local name Palm Beach global coverage Edition january 30, 2019 vol. 10 // issue 5
The Life and Legacy of LaLa Begins on page 28 Ten years ago, Michael Brown, a beloved bar manager and activist was murdered. Even though his life was cut short, his spirit lives on through friends, H.G. Roosters and Compass.
Michael Brown and Jerry Suarez.
SouthFloridaGayNews @SFGN SFGN.com NEWS highlight SouthFloridaGayNews.com
@SFGN January 30, 2019 • Volume 10 • Issue 5 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Scruff Bans Kissing in Profile Photos Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943 Publisher • Norm Kent The gay app also now blocks hugging and skimpy bathing suits [email protected] Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli [email protected] Screenshot via @Pup_Amp, Twitter. Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Nick Adkins Jason Parsley [email protected] Editorial he gay dating phone app Scruff has Art Director • Brendon Lies [email protected] updated its profile photo policies to ban Digital Content Director • Justin Musial Tkissing, hugging or “facial expressions [email protected] related to sexual acts.” Copyeditor • Kerri Covington “Profile photo guidelines are changing,” an Arts/Entertainment Editor • JW Arnold [email protected] alert on the app said Wednesday. “To comply Social Media Manager • Tucker Berardi with platform policies, photos in underwear, [email protected] jockstraps or bikini style bathing suits are no Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin Gazette News Editor • Sallie James longer permitted in profile photos.” HIV Editor • Sean McShee The update will affect public profile photos Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis so that pictures with the crotch area outlined [email protected] will not be allowed. No hinting at dick. Senior Features Correspondents In a section of the guidelines titled Jesse Monteagudo “SEXUAL,” the new policies read, “No photos Correspondents Dori Zinn • Donald Cavanaugh • Christiana Lilly • of kissing, hugging or facial expressions Denise Royal • David-Elijah Nahmod related to sexual acts.” Contributing Columnists Users shared screenshots of the alert on Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily • Terri Schlichenmeyer Twitter almost immediately. Associate Photographers “Craigslist. Backpage. Tumblr. Now even Carina Mask • Steven Shires @ScruffApp, a gay dating app you have to be In Memorium of consenting age to use, is censoring how Pompano Bill, 1924 - 2018 users can post photos,” Amp Somers, host of Sales & Marketing a gay sex education YouTube channel, wrote For ad placement in SFGN, with his screenshot. contact 954-530-4970 In the tweet, Somers hashtagged SESTA online publishers legally responsible for “Our policy is not related to FOSTA/ Sales Manager • Justin Wyse and FOSTA, laws intended to crack down their users posting ads for prostitution — SESTA [and] our change is meant to align our [email protected] on internet sex trafficking. The bills make including consensual sex work — on their content standards with the evolving content Senior Advertising Associate • Edwin Neimann platforms. standards of our app store distributors,” [email protected] Senior Advertising Associate • Clark Rogers Shortly after the bill passed Craiglist Silverberg said. [email protected] dropped personal ads. This November, Apple Silverberg went on to say that Scruff Advertising Sales Associate • Anthony Pennetti “Now even @ScruffApp, banned Tumblr from its online store. profiles represent one individual (or [email protected] a gay dating app Tumblr responded by removing all adult couples), and the public profile image should Office Assistant • Nick Adkins content from its site on Dec. 17, International give an indication of, or information about, Distribution Services • Rocky Bowell, Lee Curtis you have to be of Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. the person behind the profile. Sales Consultant • Charles A. Reid Facebook also revised its community Likewise, “general, public profile photos National Advertising consenting age to use, is guidelines, banning any adult material when that specifically depict kissing, hugging or Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 it is reported. sexualized facial expressions aren’t going to [email protected] censoring how users can The Scruff update alert was sent out achieve that goal as well as a face pic or body Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Printing by Sun Coast Press Wednesday after the companyMEMBER had been pic,” Silverberg explained. post photos.” contacted by app store distributors with a “To be clear, we also do not require a warning earlier this month, Scruff CEO Eric public profile photo, and many members - Amp Somers Silverberg told Out. Before, certain photos in (especially those who are not out) choose of @Pup_Amp, Twitter SFGNWinner underwear and jockstraps were allowed on to share photos directly in private chat,“ & 5 Florida Press Club Awards the app. Silverberg said. And runner-up for MEMBER NLGJA Journalist of the Year See our news in video Cover 1: Stephen Fallon. Photo via Latinos salud, Facebook. Cover 2: National LGBT groups throw South Florida LGBT activists and organizations under the bus. Photos via Facebook. South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions Online now! expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not Palm Beach Cover: Michael Brown and Jerry Suarez in South Africa in 1999 for a special display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Brown was represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not heavily involved in the Names Project and frequently traveled to display the quilt. presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including MEMBER articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at [email protected]. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the Associated Press suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright © 2019 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
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1.30.2019 • 3 LGBTQIA bites By Cameren Boatner Bisexual B I Intersex UK bisexual people find it hard Utah to ban intersex people from to come out at work correcting gender markers
While gay and lesbian individuals in director of Stonewall, said workers the United Kingdom don’t have much should learn to identify and discuss Utah lawmakers want to make it of ‘phobia’ or hate,” Rep. Merrill Nelson, trouble being out at work, bisexual tackling biphobia. impossible to change your gender on a a Republican, told the Tribune, “but people are finding it harder, according to “Certainly from our experience we birth certificate, the Advocate says. only by a desire to maintain the integrity Financial Times. find there’s a lot of anti-bi banter in some House Bill 153 would define gender as of the birth certificate and to provide LGBT organization Stonewall did a workplaces, a lot of stereotypes around “the innate and immutable characteristics clarity and consistency to an otherwise study on LGBT equality and acceptance bi people, so that makes it difficult for established at conception,” The Salt Lake ambiguous statute that has produced in the workplace and found that 90 them to be out at work. Banter can be Tribune reports. If the bill passes to law, conflicting results. ... A person’s sex is no percent of gay and lesbian workers seemingly harmless but it can have quite it would primarily affect intersex, gender more subject to change than a person’s say their workplace is inclusive. a significant impact,” Towers said. non-conforming, and trans individuals, age.” Comparatively, 69 percent of bisexual Stonewall also gave Citi bank a bi- but the lawmakers themselves are saying Nelson also said the bill is based on men, and 63 percent of bisexual women inclusion award, as they run sessions on it’s not motivated by prejudice. scientific fact that sex is chromosomal and said the same. Darren Towers, executive bisexual identity and issues. “This bill is not motivated by any form is not self-determined later in life.
4 • 1.30.2019 LGBTQIA bites T Transgender Transgender professor sues Arizona over discriminatory health plan
Dr. Russell Toomey. Photo via the University of Arizona.
A University of Arizona professor filed state employees and their dependents. a lawsuit against the state of Arizona That means hundreds, if not thousands, because the university doesn’t cover of transgender state employees or transition-related healthcare for its transgender dependents of state employees. employees cannot receive medically Dr. Russell Toomey is transgender, and necessary care recommended by their when he found Arizona’s insurance policy doctors, such as a mastectomy or a excludes transition-related coverage, he hysterectomy,” Toomey wrote. decided to sue over a violation of civil Toomey said he knows of at least 20 rights, according to his article in the ACLU. families at the University of Arizona who “Arizona provides the same are currently being harmed by the anti- discriminatory health plan to nearly all trans policy.
1.30.2019 • 5 NEWS online
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6 • 1.30.2019 NEWS national Tax Prep Have You in a Panic?
Jussie Smollett. Photo credit: Dominick D., via Flickr. ‘Empire’ Star Hospitalized After Homophobic and T TREECE FINANCIAL GROUP Racist Attack INC ‘This is MAGA Country,’ attackers scream at Jussie Smollett
TFG SFGN 1_4 ad tax seminar x4_OUTLINES.indd 1 1/25/19 11:18 AM Mariah Cooper Washington Blade
mpire” star Jussie Smollett was The letter, addressed to Smollett, spelled hospitalized in Chicago after out the words “You will die black f*g” in cut- “Esuffering a brutal homophobic and out letters. racist attack early Tuesday morning. The Chicago Police Department told E! TMZ reports Smollett landed in Chicago News they are currently investigating the from New York City late incident as a possible hate Monday night. Around 2 a.m. crime. on Tuesday morning, Smollett “We are “Overnight, the Chicago was walking out of sandwich taking this Police Department received a chain Subway when he was report of a possible racially- approached by two white men investigation charged assault and battery in ski masks. very seriously involving a cast member of the “Aren’t you that fa**ot television show Empire,” CPD ‘Empire’ n**?” the men and treating it Chief Spokesman Anthony allegedly yelled at Smollett. Gugliemi told E! News. The men proceeded to beat as a possible “Given the severity of the Smollett and fracture his rib. hate crime.” allegations, we are taking this They also put his neck in a investigation very seriously noose and poured bleach on - Anthony Gugliemi and treating it as a possible him yelling, “This is MAGA Chicago Police hate crime. Detectives are country.” Department Chief currently working to gather The suspects fled the scene Spokesman video, identify potential and Smollett was transported witnesses and establish an to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He was investigative timeline.” treated and discharged a few hours later. Smollett portrays gay musician Jamal ThatGrapeJuice.net reports that Smollett Lyon, the son of music mogul Lucious Lyon, had been the target of a homophobic and on the hit Fox series. Smollett publicly came racist threat sent to Fox Studios in Chicago a out as gay in a 2015 interview with Ellen few days before the physical attack. DeGeneres.
1.30.2019 • 7 news international By Cameren Boatner
around Exploring LGBT News Events Across the world the Globe Africa south america Angola legalizes Gay congressman flees Brazil gay sex over death threats Angola’s parliament voted to scrap the Jean Wyllys, Brazil’s first openly gay Jean Wyllys. provision in the penal code criminalizing congressman announced Thursday that “vices against nature,” which was believed he left his job, and fled the country after to ban gay sex, according to Human Rights receiving death threats. Watch. One of Wyllys’ representatives told They also decided in the Jan. 23 vote to Reuters that he would not be giving ban discrimination on the basis of sexual interviews or naming his location orientation. Though there were never for safety reasons. He received death any prosecutions, the colonial-era laws threats in the past, but Wyllys said justified discriminating against LGBT violence against LGBT people became people. more frequent after the election of “In casting aside this archaic and number of African countries have homophobic president Jair Bolsonaro. insidious relic of the colonial past, embraced, LGBT people are still met with This is what made him feel compelled to Angola has eschewed discrimination and hatred. A police officer in Nigeria told gay leave the country. embraced equality. The 69 other countries people to leave the country, or they would “It was not Bolsonaro’s election itself. around the world that still criminalize face prosecution. It was the level of violence that has consensual same-sex conduct should “If you’re homosexually inclined, increased since he was elected,” Wyllys follow its lead,” Human Rights Watch Nigeria is not a place for you,” Dolapo told Folha de Sao Paulo. said. Badmos wrote on her Instagram, Wyllys has plans to work in academia, returning home. He said he will do more Despite the changes, which a growing according to CNN. according to Folha, but does not plan on when the “new era” arrives. Middle east eastern europe
Egyptian journalist jailed for Chechen activists help interviewing gay men gay people flee persecution Mohamed al-Gheiti, a television anchor Mohamed al-Gheiti. Activists are helping gay people flee in Egypt, was arrested by authorities, and Chechnya amid arrests and killings on sentenced to a year in jail for promoting the basis of their sexual orientation. homosexuality and contempt of religion. According to LGBT Network, a rights He interviewed an openly gay man on his group, 40 people were detained and two show in August. were tortured to death. They believe this Human Rights Watch wrote an article is linked to the 2017 persecutions where condemning the Egyptian government dozens of gay men were kidnapped and for suppressing dialogues regarding tortured by Chechen authorities. LGBTQ issues, according to Gay Star Chechen officials have denied these News. They also allege the arrest was allegations, but also say homosexuality unconstitutional. doesn’t have a place in Chechnya and “This order violates the right to that there are no gay people living freedom of expression, protected in there. LGBT Network said the gay purge Egypt’s Constitution, the African Charter involves both men and women this time, on Human and People’s Rights, and the and acceptance,” the article said. according to ABC News. From the people International Covenant on Civil and Human Rights Watch also stated that they’ve helped escape, they gathered Political Rights. It closes space for LGBT al-Gheiti is seen as anti-LGBT, so their that people have been raped and beaten. Russia to “live up to its international rights advocacy and shuts discussions opinions aren’t personal, but situational. The U.S. State Department said the obligations [and] its own constitution.” which could contribute to understanding reports were credible, and called on
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1.30.2019 • 9 PALM BEACH county Compass’ business Nearly 250 Companies Now Belong group keeps growing to the Pride Business Alliance and expanding
Kristen Grau
early 250 Palm Beach County in Compass’ business directory. Their companies have joined Compass’ website lists 95 founding companies, and NPride Business Alliance since its PBA stands now at around 250 members, creation in 2005. Percival said. The business group has big plans for This year, Compass’ PBA will work with 2019 — from expanded victim services Palm Beach County Victim Services on opportunities, to additional bins hiring someone to oversee LGBT cases, showcasing its annual Pride Directory. according to Chief Development Officer “Our overall mission has not changed, Julia Murphy. The representative will also but our culture has changed a lot,” said focus on LGBT outreach and Development Coordinator community engagement. Adrienne Percival of “We are making sure Compass, the LGBT “We are our community feels safe,” community center of the Murphy said. Victim Services Natalie Kay Rhodes, Adrienne Percival and Tay Baebae at Sean Rush making Atelier Art Gallery in West Palm Beach. Photo via Compass, Facebook. Palm Beach County. will also be “training their According to Compass’ sure our staff” to work more with the site its mission is to LGBT community. automotive shop, while reflecting on its contribute to HIV/AIDS prevention and “provide the community community Another recent growth. Since then, it’s grown into “one of education. Member companies receive with a directory of gay feels safe.” development in PBA has the largest evening networking events” in basic HIV/AIDS training for employees and owned and gay friendly been its growing number Palm Beach County, she said. customers, free resources and publicity in businesses and resources, of distribution locations At the mixers, Percival has witnessed press releases. promote networking - Julia Murphy Chief Development for its Pride Directory. The everything from people landing jobs to So far nine business have signed up to within the existing gay officer, Palm Beach guide lists LGBT-friendly people buying their parents a home. participate in the partnership between and gay-friendly business County Victim Services businesses throughout the “[Compass] has a lot of great resources Compass and Florida’s Department of community [and] promote county. Now, the directory for the youth, but this is a great thing for Health. Palm Beach County can be found at all public libraries in the adults,” she said. Percival encouraged more local as a year-round gay and gay-friendly county. Next month’s mixer is slated for Feb. 27 at businesses to join PBA for the “wonderful destination.” PBA holds monthly networking mixers Consign & Design in Palm Beach Gardens chance to build relationships and connect PBA is a coalition of LGBT-owned and at PBA-affiliated businesses. Over the years from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. On average, 80-125 with the LGBT community.” LGBT-friendly businesses throughout the business group has outgrown their people attend, according to Percival. “In a political climate like this one, it’s Palm Beach County. Member companies original smaller venues. Percival recalled PBA members can also join the Business nice to say: ‘Yes, we’re friendly,’” she added. network at monthly mixers and are noted that one of the first mixers was held at an Response to AIDS (BRTA) initiative and
PBCHRC’s Winter Fete Raises $60,000
SFGN Staff
he Palm Beach County Human everyone that attended was a sponsor, so to the efforts of our long-term Treasurer Rights Council’s annual Winter we sold very few individual tickets,” said Dan Hall, PBCHRC netted close to TFete, held recently in West Palm Rand Hoch, founder and president of $60,000 from this year’s Winter Fête.” Beach, was a smashing success, raising PBCHRC. “Jeff Ganek, our host, limited more than $60,000. us to 125 people, and more than half Visit PBCHRC.org for more information about the Rand Hoch at a past Winter Fete. Photo credit: Rand Hoch, Facebook. “This was such a fun party. Almost were sponsors or benefactors. So thanks organization.
10 • 1.30.2019 PALM BEACH county
Rianna Petrone, crowned Miss Palm Beach of 2018. Photo via Compass, Facebook. Palm Beach County Divas Gear up for Miss Palm Beach Pride Pageant
Deon C. Jefferson
t’s time to crown a new queen in difference, ” St. John said. “They are all Palm Beach County. The Miss Palm equal in my mind. Since every contestant IBeach Pride Pageant takes place Feb. presents each category on an individual 4 at the Lake Worth Playhouse and will basis, they are all uniquely aiming for the benefit Compass, the LGBT community same outcome. Break a leg girls!” center in Palm Beach County. Lenore and St. John will also perform. “Miss Palm Beach Pride celebrates The night would not be complete if GRAND OPENING the progress made for the LGBTQ we did not witness the final walk of last LIFE DOESN’T ALWAYS GIVE YOU OPTIONS. community in Palm Beach County,” year’s Miss Palm Beach Pride Queen – said Julia Murphy, Chief Developing Rianna Petrone. She lit the stage up last MEINEKE DOES. OIL CHANGE SPECIAL Officer of Compass. “Drag has a long and year, so do not be surprised if you see important place in the LGBTQ movement another performance before she passes and a pageant is an important part of the her crown. 99 No Credit Check + tax drag profession.” Along with the host, Compass has $14 Financing Available That’s going to be a lot of sequins and assembled some familiar faces as judges feathers attendees will get to see in four for the pageant. Guest judges include Full Synthetic Oil Change hours. David Zen, Chris Rhoades, Julio Poletti, Participants battle it out in three Justin William Lynch, Penny Johnson, 99 categories, self-expression, formal wear, and Ron Amodio. $39 + tax and the talent scene. The talent portion The title of Miss Palm Beach Pride will is when you get to understand the mean more than just a sash and a crown. up to 5 quarts of oil, most cars personalities of the contestants. There “The winners of our pageant will Includes FREE Tire Rotation & will be a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner. have a wonderful year of appearances, Balance Check Velvet Lenore and “First Lady of the performances and service,” Murphy said. Must be presented at time of estimate. Valid at 901 N. Andrews Ave., Palm Beaches” Melissa St. John will “As a representative of Compass and Ft. Lauderdale location only. Oil change includes up to 5 quarts of Mo- bil motor oil and standard filter. Reaction with TPM System available at emcee the event. Miss Palm Beach Pride, the crown means additional cost. Additional disposal and shop fees may apply. Special “It gives me great pride to present more attention from the community, oil and filters are available at an additional cost. Most cars and light trucks. Not valid with any other offer or warranty work. One coupon those that dedicate so much time to which translates into a chance to build a per vehicle. Expires 1/31/19 our community. Although there is one platform that can make a big difference.” person crowned – each one has made a
Tickets are $15/20. Doors open at 7 p.m. There will be a cash bar and lite bites FT. LAUDERDALE served. Compass will receive a portion of the funds from the event. For more 901 N. Andrews Ave. information visit LakeWorthPlayHouse.org. 954-462-7560 www.meineke.com
1.30.2019 • 11 PALM BEACH county The Box Gallery Welcomes Artist Dr. Raul Moarquech Ferrera-Balanquet
Deon C. Jefferson
alm Beach County’s Box Gallery was voted “Best Gallery” in 2018. Their 7th Annual Black and White Party would probably Pbe a major reason why. West Palm Beach Beach Curator Rolando Chang Barrero brought the community together to celebrate the Cuban Diaspora by showcasing Dr. Raul Moarquech Ferrera- Balanquet performance of “Eggungun, the Orisha of the Ancestors.”
Guests were treated to a night of culture, Moarquech Ferrera-Balanquet captivated filled with moments of brotherhood and the on-lookers as they witnessed a sanctity. More than 100 people showed up performance that shows just a glimpse decked out in their artistic black and white of his 3 decades of academic studies, his attire ready to view thought provoking virtuosity, and his passion towards being pieces of art. an expressive storyteller. Egg gun, the “I’m so happy you guys could be here Orisha of the Ancestors, is a performance tonight,” gallery curator Barrerro told the mired in symbolism and ancestral crowd. “Cuba is such a small place, but remembrance. In many cases the audience when we come together, we pack a strong adds to the intimacy by providing a punch.” voyeuristic presence. Ferrera Balanquet Guests were treated to special treats is an accomplished interdisciplinary all night. The music for artist, writer, researcher, the evening was provided educator, program director, by eclectic DJ L’il Marsh. “Cuba is such curator, and Fulbright She had the tough task of scholar. making sure guests were a small place, The Havana Cuba native having a good time. Along obtained a Ph.D. from Duke with the Latin music and but when we University and an MFA good vibes, partygoers were come together, from the University of Iowa. also treated to some of the His many contributions to best Cuban food like rice, we pack a art have made him one of beans, yucca, and a roasted the most revered artists of pig for pulled pork. Other strong punch.” the Mariel Generation and treats came in the form of a member of the Centro de performances. - Rolando Chang Escritores Yucateco AC. Cuban Reggaeton singer Barrero Throughout his creative El Chamako Rikera and Curator of the Box matriculation, he has Gallery Karolay Meme Ureña, the showcased his artworks and Poised in front of the Box Gallery. From left to right: Sibel Kocabası - Bugdanoglu, Raul fabulous performer from published his critical and Moarquech Ferrera-Balanquet, Linda Behar, Giannina Coppiano Dwin, Diane Arrieta and San Jose, Costa Rica. There were also literary investigations in Australia, Mexico, Rolando Chang Barrero. Photo credit: Rolando Chang Barrero, via Facebook. several visitors from Cuba; guests included Italy, Canada, the United States, Colombia, artist Carlos Javier Camacho Albert and Germany, Argentina, Cuba, Spain, Chile, Party has become one of the premier of trends in the market place, resulting ex political prisoner of Cuba Alejandro Ecuador, Romania, Turkey, England, events for Barrero. Judging by the turn in very serious losses of development Fuerte, who recited a poem he wrote Brazil, Venezuela, Holland, Switzerland, out and the appreciation for art from the and advancement, he said in a recent to accompany the Shroud of the Cuban the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. partygoers, Box Gallery might be winning statement to West Palm Beach Magazine. Sorrow which he painted while he was in Shortly after the performance, Ferrera the award again next year. Barrero said Barrero also stated that “West Palm Beach jail. Scotland-based artist Hope London Balanquet got on the microphone and he believes it is time to initiate a more is no longer just a tourist destination, but and Public Art Manager of Boynton Beach dedicated his entire performance to all his powerful international dialogue in the arts a world class city and the responsibility of Debby Coles Dobay also joined in on the friends in Havana living with AIDS. that allows our artists acclaim in the world the cultural institutions, the art galleries, festivities. Box Gallery is the 2018 winner of SFGN’s arena. In the last few decades fine art has the art centers, and our museums is to The esteemed guest of honor, Dr. Raul Best Gallery Award. The Black and White been relegated to the conditional state reflect that.”
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1.30.2019 • 13 NEWS local Pride Fort Lauderdale to Kick Off in High Fashion
Last year Latrice Royale stole the show at Pride Fort Lauderdale. Photo via Pride Fort Lauderdale, Facebook. Rick Karlin
he four-day Pride Fort Lauderdale celebration, culminating Tin the first ever parade down A-1A, kicks off in high fashion on Thursday, Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. with a glamorous runway fashion show at the Hard Rock Event Center at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood.
The star-studded fashion show will be hosted by fashion guru Carson Kresley (original “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and “Dancing With the Stars”) and Naomi Smalls, (“RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 4 All-Star). The event will showcase creative garments by talented alumni of “Project Runway.” The high-energy presentation will utilize male, female, transgender and drag models sashaying across the runway in avant-garde outfits. Music will be provided by equally outrageous drag DJ Power Infiniti.
Pride Fort Lauderdale Event Calendar Pride Overview Saturday, Feb. 2 participating businesses, all night, up and delectable dishes created by local celebrity from Sebastian Beach to Fort Lauderdale down Wilton Drive. chefs and performances by the region’s top Beach Park. This is the first parade ever held Casting Call 10 a.m. – 4 p.m drag queens. Tickets are $125 each. on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Get there early as Pride Fort Lauderdale will hold a public Stonewall National Museum & Archives more than 80,000 spectators are expected casting call for male, female, transgender, Gala – 7 p.m. B3: Bear Beach Bash – 12 p.m. along the route. drag and nonbinary models in the Terrace The Stonewall National Museum & Archives Party the afternoon away with music and Ballroom B at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall entertainment by “My Big Funny Peter,” the Pride Block Party – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. & Casino. Models of all ages and body types Riots at its annual gala at the Ritz-Carlton world’s first gay muscle bear comedian, Peter After the parade, head to 5th St. and SR A1A are encouraged to audition. Fort Lauderdale Beach. Actress and activist Bisuito, as your host. Hot muscle bear go-go and dance the night away while enjoying Kathy Najimy (“Sister Act”) will be the guest dancers and more on the Sebastian Beach live performances by your favorite local drag Thursday, Feb. 21 speaker for the gala, which also includes a stage! Get there early and you’ll be in a queens, musical acts and internationally- silent auction, dinner and entertainment. prime location to watch the very first Pride acclaimed DJs. Runway Fashion Show, Hard Rock Fort Lauderdale “Carnaval” parade, too! Event Center Sunday, Feb. 24 7 p.m. Trunk Show, 8 p.m. Fashion Show Saturday, Feb. 23 Carnaval Drag & Dine Parties – 12 p.m. The festival gets started early at the many Beach Festival – 12 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22 Drag Brunch – 11:30 a.m. hotels and restaurants along SR A1A (and Celebrate Pride on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Pride Fort Lauderdale teams up with the you can beat the traffic for the parade). Visit exhibitors and food vendors, enjoy Pride on the Drive – 6 p.m. South Beach Wine & Food Festival for a Participating businesses will be offering music and performances on two stages and The party moves to Wilton Manors where fabulous drag brunch at the Ritz-Carlton Fort entertainment, drink and food specials all stick around for the stunning fireworks show dozens of bars, restaurants and shops will be Lauderdale Beach. National radio personality afternoon. at 7:45 p.m. American Idol’s Ada Vox and rolling out the rainbow carpet for a casual Elvis Duran will be your host, along with Todrick Hall perform live on stage, along celebration in the “gayborhood.” Enjoy drink his fiancé Alex Carr and emcee Shawn Carnaval Parade – 5:30 p.m. with top DJs. More than 50,000 people are specials, discounts and live entertainment at Palacious (aka Kitty Meow). There will be Pride Fort Lauderdale is hosting its first Pride expected for the festival. Free admission, $5 parade this afternoon along scenic SR A1A donation requested at the gate.
For more information on all Pride Events, go to PrideFortLauderdale.org.
14 • 1.30.2019 NEWS local
This is no mere runway show as A cash bar will also be available, along fashionistas are invited to an exclusive with a silent auction and 50/50 raffle to pre-show trunk sale at 7 p.m. where they benefit Pride Fort Lauderdale. Tickets can meet the designers and purchase for the Pride Runway Fashion Show one-of-a-kind couture garments. range in price from $27 to $67. All seats Pride Fort Lauderdale are reserved and available will hold a public casting at all Ticketmaster call for male, female, outlets, online at MyHRL. transgender, drag and “ We com, TicketMaster.com nonbinary models on or charge by phone 1-800- Saturday, Feb. 2 from couldn’t 745-3000. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Pride Fort Lauderdale, Terrace Ballroom B at think of the oldest Pride the Seminole Hard Rock a better organization in Florida, Hotel & Casino. Models of celebrates its 42nd all ages and body types are way to get anniversary in 2019. The encouraged to audition. first festivals, organized “We couldn’t think of a the party as Pride South Florida, better way to get the party were protests, born out started,” said Pride Fort started.” of the successful 1977 Lauderdale President Miik referendum campaign Martorell. “Fashion has - Miik Martorell waged by entertainer Pride Fort Lauderdale always been an interest President and evangelical activist to the LGBT+ community Anita Bryant to overturn and our Pride Runway a historic gay civil rights Fashion Show provides an opportunity bill passed in Miami-Dade County. to spotlight the diversity of our In 2017, Pride Fort Lauderdale moved community. That’s why we’re featuring to Fort Lauderdale Beach and in 2019, designers who are LGBT+ and straight the organization will host the first allies, and putting out a public casting parade in city history on SR A1A along call for male, female, transgender and the beach. For more information, go to drag models to participate.” PrideFortLauderdale.org.
Freedia posing with a Pride Fort Lauderdale Fan at NYC Pride 2018. Photo via Pride Fort Lauderdale, Facebook.
1.30.2019 • 15 FEATURE latinos salud Latinos Salud Celebrates 10 Years On Saturday the HIV education and prevention non-profit will host a gala to mark the milestone
Damon Scott
en years and running for any State of Affairs organization is worthy of a Tmoment to pause to appreciate Fallon cofounded Latinos Salud with the milestone. Rafaelé Narváez, director of health programs. The two have placed the organization in a The one decade mark is significant, strategic position to maintain relevance for whether you’re an Italian restaurant, hair another 10 years and beyond, and actually salon, or in the complex nonprofit world of help those in need — namely addressing HIV/AIDS education and prevention. concerns for minority communities. A group like Latinos Salud has many traits “Too many gay Latinos are unaware of, and driving forces that have propelled it or scared to access [HIV/AIDS] care in South squarely into the consciousness of South Florida,” Fallon said. Florida since its humble beginning in 2008. Fallon explains that Florida has grown Latinos Salud has enough history in the quickly (adding snowbirds, white and rearview, enough lessons learned, that it feels older residents). It is a state that is in many right to take a look back. And as it continues ways trying to catch up with the realities to work within its vision and mission day by of immigration trends, he said. It doesn’t day, it has found a way to expand and keep help, said Fallon, that Tallahassee and its an eye on the future as policymakers are very far removed, well. literally and otherwise, from much of None of those pieces the culture of South Florida. are small or easy to “I was at a dinner party a few navigate. months ago and someone asked me: But first things ‘What’s going on with all the new HIV first: Latinos Salud infections?’ Before I could answer, (“health” in Spanish) people were putting a blame (drug was founded to “create use, promiscuity, alcohol use) on it a safe space for Latino “You used versus a cause,” Fallon said. gay guys and their to only have “People think: ‘If they look different partners to find friends, from me, they must be making bad support and resources.” two options decisions,’” Fallon added. What the staff likes — a condom to say, and what those Why it Matters who access its services, forever, or get is that while Latinos a new HIV test Of 3,000 counties nationwide, Salud is all about health Miami-Dade County ranks No. 1 and outcomes, it runs its and pledge Broward County ranks No. 2 in new programs in ways that monogamy.” HIV infections. don’t feel like big, The Centers for Disease Control stuffy, clinical doctor’s and Prevention also reports that - Stephen Fallon offices. Executive Director of new HIV cases are decreasing for all And that’s by design. Latinos Salud demographic and behavioral groups One important except for two: gay Latinos and caveat that belies the name: The “Latinos” younger gay people (ages 25 to 34, in Latinos Salud is a focus, not an exclusion. which also includes younger gay Latinos). Non-Latino partners of Latino boyfriends are In other words: Miami-Dade and Broward welcome to access resources and services, are ground zero for new HIV infections in the said Executive Director Stephen Fallon. U.S. Stephen Fallon. Photo via Stephen Fallon, Facebook.
16 • 1.30.2019 FEATURE latinos salud
“Many are immigrants, or are raised by Latino and black gay men. The first space was off an alley from Wilton So while the vision hasn’t changed, said immigrants from monolingual households,” “The good news is that at least for now Drive in about 800 square feet. Fallon, a closer look at the mission statement Fallon said. “Many come from home there’s only one drug for PrEP and the At that time, Latinos Salud had one tells a bit more. countries that have no sex education; they manufacturer has an access program,” Fallon program: HIV prevention education for gay “Latinos Salud exists to provide client- don’t know what to do if they’re gay; there’s said. “There are hoops to jump through and Latino youth. centered, culturally competent health no health care to seek.” paperwork, but we help the clients whether Fallon said at the time the population had education and integrated preventive, Fallon explained that the stigmas in play there is insurance or no insurance.” just experienced a 185 percent increase in screening, and linkage services throughout for gay Latinos who are considering coming Latinos Salud works with clients to not new infections in Broward over the prior six South Florida in order to reduce the burden out and being open with their partners also only get PrEP, but also the requisite lab work years. of communicable diseases and improve include dealing with ultra conservative and associated with it — for free. “As we served these young men and they health outcomes.” religious families. “[But] we’re so much more than HIV brought their friends and partners, some of To do that, it now serves all Latino gay, “Many clients test positive after being prevention. It’s the intersectionality — HIV whom were older, we responded to requests bisexual or otherwise identified Men Who with a partner who said there would be is often the cause of other struggles,” Fallon to add programs and services to now serve Have Sex with Men (MSM) living with HIV, nothing to worry about,” he said. Latinos of all ages,” Fallon said. and all persons who identify as transgender. said. “Where we used to refer out for HIV The scope of services is impressive by any “With proper care, a 30-year The scope of Unique Leaders, testing, we soon added in-house testing, industry standard and there are too many old diagnosed with HIV today services is Advocates and we were the first agency in the county to list in this profile. There are too many can expect to live to 45 more to implement the highly sensitive fourth- achievements to list here as well. years,” Fallon said. “Yet in impressive by Fallon, whose hometown generation testing,” he said. A few: Latinos Salud provides nearly South Florida, in part because any industry is Fort Lauderdale, previously After that, Latinos Salud added one-on- 5,000 HIV and 6,000 STD tests each year, of late diagnoses, the average worked at an AIDS service one counseling for people living with HIV targeted to the communities at greatest risk. gay Latino lives less than eight standard and organization that had good (life coaching); added STD screening; Ryan It diagnoses a client about every 60th test it years after diagnosis.” there are too programs, but bad financial White case management (in Broward), the conducts. many to list in management. Miami Beach location, the Westchester The organization gets a wide range Optimistic future He eventually went out on location, did clinical studies; and launched a of funding. A full list of its free services this profile. his own and consulted for new DiversiSAFE intervention. and more information is available at Fallon said there are major the CDC, Health Resources They now have 27 full-time staff. latinossalud.org. changes going on in the HIV & Services Administration space — the “medicalization There are and for providers in the Ryan of HIV prevention.” White HIV/AIDS Program. Latinos Salud “There are tools in the too many Fallon has worked in the 10th Anniversary Gala Celebration arsenal that weren’t proven a industry in 42 states. He’s decade ago,” Fallon said. “You achievements known as highly adept at used to only have two options to list here setting up programs and WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. (VIP event at 6 p.m.) — a condom forever, or get training staff. He helps groups WHERE: Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) a new HIV test and pledge as well. get vital funding and be more monogamy.” effective. 1855 Griffin Rd., Dania Beach. Free parking. Now, he said, for an HIV Those are the skills and TICKETS: For special ticket pricing, write to Latinos Salud negative partner there is the PrEP (Pre- experience it took to launch Latinos Salud. directly at [email protected] or call 954-765-6239. Exposure Prophylaxis) option. Those at “My staff, either through good high risk for HIV can take PrEP each day to collaborations or direct services, sets out to dramatically lower the chances of getting serve the whole person,” Fallon said. infected. Most of the staff are themselves either Latinos Salud marches in Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride in 2016. Photo via Stephen Fallon, Facebook. And for those who are HIV positive, there immigrants or first-generation residents in are now proven and successful treatments the U.S., with families from Chile, Colombia, that help them live longer and not transmit Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, the virus “even on nights that a condom Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, might be forgotten,” Fallon said. Puerto Rico, Spain, and Venezuela. But, even with the early success of “As a result, they understand the cultural PrEP, Fallon and virtually anyone in norms that impact health and behaviors,” he the communicable disease space still said. recommend condoms always be used. “In the real world our No. 1 goal is Wilton and Beyond HIV. That’s the killer as opposed to the inconvenience. We’re about bringing the Latinos Salud’s original location is epidemic down. HIV is $450,000 in lifetime in Wilton Manors. They have recently treatment costs,” Fallon said. expanded to an upgraded southwest Miami Fallon said, however, that the new location in Westchester. The third site is in and exciting tools in HIV prevention and Miami Beach. treatment tend to be mostly benefiting those The group’s first grant was initiated in who already have good health care access. January 2009. Last year, for example, 70 percent of new “We opened with just two and one- prescriptions for PrEP were to white gay quarter paid staff,” Fallon said. (He was the men, while the most devastated group are one-quarter.)
1.30.2019 • 17 NEWS state Ag Commissioner Adds LGBT Protections to Dept. Policy Jason Parsley
ommissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried recently added sexual orientation and gender identity to her department’s list of workplace protections Cagainst discrimination.
“This is a brand new day in which our Department from discrimination,” he said. “Back then Commissioner and its 4,000 employees are making a strong statement Fried showed herself to be an incredibly authentic and — we will not tolerate discrimination in our workplace genuine candidate, today I’m proud to call her a friend and on any basis, including sexual orientation and gender a passionate champion for LGBT Floridians.” identity,” Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried said in Fried’s announcement came on the heels of Republican a prepared statement. Governor Ron DeSantis signing an executive order Fried is Florida’s only Democratic cabinet member, banning discrimination in the workplace, which did not winning her election by less than 7,000 votes in the 2018 mention the LGBT community. midterms. DeSantis told NEWS 13 he looks at the merits of As a candidate Fried ran on a progressive platform candidates — nothing else. He also said the order was the focused on medical marijuana. At one point she wrote same order first signed by former Governor Rick Scott. an op-Ed for SFGN saying, “I will be a fierce advocate “I can tell you my workplace policy is one sentence: for […] the issue of patient access to medical You will be hired based on merit,” marijuana. It will be one of the top priorities of DeSantis told NEWS 13. “That’s all I my administration to end the obstruction and “This is a common- care about, and I think if you look at the ensure the people of Florida have access to the sense, long- appointments I’ve made, nobody has medicine prescribed by their doctors.” done more diverse appointments than While LGBT issues were not one of her overdue measure I have. It’s not even close. I believe in top “priorities” on her campaign website she that the majority merit, and I don’t care about those other aggressively courted the LGBT vote. During the of Fortune 500 things.” primary she ran against a gay man. Even so she PBCHRC urged DeSantis to include secured the endorsement of the Palm Beach companies have LGBT people in his order. County Human Rights Council, while the implemented, and “PBCHRC tried — and failed — to Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus declined to the majority of get Governor DeSantis to include endorse in the race. LGBTQ state employees in his recent “They are both supportive of our issues, but Floridians agree executive order on diversity,” Hoch she rocks and will be very effective in office with.” said. “So [Fried’s] inclusion of sexual from day one,” said Rand Hoch, president and - Nikki Fried orientation and gender identity in founder of the PBCHRC, at the time. Commissioner of her department’s nondiscrimination The workplace protections announcement Aggriculture policies is groundbreaking.” came on Fried’s tenth day in office. Apparently Fried though took her “We are pledging today that our Department is inclusive order one step further. committed to an inclusive culture of equality, in which “Shelby Scarpa, the Commissioner’s Deputy Chief every employee is hired, promoted, and respected on the of Staff, confirmed that the Department’s definition of basis of their merit. This is a common-sense, long-overdue gender identity also extends to gender expression,” Hoch measure that the majority of Fortune 500 companies have added. “This should be great news to Commissioner implemented, and the majority of Floridians agree with,” Fried’s nonbinary employees.” she said. “I encourage my fellow Cabinet officials to enact Equality Florida, the statewide LGBT rights group, also similar policies within their agencies and throughout our applauded Fried’s order. government.” “These critical protections both affirm the equality Local LGBT rights activist Michael Rajner met Fried of LGBTQ employees and provide the agency with clear while she was campaigning for the Democratic Party’s guidance on equitable practices in hiring, firing, and nomination. Rajner said they discussed over lunch how management,” a statement from the organization reads. she could use her position to advance LGBT equality in “This marks the first time an agency has guaranteed the state. protection based on both sexual orientation and gender “Among the topics discussed was the use of her executive identity — thereby extending protections to transgender authority to protect LGBT state workers and contractors employees.” Nikki Fried. Photo via Nikki Fried, Facebook.
18 • 1.30.2019 NEWS white house watch Gay Mayor in Indiana Announces Presidential Bid
John McDonald Pete Buttigieg. Photo via Facebook.
outh Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete officer and now I’m ready for a new Buttigieg entered the presidential way to serve our people,” said Buttigieg, Scampaign on Jan. 23, announcing standing behind a podium and flanked he is forming an exploratory committee. by two American flags. “The case here is simple,” Buttigieg As a millennial, Buttigieg said he is said. “It’s time for new a generation a member of a generation that has a of leadership in our country and that “tremendous amount at stake in the we can’t nibble around the edges of a consequences of the decisions that are broken system. There is no going back. being made right now.” We can’t rewind to 1950 or for that Buttigieg summed up his campaign matter 2010.” in three words: Freedom, Democracy The 37-year-old married gay man and Security. He becomes the sixth and Afghanistan war veteran says he Democrat to announce plans for a administered a “turn around” in this presidential campaign. Midwestern city. South Bend, with a “In such a wide-open presidential race, population of around 100,000 and home Mayor Buttigieg would be a welcome to historic Catholic school, Notre Dame, contribution to the marketplace of ideas was considered a “dying community,” that will determine where our nation Buttigieg said, when he took over. is headed in 2020 and beyond,” said “I have served my city as mayor, I Annise Parker, president and CEO of the have served my country as a military LGBTQ Victory Fund.
White House Watch is a weekly column taking a look at the state of the 2020 Presidential election.
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1.30.2019 • 19 NEWS state A Tale of Two Bills National LGBT groups throw South Florida LGBT activists and organizations under the bus From the moment a coalition of LGBT groups in South Florida filed a workplace non-discrimination bill in the Florida Senate, it was dead on arrival – but not from Republicans, instead the statewide LGBT rights organization, Equality Florida, vehemently opposed it.
Jason Parsley
quality Florida waged a bill being filed last Tuesday, Equality Florida State Sen. Joe Gruters. went on the offense, releasing a statement Photo via Facebook. full scale social media opposing it. Shortly after, staffers turned to attack last week against social media to attack it and its sponsors – E mainly Tony Lima of SAVE, and Rand Hoch a bill that would protect LGBT of the Palm Beach County Human Rights people from discrimination – Council. all because it doesn’t include On the same day, another bill – the Florida Competitive Workforce Act – was filed as public accommodations. well with Equality Florida’s full support. It’s the same bill that’s been filed for almost a decade. And while it’s slowly built up The Florida Inclusion Workforce Act support over the years it’s gone nowhere in (FIWA) focuses only on employment the legislature, receiving just one committee discrimination, leaving the fight for housing hearing in 2015. and public accommodations for another day. Equality Florida has accused the new “Deplorable,” said Michael Womack, an bill of leaving the transgender community Equality Florida communications associate behind. who summed it up in one word on Facebook. “Policy change is often incremental,” If passed FIWA would add sexual Richardson argued in a press release. “I orientation and gender identity to Florida’s applaud Senator Gruters for his fresh Civil Rights Act. It was filed in the Florida approach which is fully inclusive of the Senate last week by the chair of the LGBT community.” Republican Party of Florida, State Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota). A War Erupts on Social Media FIWA is a collaboration between Gruters and SAVE Florida, a coalition that includes Exchanges on Facebook turned ugly SAVE, Palm Beach County Human Rights with accusations of biases against the trans Council, Translatina and the Conservatives community being tossed around. on the Right of Equality. Former State Rep. Nadine Smith, executive director of David Richardson (D-Miami Beach) also Equality Florida, claimed to have emails from provided assistance with the bill. Hoch from 2007 that proved his alledged Two Democratic state senators in Miami- anti-trans bias. Dade have also signed on as co-sponsors – “Facts are pesky and emails tell the tale,” Jason Pizzo and Annette Taddeo. she wrote. “I still have the email from you “I have to commend and congratulate Rand threatening to go after Equality Florida Sen. Joe Gruters for really demonstrating if we introduced a bill that wasn’t sexual bipartisan support on this,” Pizzo said. orientation-only.” FIWA’s fiercest critics so far have not Hoch responded, writing, “Nadine, feel been Republicans, or the religious right, but free to do whatever you want with your instead Equality Florida. Within hours of the
20 • 1.30.2019 NEWS state
Volunteers with Equality Florida march during a pride event. Photo via Equality Florida, Facebook. emails from a dozen years ago. And I can do the same.” In an earlier version of this story posted online last week, SFGN wrote that Nadine “threatened to expose” the emails. Smith later said SFGN mischaracterized the conversation. Hoch pointed to his organization’s long history of including the trans community in many of its initiatives at the city and county level. “I’ve been called a lot of things in the past, but this one just doesn’t stick. We have enacted 49 trans inclusive laws in Palm Beach County going back to 2004,” Hoch said. While Equality Florida may now be attacking Hoch, in 2014 it was giving him an award. At that time the organization honored the LGBT rights activist at its Palm Beach County gala, giving him its Voice of to bed right now,” said transgender activist and president of the TransLatina coalition “I’m one state legislator who actually Equality Award. Heather Wright, who also leads a trans on the East Coast, when she saw posts got positive measures accomplished for “This is a pivotal moment in the LGBT support group at Compass. “I’ve worked on Facebook attacking the SAVE Florida the LGBT community while serving in movement, and Florida stands on the front with him on ordinances here in Palm Beach coalition. Tallahassee,” he said. “Here are just a few line of Southern states in achieving full County protecting trans people.” “Do not tag me if you have never worked examples: the first-ever and only funding equality,” Smith said in a press release at the Equality Florida honored SAVE last year with a community as in the state budget specifically time. “We are honored to be able to spotlight presenting Tony Lima with their Community vulnerable as we are, [the] earmarked for a LGBT initiative the achievements of two people who have Partner for Equality Award. transgender women of and removal of the gay adoption contributed so much to bring our state to Lima said these accusations against color, who live in South “I feel like ban from state statutes.” this tipping point.” himself and SAVE of being anti-trans “stings. Florida,” Lint wrote in we’ve been It infuriated Lima’s husband The press release described Hoch as “a It’s so severely untrue. Most of our work has response to a post from as well when an Equality Florida trailblazer in the fight for LGBT equality in been focused on the trans community.” an Equality Florida staffer. thrown under staffer posted a message on his Palm Beach County for 25 years. To date, Morgan Mayfaire, a transgender activist “[We] do not need you the bus. I have personal Facebook page. Rand’s efforts have helped to facilitate the and president of TransSOCIAL, came to to take advantage of us, “This is my personal Facebook passage of more than 65 ordinances and Lima’s defense. [you] do not speak for relationships page and I share what I care about policies enacted to extend equal rights and “Absolutely not,” he said when asked transgender [people.] When with the heads and believe in. How dare you? benefits to the Palm Beach County LGBT if Lima was anti-trans. “Tony Lima and [you] puts us on the same You should be embarrassed,” community.” SAVE [have] been supporters of the trans level, [at] the same table of these groups. Yonel Galano said. “If you are Five years later, local activists rushed to community for a very long time. They’ve maybe you can talk about We’ve been so confident, why the desperate social media to defend Hoch against Equality never turned us away for anything we’ve transgender [people.]” post on the page of the husband Florida. asked.” David Richardson, strong partners of the executive director of “Rand is not anti-trans. Let me put that It infuriated Arianna Lint, a trans woman meanwhile wrote a lengthy with all of them. SAVE.” Facebook post addressing Others in the community were Equality Florida’s tactics. We’ve helped shocked the fight went so public. “What is disappointing them locally. No “I would certainly question “The pressure to remove public accommodations for me is that some have one owns the the wisdom of taking this fight to strayed from the debate to the public square,” said Damian […] from the FCWA comes from one place and make personal, negative, rights to LGBT Pardo, the chair of 4ward Miami, one place alone - anti-transgender bigotry. It has slanderous comments. rights.” an LGBT organization promoting I learned on Friday that LGBT diversity, economic status never been more important for LGBTQ people Nadine Smith posted a and civil rights through cultural comment […] saying there - Tony Lima arts programs and events. “I also and our true allies to push back against slanders is a video of me making a executive director of SAVE don’t see how very public attacks and refuse to give a pass to those who demonize transphobic comment, and against this bill help the LGBTQ that I’m not supporting the community as a whole.” transgender people as unworthy of basic dignity transgender community,” he wrote. “I did not Lima agreed. make a transphobia comment. Her comment “This divisive rhetoric, it’s unnecessary.” and equal protection.” is not true. I’m happy to have a debate, but I’m not going to allow anyone to impugn my National Orgs integrity and reputation.” Weigh In - Equality florida Richardson also pointed to his time in office as a state legislator to back up his LGBT Two days after the two competing bills rights bonafides. were filed, Equality Florida released a
1.30.2019 • 21 NEWS state
second statement with a handful of national “As the leader of this organization, I feel LGBT organizations signing on to its side like we’ve been thrown under the bus. I “The Florida Workforce of the battle, including the Human Rights have relationships with the heads of these Campaign, the National LGBTQ Task Force, groups,” he said. “We’ve been strong partners Inclusion Act would the ACLU of Florida, and the National Center with all of them. We’ve helped them locally. finally allow us a tool to for Lesbian Rights. No one owns the rights to LGBT rights.” According to the statement, “the A day later more groups signed on to the combat these and many organizations reaffirm their support for statement, including the National Center for other issues stemming fully-inclusive, comprehensive protections Transgender Equality and QLatinX. based on sexual orientation and gender However, Equality Florida appeared to from lack of economic identity.” go too far in at least one of their posts on mobility and workplace SFGN reached out to all of them. The Task Facebook. Force initially responded, but did not follow “LGBT national organizations have protections.” up. NCLR and the ACLU of Florida responded stepped in to affirm Equality Florida’s FWCA and provided a comment. and publicly rebuke the outright damaging “Florida is not a place that should give up and dangerous bill lobbied by SAVE Florida - JEN LAWS on comprehensive protections for the LGBTQ comprised of Tony Lima of SAVE, Rand trans man and advocate community. [...] more than sixty percent of Hoch of PBCHRC and former state rep. David the state already has comprehensive local Richardson,” wrote Jonathan Barrio, Miami protections. Enacting a statewide bill that development officer at Equality Florida. pro- or anti-trans. We are explaining why we and it’s reprehensible,” said TransSOCIAL failed to provide the same full protections Minter responded: “I would not use the support a comprehensive bill. We will always President Mayfaire. “I don’t like that the would be a step backward,” said Shannon term ‘rebuke,’ and I do not question the good fight for public accommodation protections.” trans community is being used as a weapon Minter, the legal director of NCLR. “LGBTQ intentions of those promoting a more limited Barrio later edited his online post and to fight one side, or the other. It’s wrong.” people need and deserve the same basic bill. I know everyone has the same goal of removed the word “rebuke,” calling it a “bad When asked specifically if this bill protections against discrimination that other protecting our community.” choice of words.” He also added that he was leaves the trans community behind, East Floridians enjoy, not a partial bill that would Daniel Tilley, staff attorney with the speaking on behalf of himself and not the Coast TransLatina President Lint said, provide only limited protection. Equality ACLU of Florida, responded with the below organization. “Never. [SAVE] is not going to leave the is equality. That’s what LGBTQ people and statement. trans community behind. This bill is very their allies in Florida have been working to “Through the joint statement, the ACLU Trans Community Left Behind important for the transgender community. secure. Anything less is a nonstarter.” of Florida is not rebuking any person, This is a good start.” Lima felt blindsided when the national organization, or position, or characterizing Advocates of FIWA insisted some Jen Laws, a trans man and local LGBT groups weighed in on the matter. any person, organization, or position as protections are better than nothing for rights advocate, pointed to a recent report the LGB and trans communities. Currently published in the Human Rights Watch that Florida has no statewide non-discrimination said 63 percent of trans women living in laws protecting any of the LGBT community South Florida reported an income of less — in any capacity. than $10,000 per year. It also stated more But Equality Florida sees the new bill as than half were unemployed. leaving the trans community behind. “Employment based health care insurance Below is what its initial statement said on is the primary means of health care access its website. for most Americans but far too frequently “The pressure to remove public denied to Transgender persons due to lack accommodations protections from the FCWA of protections and discriminatory actions in comes from one place and one place alone - the workplace,” he said. anti-transgender bigotry. From transgender The report also noted that one in three students being harassed at school to efforts respondents were living in “unstable” to eject transgender servicemembers from housing situations. the military, the transgender community is “The Florida Workforce Inclusion Act bearing the brunt of the renewed attack on would finally allow us a tool to combat LGBTQ equality,” the statement reads. “It these and many other issues stemming from has never been more important for LGBTQ lack of economic mobility and workplace people and our true allies to push back protections,” he said. against slanders and refuse to give a pass to those who demonize transgender people Incrementalism vs. as unworthy of basic dignity and equal All or Nothing protection.” By Friday though the above press release Nadine Smith firmly believes in the all or was no longer on Equality Florida’s website. nothing approach. SFGN was only able to find a cached version “This isn’t the time for us to back away of it online. in Florida for full inclusion,” Smith said. “It Activists in South Florida were surprised has strong Republican support. We’ve built by Equality Florida’s aggressive push back. business support.” “The trans community is being used here Smith worries a competing bill will only Florida State Capitol Building. Photo credit: David Wilson via Flickr.
22 • 1.30.2019 NEWS state
PEACEYOur One stOp shOp f Or all YOurPIPE vapOr needs! peel away support from her favored bill, while smaller steps in the right direction are more Florida will lose its best opportunity to pass permanent in the long run in changing comprehensive legislation protecting the hearts and minds, especially of conservative large Selection | lowest Prices LGBT community, not only in the workplace, lawmakers.” but as well in public accommodations and Flippen plans to bring a resolution up at VAPORIzERS • E-lIqUIDS • HOOkAHS • CBD housing. the next city commission meeting in support Incense + candles + TapesTrIes • ashTrays • Torch lIghTers • Flasks • Body Jewelry • games • rollIng ToBacco • posTers • sTaTues • FIgurInes • T-shIrTs • shIsha • rollIng papers • ZIppos • ToBacco accessorIes • loTs more! Others disagree. of the new non-discrimination bill. “The ‘all [or] nothing’ strategy has failed. It OPEN MON - SAT: 10AM - 9PM • SUN: 12 - 6 PM is time for a new strategy,” Richardson wrote Public Accommodations on Facebook. EVERYTHING YOU NEED! MORE THAN YOU EXPECT! 4ward Miami chair Pardo also supports While it’s true FIWA does not cover public the incremental approach. accommodations, it does include gender The Best Since 1996 15 Minutes From The Beach or I-95
“Our movement has often been identity, which means trans people would be Two 954-267-9005 locations! 754-779-7007 characterized by incremental legislative protected in the workplace. 4800 n. dIxIe hIghway, ForT lauderdale 821 n. Federal hwy., ForT lauderdale gains paired with education. I believe it’s Not to mention the fact that FIWA’s JusT souTh oF commercIal Blvd JusT souTh oF sears Town nexT To cuBBy hole closed minded to think there is only one definition of gender identity is identical to fACEBOOk.COM/PEACEPIPEfl @PEACEPIPEfORTlAUDERDAlE path to victory,” he said. FWCA’s. Pardo pointed to the Miami “We need to protect Dade Human Rights Ordinance the most people as fast as an example of how the as possible in our most incremental approach can important aspect of our lives work. – earning a living,” Lima “[The] HRO effort started said. “You can’t pay for your with a municipal HRO in housing, unless you have a Miami Beach that had little “The trans job, and you can’t go eat at a enforcement action, but opened community is being restaurant if you don’t have many opportunities to change the means to pay. Workplace hearts and minds,” he said. used here and it’s protections are key.” Many of the supporters of reprehensible. I don’t For Smith that’s just not FIWA also support FWCA. like that the trans enough. She stressed over “I love their bill. I wish their and over to SFGN that only bill was law. It would be the community is being full equality was acceptable, best thing for everybody. But used as a weapon to even though she stopped my wishes don’t always come fight one side, or the short of drawing a red line true,” Hoch said. “Their bill will other. It’s wrong.” on public accommodations. go nowhere again. It’s had one “Our bill does a very hearing in the past and it didn’t - Morgan simple thing by adding even pass at the committee Mayfaire sexual orientation and level. It’s dead on arrival.” president of TransSOCIAL gender identity to the Mayfair read both bills and existing law,” the executive agreed. director of Equality Florida “I still think SAVE’s is a first step in the said. right direction and has a real possibility But according to Hoch, the existing law of passing and making a huge difference is flawed and Equality Florida is misleading for the LGBTQ+ community,” he said. people about its own bill, and the fight over “Equality Florida’s is a good bill with broader public accommodations. protections, but one that has lagged for 10 “Equality Florida wants us to believe years in limbo.” that if the Competitive Workforce Act Wright added: “[obviously] I’d like to becomes law, then LGBTQ Floridians will see the stronger one passed.” But in the be protected from discrimination not only meantime, she’ll take what she can get out in employment and housing, but also in all of the Republican-controlled legislature and aspects of everyday life. But that is just not governor’s mansion. true,” Hoch said. “The definition used in the Justin Flippen, the gay mayor of the Competitive Workforce Act filed this week is gayest city in Florida, Wilton Manors, is also more than 55 years old!” standing firmly behind the new bill and the Hoch explained that there are different incremental strategy. definitions of what public accommodations “When the large step approach towards cover. Palm Beach County for instance has a equality we often find more successful in broad definition, including almost all public South Florida doesn’t work on a statewide places. But the state has a more limited level, smaller steps in that same direction definition. are more practical,” he said. “And sometimes “If the bill is enacted into law, we would
1.30.2019 • 23 NEWS state
Guests at an Equality Florida rally. Photo via the Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida in Palm Beach County, Facebook. be protected from discrimination when we go to hotels, restaurants and bars, gas stations, places of entertainment, theaters “We need to protect and stadiums. That’s it,” he said. “So, if the most people as fast clothing stores refuse to allow trans women to purchase a dress, that won’t be illegal. as possible in our most If bakeries refuse provide cakes for our important aspect of our weddings, that won’t be illegal. If funeral parlors refuse to bury us, that won’t be lives – earning a living. illegal. If daycare centers refuse to care for our children, that won’t be illegal. If senior You can’t pay for your citizen centers refuse to let us participate in housing, unless you have their programs, that won’t be illegal.” The point Hoch was attempting to make a job, and you can’t is even Smith’s strategy is incremental and more work would still have to take place if go eat at a restaurant their bill passed. if you don’t have the Smith appeared to agree on Facebook, saying, “I’m happy to work with you on means to pay. Workplace expanding the current definition. That is a separate matter.” protections are key.” The same arguments Equality Florida is - Tony Lima using against FIWA, Hoch said, could be used executive director of SAVE against FWCA. presidential election and not a midterm.” Will Conservatives Vote for The article goes on to note that there was Either Bill? a surge in nonwhite voters and young voters. But it wasn’t enough to overcome a massive It’s unclear if Gov. Ron DeSantis would uptick in white voters. even consider supporting either bill. After That’s why Pizzo believes having a pro- he took office he signed an executive order Trump Republican advocating for this bill banning discrimination, but did not include will increase its chances of passing. the LGBT community. Flippen agrees that it’s important to reach do, it is important to find successful ways Party chairman in the history of America And if either bill passed it would still need out to conservatives. to embrace that support and add it to the has ever supported a bill this dangerous and his signature. “Working with Republicans who control longstanding support of progressives and irresponsible. Gruters is totally out of step Sen. Pizzo pointed out that Sen. Gruters our state government in Tallahassee on democrats to increase the chances of actually with the base of the GOP, state legislative co-chaired Donald J. Trump’s 2016 Florida advancing equal rights wherever possible is getting legislation passed.” leadership, Governor DeSantis’ agenda, the campaign for president. the responsibility of us all. Equal rights and Richardson intimately understands the Republican President of the United States “He commands the respect of his party,” nondiscrimination is a matter of right and uphill climb for any LGBT rights bill to pass and even the most recent U.S. Supreme Sen. Pizzo said. “I think he can bring his wrong, not political left and right,” Flippen the state legislature. In 2017 he said he forced Court opinion on similar statutes.” colleagues with him in the Senate.” said. “It transcends political party, and while the first ever recorded vote count on LGBT Lima and Smith though are both hopeful It’s because of those conservative Republicans may have a history of being rights when he brought an amendment up the governor would support their respective credentials that Pizzo believes DeSantis reluctant to support LGBT issues, when they to vote on the House floor that would have bills. could be convinced to support the more required LGBT protections in car-sharing “There is a possibility,” Lima said. “We narrow bill. Tony Lima. services like Uber. have hope.” Pardo said it’s foolish to continue to hold “I couldn’t even get 50 votes, and I only got Smith added: “he has done some things [… out hopes that Democrats are going to sweep a handful of Republican members to support to] surprise people. We should not write him to power and change everything. the amendment,” he said on Facebook. “It off.” “Should we all just wait around for another is time to acknowledge what so many of us Smith pointed out that the LGBT ten years while LGBTQ people continue to know to be a fact – the comprehensive FCWA movement has been making progress in be exposed to workplace discrimination in bill is dead.” “deep red territory” in Florida in places like the hopes of the fictional ‘blue wave’ finally This week the religious right in Florida Jacksonville and Kissimmee. hitting Florida?” Pardo said. weighed in attacking the bill and Sen. SFGN asked Smith if the narrower bill, Pardo may have a point. A recent story Gruters. John Stemberger, president of the FIWA, made it to Gov. DeSantis’ desk, would from Politico details the uphill battle anti-LGBT Florida Family Policy Council, she urge him not to sign it. Democrats will face in 2020. called for his resignation as the Chair of the “What I would say is we need full “The nation’s biggest swing state looks Republican Party. inclusion in the civil rights law and we even more like Trump Country heading into “If passed, this bill will be used as a won’t stop until we get it,” she said. “That’s 2020,” the article reads. “The driving force: weapon to punish Christians for simply the message we have been delivering, and white voters who broke Republican and acting out their faith as small businessmen we will continue to deliver that message. It showed up in such big numbers in 2018 that or private individuals,” Stemberger said in has brought us closer to passage than ever it looked as if they were casting ballots in a a prepared statement. “No state Republican before.”
24 • 1.30.2019 1.30.2019 • 25 NEWS national Political Activist and Straight Ally, Jack Shifrel, 72, Dies He advocated for LGBT rights — long before it was widely accepted by most Democrats
Anthony Man Sun Sentinel
ack Shifrel, who spent decades as an advocate for his fellow veterans and a champion of Democratic Party Jvalues and candidates, died Friday. He was 72.
Shifrel died of cancer, diagnosed this month, took a bus to the clinic was killed trying to that had spread to his bones and spine, said cross busy West Commercial Boulevard in Scott Shifrel, one of his brothers. His death was 2014. Shifrel’s advocacy helped lead to a announced by his family on Facebook. program under which the county’s paratransit South Florida political leaders said Shifrel’s service provided discount rides to and from the death would leave a void in the community. clinic, even to those who are not disabled. He “Jack Shifrel was a patriot. He served his also pushed for installation of signs on major country. He served his community. He was roadways directing motorists to the clinic. dedicated to helping veterans, and helping Shifrel, who was also involved in charity common men and women succeed in our fundraising, was inducted into the Broward country,” said U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, D-West Senior Hall of Fame in 2016. Boca. Deutch represents Coconut Creek, where Shifrel was serving his 10th four-year Mr. Shifrel lived. term as a Democratic Party committeeman, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, was the Coconut Creek-Margate area leader D-Weston, knew Shifrel for about 30 years. for the Broward Democratic Party for many Jack Shifrel. Photo via Facebook. “Jack Shifrel was one of a kind,” she said. “It’s years, and was a past president of the Margate going to be a more hollow world without Jack Democratic Club. Shifrel was a delegate to five prohibit a woman from making her own choice O’Loughlin called him “a great man.” Shifrel.” Democratic national conventions, and was regarding her pregnancy, but would allow any Shifrel had many heart problems over the Shifrel, a Vietnam-era Army veteran, and his especially energized when he was supporting kook who wants a handgun or assault weapon years, including several heart attacks. “The wife, Laurie, moved to South Florida in 1970. the presidential candidacies of Bill or Hillary to go unchecked.” man stood down the most dire health threats. He worked in marketing and Clinton. Shifrel was critical of the turn — He had nerves of steel, and iron will. I think was a governmental relations His lifelong passion for “ridiculously extreme to the right” — the what he believed in, the causes he fought and political consultant. He Democratic candidates and Republican Party took in the latter years of his for, really sustained him through all of those served on the Broward School “It’s going policies was inspired by former life. In a 2012 interview, he said New Deal and battles,” Wasserman Schultz said. Board from 1980 to 1982. President John F. Kennedy, Great Society programs like Social Security and “He always had this really, really bad heart Wasserman Schultz said to be a more Shifrel’s brother said. His first Medicare had to be protected. that we all worried about. But man, he had the Shifrel “first and foremost put political involvement was as a He advocated for LGBT rights — long before biggest heart I knew. He just wanted to help veterans as his top priority.” hollow world 22-year-old working on then- it became widely accepted by most Democrats, people,” Scott Shifrel said. Deutch said Shifrel believed U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy’s said Mitch Ceasar, the former longtime Jack Lawrence Shifrel was born in Brooklyn, strongly that Americans’ without Jack 1968 presidential campaign, chairman of the Broward Democratic Party. N.Y., on April 10, 1946, and raised in Sheepshead political freedoms “are Shifrel said in a 2018 interview. Ceasar and Shifrel occasionally butted heads Bay and Plainview on Long Island. available to us only because Shifrel.” In a 1996 letter to the editor, over the years. “His greatest fun would be to He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Laurie; of the sacrifice that the men - Debbie Shifrel said he was proud to have a philosophical discussion,” Ceasar said. sons Darrin Shifrel and David Shifrel; daughter “He didn’t seek somebody in agreement. It was Jillian Lisa Jeskey; sister Lori Kearney; and and women who served our Wasserman wear the label liberal. country made for us.” “Liberals believe in the very much more enjoyable if he found someone brothers Myke Shelby and Scott Shifrel. He had Shifrel served as president of Schultz simple promise of what I call who disagreed with him. He liked the debate.” seven grandchildren. U.S. Representative the Broward Veterans Coalition, our collective responsibility. Although he was a lifelong Democrat, an umbrella organization made In other words, we are our Shifrel’s friendships extended across the Memorials may be made to Dylan Tyler Jeskey up of veterans groups, individual veterans and brother’s keeper. We, as a society, have a political aisle. When his daughter wrote a Irrevocable Trust, 2990 Calabria Way, Delray Beach, active-duty service members. responsibility to care for and look after each Jan. 21 Facebook post that Shifrel had entered Fla. 33445. The trust helps pay for his grandson’s He played a major role in securing safer other,” he wrote. “I’m sick of being demonized Hospice by the Sea in Boca Raton, the dozens health-related costs. Memorials may also be made access to the William “Bill” Kling Veterans by self-righteous right wing zealots who of visitors and online well-wishers included to the Broward Veterans Coalition, PO Box 25386, Affairs Clinic in Sunrise after a veteran who would force our children to pray in school and many members of the GOP. Republican Mark Tamarac, Fla. 33321.
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1.30.2019 • 27 Feature Michael Brown ‘Hey Mary’ The Life and Legacy of Michael ‘LaLa’ Brown
Ten years ago the LGBT community in Palm Beach County suffered a tremendous loss when a bar manager, activist and beloved member of the community was murdered. And even though he’s gone, his legacy continues to live on through others, Compass and H.G. Roosters in West Palm Beach.
Jason Parsley
“Hey Mary.”
That was a signature phrase of Michael “LaLa” Brown’s while he was alive. And back in those days there were a lot of Marys in Palm Beach County.
“He was famously known for saying ‘Hey Mary’ to get your attention,” said Tony Plakas, one of Brown’s best friends. “Then there was ‘listen Mary.’ That meant you were about to get a LaLa lecture. Of which I got Michael Brown and Jerry Suarez in South Africa in 1999 for a special display of the AIDS Memorial many.” Quilt. Brown was heavily involved in the Names Project and frequently traveled to display the quilt.
28 • 1.30.2019 Feature Michael Brown
rown was brutally murdered March 21, 2008 by an on-again, off- H.G. Roosters I don’t think it was a credible option.” again lover, who then committed suicide. The local mainstream Brown was known for using Roosters AJ Wasson and the original owner of as a platform for building bridges in the media focused their coverage on Brown’s death, while ignoring B Roosters, Bill Capozzi, were best friends. community. He helped raise funds for a what he meant to the broader LGBT community. Wasson knew Capozzi did not have many local HIV-related non-proft in the 1990s and Over the course of several months, SFGN interviewed more than a dozen years left. He wanted to ensure gave Plakas a venue to do HIV friends and family of Brown’s to capture a snapshot of the man he was, and his legacy would live on, so education and outreach. what he meant to the community. before he died in 2006, he “When “That was during a time Those closest to him spoke of his jovial spirit, his generosity and his loyalty. bought the building Roosters when people didn’t really has been located in since 1984. Michael Brown want HIV outreach in bars These three stories below illustrate those traits. “I was investing in a piece because it was kind of a of real estate, but I was also got behind bummer,” said Plakas, the For Andrew Arena it was this anecdote. investing in Michael Brown,” former CEO of Compass. “He Wasson said. “This is the guy something would always open the door Andrew Arena and Brown were on their way to the Mother’s Cupboard annual that was going to make sure you did, it was and let me in to Roosters.” Black Tie gala in the early 90s at the former Omni Hotel in West Palm Beach. It was my single purpose building Plakas also credits Brown pouring rain. investment was taken care of.” going to be a for helping make the PrideFest “Well Mary, I’m not getting wet in a tuxedo,” Arena recalled Brown saying. But when Brown was of the Palm Beaches more The next thing Arena knew, Brown was driving through the open automatic glass murdered, Wasson suddenly success.” than a picnic at Howard Park had to carry on the legacy of in West Palm Beach. doors and into the hotel lobby. - Tony Plakas “He got out, threw the keys at the front desk,” Arena said with a chuckle. “The both Capozzi and Brown. He “When Michael Brown got admitted the first few years Former ceo of behind something you did, front desk clerk was stunned.” compass More importantly though Arena noted, neither of them got wet. were difficult. it was going to be a success. “I don’t think I was ever So the sponsors of the first going to close. It was Bill’s legacy. Now it was PrideFest were all of the bars,” Plakas said. Michael’s legacy. I felt like the burden of the “He was the impetus to make PrideFest more For Jerry Suarez it was this story. world was on my shoulders,” he said, holding than a picnic in Howard Park.” back tears. “What was I going to fucking do, Brown was “Compass before Compass,” Jerry Suarez and Brown attended the 1999 Parliament of the World’s Religions lock the door? I mean I thought about it, but Plakas noted. in Cape Town, South Africa for a special display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt to highlight the epidemic. “We always had an amazing time together. But Africa was different. I would sit and watch Michael in the old soccer field teaching all of the local church children English,” Suarez said. “They would follow him around like he was the great Pied Piper of Cape Town. They called him Uncle Mikey. The kids loved him.”
For Theo Smith this memory sticks out. “I remember when a drunk guy inside Roosters called me the N-word,” Smith said. “Lala lunged across the bar, grabbing the guy and warned him not to ever do something like that in his life again.”
But Brown’s story cannot be told without the bar he managed, H.G. Roosters, and the NAMES Project – two of his greatest passions in life.
Brown was an integral part of the LGBT But he wasn’t just a bar manager. According community in Palm Beach County for two to interviews, Brown used his position for decades until his murder in 2008. community involvement. Even today his presence is still felt at the “He was everybody’s big brother,” said iconic bar Brown managed for many years. Arena, one of his best friends. “He had “It’s been 10 years and not a week goes everyone’s best interest at heart.” by without his name being brought up” said He was affectionately known as LaLa, but David Zen, the current general manager of none of the people SFGN interviewed knew H.G. Roosters in West Palm Beach. “He was, why. is, and will always be, loved by those who His sister Becky Peters surmised that had the pleasure of meeting him.” sometimes when he was really focused on It was through Roosters he became the something he could appear to be in “la-la Michael Brown goofing off at one of the AIDS Memorial face of the local LGBT community. land.” Quilt displays in the 90s in Washington D.C.
1.30.2019 • 29 Feature Michael Brown
After Brown’s death, Compass wanted to make sure he would forever be memorialized at the LGBT community center. They named Compass launched the a Memorial Garden after him and Bill Michael Brown Faces Capozzi. Compass Executive Director Julie Seaver in the Community said the LGBT center recently revitalized the Award in 2008. garden. “It serves as a place of refuge,” she added. Compass also launched the Michael Below is a list of the honorees: Brown Faces in the Community Award in 2008. More recently this past December they 2008 announced the permanent installation of Michael Brown (posthumously) Brown’s AIDS Memorial Quilt at the center. 2009 The NAMES Project Dr. Forrest Shearin 2010 Even though Brown did not die from an Dan Hall AIDS-related complication, the NAMES Project still accepted a panel from his loved 2011 ones honoring his legacy and contributions Charlie Fredrickson to the quilt. It was Jerry Suarez who introduced 2012 Brown to the NAMES Project and the AIDS Dr. Donald Watren Memorial Quilt. Suzrez was involved with the NAMES Project and Brown soon jumped 2015 on board. He started out as a Quilt Display Debbie Frazier Coordinator, eventually taking over as the Southeast Region Coordinator. He also 2016 served on the board of the South Florida Heather Wright chapter of the NAMES Project. He traveled the country, and the world to display the 2017 quilt, often using up his vacation time. Theo Smith “He was incredibly passionate about it,” said Suarez, who lost two family members to 2018 AIDS-related complications. Carole Benowitz Brown frequently traveled back to his The Bill Capozzi and Michael Brown Memorial Garden outside of the Compass GLCC. Photo credit: Jason Parsley. home state of Ohio to display the quilt. “He was adamant about making people aware. We all buried too many people and 1993 Brown brought the AIDS Quilt to Palm for a World AIDS Day memorial and display. Compass saw too many people sick,” Suarez said. In Beach County for the first time, where it was Brown and Plakas would go on to become displayed at the Harold and Sylvia Kaplan close friends. Plakas would often travel with “I was a falling star,” Plakas said of himself Jewish Community Center near West Palm Brown to help set up the quilt display around when he arrived in Palm Beach County in Beach. the country. 1997. But his life quickly changed when he Greg Savarese, another close friend of “He went out of his way to help. Any time I met Brown. Brown’s, remembers the event well. called him, he said, ‘Of course I’ll do it,’” said Plakas had moved to the area to work for “People were lined up out of the door Gert McMullin, quilt production manager Compass as an HIV prevention educator. with quilts,” he said. “From Georgia, the for the Quilt. “He didn’t get paid for any of it. “It was easier to run away from my entire Panhandle. They came from everywhere.” The quilt helped him get through a lot of his family than to shame them by coming out. But what Savarese remembers most was grief. And he helped others get through their I ran as far away as I could to Palm Beach Brown’s empathy – of which there seemed to grief with the quilt.” County. I was a college hot shot with too be no limit. McMullin said she trusted Brown to take big of an ego to tell everyone I was gay,” As the people filed into the room, Savarese care of the quilt, which is the largest piece of Plakas said at a dedication service for Brown watched as Brown greeted each one with a community folk art in the world. in 2009. “As fate would have it, I landed hug. “He really did love the quilt,” she said. next to Michael. I met him while I was still “Michael cried with everyone single one of Brown was a part of the last time the quilt running…I was running…I was running…with them,” he said. “It went on for the whole day. was displayed in its entirety, which took place my golden retriever by my side. He took us in They had lost brothers, sisters, children.” in 1996. He served on the steering committee like the two lost puppies that we were. And Brown and Tony Plakas bonded over their for that display and was in charge of logistics. like people do with falling stars he made this shared passion for the AIDS Memorial Quilt. “It was something he was incredibly proud wish for me, and the wish was a lot better life As CEO of Compass, Plakas would host the of,” Suarez said. “He was that person I could than I had projected for myself.” quilt at the community center year after year always depend on.” Soon after the two met, Brown gave Plakas
30 • 1.30.2019 Feature Michael Brown
A memorial was held for Brown after the PrideFest in Lake Worth in 2008. At the time Rand Hoch, president and founder of the Human Rights Council, told the Sun a job at Roosters as a bartender. The job make an effort. He didn’t believe in excuses Sentinel, “Michael Brown was literally the heart of the gay community.” supplemented his income while also giving – don’t sit back and feel sorry for yourselves.” him an opportunity to immerse himself in Brown had a close relationship with his the local LGBT community. sister and mother. “I miss him so bad sometimes I have to “Mike and I were partners in crime,” Peters forget him because I’ve never experienced a said. She was also the first person Brown came loss like that in my life. It was just so sudden,” out to. Plakas said in 2009. Peters said he called his Ten years later it’s evident mother almost everyday and the pain of his loss still stings. always sent her trinkets in the “Compass would not be “Compass mail just to say “I love you” or here without Michael,” Plakas “I miss you.” said, his eyes filling with tears. would not “It was a truly special But Plakas has more than mother and son relationship,” just an early job to thank she said. Brown for. Brown introduced be here And when she and his father Plakas to his future husband came to Florida each year Jamie Foreman. without to visit he brought them to “I am going to hate myself Roosters. for doing this. I can see Michael.” “Mom would always tell it already. But I need to me stories of how people in introduce you to somebody,” - Tony Plakas the bar would come up to her Plakas recalled him saying. telling them stories of how Former ceo of Brown’s affection for Plakas compass their parents disowned them,” was obvious to others as well. Peters said. She added that “Michael was really smitten those stories really affected with him,” Wasson said. But true to Brown’s her mom. “She was always willing to give generous spirit, he did not keep the two them a hug.” Community apart. “I know Michael loved Tony and Jamie, Peters remembered when Brown moved to “He really went out of his way to and encouraged their relationship.” Florida, he told her, “I don’t just want to be Some years later Savarese would go on help. Any time I called him for just another gay man. I want to be a gay man to lead Mother’s Cupboard, an HIV-related who made a difference.” non-profit that raised funds to support the help he said, ’Of course I’ll do it. The Early Years And if there’s one thing Brown accomplished Comprehensive AIDS Program’s food pantry. in his life – it was making a difference. At one time the organization was raising He didn’t get paid for any of it. Brown was born Dec. 12, 1957 in Mansfield, Peters said Brown moved to Florida when $100,000 a year, according to Savarese. The quilt helped him get through Ohio. He had three older brothers and a Doris Saferight convinced him to come to the “Michael was a very big supporter of it,” younger sister. One of his brothers was state and run the gay bar she owned – Kismet Savarese said. “He would always help out a lot of his grief. And he helped quadriplegic, which his sister Peters said had Lounge. That bar closed in 1987. Saferight anyway he could.” others get through their grief a big impact on the way he looked at life and died in 2003. Melissa St. John, a local drag queen who his positive attitude. According to Savarese, Brown started was deeply involved in Mother’s Cupboard, with the quilt.” “His brother worked a job. He got married, working at Roosters not long after it opened added: “He wasn’t shy about asking for adopted kids, lived a full happy life and was in 1984. Savarese did a brief stint between anything we needed. He was also a leader in - Gert McMullin an example for all of us,” Peters said. “Michael jobs during that time period and that’s how helping us with ticket sales [to the gala].” Quilt Production Manager was always bothered by people that didn’t the two met. In 2007 the Comprehensive AIDS Program in West Palm Beach awarded Brown the Fundraiser Extraordinaire Award, which So charismatic. He would tease people, but recognizes people “who give their time, in a nice way. One time [my partner] and I talent and skills to fight the HIV/AIDS wore matching Mickey Mouse t-shirts. He epidemic in local, state, national and/or teased us mercilessly while we were there. It global communities.” was hilarious.” Savarese still remembers Brown’s Williams remembers 068 being Brown’s community spirit. favorite number. “He’d let us do anything we wanted to do “He would always say, ‘You do me and I’ll in the bar,” he said. “Every Monday’s bingo owe you one,’” he said. “It was a great gay was for Mother’s Cupboard.” social outing when there was not much else Brown’s weekly bingo nights were to do in West Palm Beach.” legendary. Over the years the Rhythm Cafe became “It was always his thing,” Savarese said. one of Brown’s regular places to eat. “He almost never missed it.” “He would come here for dinner. Talk That’s how Dennis Williams, owner of the business with us. He was a hard worker, who Rhythm Cafe in West Palm Beach, came to did a lot for Roosters,” Williams said. know Brown. For Plakas, Brown’s weekly Bingo was one “I would go to bingo every Monday night. more example of how he always thought He was the bingo caller,” he said. “So funny. about the community at-large.
1.30.2019 • 31 Feature Michael Brown
32 • 1.30.2019 Pictured is Michael Brown’s AIDS Memorial Quilt. After his death two were submitted to the NAMES Project. In December this one was given to Compass to be put on permanent display.
“There’s a little bit of Michael Brown in all of us. He paved the way for all of us,” said Julie Seaver, executive director of Compass. “I hope this quilt creates conversations when people visit our center.”
Seaver said each year for World AIDS Day the center hosts a slew of programs, but being able to display this quilt made it stand out.
“It felt like it was the community’s event,” not just an event for, or at Compass.
1.30.2019 • 33 Feature Michael Brown
Michael Brown holding a child in South Africa where he attended the 1999 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Cape Town to help display the AIDS Memorial Quilt. “He had an informal authority among Michael Brown, “He had a little bit of road rage going on,” the community, especially when it came to his sister said. coordinating our efforts,” Plakas said. The Man He hated being called before noon. Plakas explained that Brown wanted While many people in the community knew “Someone better be hemorrhaging blood everybody to have a slice of the pie and so Michael Brown as an activist and bar manager or missing an artery,” Arena recalled with a he made sure to not conflict with the other – there was also Michael Brown the man. chuckle. “I’d forget sometimes and he’d say, LGBT bars as much as possible. Physically he was big – some described ‘Mary, I am sleeping.’” Foreman added, “He made sure everybody him as a “tank,” others compared him to Mr. And he hated when his bartenders did not had their fair share of nights. And they Clean. Brown was a practical jokester. His face the napkins the right way. always cross promoted all of the other bars. friends mentioned his sense of humor, and “One time he got so angry he started For the first PrideFest he made a map of the boisterous laugh. throwing napkin holders all over the place,” bars. It was important to him everybody Peters still misses her brother’s “infectious said Artie Vale, a long time bartender who knew where all of the bars were.” laugh and his compassion for life and worked under Brown, and continues to work But it wasn’t just West Palm Beach. He people.” for Roosters as the daytime manager. wanted to make sure that Broward knew “Oh and his wicked sense of humor,” she Here are a few of his favorite things: song where West Palm Beach was as well. added. – “I Love to Love” by Tina Charles; place to “He would make a point of making “There was a mischievous side to him,” eat – Sonny’s BBQ; and drink – Absolut and appearances in Fort Lauderdale to connect Arena said. While Smith added, “He was soda lime. the cities. He took us to Copa to introduce always playing jokes on people. He was a And then there was his famous chicken us to people down there and sometimes he typical wise ass. He was the clown.” noodle soup. would guest bartend,” Foreman said. “He But Brown was not without his pet peeves. “It was the best on the planet,” Arena said. wanted people in Lauderdale to know faces He hated when people cut him off on the “He was constantly making it. He’d make 25 when they came up here to West Palm.” highway. gallons at a time. He’d freeze it and then give it out to anybody who wanted it.” When McMullin came down to Brown’s memorial she wanted to honor his spirit so she brought a bubble machine with her. death. Smith was honored with the award in “I had heard he requested bubbles when 2017. he died,” she recalled. “Turns out he didn’t “There will never be someone like him,” really want bubbles, he just wanted to see Smith said. “But if I can be half the person if anyone [would] actually do it. There were he was, I’m doing a good job.” bubbles everywhere. That’s the kind of Just like Brown was Smith’s “welcoming humor Michael had.” committee,” today Smith is affectionately known as “the gay mayor of West Palm Beach,” for his volunteerism. It was because Michael’s of Smith, Roosters got Legacy involved with raising money “He had such for breast cancer awareness. Theo Smith first met Brown “A few years back I attended at Roosters. a kind heart. the Stonewall Ball and was “He was like the welcoming He was my amazed at the number of committee. He had such a elected officials who showed kind heart,” Smith said. “He inspiration up. The straight community was my inspiration for getting for getting was there for us,” said involved in the community. Wasson, who owns Roosters. He would give the shirt off of involved in the “They come every year and his back to you.” community. He support us. It overwhelmed Smith continued, “He me. These people accept us was an open book. He never would give the now.” judged, never criticized.” shirt off of his That prompted Wasson to Some of the people SFGN start thinking of a way to give interviewed said Smith was back to you.” back to them. Smith came up one of Brown’s legacies who with the idea of organizing a - Theo Smith continues to carry on his fundraising team for breast torch. palm beach activist cancer awareness. “Theo does carry on “We were the No. 1 Michael’s personal legacy. Theo absolutely fundraising team in Palm Beach County embodies that,” said Seaver, the executive for four years,” he said. “Everybody from director of Compass. the cancer society knew we were there Foreman added: “Theo Smith has carried because they supported Stonewall and they that torch.” supported Compass. They supported our A photo from 1993 when Michael Brown brought the Compass founded the Michael Brown community and we wanted to love them AIDS Quilt to Palm Beach County for the first time, where it was displayed at the Harold and Sylvia Kaplan Faces in the Community Award after his right back.” Jewish Community Center, near West Palm Beach.
34 • 1.30.2019 JUNE 2019 NYCPRIDE.ORG/2019
PRODUCED BY WORLDPRIDE LICENSOR HOST PARTNER HOST PARTNER
1.30.2019 • 35 Convictions Publisher's Editorial The Continuing Ruminations from Chairman Norm On Roger Stone and the FBI, Freedom and a Free Press
x
Norm Kent Roger Stone. [email protected] Photo via Facebook.
he Roger Stone arrest by the FBI has credence to the claim that Donald Trump and dominated local and national news blocks his cadre of criminals worked with any Russian Tthe past week. government officials to collude regarding the There are three issues that should trouble you outcome of the election. about this case. Once again, the special prosecutor has First, the display of force by the FBI in unearthed a series of things that happened effectuating the arrest was demonstratively, a year after the election took place. I don’t irreversibly stupid, and unnecessarily heavy- think when Congress decided to investigate handed. A call to his attorney would have Russian and Republican conspiracies into the sufficed, and he could have turned himself in to 2016 campaign they had in mind Roger Stone a battery of waiting news crews. purportedly threatening his friend’s Chihuahua, Instead, your government deployed a small or Paul Manafort lying about his taxes in 1938. army of armed agents with machine guns Where is the beef? to take 66-year-old Mr. Stone into custody. Anyway, as a publisher and news junkie, I Really? Were they trying to punish someone for want the special prosecutor to get to the truth, exercising his right to remain silent? the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I Is the penalty for standing your ground and want our citizens and the public to read, see claiming your innocence to and hear everything and be treated like a person who is anything there is to learn already guilty? Is there some If Mr. Trump can about this case, especially about their case. You do have a right to remain damaging aspects of Robert Mueller’s final new federal rule of criminal tweet and say if the final report reveals silent. The beautiful, stuffed blue Marlin gracing report. Let’s hope not. Those comments are procedure barring the FBI anything he wants at a foreign adversary or the wall of my law office is only there because he unsettling. You don’t seal the truth. You seize it from letting an accused person government officialsopened his big mouth. He could have still been and run with it, not from it. surrender like a gentleman? any time about this corruptly colluded and surfing in beautiful Bahamian waters. In our lives, and at this paper, the light of day We have seen this behavior case, then it stands conspired to fix a national I tell people to shut up all the time, and get and transparency is the best disinfectant. Ours before, like when drunks are to reason that any election. paid for it. But if a defendant does not want is a community and this is a country that can grabbed by the top of the head For me, the most troubling to be silenced, they have that right, too. Gag survive honesty. We praise our victories. We and shoved into the back of a person accused by the aspect of Stone’s case is the orders are constitutionally offensive and have to reveal our wounds. We have to open up police car. But they are usually special prosecutor possibility that the judge morally reprehensible. some along the way. This week, we do. throwing up on the cops. Here, ought to have that assigned to hear the case We learned about Watergate by patriots This week, SFGN treads into controversial the FBI threw up on the judicial same, equal right. will impose another gag acting as anonymous sources. territory. Our friends at Equality Florida are system. They look foolish and restriction on the lawyers We learned about our government lying locked in a battle royal with other friends, made the special prosecutor’s Correct? What is and witnesses, along with to us about Southeast Asia from an analyst politicians and LGBT leaders over the propriety office look very, very bad. good for the goose is their clients. Why? We can publishing the Pentagon Papers. of a statewide gay rights bill that may not even Hours after being taken into good for the gander. handle the truth. We learn from whistleblowers. We even pay pass. Whether it does or not, good people are custody by the Department of There is nothing wrong them lots of money if they win their Qui Tam throwing bad words at each other to make Justice under a show of force, and everything right with lawsuits, exposing government frauds. their points. It may not be pleasant, but don’t their very lawyers for the United States said the public learning and knowing everything In fact, on a related matter, there is worry, we will all survive. Mr. Stone was no flight risk. He was released there is to know about the alleged collusion of something utterly ironic about Trump’s White Our job at SFGN is to give voice to the debate, on a signature bond, 29 federal swat units and Russia into a presidential election. Isn’t that why House staffers being required to sign non- air to the discussion, and allow opposing sides machine guns later. Stone’s a great cook. He they ordered an investigation in the first place? disclosure agreements. Why are they so afraid to argue their case. With accuracy and honesty could have made them all breakfast instead. Besides, the president of the United States is of books? None of them can read, anyway. as our guide, we chart our course. I confess to some bias. Politics, it has been said, the chief law enforcement officer of the United Look, we have a president who tweets You as the reader get to review the issues and has strange bedfellows. Roger and I have worked States and the head of the Department of Justice. and talks the night and day away. He gets to decide on where you land. All we do is create together to promote the decriminalization If Mr. Trump can tweet and say anything he disclose anything he wants anytime he wants the conditions for you to choose. Freedom of marijuana. He is an outspoken libertarian wants at any time about this case, then it stands to. Yet, he demands others shut up. That is means you get to make choices, to be smart or who has also supported gay rights as well. In to reason that any person accused by the special simply not fair, not equal, and not right. No stupid; silent or spoken; right or wrong. the publishing business, you learn to respect prosecutor ought to have that same, equal right. one should stand for it. Challenge censorship So don’t shoot the messenger. Freedom also advocates and adversaries. You reach across the Correct? What is good for the goose is good for at every turn. means supporting the right of a free press to aisles and find friends, not enemies. the gander. Related to these discussions are stunning shake down that oak tree to see if it is firmly The second bothersome part of Mr. Stone’s After forty years as a criminal defense and shocking revelations that there are forces planted in the ground or shaking at the roots. arrest is the accusations do nothing to lend attorney, I generally do not advise clients to talk in the government who want to seal potentially Have a great week.
36 • 1.30.2019 Convictions Editorial Cartoon Editorial Cartoon By Mike Luckovich
ALL-INCLUSIVE... AS NEWS SHOULD BE AS DIVERSE AS EVER
Whether you are in the bisexual or transgender communities, are asexual, gender-fl uid, pansexual, or maybe you still aren’t sure, SFGN is proudly here to connect you with the rest of our colorful community.
www.SFGN.com
1.30.2019 • 37 Feature pets
Freckles (ID 606960) would love to hop into One lucky rabbit your heart and home. This cute little fellow is just three pounds and was found abandoned, so his past is a bit of a mystery. All rabbits require plenty of fresh Timothy hay, as this helps with digestion, and of course leafy greens. The Humane Society is offering a free bunny basics class on February 2 so you can learn more about these adorable little ones. Visit the Freckles website listed below for more details.
The adoption fee for dogs over 6 months is $100 and felines over 6 months are $30. When you adopt from the Humane Society of Broward County the dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, receive preliminary vaccinations, cats are feline leukemia tested, and dogs over 7 months are tested for heartworm. They also receive a flea/tick preventative, a 10-day limited health care plan from VCA Animal Hospitals, 30 days of Trupanion Pet Insurance and a bag of Purina ONE pet food. The HSBC opens daily at 10:30 and is located at 2070 Griffin Road, a block west of I-95. For more details call 954-989-3977 ext. 6. To see who else is looking for a home visit www.humanebroward.com.
BOOK YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW
38 • 1.30.2019 Pieza The Garden.pdf 1 1/9/19 10:00 PM
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1.30.2019 • 39 Christ Lutheran Church 1955 East Oakland Park Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306 spirituality www.christlutheranfl.org
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40 • 1.30.2019 FAITH & PRIDE spirituality One family United in god
Rev. Dr. Deborah L. Geweke
heir names were Balthazar, Caspar Lutheran Church is a place where all are and Melchior…at least according to welcome…whether those who look “different” Tbiblical tradition. But very little is than many of us or those who live differently known of them, and what is known is based than many of us. To “Grow in Faith, Serve on traditional stories and interpretations Those in Need, and Draw All People to Christ” more than any information of a decidedly is the mission statement of Christ Lutheran factual nature. I’m speaking here of the Three Church. It’s our reminder and calling to avoid Wise Men, also known as Magi or Kings. They remaining stagnant but to grow, to prevent make their appearance in the Bible in the staying closed in on ourselves but to serve Christmas story, arriving 12 days after the others, to counteract a closed-in community birth of Jesus. They arrive in order to but to call all “others” into our midst. pay homage and praise the birth By living our mission statement of this “new born King.” we pray that we as a family, as Surprisingly, the Bible tells a community in Christ, with us strikingly little about the all our gifts and differences, Wise Men. It doesn’t even might be present at the tell us how many Wise Men manger of the Christ Child there were, we only assume as were the Wise Men, with there were three because their gifts and differences. they bring three gifts…gold, While Christmas is over for frankincense and myrrh. another year, we are left with Almost everything else we know an unexpected gift from God…the about the Wise Men (Magi or Kings) is model of Christian living imaged for us based on traditions that developed through by the Wise Men and lived out among us in the centuries after their biblical appearance. the family we understand as Christ’s own at Among the traditions that developed Christ Lutheran Church. As a family we live through the centuries, and one I appreciate out our differences and respective and God- most, is often reflected in contemporary given gifts as a community... and as a family nativity sets. Whether purchased from these gifts and differences come together and discount stores or the most expensive church make us one family in God. Ours is a family supply stores, contemporary images of the where others with their gifts and differences traditional Wise Men are often now depicted are welcome and come together to make our as being of three different races… imagined community complete. with dark skin, medium skin and light skin. We at Christ Lutheran Church continue to Why is this developed tradition so invite all people into the community we call important? Well, it has to do with what I Church, that, among all our differences and talked about in my December article… family. gifts that make us family, we come together to Much like at the foot of Jesus’ manger, Christ bow down and worship our King.
1.30.2019 • 41 lifestyle two guys and a dog Shared Beliefs on the Unknown
Brian McNaught Lincoln. Photo courtesy of Brian McNaught. incoln has been a Buddhist since he was a puppy. In his earliest romps around our lakefront property in Lthe Adirondacks, he would stop, sit for long periods of time, and observe. In other words, he was in the moment, with his body and his mind in the same place, seeing, hearing, tasting, touching and smelling things for the first time. It’s called “Beginner’s Mind.” You needn’t be a puppy or baby to experience it. Ray and I didn’t embrace Buddhist and Taoist though until much later in our lives. For the first thirty-plus years we were Roman Catholics. Both from families of seven, we each had sixteen years of parochial education. As youngsters, we both were trained as Altar Boy servers at Mass, memorizing all of the We didn’t responses in Latin. We knew and said every prayer, speaking up clearly during “The stop seeking Apostles Creed” that we believed in one answers to God in three divine persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. our questions There were advantages to sharing the same faith when we came together in a about life, relationship in 1976. On Sundays, we walked death and the together to Mass. Our friends were often gay Catholics. We read the same national, liberal unknown, Catholic newspaper, found interest in the same media reports on the Church, read the but not in the handful who were visibly unwelcoming made driving Campbell, said, all the words mean the same thing. same books of inspiration, and then both company of to church on Sunday unappealing. Spirituality has guided Ray’s and my life together, and, left the Church with the same open wounds, Ray described himself as an atheist, I as an the lives of most people close to us, even if they’re unable to anger, and rejection of Catholic doctrine. others. agnostic. We didn’t stop seeking answers to our articulate what it is they actually believe. Belief in the soul has Anita Bryant, Jerry Falwell, James Dobson, questions about life, death and the unknown, but helped me navigate choppy waters, to pay attention to the big Ralph Reed, Pat Robertson, and other Evangelical Christian not in the company of others. Several people, books, and other picture, to esteem that which has lasting value. leaders get credit for alienating us from Christianity altogether, influences eventually led us to Buddhism, and to a teacher in It troubles me deeply that LGBT people have been so deeply but so do the Popes, Cardinals, and Bishops who tried to drive Naples whose life reflected the teachings of the Buddha. wounded by many religious groups. It’s actually outrageous non-celibate gay Catholics out of Church facilities. Ray and I then came to see the Tao te Chang as the most useful that self-professed followers of any faith in the divine unifier The biggest casualty in our messy divorce from Christianity was daily guide for our hunger for union with our higher selves. For would work to create divisions. Jesus, an entity who, from childhood, inspired our fervent social many years, we’d read aloud one of the 81 short lessons written That’s why I’d like to be of some use to lesbian, gay, bisexual, activism with his recorded life and words of love and forgiveness. 2,500 years ago. I now have an excellent sage, August Gold, in transgender and queer people at the end of their lives, if, in My 24-day hunger fast in 1974 was motivated by the Sermon on Fort Lauderdale, who is a most credible manifestation of the fact, they are struggling with thoughts of what awaits them in the Mount. But the obnoxious proselytizing by Fundamentalist lessons of the Tao. their next manifestation. Christians, with their “Honk if you love Jesus” bumperstickers, And, a funny thing happened on the way to the Tao. I’m no LGBT seniors, like those who died of complications related and their refusal to have funerals for or bury men with AIDS in longer offended by the word “God,” which I now comfortably to AIDS, are in need of an army of people who will help them their cemeteries, drove us away from the name, “Jesus.” use along with the descriptive words, “Universe,” “Love,” and, navigate a peaceful, meaningful death, and protect them from Not only did we no longer believe he was the one and only Son “Divine Life.” people who would have it otherwise, including family members. of God, we cringed when we heard his name. Nevertheless, we I’m also good friends again with Jesus, which makes me Lincoln would be a great one to bring with me to the bedside continued to draw strength from the echo of his teachings. very happy. There’s nothing quite like a reunion with the best of an LGBT person, as he’s a very soothing presence. One can The same held true for the word “God.” Ronald Regan, and friend from your youth. He’s still not the sole Son of God, only feel joy and gratitude when petting this dog. But, he’d the so-called Moral Majority, twisted the image of God into a but he’s a remarkably wise rabbi, and kind-hearted man. screw up my calling card, which I imagine could be, “If you’re grotesque, emotionally-abusive Father. The marriage of Right Actually, there are no spiritual words that now make me dyin,’ call Brian.” However, it also could be, “If you’re dyin,’ Wing Christians and the Republican Party made it impossible for cringe. As the great teacher of comparative religions, Joseph and thinkin,’ call Brian and Lincoln.” Ray and me to separate “God” from intolerance. The spiritual craving that remained was initially satisfied by the Unitarian Church, that we believed to be welcoming to gay people. But even gathering with them sometimes felt emotionally unsafe, not because the majority of Unitarians weren’t eager to Brian McNaught has been a leading educator on LGBTQ issues globally since 1974. He has have us think about spirituality with them, but because the small made his many books and DVDs available for free at Brian-McNaught.com. The New York Times named him “The Godfather of gay diversity training.”
42 • 1.30.2019 The South Florida Depression Glass Club's 45th Annual Show & Sale
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1.30.2019 • 43 lifestyle photos Leboy 4th anniversary On Jan. 18 and 19, Leboy hosted a weekend celebration marking its fourth year of wild success.
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Wendy, Sean David and Uncle Al, management of LeBoy.
Barmen Danny and Jimmy.
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To see many more photos, visit South Florida Gay News on Facebook.
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1.30.2019 • 45 lifestyle the happy hiney Bottoms Up! Here are some tips on bottoming from an ass doctor
Dr. Elie Schochet
ne of the most common questions I get in the office are about tips for better bottoming. O How to make it tighter, looser, drier, wetter, lighter, darker. How to make it feel like it’s 20 again! How to make it not feel like it’s 20 again. And of course the dreaded, “If I can’t take him in, he’s going to leave me.” I’ve put together some rules and thoughts to make time in the bedroom, or any room, more enjoyable.
Not everyone was made to bottom Prepare yourself If he’s telling you to wait a few minutes and try again and work through the pain — he’s the wrong guy. There, I said it. We all know the rectum likes to multitask, and If he’s well-endowed and he doesn’t understand you I think the same number of women as men, not only nobody wants to be at the wrong end of any sort of needing to work up to his size — he’s the wrong guy. have erogenous zones inside the anal canal, but actively mess. This fear can often put a serious hamper on an Be with someone who knows and respects your body enjoy receiving anal sex. I’d say it’s probably about 40- otherwise fun time. and boundaries and it will be a better time for everyone 45 percent. It’s not just the erogenous zones though. First rule is, shit happens. Better to talk about it than involved. Many people can enjoy the feelings of anal play, but pretend it doesn’t. have trouble with anything larger than a small finger. I recommend dark sheets and darker towels for the Bottoms on top Remember this, the anal sphincter complex at rest bed and if something does make its way out, deal with it is an extremely strong set of muscles. Some people’s and move on. It can happen even with the best clean out. The mood is set. The bottom is clean, there’s plenty resting pressures are so high they will never be able to There are a million ways to clean out and no one of lube, but your sweet understanding guy is still not achieve enough relaxation to enjoy bottoming. clean is perfect for everybody. One thing to remember getting past the door. Try this: let the top lay down and It’s not a matter of wanting it badly enough, or being is that you don’t need it to be colonoscopy clean, you the bottom climb on board. relaxed, 30-40 percent of people will not be able to take need the bottom foot to be clean (12 inches of clean is Make him your personal gymnastics pommel horse. anything inside without pain…ever. fine, I promise). Take control into your hands by lowering yourself on That’s not to say that the muscles can’t learn, or be Most bulb douches repeated a couple of times with to him slowly and at your pace. Often the muscles will stretched enough. But it needs to be done slowly and water are adequate. A large hose is most likely overkill. relax after 15-25 seconds. patiently — not for 2 quick minutes with a finger, while If you cleaned before a date and now it’s hours later, Sometimes sitting with the tip of the penis at the your bull is breathing down your neck. another quick rinse with a bulb is helpful. entrance of the anus for 20 seconds allows everything And again, if something happens, it happens and try to relax, and for him to slide right in. Try it alone first to remember to laugh about it at a later date (if there is Most of all, have fun and relax. one). Bottoming shouldn’t be an anxiety ridden time, and if Bottoming isn’t something you want to experiment it is, you have to examine the situation and ask yourself with strangers. Being in your home surroundings, with Make sure he’s the right guy why. Remember, porn isn’t real life, and real life doesn’t the right atmosphere (candles, music, bubble bath), and mimic art in this case. It’s a shared experience with a feeling relaxed can go a long way in helping you open up. Don’t ever start anal play with someone who you’ve partner that will hopefully allow you both to enjoy each George Carlin used to talk about staying in for never had sex with before. It’s important to be with other. a romantic candlelight dinner for one. I would someone you trust who will listen to you without If it hurts, don’t do it, don’t keep doing it, don’t do recommend starting with either a well lubricated pushing. If he’s pushing substances like poppers or it anymore. If there is persistent pain, or bleeding, or finger, or small toy during masturbation. Consider meth — he’s the wrong guy. drainage at any point, seek medical attention. external massage and play first prior to any penetration. Remember there is no rush when you’re alone and at home. Dr. Schochet is a colon and rectal surgeon practicing at South Florida Colorectal If you are tense, your sphincter will be too. Institute in Aventura. He has the largest anal cancer prevention program in South Florida and captains the Happy Hiney Florida AIDS walk team, raising over $270,000 for local charities over the last four years.
46 • 1.30.2019 OutSocial.club Connecting APeople New Way Socially To Network & Professionally Celebration of SFGN’s 2018 Best Of Winners OutSocial.club February A 20th,New Way To Network 2019 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Alibi
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1.30.2019 • 47 lifestyle food
Rick Karlin A Mediterranean Diet Oliv Pit 6006 SW 18th St., Boca Raton 561-409-2049 OlivPit.com
If you’ve made a resolution to lose grilled on briquettes made from olive pits, weight this year, as I have, you need to set removing the possible carcinogens that long-term goals. If you’ve got 5-10 pounds come from traditional charcoal. of weight you gained over the holidays you The Boca Raton-based eatery can get away with following a “diet” and in reinterprets old time classic recipes with a few weeks, you’ll be back in those skinny a modern twist for a fusion of time and jeans. taste. Dishes are designed for sharing, Bitch! making every meal a celebration. For those of us with significantly more On a recent visit we began our meal with to lose, we need to think of changes in the some mezze (shared plate appetizers). The way we eat. I’ve gained and lost the same trio spreads, a reasonable $15, allowed 40 pounds so often my fat cells have déjà us to choose four from a list of three. We vu. opted for tzatziki, tahini and paprika. Weight Watchers? Killed it! Jenny Craig? Fava bean puree was the fourth choice. Yeah, I ate the easy-bake oven meals and All were delicious and well prepared and lost 50 pounds – and put it on again within were served with fresh veggies for dipping. two years. Atkins? Sure, I can maintain it While delicious, I wouldn’t order this dish for a while and then I go into a carb frenzy. again as most of the dips are served as could easily serve four (or more). What scientists are now saying is that accompaniment to main dishes. All menu For larger parties a $79 version is Some other places to get the Mediterranean style of cooking is one selections are labeled to indicate which are available, listed for four, but offers your Mediterranean diet of the healthiest diets and that it’s a well- vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. enough for a party of six to eight. The off on the right foot include rounded approach to eating that The Mediterranean seafood mixed grill platter, priced at $59, isn’t restrictive. Two of the areas olive medley provided is equally large and offers up perfectly these places closer to home; where people live longer and A a nice selection of the grilled jumbo prawns, octopus and have lower rates of disease — are salty, briny treat, but the salmon, as well as a generous portion of located in Mediterranean cities Mediterranean star of the appetizers fried calamari. Each platter comes with Greek Spice (Ikaria, Greece and Sardinia, diet emphasizes has got to be the crispy a choice of two sides from a list that 2103 E Commercial, Fort Lauderdale Italy). fried feta. It may throw includes; fries, steamed string beans, 954-900-4773 These places are known for a higher intake all those resolutions out jasmine rice, lemon potatoes or a side having some of the lowest rates the window, but I defy salad. GeekSpiceGrill.com of heart disease and cancer of fruits and anyone to resist the crispy, If you prefer something a little less worldwide. 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Caspian Persian cancers as well as Parkinson’s cucumbers, red onions, If you must end your meal on a sweet Grill disease and Alzheimer’s disease. kalamata olives, mint, barrel aged feta and note, there are some tasty options 7821 W Sunrise, Plantation A Mediterranean diet emphasizes a green peppers, dressed with just a hint of available; Greek yogurt with honey and 954-236-9955 higher intake of fruits and vegetables and oregano and kalamata olive oil. It’s a filling berries, baklava, a rich chocolate cake CaspianPersianGrill.com “healthy” fats, such as olive oil. Grilled red dinner for one and even more so if you top and, my favorite, orange cake. meats and dairy should be limited, and it with a grilled protein offered in the pita grilled fish should be the main source of wrap section for just an extra five bucks. protein. You can order almost anything on the Hungry for more? Visit SFGN.com/FOOD! I was already considering focusing on menu a la carte, but for your protein, I’d Mediterranean fare when I got a press suggest one of the mixed grills. The $39 release about Oliv Pit. The casual modern meat grill (lamb meatballs, gyros, New Rick Karlin is SFGN’s food editor. restaurant focuses on simply grilled meats, York strip, chicken breast and chicken Visit SFGN.com/Food to read his previous reviews. Have a culinary seafood and vegetables, but the food is thigh skewers) is supposedly for two but tip to share? Email Rick at [email protected].
48 • 1.30.2019 lifestyle photos Broward BARES IT! On Jan. 24, the steamy annual fundraiser donated 100% of its proceeds to Latinos Salud and Deliver The Dream.
J.R. Davis Dame Edna. Daisy Deadpetals.
Producers Bill and Terry.
To see many more photos, visit South Florida Gay News on Facebook.
Nichole poised with LeBoys. Team Broward Bares It.
1.30.2019 • 49 FOR THE WEEKSFG OF january 31, 2019 - FNebruary 5,ITES 2019 WWW.SFGN.COM •
J.W. Arnold [email protected] Spectacular Dance THU 1/31 theater The epic struggle between good and evil comes to life in Slow Burn Theatre Co.’s production of the Broadway musical “Jekyll & Hyde,” opening tonight at 7:30 p.m. through Feb. 17 in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale. A man of science, Dr. Jekyll accidentally releases his inner demon in an effort to solve humankind’s most challenging medical dilemmas. Tickets at BrowardCenter.org. FRI 2/1 concert The Cleveland Orchestra wraps up its annual residency at the Arsht Center in Miami with “Crazy Girl Crazy,” tonight and tomorrow at 8 p.m. in the concert hall. Grammy Award-winner dance Barbara Hannigan once again Saturday 2/2 displays her astonishing versatility and skills by both conducting and The dance series at Palm Beach State College’s Duncan Theatre in Lake Worth regularly presents the most singing a varied program including exciting contemporary companies, including Hubbard Street Dance from Chicago, Friday, Feb. 1 and tonight works by Debussy, Sibelius, Haydn, at 8 p.m. The critically-acclaimed ensemble performs exuberant and innovative repertoire, including works by Berg and George Gershwin. Tickets master American choreographers. Tickets are $45 at PalmBeachState.edu. start at $43 at ArshtCenter.org.
Photo Credit: Todd Rosenberg. SAT 2/2 SUN 2/3 MON 2/4 TUE 2/5 theater theater nightlife theater “Sex and the City” meets “The Boys Theater at the J at the Levis Jewish Mitzi Ross is your host and MC for Cameron Mackintosh’s reimagined in the Band” in Jason Mitchell’s Community Center in Boca Raton “The New Stilettos,” for two hours production of the Tony Award- comedy, “The Boys Upstairs,” opening presents the hilarious comedy, “Til of nonstop entertainment every winning musical “Les Misérables,” Jan. 31 and running through Feb. 27 Death Do Us Part…You First!” on Monday, starting at 8 p.m. at the Pub, makes a stop at Miami’s Arsht Center at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Dr. Saturday, Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and 2283 Wilton Dr. in Wilton Manors. tonight at 8 p.m. and runs through in Fort Lauderdale. Three roommates today at 2 p.m. Also, “The Origins and Vanity Flair, Cindi Wells and Sharde Sunday, Feb. 10. Enjoy the beloved in Hell’s Kitchen struggle with sex, History of Jewish Catskills” opens in Ross guest star, along with regular songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On dating, friendship and all the blurry the Schuman Museum Gallery today cast members RaeJean Cox and My Own,” “Stars,” “One Day More,” lines in-between in this New York at 5:30 p.m. with a reception and talk Verandah Lanai. Enjoy $5 burgers “Bring Him Home” and more from this Fringe Festival hit getting its South by visiting scholar and author Phil and fries and 2-4-1 drink specials all epic musical set during the bloody Florida premiere. Tickets are $35 at Brown. Tickets and more information night long. For more information, go to French Revolution. Tickets start at $39 EmpireStage.com. at LevisJCC.org. ThePubWM.com. at ArshtCenter.org.
50 • 1.30.2019 1.30.2019 • 51 A&E music Symphony Presents Once-In-A-Lifetime ‘Porgy’ at Broward Center
J.W. Arnold
ust a year ago, it seemed unimaginable that the South Florida Symphony could Jtop its dazzling collaboration with the famed Martha Graham Dance Co. that resulted in the world premiere of a new ballet, “Legend of Bird Mountain.” But, last week, the Symphony did just that at Fort Lauderdale’s Broward Center with a triumphant production of the great American opera, “Porgy and Bess.” The “folk opera” by George and Ira Gershwin and based on DuBose Heyward’s 1925 best-selling novel, “Porgy,” and a later Neil Nelson and Brandie Sutton star as “Porgy stage adaptation, penned by Heyward and and Bess” in the South Florida Symphony’s his wife, Dorothy, debuted in 1935. Heyward recent production. Photo Credit: Nellie Beavers. collaborated with the Gershwin brothers on the project, mostly by mail, in the final two Acknowledging that Gershwin’s jazz- and years of development. gospel-infused score was such an integral part In Heyward’s story, audiences are to the work, the orchestra is placed on the stage, transported to impoverished black tenements wedged between shacks and the boardwalk. near the Charleston waterfront, “Catfish Row.” They don’t simply provide accompaniment, The residents include Porgy, a crippled beggar but share an equal role in the dramatic action. who takes in Bess after her brutal lover, Crown, Alfonso and her musicians are also residents murders Robbins during a craps game and flees of Catfish Row, interacting with the characters the police. As Bess begins to develop feelings and responding to the events in Jay-Alexander’s for Porgy and cast away the demons of her past, spectacular staging. Crown returns and forces her to make a fateful Paul dePoo takes advantage of cutting-edge decision. 3-D mapping technology to transform the Since its premiere, “Porgy and Bess” has minimal sets and background curtain into a been performed the world over and commands colorful, vibrant community. The residents of a place among the great American classics. A Catfish Row are then transported to a sunny 2012 Broadway revival that also toured (making island for a church picnic and placed in the a stop at the Kravis Center in 2014) offered a path of a threatening hurricane. tightened, somewhat contemporary musical The cast, led by Neil Nelson (“Porgy”) interpretation of the opera, but opportunities and Brandie Sutton (“Bess”), is outstanding to enjoy the full opera performed live with a throughout, but from the first notes of Miami- full cast and symphonic accompaniment are native Kyaunnee Richardson’s “Summertime” rare. early in the first scene, the audience was put This was no small undertaking for the plucky on notice that this was to be a truly memorable South Florida Symphony, which performs at occasion. Michael Redding’s “Crown” was both venues in Key West, Miami, Fort Lauderdale terrifying and tantalizing, in part thanks to and Boca Raton. President Jacqueline Lorber Hutchins. and artistic director Sebrina Maria Alfonso In every way, the South Florida Symphony’s assembled a dream team, including stage “Porgy and Bess” was a once-in-a-lifetime director Richard Jay-Alexander, the Miami- musical experience. While we won’t have the based Broadway impresario who produces opportunity to see this production ever again, Barbra Streisand’s concerts; award-winning we’ll just have to wait and see what surprises choreographer Ron Hutchins; and scenic Alfonso, Lorber and the symphony may have designer Paul Tate dePoo III, who incidentally in store for the future. participated in symphony youth programs The South Florida Symphony next presents while growing up in Key West. works by Moncayo, Rachmaninov and Nielsen The production came with a nearly on Feb. 20 at the Tennessee Williams Theatre $500,000 price tag and, at the last minute, in Key West, Feb. 21 at the Broward Center in state funding for the arts was cut, sending Fort Lauderdale and Feb. 22 at the Spanish Lorber into fundraising overdrive. River Worship Center in Boca Raton.
Tickets and more information at SouthFloridaSymphony.org.
52 • 1.30.2019 JAN 15FEB 10, 2019
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Outlandish welcomes Leslie Jordan On Jan. 21 at the Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale, the “Outlandish” live entertainment series was opened by the comedic actor Leslie Jordan with his set “Straight Outta Chattanooga.”
J.R. Davis
Leslie Jordan and Matt Farber pose with Producer Matt Farber. Les Farfadais-Stephane and Kyle
Dale Stine and Gary.
To see many more photos, visit Leslie Jordan. South Florida Gay News on Facebook.
54 • 1.30.2019 FEB 20 FEB 21 FEB 22 KEY WEST FORT LAUDERDALE BOCA RATON TENNESSEE WILLIAMS AU-RENE THEATER SPANISH RIVER THEATRE WORSHIP CENTER
MONCAYO Huapango
RACHMANINOV Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Natasha Paremski, piano
NIELSEN Symphony No. 4 The Inextinguishable 2018
Laura León, Acclaimed South Florida Soprano, is Norina in Gaetano Donizetti’s Comic Masterpiece
TEMPLE ISRAEL CHAMBER SERIES MIAMI, FL SUNDAY FEB 24
MUSSORGSKY Pictures at an Exhibition with Natasha Paremski, piano
Brunch 11:30am Everyone schemes in this rambunctious romp about a Recital 1:00pm beautiful bridezilla, her true love, a rich over-the-hill bachelor uncle, and a conniving physician.
Presented by Opera Fusion at Pompano Beach Cultural Center FOR TICKETS AND VENUE INFORMATION 50 West Atlantic Blvd. Pompano Beach Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 7:30 pm SOUTHFLORIDASYMPHONY.ORG | 954-522-8445 Tickets at CCPompano.org or at the door 954 545 7800 $45 $35 $25
1.30.2019 • 55
Don PasqualePasqualeDon Datebook January 23 - January 29 Theater broward county Tucker Berardi [email protected] *ABBA MANIA Wednesday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Dr, Coral Springs. Two hours Top Picks of uplifting, dance inducing and sometimes heart-breaking songs, fully live with fantastic The Producers staging, lighting and effects. Tickets $27. January 18 – February 10 at the Lauderhill Visit theCenterCS.com. Performing Arts Center, 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill. Mel Brooks’ classic cult *Little River Band comedy film The Producers is now a big Saturday, February 16 at 8 p.m. at the Coral Broadway musical. Enjoy a show filled Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral to the brim with in-your-face humor. Springs Dr, Coral Springs. Bringing their Tickets $48 to $58. Visit LPACFL.com vocal and musical energy along with great arrangements to their timeless classic hits, The Spitfire Grill each show creates new memories for the February 1-24 at the Don & Ann Brown audience. Tickets $40. Visit theCenterCS. Theatre, 201 Clematis Street, West Palm com. Beach. The Spitfire Grill, a warm and Isle of Klezbos will be playing on Feb. 15 at the Arts Garage. Photo via Facebook. uplifting show by James Valcq (book and Friday Night Sound Waves Music music) and Fred Alley (book and lyrics) Series 8401 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. irreverence and respect. The soulful, fun- about starting over and second chances, Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The This romantic and yet tragic ballet features loving powerhouse all-women’s klezmer forgiveness and redemption. Tickets $15 Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort exciting sword fights, dramatic pas de deux, sextet has toured from Vienna to Vancouver to $75. Visit palmbeachdramaworks.org. Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music and vivid ensemble scenes. Prokofiev’s since 1998. Tickets $40 to $45. Visit spanning genres and tributes every Friday powerful score guides the Shakespearean tale artsgarage.org. *Paul Reiser Comedy Show evening through November. Free. Visit of family feuds, young love, and tragic irony. Saturday, February 2 at 8 p.m. at the Coral FridayNightSoundWaves.com Tickets $35 to $40. Visit balletpalmbeach. ‘We Will Not Be Silent’ Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral org. February 7-24 at the Heckscher Stage theater Springs Dr, Coral Springs. Voted one of palm beach county space in Parliament Hall, Boca Raton. “We Comedy Central’s “Top 100 Comedians *Isle of Klezbos Will Not Be Silent” tells the true story of of All Time,” performer, author and Friday, February 15 at the Arts Garage, 94 Sophie Scholl, a German college student who musician Paul Reiser has spent the last *Romeo and Juliet Ballet NE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach. NYC-based led the only major act of civil disobedience 30+ years acting in Oscar and Emmy February 8 to 10 at the King’s Academy, ISLE of KLEZBOS approaches tradition with to the Nazis during the Second World War. winning movies and TV shows. Tickets Tickets $25 to $35. Visit fauevents.com $25. Visit theCenterCS.com * Denotes New Listing Free Friday Concerts Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Returns in October. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.
miami-dade county
Outdoor Music Series Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Free with museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or visit PAMM.org.
The Big Show Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com.
56 • 1.30.2019 WINTER CLASSES BEGIN FEBRUARY 9 SING! DANCE! ACT! LEARN! Enroll today in our popular adult classes in ACTING, SINGING, BROADWAY DANCE & COMEDY IMPROV
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1.30.2019 • 57 Datebook January 23 - January 29 Community Broward Support Young at Art Museum’s Annual Hard Bodies: Contemporary Tucker Berardi Women of Vision Luncheon Japanese Sculpture [email protected] Services Wednesday, February 13 at 11 a.m. at 751 S.W. September 29 to March 31 at the Morikami 121 Ave, Davie. Funds raised at this year’s Museum and Japanese Gardens. Organized PFLAG Women of Vision Luncheon will directly by the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, benefit YAA FOR ALL which creates an thirty works by sixteen artists comprise Top Picks Coral Springs and Southwest inclusive, non-judgmental environment for the first-ever comprehensive exhibition of Ranches. A support group for children and adults with autism. Call 954- contemporary Japanese lacquer sculpture. parents of LGBT youth 13 to 21. 424-5018. They have all been drawn from the Clark *Storytellers VII Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com Collections at Mia, the only collection in Saturday, February 2 at 7 p.m. at Main for dates and locations. Our Fund LGBT Philanthropy the world to feature this extraordinary new Street Players, 6766 Main Street, Awards form. Tickets $9 to $15. Visit morikami.org. Miami Lakes Button Poetry & Ring SunServe Youth Saturday, February 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bell Management present the the Tower Club, 100 SE 3rd Ave 28th floor, miami-dade county kickoff event of the 2019 Storytellers Group Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort Fort Lauderdale. Join us for a special evening season. Tickets $25. Visit mainstreet- Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, as Our Fund Foundation hosts its inaugural *Draw Event players.com Coral Springs and Hollywood. A South Florida Philanthropy Awards to Friday, February 22 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the support group and night of fun celebrate individuals and families whose Art and Culture Center, 1650 Harrison Street, *GLLN February Luncheon for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. generosity of time, talent and resources Hollywood, Fl Exposed turns art patrons into Thursday, February 7 at the Grille on Visit SunServeYouth.com for make a significant impact on South Florida’s buyers during a fun and exciting night in which the Drive, 2000 Wilton Drive, Wilton dates and times. LGBT community. every ticket holder goes home with an artwork. Manors. This month’s speaker is Visit artandculturecenter.org. Emily T. Rae, Advisor Consultant Arts and Crafts Wednesday who will be speaking on ‘Five ways Survivor Support First and third Wednesdays Happy Hour *Storytellers VII tech-nology will change the way you Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Arts Saturday, February 2 at 7 p.m. at Main Street age’ Tickets $30 to $35. from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial and Crafts Social Club in Fort Lauderdale. Players, 6766 Main Street, Miami Lakes Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 Enjoy a two-for-one ‘freestyle’ painting session Button Poetry & Ring the Bell Management *Wine and Romance with hands on assistance as needed. Tickets present the kickoff event of the 2019 Thursday, February 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support from $20. Visit artsandcraftssocialclub.com Storytellers season. Tickets $25. Visit p.m. at the NSU Museum of Art, One mainstreetplayers.com East Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale. counselors and peers who have Monthly wine pairing series, sample lost loved ones to suicide. Call palm beach county the Florida Initiative for Suicide Monica Lewinsky four great varietals of wine in time Saturday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Temple for Valentine’s Day with small bites Prevention at 954-384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org. 34th Annual Palm Beach EmanuEl, 1701 Washington Avenue, Miami paired with each wine. Tickets $30 to International Boat Show Beach. Lewinsky will be discussing our $40. Visit NSUArtMu-seum.org. March 28 to March 31. Attendees will enjoy online culture of humiliation, offering live music and refreshments at the show’s advice on how to overcome bullying, and * Denotes New Listing famous floating cocktail lounges. Guests are drawing from personal experience. This invited to come by boat and may tie up to free event is open to the public, but will be a docks located south of the in-water displays. closed event to press and media. As such, broward county Tickets $18 to $52. Visit PBboatshow.com. the speaker’s remarks and Q&As will be off the record. Tickets $75 to $200. Visit tesobe. *GLLN February Luncheon tours and hands-on art activities for all Palm Beach Jewish org/monicalewinsky. Thursday, February 7 at the Grille on the ages, and two-for-one specials on wine and Film Festival Drive, 2000 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. craft beer. Free and open to the public. Visit January 20 to February 12 at AMC CityPlace Arsht Center Farmers Market This month’s speaker is Emily T. Rae, NSUArtMuseum.com 20. 29th annual The Donald M. Ephraim Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Parker Advisor Consultant who will be speaking on Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival will present and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts, ‘Five ways technology will change the way Panther Pride Night movies from around the world, opening 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Purchase you age.’ Tickets $30 to $35. February 1 at 7 p.m. at One Panther Parkway, with PAPA, a heart-warming movie about fresh food from local farmers, including Sunrise. Come out to support the Panthers an adopted son searching for his biological fruits, vegetables, meats, prepared foods, *Wine and Romance as they take on the Nashville Predators, parents. Ticket prices vary, visit PBJFF.org or as well as chefs, live music, and cooking Thursday, February 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and enjoy special access to the Pride Party call 877-318-0071. demonstrations. Tickets $45 to $75. Free. at the NSU Museum of Art, One East Las at the Coors Light Cold Zone. There will Visit ArshtCenter.org/en/Visit/Dining. Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale. Monthly wine be special Pride-inspired performances Coffee Clatch at Compass pairing series, sample four great varietals of and giveaways. Tickets start at $24, and a First Monday of each month from 10 a.m. key west wine in time for Valentine’s Day with small portion of the proceeds go to SAVE. Visit to noon at Compass, 201 N. Dixie Hwy, Lake bites paired with each wine. Tickets $30 to www.save.lgbt Worth. A social group focusing on the mature $40. Visit NSUArtMuseum.org. LGBT+ community in Palm Beach County, Aqua Idol GRATITUDE Exhibit providing a relaxed environment for meeting Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Aqua Key *Starry Nights January 16 to February 8 at the Claudia friends, discussing interesting topics, and West, 711 Duval St. in Key West. Support Thursday, February 7 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Castillo ART Studio, 2215 Wilton Drive, engaging in community projects. Free to your local artists and vote for your favorite! at the NSU Art Museum, One East Las Olas Wilton Manors. Art, music, wine, art and attend, email [email protected] for Benefits Waterfront Playhouse. Call 305- Blvd, Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy exhibition community. Call 954-272-7047 for details. details. 294-0555 or visit AquaKeyWest.com.
58 • 1.30.2019 1.30.2019 • 59 To place an ad in the Business Directory, THE GUIDE Business Directory call our sales team at 954.530.4970
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1.30.2019 • 61 real estate
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Walk-in Bathtubs by Experience You Can Trust! 1 Only American Standard has 140 years 954.522.3800 of experience and o ers the Liberation$ We have an immediate opening for a licensed Personal Lines Walk-in Bathtubs by Walk-In Bathtub. 1,500 transportation Superior Design! 140 Years of Experience2 Ultra low easy entry and exit design, Insurance Producer with at least 2 years experience. We wide door,$ built-in safety bar with SAVINGS www.PallantInsurance.com RAINBOW RIDES-SAVE MONEY ON YOUR RIDE! textured oor1,500 provide a safer bathing18 MONTH 140 Years of Experience experience. are a growing agency with a fast-paced environment. Base - We treat you like family! SPECIALIZING IN AIRPORT SAVINGS NO INTEREST Be Safe & Independent!Patented18 QuickMONTH Drain®! FINANCING 1800 N.E. 26th Street · Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 3 The only 2 minute, patented RIDES! Need a ride to FLL, MIA, or PBI? (or anywhere Be Safe & Independent! NO INTEREST * We’ll salary plus commissions. We are looking for individuals with Quick Drain FINANCING fast water removal system. else?) I'm a friendly driver with a nice, clean Chevy Lifetime Warranty!* 4 The ONLY Lifetime Warranty on the bath customer service skills, proficiency with MS Office and agency Malibu. My fixed-rate pricing beat all ride sharing - apps AND installation,Five reasons INCLUDING whylabor American Your Pallant Insurance Team Five reasonsbacked why by American American Standard. Handle It! every time. Call or text me to schedule a ride, I'll be Standard walk-inStandard bathtubs walk-in bathtubs management software, and Client Contact software. 5 44 Hydrotherapyare the best Jets! choice for you. there early and I'll text you when I arrive. No 'surge" are the bestMore choice jets than for any otheryou .tub we’ve seen. Experience You Can Experience Trust! You Can Trust! Homeowners Insurance prices, no hassles. Call or text Nikki at 954-600-3133. 1 Only American$1,500 Standard in Savings has 140 INCLUDESyears a 1 Only American Standard has 140 years of experienceFREE Americanand o ers the StandardLiberation Toilet Walk-In Bathtub. of experience and o ers the Liberation sports Trusted Professional Superior Design! Walk-In Bathtub. If you are interested, please contact Janine MacLellan Installation with 2 Finance Options Available! Ultra low easy entry and exit design, wide door, built-in safetySuperior bar with Design!* Best Lifetime ® Low Monthly Payments! 2 Ultra low easy entry and exit design, at Pallant Insurance Agency at 954-522-3800 or send Tennis Lessons at Hagen Park Warranty! textured oor provide a safer bathing A+ RATED experience. wide door, built-in safety bar with in Wilton Manors. Individual or group Patented Quick Drain®! Hurricane Insurance 3 textured oor provide a safer bathing your resume to [email protected]. Includes FREE American Standard Right Height ToiletThe only 2 minute, patentedexperience. lessons. Call Robert 732-604-0362 for Quick Drain fast water removal system. Limited Time O er! Call Today! Lifetime Warranty! Patented Quick Drain®! more information. 4 The ONLY Lifetime3 WarrantyThe ononly the 2 bath minute, patented AND installation, INCLUDINGQuick labor Drain fast water removal system. backed by American Standard. www.sfgn.guide FREE Lifetime IN-HOME Warranty! 855-389-428144 HydrotherapyEVALUATION! Jets! 5 More jets than any4 otherThe tub we’ve ONLY seen. Lifetime Warranty on the bath Flood Insurance AND installation, INCLUDING labor Receive a free American Standard Cadet toilet with full installation of a Liberation Walk-In Bath, Liberation Shower, or Deluxe Shower. O er valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household. Must be rst time purchaser. See www.AmericanStandardBathtubs.com for$1,500 other restrictions in Savings and for licensing,INCLUDESbacked warranty, bya and American company information. Standard. *Subject to 3rd party credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. CSLB B982796; SuFREE olk NY:55431H; American NYC:HIC#2022748-DCA. Standard Toilet Safety Tubs Co. LLC does not sell in Nassau NY, Westchester NY, Putnam NY, Rockland NY. 44 Hydrotherapy Jets! Trusted Professional 5 More jets than any other tub we’ve seen. Installation with Finance Options Available! * Best Lifetime ® Low Monthly Payments! Warranty! $1,500 in Savings INCLUDES a A+ RATED FREE American Standard Toilet TrustedIncludes Professional FREE American Standard Right Height Toilet InstallationLimited with Time O er! Call Today! Finance Options Available! * Best Lifetime ® Low Monthly Payments! Warranty! FREE IN-HOME 855-389-4281 EVALUATION! A+ RATED
Receive a free American Standard Cadet toilet with full installation of a Liberation Walk-In Bath, Liberation Shower, or Deluxe Shower. O er valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household.Includes Must be rst time FREE purchaser. American See www.AmericanStandardBathtubs.com Standard Right for other Heightrestrictions and Toilet for licensing, warranty, and company information. *Subject to 3rd party credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. CSLB B982796; Su olk NY:55431H; NYC:HIC#2022748-DCA. Safety Tubs Co. LLC does not sell in Nassau NY, WestchesterLimited NY, Putnam NY, Rockland Time NY. O er! Call Today!
FREE IN-HOME 855-389-4281 EVALUATION!
Receive a free American Standard Cadet toilet with full installation of a Liberation Walk-In Bath, Liberation Shower, or Deluxe Shower. O er valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household. Must be rst time purchaser. See www.AmericanStandardBathtubs.com for other restrictions and for licensing, warranty, and company information. *Subject to 3rd party credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. CSLB B982796; Su olk NY:55431H; NYC:HIC#2022748-DCA. Safety Tubs Co. LLC does not sell in Nassau NY, Westchester NY, Putnam NY, Rockland NY.
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62 • 1.30.2019 piano rental - miami
WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE PIANO? Water Front Miami Shores Town House - 2 bed $ Learn from an experienced teacher. All levels and ages 2.5 bath. New renovation marble and wood flooring.... Classified welcome. Learn to play classical, popular, jazz, or show more than immaculate. Pool/tennis courts. $2,500 per SFGN tunes. Visit www.edwinchad.com or call 954-826-9555 month..2 occupant limit. Call Bobbie at 786-514-5075 To place a Classified Ad, call us at 954.530.4970 for more information. rental - wilton manors rental - lakeridge
Room for rent - Mature gentleman looking for East Fort Lauderdale – 3/2 with private backyard, same to share my modest home 2 miles from Wilton 1.5 miles from beach. Former owner’s private unit; new accomodation wanted handyman Manors. Private bedroom with cable TV, Wi-Fi, shared appliances. Available 2/15; can be seen 2/3. $1,650/mo. bathroom, living area, den and modern kitchen. $600.00 First, last, deposit, good credit. Annual lease. Call Marie LOOKING FOR Quiet Private Home/Apartment HUSBAND FOR RENT - Is he procrastinating home per month all utilities included. Must be looking for long at 954-624-6155. - Single Gay Male, 70+, Looking For a 2 bedroom 1 repairs? He says he will do it tomorrow?? After the term. No Drama. First and security with good references bath. Close proximity to Wilton Manors or surrounding football game?? We fit right in - in the house or the yard, and proof of income for background check. Paul Ianni rentals - area. A/C, private entrance style home. I have excellent small or big jobs: tile, dry wall, paint, plumbing, roof 954-202-5643 references. Text Doug 954.261.9073. leaks, broken furniture, irrigation, fences, and more! It wilton manors doesn't cost to hassle us to see the work - so why wait? pool service caregiver wanted Neat, clean work for a reasonable price. Call Haim at 954-398-3676, [email protected] Mike the rental guy - NE Lauderdale/Wilton COOL POOLS- RELIABLE POOL SERVICE - Manors/Oakland Park - 1/1 from $1090, 2/1 from Caregiver Needed for Elderly Gay Man GREGG’S PAINTING - Interior/Exterior. Free estimates, Professional pool service.Covering Wilton Manors, $1250. Victoria Park - 1/1 from $1150, cable included. - I'm an elderly gay man living with Parkinson looking great rates! Detail-oriented, friendly, reliable, punctual Lighthouse Point, and eastside of Pompano Beach. 15 Credit & income Requirements - Pets okay with for a friendly up beat individual to help me out with my and neat! No job too small. Broward & Palm Beach years experience. Licensed and insured.Free estimates. restrictions. Call for Details. Mike 561-703-5533 or daily activities. Requirements: Valid Drivers License • counties. 954-870-5972 | [email protected] Call 954-235-0775. [email protected] Flexible to work 10-16hr per week • Prepare meals • Laundry/House keeping • Assist with exercise - Ideal person must be strong to help with wheelchair transfers. Classified Advertising Works! Classified Advertising Works! scooter for sale Apply by letter outlining qualifications to taras1952@ outlook.com. 2015 Genuine Buddy - 49cc orange scooter, low 954.530.4970 954.530.4970 mileage (1488) excellent condition. $1800. Rarely used. electrician Text or call 954-336-1367. Clean Title. HARRY’S ELECTRIC RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL home improvement - Additions, renovations, service upgrades, breaker panels,FPL undergrounds, code violations, A/C Window Treatment - We offer a high-quality, wiring, ceiling fans, recessed, security & landscaping, modern window treatment solution for your home, lighting, pools, pumps, Jacuzzis, water heaters, FREE whether manual or motorized, controlled with a EMERALD IRISH CLEANING SERVICES PHONE ESTIMATES 954-522-3357 Lic & Ins. www. simple remote. Hitech-shades will help and guide you harryelectrician.com to create a custom window treatment solution to your requirements. Our commercial division has been working with contractors, decorators, builders, architects Classified Advertising Works! and designers offering the best cost effective equation Special for them and their customers. We are your one-stop shop solution for roller shades and blinds. Web: www. $65 954.530.4970 Hitech-shades.com, email: [email protected] 954-524-3161 Contact Haim- 954-398-3676 employment wanted 3 hours pest control English Speaking Detailed Cleaning SPECIAL HIRE NEEDED - Earn $45,000 per year. Experienced, self-motivated professional Handscrubbed Floors Use Time How You Wish salesman needed. Work competitively in a highly flexible and relaxed LGBT-friendly environment. We Provide our Own Supplies Affordable Prices Fax resume to 954-530-7943. Taylor & Turner Help Wanted - Housekeeper - The Grand Resort and Spa is seeking a F/T, P/T or Seasonal emeraldirishcleaning.com - like us on Facebook! Housekeeper for an all-male, clothing optional resort Pest and Termite Control, Inc in Fort Lauderdale. Candidate should be efficient, detailed and dependable. Hotel/resort experience is a plus. Please supply work references. Send resumes to [email protected]. NO PHONE CALLS. William D. Turner burial plots for sale [email protected] Lake Worth Burial Plots - 2 Burial Plots in Lake Worth Memory Gardens. Double Depth Lawn 2520 North Dixie Hwy Crypt Vaults and Opening/Closing included $8500. Contact: Ed at 561-702-0860 Wilton Manors, FL 33305 We’ll help you find that deal. Place an ad in SFGN’s Classifieds 954.630.2627
954.530.4970 www.sfgn.guide
PET GROOMING PET SITTING & TRAINING SERVICES 4390 Northlake Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens FL 33410 Visit us online and list your business! www.K9SPA.us Voice: 561-622-5678 Text: 561-352-7808 www.SFGN.GUIDE
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