in this week’s ‘extra’ Nile Rodgers, the man behind ‘I’m Coming Out’ press and ‘We Are Family,’ brings e his ‘Disco Inferno’ to town. south florida PAGE 26 ALL THE NEWS FOR YOUR LIFE. AND YOUR STYLE. www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27, 2004

FOUR MORE YEARS: Wilton Manors’ MARRIAGE TERMINATOR?: Arnold GOT MARY? Activists are taking aim Sherritt up for re-election. Page 6 moves to squash S.F. mayor. Page 9 at the veep’s lesbian daughter. Page 23

Some steamy action heats up the screen in ‘Gypsy 83,’ one of the titles fea- tured in the Fun Under the Sun film festival, which is to be come an annual part of the event. Basking in the fun President Bush on Tuesday called on Congress to promptly pass a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage so that the states could ratify it. It would take two-thirds of the members of both houses in Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states before a gay marriage ban would become part of the Constitution. (Photo by Susan Walsh/AP) Ft. Lauderdale’s Fun Under the Sun to draw Winter Party revelers

By MARY DAMIANO

Bush faces backlash Richard Fasenmyer had a dream to create an event that would shine a spotlight on Fort Lauderdale and promote the many gay and gay-friendly businesses in the community. A successful businessman and philanthropist, he formed the Gay Business Alliance nearly two years ago, and the group over marriage ban began to make a blueprint for the event that would be called Fun Under the Sun. By LOU CHIBBARO JR. “Today, the president of the were expected to raise sharp When Fasenmyer died unexpectedly in December 2002, the United States, solely for political objections to the president’s event lost his vision, and his financial support, but the mem- WASHINGTON — Gay civil gain, called upon Congress to action, gay Republican leaders bers of the board of the Gay Business Alliance were deter- rights groups, including the amend the United States were just as forceful in their oppo- mined not to lose sight of his dream. nation’s largest gay Republican Constitution to enshrine our sec- sition to the development, saying Now that dream has come true. Fun Under the Sun, which organization, denounced President ond-class citizenship in the that gay GOP groups would most will take place March 4-10, has become one of the most highly Bush’s endorsement this week of a nation’s most revered docu- likely sit out the election rather anticipated events in South Florida. constitutional amendment to ban ment,” said Matt Foreman, exec- than endorse the president. There really does seem to be something for everyone and gay marriage, calling the presi- utive director of the National Officials with the national gay every taste at Fun Under the Sun. You want sports? There is a dent’s action an election year ploy Gay & Lesbian Task Force. “This group Log Cabin Republicans golf tournament, kayaking, and a 27-mile bike ride. Interested to secure support from conserva- is a despicable new low.” tive religious voters. Although gay rights groups Please see AMENDMENT on Page 11 Please see FUN UNDER THE SUN on Page 25

broward news local life Former Anita Bryant backer Imperial Point couple has thrived files local gay marriage suit. through 43 years of highs and lows. PAGE 4 PAGE 15 2 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 www.expressgaynews.com EXPRESS GAY NEWS EXPRESS GAY NEWS www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27, 2004 3

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Now is the time to get that smile... it could be just the beginning. Ask about our BriteSmile® specials! 4 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 www.expressgaynews.com EXPRESS GAY NEWS broward news Marriage lawsuit worries local activists he will reveal the name of the other partner Rubin’s tactics criticized in the lawsuit “at the proper time.” Meanwhile, Rubin has added the names in ‘high-noon’ challenge of 175 people to the lawsuit who signed a petition that he circulated at gay bars. of Florida statute “If any person wants to be a plaintiff in our lawsuit, all they have to do is contact my office,” Rubin said. By PHIL LaPADULA Rubin said he is suing based on the Florida constitution. Fort Lauderdale took center stage in the “We allege that the Florida constitution national debate over gay marriage Feb. 25 guarantees equality to every person,” Rubin when a local attorney filed a lawsuit challeng- said. “We allege that the statute [against gay ing the constitutionality of the state’s law marriages] violates the Florida constitution.” banning same-sex nuptials. But some local Foreman said he has known Rubin for gay activists criticized the tactic of attorney several years and “he loves the high-media Ellis Rubin, worrying that his approach to the cases. The cameras were there before I had a issue could hurt the marriage rights cause. chance to get [to work that day,]”he said. Rubin walked into the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale Feb. 23 and Unlikely ally fought for Bryant asked to talk with Clerk of Courts Howard Back in the 1970s, Rubin would have been Foreman. According to Foreman, Rubin asked the last person you would expect to fight for him if he would issue a marriage license for gay marriage. Then, Rubin fought for Anita two gay men, one of whom Rubin declined to Bryant and against Dade County’s gay Local attorney Ellis Rubin, who once fought for Anita Bryant, filed a lawsuit Feb. 25 challenging the constitu- name because the man is a government rights ordinance. In 1977 Rubin filed a law- tionality of Florida’s law that bans same-sex marriage. (Photo by Wilfredo Lee/AP) employee who is not out of the closet. suit to try to overturn that pro-gay law. Foreman, who as a state senator cast one “At that time, I was of a different mind- But he said his past is irrelevant to the law- Pollitzer said that he could not judge of five votes against Florida’s anti-gay set,” Rubin explained. “I’ve come to realize suit. Rubin’s motivations, but he was concerned Defense of Marriage Act, told Rubin that he that I was mistaken and I was wrong.” “With the same past, if I were straight, I that the gay marriage movement could be sympathized with the gay marriage cause Rubin noted that in January 2002 he publicly would still be allowed to get married,” Ash hurt by his solo approach. “This issue is but had no choice but to enforce the state’s apologized for supporting Bryant’s crusade. said. very important to many South Florida gay law against same-sex unions. Since then, Rubin has sought the lime- Ash and his unnamed partner are resi- families, and if he is simply playing “We talked about the Florida statute, we light on a number of high-profile cases. In dents of both Broward County and San around for personal gain, that would be talked about political philosophy,” Foreman September 2002, he filed a lawsuit on behalf Diego. Ash is hopeful about the case. “We terrible,” Pollitzer said. said. “But I just told him that the statute is of a former federal inmate who said he had feel we got an excellent judge and have an In an article in the South Florida Sun- very clear and I couldn’t issue a license.” prior knowledge of the Sept. 11 attacks and excellent chance of winning,” he said. Sentinel, Karen Doering, a staff attorney Rubin then informed Foreman that he that the government ignored his warnings. with the National Center for Lesbian Rights would be back at “high noon” on Wednesday William Russell Ash, one of the plaintiffs Gay activists question strategy in Tampa, questioned Rubin’s tactic of listing to file a lawsuit. named in Rubin’s marriage lawsuit, said But Stratton Pollitzer, South Florida direc- people as plaintiffs in a lawsuit who have Foreman said he could not have issued that he and his partner are “trying to tor of Equality Florida, is not convinced. merely signed a petition. the license even if the couple had been het- become the first legally married gay couple He criticized Rubin for acting alone with- Deoring also worried that if Rubin’s law- erosexual because they were not present in in the U.S. We’re trying to send a clear mes- out consulting any of the organizations that suit is unsuccessful it could have a far-reach- his office. sage that hate and discrimination aren’t have been working for the gay marriage ing negative impact on the gay marriage “If two people are going to take the plunge family values nor are they spiritual beliefs.” cause. movement. and try to make history, you’d figure that Responding to press reports about his “I think his strategy is poor,” Pollitzer Rubin responded to the criticism, noting they’d both be there,” Foreman said, adding “checkered past,” Ash acknowledged that said. “He has not reached out to us or to any that he has participated in 5,000 trials in the that he also thought it was odd that Rubin he had past criminal convictions. Ash con- of the organizations that are working on past 50 years, including civil rights cases. wouldn’t even provide the name of one of the firmed that his record included a conviction marriage equality, such as the National A similar lawsuit was filed Feb. 23 against partners seeking a marriage license. for “living off the proceeds of prostitution” Center for Lesbian Rights and the Freedom Los Angeles County on behalf of a gay couple Rubin said he just wanted to find out and a citation for allowing an underage per- to Marry Coalition. and a lesbian couple who were denied mar- whether Foreman would enforce the law son into a bar that he owned. “I don’t understand his tactics because he riage licenses. The plaintiffs include the Rev. before challenging it in court. He said his past problems stemmed from hasn’t communicated with us. You should at Roy D. Perry, founder of the Metropolitan “I asked if he would enforce the statute the emotional trauma he suffered after least tap the resources available before you Community Churches, who is suing along with that we’re questioning,” he said. Rubin said being sexually abused by a priest as a child. go calling a press conference.” his partner, Phillip Ray DeBlieck. EXPRESS GAY NEWS www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27, 2004 33 broward news Wounded soldier battles Iraqis, gay ban returned from Iraq. Closeted Army major Service members contact the organiza- tion because they have questions about the says troops dislike Bush, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy,because they have decided that they can no longer con- don’t want to be in Iraq tinue to serve, or because they are experi- encing problems with their commanders. “We’ve heard from individuals who By PHIL LaPADULA served with colleagues who knew that they were gay or lesbian and felt that it was safe While riding a helicopter in Iraq, “Joe” to be out in their units,” Ralls says. took an AK-47 bullet in the abdomen. The “We’ve also heard from individuals bullet sliced out part of his liver and bare- who found the situation very difficult. It ly missed his spine. tends to vary from unit to unit, and it “I felt a sting and then my legs got real- really depends on the climate that indi- ly warm,” he says. vidual commanders set.” He woke up in a hospital in Germany. SLDN has been conducting outreach to Today, Joe takes a multitude of medica- gay vets of Iraq. tions. Some days, he can’t even drink water “We want to determine how the [Don’t without getting sick. Ask, Don’t Tell] policy is being implement- But the daily pill popping isn’t the hard- ed during a time of war,” Ralls says. “A est thing for Joe to swallow. service member who identifies himself in Living in the closet despite nearly two the press as gay will almost undoubtedly be decades of decorated military bothers him discharged,” Ralls says. more than his injuries. Most service members who reveal A distinguished honor graduate of West their homosexuality receive honorable Point, Joe is a veteran of Desert Storm, the discharges, says Ralls. war in Afghanistan and the invasion of But some gay service members have Iraq. He’s won the Purple Heart. been forced to repay scholarship money, But like an Iraqi dissident during the such as Capt. Monica Hill, a physician at Saddam era, Joe, who remains on active Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Hill received duty in South Florida, has to tell his story her medical training in the military, but in the shadows to avoid possible retribu- when her partner became ill with termi- tion under the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t nal cancer, she requested a leave. Tell policy. Hill made it clear that she wanted to con- “I have fought for half my life for free- If the military finds out you’re gay, expect to get the boot. (Photo by Carole Fawcett) tinue to serve. But once the military found dom,” he says. “I’m fighting for a free coun- out the reason for her hiatus, it discharged try, but I’m basically not living in one if I “We’re not doing anything except mak- the base thought they were just room- her and billed her for medical school. can’t be who I am.” ing it worse. We keep them hostile; we mates. Ralls advises gay service members who keep them angry. The Iraqi people feel “There’s a kind of gay underground in are being investigated or interviewed not U.S. should get out of Iraq like we’re basically coming in and taking the military,” he says. Occasionally, he has to answer any questions about their sexual During his service in Iraq, Joe says he over their country. You won’t talk to one met people he could trust to keep his orientation without having a lawyer. encountered a hostile population. “They U.S. soldier who will tell you that we secret, such as a doctor at one base. “The military gives service members want us gone, and personally I don’t think should be over there.” “He told me it was all right to be open the right to remain silent regarding their we should be there,” he says. Joe supported the war in Afghanistan with him,” Joe recalls. sexual orientation or anything else,” “In Desert Storm, we were fighting Iraqi because it was directed at a country har- Joe’s story is not unique. Steve Ralls, Ralls says. soldiers who were basically starving to boring terrorists who had attacked the director of communications for the But Joe wonders how his country can death. Most of the [American] soldiers who U.S. Service Members Legal Defense Network, send him to fight for a free Iraq while deny- were killed in Desert Storm were killed “I was all for it, and I was praying we a Washington D.C., a group that works with ing him personal freedom at home. from friendly fire. It’s very different this would find bin Laden,” he says. But he gay and lesbian military personnel, has “I’m tired of fighting for my country time. We are basically fighting everybody — sees the current Iraq situation as a politi- spoken to numerous gay soldiers who have and feeling like I don’t live free.” women, children, civilians. Nobody wants cal dispute. us to be there. You don’t trust anyone. You Many of the soldiers blame President don’t even know who the enemy is.” Bush for their predicament and is highly Joe thinks the U.S. should get out of unpopular with the troops in Iraq, Joe Iraq and let a U.N. force take over. says. He recalls the cool reception the Joe has seen U.S. soldiers hit civilians president received from troops during his with the butts of their rifles and knock Thanksgiving visit. them down on the ground. “The soldiers were walking around “You have some soldiers that kind of go talking to each other and stuff, and basi- overboard,” he says. “Some of the things cally just ignoring him, like he wasn’t I’ve seen, I wouldn’t treat an animal that there,” says Joe. “I’ve never seen a com- way.” mander-in-chief being treated that way. Usually they would be like crowding around, wanting to meet him or shake his hand; it would be such an honor. i MORE INFO “I haven’t heard one soldier say,‘I hope Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Bush gets re-elected.’ He’s almost as bad P.O. Box 65301 as Saddam to us.” Washington, DC 20035-5301 Phone: 202-328-3244 Gay soldiers have to keep quiet Fax: 202-797-1635 While previously stationed at a base in E-mail: [email protected] the U.S., Joe had a four-year relationship Web: www.sldn.org with another officer. The other soldiers at 6 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 www.expressgaynews.com EXPRESS GAY NEWS broward news Sherritt seeks second council term Sherritt did identify one issue of partic- Incumbent is in all-gay ular concern to the gay community — maintaining an independent police depart- i CRAIG SHERRITT field of Wilton Manors ment. “We in Wilton Manors take a lot of Age: 43 pride in having our own police depart- Residence: Wilton Manors council candidates ment,” he said. “I want to keep our police Birthplace: Miami-Dade County department independent and free of the Education: Layola University Law School Broward Sheriff ’s Office. We have very Occupation: Lawyer, city council member By PHIL LaPADULA well trained and gay-sensitive police force, 954-564-4358 and I think losing that would be disastrous. Contact info: reelectcraig2004@aol.com Four years ago, Craig Sherritt made his- That’s one sacred cow I would definitely be tory when his election to the Wilton in favor of keeping.” Executive Committee. Manors City Council created a gay majori- Sherritt has been interested in politics Sherritt thinks the city has come a long ty in an elected city legislature for the first since he was a teenager. He recalled reading way in the four years since it joined West time in Florida and only the second time in an article in Good Housekeeping that Hollywood, Calif., as one of two U.S. cities U.S. history.At the time, there were already inspired him to become an activist. The with a majority gay council. “When the gay two openly gay city council members in article was a survey that asked readers majority was first elected, I think that there Craig Sherritt is one of three openly gay candidates Wilton Manors, and Sherritt’s election pro- what types of people they would be willing were a lot of straight people who were nerv- running for Wilton Manors City Council. (Photo duced a 3 to 2 majority.It was the same year to support for president. It then listed ous,” Sherritt said. courtesy of City of Wilton Manors) that Wilton Manors elected its first openly numerous occupations, religions and politi- “I feel good about the fact that most of gay mayor, John Fiori. cal philosophies. “We [gay people] ranked those nervous people are no longer nerv- opment of Richardson Park and Snook This year, Sherritt is one of three open- down at the bottom along with the commu- ous. They now look at us as professionals Creek Park. He would also work to finish ly gay candidates running for two positions nists and atheists,” Sherritt said. “I remem- who have had a very positive influence on streetscaping projects on Wilton Drive and on the five-member city council. It’s the ber thinking this has got to change.” the city. I think we’ve become a model city Powerline. “I think sometimes the western first time in the city’s history that all of the Sherritt grew up in Dade County and to follow as far as economic development is part of our city has not gotten the attention council candidates standing for election graduated from Florida International concerned. We have taken a city that was it should get,” Sherritt said. are openly gay. The other two candidates University in 1983. He received his law economically troubled just a few years ago Sherritt is not endorsing anyone for are Doug Blevins and Joe Angelo. Sherritt degree from Layola University in New and turned all that around.” mayor, but he noted that Scott Newton, who said the fact that all of the candidates are Orleans in 1988. He worked for six years as He noted that Wilton Manors has has been endorsed by openly gay Mayor gay has “leveled the playing field to the a legal aide attorney specializing in family emerged as a well-known gay destination Jim Stork, “has a pretty solid base of sup- point where it’s become a non-issue.” law, and served as assistant state attorney nationwide. “Now, you can go to port.” “To tell you the truth, the gay issue has- general for Democrat Bob Butterworth. Provincetown and when you mention “It’s likely that we’ll end up with a gay- n’t come up in any of the debates,” Sherritt Sherritt’s activism goes back more than Wilton Manors, people know where it is.” friendly mayor,” Sherritt said. “It shows said. “The debates have focused on experi- 20 years to his first work on the Dade Sherritt said the major issues facing the the maturity of the city that people are ence and knowledge of the city.I think that County Coalition for Human rights in 1980- city include parks, development, affordable going to vote not just on sexual orientation, being a gay candidate is much less of an 81. He currently serves as a precinct cap- housing and streetscaping. If re-elected, he but they are going to look at someone’s issue than it was four years ago.” tain for the Broward County Democratic said he would focus on finishing the devel- experience and competency.” Shores faces triumph, tragedy the Shores and Creative Arts Enterprises, By the end of the evening, when “Blood Theater slated to close which produced last September’s Lavender Brothers” won the award for best musical, Footlights Festival of gay play readings, also Meier, who accepted it, couldn’t hold back just weeks after winning at the Shores Theater. the tears. Ironically, The Shores also took the prize Curtain Up Awards for most innovative and progressive theater. Gay performers score big The news that the Shores Theater was Other gay artists were also recognized ending its season spread quickly through with awards. One of Florida’s most prolif- By MARY DAMIANO the sold-out crowd, and the news cast a pall ic playwrights, Michael McKeever, won the on the evening. The Shores Theater was the award for best new work for his comedy, It should have been a great night for most nominated theater at this year’s cere- “Running With Scissors”. Rich Simone. mony,with 25 nods in three productions. “Running With Scissors” won each of The man who has been artistic director at Meredith Lasher’s award for best cos- the three categories for which it was nomi- the Shores Performing Arts Theater for two tume design set the stage for a “Blood nated, including Paul Tei for best support- years was the most thanked and most award- Brothers” sweep. ing actor in a play and Karen Stephens for Rich Simone, artistic director of the Shores Theater, ed man at the 7th Annual Curtain Up Awards, The second award of the evening was best supporting actress in a play. was the big winner at the Curtain Up Awards on which honor South Florida theater. The for Simone’s set design work at E.L Losada, one of the most visible Feb. 23 (Photo by Bill Calcaterra) awards ceremony was held Feb. 23 at the Stage GableStage. Simone’s usual kinetic energy actors on the local scene, won the award for Door 26th Street Theater in Wilton Manors. was replaced by a stunned devastation. outstanding new male performer, and took He said they will continue their chil- The Shore’s production of “Blood Brothers” Simone’s partner in life and at the theater, the stage amid thunderous applause. dren’s theater productions and summer the- won in seven out of 10 categories, including Jack Meier, accepted the Shores’ award for “I thank my beautiful, beautiful, beauti- ater camp, and are looking into getting a best direction of a musical for Simone, who most innovative and progressive theater. ful partner, Ricky J. Martinez,” Losada loan to purchase the theater,which they now was also honored for his set design work in “A lot of sweat, a lot of blood and a lot of said. “I owe this to him.” rent with an option to buy. “The Goat” at GableStage Theater. tears were involved in keeping the theater If the board is able to get a loan, they will But the honors were bittersweet. On Feb. up and going, and it’s all because of Rich’s The fate of the Shores Theatre also be able to satisfy their deficit and plan a 21 the Shores’ board of directors voted to cut vision,” Meier said Barry Steinman, president of the Shores marketing strategy that will allow them to short its current season and close the the- Joe Adler, who won for best director of a Theatre board of directors, said the decision reopen in the fall with “When Pigs Fly,” he ater, with an eye toward reopening in the fall play, also praised Simone for his work at to cut short the season was solely a financial said. with the show Simone had just begun work- the Shores. Simone triumphed again, with one. Steinman said the first two shows of the Simone has not yet made a decision ing on, the gay musical “When Pigs Fly.” The his award for best direction of a musical season, “Bat Boy” and “Christmas Survival about his future involvement with the show was to be a joint production between for “Blood Brothers.” Guide” did not do well. Shores Theatre. EXPRESS GAY NEWS www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27, 2004 7 broward news Stonewall Library looks at relocation options options for temporary and long-term space. fees, private donations and Organization to seek local We’re looking at existing buildings and foundation grants. parcels of land with no buildings. We’re also Koogler said the library input, introduce new ED looking at proposals from developers.” plans to expand its mission Koogler said the library was looking at loca- of “sharing and preserving tions in the Wilton Manors and Fort the gay culture and history” By PHIL LaPADULA Lauderdale areas. on both a local and interna- The library will have to move from its tional level. In spring 2005, At the end of 2004, Stonewall Library & current location in the Gay & Lesbian the library will host a trav- Archives will begin a new chapter in its Community Center’s building before eling exhibit from the life when it is forced to move from its cur- construction begins on a new complex National Holocaust rent location at 1717 N. Andrews Ave. On on the property. In the long term, the Museum in Washington DC March 1, the library’s members and the library is seeking 5,000 to 10,000 square about the Nazi persecution public are invited to help the library write feet of space. of gay people. that new chapter by attending a “state of “The ideal situation would be a 10,000- “It will be a landmark the library” meeting at Hagen Park square-foot space,” Koogler said. event for the organization Community Center in Wilton Manors. The library was offered 5,000 square feet and the community,” The meeting will focus on the library’s in the new GLCC building but turned it Koogler said. “It will be the relocation efforts as well as other long- down as inadequate to meet its growing only Florida stop on the term goals and projects, said Brad Koogler, needs, said Bill Peters, executive director tour and one of five or six the organization’s new executive director. of the GLCC. stops nationally. We’re hop- “It’s an opportunity to get community Koogler said the library will provide a ing that the exhibit will input into our relocation efforts,” Koogler “general assessment and accounting of the draw people in from all over said. “We have a committee looking into organization” at the March 1 meeting. the state.” Koogler said the library grew from a Koogler started his new $20,000 budget three years ago to a $150,000 job Feb. 2 after moving to budget in 2004. South Florida from i MORE INFO “I was really impressed when I came Columbus, Ohio. In “State of the Library” meeting in,” he said. “This is an organization Columbus, Koogler was asso- Hagen Park Community Center that’s on solid footing. We’ve got a prod- ciate editor for Outlook 2020 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors uct that’s marketable. Part of my job is News, a statewide gay weekly 7:30-9 p.m. just to continue to market the organiza- newspaper. He was also presi- Brad Koogler, the new executive director of Stonewall Library & Brad Koogler tion and to fundraise.” dent of Network Columbus, a Archives, will discuss the organization’s relocation efforts at a ‘State 954-763-8565 The library is financed by membership gay chamber of commerce. of the Library’ meeting March 1. (Photo by Carole Fawcett)

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They are simul- black and white taneous and equal.” Helping people merge these two some- times unwelcoming identities, says Mahee, By MUBARAK DAHIR was one of the primary motivations behind establishing Gay Black Pride of When Donnell Morris goes out with his South Florida, which this year celebrates partner, Michael Albetta, to a gay restau- five years. Scheduled for February 27-29, rant in Wilton Manors, and it’s time for the events include an art exhibit, a picnic and check, the server always ends up handing a worship service, among other things. the bill to Albetta. Morris thinks he knows There are 27 black gay pride events why: Albetta is white. Morris is black. around the world, says Mandy Carter, an “They don’t think I could pay it,” he African-Amercan lesbian activist in North says. Carolina, and one of the founders of the On the other hand, Morris, 30, tells how International Federation of Black Prides. a close friend who is black, gay and HIV- “It’s not good enough to have a ‘general’ positive has tried to get into African- gay pride,’” says Carter. “Those are really American churches to talk about AIDS. white gay prides. We need to have our own “They don’t want to hear it,” he says, institutions that acknowledge our black shaking his head. culture, not just our gay culture. There’s a These incidents represent the dual dilem- clamor across the country for them.” ma that Donnell and other black gay and les- Black gay and lesbian people often feel bian activists say is an all too common fea- alienated from larger gay pride events, “as ture of black gay life: Racism among gays, if we get dissolved in them,” says Carter. and homophobia among blacks. The estrangement takes the form of every- “It’s like we only ever get offered half thing from music to language. As one the loaf,” says Bishop S.F. Mahee, 32, a example, she notes most African- Americans don’t speak of being “gay”; instead, they more frequently say “same- gender loving.” The resistance to gays and lesbians by black churches — an overwhelming cultur- al and political force for African- Americans — is another hot-button topic absent at general gay pride events, but addressed at black gay pride. “For the most part, they’re still breath- ing fire and brimstone at us,” says Morris. Donnell Morris of Gay Black Pride South Florida loves basketball, hip hop and men. Not all black men so eas- “On the whole, black churches have been ily merge their masculinity and sexuality. (Photo by Carole Fawcett) very hostile.” But because the churches play such an integral role in the lives of a tremendous social taboo. black gay community. “One in three black large segment of African-Americans, they “In black circles, there is a pervasive gay men is affected by HIV — that’s unac- can’t be ignored, he says. thought that being queer is a white man’s ceptable. It’s scary.” “It’s not enough to break away from the disease, that the black man didn’t know He believes the rate is so high largely churches. We have to try to stay, and say, homosexuality until the white man showed because many black men are “on the ‘This is our church too. We belong here.’” up in Africa,” says Mahee. DL” — the down low. And for black men, being gay remains a Black men in particular feel the need to “They don’t consider themselves gay. In come across as strong, and being gay is hiding their sexuality, they don’t use con- seen by some African-Americans as the doms. I hear it all the time: ‘You can’t get a MORE INFO epitome of emasculating the black man. man pregnant, so why use a condom?’” In i “Culturally,it’s presented that being gay addition, AIDS is still widely viewed as a Black Gay Pride of South Florida means you are weak and soft,” says Morris. “white gay man’s disease.” Opening Reception/Awards Ceremony “It goes against the very idea of black mas- Thus, black men who have sex with Broward Main Library culinity. Yet I play basketball, I like hip other men, but who do not see themselves Feb. 27 hop, and I can speak ‘black slang’ in the as gay, often feel immune. 7:30 pm. right situation. And I’m an openly gay While black gay pride is primarily man, too.” aimed at African-American gays and les- Family Reunion Picnic Many black gay men also worry that bians, activists hope the event will raise Hagen Park being gay means having to trade in their their visibility among the wider gay and Feb.28 “blackness” for their “gayness.” lesbian population, and the African- 1:00 pm. He believes black gay pride events may American population. be able to reach a portion of black gay men “One reason we have this event is to Interdenominational Worship Service that larger, predominantly white pride show everyone it’s OK to be black and gay, Gay and Lesbian Community Center events cannot. “I know a lot of black folks black and lesbian; that we are all family,” Bishop S. F. Mahee, founder of Gay Black Pride of of South Florida who wouldn’t dare go to [general] gay says Morris. South Flrodia, refuses to choose whether being Feb. 29 pride. One thing that might get them to And he’s certain the event can bring black or lesbian is her “first” identity. They are 11:00 am. step out is black gay pride.” black gays and lesbians together with “simultaneous and equal,” she says. (Photo by It’s urgent to reach out to black gay men, straight blacks and white gays: His parents Carole Fawcett) For more info, call 954-772-4056 he says, because HIV is devastating the and his partner will all be there. EXPRESS GAY NEWS www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27, 2004 9 national news State officials move to block S.F. gay marriages Democrat, was muscled into the gay mar- Newsome, a former wine and restaurant Attorney general resists riage debate by Republican California Gov. entrepreneur, defended his decision to Arnold Schwarzenegger, who fired off a issue same-sex marriage licenses and told pressure from Gov. fax last Friday night to the home of a CNN that denying gay couples the freedom Lockyer aide in which he wrote that the to marry “is wrong and inconsistent with Schwarzenegger actions of San Francisco’s mayor present- the values this country holds dear.” ed “an imminent risk to civil order.” Lockyer, who is a possible Democratic Democrats challenge Newsome By JOE CREA challenger for governor in 2006, rebuffed To Newsome’s surprise, his actions to Schwarzenegger’s directives and said last issue same-sex marriage licenses have SAN FRANCISCO — More than 3,200 Saturday that the governor’s statement come under fire by fellow Democrats, couples have been married in San was “designed for consumption at the notably California senators Barbara Boxer Francisco since Mayor Gavin Newsome Republican convention.” and Dianne Feinstein. instructed city clerks to issue marriage On NBC’s “Meet the Press” this week, Boxer, who is up for re-election this fall, licenses to same-sex couples two weeks Schwarzenegger reiterated his position that said that she supports the state’s current ago, and local officials around the country, Newlyweds Kevin Cahill (left) and Chip Lenno share a Mayor Newsome was breaking the law by domestic partnership law, calling it “a very including Chicago’s Mayor Richard Daley, piece of cake after exchanging wedding vows this handing out same-sex marriage licenses. good, workable law.” have expressed tentative support for the week in San Francisco, which has filed suit demanding Moderator Tim Russert asked And Feinstein, who is not up for re-elec- idea of issuing gay marriage licenses. that state officials recognize marriage licenses issued Schwarzenegger if he would support gay tion this year, echoed Boxer’s sentiments. Last Friday, San Francisco filed a suit by the city to gay couples. (Photo by Ben Margot/AP) state Assemblyman Mark Leno’s proposed “If the mayor believes that law is uncon- against the state charging that Proposition legislation legalizing gay marriage, and stitutional, the place to go is the court,” 22, the popular 2000 initiative that a major- licenses in San Francisco deserve a speedy Schwarzenegger said he would not “deal Feinstein told the Los Angeles Times. ity of Californians passed defining mar- resolution to the question of the legality of with hypotheticals.” Congressman Barney Frank (D-Mass.), riage as the union of one man and one these licenses,” Lockyer said late Monday. Jeff Bissiri, chair of the Log Cabin who is gay, told the Boston Globe that he woman, violates the California The California Supreme Court is not Republican club of California, said that worries that the renegade actions taken by Constitution. required to take either case and could wait while his group supports civil marriage Newsome in San Francisco could generate Attorney General Bill Lockyer said he until the lower courts issue rulings in the equality, he criticized Newsome’s actions more support to amend both the will ask the state’s high court whether San matter. in San Francisco saying that they “feed Massachusetts and U.S. constitutions. Francisco’s issuing of same-sex marriage Several social conservative groups filed into the fear mongering that goes on by “The big question is, if people become licenses violates state law. lawsuits in lower courts but two judges opponents of gay rights. convinced that it will bring to their states “The people of California who have refused to halt the wedding spree. The next “Massachusetts was enough [for many what happens in Massachusetts, we’re in enacted laws that recognize marriage only hearing in those cases is scheduled for opponents],” Bissiri said. “We are going trouble,” Frank said. between a man and a woman, and the same- March and, for now, the marriages continue. through the legal process in that state to get sex couples who were provided marriage Political strategists say that Lockyer, a gay marriage. That was pro-active enough.” Associated Press contributed to this report.

Saturday & Sunday, March 6 & 7, 2004

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To benefit the School of Hospitality & Tourism Management Teaching Restaurant and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center at FIU. *Saturday Grand Tasting tickets will be $75 and Sunday Grand Tasting Emeril Lagasse Rachael Ray Ming Tsai Steven Raichlen Bobby Flay Nobu Matsuhisa tickets will be $90 at the door on the day of the event.

For tickets and information: www.sobewineandfoodfest.com • 866-333-SOBE 10 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 www.expressgaynews.com EXPRESS GAY NEWS national news

Bush installs anti-gay federal appeals court nominee WASHINGTON (AP) — Bypassing Senate Democrats, President Bush installed Alabama Attorney General William Pryor as a U.S. appeals court judge Feb. 20 in his second “recess appoint- ment” in five weeks. Pryor’s appointment to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, which is one level below the U.S. Supreme Courth and has jurisdiction over Florida, Alabama and Georgia, has been vigorously opposed by Democrats who have objected to his past comments and writings on abortion and homosexuali- ty.Bush praised Pryor as a “leading American lawyer” and said he had been pushed past the Senate’s confirmation process because of “unprecedented obstructionist tactics.” The Constitution gives the president authority to install nominees when Congress is not in session. But the appointments are good President Bush last week only until the end of the next session of Congress, in this case bypassed Congress to appoint the end of 2005. Last month, Bush used a similar appointment to to a federal appeals court promote Mississippi federal judge Charles Pickering to the 5th Alabama Attorney General U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Pryor came under fire for filing a William Pryor, who has come Supreme Court brief in a Texas sodomy case comparing homo- under fire for once comparing sexual acts to “prostitution, adultery,necrophilia, bestiality,pos- homosexuality to incest and session of child pornography and even incest and pedophilia.” pedophilia.

Calif. lesbians, formerly a couple, Calif. gay man settles with UPS battle for custody of children over alleged discrimination SAN FRANCISCO — A three-judge Court ATLANTA (AP) — A gay man who sued of Appeal will decide between two women United Parcel Service Inc. for allegedly deny- who both claim custody rights to twin girls ing him and his partner the same benefits as for which one woman provided the eggs married couples withdrew his complaint last and the other carried to term, the San week after the two parties reached an out-of- Francisco Chronicle reported. The couple court settlement. Daniel Kline, 47, of San separated after almost six years of raising Francisco, had sued Atlanta-based UPS in the children together, and both sides gave Alameda County Superior Court last arguments to the appellate court last week, August, accusing the company of discrimi- according to the Chronicle. The judges will nation after it rejected his request for an out- decide whether or not the fact that the of-state transfer as he sought to follow his women raised the children together out- partner,51-year-old Frank Sories, to Chicago. weighs the fact that the egg donor signed a The suit claimed the company’s written waiver of maternal status before “Management Initiated Transfer Policy” vio- the birth, the newspaper reported. Jill lates the Federal Employment & Housing Hersh, who represents the egg donor, took Act’s prohibitions on marital status discrim- issue with a trial judge’s earlier ruling that ination. “We’re hopeful that this lets other her client knowingly waived her rights, employers know that if they deny benefits to according to news reports. “We have two employees who are in same-sex relationships natural mothers (who) should be treated that they provide to married employees, the same way as two natural parents in any they’re opening themselves up to being other relationship,” Hersh told the sued,” said Jon Davidson, senior counsel at Chronicle. Diana Richmond, who repre- the New York-based Lambda Legal. sents the birth mother, contends that her client has the right to raise the children as N.C. college instructor apologizes a single parent, according to the Chronicle. for e-mail criticizing anti-gay student Colo. lawmaker wants to stop schools CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — A lecturer at the University of North Carolina has apologized from teaching about homosexuality for sending a stinging e-mail to her students DENVER (AP) — A state lawmaker wants to about one of their classmates who said he block Colorado teachers from discussing opposed homosexuality.Still, the message has homosexuality in the classroom, unless they provoked controversy on campus and a are talking about disease prevention. The request by U.S. Rep. Walter Jones for investi- bill, introduced last week, was prompted in gations by state and federal officials. And uni- part by a dispute in the Boulder Valley School versity officials have said they will monitor District, part of Republican Rep. Shawn the class for fairness. The instructor, Elyse Mitchell’s district. He said officials in the Crystall, sent the message Feb. 6 to students in Boulder Valley School District recommended her “Literature and Cultural Diversity” class that the school board allow discussion of after one student said during a class discus- homosexuality and bisexuality throughout sion that he opposed homosexuality. “What the curriculum beginning in kindergarten, we heard Thursday at the end of class consti- angering many parents. The district has tutes ‘hate speech,’” she wrote. She referred to included discussion about homosexuality in the student by name, saying he was a perfect its health curriculum in middle and high example of the topic of discussion: privilege. school for about 20 years but allows parents She called him “a white, heterosexual, to pull their children out if it violates reli- Christian male” who “can feel entitled to gious or personal beliefs. Officials are cur- make violent, heterosexist comments and not rently reviewing the health curriculum for feel marked or threatened or vulnerable.” all grade levels and the board is expected to vote on their recommendations this spring. From staff and wire reports EXPRESS GAY NEWS www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27, 2004 11 national news Gay Republicans may sit out ’04 election

AMENDMENT, continued from Page 24 “The amendment should fully protect a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage marriage, while leaving the state legisla- and a significant but undetermined num- called the president’s action a calculated tures free to make their own choices in ber of Republicans were expected to join decision to write off as many as 1 million defining legal arrangements other than their Democratic colleagues in opposing a gay votes that the president received, mostly marriage. marriage amendment. from gay Republicans, in the 2000 presiden- White House Press Secretary Scott “A mending the Constitution is a huge tial election. McClellan told reporters that the presi- issue,” Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist Exit polls in the 2000 election estimated dent’s reference to states defining “legal (R-Tenn.) said at a Capitol Hill press brief- that Bush received about 25 percent of the arrangements” other than marriage could ing Tuesday. “We’re going to go about this gay vote, with Democratic presidential include civil unions and domestic partner- in a very thoughtful way.” candidate Al Gore receiving about 75 per- ship arrangements. Prior to Bush’s announcement this cent of that vote. But McClellan declined to specify week endorsing a constitutional amend- This year, Bush and his campaign advis- whether Bush would seek changes in the ment banning same-sex marriage, GOP ers have apparently decided it would be far wording of the Federal Marriage leaders had yet to set a date for a hearing more advantageous for the president to Amendment, the proposed constitutional or a vote on such an amendment. embrace a highly divisive social issue such amendment seeking to ban gay marriage This week, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), as gay marriage to bolster his political base introduced in Congress by Rep. Marilyn who chairs the Senate Judiciary of socially conservative and fundamentalist Musgrave (R-Colo.). Gay rights attorneys Subcommittee on the Constitution, Christian voters, according to Democratic have said the Musgrave amendment would announced he would hold a hearing on Party consultant Stanley Greenberg. most likely ban or invalidate civil unions March 3 to “examine the national implica- as well as domestic partnership laws. Patrick Guerriero, national leader of the Log Cabin tions” of the Massachusetts court decision Musgrave and her supporters dispute Republicans, said this week the gay GOP group would legalizing same-sex marriage in that state. Losing the moderate vote this claim, saying the amendment would withhold its support from George W. Bush and focus Don Stewart, Cornyn’s press secretary, Greenberg, in television interviews this only ban same-sex marriage and would its election year efforts entirely on defeating a feder- said Cornyn plans to call another hearing week, said the Bush strategy of waging an leave state legislatures free to pass civil al marriage amendment, which the president in late March to discuss the Federal election battle in the “culture war” could ener- union or domestic partner laws. endorsed on Tuesday. Marriage Amendment, the proposed con- gize social conservatives to turn out to the In press conferences and television stitutional amendment banning gay mar- polls but could also turn off moderate voters. appearances across the country, gay civil way of scoring political points in an elec- riage introduced by Rep. Marilyn In a statement he delivered in person at rights activists said they strongly oppose tion year,” Guerriero said. Musgrave (R-Colo.). But Stewart said the White House on Feb. 24, Bush said he was any version of a constitutional amend- Guerriero said the president’s action Cornyn and his Senate colleagues, includ- prompted to move ahead with his endorse- ment, calling civil unions unacceptable came as a terrible blow to “hundreds of ing Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), chair of ment of a constitutional ban on gay mar- measures that are “separate and unequal.” loyal gay and lesbian Republicans and our the full Senate Judiciary Committee, have riage following a Massachusetts court ruling “To use the Constitution to discriminate allies” who work in the Bush administra- yet to set a timetable for a final hearing to legalizing same-sex marriage. He said he was against our families is un-American, tion and on the Bush re-election campaign. mark up a proposed amendment and to also troubled by the decision earlier this shameful and divisive,” said Cheryl Guerriero said Log Cabin will remain send it to the Senate floor for a vote. month by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Jacques, president of the Human Rights in the Republican Party to continue its As of late this week, no date had been Newsome to issue marriage licenses to thou- Campaign, the nation’s largest gay political fight for gay civil rights, even if the group set for similar hearings in the House on a sands of “people of the same gender.” group. “This amendment would be the first doesn’t support Bush’s re-election. marriage amendment. “Today,I call on the Congress to prompt- to reinstate discrimination in our “We will mobilize all our resources and Larry Sabato, a political science profes- ly pass and to send to the states an amend- Constitution. There is no doubt in my mind grassroots strength to fight this anti-fami- sor at the University of Virginia who spe- ment to our Constitution defining and pro- that the American people will see this as an ly constitutional amendment,” he said. cializes in U.S. elections, said that a consti- tecting marriage as a union of a man and a ugly and discriminatory game of politics.” tutional amendment seeking to ban gay woman as husband and wife,” Bush said. Patrick Guerriero, executive director of marriage would most likely fail. the Log Cabin Republicans, the nation’s Odds against amendment Constitutional amendments require largest gay Republican group, said the Republican leaders in the House and approval by a two-thirds vote in both hous- president’s decision to support a marriage Senate said they would have a difficult es of Congress. They must also be i MORE INFO amendment would make it unlikely that time garnering the two-thirds vote needed approved by three-fourths of the states. President George W. Bush the group will endorse his re-election. to pass a constitutional amendment to ban “Bush knows this won’t pass,” Sabato 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW “A s conservative Republicans, we are gay marriage, despite President Bush’s said. “So why is he doing this? It accom- Washington, DC 20500 outraged that any Republican — particu- call this week for Congress to “promptly” plishes his purpose of energizing his conser- 202-456-1111 larly the leader of our party and this pass such an amendment. vative base and it draws out the differences [email protected] nation — would support any effort to use Congressional observers said a majority between him and [leading Democratic presi- www.whitehouse.gov our sacred United States Constitution as a of Democrats were expected to vote against dential candidate John] Kerry.”

9 5 4 Kevin • 5 facials 6 microdermabrasion 7 eyelash tinting All patients seen the same day • body waxing “When you’ve had a collision, call Gimbel Chiropractic Physicians” 3356 NE 34th Street Auto & Work Injuries • Neck & 3 Dr. B. Scott Gimbel Flock over and taste some of Fort Lauderdale 33308 Back Pain • Hip, Arm, Shoulder & 2 Galt Ocean Plaza Chiropractic Physician the finest coffee and pastries Leg Pain • Sports Injuries 2505 N.E. 15th Ave., Wilton Manors 2 Muscle & Joint Pain 954-567-1924 www.StorksCafe.com 0 954.565.0441 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 1907 N. Andrews Ave. Wilton Manors 12 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 www.expressgaynews.com EXPRESS GAY NEWS EX police beat Wash. man sentenced to 67 years for killing gay couple COLVILLE, Wash. (AP) — Richard L. Keenum will serve at least 50 years in prison for the exe- cution-style murders of two men in a remote cabin last October. Keenum, 32, insists he found Matthew L. Raynor, 32, and his roommate, 52- year-old Russell C. Markvardsen dead when he arrived to burglarize their home in the Onion Creek area, north of Colville. “I did not kill Russell Markvardsen, and I did not kill Matt Raynor,” Keenum said at his sentencing last week. A jury convicted Keenum of two counts of first-degree murder earlier this month. Members of Raynor’s family joined prosecutor Jerry Wetle in calling for the maximum sentence of 67 years. Stevens County Superior Judge Rebecca Baker rejected court-appointed defense attorney Lorinda Noble’s request for a minimum sentence of 53 years. Under state law, Keenum must serve Washington state prosecutor Jerry Wetle at least 50 years. No motive was suggested for the sought the maximum sentence of 67 years, slayings, but several witnesses said Keenum had which was handed down last week, for Richard made comments about disliking gays. L. Keenum, accused of killing a gay couple in Markvardsen and Raynor were partners. their remote cabin last fall.

Ex-prosecutor promises full Oct. rape trial date set independent probe of N.Y. bishop for former Mass. gay minister ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A former federal BOSTON (AP) — A judge has set a tentative prosecutor promised a thorough independ- date for October for the criminal trial of for- ent investigation of sex abuse allegations mer priest Paul R. Shanley, a key figure in against Roman Catholic Bishop Howard the clergy sexual abuse scandal. The trial Hubbard, while establishing e-mail and would come more than two years after voice mail sites for anyone to provide Shanley was charged with child rape. He information in the case. At a news confer- also faces pending lawsuits by 10 victims ence last week, Mary Jo White, hired by and their family members who refused to the Albany diocese’s review board, said sign onto a massive $85 million settlement several attorneys and investigators from with the church. Prosecutors had sought to her New York City law firm were already have the case tried before civil litigation, at work.The board examines claims of which lawyers said could still be delayed to clergy sex abuse. Hubbard has denied two follow the criminal trial. “It would not be recent allegations of improper gay rela- conceivable to me that the civil case will go tionships in the 1970s and others raised in before the criminal case,” Roderick a recently uncovered letter written in 1995. MacLeish Jr., the lawyer for alleged victim No Coupon The bishop said he has kept his vow of Gregory Ford, told the Boston Herald. Required! celibacy and has dismissed several priests Shanley was once known for his street min- Quality Food At from the 14-county diocese for credible sex istry to gay and troubled youth. He became a The Right Price abuse claims. The priest who allegedly focal point of the church abuse scandal after wrote the confidential 1995 letter, Rev. internal church records disclosed in sepa- Featuring The Finest John Minkler, was found dead at his sub- rate civil lawsuits showed that officials did Eat in • Take Out • Free Delivery Chicken Gorgonzola urban Albany home Sunday. The cause of not remove him from parish work even after Fresh Mussels & Clams his death is under investigation. they received complaints about statements We Proudly use: Salmon Veneziano he made about sex between men and boys. De Cecco Pasta Gnocchi Bolognese Tulsa City Council candidate Hormell Products Tortelloni Chicken Prosciutto German city official stabbed Boars Head Cold Cuts Fresh Dolphin, Snapper arrested during anti-gay rally Cold Pressed Olive Oil Palm Chicken & Lots More...... TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A Tulsa City by woman, slightly wounded Mon-Fri 11:00am to 10:30pm 2468 Wilton Drive Council candidate remained in custody HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — The justice Sat-Sun 5:00pm to 10:30pm Wilton Manors Feb. 18 after he was arrested during a gay- minister of Hamburg was stabbed in the marriage opposition rally the day before at leg by a woman during a campaign event the state Capitol. An Oklahoma Highway Feb. 19, German police said. Roger Kusch, Patrol trooper arrested Paul Tay on Feb. 17 a member of the city’s ruling Christian after the two scuffled when the officer Democrats, was campaigning for this tried to gain control of Tay’s weapon, month’s elections when a 41-year-old which turned out to be fake. He was arrest- woman allegedly came up behind him, ed on complaints of inciting a riot, dese- pulled out a folding knife and stabbed him crating a flag, disturbing the peace and in the thigh, police spokesman Ralf Kunz obstructing an officer. Tay arrived at the said. Bystanders grabbed the woman and rally on a bicycle that was pulling a wagon turned her over to police. Kusch was treat- containing an Oklahoma state flag with ed at a hospital for minor injuries. Mayor Nazi swastikas taped on it. He was dressed Ole von Beust said the stabbing “was evi- in camouflage, a helmet and ski goggles. dently the act of a misguided individual.” Tay allegedly shouted slurs against gays, Kusch, 49, and von Beust were embroiled blacks and police officers in protest of his in controversy last year when Hamburg’s arrest. Tay’s Tulsa attorney, Kurt interior minister was fired after threaten- Hoffman, said his client is misunderstood ing to go public with allegations that von but not mentally ill. “I agree with a lot of Beust promoted Kusch because the two Mr. Tay’s intentions — some of his ways of men had an affair. setting those out seem shocking, especial- ly to the general public,” Hoffman said. From staff and wire reports XPRESS GAY NEWS www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27, 2004 13 14 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 www.expressgaynews.com EXPRESS GAY NEWS EXPRESS GAY NEWS FEBRUARY 27, 2004 local life PAGE 15 Four decades of love with his parents. Relationship weathered In the meantime, the two men’s love would be tested by something even more family hostility and volatile than hostile family members. This time, the threat would come from alcoholism within the relationship, and would nearly tear them apart both emotionally and physically: This enemy was alcohol. By MUBARAK DAHIR Hughes and James were both drinking heavily.In their stupors, they would often Tom Hughes and Mel James know a lit- get into fist fights. One Christmas, James tle something about what makes a home. was home decorating the tree for the holi- After all, they’ve been making one togeth- days. Hughes arrived, inebriated, and er for more than 43 years. tried to choke him. Another time, James The night four decades ago that Hughes, pushed Hughes through a glass door. 80, and James, 69, first met at the Drury Hughes still has the scar on his right fore- Lane bar in Philadelphia, they were dressed arm as a reminder. in jackets and ties. “Back in those days, you “The booze was out of hand,” admits Mel James (left) and Tom Hughes relax in their backyard swinging chair. Not all of their 43 years together had to dress up to go out,” recalls Hughes. James. “And I was an absolute bitch.” have been so smooth. (Photo by Carole Fawcett) He remembers when he first spotted Circumstances, however, would keep the then-26-year-old James. “It was like the two men together even when their Cape Canaveral blew up.” love seemed to evade them: James had MEL JAMES TOM HUGHES James couldn’t help but notice Hughes, twice lost his license due to drunk driv- i i as well. “He was very handsome — and he ing, and depended on Hughes to take him Age: 69 Age: 80 knew it.” to work. Hughes, in return, had lost his Residence: Imperial Point, FL Residence: Imperial Point, FL Despite the strong physical attraction, job, and relied on James to pay the bills. Birthplace: Denton, MD Birthplace: Philadelphia, PA the two men didn’t consummate their desire “We needed each other,” says James. Education: Union College, Barbourville, KY Education: Temple University Electronics for more than a month. Hughes, who was There were times Hughes threatened (B.A., education) School working in a paper mill and had recently to leave. He would grab his antique por- Occupation: Retired school teacher Occupation: Retired archivist moved out of the house he shared with his trait of George Washington off the wall, Relationship status: Together 43 years Relationship status: Together 43 years wife of 13 years and their three children, his lamp out of the living room, and run was living at the YMCA. James, who at the upstairs to pack a knapsack. As he’d have made it,” says Hughes. and a long sleeve blue shirt in the couple’s time was “very young and naive,” was a new trudge down the stairs, there would be “When we got sober, we found out we Imperial Point home. But he has learned elementary school teacher living about half James, blocking the front door: “Don’t were once again the people we had fallen two things about a relationship over the an hour south in Wilmington, Delaware. go,” he’d say. in love with years earlier,” says James. years: “Don’t leave, and say ‘I’m sorry.’” The men simply didn’t have a place to go. Despite the hardships, Hughes never Hughes dismisses the notion that there On their 25th anniversary, the two men While they waited, they went on din- did walk out that front door. Luckily for are any “shortcuts” to holding a relation- had a commitment ceremony, and just this ner dates and walks through Rittenhouse their relationship, he did finally go into ship together over four decades. “It’s past fall, they went to the jewelry store and Square. Soon after they met, Hughes took recovery for his drinking addiction. never easy, and everyone will have their bought matching gold bands. “I figured, James to the Lark, a gay bar in suburban Later, James would follow. own struggles,” he says, sipping a soda as after 43 years, it’ll stick,” laughs Hughes. Philadelphia. It was the first time James “If it wasn’t for recovery, we wouldn’t he sits relaxed and barefoot in tan shorts Despite a lifetime commitment, the had seen two men dancing. He ran down two men don’t call themselves “married,” the back stairs and out the bar. and they are at odds over whether or not “I was horrified,” says James. they think marriage for gay and lesbian “I thought I’d lost him,” says Hughes. people is the right way to go. “I prefer But within a few minutes, James cau- ‘civil unions,’” says Hughes. “I do believe tiously returned through the front door. marriage is for a man and a woman for With a lot of reassurance, Hughes was able procreation, and I think the right wing to convince James to dance with him. “He wouldn’t make such a stink.” was trembling in my arms,” says Hughes. James isn’t so sure. “We should be enti- In just a few months, Hughes moved tled to anything a straight marriage pro- into James’ small apartment in Delaware. vides, and we’re not,” he points out with But the first home the two men tried to audible anger in his voice. “I hope all these make together would be tested by marriages that are taking place stay legal.” Hughes’ parents, strict Roman Catholics. These days, the disagreements are fewer “You are no longer my eldest son,” his and a lot less hostile. Instead, the snow- father told him in a face-to-face con- birds, who began coming down here 7 years frontation. ago because Hughes “was tired of freezing “Leave that man you are living with my ass off,” spend their retirement years and come home to the people who love meeting friends at Chardees, playing pea you,” his mother wrote in one of many knuckle, and throwing dinner parties. letters. Hughes read the handwritten And as fate would have it, now Hughes pages, and thought to himself, “Mel’s the is the one who cannot drive, and James is one who really loves me.” It would be 25 Tom Hughes (left) shares an intimate moment with Mel James, his partner of 43 years. The sex may have his wheels. “You see,” says Hughes, with a years before Hughes would make peace died out a few years ago, the men say, but the affection has never flagged. (Photo by Carole Fawcett) grin, “after all these years, I still need him.

Inside: COMMUNITY CALENDAR, Page 16 FACES IN THE NEWS, Page 17 16 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 www.expressgaynews.com EXPRESS GAY NEWS community calendar

SATURDAY FEB. 28 GAY & LESBIAN WORLD TRAVEL EXPO. Greatest show- case of gay and gay-friendly destinations and vacation options. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Embassy Suites, 1100 S.E. 17th Street Causeway. Admission: $5. www.gaytravelnews.com/expo. FIFTH ANNUAL GAY BLACK PRIDE SOUTH FLORIDA. Picnic at Hagan Park from 1 p.m.; a club event at Jay’s from 9 p.m. and at Jay’s W. from 11 p.m. All events free. 954-772-4056 or e-mail: [email protected]. HOLLYWOOD PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL AFFAIRS. Family movie day. From 12 noon to 4 p.m. at McNicol Recreation Program, 1411 s. 28th Ave. Adults: $5.50; Ages 5-16: $4.50. Price includes transportation, movie, popcorn, & soda. 954-258-0028. RICK ZEITLER MEMORIAL. Honoring the life of Rick Zeitler. All who wish to honor him are welcome. Unity Church, 101 North West 22nd (at Swinton Ave.), Delray Beach. 10 a.m. 561-276-5796. It's a big gay world and the Gay & Lesbian World Travel Expo this Saturday in Miami aims to prove it. ONGOING EVENTS Plan your next trip with help from experts from all aspects of the travel business, including the staff of FARMERS MARKET. Fruit, flowers, and vegetables at Hagen Park in Wilton Manners, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Out Traveler magazine. (Photo courtesy of Gay & CONGREGATION ETZ CHAIM. Religious service for Lesbian World Travel Expo) Jews in South Florida. 3970 N.W. 21st Ave., Oakland Park. Call: 954-564-9232. FLORIDA STORM SOCCER. Always looking for new players and sponsors. www.FloridaStormSoccer.com or MONDAY by e-mail: [email protected]. LESBIAN CHORUS FT. LAUDERDALE. Need singers, MARCH 1 director, pianist and volunteers. Contact [email protected], or call: 561-866-0208. ONGOING EVENTS COUNSELING. The Mental Fitness Center. Non-profit center COMING OUT. SunServe Counseling & Psychology sup- offering services by donation/sliding scale. 954-822-7160. port and guidance. Sunshine Cathedral, 1480 S.W. 9th KAYAK RENTAL. Colohatchee Boat Ramp, Wilton Ave., Ft. Lauderdale. 954-764-5557, ext. 1. Manors. Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. COMPULSIVE EATERS ANONYMOUS. Meets Mon. – Wed. 10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m. at Religious Science Center, N.E. 15th Ave. and 26th Street. No dues or fees. 954-748-5156. WILTON MANORS LIBRARY BOOK DISCUSSION. SUNDAY Wilton Manors Library, 500 N.E. 26th St. Meets from FEB. 29 10:30a.m.-7:30 p.m. 954-357-7444. FIFTH ANNUAL GAY BLACK PRIDE SOUTH FLORIDA. Ecumenical service. Gay & Lesbian Community Center. Service begins 12 p.m. 1717 N. Andrews Ave., Fort TUESDAY Lauderdale. 954-463-9005. MARCH 2 MEDITTERANEAN DINNER. Ferdo’s Grill, Ft. Lauderdale. ONGOING EVENTS Best Middle Eastern fare in South Florida. $ cost of food/bev- erage. 7 p.m. 954-564-4958. www.sofloproductions.com. “ISSUES OVER THE RAINBOW.” MarkyG hosts this TUESDAY’S ANGELS DINNER. 6th fund-raising dinner. morning radio talk show @ 7.25 a.m. on PARTY 93.1 Chardees in Wilton Manors. Doors open at 6 p.m. FM. www.Party91.3.com. Dinner at 7:15 p.m. Contact Ron Webb: 954-492-8679. “BRIDGING THE GAP.” Rene Bray hosts this call-in-talk radio show dedicated to creating a bridge between straight and gay communities. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on WTAN 1340 AM. ONGOING EVENTS www.TampaBayGay.com/BTG. 1-800-263-8559. HOLY ANGELS PARISH. Independent Catholic Church. ATLANTIC COAST DINGHY CLUB. Gay-friendly sailors All welcome. 2330 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors (east of and boating enthusiasts in an activity-oriented group. the Alibi). Services: Sunday at 11 a.m.; Daily (Mon.-Sat.) For info on ACDC visit at 5:30 p.m. 954-565-4642 or 954-731-8173. www.atlanticcoastdinghyclub.org, or email: acd- FRANCISCANS OF FT. LAUDERDALE. Looking for men [email protected]. and women of faith who feel called to walk in the foot- steps of Francis of Assisi. 954-731-8173. NEW HOPE FIRST COMMUNITY CHURCH. 500 Gulfstream Blvd., Delray Beach. Services at 10:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY and Contemporary Service at 1 p.m. 561-921-0069 or MARCH 3 www.newhopefla.org. UNITY BY THE OCEAN. 3703 Galt Ocean Dr., Ft. Lauderdale. WILTON MANORS CANDIDATES FORUM. Wilton Service and children’s school at 10:30 a.m. Weekly classes on Manors Elementary School, N.E. 26th St. and 3rd. Thurs. at 7:15 p.m. Other events contact 954-568-1002. 6:30 p.m. CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRITSONG. Sheraton Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale. (Cypress Creek Rd. & I-95). Services at 10 a.m. A “church on fire” with a passion to worship ONGOING EVENTS God. 954-418-8372. ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL PARISH. 2750 McFarlane SAGE MEN’S SINGLE GROUP. For Men without part- Rd., Coconut Grove. Services: Low service at 8 a.m. and ners. Monthly dinner. Contact Wayne Morris at 305- song service at 10 a.m. Laying-on-of-Hands, AIDS 965-8682 or email: [email protected]. Ministry. 305.448.2601. ST. JOHN’S ON THE LAKE. First United Methodist Church. 4760 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach. 305-531-7166. SUNSHINE CATHEDRAL. 1480 S.W. 9th Ave., Ft. THURSDAY Lauderdale. Sharing the light of the world. 954-462-2004. MARCH 4 CIRCLE OF LIGHT MCC MIAMI. 21st Street Recreation Center, 2100 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Services PICK-A-FLICK. Muvico Theatres, Pompano Beach. All at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. “The Soul of the Community”. vote on today’s movie and view as a group. To register, 305-535-2287. call 954-564-4958 or visit: www.sofloproductions.com. DIVINE MERCY AMERICAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 2749 N.E. 10th Ave., Wilton Manors. Weddings and Holy Unions. Services: Sat. @ 7:30 p.m., Sun. @ 11 a.m., and Mon. at 10 a.m. Call for locations. 954-567-1930, FRIDAY www.divinemercyfla.org. MARCH 5 SANCTUARY: SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 1400 N. Federal Hwy., Ft. Lauderdale. Services at 10:30 ONGOING EVENTS a.m. Inclusive, affirming, serving. 954-564-7600. HOLY ANGELS NATIONAL CATHOLIC CHURCH. 2330 TWENTY SOMETHINGS. Social Group for ages 20-29 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. Services: Sun. at 11 a.m. at PrideLines Bldg., 180 N.E. 19th St., Miami. Meets at and weekdays incl. Sat. at 5:30 p.m. 954-565-4642 or 7:30 p.m. with peer-to-peer support at 6:30. Contact www.nationalcatholicchurch.org. Kevin 305-528-5072 or www.twentysomethings.net. EXPRESS GAY NEWS www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27, 2004 17 faces in news

Performing power couple Ricky J. Martinez and his partner E.L. Losada. They sing, they dance, they act, Playwright Michael McKeever, a winner for the Feb. 23 Curtain Up Awards’ best new work, with his part- they write, and they look darn cute together too! Losada won the Curtain Up Award Monday, Feb. 23 for ner Stuart Meltzer at the after party, held at Stork’s. In his speech, McKeever thanked Meltzer “for all of it.” outstanding new male performer, just moments after wowing the sold-out house with a number from “Bat (Photo by Bill Calcaterra) Boy.” (Photo by Bill Calcaterra)

Janyce Forster and Bonnie Fraley — together 15 years — at the Thursday, Feb. 19 celebration of the second Michael Albetta (left), of the Dolphin Democrats, the gay and lesbian Democratic group, with Broward anniversary of Sister Speak, held at Pride Factory. (Photo by Steven Shires) County Sheriff Ken Jenne, at the Jefferson/Jackson dinner Feb. 21. (Photo by Steven Shires)

Chuck Nichols, head of Tuesday’s Angels, at a Sunday, Feb. 22, benefit screening of “Latter Days” at the Women relax at the second anniversary of Sister Speak, held Thursday, Feb. 19, at Pride Factory. (Photo by Gateway Theater in Fort Lauderdale. (Photo by Bill Calcaterra) Steven Shires) e press EXPRESS GAY NEWS south florida South Florida’s gay and FEBRUARY 27, 2004 lesbian newspaper PAGE 18

EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION forum Executive Editor CHRIS CRAIN Editor MUBARAK DAHIR Managing Editor PHIL LAPADULA Arts Editor MARY DAMIANO editorial Correspondents BRYAN ANDERTON, ADRIAN BRUNE, LOU CHIBBARO JR., JOE CREA, LAURA DOUGLAS-BROWN, BINNIE FISHER, MIKE FLEMING, MATTHEW A. HENNIE, BRIAN MOYLAN, KEVIN NAFF, KEN SAIN, CHRISTOPHER SEELY, RHONDA SMITH, PENNY WEAVER, STEVE WEINSTEIN, CYD ZEIGLER Contributors DAN AIELLO, CAROL ANNE BURGER, Kicking things off MARK RUTHERFORD, MICHAEL SASSER, JOHN SIEGFRIED, JENNIFER TROVATO, J. MICHAEL WOODS Staff Photographers BILL CALCATTERRA, CAROLE FAWCETT, STEVE SHIRES Art Director CHARLIE MOUNTAIN with a big kiss Webmasters GARY HALLOCK, ARAM VARTIAN

SALES & ADMINISTRATION Expect passion, honesty and an unblinking eye President STEVEN GUERRINI Chief Financial Officer RON VERBLAAUW Office Manager LOGAN KENT at Express Gay News, which debuts this week Display Advertising 954-568-1880 (PHONE); 954-568-5110 (FAX) Sales & Marketing Manager KEVIN HOPPER with a new format and distribution schedule. Account Executives CRAIG COMBS, ANTHONY VERRICO National Ad Representative RIVENDELL MEDIA: 212-242-6863 By MUBARAK DAHIR is a renewed commitment to seeking out me as the editor — assure you that we will Classified Advertising all the people who make up the alphabet undertake our jobs with fiercely impartial 877-863-1885 (PHONE); 954-568-5110 (FAX) HEN I VISITED TOM soup that form the gay, lesbian, bisexual professionalism. [email protected] Hughes and Mel James in and transgender communities. When you We will be more than just a local cheer- Classifieds Sales RALPH LANKFORD Distribution Manager CHARLIE BRAUN their brightly appointed pick up our pages, we want you to see the leader. This paper will not be afraid to ask Imperial Point home early multi-faceted, always complex, and some- tough questions from anybody, whether DISPLAY AD DEADLINES: w this week, I confess I had one times clashing members that make our they be homophobes or high-profile insid- Placement by Fridays, 5 p.m. thing on my mind: Would lives so spirited, so intricate, and so vital. ers. Hard-hitting, objective and fair news Camera Ready Artwork by Tuesdays, Noon they kiss for the camera? As part of that commitment, this week will be the hallmark of this paper beyond CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINES: No, Tom and Mel aren’t a couple of hot we are proud to feature on page 8 how anything else. Placement by Tuesdays, 4 p.m. porn stars, and I wasn’t having a sordid many of South Florida’s black gay men At times, that might earn us the ire of Artwork by Tuesdays, Noon little fantasy. and lesbians are working to merge their some in our own community, and that’s What I was doing, however, was imag- sometimes conflicting identities. They OK. We want to win your respect more ALL MATERIAL in the Express Gay News is protect- ining their faces embraced in a lip lock on invite everyone, regardless of race or sex- than your blind admiration. Sometimes, ed by federal copyright law and may not be repro- duced without the written consent of the Express the pages of the Express Gay News. ual orientation, to join in the events at that means pissing people off. I suspect Gay News. The sexual orientation of advertisers, pho- Tom is 80; Mel is 69. They have been this weekend’s Black Gay Pride of South Norm, too, will have a bone to pick with tographers, writers and cartoonists published herein together for more than four decades, and Florida. us at one time or another in the future. is neither inferred or implied. The appearance of the story of their struggle to love one We welcome those discussions with you names or pictorial representation does not necessari- another is told in the debut section of this ANOTHER PROMISE WE WILL MAKE: about how we are doing, because this is ly indicate the sexual orientation of that person or week’s “Local Life” section, on page 15. This newspaper will be the best source of your newspaper, too. Help us do a better job. persons. Although this paper is supported by many But back to the smooching. I had hoped local news and entertainment for gay, les- Let us know about the important events fine advertisers, the Express cannot accept responsi- Tom and Mel would allow us to capture an bian, bisexual and transgender people in or difficult conflicts happening in your bility for claims made by advertisers. intimate moment on our pages for good South Florida. neighborhood. Show us how and where EDITORIAL POSITIONS of the reason: There is a dearth of images of While we will bring you headline and why you do the things that make gay Express Gay News are expressed in editorials and mature gay men in the gay press. Visuals national and international news, too, and lesbian life important to you. in editors’ notes as determined by the paper’s edi- of older men in moments of affection are these pages will focus on in-depth report- Write a letter to the editor. Pen a guest tors. Other opinions are those of the writers and rarer still. ing of gay and lesbian life in South op-ed column. Even if you just want to do not necessarily represent the opinion of the As the new editor for the re-launch Florida that you won’t find anywhere else. vent about your own gay life, join in our Express Gay News or its staff. issue of this newspaper, I wanted to show Our writing and reporting will carry a new weekly feature, the “Bitch Session,” readers that we would not only be willing sophisticated understanding and analysis on page 45. TO SUBMIT A LETTER OR COMMENTARY: Letters should be fewer than 400 words; to feature the largely unseen images of of the issues that affect gay men and les- We promise we’ll always listen. commentaries should be fewer than 750 words. gay and lesbian people, but that we would bians in ways that can’t be found outside Submissions may be edited for content and length, work hard to hunt for them. the sharp prism of a gay newspaper. AS FOR TOM AND MEL? TURN TO and must include a name, address and phone number That pledge is not just limited to cover- My hope is that you will feel like you page 15 and see for yourself: for verification. Send submissions by e-mail to ing the lives of older gay men. It’s no have to pick up the Express each and They weren’t shy at all about planting [email protected], by fax to 954-568- secret that lesbians and people of color every week, or you’ll be missing out on a big wet one on each other in front of the 5110 or by regular mail to the Express office, attn: have been traditionally under-represented something important and interesting. camera. We thank them for kicking off Letters/Commentary. in much of the gay and lesbian press, too. When Norm Kent founded the Express our re-launch issue with such passion. EXPRESS GAY NEWS With the re-launch of this paper, there in 2000, there was no serious gay and les- And we promise every week to bring ADDRESS: 5399 Northeast 14th Ave., Suite 1 bian publication here that tackled news you more of that kind of passion that Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 and grappled with the sometimes sticky makes a newspaper worth PHONE: 954-568-1880 EXPRESS GAY NEWS issues of a burgeouning gay and lesbian reading. FAX: 954-568-5110 i population. Under his direction, the E-MAIL: [email protected] Story suggestions: Express filled a vacuum for informed INTERNET: www.expressgaynews.com [email protected] reading on gay men and lesbians in South Letters, column submissions: Florida. Those of us at this paper applaud @ Mubarak Dahir is edi- PUBLISHER: Unite Media LLC [email protected] Norm’s pioneering work. tor of the Express FOUNDER/PUBLISHER (2000-03): Norm Kent Calendar submissions: Today, with Norm pursuing other goals Gay News and can be [email protected] and no longer involved with this newspa- reached at mdahir@express- © 2004, Unite Media LLC Bitch Session: [email protected] All rights reserved. per, those of us here — and particularly gaynews.com. EXPRESS GAY NEWS www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27, 2004 19 letters Many gay men love, the government does- n’t matter. In fact, you do oppose marriage your best to bring mean- ingful things yourselves To the Editors: into the relationship. I write to you as a gay man in a long- Gay activists and mis- term, loving relationship. Not only am I guided members of the 100 percent against gay marriage, I press do not have a monop- guarantee you that most masculine, oly on speaking out on this mature gay men do not refer to their issue. My gay partner of partners as “husbands” as some gay 16 years is not my “hus- marriage activists are being quoted band” and never will be. these days. He is a long loved, deeply Much of the American press has mis- respected gay man who is takenly reported, if not outright support- my life partner. ed, the bogus argument that the lack of a Many of us are gay, government-issued marriage license is proud and very dedicated the major reason why gay men and to love and happiness. women do not couple up. That argument And, we choose not to is simply not true. destroy or alter traditional Gay men or women who love each marriage. other and want to couple up, do just that KENNETH ADAMS and have done so forever. If there is love Fort Lauderdale in a relationship, there is the potential for joy, happiness and longevity. A gov- ernment-issued license isn’t critical to making the relationship work, just as the Tampa killings lack of it won’t destroy it. Love is not a show gay danger piece of paper. As a proud gay man, I have always To the Editors: been embarrassed and saddened that Re “Tampa gay commu- “hot” men are usually more popular that nity on edge,” news, Jan. “good” men. And the proof of that shal- 12): low gay syndrome is that long-term gay There is a reason why relationships are the exception, rather the practice of homosexu- than the rule. ality is denounced by The media seem to ignore not only us, every major religion from Catholicism to Don’t get hung up England to legitimize it in the eyes of the but the fact that historically among gay Scientology. There is a reason why homo- law. I would not have to call it “mar- people, love has come in a very poor sec- sexual acts are condemned by every reli- on the ‘m’ word riage” to feel legitimate. ond in the battle of “love and relation- gious leader from Pope John Paul to the What I would want under the law is ship” versus “ anonymous sex and the Dalai Lama. To the Editors: for the relationship to be legally recog- single life.” This reason is the practice of homo- Let’s ask ourselves whether the nized, to receive the same tax credits Gay marriage activists deceptively sexual acts is unhealthy, dangerous and good fight should be for the rights and and breaks as every other American claim that a marriage license would wrong. privileges every other culture in couple, to adopt a child without chal- bring value, security and longevity to These poor young men in Florida America enjoys, but should we use a lenge if my partner and I so desired, to gay relationships. Then why, in spite of believed the lies of those who push the word other than “marriage”? Do we visit my partner in the hospital without not having a marriage license, does homosexual agenda, and have now paid really want to be associated with a restraint and to inherit all we worked almost every successful long-term gay with their lives. Very sad indeed. word that has a 50-percent failure rate toward as a couple should he die — and couple manage to get vehicles legally reg- But there is help available. among heterosexuals? vice versa. istered in both names, share joint check- Homosexuals can go straight. It is not too If I were in a committed relationship, LEE A. SCHOENBART ing accounts, insurance coverage and late. Nothing is impossible to someone I would not want to have to travel to New La Jolla, Calif. wills, and put leases or mortgages in who honestly seeks to change. each other’s names, and so on? ROBERT RAUSH When you live together because of Santa Monica, Calif. Send letters and op-ed column submissions to [email protected]

THE

Should Broward Well, I believe we should have the Sure, we should have the same Personally, I don’t believe the I’m all for it. Same-sex marriage County begin right to marry the one we love, rights as everyone else. I’m not in community or country is ready for should be national. To discriminate the same as everyone else. a relationship at this time, but I same sex marriage certificates is shameful. This administration issuing marriage Personally, it’s just a piece of believe that should I wish a mar- and ceremonies. My partner and seeks to take away rights rather paper, however, it’s the principle riage certificate and a ceremony, I have been together for over than grant them. It’s purely a licenses to same- that matters — equality — and I’m entitled to one. seven years and we have never campaign ploy. sex couples, as that’s what the Constitution is Karla McGillvarz, 27 encountered any problems. Joe Puleo, 40 Q based on. Baker Aaron Hess, 32 Podiatrist they have been in Thomas Jones, 39 Fort Lauderdale Construction Miami Cashier Fort Lauderdale San Francisco? Fort Lauderdale

Suggest question about what’s going on in your world to [email protected]. Interviews and Photos by Bill Calcaterra 20 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 www.expressgaynews.com EXPRESS GAY NEWS viewpoint MARK KOENIG

It’s insulting for activists to brand gays ing the Vietnam era, will never have. ing the measure. Rather, it makes us Kerry and his Democratic chal- look foolish at best. lengers for the nomination (with the The reality is that even if passed by as ‘cowards’ or ‘self-hating’ if we don’t notable exception of Joe Lieberman) Congress, such an amendment would consistently characterize the war in have to be ratified by 38 states to be think marriage is the top election priority. Iraq as illegitimate and Islamic terror- adopted, something still not accom- ism as a “law-enforcement problem,” plished even after 32 years with the not one for the military. Equal Rights Amendment. This is the approach Bill Clinton took after the 1993 World Trade Center SO LET’S PUT THINGS IN bombing, and we witnessed the result- perspective. Yes, gay men and lesbians Still backing ing carnage on 9-11. These are the same need to mobilize to fight against those folks that would subordinate our who would deny us the same legal rights authority to act in our own national as married heterosexual couples. I believe interest to that of the United Nations. this can and should be done under the George W. Bush Kerry also is on record as voting moniker of “civil union,” since “mar- against nearly every new weapons sys- riage” is a religiously-charged term IT’S MADDENING TO LISTEN TO GAY November election that renders all oth- tem developed over the last 20 years. He which is probably best left to those who activists and politicians pontificate on ers irrelevant in comparison. voted against pushing Saddam out of consider it sacred. the necessity of voting Democratic in Let’s examine the facts: George W. Kuwait in the first Persian Gulf war, I personally couldn’t care less what the upcoming presidential election. It’s Bush has rid the world of two brutal, and most recently, effectively voted for the arrangement is called, as long as also insulting to those of us who do not oppressive dictatorships, emasculated a allowing Hussein to return to power by my rights to inheritance, tax status think that gay marriage is the most sig- third (Libya) and put others in the opposing continued funding of the cur- and determination over my partner’s nificant issue in the upcoming election Middle East region on notice. He has rent war in Iraq. care should he become terminally ill to be branded “cowards” or “self-hat- dealt a near-fatal blow to the Islamic Bush, on the other hand, has explic- are the same as those of “married” ing” by those on the left. terrorist organization that attacked us itly endorsed a constitutional amend- couples. I maintain we have time to Any fair-minded individual, gay or on 9-11. Clearly we are safer now than ment to ban gay marriage. This is, of fight this good fight — but first things straight, who examines the facts rather before that fateful day. course, very unfortunate. But it hardly first. than listening to the puerile rants of This simply would not have hap- rises to the heights of importance sug- If the party in power in Washington the myopic left, will come to the pened under the leadership of any cur- gested by the hysterical rants of those fails to protect us against another, possi- inescapable conclusion that to vote for rent Democratic candidate for president. such as Georgia state Rep. Karla bly cataclysmic Islamo-Fascist terror the Democratic presidential candidate Drenner (D-Avondale), who recently attack, our precious civil rights won’t — who, it now appears certain, will be BUSH HAS BUILT THE MORALE OF stated that she saw no difference much matter. John Kerry — is to vote to critically our nation’s armed forces and continues between a vote in favor of such an compromise our national security and to command the respect of those serving amendment and what happened under invite another Sept. 11-scale act of ter- in the military, a respect that John Hitler in Nazi Germany. Mark Koenig is a software technician in rorism, if not one much worse. Kerry, given his voting record in the This sort of talk does nothing to @Atlanta and can be reached at This is the one issue in the Senate and anti-military statements dur- improve the reputation of those oppos- [email protected].

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Now that a high court ruling has their partners die and they’re not married; It’d be nice to have our wedding cake declared that only gay marriage, not civil who are forced into separate nursing unions, will fulfill the state Constitution, homes because they’re not married. many state legislators are trying to head All those benefits of marriage that and eat it too, but moral victories are off the possibility that the legal recogni- we’ve been enumerating for years are not tion of gay partnerships will be banned made-up statistics. They are real numbers by popular vote. that affect real people. And so, yes, in the- for those not facing familial annihilation. But some gay activists said this was a ory, applying the word “marriage” to our moral issue and that anything less than partnerships would be all sunshine and full marriage was not acceptable. roses, a wonderful moral victory. Now, 2006 is a long time away.Maybe the But moral victories are for people who world will have changed by then. Maybe aren’t facing annihilation of their Civil unions two years of gay and lesbian marriage, if finances or their families. there’s no injunction to stop them, will Right now, we just can’t afford the lux- convince the good citizens of that liberal ury of moral victories when practical vic- state that the world won’t end if gay men tories are so much more important. and lesbians are treated equally. Let us fight for civil unions now, so are enough Or maybe two years will give conserva- long as they have the exact same benefits tives enough time to build a power base of marriage. “Marriage” is too loaded a WHEN I HEARD THAT SAN FRANCISCO about it. “Marriage” says “full equality” that will vote to deny gays marriage word; it’s like “abortion” and it will be was issuing marriage licenses, I started in a way that “civil unions” never can. rights in Massachusetts forever. very hard for us to win on a large scale. crying. Married. Those couples in San Both the right and some on the gay left Civil unions can provide us the protection There’s something miraculous about Francisco — more than 3,000 of them — say that marriage is a moral issue. And we need when we need it. that; about the idea that, right before have gotten married, thanks to the new yes, of course it is. To many of us, it is Years from now, when the rights of Valentine’s Day, long-term couples and mayor of San Francisco, who ordered all one of the most important benchmarks of partnership are granted to gay couples by newly in-love couples and all gay couples language on marriage forms to be gender our equality or lack thereof. most of the 50 states (and, I hope, the fed- in between were suddenly able to pledge neutral. Actual marriage seems like a taste But marriage is also a practical issue, eral government as well), we can go before their commitment to each other in a way of true freedom, a celebration of mythic and that’s what irritates me here. the Supreme Court and convince them that was recognized by — well, if not the true love, instead of the cold practicality that civil unions are a new form of the old state, then at least the city. that “civil unions” implies. And yet. GAY COUPLES WANT TO MARRY NOT “separate but equal” travesty. Gay couples lined up to get married in just because it is nice to be recognized, Later, we can have our wedding cake wedding dresses and tiaras and jeans and AT THE SAME TIME, GAY ACTIVISTS IN but because, in many cases, it is essential and eat it, too. For now, let’s just concen- baseball caps. They held hands and leaned Massachusetts have been siding with reli- to be recognized. trate on feeding those who are starving against each other and marveled at their gious conservatives in the Legislature’s There are gay parents and gay partners for social justice. good fortune, as do we. marriage debate there. who wrangle over visitation rights when The word “marriage” — versus the Some realist legislators wanted to put they go to hospitals, because they are not term “civil unions” — does matter, no mat- “civil unions” — rather than marriage — “officially” married. There are gays who Jennifer Vanasco is a Chicago-based syndi- ter how much the pragmatists within us into a constitutional amendment that don’t have health benefits because they’re @cated columnist and can be reached at might wish it does not. It has a resonance would be put on the ballot in 2006. not married; who lose their houses because [email protected].

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“Cartoon character Cathy finally got engaged to her boyfriend in today’s Valentine edition of her strip. Meanwhile, Marcie and Peppermint Patty are moving to Massachusetts.” Tina Fey, co-anchor of the “Weekend Update” news skit on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” (Entertainment Weekly, Feb. 27)

“I have done nothing to hinder the city government from implementing the domestic partner registry. I am doing nothing as a council person to hinder a person’s right to go up there today and register as a domestic partner.” Cleveland Heights (Ohio) City Councilman Jimmie Hicks, Jr., after filing a lawsuit this week to stop the DP registry approved by city voters. Hicks had opposed the idea of a reg- istry but said voters should decide. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Feb. 24)

“Activist courts have left the people with one recourse. If we’re to prevent the mean- ing of marriage from being changed forever, our nation must enact a constitutional amendment to protect marriage in America.” President Bush at the White House on Tuesday, announcing his support for a constitu- tional amendment to ban same-sex marriages (Feb. 24)

“Today the president of the United States, solely for political gain, called upon Congress to amend the United States Constitution to enshrine our second-class citizenship in the nation’s most revered document. This is a despi- cable new low.” Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, after Bush made his announcement (Washington Blade, Feb. 27)

“I hereby direct you to take immediate steps to obtain a definitive judicial resolution of this controversy.” California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in a fax sent to Attorney General Bill Lockyer, demand- ing he stop the gay marriages taking place in San Francisco (San Francisco Chronicle, Feb. 22)

“The governor can direct the highway patrol. He can direct the next ‘Terminator 4’ movie if he chooses. But he can’t direct the attorney general in the way he’s attempted to do.” Bill Lockyer, responding to Schwarzenegger’s request; the attorney general announced this week he would ask the California Supreme Court to resolve the dispute (San Francisco Chronicle, Feb. 22)

“We all started walking, and he said, ‘I’m putting you under citizen’s arrest,’ and I started laughing, and he said, ‘No really, I’m going to arrest you,’ And I said, ‘Oh great, I love a man in a uniform, bring him on.’” Bill Jones, a 75-year-old gay San Francisco retired official who volunteered to perform some of the gay marriages at city hall, after 37-year-old Jake Olthof tried to arrest him for violating state law (San Francisco Examiner, Feb. 19)

“The institution of marriage doesn’t need protection from loving, caring gay South Carolinians like our son and his partner; it needs protection from demagogues and hypocrites like John Graham Altman III who spew bigotry and who have more ex- spouses than they have clean underwear.” James and Irene Smith in an e-mail that made its way through the South Carolina House of Representatives. The Smiths sent it to a friend, who forwarded it to Rep. Altman (R-Charleston), a leading opponent of gay marriage. Altman is in his third marriage (South Carolina Post & Courier, Feb. 19)

“We don’t want gay rights for queers. Send them all back, and send them all back to Africa.” Jeff Schoep, the self-titled ‘commander’ of the National Socialist Movement, while wearing a uniform emblazoned with swastikas, speaking at a demonstration against gay marriage at the North Carolina capitol in Raleigh (Associated Press, Feb. 22) EXPRESS GAY NEWS www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27, 2004 23 action! alert Missing Mary? Veep’s lesbian daughter targeted by Web site

By CHRISTOPHER SEELY

The masterminds behind the Stop Dr. Laura campaign are at it again, waging a full-scale attack on Vice President Dick Cheney’s lesbian daughter, who they say has been conspicuously silent about her father’s stance on gay marriage. Gay activists John Aravosis and Robin Tyler launched the Web site DearMary.com on Feb. 13. They want to convince Mary Cheney to stand up to her father and publicly oppose the amend- The lesbian daughter of Vice President Dick Cheney ment, Aravosis said. has remained silent about her father’s support for a “She has been put in a unique place to constitutional ban on gay marriage, prompting gay make more difference than all of us can activists to ask, “Have you seen Mary Cheney?” make combined,” Aravosis said. “With (Photo courtesy of DearMary.com) power comes responsibility.” Cheney in the past worked as a paid gay This week, the president announced in liaison for Coors Brewing Company and a White House press conference that he served on the board of the Republican Unity is, in fact, endorsing a constitutional Coalition, a gay rights group, Aravosis said. amendment to prevent states from issuing But Cheney, 34, resigned from RUC last marriage licenses to gay couples. year. She is now director of vice presiden- Mary Cheney, who is in a long-term tial operations for the Bush-Cheney re- relationship, has made no public com- election campaign, with an annual salary ment on her father’s position on the feder- nearing $75,000 after taxes, according to al amendment. the Washington Post. Gay writer Michelangelo Signorile Mary Cheney should speak out not took Cheney to task in a column titled only because of her personal family life “Dear Mary” published in the Jan. 20 but also because of her professional role, New York Press. Signorile’s column Everyone Gets A Mortgage Aravosis said. inspired DearMary.com, Aravosis said. “This is not some wallflower lesbian Signorile, who has visited the site, • Good, Bad or Ugly Credit making cookies for her woman at home,” called it “a good tool to educate people” Aravosis said. and reiterated his belief that Mary • Zero Down Home Loans Officials at the Bush-Cheney re-elec- Cheney needs to speak up now to be • E-Z Start First Time Home Buyer tion campaign did not respond to inter- viewed favorably by history. view requests. “Mary Cheney should publicly say that • “Cash Out” Refinance she disagrees with the president and with • New Construction or Rehab Loans DURING HER TENURE AS her father,” Signorile said. “And I believe professional gay advocate, Cheney urged the she cannot work for a campaign that would Republican Party not to focus on gay issues. support a federal marriage amendment. “We can make sexual orientation a non- And if they do support it, I believe she issue for the Republican Party,and we can should step down.” help achieve equality for all gay and lesbian In its first five days, the Web site post- Americans,” Mary Cheney said in an April ed more than 2,150 letters to Mary Cheney Direct Line 954-410-9484 [email protected] 2002 statement, according to Newsweek. and received an average of 50,000 hits per But now some conservative Republicans day, Aravosis said. are actively supporting state and federal ini- Some 90 percent of the letters have a tiatives to ban gay marriage, and Cheney’s compassionate tone, he said. father, the vice president, has said he will But one gay couple that waited in line Diana Promuto, follow President Bush’s lead on the issue. in San Francisco for a marriage license LCSW, ACSW Dick Cheney said in 2000 that gay mar- shamed Mary in their letter on the site, riage should be decided by states, but saying that her silence made her worse Individual, Couple, Family Therapy recently said he will support Bush if the than her father, who publicly supports a Licensed Psychotherapist president backs a constitutional amend- gay marriage ban. ment banning legal recognition of gay “If you do not speak now, Mary,you will couples, according to the Associated Press. rightfully be remembered only as part of the biggest disgrace against what being American is all about — the belief that 4331 N. Federal Hwy. everyone is equal,” wrote Mikko and Ari
ACTION! INFO from West Hollywood, Calif. “We hope you Suite 305 www.dearmary.com do the right thing. We wait for your answer.” Fort Lauderdale, FL Phone: 954.771.5040 Fax: 954.784.6469 ABOUT ACTION ALERT: Action Alert is a Forum section feature that informs readers of issues for response E-mail: [email protected] and lobbying. Send suggestions and comments to [email protected]. 24 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 www.expressgaynews.com EXPRESS GAY NEWS SING OUT, MARY: Gay men offer up a little harmony FOR ART’S SAKE: Gay playwright Jon Robin Baitz’s piece, during the South Florida Choral Festival. PAGE 34 ‘Ten Unknowns,’ asks hard questions about art. PAGE 30

EXPRESS GAY NEWS FEBRUARY 27, 2004 e tra PAGE 25 Gay businesses expect boost from Fun events

FUN UNDER THE SUN, continued from Page 1 Fun Under the Sun Film Fest

in something the whole family can enjoy? Try the family event at the Young Art Double D Avengers Children’s Museum, or Art Explosion. Three of the bustiest Russ Meyer stars — Kitten Love movies? There’s a three-day gay film Natividad, Haji, and Raven De La Croix — make a fest at Cinema Paradiso. Love to party? comeback in “The Double-D Avenger,” a sexy action There are parties galore: pool parties, comedy in the tradition of boobilicious cult films. morning parties, after parties, women’s Big, busty Chastity Knott must use her amazing parties, a blowout beach party.You name it abilities as a costumed crime fighter, the Double-D and there’s a party for it. Perhaps your Avenger, to stop villainous bikini bar owner Al taste runs toward exclusive, world-class Purplewood and his sexy, murderous strippers. entertainment. Then you’ll want to attend Thursday, March 4, 5 p.m. Preceded by the short the very exclusive private concert by film, “Six Point Nine.” Broadway star Patti Lupone. Want to get your best buddy involved? There’s even Showboy yoga for you and your dog. A mockumentary about a gay writer who aban- “It was a very conscious decision to dons his career as a writer to pursue his lifelong make it a really diverse schedule of activ- dream of becoming a high-kicking, sequin-wear- ities,” said Michael Kenny, chair of the ing Las Vegas showboy. Thursday, March 4, 8 Gay Business Alliance. “We didn’t want p.m. Preceded by the short film “Precious it to be a circuit party weekend because Images.” that’s not what Fort Lauderdale is.” One of the ways the Gay Business Gypsy 83 Alliance helped bring Fasenmyer’s A road trip movie about two best friends — a dream to fruition was to partner with the gorgeous gay guy and a gorgeous full-figured Gay and Lesbian Foundation of South girl — who are stuck in a small town hit the road Florida. “Not only have we received to enter a talent show. Stars Sara Rue from TV’s financial assistance from them, but the “Less Than Perfect.” Friday, March 5, 7 p.m. special assistance they’ve brought to us Preceded by the short film, “Chaplin.” has simply been invaluable,” Kenny said. David Phelps, director of the Gay and Gay boys kick up their heels in ‘Showboy,’ one of the films featured in the Fun Under the Sun festival. My Life on Ice Lesbian Foundation of South Florida, The story of a year in the life of a gay French remembers when he was first approached for the entire region,” Phelps said. growing to that size and scope. “It’s a teenager, a figure skater, seen through the lens about getting involved with Fun Under According to Kenny, the goal of Fun unique celebration that goes on a number of his video camera. Friday, March 5, 9 p.m. the Sun. Under the Sun is multi-faceted: To sup- of days,” he said. “You have 500,000 peo- Preceded by the short film, “Rick and Steve the “Because of the Foundation’s 10 year port gay and lesbian and gay-friendly ple going into Sydney to celebrate, gay, Happiest Gay Couple.” history with Winter Party, it obviously businesses, to help further the reputation straight, bisexual, transgender or not has an established history of how to put of Fort Lauderdale for visitors, to show identifying at all. They’re just there Born to be Wild on a major event. We’ve learned from residents as a welcoming, diverse com- because they want to celebrate.” Documentary about the leading men of the mistakes.” munity, and to benefit several organiza- Kenny is also looking forward to many American Ballet Theatre. Saturday, March 6, 1 While Phelps believes that Miami-Dade tions. SunServe, which recently opened more Fun Under the Sun events to come. “I p.m. Preceded by the short film, “Parking.” and Broward each have their own special the Noble McArtor Senior DayCare would love to see it become an annual event characteristics, he also believes that the Center, Gamma Mu, which awards schol- that has a whole range of activities for differ- The Look north and south parts of South Florida arships for graduate studies, and the Gay ent interests, for different income levels, that A group of friends come to New York for a mod- should unite for more events. “If we’re and Lesbian Community Center of South continues to reinforce that we are a welcom- eling competition. Saturday, March 6, 3 p.m. going to make progress as an LGBT com- Florida will all benefit from money ing community both to live in and to visit.” Preceded by “Gaydar.” munity, we need to focus on our efforts as raised by Fun Under the Sun. Kenny said one region,” he said. “Instead of looking at the organizations were chosen based on When Ocean Meets Sky everything competitively, we need to look their reputation to do good work and The Film Festival Documentary about Fire Island. Saturday, March at how we can collaborate.” their level of involvement. One of those most highly anticipated 6, 5 p.m. Preceded by “Pieces of Silver.” Kenny agrees. “This is a really cool Phelps, who is originally from events at Fun Under the Sun is the Fort example of the community starting to Australia, has a hometown view of what Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Unconditional Love work together from a regional perspec- Fun Under the Sun can become. “At some Festival. While the Miami Gay & Lesbian A man and a dumped wife team up to solve the tive,” he said. time in the near future, it can move to a Film Festival has been going strong for murder of their favorite pop star. Rupert Phelps was partially responsible for Sydney Mardi Gras kind of event, where five years, only recently have some of the Everett, Kathy Nates. Saturday, March 6, 7 p.m. the timing of Fun Under the Sun, and it is 10 days of cultural community cele- events been held in Broward County. Preceded by “Backyard Movie,” how it dovetails with Winter Party the bration, partying, film, and where we With this event, organizers would like to weekend of March 13. “With Winter appeal to all segments of the communi- establish Fort Lauderdale as a destina- AKA Party and Fun Under the Sun all happen- ty,” he said. Phelps added that while the tion for gay and lesbian cinema. A disaffected British 18-year-old assumes anoth- ing within the same 10-day period, it is term Mardi Gras might have negative er identity to enter high society. Saturday, going to be an extraordinary experience connotations, he sees Fun Under the Sun Please see FUN UNDER THE SUN on Page 36 March 6, 9 p.m. Preceded by “Stunt Cocks.” 26 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 www.expressgaynews.com EXPRESS GAY NEWS music ANDY ZEFFER Nile Rodgers, whose ‘Disco Inferno’ comes to the Broward Center this weekend, talks about ‘I’m Coming Out’ and ‘We Are Family.’ Freak out with chic DIG OUT YOUR FINEST POLYESTER AND slip on the platform shoes. A fusion of disco and dance is descending upon the Broward Center for the Performing Arts for one night only,Sunday,February 29th. “Disco Inferno” will feature perform- ances by Nile Rodgers of Chic, the Trammps, Rose Royce and Thelma How About... Houston. The man behind it all is Rodgers, who, with Chic, exploded on the A GREAT OVERSTUFFED CORNED BEEF disco scene with classic dance floor hits like “Le Freak” and “Good Times.” But OR PASTRAMI SANDWICH!!!! Rodgers’ musical talents go far beyond Chic’s late 70’s hits. He has produced some of the most prolific albums in pop 2 for 1 Let Us Cater and history, including David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance,” Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” and Quarts of Soup Make Your Next The B-52’s “Cosmic Thing.” Tue,. Wed. & Sat. for Take-out Only Rodgers’ successful “Disco Inferno” Nile Rodgers of the disco group Chic says he con- tours began by accident. For the last two nects with gay music fans through his love of divas, Party A Very years running, Chic has sold out shows at and first got the inspiration for writing ‘I’m Coming (954) 963-8100 SHERIDAN STREET the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles with a Out’ while hanging out at a gay bar. Specal Event similar concept. The first year the group HOLLYWOOD, FL 33021 headlined a show that paid homage to the the women’s movement and the advance- 25th anniversary of “Saturday Night ment of gay civil rights. Fever. ”Though Chic had nothing to do “That’s why we have artists like with the film, the other artists playing the Sylvestor and the Village People, and I venue did. Rodgers noticed when those wrote songs like ‘I’m Coming Out’ for artists played with Chic, it completely Diana Ross and ‘We Are Family’ for changed their sound. Sister Sledge,” said Rodgers. “Those are “We are a live band and always have the victories we were celebrating with been,” said Rodgers. “And a lot of the our music”. artists from the area are produced Rodgers got the idea to write “I’m artists. They are singers that just go in Coming Out” while hanging out at a gay and do a vocal while the producer comes club in New York called the GG Barnum up with a concept. So when the artists Room. The gay clubs in New York had the performed with us, it just changed the best underground music, so Rodgers fre- whole artistic credibility of their per- quented them to find out what the next formance and vibe. We really noticed a big thing music would be. After seeing difference in the house.” three different drag queens dressed as Rodgers did another show the follow- Diana Ross, Rodgers imagined what it ing year with the same results, drawing a would be like if Ross were to come out of crowd of 18,500 people. the closet. For gay men the song came to “I thought maybe this was a good idea mean one thing, and for Ross a completely because people have a great connection to different one. this kind of music,” said Rodgers. “It’s “Diana Ross is not gay, so her singing very celebratory and uplifting. In most ‘I’m Coming Out’ was not about coming cases it was the anthem of a generation.” out of the closet,” said Rodgers. “But it Rodgers feels a strong connection to was like she was coming out of another gay fans and has a huge gay following. form of the closet because she was leav- Air Conditioning • Heating The main driving force behind Chic was ing Motown and she had been under the • Neck Pain that the 70’s were a celebratory period of thumb of Berry Gordy her whole life and Service, Sales, Installation • Back Pain social and political gains from the 60’s, he this was the one thing she had done on NOT COOL ENOUGH? • Leg Pain said. The music celebrated the hard- her own.” • Headaches fought battles of the black civil rights Another connection Rodgers has with Cooling is what we do best! movement, the end of the Vietnam War, his gay audiences is his affinity for leg- ••• endary divas. In addition to Dianna Ross, Licensed & Insured 954.537.5558 he names Madonna and Grace Jones as FPL rebates 2631 E. Oakland Pk. Blvd., favorites. Ste. 104 Ft. Lauderdale i MORE INFO Madonna, he said, “was the most pro- Most insurance plans accepted Nile Rodgers’ Disco Inferno The Patient and any other person fessional person I may have worked with responsible for payment has the right to Broward Center for Performing Arts in my whole life.” cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examina- Feb. 29, 7 pm. And he called Grace Jones “a superstar, 140 SE 29 Street, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33316 tion, or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to Tickets: www.browardcenter.org and one of the most artistic, opinionated CAC 036862 the ad for the free service, examination or treatment. or 954-462-0222 and misunderstood divas of all time.” EXPRESS GAY NEWS www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27, 2004 27 28 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 www.expressgaynews.com EXPRESS GAY NEWS

A strong,new voice for Wilton Manors.

Doug’s priorities include these SUPER SEVEN issues:

1. Working to ensure Sensible Growth with Vision. 2. Assisting lower-income and senior residents. 3. Enhancing Code Enforcement programs for a safer, more attractive community. 4. Encouraging and promoting a variety of visual, cultural and performing arts. 5. Enhancing existing businesses and enticing new corporate opportunities to our city. 6. Maintaining our city police department and police programs. 7. Building an inclusive community of acceptance and understanding. Doug Elect for Wilton Manors Blevins CITY COUNCIL On Tuesday, March 9th, help bring a strong, new voice to Wilton Manors. Elect a City Council Candidate with a record of success. Doug is committed to neighborhoods and local business. A proven leader, Doug will continue to bring about positive change for our community. So vote for Doug Blevins and vote for a safe, clean, well-planned community for ALL of Wilton Manors. For comments and questions please contact: [email protected].

Web page: http://hometown.aol.com/electdoug/myhomepage/business.html Pd. Pol. Adv. by the Doug Blevins Election Campaign. Non-Partisan. Approved by Doug Blevins. Carol Moran, Treasurer. EXPRESS GAY NEWS www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27, 2004 29 cultural cocktail MARY DAMIANO

Best Supporting Actress: This is Look for Chalize Theron to make a killing at Renee Zellweger’s year. She was the most welcome thing in “Cold Mountain”, provid- ing a much needed bit of comic relief from the Academy Awards this Sunday for her Jude Law and Nicole Kidman’s desperate pining for one another, as well as those bloody Civil War scenes. Also, I think peo- riveting role as a lesbian serial killer. ple really wanted her to win last year for “Chicago”, but that they couldn’t deny Nicole Kidman and her ugly prosthetic nose in “The Hours.” Besides, when beau- tiful women ugly themselves up and de- Oscars are about glam for a role, they have an edge on Oscar. Best Actor: Bill Murray is the senti- mental favorite here, because he’s so under- rated and people love to see funny men do serious roles with real depth, as Murray more than awards Ian McKellan in “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King” does in "Lost in Translation". And would- n’t it be a kick to see Johnny Depp’s swishy, I DON’T REMEMBER MY FIRST MOVIE, Top five things about the Oscars overdone, overwrought Oscar Day cover- eye-make-up-wearing Captain Jack and I don’t remember my watching my age,which begins around noon, and Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean: The first Academy Awards. I only know that The Simplicity: It’s the granddaddy although I could do without Joan Rivers’ Curse of the Black Pearl” actually win? both the movies and Oscar have always of all the awards shows. There’s a purity obnoxious red carpet coverage, I’ll admit But Sean Penn has been overlooked so been there, and have always been a big to it. The top award is simply “Best that Oscar Day probably wouldn’t be the many years, and his role as an anguished part of my life. Picture.” It’s not Best Comedy or Best same without her. father in “Mystic River” was riveting. I I’ve spent years of my life in darkened Drama or Best Costume Epic. Right or The Movies: The Oscars are a yearly cried half the time he was on the screen. theatres watching movies. It’s one of the wrong, there’s an elegance to that. affirmation of why I love movies so much. Best Actress: I cheered when Diane places I feel most at home. But through The Clothes:I love those red carpet It’s a celebration of images that become Keaton won this category back in the 70s darkness comes enlightenment. Movies arrivals. I love seeing all my favorite part of the fabric of our lives and experi- for “Annie Hall,” and she was terrific in have taught me, entertained me, moved stars all glammed up wearing some of the ence. I cry when I watch those themed "Something’s Gotta Give” — her role as me and inspired me. I can honestly say most beautiful gowns in the world. But I montages of movies. The one about movies Erica was like Annie Hall all grown up. that if not for the inspiration I derived also love those moments when you want shot in New York at the 2002 Oscars had me But Charlize Theron’s role in "Monster" from “Shakespeare in Love,” I would not to shake a star and scream, “Oh my God, a mess. I would have been in tears anyway took heart, soul, and most of all, guts. have a career as a writer. did you even glance in a mirror before because I love movies set in New York and She simply must win. I used to have an Oscar party every you left the house? Do you even own a Woody Allen actually made a rare appear- Best Director: Sofia Coppola is the year — I think the year “Silence of the mirror? Fire everyone who told you that ance at the ceremony,but in light of how first American woman — and only the Lambs” won was my last year. The year thing looked good.” New York had been changed, I was bawling. third woman ever — to be nominated for “Moonstruck” was nominated for Best The Speeches: Isn’t it fun to watch Best Director, so if she wins for “Lost in Picture — “The Last Emperor” won — I your favorite stars, usually so poised and Some top Oscar picks Translation”, it makes Academy history. did an Italian-themed party, complete with in control, completely lose it when they’re The real question is can she beat Peter homemade pizzas and Italian desserts. handed that little gold statuette? Here’s my rundown on who I think will Jackson of “Lord of the Rings: Return of The pizzas were rectangular and on my Remember Gwyneth Paltrow when she take home the gold Sunday night: the King.” Hawaiian pizza, I sculpted an Oscar out of won for “Shakespeare in Love”, thanking Best Supporting Actor: As good as I think it’s his year. I’m hoping for pineapple tidbits. It looked really cool, every dead relative she ever had? But Benicio Del Toro is, he won a Best Sofia Coppola, but she’s also nominated and was quite tasty too. there are also those moments of unbridled Supporting Oscar in 2000 for “Traffic”, for Best Original Screenplay, so I think OK, so maybe sometimes I go over- exuberance, like Adrian Brody dipping and voters like to spread the wealth they’ll give her that and give the directing board, but I truly love movies and I truly Halle Berry to lay a great big wet kiss on around. I think it comes down to Tim honors to Peter Jackson, and women love the Oscars. And while I’m not throw- her, or the year before when Halle became Robbins and Alec Baldwin, however. might have to wait yet another year. ing a party Sunday night, I’ll be watching the first black woman to win a best Actress Baldwin has been around forever, and he’s Best Picture: If “Lord of the Rings: — and reveling in the reminder of every- Oscar. Those moments are gold. had one of those up and down careers, he Return of the King” wins it will make histo- thing movies have given me. The Hype: I relish all those magazines was a leading man, but now he’s more of ry as the first fantasy film to ever win Best that do the annual Oscar stuff. I literally go a character player, and an Oscar would be Picture. I don’t think anything can stop through every page of Entertainment a nice prize. I think people really respect “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King”, Weekly’s annual guide and read everything his work, and would like to reward him. but I’ll be rooting for “Seabiscuit”. And i MORE INFO about every nominee. I live for that April But Tim Robbins was very good in who knows? “The 76th Annual Academy Awards” issue of Vanity Fair —The Hollywood Issue “Mystic River” a mere shell of a man due Maybe the dark horse will win. It would- Sunday, Feb. 29 8 p.m. — with all those sumptuous photos of stars to a horrific kidnapping and sexual abuse n’t be the first time the little horse went up ABC and great stories about the way Hollywood as a child. Really, it’s anyone’s category, against a competitor that was a whole big- Red carpet arrivals with Joan Rivers at 6 p.m. on E! is and the way it used to be. I even love E!’s and everyone is deserving. ger and had better odds. 30 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 www.expressgaynews.com EXPRESS GAY NEWS theater MARY DAMIANO Gay playwright Jon Robin Baitz asks who actually creates a work of art — the person who inspires it, or the one who brings it into physical form, in ‘Ten Unknowns.’

Nicholas Richberg (from left), Heath Kelts, Deborah L. Sherman and Dennis Carrig pose questions about the value of art and lifein Jon Robin Baitz’s ‘Ten Unknowns.’ (Photo by George Schiavone) The consequences of art GAY PLAYWRIGHT JON ROBIN BAITZ’S Who actually creates a work of art — the play “Ten Unknowns” is an insightful think person who inspires and directs it, or the piece that asks some provocative questions person who does the physical work to about the creation and consequences of art. bring a vision to life? And if a work of The title refers to a 1949 art exhibit of art by an important artist is deemed valu- 10 emerging artists. Malcolm Rafelson able, does the worth plummet if the work (Dennis Carrig) was a young painter is found to be created by an unknown? whose work was shown at the exhibit. Where does the value of a painting lie — Though his work was well received, he with the painting or with its creator? became frustrated by the changing move- Sometimes “Ten Unknowns” comes off ments in the art world and fled to Mexico. as too wordy and lacks a real emotional con- As the play begins, Rafelson has lived in nection. The best scenes are when Malcolm his self-imposed exile for 30 years. and Judd’s passion for art intensifies and Rafelson’s peaceful existence is compli- explodes in the creation of new work, as in cated by Trevor Fabricant (Heath Kelts) a one memorable scene before the end of the hapless art dealer who has come to con- first act. The two engage in an erotically- vince the old man that his work should be charged artistic mating dance culminating exhibited in a New York gallery. In order in a shared expression of creativity. to help get Rafelson and his work in shape Carrig, who plays self-exiled painted for the retrospective, Trevor hires his for- Malcolm Rafelson, looks uncannily like mer lover Judd (Nicholas Richberg) to be Nick Nolte, and his performance is eerily Rafelson’s assistant. Judd, an artist, is like watching Nolte at his best. Carrig’s battling his own demons with heroin. Rafelson is a man who must comes to Into this trio comes Julia (Deborah L. terms with his age and his diminishment, Sherman), a Berkley grad student doing in the face of brash youth. research on a species of frogs nearing As Judd, Nicholas Richberg turns in extinction. Rafelson is attracted to her another layered performance. His Judd is and wants her to model for him, and manipulative and desperate for approval, yet invites her to stay in the house. cavalier enough not to show it. Richberg Of course there are secrets afoot, and effectively portrays both Judd’s exaggerated, it’s not too much of a surprise when smirky gestures and his fall into addiction. they’re revealed. The main theme of the Heath Kelts has many fine moments in play comes down to the possession of art. the unsympathetic role as Trevor, the South African art dealer who schemes to profit from Malcolm’s talent. He displays torment brilliantly when he confronts i MORE INFO Judd about a kiss they’ve shared. “Ten Unknowns” Deborah L. Sherman’s performance is Through March 7 good, considering her role is a device Thursday — Saturday, 8 p.m. used to spark confrontation and change. Sunday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Where Judd and Rafelson and Trevor are GableStage Theatre adept at lies and secrets, Julia is all about 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables truth. Sherman appears topless in scenes 305-445-1119 when she models for Rafelson. www.gablestage.com Overall, “Ten Unknowns” is a worth- $35 while piece of theatrical brain candy. EXPRESS GAY NEWS www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27, 2004 31

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Alert the bathhouses! 'The Divine Miss M,' Bette Midler, who got her start playing to gay guys in towels at the Dania Beach 'tubs' of New York City, will perform two concerts this weekend at the Office Depot Center in Sunrise. The Original Chocolate Shoppe 148 N. Federal Hwy., SATURDAY “42ND STREET” Through Feb. 29. Presented by Just South of the Airport Broadway in Miami Beach. Jackie Gleason Theatre, 954-922-0441 FEBRUARY 28 1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Showtimes are: Tues.-Fri. 8 p.m.; Sat. 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 & 7:30 p.m. 305-673-7300 or www.gleasontheater.com. Pompano Beach PIANO GALA & FAU SINGERS WITH ZARZUELAS. FAU University Theatre, 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton. Chocolates and Gourmet Gifts 7:30 p.m. 561-297-3737 or 561-297-0033 124 W. McNab Road on the SW cor- SUNDAY ners of McNab and Cypress Roads LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLES. Uwallo messengers and 954-784-5656 Dame Mas at FAU’s LiberAL Arts Auditorium, 2912 FEBRUARY 29 College Ave., Davie. 561-297-3737 or 561-297-2848. KLEZMER COMPANY. Florida Atlantic University Coral Gables CLAY AIKEN AND KELLY CLARKSON CONCERT. Auditorium, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. Show at 3 Chocolate Showroom American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. p.m. 561-297-3758. & Courtyard Show at 7 p.m. 305-960-8500. 1 213 Aragon Avenue Btwn Books “CLASSICAL MYSTERY TOUR: THE FAB FOUR BEAT- 10% w/this ad on a purchaseoff & Books and the Colinade Hotel LES WITH A FULL ORCHESTRA.” Mizner Park f CROSSBREED AND DEADSTAR ASSEMBLY. Culture of $30 or more 305-774-6001 Room, 3045 N. Federal Hwy., Ft. Lauderdale. Show at Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton Show at EXP 7/01/04 7:30 p.m. 954-564-1074. 7:30 p.m. 561-962-4109.

BETTE MIDLER CONCERT. Office Depot Center, 2555 NILE RODGERS’ “DISCO INFERNO” Featuring, the Tramps, Panthers Drive, Sunrise. Show at 8 p.m. thru Sun. Rose Royce and Thelma Houston. Best Dressed ‘70s contest Tickets: 954-835-8000. after the show. Winner goes to Vegas. Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 S.W. 5th Ave. 7 p.m. 954-462-0222. ONGOING EVENTS THURSDAY “DJINFOLY.” Through Feb. 28. Musical instruments of Africa drawn from private collections. Explore how MARCH 4 music is used as a way of life. African-American Research Library & Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., FUN UNDER THE SUN: FORT LAUDERDALE. Through Ft. Lauderdale. 954-625-2819. March 8. Beach Dance Party, Sporting Events, Film Festival, Women’s Events and more. Presented by the Gay Business “CONFEDERATE CURRENCY: THE COLOR OF MONEY, Alliance of Greater Fort Lauderdale at the Sheraton Yankee DEPICTIONS OF SLAVERY IN CONFEDERATE AND Clipper. For more info, visit: www.FunUnderTheSun.org. SOUTHERN STATES CURRENCY” Thru Feb. 29. Featuring 60 paintings by John W. Jones and the confederate money from which the images are taken. Broward County Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale. 954-357-7464. FRIDAY MARCH 5 “PAPER ENGINEERING: THE POP-UP BOOK STRUCTURE” Through March 16. Artists Vojtech Kubasta, Robert Sabuda MOONLIGHT KYACKING. Fort Lauderdale seen under a and Andrew Binder showcase 50 titles. Free at Bienes different light. Starts at 7 p.m. $35 per person. Center for the Literary Arts at the Main Library, 100 S. Organized by Full Moon Kyacking. To register call 954- Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale. 954-357-8692. 654-4958 or visit www.sofloproductions.com. THIRD FINE ARTS JURIED EXHIBITION. Through March 20. Paintings, sculptures and photos Tues. thru Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission at Schacknow Museum of Fine Arts, 7080 N.W. Fourth St., Plantation. 954-583-5551.

CONTEMPLATION OF LIGHT. Through April 25. Wendy Wischer’s images and light installations invite reflection. Art & Culture Center of Hollywood, 1650 Harrison Street, Hollywood. Adults $5; Students and seniors $3; 13 or younger free w/adult. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thu.-10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. 954-921-3274.

“MAKING PORN” Through Feb. 29. Mathew Rush in an Off-Broadway hit about the gay porn industry. Cinema Paradiso503 S.E. 6th St., Ft. Lauderdale. Sat. 7 & 10 p.m., Sun. 2 & 7 p.m. Tickets: 800-965-4827 or www.TicketWeb.com.

“FLORIDA FOLLIES” Through March 21. Seasoned per- formers re-define the idea of staying young. Starring Is he or isn't he? Clay Aiken won't answer ques- Florence Henderson, with Jack Carter. Parker Playhouse, 707 N.E. 8th St., Ft. Lauderdale. Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., tions about his personal life and avoids pronouns Wed., Sat., Sun. at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. 800-233-3123. when talking about love interests, but that doesn't seem to bother his fans, be they gay men or 13- “MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL” Through March 28. Actor’s Playhouse, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. 305- year-old girls. He's coming to Miami with 'American 444-9293 or www.actorsplayhouse.org. Idol' Kelly Clarkson for two shows this weeekend. 34 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 www.expressgaynews.com EXPRESS GAY NEWS EXPRESS GAY NEWS www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27, 2004 35 music Gay men’s choral festival inspires laughter and reflection ruses, this year Wiley decided to keep it ‘It’s a gay men’s chorus, all gay male and invite the Washington DC Gay Men’s Chorus a cappella group, not a pro hockey game.’ Potomac Fever, to participate. The first half of the concert featured each chorus performing individually. The By PETER AYMONIN South Beach Gay Men’s Chorus, directed by Christopher Rieder, set the tone for the MIKE MEINERS HAD BEEN TRYING FOR evening with the song “Children Listen,” years to get his father to go to a concert by a lyrical admonition that little ones learn the Ft. Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus. But from adults how to love or how to hate. it wasn’t until Meiners’ partner of seven The boys from South Beach then gave a years, Darryl Painter, debuted with the cho- whole new meaning to ABBA’s “Dancing rus that Meiners was able to persuade his Queen. This feel-good disco anthem light- dad and aunt to join him. ened up the repertoire and gave audience The three sat in the pews at Sunshine members their first taste of what makes Cathedral Feb. 21 at the second annual gay choral concerts great fun. Florida Choral Festival, which included Jeff Buhrman, the director from members of Washington DC Gay Men’s Washington DC, conducted the second A gay old time was had by all at the second annual Florida Choral Festival. (Photo by Bill Fleck) Chorus and the South Beach Gay Men’s half of the concert, in which the three Chorus, as well as the Ft. Lauderdale Gay groups united in song. And Potomac Composer Fred Small was inspired to ing a vital portion of American society. Men’s Chorus. Fever took the audience by storm with write the lullaby for the infant child of At one point, uproarious applause and And what did Meiners’ dad think of their a cappella performance, including lesbian friends. whistles erupted from the audience when the concert? some wry humor that intertwined two One of the highlights of the concert was a white fancy wedding umbrella opened in “Well, he was very accepting and fine camp classics in a clever narrative twist, when the full choral ensemble challenged the top row on stage, displaying a “Just during the performance, but afterwards, which had the protagonist heading America to accept homosexuals, with the Married” inscription. It inspired a two- he was like, ‘That was really gay,’” “Downtown” to get over Johnny’s betrayal song “Color Out Of Colorado,” from the minute standing ovation. Meiners laughed. “But it’s a gay men’s in “It’s My Party”. musical “When Pigs Fly.” The premise for “I thought it was a nice statement con- chorus. It’s not like you’re going to a pro- Coconut Creek resident Miguel Ubidia the number is that you cannot take homo- sidering the events of the last couple of fessional hockey game.” said it was his first time attending a per- sexuals out of American life and still have weeks,” Meiners said. The Florida Choral Festival is the formance by the Ft. Lauderdale Gay Men’s anything that resembles the United States Though Meiners thoroughly enjoyed brainchild of Todd Wiley, artistic director Chorus. of America. The opening chords call to the concert — particularly for the chance of the Ft. Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus. “It was like, wow, cool,” Ubidia said. mind “America The Beautiful” while the to see his partner perform for the first While last year’s festival featured four He was particularly moved by the story devilish lyrics utilize sidesplitting humor time — he did agree with his dad:” It was South Florida gay and gay-friendly cho- behind the song, “Everything Possible.” to address the ridiculousness of eliminat- the gayest thing I’ve ever seen.” Because Pets Are Family Too DOES YOUR FAMILY NEED Offering a full array of veterinary services including: A MORTGAGE? 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2654 N. ANDREWS AVENUE #2 • WILTON MANORS, FL 33311 36 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 www.expressgaynews.com EXPRESS GAY NEWS extra cover story Film festival to be a featured aspect of Fun Under the Sun FUN UNDER THE SUN, continued from Page 25 on the beach on Sunday,” Kenny said. fourth year. In addition to partnering with “Especially in today’s political climate, Fun Under the Sun, Art Explosion has a All the films in the three-day fest will be this is the first sanctioned event, with city change of venue this year, and will bring the held at Cinema Paradiso in downtown Fort permits and everything, for an event on event to Wilton Manors’ Hagen Park, where Lauderdale. There is a good mix of docu- the beach, right in the heart of Fort tents will be erected to house the art. mentaries, feature films and shorts — Lauderdale, where we’re celebrating our Art Explosion is regarded as the most nearly 20 films in all. gay and lesbian residents and businesses. popular one-night art event in South Kenny sees a real opportunity for the That’s a really fun and positive thing.” Florida, and has developed quite a reputa- Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Revelers and beach lovers will party to tion.. “I have more artists than ever before Festival to grow and expand. “I’d love to see the sounds of DJ Roland Belmares from who recognize the name,” he said. “They the film festival become a major, renowned noon to 6 p.m. on March 6. Tickets are $20. know all about us.” In addition to the visu- gay and lesbian film festival,” he said. “I’m excited that Fort Lauderdale is get- al artists, Art Explosion will feature book ting a gay-themed beach party. I think signings, poetry, music dance, and live the- that’s a significant breakthrough and a atre, and will include performances by the Patti Lupone remarkable accomplishment,” Phelps said. City Theatre, Sister Speak and Lambda One of the jewels in the crown of Fun Broadway star Patti Lupone will perform a concert Chorale. The artwork will remain on dis- Under the Sun is a private concert with Saturday, March 6, at a private residence during Fun play at Hagen Park through March 12. Broadway star Patti Lupone. Under the Sun. Art Explosion Yoculan is pleased that ArtsUnited’s part- “The Patti Lupone event will be very spe- Chris Yoculan is the kind of person the nership with the Gay Business Alliance and cial,” Kenny said. “It’s at a private home, “Life Goes On” and last winter played a Gay Business Alliance would like to attract that Art Explosion is part of the Fun Under it’s intimate from the perspective of the prison librarian in the HBO series “Oz.” with Fun Under the Sun: A cultural tourist the Sun event. “We are able to help the tourism performer, and it’s not often that 300 people “I hope that with Patti Lupone we get who’s attracted to the arts and the beaches aspect of the city and really show that the have a renowned Broadway caliber singer the recognition of having top-drawer of South Florida. “That’s what brought me activities we were providing actually make a do a full performance just for them.” entertainment,” Kenny said. here,” Yoculan said. “I used to come here difference in the economy,” Yoculan said. Guests will enjoy dining and drinking The Patti Lupone private concert will be for holidays and I’d go to Miami and Fort Admission to Art Explosion is by $10 at a private Fort Lauderdale home, where held Saturday, March 6, at 7 p.m. It is Lauderdale. It was the art deco and design donation to ArtsUnited, or $5 for ArtsUnited Lupone will perform a concert. Tickets to included in the $300 VIP Fun Under the Sun that I’d go to Miami for, not the nightlife. Members. Drinks and desserts will be this event are limited. pass. Individual concert tickets are $125. Fort Lauderdale has a great museum.” served. For more information, call 954-530- Lupone originated the role of Evita on After he moved to South Florida from the 2723 or go to www.artsunitedonline.org. Broadway,and won the Tony that year. She Midwest, Yoculan quickly became a leader in “With the organizations coming in, it’s originated the role of Fantine in “Les Beach Party the local arts scene. For years he has been really become ArtsUnited,” Yoculan said. Miserables” as well as the role of Norma Fun Under the Sun will also feature a giant one of the driving forces of ArtsUnited, an “That’s what Art Explosion was supposed Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard,” both in beach party, the first event of its kind geared organization dedicated to developing and to be about — all the arts, all the attributes London. Besides her many stage appear- toward the gay and lesbian community. showcasing gay and lesbian artists. Their within the gay community coming togeth- ances, Lupone starred in the ABC show “You can’t under-appreciate the dance signature event, Art Explosion, is now in its er in one evening.” EXPRESS GAY NEWS www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27, 2004 37 38 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 www.expressgaynews.com EXPRESS GAY NEWS television BRIAN MOYLAN Sci-Fi Channel’s ‘Mad, Mad House’ opts to focus on silly reality show conventions rather than genuine human interaction. When cultures clash WE’VE ALL BEEN “THE GAY PERSON” at a dinner party. You might have been the only openly gay employee at the company picnic, a family reunion or a cocktail party. But at one time or another, you’ve probably been in the awkward position of having to speak for an entire population of people with whom you identify. Invariably, there is some person who lacks knowledge of our existence — your boss’s brother, your best friend’s date or just some rube who is crashing the latest glam event you’ve been invited to — and he wants to ask all sorts of questions about what it’s like to be gay. It’s hard to be the first gay person who someone has met, answering questions such as, “When did you know?” or “What do you do?” The five ‘Alts’ on ‘Mad, Mad House,’ a weak reality When placed in that situation, there TV show, (clockwise from left): Art the modern are three choices. Be nice and answer all primitive, Don the vampire, Ta’shia the lesbian the questions and hope that it will foster Voodoo priestess, Avocado the naturist, and Fiona some kernel of acceptance for gay people the witch. (Photo courtesy of Sci-Fi Channel) the world over. Dismiss the questioner and be the snide, catty queen that the makes me different from the majority in media so love to portray (see Jack from society definitely breeds a “live and let “Will & Grace” or Carson Kressley of Fab live” attitude. If someone wants to pierce 5 fame), and leave another potential bigot and tattoo their body, drink blood, run in the wake. around naked, cast spells or worship Lastly, you can just vote him out of the African ancestral spirits, that’s fine with party and crush his hopes to win $100,000. me — as long as no one gets hurt. Well, the last one is only a choice if But the mainstream contestants have you’re one of the “Alts” on the new Sci-Fi much more difficulty with their hosts, Channel reality show “Mad, Mad World,” and were probably cast as such. They are, which debuts Thursday, March 4 at 9 p.m. essentially, that eagerly inquisitive, naïve On the show, five people with “alterna- person at the party, and, as such, annoy- tive” lifestyles — hence the name ingly persistent in their ideals. Having “Alts” — run a house with 10 been so comfortable living in middle contestants — all conservatives and most- America, whether that be in New York ly staunch Christians, vying to win a City or Davenport, Iowa, they aren’t $100,000 prize. The five are Art, a modern quick to accept others’ differences. primitive covered in tribal tattoos and There should be enough drama body piercings; Avocado, a naturist; Don, between the “Alts” and the contestants, a vampire; Fiona, a witch; and Ta’Shia, a but, instead, “Mad, Mad House” has lesbian Voodoo priestess. decided to go the reality game show route, These “Alts” teach the contestants where contestants engage in silly games about their ways, religions and rituals to stay on the show. and make them play little games based on In the first episode, they have to their respective dogmas. (Ironicially, dredge around looking for items in a Ta’Shia’s lesbianism is a non-issue.) In “blood bath,” inspired by Don the vam- classic reality show style, at the end of pire. It’s these hokey games and focus on each episode, they vote off the one person the players’ “strategy” that hold the who is least accepting of their way of life. show back. More interesting was everyone’s reac- AS A GAY MAN WATCHING THE SHOW, tion to Ta’Shia’s Voodoo ceremony. Not I definitely empathized more with the only did it teach the audience about a dif- “Alts” than with the contestants. ferent religion (which is more innocuous Embracing something about myself that than it is usually portrayed in popular media) but showed how people confront situations that make them uncomfortable. With more of this type of interaction, i MORE INFO “Mad, Mad House” might be a property ‘Mad, Mad House’ worth looking into, but by focusing Sci-Fi Channel instead on silly games, it proves it’s a Thursdays at 9 p.m. show that can’t pay the rent. EXPRESS GAY NEWS www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27, 2004 39 television MARY DAMIANO Even with the dirt and blood and gore — or perhaps even because of it — “The Passion of the Christ” is a beautifully done film whether you’re Christian or not. The Passion of Mel Gibson I’m no theologian, but as I was watching Mel Gibson’s con- troversial new film, “The Passion of the Christ”, I kept thinking: What’s all the fuss about? Gibson has been accused of creating a film that promotes anti-Semitism. People say it’s too bloody. Others say Gibson has allowed his personal reli- gious beliefs to overtake the film and that it ignores sensitive issues. Gibson is no stranger to con- troversy. He’s raised the ire of the gay community several times over the years. And yet he’s also tried to make good, as with the seminar for gay and lesbian filmmakers he hosted back in 1997. Now Gibson is at it again, angering religious groups for his depiction of the last 12 hours of Jesus’ life. The thing about “The Passion of the Christ” is that while it doesn’t tell us anything we don’t already know, it does tell that story in a new, detailed way. This is not a pretty movie. It’s a dirty, gritty movie: The beatings that Jesus submits to are savage. He Jim Caviezel, portrays Jesus Christ in the blood and guts film is caned and beaten with a ‘The Passion of the Christ.’ (Photo by Philippe Antonello/ knout, an instrument designed Marquis Films Ltd.) to tear flesh. A crown of thorns is pounded into his head. As he carries a dejected prisoner and also save his own the heavy wooden cross through the butt. He is utterly riveting. streets, he is whipped and beaten and Maia Morgenstern is mesmerizing as jeered by Roman soldiers when he stum- Mary. She breaks down the situation into bles. It’s agonizing to watch him being its simplest form: Here is a mother who nailed to the cross and then dropped and must find a way to allow her son to do lifted into place. what he has to do, even if that means But it’s this attention to detail that watching him and helping him die. makes you feel like you’re right there. Morgenstern does this so beautifully that You can all but taste the dust and grime at times “The Passion of the Christ” and blood becomes her story. Even with the dirt and blood and As Jesus, Jim Caveizal has the tough gore — perhaps because of it — “The task of creating a character about whom Passion of the Christ” is a beautifully everyone already has strong ideas. He done film. It’s poetic and lyrical and does a fine job, in both the body of the deeply intimate. The score, by John film as well as the flashbacks, and human- Debney, is haunting and effective. Gibson izes this iconic figure. poured his soul into this film, and it Gibson has said that he decided to make shows in every frame. “The Passion of the Christ” when he was “The Passion of the Christ” is done in at a desperate point in his life, when he Aramaic and Latin, with English subti- didn’t want to live and he didn’t want to tles. All of the actors had to learn their die. “The Passion of the Christ” is clearly lines in another language and then still be cathartic for the devoutly Catholic Gibson, able to convey them with emotion. and the movie seems as if it was a person- One of the most interesting characters al journey for the filmmaker. By the time is Pontius Pilate, played by Hristo Shopov. the movie is over, you feel a connection He portrays Pilate as a fair and deeply with the filmmaker as well as the charac- conflicted man who struggles to a find a ter, and you feel as if you’ve gone through solution that will satisfy two angry mobs, the journey with them both. 40 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 www.expressgaynews.com EXPRESS GAY NEWS

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SOME LANDLORDS DON'T CARE IF interiors DAMON LEE FOWLER you paint as long as the walls are white when you leave. If that's your situation, Even if white is a designer's trick, or you are the kind of person who tires of colors easily and are likely to want to redo a room often, stay away from deep sometimes color is the only way tones. The deeper the color, the more coats it requires when putting it on and, later, to spruce up long winter doldrums when covering it up — especially if the under-paint or repaint is white or pastel. Often a softer hue provides the same enriching effect without the added labor. When choosing a color for a room, take Color me — please! several considerations beyond which color is your "favorite." A YEAR HAS PASSED SINCE WE MOVED the walls and floor before it starts look- It will need to match fabrics and paint- into our white-by-mandate apartment, and ing like a museum shop. ed furniture that you can't, or don't want after all the brave things I wrote about liv- to, refinish. And it should also evoke the ing with white, here's how it feels a year WHAT'S WORSE, WHITE WALLS mood you want to create. later: boring as a tiddly-winks tournament. showcase every flaw — from dirt, This explanation is simplistic, but all I hate it, and honestly, I always have. scratches, scuffs and water stains to colors mix from a basic triad of primaries: Frankly, the only all-white decor that splinters, dents and nail-holes. blue, yellow and red. ever completely satisfied me was the So what if white creates interesting It's important to keep the properties of first morning of a new snowfall. shadow patterns and brightens dark cor- those colors in mind. Generally,blue and Even as a young architect enamored ners. So does a good color. blue-yellow mixes (greens) are cooling and by Richard Meier's compositions of stark I'm to the point of painting something soothing. Yellows, reds and red mixes white walls and enameled ship's railings, tomato red or forest green — even tan warm and excite. my designs were rich with contrasting would suit — just to get some life in here. I There are exceptions: There's nothing planes of bold color, and those ship's almost don't care how many coats of paint cool or calm about lime green — I don't railings were often chrome yellow, scar- it'll take to cover it up when we move out. care how fashionable it is — and yet let red or cobalt blue. Paint is a cheap, easy way to transform a some red-blue mixes (violets and pur- As for my present home, we did all room, covering flaws, giving substance to ples) often do the job despite the red the tricks. The walls are covered with washed out, over-lit rooms or brightness to base. artwork. dull, dark ones. Many deep reds are as enveloping and The beige carpet is scattered with It also unifies, pulling all the furnishings calming as a down comforter on a mid- bright rugs, and a bright red corner cup- together and helping spaces that open into winter evening, and soft yellows simulta- board brightens the stair landing. one another flow without seeming like one neously soften and cool. Another scarlet chest warms the bed- big chopped-up room. Browns and grays are a mix of all room. Upholstery, bed linens and towels If you live in a rental unit where three basics together, which is why they are all deep-toned, and there's not a stick painting is prohibited like me, you not only go with just about anything but of white or beige furniture to be found. will just have to put up with white for also cover the full mood spectrum. All those efforts help, but nothing now. But if painting is allowed (or you completely masks the cold reality that is own the place), here are some LIVE WITH A COLOR BEFORE YOU the walls: white, white and more white. thoughts on how to get the most from commit. Get as large a swatch as possible, There's just so much you can scatter over color. and lay it against the furniture. Pin it to a wall that gets varying light and observe how it changes throughout the day and evening under the light conditions the room offers. Don't overlook the possibilities of accent colors. All four walls don't necessar- ily need to be the same. Accent walls can visually enlarge small rooms, and patterns reduce big rooms to a more intimate scale. Finally,choose the right finish. Flat paint can be the least expensive and the most for- giving of flawed surfaces. But unfortunately, it isn't washable and mars easily.Use flat paint only on well-protected walls. High-gloss is easy maintenance and very touchable — ideal for doors, win- dow frames and moldings. But it shows every flaw in the surface and sometimes brightens colors in a way you may not want. Eggshell, satin and semi-gloss provide smooth, low-sheen surfaces that are wash- able, forgiving of flaws, and highly touch- Using colors from the red, orange and yellow spectrums warms a room and makes it more inviting. able — the ideal all-purpose surface paint. 42 FEBRUARY 27, 2004 www.expressgaynews.com EXPRESS GAY NEWS

Q Puzzle REAL ESTATE SERVICES COMMERCIAL / SALE DARRIN SPARDELLO COMMUNITY REAL ESTATE Palm WILTON MANORS CAFE Established 40 year business. Steady Beach/WPB/Lake Worth. (561) 262-4780. built in gay Clientele. Fully Staffed. $90,000+ yearly sales. Priced [email protected]. under market value at $44,900. Bob at ReMax (954) 396-5990. EASTSIDE PROPERTIESTony Naples, Broker/Owner.Fort Laud- erdale. (954) 562-6355. [email protected] QUEEREYEHOMES.COM The complete Gay Guide to Real Es- RENT / FT. LAUDERDALE tate in Ft Lauderdale & South Florida. Search homes, rentals & classifieds. DOWNTOWN HOLLYWOOD 1/1 NEWLY remodeled. Big cor- ner lot,W/D. No pets. Single male/or couple. $850/mo + dep (954) 649-5680.

SALE / FT. LAUDERDALE VICTORIA PARK Need room for friends or guests? Fully FT LAUDERDALE 2 BR, 2 BA mobile home, oversized lot on lake, furn 2 BR, 2 BA Guesthouse, close to Las Olas & Beaches. Priv east of I-95. New tiled kit & LR. New AC,W/D, DW & satellite dish. yard & Prkg. Shared small pool. Pets OK. Call for avail & rates Age 40+ Asking $39,900. Call (954) 728-8424. (305) 296-7744. CHARM IN WILTON MANORS 2 BR, 1 BA corner, 1st fl, yard fenced, community pool. Small pets OK. Stylishly updated w/ WILTON MANORS 2/1.5 remodeled, charming TH. New kit & stainless appliances, laminate flrs, great colours! Small gated BA, new Mexican tile, D/W, micro. Walking distance to Georgies. complex in the heart of it all. Asking $135,000. Kevin Enright, (954) 205-1959. Coldwell Banker (954) 649-3878. EAST FT LAUDERDALE 2/2, East/Central Ft Lauderdale. Newly re-built in 2000. Community pool, corner unit, 1st fl. Cats OK.Ask- ing $151,900. Kevin Enright, Coldwell Banker (954) 649-3878. RENT / ELSEWHERE SECLUDED CLIFF LAKE 2 BR, 2 BA Totally Remodeled “Coun- FT LAUDERDALE BEACH Fully furn condo on beach, jacuzzi, try Setting” in middle of Ft Lauderdale.Waterfront Pool Home, Fpl, tennis, sauna, pool. $1,300/mo. Eric Hammonds Reality, Inc (954) Priv corner Lot. LOCATION! 1 traffic light to downtown at US1 & 568-0300, ext 105. Broward Blvd. 4 min to Beach, & 7 min to Airport. $549,000 By Owner.Anita (954) 524-3560. FT LAUDERDALE TOWNHOUSE 2 BR, 1.5 BA, gated com- SHORE CLUB / SOUTH BLDG 2 BR, 2 BA, 1,700 sq ft corner munity, fenced backyard, W/D, DW, CAC, pool, tennis. Pets OK. 10th Fl. Panoramic Ocean & cityviews, w/ beachside pool & rec. $1,050/mo. (954) 663-8083. Underground + abundant guest prkg, semiprivate elevator. Super FT LAUDERDALE 3 BR, 2 BA, separate dining area, CAC, D/W, buy, ready for your personal touch. $429K. Cell (206) 650-3590 WD, marble BA, jacuzzi, priv BBQ area. Lrg pool w/ deck. On-site or (954) 564-1814. [email protected] manager. Small 13-unit “Melrose-Place” style bldg. Near Wilton WEST PALM BEACH 2-story, 3/2, 1-car garage, completely re- Manors in Middle River Terrace. F/L/S. $1,095/mo. Call Charlie @ modeled, located east of I-95 & off Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Re- -954) 523-6274 or Gene (561) 376-4485. duced to $119,000. Betty Fay Scherer Realty, (561) 667-1659. HALLANDALE DELUXE 1 BR, 1.5 BA unfurn garden apt. $625/mo. Yearly lease. 815 SE 2nd Ave. (954) 458-5909. HOLLYWOOD OCEAN ACCESS 4 BR, 2 BA. Spa, lrg kit, could SALE / MIAMI be 3/1 w/ 1/1 effic. Great location, bring boat. $1,550/mo. IPS Re- ality (954) 662-1532. MIAMI BEACH 4 BR, 3.5 BA classic Mediterannean. Fpl, hdwd “Queer I” flrs, walk to beach.A1 location. Must See for sale by Owner. (305) LAKERIDGE / NEWLY REMODELED 1/1, tile throughout, new 532-7182. fans, new kit. $750/mo. F/L/S. (954) 873-3117. Across 48. George of “The Gay 12. Scarlett’s plantation 1. Abercrombie & Fitch Sisters” 13. Sappho’s H’s event 50. Would-be master’s test 18. Org. for Napoleon and 5. Madonna’s “Truth or 51. Nice buns, e.g.? Illya ___” 54. 1952 Olympics site 22. Kressley of “Queer Eye” 9. Imitate Brian Orser where Dick Button won 23. Two queens, e.g. 14. Singer Fure gold 25. Sword handle 15. Lena of “Queen of the 56. Part of PMS 26. Smith of many Damned” 59. Industry in Tammy Mapplethorpe photos 16. Solid gold measure Baldwin’s state 27. Uranian, for example 17. “Queer I” of playwrights 60. “Queer I” of novelists 28. Ask from one’s knees Albert 62. No longer lying with 30. Come to mind 19. “Queer I” of Samurai one’s partner 31. Homophobia and tales 63. “Better ___ Chocolate” intolerance 20. Poet McKuen 64. “Baby Doll” band 32. Cartoonist DiMassa 21. Team in “A League of 65. Flat tops 34. Bones in the back Their Own” 66. Express love manually, 35. “Queer I” of acting 22. Diva Maria perhaps 39 Like some meat 23. Equipment at a David 67. Martina won the French 40. Club head? Bohnett Cyber Center one in 1984 42. Saint Sebastian and 24. She had her hand up others Lamb Chop Down 44. Billy Bean boo-boo 26. Like Alexander Pope? 1. Direction from Rick 46. Peninsula where the rain 29. “Queer I” of feminism Rodgers falls mainly on the plain You’re Not 33. Parents and friends in 2. River near 49. Big Lovely singer PFLAG, e.g. Michelangelo’s David 50. Burke of baseball In Kansas 35. Rick’s old flame 3. Give for a while 51. Steve’s partner Anymore! 36. Colette’s king 4. Announcement from the 52. You lick it and stick it in 37. Supporter of two plastic cockpit 53. Poses for Bruce Weber This is the end of grooms 5. Day of many Hudson 55. Have sex a la Austin your rainbow, and the time 38. Philosopher of Athens flicks Powers to buy is NOW! 40. Gershon of “Bound” 6. “Six Feet Under” creator 56. 411 Low Interest Rates... 41. Bag opening? Ball 57. Albert, to Nathan Hot Market... 42. Bearing 7. Circumcision and more 58. Barbara of “I Dream of Rising Prices... 43. Basketball’s Mariah 8. Bowie collaborator Jeannie” Buying or Selling Burton ___ 9. Many a place near Aspen 60. “___ De-Lovely” 45. “Queer I” of art Robert 10. “Nymphs of the Valley” 61. British TV doctor CALL Fred Reissner 47. Witherspoon of “Legally writer Gibran Let’s Go House Hunting! Blonde 2” 11. Kazakhstan sea 954-661-5316 www.FredReissner-Realtor.com Answers on page 44 2810 E Oakland Park Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306 EXPRESS SOUTH FLORIDA www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27, 2004 43 CLASSIFIEDS

PATTERSON PARK 3/1.5, tiled floors & new roof, W/D, DW, WILTON MANORS 2/2, cottage in quiet complex close to Alibi, CAC. Fenced back yard. Eric Hammonds Reality, Inc (954) 568- CAC, W/D on premises, tropically landscaped courtyard. $850/mo 0300, ext 105. + sec. Call (954) 650-3340. WILTON MANORS 2/2.5, newer TH, flex move in, new appli- RENT / COMMERCIAL WANTED TO SHARE POINTSETTIA LANDINGS 1 & 2 BR apt in Pointsettia Heights, ances,W/D, CAC. Eric Hammonds Reality, Inc (954) 568-0300, ext $650 & $825. New tile, water incl. Laundry rm, pool, F/S. Please 105. call anytime (954) 649-8295. FT LAUDERDALE US1 & OAKLAND. 350-750 sg ft avail. Make LOOKING FOR QUIET, responsible Nova Scotia couple. Look- WILTON MANORS 3/2.5 TH, Micro, W/D, DW, CAC, canal wa- your own deal. 1-mo free rent. Owner/agent. (954) 401-2288. ing for house/condo to share Dec-Mar 04-05. Possibility of a shar- WILTON MANORS & VICTORIA PARK 1/1 avail in both terfront. Eric Hammonds Reality, Inc (954) 568-0300, ext 105. ing beautiful, spacious seaside NS home. (954) 698-0989. neighborhoods. Small bldg, coin-op laundry, small pets OK, lrg WILTON MANORS 2/2, updated, tiled flrs, DW, CAC, pool. Pets walk-in closet. $650/mo. F/S reqd. (954) 649-3878. OK. Eric Hammonds Reality, Inc (954) 568-0300, ext 105. WILTON MANOR AREA/GAY COMPLEX. 1/1 tropical, WILTON MANORS 2/2 duplex, near GLCC, newer appliances, priv, new appl, tile & wd flrs, close to everything, pets W/D, lrg LR. Eric Hammonds Reality, Inc (954) 568-0300, ext 105. RENT / FURNISHED HOUSING ANNOUNCEMENTS OK. $575/mo. F/S. Richard (954) 655-3550. WILTON MANORS WATERFRONT APTS - 1 & 2 BR, up 2 months free. Features incl CAC, newly remodeled, tile, carpet, FT LAUDERDALE BEACH 2/2 Fully furn/unfurn PH, 5th flr, 360 WILTON MANORS TOWNHOUSE 2 BR, 2.5 BA, newer ap- DO YOU KNOW TINA? Gay & bisexual men talk about your D/W, pool, laundry facil on prop. Cats OK. Prices starting at degree view from 3 balcs. Heated pool. $1,250/mo. $600 sec pliances, heated pool in complex,W/D, walk to Shoppes of Wilton $717/mo w/ rental promo & good credit. Coral Ridge & Imperial Crystal Meth experiences for a new study. Confidential. Earn $30. Manors. No pets. $1,295/mo. F/L/S (954) 396-8998. Pt, Laud by Sea also avail. Call Lee to see (954) 868-0528. depo. (954) 629-5754. Call (305) 529-1911. University of Delaware.

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TO THE THIEF WHO PRETENDED to be interested in me, but turned out to be interested in my wallet: You may have gotten away with my cash, but you can’t get away from karma. You may have stolen my credit cards, but you haven’t stolen my ability to trust. EXPRESS GAY NEWS FEBRUARY 27, 2004 PAGE 45

I WISH MY HAIR WAS PERFECT. I wish my body was perfect. I wish WHY IS THIS LESBIAN ONLY WHY MUST MOST GAY MEN SEE my clothes were perfect. I wish my attracted to straight women? sex as necessarily a dominant-sub- job and my car and my house were Because they’re feminine. Are missive thing? Be secure enough perfect. Then I, too, could be gay.Oh there any femmes in this town? just to enjoy its pleasures without wait — I am gay! Thank God every- the B.S. thing I have is imperfect because IF YOU’RE IN A MALE-FOR-MALE who would want to be like all you chatroom and you describe yourself HOW IS GAY MARRIAGE A boring perfect people. as “srt8,” that lets me know upfront devaluing of marriage? Every that you are anything but. time George Bush speaks, I wonder YOU SAY YOU ARE EMBARRASSED how it is exactly that he came to be to be seen with me because you are WHY IS IT THAT AMERICA IS SO in office. white and I am not. You were certain- upset with Janet Jackson flashing ly not embarrassed when I had my one breast for half a second, yet has ENOUGH WITH THE SHAVED Latino burrito stuffed hilt deep in you. nothing to say about the endless pubic hair. When did it become tampon and feminine hygiene com- sexy for a grown man to have a WHY IS IT SO WRONG THAT MY mercials that come on TV when I Hitler moustache like a Playboy partner and I are 20 years apart in am eating my dinner? playmate? age and very happy? It’s an equal relationship. You can make more friends in two minutes MAYBE IF YOU GUYS WENT SOME place other than the bar or the gym, you’d discover a whole new world of by just being interested in other friendly, datable guys out there. Oh wait, then you might miss out on some people than you can in two years by trying meaningless, casual sex. Never mind!

WHEN I AM AT WORK AND YOU to get other people interested in you. see me busy serving five customers without an attitude, the last thing I want to hear from your non-tip- TO SAY “YOU’RE HOT FOR A IF I DATE A MAN OF ANOTHER ping, boney ass is “smile.” black guy” or “I’m not normally race and have problems in the rela- attracted to black guys but…” is not tionship, it’s not because he’s one PLEASE DON’T TELL ME THAT a compliment. What’s the deal with of “them,” it’s just because he’s an gorgeous bartender at my favorite race? We are all the same race — asshole. gay bar is straight, like everyone the human one. says he is. Because he is my ulti- I’M LIVING IN THE SUBURBS mate fantasy and that would be a STARING AT ME, FOLLOWING ME with my partner, a lawnmower and major disappointment. around or trying to grope or touch a mortgage. How come nothing in me as I walk by does less to get my the gay media is even remotely rel- I DO NOT CARE HOW MUCH YOU attention than if you just said hello. evant to me? say you love me. After almost one year, how much of your lies, going DO THE NAKED FAT MEN WHO YOU SNUB ME IN FRONT OF YOUR back on your word and threats did rub and play with themselves in the “friends” on the dance floor all you think I would take? Have a gym sauna really think that’s hot? night just for smiling at you, but nice life! Perhaps if they spent that time actu- when I go home (alone) I find a mes- ally working out, they could get more sage from you on the sex hunt site I’M 55 AND LIVED THE OPENLY of the attention they crave so much. telling me you think I’m hot and gay lifestyle all of my life, even in asking to hook up. Does that mean the army. I had such a great time IF YOU WANT “NICE AND SWEET,” I’m hot enough to do as long no one driving a tank and being a military call Ben and Jerry. If you want sees you talking to me? policeman. My question is, what is something different, ask and you with gay Republicans? All of the may get my number. ones I know are so full of self- hatred. Tell your parents that you I NEED SOMEONE TO EXPLAIN Got a are gay already, even if it means this new, “I’m not gay, but I sleep you’ll “turn” Democrat! with guys” thing. Is there some kind of night class or something bitch? ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN that you have to sign up for? Heritage Dictionary, a jock is a CALL “male athlete especially in college.” HOW ABOUT LESS TIME IN Do not call yourself a jock if you go front of the mirror and more time 1-800-858-8088 to the gym three times a week, look cultivating a mind and soul? Yes, it or e-mail: like a toothpick or a big whale, do does require an effort. Narcissism [email protected] not play any sports and are over 25. is overdone. eclipse2 FEBRUARY 27 • www.expressgaynews.com FEBRUARY 27 • www.expressgaynews.com eclipse3 escorts

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