way for him he saw, starring Harry Hamlin and missing. This is what I’ve been afraid to become one of the leading voices Michael Ontkean. “Here were these to experience.’ And I knew once that in South Florida’s LGBTQ community. two men in love with each other, happened, I could never put it back in Just a year after joining, he became sharing every moment of time, living the box again. I tried.” part of the festival’s board of directors. together,” Gilbert says. “That changed 034

everything for me. I had never seen beloved organization was in trouble. community. We shine bright. Sunshine. that. I didn’t even rationally realize “I defi nitely took over a festival Films shine on the screen. It has all that was a possibility. It was validating. that was going to be no festival. the things you need to really build a It made me cry.” We didn’t know. When I rejoined great name and a great image.” I thought everything was great,” Miami’s 19th annual edition will PLANB he remembers. “There was fraud. take place April 21–30, and Fort Gilbert’s involvement in the OUTshine There were signifi cant improprieties Lauderdale’s 9th annual edition Film Festival led to another pivotal and accounting irregularities. The is scheduled for October 6–15. In opportunity. The radio station Party membership had declined.” addition to screening more than 65 93.1 was in its prime as a bastion of With help from Miami-Dade Gay fi lms at venues across South Florida, dance music, and it enjoyed a large & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce the opening party is always a highlight. gay following. The program director President and CEO Steve Adkins, For the Miami edition, OUTshine is at Cox Radio, Phillip Michaels-Trueba, Equality Florida Miami-Dade taking over the Scottish Rite building understood the importance of the gay Development Offi cer Cindy Brown on the Miami River. community’s support and offered the and Jackson Behavioral Health In 2018, the festival will introduce fi lm festival a package of commercials Hospital case manager Juan OUTshine on the Sea, a fi ve-night and PSAs. There was also a half hour time slot available at 6:30 a.m. and Michaels-Trueba wanted to fi ll it with a gay talk show. He asked Gilbert if he knew anyone who might be a good fi t, and Gilbert volunteered himself, proving to be a natural. HERE WERE THESE TWO MEN “If I wasn’t already out of the IN LOVE WITH EACH OTHER, closet, this blew the lid off,” he jokes. “They were the fi rst FM station — SHARING EVERY MOMENT probably in all the country — to give a slot to LGBT issues, where they OF TIME, LIVING TOGETHER. actually had a talk show that was totally dedicated to being LGBT, to the stuff that we deal with. They gave me free reign to do whatever. I developed a completely different style show that had never been done on radio before.” Talavera, Gilbert toiled tirelessly to Celebrity Cruise departing on It ran from 2002 to 2006 and revive the fl agging organization. “I February 17 and making ports of eventually grew into a full hour, made the decision. This festival is call in Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and magazine-style show with segments too important to too many people, St. Kitts. The cruise will include fi lm on politics, community, nightlife, and we’ve got to get the community screenings, private parties, a culinary psychology, youth and an editorial behind it. I dedicated a year of my component and other special events. during which Gilbert shared personal life as a volunteer to work full time Gilbert can’t underscore enough stories about his own journey. He for the festival,” he says. the OUTshine Film Festival’s role as earned the nickname Marky G. and a voice for South Florida’s incredibly interviewed A-list celebrities and LATTERDAYS diverse LGBTQ community. “Look, public fi gures from Yoko Ono, Cher, After a year and a half, the debts were we all love James Bond, and we all Cyndi Lauper and Sir Ian McKellen to paid off, there was money in the bank love the incredible so-called straight Janet Reno. The show naturally led to and the restructured board boasted fi lms that are out there, but there’s other gigs, emceeing Pride festivals a staff of 20. Two years later, the something really special about being in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Miami and Fort Lauderdale festivals in a room fi lled with people who are Beach throughout the years. Today, merged into a single organization all watching themselves or a part of there’s a plaque at the LGBT Visitor’s that was rebranded the MiFo LGBT themselves on screen. And there’s no Center that reads: Marky G., the voice Film Festival. This year, it will be substitute. You don’t have to place of the gay community. rechristened once again, as the Brad Pitt with some beautiful starlet,” Gilbert continued his work with OUTshine Film Festival. he says. “Brad Pitt, the hot guy on the fi lm festival on and off, returning Gilbert says that this time the screen, is with another guy on screen. in 2013 as both board chair and name will stick. “Out is inclusive,” There’s something really special about executive director only to fi nd that his he says. “We’re out. We shine as a watching those kinds of movies.”•

036 RAINBOW WITH MILLIONSOF FACEBOOK VIEWSTOHIS NAME, IS ACERTIFIED SOCIALMEDIA SENSATION. SOUTH FLORIDA-NATIVE RANDY RAINBOW BY GREGGSHAPIRO BRIGHT

original musical video see in my head, how to make it happen. I spoofed an interview that she did HIS parodies, which gained Technically, it’s not my strongest suit, but regarding her declining to play the considerable attention before and after I make it happen. [Trump] inauguration. She Tweeted it the 2016 presidential election, have and said, “Thanks for the laugh. That was become the stuff of legend. Watched, Have you heard from any of the hysterical.” That was exciting. Sometimes shared and Tweeted by gay and people whose songs you parody? I’ll hear from some of the CNN people if I straight folks alike, Randy Rainbow’s Yes, actually, I’ve heard from some use their interviews and plug myself into wicked sense of humor and polished big ones. Most recently Andrew Lloyd their position as the interviewer. Jake performance skills have made him an Webber Tweeted the Cats parody that Tapper follows me now, and I’ve heard internet celebrity. I did. I guess that counts, huh [laughs]? from Brianna Keilar. I’m happy to know That was very exciting. I’ve also heard that they are fans. Describe your performance from Stephen Sondheim. Stephen background and training. Sondheim is apparently a fan of my What has been your most popular I’ve been on the stage since I was a kid. videos. When I did the Mary Poppins video to date? I started with ballet when I was six. I As far as numbers, it’s still the have a musical theater background — a “Braggadocious” video, which has 31 lot of theater camp as a child, a lot of “I’M VERY MUCH A million views. They’re all doing a good 10 community, regional theater. I dropped ONE-MAN-BAND million now. The last few I’ve put out are out of college and worked on a cruise around 10 million and over. ship for a time. [My background is] [LAUGHS]. IT’S ALL OUT primarily in musical theater and mostly in OF MY LITTLE STUDIO Because of your theater background, South Florida. have you ever considered taking your APARTMENT HERE act on the road? In what ways does being from South IN NEW YORK.” Very much. I’m booking a lot of touring Florida come across in your work? stuff now. I’m pretty booked up now for I got some really great training there. Pride and for the next few months into I spent most of my childhood at the video to “Supercalifragilistic…,” I heard the summer. I’ll have evenings, and I’ve Hollywood Playhouse, all of my summers from Jeff Sherman, who is the son of done a few here in New York, where I’ll growing up. Me and Josh Gad, who [songwriter] Rob Sherman. That’s been show some videos and link everything you probably know [from The Book of thrilling for me. I’m such a huge fan of all together with a little bit of stand-up. Then Mormon and Frozen]. We were buddies this material that I’m spoofing. To hear I’ll do musical parodies live. I’m hoping back then. I did a lot of children’s theater from those people is amazing to me. later in the year to flesh out a more large- in Miami Shores. My base musical theater scale production to take on tour. As of training happened there. How do you go about selecting a song now, it’s just doing the material that I or the subject matter to parody? have out there now. Touring is definitely Your videos have remarkably It kind of depends. I’m a big show queen on the top of my list. sophisticated production values. Do to begin with. I think in show tunes. you work with a creative team? For example, for the “Braggadocious!” If you don’t my mind my asking, what I’m very much a one-man-band [laughs]. video my mind went to “docious” from is your current romantic status — are It’s all out of my little studio apartment “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” you single, partnered or married? here in New York. There’s a green screen When I did the Meryl Streep Into The Ugh, now I’m depressed. I wasn’t sad, but that takes up my entire living room. I Woods parody, I thought about Meryl now I am. write it and perform it with my cat sitting Streep singing “Greens, greens, nothing on the bed watching me. Then I edit but greens” in the song [in the Into The But, Randy, the world wants to know. everything myself. Woods prologue]. I transformed that quite I am single as hell. If anyone’s looking, easily into “Tweets, Tweets, nothing but let me know. You know my email, put it Are you self-taught in terms of the Tweets.” Sometimes it just pops into up there [laughs]. I’m telling myself I’m technical part of the job? my head. Now that I have a nice big focusing on my career, which is what Yeah, that’s actually my least favorite following, sometimes I’ll get suggestions everyone says when they’re not dating. part of it. I’m a tech-savvy person by from people that I’ll use. nature, but I have had to train myself to I just know there’s someone out do what I’ve got to do. I learned Final Cut Have you heard from any of the there for you. and Adobe After Effects. I have a good subjects of the songs you parody? I hope so! ear and a good eye for editing, now that Well, Trump hasn’t called yet, thank I have a basic knowledge of it. I know God! I think the first time that that For more information on Randy how to make the finished product that I happened was with Jennifer Holliday. Rainbow visit randyrainbow.com• M aking agic

MFeaturing speakers, artists and, of course, >> athletes, the World OutGames takes Miami on a 10-day play date. By Lynare Robbins © Dmytro Aksonov / iStock by Getty Images 040 community through sports,cultureandhuman rights. the equality, strength, healthandvisibilityofthe LGBTQ Human Rights Conference, theoverallgoalis topromote as wellculturaleventsand athree-dayGlobalLGBTQI in aU.S.city. Featuringmorethan 450sportingcompetitions, only the fourth editionof the event and theﬁrst timeitisheld W inning neverfeltsogood.And Antwerp, makingtheMiamiedition in Montreal,Copenhagenand (GLISA) haspreviouslybeenheld International SportAssociation licensed bytheGayandLesbian day globalLGBTQ-focusedevent Miami hasdonejustthat.The10- by hostingtheWorld OutGames, marital status, ethnicity, color, nationality, religionorage. identity, genderexpression, sex,physicalormental ability, discrimination on thebasisofsexualorientation, gender opportunities tobeinvolvedin thegameswithoutfearof athletes, coaches,managers, trainers andrefereeswith of needsthatwerenotbeing met —takespainstoprovide sports clubsandteamsaround theworldhadauniqueset international thinktankconcluded thatgayandlesbian Miami. GLISA—whichwascreatedin2004afteran competition,” saysIvanCano,CEOofWorld OutGames as aglobalstatementofunity, inclusivenessandhealthy are proudtobringWorld OutGamestotheUnitedStates sporting competitionsinitsmissionofinclusivity. “We World OutGamesisincrediblydifferentfrommostother Game Face

Courtesy of Diego Suarez palette•april|may 2017

The overall goal is to promote the equality, strength, health and visibility of the LGBTQ community through >> sports, culture and human rights.

“There are not many opportunities for same-sex dancers While there are no qualifying standards to participate in to compete,” says River Tumbleweed, who will be competing individual categories, competitions are arranged according to in the couples category with her wife, Sunny. The two women skill level. Venues across Miami-Dade, from Marlins Studium have been invloved in same-sex dancing for four years. — where the opening ceremonies will be held — to Tropical Sunny even proposed at one of their competitions. The Park and the University of Miami will host matches, races, Tumbleweeds will also be part of the Country Western Dance meets and games ranging from basketball, beach volleyball Team, Scandalous, which is sponsored by Scandals Saloon. and flag football to synchronized swimming, bodybuilding “We feel very fortunate for the opportunity to showcase our and dance sport. talents in a safe yet highly competitive environment.” Suarez is eager to “get in the water,” but he is also looking Diego Suarez, who first took up swimming 10 years forward to the festive ambience World OutGames promotes. ago to relax and exercise, is also excited about the games. “The most exciting event every year is the speedo party, “When I was competing in Stockholm, Sweden at the 2015 which is a tradition that is held by swimmers,” he says. He is Eurogames, it was announced that Miami had won the bid also anticipating Pink Flamingo, an IGLA drag-show-meets- for 2017 World OutGames, and I was ecstatic to be able to aqua-follies-synchro tradition that pits rival teams against participate in the games in my hometown,” he says. “I will be each other in a fabulously friendly competition. participating in the swimming events and playing water polo for the first time.” Culturally Relevant Beyond sporting events, World OutGames offers a cultural component that is slated to include art, architecture, music, dance, film and poetry. “Our three pillars — Sports, Culture Opposite page: Diego Suarez, Daniel Hekman, David Jaramillo, Luis Leon, Daniel and Human Rights — are at the core of everything we do,” Brassil and Charlotte Schouchar make up the Miami Vice Water Polo Club ; This page: Track and field events will be held at Tropical Park. says Cano. © IPGGutenbergUKLtd / iStock by Getty Images 042

As part of the program, a number of varied activities and destinations that share an interest in promoting LGBTQ events will be hosted by notable local LGBTQ organizations equality and inclusivity. A previous World OutGames host, and groups throughout the city. Opening the cultural Copenhagen is actually sponsoring a number of activities. presentation, the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates the Docked at Museum Park Miami, the Georg Stage training Village People’s 40th anniversary with a show at the Colony ship sets the stage for author and radio producer Pejk Theatre entitled It Takes a Village, People! Malinovski’s presentation about love at sea. The audio walk ARTworkOUT reﬂ ects the overarching message of the is sponsored by the Danish Maritime Museum. games by combining athleticism with artistic endeavor and Back on land, culture vultures can explore the Wynwood intellectual stiumulation. Comprised of cultural, sports and Art District as tour guide, Thom Wheeler-Castillo, discusses wellness empowerment classes, it is presented by the Pérez how the textile warehouse and immigrant neighborhood Art Museum Miami (PAMM) in conjunction with Equinox formerly known as Little San Juan evolved into one of the ﬁ tness centers. world’s largest outdoor art galleries. Marlins Park is offering a behind-the-scenes tour of the On stage at the Colony Theatre, Diego Salterini and state-of-the-art stadium, followed by a home game between Hannah Baumgarten present the landmark Edward Stierle the Marlins and the Phillies, as part of the architecture production, Dance NOW! and literature lovers should not portion of the cultural program. miss the Favorite Poem Project event. It will feature a special In an additional nod to local architecture, community appearance by the project’s founder — and the 39th Poet activist, historian, preservationist and freelance writer, Laureate of the U.S. — Robert Pinsky. Herb Sosa, will discuss the contributions of the LGBTQ In honor of the Pulse Nightclub shooting victims, City community to the historic preservation movement — at a of Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado and Miami Beach Mayor local and global level — in Preservation Under the Rainbow, Philip Levine, along with various leaders of the local LGBTQ presented at the Art Deco Welcome Center in Miami Beach community, will host the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus at by the Miami Preservation League. SoundScape Park at the New World Center. For something a little more risqué, the city of Also in remembrance of the 2016 shooting at the Orlando Copenhagen is treating Miami’s participants to an exhibit night club, the multi-disciplinary artistic exhibition, Pulse titled Sex and the Sea. Part of the OutCities program, this Points, presents a dynamic, inventive response to the tragedy. special collaboration is meant to strengthen ties between Curated by Cameron Basden and Octavio Campos and held © Jenny Abreu / Courtesy of DanceNOW! palette•april|may 2017

Herb Sosa – Preservation Under the Rainbow at the Art Deco Welcome Center

Juana Mora Cedeño – Cuban LGBTQ activist

Opposite page: DanceNOW! is part of the World OutGames cultural presentations. This page: SoundScape Park at the New World Center

Surat-Shaan Knan – transgender interfaith Jewish activist founder of at the New World Center, Pulse Points will feature drummers, the Rainbow Pilgrim Project dancers, DJs, choral voices and many other artists and performers from South Florida.

Something Fresh The Global LGBTQI Human Rights Conference is making its debut at World OutGames Miami. Held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the conference is set to host speakers from a wide swath of countries with varying degrees of LGBTQ protections. Their stories are meant to highlight the global nature of the challenges and successes that LGBTQ people face. Tamara Adrian – the first Plenary speaker Juana Mora Cedeño, a Cuban LGBTQ transgender lawmaker in Venezuela’s National Assembly activist, is sponsored by the International Institute for Race, Equality and Human Rights. Other plenary speakers include Tamara Adrian, the first transgender lawmaker in Venezuela’s National Assembly; Surat-Shaan Khan, a transgender interfaith Jewish activist famously known for his Rainbow Pilgrim Project; and Amini Fonua, a competitive swimmer from Tonga and New Zealand. For more information, visit

New World Center: © Pascal Depuhl; Herb Sosa: Carina Mask; Juana Mora Cedeño: Courtesy of OutGames Miami; Surat-Shaan Knan: © AJAMU; Tamara Adrian: Courtesy of World Miami outgames.org.• Clockwise from top left: Courtesy of La Concha Key West; Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line (2); Courtesy of Amara Cay Resort; Courtesy of Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina We Floridians live where others vacation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take the familiar and make it refreshingly unexpected.

Sun DazeBy Sole Sastre 046

f you’ve lived in Florida long enough, you know it doesn’t take much driving to hit a beach, we have three of the most extraordinary nationali parks in the system, walking in the steps of a Spanish conquistador or surrealist is equally accessible and just a few hours is all you need to get to “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” We are truly spoiled for choice…which is why we sometimes crave something different. The rest of the world may be just a ﬂ ight away, but when a vacation abroad isn’t logistically — or ﬁ nancially — possible, this is the that hasn’t been to at least one park, at least once. It’s a testament to our kind of place that eternally renews good fortune that heading to Orlando — where most of the bigger parks itself, where the familiar can easily are concentrated — is often considered an inexpensive alternative to a morph into the wonderfully new. trip elsewhere. Plus, the parks are high on nearly any family’s to-do list, and Walt Disney World, in particular, remains one of the most popular oing to theme parks destinations on the planet. is a Floridian rite of This page: Pompidou’s So what do you do if you’ve been there, done that, but are still hankering Patisseries Dessert passage. Whether Experience at Rémy; for a little magic of the wholesome variety? Disney has made it simple by g Disney’s private we go as eager kids, combining your conventional theme park experience with another of Florida’s reluctant teens island, Castaway wildly popular travel offerings: the cruise. Cay. Opposite page: or giddy adults, you’d be hard Buena Vista Theater; Step aboard any of Disney Cruise Line’s lavish ships, and you are

pressed to fi nd a single one of us AquaDuck water slide. immediately struck by the sophistication. A nod to early-20th-century Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line (2) Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line (2) or PureFormPilates, toholistictherapies.As withmanyspas,booking everything from trainer-led classes, such astheBodySculptBoot Camp your lounger. areas, soyoucaneasilygetacoffee orcocktailwithouthavingtoleave adults-only QuietCoveorSatellite Fallspools.CoveCaféservicesthese the wealthofadults-onlyspaces. Duringtheday, adultscanretreattothe include Alaska,theMediterreneanandatransatlanticcruise. Castaway Cay. Butifyou’resoldontheidea,othermoreexotic options Canaveral, theshipmakesstopsinNassauandDisney’s privateisland, easy introductiontotheDisneyCruiseLineexperience.Sailing fromPort stylish, welcomingandplayful. child-friendly withelegant,makingtheatmosphereatonce refreshingly it’s Disney, soitneverfeelsinaccessible.Theyhaveseamlesslycombined leisurely ambience,thisisn’t yourstandardthemeparkadventure.Still, boasts atotalof88,680Swarovskicrystalbeads—totheluxuriously 13-foot ArtDeco-stylechandelierhangingfromthelobbyatrium —which overly cutesy, thewholefleetisdownrightstylish.Fromawe-inspiring design invokesthegoldenageofoceantravel.Steeringawayfrom Senses Spa&Salon isthefull-servicepampering center. Itfeatures While familyentertainmentis the bigdraw, anunexpectedtreatis The basicthree-daytriptotheBahamasoffersaquickgetaway andan palette • april|may 2017 048 The playfulDisney-themedaccents either oceanviewsorverandas. 80 percentofthecabinsfeature magnificent views,too.Morethan ocean viewsfromvirtuallyanytable. topmost aftdeck,offeringsweeping Both restaurantsarelocatedonthe exceptional NorthernItaliandishes. an upscalesetting.Itspecializesin no jacketrequired—butalsooffers some ofthefinest diningoutatsea. World Resortrestaurant.Itoffers — anaward-winningWalt Disney Scott HunnelofVictoria &Albert’s L'Assiette ChampenoiseandChef of Michelinthree-starrestaurant created byChefArnaudLallement French restaurantwithmenus Palo, areunexpectedlyoutstanding. adults-only concepts,Rémyand park experience!).Thetwospecialty it’s includedinyourticket(takethat several notchesaboveparkgrub, serve upvariedfarethatisnotjust options. Ninethemedvenues the 18+crowd. Skyline offeryetanotherenclavefor Bar andPub687totheurban-hip from Pink:Wine andChampagne lounges thatincludeseverything day. Atnight,anarrayofbarsand to thefacilitiesforrestof a treatmentmeansyougetaccess Most ofthestateroomsoffer Palo isslightlymorecasual— Rémy isthe And thentherearethedining Ratatouille -inspired Resort pool; Amara Cay La Concha From top: spa deck. Key West experiences at 430 Duval.Thesophisticatedrestaurant locatedinthe Tortugas National Park,whereFortJeffersonhas beenfullyrestored. of themoreunusualFloridagems, hoponaferryorseaplanetotheDry places liketheKeyWest ContemporaryArtGallery. Ifyouwanttovisitone or theKeyWest Aquarium arejustawalkaway. Butcreativityaboundsin island isabout.Popularsiteslike theErnestHemingwayHome&Museum without losingitssenseofplace. and furnishings,thecelebratedlandmarkhasbecomedecidedly morechic accented bypeacock-coloredceilingsanddarkwoodplantation shutters its doorsin1926.Recentlyupdatedwithtropical,Colonialarchitecture is now Williams andalsotreatyourselftofine diningandadecadentsparetreat. Keys, too.You cantracethefootstepsofErnestHemingwayand Tennessee an optionyoumightnottake. productions, aswellcurrentmovies. ages, andtheBuenaVista Theaterofferslarge-scale, Broadway-style riders up,down,aroundandoverthesideofship—isfunforall activities, buttheAquaDuck—a765-foot-longwatercoasterthatfunnels themed designdetailsbecomessomethingofanEaster-egg search. silhouette ofMickey’s profile, fi nding thecleverlyincorporatedcharacter- take abackseattothenaturalviews.Infact,otherthanubiquitous a Then headback toLaConchaforoneoftheisland’s premierculinary Step outontoDuvalStreet,which offersaheartydoseofwhatthe Located rightintheheartofOldKeyWest, thelegendarypropertythat With everythingthereistodoontheshipitself,gettingoffatport Vast areasoftheshipareunderstandablydevotedtochildren’s La ConchaKeyWest the islandchain,thereisamorestylishapproachto to oneofthemanystoriedbarsthataboundthroughout on yourmostcomfortableshortsandflip-fl ops andhead trip downtotheKeys.Andwhileyoucouldeasilythrow nother quintessentiallyFloridianexperienceistakinga has beeninspiringguestssinceitopened

From top: Courtesy of Amara Cay Resort; Courtesy of La Concha Key West palette•april|may 2017

grand lobby of the hotel brings a city-chic vibe to Key West with a menu of enticing island-inspired small plates. If you want a few drinks and some interaction with locals, walk over to Bourbon St. Pub, which is always a riot. But if you’re an oenophile, Wine-O, cruise the sites the wine bar at the hotel features a wine shop, tasting room and lounge. It’s well stocked with a carefully curated collection of international wines. Amara Cay Resort Islamorada Farther north, a few other properties have also leveled up their amaracayresort.com island vibe, making a chic Keys getaway less of an anachronism. Take Islamorada, commonly known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World. Disney Cruise Line Its laid-back style and wide offering of water adventures — beyond Multiple ports, including Miami fishing — have made it an increasingly popular Keys destination. It is now disneycruise.disney.go.com home to the elegantly understated Amara Cay Resort. Resting along the La Concha Key West Atlantic Ocean, its lush lawns and palm-peppered landscaping complement laconchakeywest.com graceful views. Like the island, the resort is a place of pure relaxation, inviting guests to curate their own non-scripted journey, whether that Postcard Inn Beach involves lounging in a hammock or diving in a nearby reef. Resort & Marina Holiday Isle, Islamorada On Holiday Isle in Islamorada, the oceanfront Postcard Inn Beach holidayisle.com Resort & Marina is an iconic Florida Keys escape. The recently renovated resort offers retro accommodations that harken back to a classic Florida beach vacation. Four dining options, including the legendary Holiday Isle Tiki Bar — an iconic Keys stop made famous for its creation of the original Rum Runner cocktail in 1972 — and Ciao Hound Italian Kitchen & Bar, offer inspired dining options that stay true to the setting. With its myriad water activities — including inshore and offshore fishing, non-motorized Postcard Inn Beach Resort & water sports, boat slips, beachside games and pool diversions — guests are Marina lobby treated to a destination within a destination.• Courtesy of Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina 050 on trend• palette•april|may 2017

has also helped defi ne and shape the local community. “EACH FILM HAS Festivalgoers — a smaller SOMETHING TO sampling of the broader LGBTQ community — gather to experience OFFER, SINCE THEY the culture and creativity. But they ARE CREATED WITH also go for the sheer entertainment provided by the fi lms and the event LOVE AND PASSION.” itself, as after screenings, actors, — Dmitry Zhitov screenwriters and directors often participate in panel discussions that provide wonderful insight. Miami Beach. These events Those involved in fi lmmaking and offer attendees the delightful movie lovers get the chance to opportunity to meet and mingle connect as they explore the world with celebrities and artists. of gay and lesbian cinema. Miami-based producer and In recent years, the fl ourishing director Dmitry Zhitov, who has local festival circuit has gained toured the fi lm festival circuit international clout, becoming a extensively, says that many of social hub, as well as a place to his friends in New York and Los exchange ideas. Angles are eager to submit their “The trend in fi lm festivals is features to OUTshine. “[It is] more about actively engaging your welcoming and takes good care of audience. You have to be more them,” he says. than just a place to watch fi lms,” “Each fi lm has something to says Victor Gimenez, executive offer, since they are created with director of the recently rebranded love and passion,” Zhitov explains. CURTAIN CALL OUTshine Film Festival “People come to open their (formerly MiFo LGBT Film horizons because you do learn a Festival), which hosts the 19th lot from these fi lms.” The queer fi lm festival circuit annual Miami edition April 21–30, Carol Wartenberg and Laura o ers more than just exposure to and the Fort Lauderdale edition Hohnecker attended the Fort October 6–15. Lauderdale edition of the festival great fi lms. It o ers community. Besides inviting fi lmmakers last year with Hohnecker’s 23-year- and talent to participate in Q&As old nephew from Wisconsin, Ryan, with the public, he adds, “we also who recently came out. by DANIEL SHOER ROTH create panel discussions with “It was very cool to be there iverse and experts on specifi c topics; for as older lesbians and to have complex, South example bringing in healthcare our young gay nephew with us. Florida’s LGBTQ professionals to educate about the We were able to use the festival community enjoys current state of HIV/AIDS research as a good way to get to know a full calendar and treatment; or lawyers to each other better. We talked a lot Dthroughout the year. The wide inform about pertinent legislation about some of the things we saw array of activities and events — of the day.” in the fi lms,” says Wartenberg, a from pool parties and bar crawls to As the festivals continue to psychologist in Wilton Manors. “It educational conferences, charity evolve toward greater interaction really brought us closer.” balls and even long-distance between the audience and the These kinds of connections cycling — refl ect the varied tastes fi lms, organizers have expanded — prompted by the international and interests of the audience. But the event’s social offerings, too. and culturally diverse movies as far as identity-based events go, Planned for the upcoming Miami presented, which offer historical the region’s well-established queer edition are an opening night fi lm and contemporary perspectives fi lm festivals go beyond offering screening and party at the historic on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and an alternative forum for watching Scottish Rite Temple, an awards transgender experience — are the cinema. People eagerly anticipate brunch at the Biltmore Hotel, the essence of the fi lm festival circuit. the cool after parties and beautiful women’s spotlight and closing It is an experience that stimulates

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to color runners around the globe and give them the chance to step into a MADE FOR WALKING dream with us,” says Travis Snyder, founder of The Color Run. “We want The Color Run to bring happiness and Sometimes colorful, sometimes muddy, 5k health to people’s lives.” races have become a riotously fun way to go Those who cross the fi nish line are treated to the Finish Festival, out, work out and help out. where they can take selfi es with the “Runicorn,” dance and continue playing with color throws. This is by SOLE SASTRE defi nitely not your standard walk t may appear as if in the last wall, where runners are invited to through a park. If this sounds like few years even the most spray paint their aspirations for all fun, The Color Run Dream World dedicated couch potato to see. Music plays continuously Tour will be blasting rainbows in your social circle has throughout the course, energizing all over Huizenga Park in Fort dusted off his sneakers and participants as they run toward Lauderdale on April 29. Iparticipated in a 5k walk or run. It giant unicorns and splashes of color. thecolorrun.com could be the ever-increasing push “We are excited to bring toward health and wellness, but The Color Run Dream World Tour AIDS Walk Miami there’s a little more to the story. While The Color Run does indeed What used to be an activity benefi t a number of charities, few reserved for do-gooders trying to organized events are as successful raise funds for a cause or weekend with their work as Care Resource athletes looking to add competition — the non-profi t, HIV/AIDS to their running routines has service organization dedicated to become a bona fi de social outing. providing education, prevention And this is especially true in South and early intervention services Florida at this time of year, when the to the community. One of the weather beckons us outdoors and organization’s biggest fundraisers, the recent holiday food fest has us AIDS Walk Miami, is an integral seeking more active pursuits. part of its effort to cultivate a What’s more, organizers culture of awareness and prevention have raised the stakes, moving in addition to providing services for way beyond the standard neon more than 15,000 Miami-Dade and goodie bag, drawing crowds Broward county residents. The 5k with increasingly sophisticated walk-a-thon, which has been around productions. A 5k now often feels since 1989, is one of oldest and like a festival, complete with largest AIDS walks in the country. vendors and musical acts. This year’s walk begins and ends at Soundscape Park in Miami Flights of Fancy Beach on April 23rd, with the Take The Color Run®, for instance. route snaking through some of the Billed as “the largest 5k event series most picturesque streets in South in the world,” the paint race is held Beach. Participants are encouraged in at least 27 countries worldwide to raise as much as they can by and aims to be the “happiest asking family and friends to donate, 5k on the planet,” according to starting a team, joining a team or organizers. This year’s theme — simply registering as an individual The Color Run Dream World Tour or sleep walker. — is meant to create a whimsical After the morning walk,

atmosphere throughout a route participants can look forward to a ® that includes the expected color feel-good celebration featuring live throws, as well as a foam zone, music, complimentary massages, which is meant to simulate clouds drinks, giveaways and more.

with colored foam, and a dream aidswalkmiami.org• Courtesy of The Color Run The Real 305 Introducing the NEW Miami.com. The ultimate insider’s guide on where to dine, drink, dance, stay and shop in the city that loves going out to play. It’s all yours, baby. MHPR127 054 health check• palette•april|may 2017 TOXIC COCKTAIL

Many people are controlled by their addiction to alcohol, but there’s no need to su er in silence.

by WYATT MYERS any of us enjoy kicking back with an adult beverage every now and then, from their families, peers or issues related to school or work or Mwhether it’s having a good time with community can also be a factor. legal issues such as having a DUI,” friends or enjoying a nice meal. In addition, alcohol can be used to says Dr. Rodriguez. And, of course, everyone faces numb feelings of decreased self- In some cases, the individual the challenge of noting when their esteem, depression or feelings of with an alcohol problem may responsible consumption is veering guilt related to their sexual identity.” require outside help from friends into the realm of abuse. Add up all those extra pressures, or family members. “Conducting an For many complex and and it’s understandable how habitual intervention is the best way to help interrelated reasons, the challenge alcohol use can sometimes grow into an alcoholic accept that they need is greater for the LGBTQ community a real problem. treatment,” adds Dr. Rodriguez. than it is for the mainstream public. An additional factor at play is “Interventions are also helpful when The Substance Abuse and Mental the fact that bars and night clubs they engage the help of medical Health Services Administration have historically been the de facto professionals or members of the estimates that substance abuse “safe spaces” for gays and lesbians clergy as a third party.” rates among members of the LGBTQ Critical to socialize, let down their guard and The road to recovery is a community can range from 20 to 30 Signs fi nd others like themselves, making challenging one, but many have gone percent, compared to 9 percent in a growing habit more diffi cult to through it, eventually going on to the general population. recognize or stave off. lead healthy, successful lives. • Problems at work or school Dr. Rodriguez notes that When It’s a Problem • Drinking in What You Can Do psychological treatment, support Alcoholism is a complicated risky situations If there’s any silver lining, it’s groups, treatment facilities and issue, and the factors that lead to • Experiencing that the path to recognition and medical treatment from a doctor problems among LGBTQ people are blackouts after drinking recovery is largely the same are all possibilities in taking control. no different. “The issues that can • Legal problems for everyone, and it’s pretty The fi rst step is a visit with your lead to alcoholism in the LGBTQ caused by drinking straightforward. It starts with primary care physician to determine community are multi-factorial,” says • Getting hurt or recognizing the problem and having the proper course forward for the Pedro Rodriguez, MD, a psychiatrist hurting someone else the willpower and support network specifi c challenges that you face. • Continuing to drink with Mount Sinai Medical Center to make positive life changes. While alcohol abuse is a despite health problems in Miami. “They range from issues “The warning signs, of alcohol problem that can affect anyone, related to alcohol use such as lack of acceptance and/ • Concern from friends or addiction are abrupt changes of you can get support from a group or rejection by family or friends. family members personality and mood, lying about of people that understand your Psychological factors such as the For more, visit: use of alcohol, consuming alcohol needs. Find your local GaL–AA need to escape social pressures and webmd.com/ in unlikely situations such as while (Gays and Lesbians in Alcoholics

stigmas that they could encounter mental-health at work, an observable increase in Anonymous) group at gal-aa.org.• Barbara Pollak-Lewis Our Family – Proudly Caring For Yours

As a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality,” our commitment to families in our community is unwavering. The Human Rights Campaign has designated six of our major hospitals, for the sixth consecutive year, to receive this important designation.

Learn more at LGBTHealthLeader.org.

Jackson Memorial Hospital • Jackson North Medical Center • Jackson South Community Hospital Holtz Children’s Hospital • Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital • Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital 056 serious business• palette•april|may 2017

is no longer there. The question is, do gays and lesbians have a different & experience in an LGBTQ or in a mainstream synagogue? It depends. A mainstream synagogue with 1,000+ members can have smaller groups — chavurot — so that everybody’s needs are addressed. For a smaller Q synagogue, it’s hard to do that. Rabbi Noah KittyA • Executive Director Q: There is still resistance within the Orthodox community. Why? of Congregation Etz Chaim A: The struggle with LGBTQ inclusion in the Orthodox world has two areas of resistance, one by DANIEL SHOER ROTH is Jewish law — Halakhah — and eing Jewish while hard to fi nd a community that would the other is cultural. But there are identifying as an accept you for your entire self. They confl icting laws. One is the inherited LGBTQ person is a lot literally wouldn’t let you in the door. customary denial that homosexuality easier today, as more That led to the founding of several is legitimate. The other is that God mainstream synagogues LGBTQ synagogues. created us to have a partner. If you Bhave become increasingly are gay and born into an orthodox welcoming, but it was not always Q: Can you address the path family what do you do? Are you this way. Back in 1974, many gay and Judaism has taken toward inclusion condemned to a life of loneliness? lesbian Jews yearned for a safe and of LGBTQ Jews? That is the question we have asked nurturing place to worship in South A: It takes time for institutions to orthodox rabbis for the past 20 years. Florida, and it was Congregation address social change. First you They are fi nally hearing us. Etz Chaim that opened its doors. have to let them know that change Now located in Wilton Manors, the is on the horizon. Then you have Q: Are people surprised to meet a synagogue is a spiritual home for people move into the institutions. lesbian rabbi? LGBTQ Jews. Either they’ll go to synagogues as A: When women rabbis were fi rst congregants, or they’ll work there. ordained in 1972, we were seen as Q: Was it really diffi cult to be gay When they see that you are really not exotic rarities that some smaller and practice Judaism? so different, then change happens. congregations might take a chance A: Judaism is practiced in on, but typically, female rabbis community; there is a minimum of 10 Q: With more mainstream went to do institutional work or that need to be present for any ritual acceptance, what is the future of gay • Rabbi Noah Kitty, chaplaincy. Even today, it is rare to Executive Director of event. Back in the 70s, if you were congregations? Congregation Etz Chaim. see a woman as the head of a very gay or lesbian — and certainly if A: The future is unclear because the For more information large congregation. Having a lesbian you were transgender — it was very reason to start an LGBTQ synagogue visit etz-chaim.com rabbi is still something new.• Carina Mask gaybizmiami.com 058 the scene• palette•april|may 2017

CLARITY: 6TH ANNUAL STATE OF OUR COMMUNITY Area mayors, government dignitaries and LGBTQ community leaders attended the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s 6th Annual State of Our Community gathering to share their vision for 2017 and the impact it will have on the LGBTQ community.

Clockwise from top left: Steve Adkins, Tony Lima, Nadine Smith, Mayor Tomás Regalado, Damian Pardo, Jorge Richa and Scott Bader • Donna Dambrot and Corina Mascaro • Richard Bec and Adrian Novello • Trelvis Randolph and Elizabeth Regalado • Yolanda Perez • Reinaldo Hernández, Giselle Kovac and Alex Spriggs

CLARITY: SPOTLIGHT MEGA-MIXER NETWORKER Sponsored by Jackson Health System at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s Spotlight Mega- Mixer invited guests to mingle and network with more than 200 chamber members, guests and the community at large.

Clockwise from top left: Bruno Garofalo, Jorge Richa, Jackie Infante and Bertha Galindo-Crucet • Eddie Nuñez, Maritza Bedoya, Jessi Villegas and Yenisleidy Mesa • Mark Jernigan, Ester Rodriguez and Bill Warren

• David Nelson and Roger Krick • Leiticia Carranza and Cindy Brown • Opal Gibson and Tammy Carden • Dennis Rivera, Rafael Tierni and Alex Acevedo State of Community: Carina Mask; Spotlight Mega-Mixer Networker: Christina Mendenhall 16th Annual Awards Celebration: The Topaz Gala – May 13th, 2017

The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber Of Commerce (MDGLCC) is THE 2017 HONOREES: honored to recognize some of the greatest supporters of the LGBTQ community in ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL ACLU OF SOUTH FLORIDA, INC. Miami-Dade at The Topaz Gala — the (BUSINESS OF THE YEAR) (NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR) 16th Annual Gala and Awards Celebration This award is presented annually to an This award is given annually to taking place on Saturday, May 13th. organization whose mission statement organizations that embody the highest Honorees are selected for their long-term adheres to the highest standards standards of diversity and inclusion of commitment to fostering diversity and for of outreach to the LGBT and allied the LGBT and allied communities in their contributions to quality of life in South community. A nominee must be a their mission statement. Awardees must Florida. This year’s gala will once again be Chamber member for at least two be chamber members for at least two presented by Wells Fargo. years, be active in the LGBT community years and be visibly active in the LGBT “Our annual gala is all about and have non-discrimination (sexual community. This award can recognize networking with each other and with orientation and/or gender identity) outstanding work for the year awarded leaders in the community. It is the language incorporated into its human or for a body of work over a longer networking event of the year. Our 500 resource policies. period of time. guests just get to have a lot of fun in the process,” says Steve Adkins, MDGLCC BILL WARREN JOAN SCHAEFFER president. “As the voice of the LGBT (BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD) (BOB BALSAM CIVIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD) business community in Miami-Dade, the This award is given annually to For the third year, MDGLCC is honoring Chamber is especially proud to have individuals who embrace diversity in former Miami Beach Convention Center such an accomplished and extraordinary all forms and demonstrate excellent General Manager Bob Balsam by naming group to recognize this year.” management and leadership skills. this award after him. In his five-years Continuing a four-year tradition, the Nominees must be Chamber members in South Florida, he made significant Gala’s color-based theme is a nod to for at least two years and be active in contributions to the LGBT community. A the rainbow flag. The theme’s color is the LGBT community. This award can kind and generous man, he gave time and elevated by representing it in a gemstone. recognize outstanding work for the year was financially generous, making sure his The 2017 yellow topaz theme represents awarded or for a body of work over a community benefitted from his stature as a empathy, serenity, harmony, and warmth. longer period of time. business leader.

For more event information visit gaybizgala.com or call 305.673.4440. 060 the scene•

RAFFI FREEDMAN- GURSPAN KEY WEST MEET AND GREET Rafﬁ Freedman-Gurspan, the ﬁ rst openly transgender woman in history to become a White House staffer, held a meet and greet in January at Sidebar at Aqua Bar and Nightclub in Key West. She is an advocate and public policy specialist, focusing on human rights and LGBTQ issues.

Clockwise from top left: Mark Ebenhoch and Rafﬁ Freedman-Gurspan • Mikey Hudson and Val McCall • Mary-Lynne Price and Rosi Ware • Susan Kent and JT Thompson • Donald Edward Allman, Jr.

and Dell Lunsford • Kate and Beth Bauer-Jones • Loretta DiTocco and Dani Hoy Andrew Printer

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WOMEN’S RALLY IN SOUTH FLORIDA Inspired by and in support of the Women’s March on Washington, thousands attended the Women’s Rally in South Florida the day after President Trump’s inauguration. Held at Bayfront Park Amphitheater, the rally was one of many similar events that took place throughout the country.

Clockwise from top left: Danyealah Green-Lemons, Adrienne Kanter, Mariana Wisby and Romina Blacharz • Rodrigo Barros, Dani Gonzalez, Adrienne Kurz and Graham O’Daily • Bob Kutin and Ira Lipton

Christina Mendenhall • Elizabeth and Andarte Galo • Travis Copeland • Nicole and Cindy Lang and Kia Drummond 062 the scene•

OKAMA CON 2017 South Florida’s latest gay anime convention, Okama Con is on a mission to create and promote an accepting environment for all anime fans who want to celebrate gay anime culture. Participants dressed to kill and headed to the Miami Airport Convention Center on January 14th for a day with their favorite Japanese characters.

Clockwise from top left: Crystal Williams • Charles Hanna, Veronica Murray and Elijah Range • Holly Burgess • Jacoby Lovenstein • Cafe Kira Hoshi hostesses, Melissa and Sophia • Joseph Hanley

• Carol Schonburg “Kikiama” and “Envy” • Javier Unzaga, Brian Simon and Michelle Marcheco Carina Mask

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SAVE TOWNHALL: SAVE YOUR RIGHTS More than 100 supporters attended SAVE’s LGBTQ Community Townhall on February 15th, armed with questions, comments and concerns about the politics of the day. Local leaders in attendance addressed the many questions and offered insight to help inform and ease the climate of tension and fear.

Clockwise from top left: Brad Wohler, Tony Lima and Alfredo Iglesias • Patricia Hernandez and Nora Rotelli • Kirk Arthur and Rebekah Monson • Nancy Brodzki and G. Cueva • Rick Morgan, Alan Rifken,

Christina Mendenhall Brian Adler and Omar Suarez • Carla Peña and Ty Mac • Marta Pedrosa and Sunny Weber • Arianna Lint, Michelle Lee and Eva Garcia

Goya's Outstanding Quality: The Key to Recipe Success

When you use the best ingredients, the results are excellent every time. With GOYA® Black Beans, you can trust that each U.S. #1 Grade bean* Black Bean will be whole, plump and delicious from the ﬁrst bite to the last. Quesadillas For more great recipes and coupons, visit goya.com Serves 4 | Prep time: 5 min. | Total time: 15 min. INGREDIENTSDIRECTIONS 1 cup GOYA® Pico de Gallo Salsa 1. Using small-hole strainer, drain liquid from Pico de

® Gallo Salsa; discard liquid. Transfer remaining tomato 1 can (15.5 oz.) GOYA Black Beans, mixture to medium bowl. Mix in black beans, cheese or GOYA LOW Sodium Black Beans, and cilantro until combined. drained and rinsed 2. Divide black bean mixture evenly over half of each 1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese tortilla (about 1/2 cup each). Fold tortillas in half. 2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro 3. Heat large griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Brush with oil. Place filled tortillas on griddle. Cook, 4 10* GOYA® Tortillas (for Burritos) carefully flipping once, until tortillas are golden brown and crisp and cheese filling melts, about 5 minutes. 1 tsp. GOYA® Extra Virgin Olive Oil 4. Cut quesadillas into wedges. Serve with your favorite GOYA® Salsita (optional) GOYA® Salsita variety, if desired.

t’s incredible that it’s already been 20 years since Ellen IDeGeneres came out publicly. The April 14, 1997 Time cover featured the announcement with a picture of a smiling DeGeneres and the simple statement, “Yep, I’m gay.” At a time when the concept of gay rights was still nebulous, DeGeneres took a bold step that would help push the country toward progress. That same month, the character she played on ABC’s Ellen, Ellen Morgan, also came out in the two- part “The Puppy Episode.” Ten years later, in 2007, DeGeneres became the ﬁ rst openly lesbian actor to host the Academy Awards. Thanks for being your wonderful, hilarious self Ellen!• ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo KICK OFF YOUR SUMMER IN STYLE WITH THE MIAMI MARLINS

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